England midfielder Gerrard struggling to make Euro 2008 qualifiers

Steven Gerrard faces a race against time to be fit for England's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers as he struggles to recover from a broken toe.

Gerrard is expected to miss Liverpool's match against Derby on Saturday because the foot injury has not fully healed, making him a major doubt for Israel's visit to Wembley on September 8 and the game against Russia the following Wednesday.

Steve McClaren is likely to name Gerrard in his England squad on Friday in the hope that the midfielder can step up his fitness next week.

England must win both matches to keep their hopes of reaching the European finals, but Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was downbeat about Gerrard's prospects.

"I have spoken to Steven and the news is not very positive," said Benitez. "The doctor will continue to help him. But it will be very difficult for him to play on Saturday."

'I made a mistake', admits Materazzi

Italy's World Cup winning defender Marco Materazzi said Thursday he had made a mistake in sledging French icon Zinedine Zidane during last year's final.

Materazzi told Zidane that he preferred his "whore of a sister" to his shirt.

It was this comment that led to Zidane headbutting the Inter Milan defender in the chest and being dramatically sent off. That incident preceded France losing the final in a penalty shoot-out.

"Six stupid words. I made a mistake but Zidane also made a mistake in reacting the way he did," said the uncompromising Materazzi, who scored in the final and one of the penalties in the shoot-out.

Materazzi was talking at the launch of his book "Life of a warrior", co-written with two Italian journalists, and released just before the Italians face France in Milan in a Euro 2008 qualifier on September 8.

The French won the first match 3-1, but Materazzi will miss the re-match after picking up a thigh injury in a friendly win over Hungary earlier this month.

"I understand why he reacted that way," added Materazzi. "It all happened in a match of high pressure. But I don't understand what came after when he was forgiven by everyone except me who had been headbutted.

"If we made peace, no-one would know about it, we would do it in private perhaps at my house or his. That's why I didn't want to say anything publically. I left the talking to others but only him and me know what happened."

Materazzi, who has undergone surgery on his injured thigh, believes he could be back in action in October.

Although he will miss the match with France in Milan, he appealed to fans to act peacefully in the return leg.

"I want spectators to greet the French team in the same way that we were welcomed by French fans in Paris. They were very fair. I ask the tifosi to do the same."

Materazzi also has his own thoughts on the one-match suspension handed out to France coach Raymond Domenech for that game.

"It's 19 years to the day that my mother died," he said. "Some things are more important."

Atletico Madrid snap up Riquelme

Atletico Madrid continued their summer spending spree Wednesday in snapping up Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme from Villarreal, Cadena Ser radio reported.

The radio said both parties had reached agreement, to be sealed officially Thursday, on a two-year contract with an additional year option.

Riquelme, out of favour with Villarreal's Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini and recently plying his trade on loan to Boca Juniors in his homeland, had earlier said he would be willing to play for nothing if hard-up Boca had paid a transfer fee.

The 29-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Boca and helped the Argentines to victory in the Copa Libertadores but the club said they believed that all in all they would have to find some 20 million dollars to buy him, including image rights.

Riquelme's deal with Villarreal ran to June 2009 and he had been training on his own since the start of the new season, while his teammates enjoyed a 3-0 away success last weekend at Valencia.

Atletico, having lost striker Fernando Torres to Liverpool, have responded by spending 77 million euros this summer on new talent, not quite as much as the 120 million shelled out by neighbours Real, who beat them 2-1 at the Bernabeu last Saturday.

Other arrivals were keeper Christian Abbiati on loan from AC Milan, midfield star Luis Garcia from Liverpool, Riquelme's former Villarreal teammate Diego Forlan, Portuguese forward Simao and attacking midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes from Arsenal.

West Ham in talks to sign Brazil star Adriano

West Ham have made an approach to sign Inter Milan's out-of-favour striker Adriano on loan.

The Premier League club were reported to have sent chief executive Scott Duxbury to Milan on Tuesday to start talks with the Brazilian.

Adriano has been told he can leave the Serie A champions and had already been offered to Arsenal, who turned down the chance to sign him.

West Ham have invested heavily in the transfer market since Eggert Magnusson took over the club last season, and the attempt to sign such a famous name is further evidence of the Icelandic businessman's determination to take the Hammers into the game's upper echelons.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger decided that Adriano would not improve his squad despite the pre-season sale of Thierry Henry to Barcelona.

"I was offered Adriano on loan and I said no," Wenger said. "We do not need him and it was an easy decision to make because we're not out there to sign another striker.

"The agreement was for a loan. Adriano has qualities we don't need. They wanted to give us a player but wanted one back in return.

