Burley set for new roleThe Scottish Football Association will move for their next manager today. The SFA's interview panel decided last night on their preferred candidate, with one-time dark horse George Burley expected to be offered the role.
The board of the SFA will be asked to ratify the decision, which is likely to be a formality, before the processing of approaching the candidate takes place. Southampton boss Burley took training with his club on the south coast yesterday but is now the anticipated successor to Alex McLeish, who quit in November after Scotland's hopes of qualifying for Euro 2008 were ended by defeat to Italy.
Bardsley joins Keane
Sunderland have signed defender Phil Bardsley from Manchester United on a three-and-a-half-year contract. The right-back, who recently completed a loan spell at Sheffield United, has joined in a deal worth up to €2.5 million. Sunderland boss Roy Keane, who has also signed United's Jonny Evans on loan until the end of the season, said: "We needed to strengthen our defence and Phil is a good addition to the squad."
Busy time for Fulham
Fulham are on the verge of signing Daniel Cousin after Rangers accepted an offer of €3.5 million for the Gabon international. The 30-year-old has now headed to London to discuss personal terms.
The club have also signed Denmark midfielder Leon Andreasen from Bundesliga side Werder Bremen on a three-and-a-half-year deal. Another possible new arrival is former Liverpool striker Jari Litmanen who is training with the club.
Stekelenburg staying
Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg insists he will remain at the Amsterdam Arena for the rest of the season despite reported interest from Tottenham.
The 25-year-old has been linked by the media with a move to White Hart Lane, but neither Stekelenburg nor Ajax have heard anything from any interested parties.
"I will continue to be the goalkeeper at Ajax," Stekelenburg said. "I have read the reports and rumours, but I was never approached personally by any club."
O'Neill not concerned
Martin O'Neill has insisted he would have "no qualms" about continuing to play Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg for the remainder of the season - even if he signed a pre-contract agreement with Juventus.
Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco has confirmed the Sweden international, who has been at Villa for six and a half years, "is close to signing a preliminary agreement".
Taylor in Irish squad
The Republic of Ireland senior women's manager has announced a 17-strong squad to face the Netherlands on Sunday, January 27th at Frank Cooke Park in Dublin. Noel King and his side will play in three tough friendly games against the Netherlands, Poland and Arsenal before their critical Uefa Championship, Group 2 qualifier against Italy in Sardinia next month.
Included in the squad is boxer Katie Taylor, who, last week was awarded the 2007 Irish Times/Vhi Healthcare Sportswoman of the Year Award for her outstanding achievements during 2007.
Lehmann worried
Jens Lehmann admits he may not be in Arsene Wenger's plans at the Emirates Stadium although he insists he still has a future at the north London club.
The 38-year-old lost his place to Manuel Almunia following a number of blunders at the start of the season and he has been on the verge of quitting the Gunners.
Speaking to Germany's Bild am Sonntagnewspaper, Lehmann said: "It could be that I will be playing often again at Arsenal. However, I believe that my coach Arsene Wenger does not necessarily plan on playing me. But I cannot allow myself anything else than to believe in my chance."
Samaras not signing
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has abandoned plans to sign Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras.
He had agreed a €2.5 million fee with City for the Greek international who has had only limited opportunities under Sven-Goran Eriksson.
But McLeish has decided to concentrate on trying to strengthen other areas of his team after signing James McFadden from Everton and Mauro Zarate on loan from Al Sadd.
He remains interested in signing Aston Villa centre-back Gary Cahill although an initial bid was rejected by Villa manager Martin O'Neill.
Manager quits
Former player Ander Garitano quit as Real Zaragoza coach yesterday just eight days after being appointed, citing personal problems for his resignation.
"My decision, however surprising it might appear, is due exclusively to personal reasons," the 38-year-old told a news conference.
