Steve Bruce is set to be offered a three-year contract as the new manager of Huddersfield this weekend following talks with multi-millionaire owner Barry Rubery yesterday. Bruce has become the number one target for the Terriers after walking out on Sheffield United on Monday.
Bruce quit in disgust, mainly because of a lack of cash to spend on transfers but also because of continual boardroom interference.
Leicester City's flamboyant goalkeeper Pegguy Arphexad has signed a new one-year deal. The Frenchman, who impressed in the Foxes' final two Premiership games of the season, is the first out-of-contract star to put pen to paper. First-choice keeper Kasey Keller has yet to sign a new deal and could be set for a move abroad.
Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin is to undergo summer surgery to overcome a knee injury. Dublin, recovering from a hernia operation performed last week, damaged his knee in the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on May 1st and missed the final two games of the campaign against Charlton and Arsenal.
West Ham manager Harry Redknapp has ruled out a move for World Cup star Davor Suker - because of the player's £40,000-aweek pay demands. And Redknapp has again insisted that England defender Rio Ferdinand will not be leaving Upton Park this summer.
Reports in Spain suggest that Real Madrid are prepared to offer Suker plus cash for Ferdinand. Although Redknapp is an admirer of the Croatian striker, he is not prepared to pay his wage demands. Nor does he want to see his hottest property leave the Hammers.
Czech ace Vladimir Smicer has given Lens an ultimatum - it's Liverpool or nothing. The winger wanted by Anfield chief Gerard Houllier to replace Steve McManaman, has rejected a £5 million move to Paris St Germain because he's desperate to join his countryman Patrik Berger on Merseyside.
Coventry's George Boateng has been questioned by the Football Association about allegations that Aston Villa made an illegal approach for the midfielder earlier this season. Inquiries had been left until the end of the league season amid fears that it would affect the player's form.
Meanwhile, UCD, who celebrate their 20th season in senior football this year, are again offering scholarships for the period commencing 1999/2000. Players applying for soccer scholarships must also apply to the CAO for degree courses or to UCD directly for a place in the Diploma of Sports Management course. Closing dates for applications is June 11th with forms and details available from the Sports Information Office, Sports Centre, UCD.