"I won't say who it was. I didn't want to lose the player they requested. I didn't necessarily think Adriano would upset the balance of the squad."

Ferguson sounds Premiership title warning after opening win

Sir Alex Ferguson sounded a warning to Manchester United's title rivals after the reigning Premier League champions finally got their season up and running with victory over Tottenham on Sunday.

A spectacular 30-yard goal from young Portuguese talent Nani, his first for the club, earned United their first victory of the season and lifted them up to 10th in the table after they had started the day next to bottom.

However, United were far from convincing and survived two second half penalty appeals after Dimitar Berbatov went sprawling under a challenge from Nemanja Vidic before referee Howard Webb waved away another protest after Berbatov's shot hit Wes Brown.

Tottenham manager Martin Jol is convinced it struck the England defender's hand, but Ferguson insists Webb made the right decision.

Despite his side's nervous performance, Ferguson believes United will continue to make up for lost ground after failing to register a win in the opening three games.

United entertain newly-promoted Sunderland, managed by former United star Roy Keane, on Saturday.

"We've got players to come back so we're going to have to be patient," said Ferguson.

Italy's Nesta refuses Euro 2008 call-up

AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has refused to come out of international retirement to play in Italy's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against France and Ukraine, the Italian Federation president Giancarlo Abete said Monday.

The 31-year-old announced his retirement from the international scene over the summer but Italy were hoping to convince him to come back after Inter Milan centre-back Marco Materazzi was ruled out of the two crunch qualifiers with a thigh injury.

"When Nesta said he no longer wanted to be a part of the squad, he acted in the right and proper way as always," Abete told Rai Uno. "He's a player who has given so much to the national team.

"Yesterday (Sunday), he clearly repeated it. But the federation, with all the attention and discretion that was needed, checked after the match in Budapest (an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Hungary) to see if he was available."

Nesta was quoted in the Monday edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport as saying: "I told them that I will not play any more for the national team, and therefore I won't....I made a decision and I'm sticking to it."

Materazzi was injured in the Hungary match and has been ruled out of the two Group B encounters against France in Rome on September 8 and four days later against Ukraine in Kiev.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni now finds himself with a problem in deciding who should partner Real Madrid's Fabio Cannavaro in the heart of his defence, with Palermo's Andrea Barzagli the likely choice.

Real and Chelsea agree Robben switch

Chelsea winger Arjen Robben is poised to move to Real Madrid after both clubs announced they had reached agreement on the Dutch international's transfer.

The deal is now only subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

A Chelsea statement released on Wednesday said: "Chelsea Football Club and Real Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of Arjen Robben subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical."

Real also confirmed the deal for Robben in a statement on their website, which read: "Real Madrid and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of Arjen Robben, who will become part of the Madrid club for the next five seasons.

"The agreement is pending the player's medical and the signing of the contracts."

At the start of the month Spanish media reported that Real had offered Chelsea around 40 million euros for Robben.

Robben, 23, has two years left on his contract with Chelsea and has been in long drawn-out negotiations with the London club over a contract extension until 2012 but has not always been in favour with the club's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.

Henry edges to within one of Platini's record

Thierry Henry marked his return to the international scene after a six month hiatus with the decisive goal in France's 1-0 friendly win over Slovakia here on Wednesday.

Barcelona's new signing struck in the 39th minute for his 40th international goal to put him within one of the record 40 goal tally set by French playing legend and recently elected president of UEFA, Michel Platini.

This was former Arsenal star Henry's first appearance for France since February 7 and he left his imprint on the game striking the back of the net with a freekick.

The win will act as a confidence booster for Raymond Domenech's side as they prepare to face Italy in a Euro 2008 qualifier next month.

Domenech reflected: "It's always better to win than to lose, especially against Slovakia. I'm satisfied, but you have to remember the matches that counts are the qualifiers (against Italy on September 8 and Scotland four days later).

Monaco agree deal to sign Nene

Monaco have agreed a deal with Celta Vigo for the signing of Brazilian midfielder Nene, the Spanish club said Wednesday.

The 25-year-old has recently acquired dual Brazilian-Spanish nationality, meaning he would no longer take up one of the limited number of non-EU places in the Monaco squad.

Celta only signed him a year ago from Spanish rivals Alaves for 4.5 million euros but Celta's relegation from the top flight last season made his exit a likelihood.

"Celta and Monaco agreed yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon for the transfer of Nene," said a Celta statement.

"The player left this afternoon for Monaco and will take a medical tomorrow (Thursday) morning and join the Monaco squad."

Benitez roasts English Premier League

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez launched an astonishing attack on the English Premier League on Wednesday, laying into the organisation in a wide-ranging blast.

