Today's other stories in brief
Hiddink not taking reins at Inter
GUUS Hiddink has ruled himself out of contention to coach Inter Milan next season, according to his agent. The Dutchman, who recently opted to become Turkey coach, is considered one of the candidates for the post left vacant by Jose Mourinho’s departure for Real Madrid.
“Inter asked me last week if Hiddink could be a candidate for the Nerazzurri hotseat,” said Hiddink’s agent Cees van Niewenhuizen. “They told me that he was the number one candidate on the list.
“I replied that it is impossible because Hiddink has only just started his experience with the Turkish federation and he will not go to the federation and ask them to be freed from his contract. Hiddink wants to respect his contract.”
Boateng finally confirms move to Manchester City
GERMANY defender Jerome Boateng has confirmed he will sign for Manchester City before departing for the World Cup in South Africa.
A €12.5 million move has appeared on the cards for several weeks now, and the 21-year-old told Bild magazine it will be wrapped up in the coming days.
“I am going to sign on (for City) before leaving for the World Cup and the deal will be completed,” he said.
“It has been decided that I am moving there.”
Boateng is keen to leave Germany, where he says his family is being hounded by the media after his half-brother Kevin-Prince’s foul on Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final ruled the Germany captain out of the World Cup finals.
Jerome could come up against his sibling in Germany’s final group game against Ghana since Kevin-Prince recently switched allegiances, which was permissible due to a parental link with the African nation.
Red Knights to bide their time
MANCHESTER United’s anti-Glazer lobby claim they are happy to wait for the asking price to fall before the Red Knights make their bid for the club.
The Red Knights yesterday confirmed their plans were on hold, straight-jacketed by a valuation in excess of €1.8 billion and the Glazers’ refusal to sell.
It dashes any hope of a quick removal of the controversial Americans, who have attracted huge criticism for the debt incurred during their 2005 takeover.
However, rather than adopt a negative stance, the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (Must) believe now it is just a question of waiting for the economic situation to worsen.
“We understand the intention of the statement from the Red Knights is to remove the time deadline pressure and set more realistic expectations with regard to a bid,” said Must.
“There is no rush – the pressure is building on the Glazers with matchday revenues declining.”
Celtic bid for Ireland's Lawrence
CELTIC have made a bid of €1.8 million for Stoke City midfielder Liam Lawrence.
The Premier League club are willing to do business but are looking for around €2.5 million for the 28-year-old Republic of Ireland winger.
But he could become Neil Lennon’s first signing as Celtic manager, the Northern Irishman expected to be confirmed in the position within 48 hours.
Lawrence, who joined Stoke from Sunderland in 2006, found himself in and out of the side in the season just passed.
Lennon appears to have made strengthening his midfield one of his priorities and Celtic remain favourites to sign the out-of-contract Wales international Joe Ledley from Cardiff City.
WEST Brom have announced the signing of 28-year-old Spanish international defender Pablo Ibanez on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid.
West Ham set to unveil Grant
FORMER Portsmouth and Chelsea manager Avram Grant is set to be named as the new West Ham manager today.
Grant, who quit Portsmouth on May 21st, returned from holiday yesterday and the London club’s officials have indicated he is on the verge of signing a contract with he Premier League side.
The 55-year-old Israeli is thought to have met the criteria laid down by co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold.
Villa lay it down for City target Milner
ASTON Villa have reiterated their desire to hold on to James Milner and say they will not consider changing that stance unless Manchester City increase their €24 million bid for the England international to around €35 million.
That message was spelt out to the player and his agent during an hour-long discussion, when Martin O’Neill, the manager, and Randy Lerner, the chairman, told Milner how integral he is to the Villa team and how eager they are to keep him at the Premier League club in the long term.
Villa have described the talks as positive although Milner left without agreeing to sign a new contract – he has two years remaining on his €54,000-a-week deal – and his future remains unresolved as he flew out with Fabio Capello’s 23-man England squad for the World Cup finals yesterday. Their first game is against the USA on June 12th.
