Today's other stories in brief
No Larsson 'deal'
Henrik Larsson's agent has reacted coolly to suggestions that the striker is to agree an extended loan deal at Old Trafford, insisting there are no plans for further discussions between his client's club Helsingborg and Manchester United. Rob Jansen added it is futile to speculate about the 35-year-old's future because the player's position has not changed after 79 minutes of football.
"There is no situation," said Jansen, following the Helsingborg coach Stuart Baxter's suggestion that the club would not "force" Larsson to return in March. "He has a contract until that period (March 12th) and, in principle, that's it. I can't answer the question of whether his contract could change because that is not the issue at the moment. The question of whose decision it is is also not important, because he has started and played one game."
That match, in the FA Cup third-round against Aston Villa on Sunday, already has much significance for Larsson. The striker described his United debut, which he marked with a superb goal, as one of the "top 10 moments" of his career.
He was overwhelmed by the standing ovation that followed when he was substituted.
"It was just fantastic," Larsson said, "and definitely on the top-10 list. It was a superb start for me, to score a goal immediately and to win the game, I couldn't have hoped for more. I don't know how this adventure with United will end, but it sure is a fantastic adventure when you're 35 years old. Although I'm at the end of my career, it feels like I'm in the middle of it."
Manager Alex Ferguson has admitted he is setting his sights on a remarkable treble - eight years after he last led Manchester United to the feat.
Ferguson said: "We must have a go at it (the treble). There is no point in being negative, let's enjoy it. We have a good squad of players and are playing some terrific football."
Guardian Service
SFA block Smith
Rangers were yesterday dealt a blow by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) when the Premier League club were refused permission to speak to Walter Smith after a meeting which was described as "not friendly".
The club's hopes of naming Smith as their manager, with Ally McCoist as his assistant, hinge on agreeing compensation with the SFA for the Scotland coach's contract, which might be worth up to €700,000.
Smith asked to be released from his deal, due to expire in 18 months, at a special meeting of the SFA board on Sunday morning, but the request was rejected. That left the manager in limbo until matters are resolved between Rangers' chief executive, Martin Bain, and his SFA counterpart, David Taylor.
"Walter remains an employee of the Scottish Football Association. There is nothing further to say until that changes," Taylor insisted.
McCoist is not bound by an SFA contract but is believed to be in negotiations to cancel his broadcasting commitments.
Pompey fans happy
Portsmouth owner Alexandre Gaydamak has met fans to deny he is about to sell up after just a few months in sole charge at the club. Nigel Tresidder, chairman of Portsmouth Supporters' Club central branch, said: "Sacha called the meeting because of all the speculation going around and he's assured us it's a load of old nonsense and that he is staying."
In brief . . .
Chelsea captain John Terry has admitted a charge of improper conduct following his comments about referee Graham Poll after being sent off against Tottenham in November . . . The Stevens inquiry entered a new phase yesterday as senior investigators attended a meeting with Scottish Football Association officials to discuss methods of obliging SFA-licensed agents to assist in their probe. And officials from the inquiry will today hand over to the FA the names of eight agents who refused to help their investigations - but the identity of those Premier League clubs who breached transfer rules will not be revealed . . . Sheffield United have signed Leeds defender Matthew Kilgallon (23), for an initial fee of £1.75 million . . . Manchester United full-back Phil Bardsley (21) has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season . . . Aaron Lennon (19) has signed a 5½-year deal to keep him at Tottenham until 2012 . . . Celtic striker Diarmuid O'Carroll (19) has joined Ross County on loan until the end of the season.