The Spanish boss, angered by a league hearing decision which blocked Argentina left-back Gabriel Heinze's move from champions Manchester United to the Reds, blasted the Premier League over the saga, and Liverpool's fixture schedule.

Heinze believed he had a letter which would allowed him to leave Old Trafford once United's 6.8-million-pound (13.5-million-dollar, 10-million-euro) valuation had been met.

But a three-member Premier League panel ruled the letter did not constitute consent for Heinze to leave and the player now feels he has no future left at the English champions.

Benitez belives the setback is just one of several decisions being taken in favour of the Reds' title rivals United.

"I would like to ask the Premier League a number of questions. How can a player with a signed agreement be treated like this?" he told the Liverpool Echo newspaper.

"He has a document which is clear, but the Premier League prefers to believe the word of someone else who made a mistake. I know there were accusations made against Liverpool in the hearing which were unbelievable. How can this be allowed?"

And broadening his attack, Benitez added: "Then I would like to ask the Premier League why is it that Liverpool always plays the most fixtures away from home in an early kick-off, following an international break?

"We had more than the top clubs last season and we have four already to prepare for this season."

He continued: "Then I want to ask the Premier League why it was so difficult for Liverpool to sign Javier Mascherano, when we had to wait a long time for the paperwork, but it was so easy for Carlos Tevez to join Manchester United?"

Argentina midfielder Mascherano joined Liverpool from West Ham in the January transfer window and the deal took weeks to clear as the row over third party ownership of players at Upton Park raged on.

The Tevez move from West Ham to United took less time to approve, with the Argentina striker's representatives paying the Hammers two million pounds to release his registration in time to beat the transfer deadline.

Benitez added: "It's going to be very difficult for us to win the Premier League because the other teams are so strong, but I want our supporters to know that despite the disadvantages we have, we will fight all the way.

"We will fight to cope with our more difficult kick-off times and all the other decisions which are going against us."

But it is the Heinze decision, stopping Liverpool buying the defender who believed he had a letter clearing his exit for a set sum, that has upset Benitez most.

He now must consider contingency plans knowing that any appeal by Heinze may not be concluded by the time the transfer window shuts at the end of August.

An appeal panel on the Premier League's decision will include a Professional Footballers' Association union representative and a high ranking member of the legal profession.

League chiefs are disappointed by Benitez's outburst.

"The Premier League tried to make sure that our dealings with all our member clubs, including the scheduling of fixtures, are as fair as possible," a spokesman said.

"We are disappointed to read Rafael Benitez's comments in the press, especially when channels exist for every member club to raise any issues directly with the league."

Heinze remains optimistic an appeal will be accepted and is in no mood to give up on his hopes of moving to Liverpool.

"We are extremely disappointed with the result and we will be appealing," his solicitor Richard Green said.

It is being suggested that United would be happy for Heinze to be loaned out to a mid-table Premier League side or agree to a transfer abroad, with French champions Lyon at the front of the queue while Spanish champions Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for the Argentina defender.

Espanyol deny signing Slovenian striker Ljubijankic

Spanish side Espanyol denied Wednesday having reached an agreement to sign Slovenia international striker Zlatan Ljubijankic from Domzale as claimed earlier by the Slovenian first division club.

"Espanyol has no contract either with the player or his club," Espanyol spokesman Rafa Ramos told AFP, citing the club's sports director Francisco Herrera.

"In any case one cannot announce that this player interests Espanyol," he added.

Earlier on Wednesday Domzale said, in a statement sent to AFP in Madrid, that 23-year-old Ljubijankic had the club's permission to travel to Spain with his agent "to sign a contract with his new club".

Ljubijankic, 23, was elected by Slovenian journalists as the best player in the league last season.

He has one goal from three international caps having scored the winner during Slovenia's 1-0 away win over Cyprus in February last year.

Everton agree record Yakubu fee

Everton agreed a club record transfer fee of 11.25 million pounds (22.4 million dollars, 16.55 million euros) with Middlesbrough on Wednesday for Aiyegbeni Yakubu.

Boro have given the Nigeria striker permission to talk to the Toffees and the 24-year-old was travelling to Liverpool for talks at Goodison Park.

Over the past four seasons, only former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has scored more English Premier League goals than Yakubu.

The Nigerian did not feature in Boro boss Gareth Southgate's squad for Saturday's 2-1 win at Fulham, fuelling speculation that Yakubu was to be sold.

Several Premier League sides have tracked his availability.

Portsmouth brought Yakubu to England on loan from Israeli side Maccabi Haifa in January 2003, signing him permanently three months later.

