A round-up of today's other stories in brief
United race for duo
Manchester United have been linked with moves for Frenchmen Franck Ribery and Patrice Evra during this month's transfer window. Manager Alex Ferguson could, however, face competition if he tries to sign either Marseille midfielder Ribery or Monaco defender Evra.
Ribery claims Tottenham are also keen to bring him to England and is flattered by the attention. "My agent has spoken to some of United's directors and Spurs have also contacted Marseille," Ribery said. "It means a lot to me to be followed by clubs like that and I think English football will suit me."
Meanwhile, Evra's agent, Frederico Pastorello, claims the 24-year-old left back can choose between United and Serie A side Inter Milan. "United and Inter are extremely interested in landing Patrice in the transfer window," said Pastorello. "Both have the same chance of getting him and the player has a decision to make."
Reports over the weekend have also claimed Real Madrid have rejected an offer from United for Thomas Gravesen.
Cap may suit fans
British sports minister Richard Caborn wants football clubs to reduce ticket prices if his plans to cap players' wages succeed.
Caborn, acting in his role as chairman of European Sports Ministers, will pursue a change in the law to force a salary cap throughout European football.
"What better way to use the extra money than to give some of it back to their fans," Caborn said.
"G14 (clubs) have written to me and suggested that a salary cap should be 70 per cent of clubs' income. Well, if they each save 30 per cent then they should give some back to their fans."
FA to probe freeze
The English Premier League are to investigate why undersoil heating systems at Bolton and Blackburn failed to cope with the freezing Christmas weather, forcing both clubs to postpone matches.
Blackburn's Barclays Premiership clash with Sunderland last Wednesday night was called off because the Ewood Park pitch was covered in heavy frost and deemed unplayable.
Bolton's game with Middlesbrough, scheduled for the same evening, was also postponed after the Reebok Stadium's undersoil heating broke down, leaving central areas of the pitch "frozen solid".
In brief . . .
It was reported in a number of English tabloids yesterday that former England manager Kevin Keegan is being lined up by Sunderland as replacement for the under-pressure Mick McCarthy . . . Striker Matt Jansen (28) says he is set to leave Blackburn Rovers after finding his first-team opportunities limited at Ewood Park . . . Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce insists no players will be leaving St Andrew's during the transfer window as he comes to terms with injuries to key squad members. . . Charlton manager Alan Curbishley says there is no truth in reports linking Danny Murphy (28) with a move to Newcastle.