Pompey sold the hitman to Boro for 7.5 million pounds (15.2 million dollars, 11 million euros) in July 2005.

He scored 36 goals in 81 league games for Portsmouth and has scored 25 times in 73 league matches for Boro.

Thuram set for Barcelona Spanish league opener

Barcelona's French defender Lilian Thuram, who will miss France's friendly later on Wednesday against Slovakia due to an ankle injury, says he will be fit for the club's Spanish league opening match over the weekend.

"If the coach wants me to play, I will play," he told a news conference, adding he felt fine.

Barcelona, who lost the Spanish league crown to arch rivals Real Madrid last season, will face Racing Santander on Sunday in their first match of the new campaign.

Thuram injured his ankle while training for France's match against Slovakia. He has been one of Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard's most-used players during the club's successful pre-season.

Wiltord re-signs with Rennes

Striker Sylvain Wiltord has left Lyon for French first division rivals Rennes on a two-year deal, the Brittany club announced Wednesday.

"Sylvain Wiltord has signed a two-year contract with the 'Red and Blacks'. The French international will be at training from Thursday morning with his new team-mates," the club said.

Rennes president Frederic de Saint-Sernin, who had been courting Wiltord since mid-May, said the former Arsenal player - who had a year to run on his Lyon contract - had been signed for 1.5 million euros.

"Sylvain's at the top of his game," said de Saint-Sernin. "I'm not saying he'll be starting but he'll be in the squad against Metz on Saturday."

The 33-year-old striker, who has won 92 caps for France and made 125 appearances for Rennes from 1991-97, will earn 150,000 euros a month at Rennes, a significant salary cut from his days at Lyon.

Sevilla coach says he received 'dizzying' offer from Spurs

Sevilla coach Juande Ramos said Wednesday he had received a "dizzying" offer from English Premier League side Tottenham but stressed he had no plans to leave the Spanish double UEFA Cup winners.

"They (Spurs) made me an excellent, dizzying offer but I have a contract until June 2008. Not for a moment was there the possibility that I would leave," he told a news conference.

"Sevilla has had magnificant seasons and it is normal that everyone inside the club revalues themselves," added Ramos, who has coached Sevilla since 2005.

Ramos, 52, is a strict disciplinarian who has a reputation for bringing the best out of modest clubs.

He led Sevilla to the UEFA Cup title in 2006 during his first season with the club with a 4-0 win over Middlesbrough. It was the first time that the club had reached a final since the 1962 King's Cup.

Sevilla successfully defended the UEFA Cup last season and under his guidance has won three other trophies including the King's Cup and the UEFA Super Cup last season.

The club defeated reigning Spanish league champions Real Madrid 5-3 on Sunday for a 6-3 aggregate win in the Spanish Super Cup.

Ramos, who coached Spanish sides Levante, Logrones, Malaga and Real Betis in the past, reportedly met with Tottenham club secretary John Alexander at a hotel in Seville earlier this week.

Spurs issued a statement insisting they had not formally offered anyone the manager's job at White Hart Lane.

"The club wishes to thank all those fans who wrote to the board, the manager and the club with their views and support," they said in a brief statement.

"To further clarify the situation -- the club wishes to make it clear and unequivocal that no individual was or has been offered the position of manager/coach at this club whilst that position has been held by Martin Jol.

"It is wholly inaccurate and inappropriate to suggest otherwise."

The Tottenham board did not specify this in a lengthy statement Tuesday, nor explicitly say they backed Jol as their manager.

Kanoute fires hat-trick as Sevilla crush Real

Frederic Kanoute hammered a hat-trick as Sevilla beat league champions Real Madrid 5-3 to clinch the Spanish Super Cup on a 6-3 aggregate Sunday.

The result added to the problems of new Real coach Bernd Schuster just a week ahead of the new league season.

Real had lost the first leg of the Super Cup 1-0 and in five pre-season friendlies they have won just three with two coming against lower-league opposition.

Sunday's match was a personal nightmare for 30 million-euro defender Pepe with the Brazilian giving away a penalty for hand ball which led to one of the goals and then getting sent-off in the closing stages of the match at the Santiago Bernebau.

Dutch defender Royston Drenthe scored in the 23rd minute for Real to equalise Renato's opener but Renato restored Sevilla's lead in the 28th minute.

Mali international Kanoute then made it 3-1 on the night from the penalty spot following Pepe's indiscretion before Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro pulled one back for Real on the stroke of half-time.

Sergio Ramos made it 3-3 on the night in the 79th minute before Kanoute completed his hat-trick in the last 10 minutes.

Sevilla, who had defeated AEK Athens 2-0 in a Champions League qualifier in midweek, also managed to ruin the debut of Real's Dutch international Wesley Sneijder with their free-scoring performance.

De Rossi penalty gives Roma Super Cup

Daniele de Rossi's second half penalty gave Roma a 1-0 win over Inter Milan on Sunday in the Italian Super Cup bringing revenge for the defeat they suffered against the same opponents last season.

Twelve months ago, Roma led 3-0 only to lose 4-3 in extra-time.

The only goal of Sunday's game came in the 78th minute when Nicolas Burdisso brought down Francesco Totti in the box and de Rossi stepped up to coolly slot into the corner past keeper Julio Cesar.

"To be here in Milan and win two consecutive finals is of course very satisfying, especially as today we proved that we are a strong and competitive squad who can challenge anyone," said Roma skipper Totti who also led his team to the Italian Cup at the San Siro in May.

"When I was brought down I felt a twinge in my thigh muscle and didnt feel quite right. There was no point risking it (by taking the penalty) and I knew De Rossi could do a great job."

Cristian Chivu was on the losing side against his former teammates, but insisted that Inter will shrug off the loss.

"It is just a defeat," said the defender. "I know it was the Super Cup, but it was the first official match of the campaign, so were not all that upset."

Inter had surprisingly left Brazilian striker Adriano out of the team while Douglas Maicon was suspended.

For Roma, Christian Panucci was a makeshift centre-back due to an injury crisis.

Inter should have take the lead after just six minutes but French international Ludovic Giuly volleyed over an open goal from Max Tonettos cross.

Roma had a penalty appeal turned down when Totti exchanged passes with Giuly and the Frenchman was fouled by Marco Materazzi while Zlatan Ibrahimovic went close for Inter.

Inter's Suazo saw a drive saved by Doni early in the second half but Roma kept pressing and the champions were forced to take off Olivier Dacourt to be replaced by veteran Luis Figo.

Materazzi was booked for a foul on Totti before Figo almost scored only to be denied by Doni.

Torres joy shattered by controversial Chelsea penalty leveller

Fernando Torres marked his first appearance at Anfield with an impressive debut goal for Liverpool but it was not enough to earn his club all three points as referee Rob Styles handed Chelsea a controversial second-half penalty in Sunday's 1-1 draw.

Liverpool's record 26.5 million-pound Spanish striker had made a dream start to his home career but Styles harshly judged that Steve Finnan had pushed over Florent Malouda as he attempted to meet Shaun Wright-Phillips' 61st minute cross.

Frank Lampard needed no second invitation to convincingly equalise from the spot.

To add to Styles' unpopularity, in the eyes of Liverpool fans, he also appeared to book Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien for a second time midway through the second half without brandishing the red card that should have automatically followed.

Under the watchful eye of England manager Steve McClaren, Steven Gerrard made light of the fractured toe that will almost certainly exclude him from playing for his country against Germany in midweek by setting up Torres' debut goal in the 16th minute.

The Liverpool captain gathered Xabi Alonso's tidy header and sent Torres chasing away down the right with a superb pass.

It still appeared that Chelsea defender Tal Ben-Haim would deal with the danger but the Spaniard showed an electrifying example of his pace and power to surge away from his marker and beat Peter Cech with a perfect right-foot finish.

The game had already been nicely set up by Manchester United's early afternoon defeat at Manchester City, a result greeted pre-match with great enthusiasm by both sets of supporters.

The early goal merely served to add to the intensity of a fixture that has become one of the set-piece occasions in the English football calendar.

After going a goal behind, Chelsea's midfield began to exert a degree of control.

Alonso's foul on Malouda gave Liverpool an anxious moment at the midway point of the first half but Didier Drogba's free-kick was deflected harmlessly behind.

Salomon Kalou appeared to have a superb shooting opportunity but took one touch too many and was halted by Gerrard's superb sliding tackle and Wright-Phillips sped past Alvaro Arbeloa a little too easily for comfort before his cross was headed over by Drogba.

For the third time in as many games this season, Chelsea found themselves a goal down but their spirited fightback raised the temperature of the contest yet further.

Styles did little to endear himself to the Anfield faithful as he yellow-carded Kuyt, Jermaine Pennant and Gerrard in quick succession, the Liverpool trio joining Essien and, later, Ashley Cole, Lampard and John Terry in the book.

Chelsea's improved play continued after the restart, Lampard's early corner being flicked on by substitute Claudio Pizarro for John Obi Mikel whose far post header flew over the bar before another dangerous right-wing run by Wright-Phillips ended with a centre which Pizarro, reaching at full stretch, could only head wide.

At the other end, Liverpool were slowly stringing together some more promising moves with Pennant reaching the by-line just before the hour and picking out Alonso on the edge of the area only for the Spaniard to send his strike disappointingly off target.

However, the penalty altered the complexion of the game with Chelsea, possibly, content to settle for a valuable away point.

They might not have emerged with that had Riise's spectacular volley, from Pennant's 67th minute pull-back, found its mark.

The last chances of an entertaining game fell to Kuyt, who rose to meet Finnan's right-wing cross but steered his effort inches over the crossbar, and substitute Ryan Babel who unleashed a ferocious long-range drive into the side-netting.

Miller's double seals comeback win for Celtic

A double from substitute Kenny Miller fired Celtic to a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Aberdeen in their Scottish Premier League clash on Sunday.

Miller's goals came in the last six minutes of an enthralling match which had seen Aberdeen take the lead in the 24th minute through Craig Brewster only for Massimo Donati to level on the hour.

Aberdeen went ahead after Aiden McGeady lost possession and Barry Nicholson's low cross was put away by Brewster, who had just got the nod ahead of Steve Lovell for the starting place.

Celtic - who are two points behind bitter rivals Rangers after three matches - slowly fought their was back into the match mainly through the promptings of Japanese playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura.

Indeed it was Nakamura who hit the crossbar with a trademark free-kick before Italian winger Donati equalised on the hour mark after fine work by McGeady.

Donati set Miller up for the second of Celtic's goals, the substitute shooting home from within the penalty area.

Miller then trumped that by sealing Celtic's three points with a fine 20-yard effort in injury-time which leaves the Dons still looking for their first win of the campaign.

Sven deepens problems for Fergie as he is undone by Geovanni

Sir Alex Ferguson's early season problems deepened after Geovanni's first half goal settled the Manchester derby in favour of Sven Goran Eriksson and left Ferguson's United without a win in their opening three league games.

The victory sent City to the head of the Premiership table with a maximum nine points from their opening three games as Eriksson's dream start at Eastlands continued.

Defeat at the hands of the former England coach will have been frustrating enough for Ferguson who enjoyed a fractious relationship with him during Eriksson's time in charge of the national team.

But more importantly, the United manager was left to contemplate a title defence that has brought just two points and one goal from three frustrating outings.

And with Wayne Rooney out for two months after breaking a foot in last week's opener, United's latest misfiring display will understandably give cause for concern.

United may have dominated possession but a combination of Geovanni's deadly finishing and Micah Richards outstanding defensive work meant this was a day for the blue half of Manchester.

With Rooney, Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer missing injured and Cristiano Ronaldo starting a three-match, Ferguson had little option but to ask Carlos Tevez to operate as a lone striker.

But with Nani, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes all quick to offer support to the Argentine, there initially seemed little doubt United would have more than enough firepower to overcome a stuttering City.

Twice in the opening half Tevez and Scholes exchanged quick passes to unpick the City defence and create an opening for Nani but on both occasions the winger was denied by City keeper Kasper Schmeichel.

The 20-year-old - a 17 million pounds capture from Sporting Lisbon this summer - was eventually withdrawn after 60 minutes after a display that confirmed it could be some time before he emulates the feats of compatriot Ronaldo.

With Owen Hargreaves bolstering the United midfield with an impressive Premiership debut performance, Ferguson's side completely dominated the opening period.

Were it not for a succession of outstanding blocks, tackles and clearances by Richards, United would have been well on their way to a first win of the season long before City finally sprang into life.

It took Eriksson's men fully 30 minutes to manage an effort on goal - a wayward, long range effort from Michael Johnson.

But it took just another 60 seconds to register a second attempt - this time from Geovanni - that fired the home side into an unlikely lead.

In a rare moment of fluent attacking play, Didi Hamann linked with Elano who picked out his fellow Brazilian Geovanni in space 30 yards out.

And having been given time to set his sights by a flat-footed United back-four, the former Barcelona man drilled an inch-perfect strike beyond Edwin van der Sar.

The goal prompted a predictable response from United who, after a brief spell of control by City, laid siege to the home side's goal for the whole of the second period without properly testing Schmeichel.

Nemanja Vidic sent a bullet header crashing against the bar three minutes after the interval and Tevez somehow flashed the ball wide from Ryan Giggs' low cross.

And it was Tevez who wasted United's last clear-cut chance when he headed wide from just three yards deep into added time.

Alves agent confident of Chelsea deal

Daniel Alves's agent said Wednesday he was "80 to 90 percent confident" that Sevilla will strike a deal to sell the Brazil right-back to Chelsea.

The English Premier League title-chasers have denied reports they have reached an agreement with the Spanish side to buy the defender.

The London club have, however, confirmed they are interested in signing the 24-year-old from the UEFA Cup holders.

Alves was left out of Sevilla's squad for Wednesday's Champions League qualifier first leg at home to AEK Athens, fuelling speculation that a move to west London was imminent.

"I am confident in the Chelsea directors. I understand Chelsea is not easy to be driven but let's say at least we are 80 to 90 percent confident that we can close the agreement," Geronimo Suarez told BBC radio.

Spanish giants Real Madrid have also been linked with the Brazil international but Suarez has reiterated Alves' declaration that he wants to head to Stamford Bridge.

"He is determined to go there," Suarez said.

"He has spoken in these terms a lot of times, he has said to the press here in Seville that he is 100 percent determined to go Chelsea.

"He asked for the Seville club to close the agreement with Chelsea as soon as possible. These are his own words."

Suarez said he thought Tuesday was "the perfect day to close the agreement."

However, he added: "It didn't arrive so it may be two or three days or a maximum of one week before both clubs must find a solution.

"We cannot continue in this way for a long time because the player is suffering a lot here.

"Now we are in a complicated moment between the clubs because both are determined to close a deal but it is not easy to finalise in this case. We will need more time, more patience and more confidence in the clubs.

"We are far enough (apart) to not be close and allow the deal, but close enough to be confident that finally the clubs will be able to reach an agreement for the player."

Reports in Spain had suggested Alves was on the brink of completing a move and that the clubs had reached an agreement over a 36-million-euro (48.5-million-dollar) switch to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea said in a statement: "Contrary to reports from Spain, Chelsea Football Club has not reached an agreement for the transfer of Daniel Alves from Sevilla.

"Chelsea FC has confirmed its interest in the player to the club but as yet there is no agreement."

The Spanish press said the signing would pave the way for Dutch winger Arjen Robben's proposed move from Chelsea to Real Madrid, for around 30 million euros.

No point looking back for Man Utd's Vidic

Nemanja Vidic insisted Manchester United cannot afford to dwell on dropped points as they battle to retain their English Premier League title.

The rugged Serbia defender said there was no point getting frustrated this early in the season.

"We cannot afford to think about it too much. It is a long season, so all we can do is assess where we made the mistakes and try to improve."

Vidic admitted the two-month loss of England striker Wayne Rooney to a hairline fracture of the left foot is a hammer blow, although the former Spartak Moscow and Red Star centre-half is convinced United have the players to cope with his absence.

"Wayne is a big loss because he has been in such good form during pre-season," he said.

"Hopefully, he will be back quickly but we have a big squad, with lots of competition for places and there are plenty of others who have the ability to score."

Chelsea's Sidwell not going to go wild on return to Reading

Chelsea's new signing Steve Sidwell makes an early return to his old club Reading with the manager he left behind, Steve Coppell not convinced he will be missed.

The 24-year-old was able to make a dream summer move to Chelsea on a free transfer when his contract ended even though his market value was nearer 5 million pounds.

Former England under-21 international midfielder Sidwell came on as a substitute in Chelsea's opening-day win over Birmingham, but may start the match on familiar territory at the Madejski Stadium.

Coppell and other Reading officials did all they could to persuade Sidwell not to depart, even offering him 25,000 pounds a week, the biggest wages in the club's history.

But Sidwell chose to move on, citing the chance to play in European competition as a major reason. That and wages closer to 35,000 pounds a week.

Coppell has spent a mere 3.1 million pounds on Kalifa Cisse from Boavista and Emerse Fae, either of whom could be long term replacements for Sidwell.

At Manchester United on Sunday, where Reading got a surprise draw, Icelandic international Bynjar Gunnarsson filled the huge gap left by Sidwell.

Not that Coppell believes Sidwell's loss is as catastrophic as some Reading fans feared it might be.

"Of course I wish he was still with us but there will somebody else to fill his boots," said Coppell.

"I am not sure who that will be over the course of a season.

"But having said, I don't think his performances last season were outstanding to the point were saying he was the jewel in the Reading crown.

"At the moment I do not know how much of a loss he is going to be. We will find out as the season progresses.

"Steve Sidwell had our mentality but I do not think any one player makes a team."

Coppell's Reading, who came within one goal of a place in the UEFA Cup last season, are in no mood to become one-season wonders.

The draw at Old Trafford was achieved by a typically gritty performance, packing the defence and giving United's stars little room to manoeuvre.

American goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann made several important saves but Coppell praised the team display.

"I am not going to apologise for defending in such numbers. When you play a team of Manchester United's quality, with so many great players, you have to devise a plan to stop them playing the way they want to play.

"It will be the same with Chelsea. They have so many outstanding players, so many wonderful individual talents that if you try to play football their way you will be hammered."

James Harper, who lined up alongside Sidwell in Reading's midfield last season, is looking forward to clashing with his friend and ex-teammate.

"I expect he will kick me just to let me know he is there and no longer on my side, but I am not worried about that," said Harper.

"We showed at Manchester United, we can match the big clubs and we feel we can do the same to Chelsea."

Cassano loaned out to Sampdoria by Real

Real Madrid's troubled Italian international striker Antonio Cassano was sent on loan to Serie A outfit Sampdoria on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old has not enjoyed a successful time at Real and had several run-ins with the authorities at the club since moving from AS Roma in January 2006 for five million euros (6.9 million US dollars).

He was briefly suspended in October 2006 following a bust-up with then Real coach Fabio Capello and has had trouble keeping his weight down.

"Real Madrid can announce they have agreed that Antonio Cassano will play the coming season at Sampdoria on loan," read a statement from the Spanish champions.

"At the end of the season, the Italian club has the right to buy him if they should so wish."

Cassano was overlooked by Marcello Lippi for Italy's World Cup squad last year, but earned a recall under his successor Roberto Donadoni.

Cassano scored on his Italy debut against Poland in November 2003 and played for the Azzurri at the 2004 European championships in Portugal where they went out in the first round group stage.

Rosicky reveals emotion at Sparta Prague return

Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky said Wednesday's Champions League clash away to his formative club Sparta Prague will be an emotional homecoming.

The Czech Republic midfielder is set to play against what he still calls his club for the first time ever in the crucial third qualifying round first leg match in his home city.

The 26-year-old played for Sparta from a young age until he signed for Germany's Borussia Dortmund in 2001.

"It will be the first time I have played against them," he told Arsenal TV Online.

"I grew up there. This is my club. I was there from seven or eight until my 20s and Sparta Prague prepared me for all the steps throughout my career.

"My brother played for Sparta Prague and my father played for Sparta Prague so it is a bit emotional.

"It will be strange for me because I have feelings for the club."

Five Gunners players left behind for the Prague trip were those not fit enough to feature in Arsenal's opening English Premier League match, a 2-1 home win over Fulham.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is therefore expected to name an unchanged side.

Striker Eduardo da Silva has not recovered from an ankle injury, nor have midfielders Abou Diaby and Denilson.

Veteran midfielder Gilberto will not be included after being given an extended break following Brazil's Copa America triumph.

Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, still a few days short of match fitness, has also been left behind.

Benitez refuses to set Torres goal target

Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez tried to dampen down the expectation surrounding striker Fernando Torres on Tuesday by refusing to set his 26-million-pound Spanish international a goal target.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Champions League third qualifying round first leg clash at Toulouse, Benitez praised his star buy but also tried to ease the pressure on the former Atletico Madrid man.

"He did the talking for himself the other day (Saturday) on the pitch, playing well, working hard," said Benitez. "You could see the things we were looking for: pace, quality, work-rate and good team spirit.

"After the game he said he was happy, comfortable and expecting something more difficult but he was happy with his role.

"But it's not just about one game, we need to see him after two or three to see if he can manage properly with a lot of defenders, in games at home also, with our supporters, the other teams playing deep and compact. But we'll see, for now he's happy."

Pressed on what target he was setting the 23-year-old, Benitez would not be drawn on committing to a figure.

"I can't say I wish for a number of goals from him. I feel it's important for me and for him if the team can win and you can see goals from all around the pitch, not only wingers, strikers or midfielders.

"I was really pleased with (Dirk) Kuyt last season; he didn't score 20 goals but was a fantastic player for us and hopefully it will be the same with Torres."

Benitez is likely to field the pair together after they hit it off in the 2-1 Premiership victory at Aston Villa at the weekend, although given Benitez's penchant for tinkering, it would be no surprise to see either Peter Crouch or Andriy Voronin in the starting line-up.

England striker Crouch and Israel midfielder Yossi Benayoun are back in contention having been left out of the squad against Villa.

The club's website reported that changes were likely from the team that won at Villa Park, with Crouch and Benayoun likely to feature.

"We know it is going to be a difficult game because the French league is of a good standard," Benitez said.

"Toulouse are a good team with good players and we will need to be careful."

One player in particular that Benitez is wary of is Johan Elmander, who scored a last minute winner as Toulouse beat champions Lyon 1-0 on Saturday.

"We have a lot of respect because they have a lot of good players," said the Spaniard. "We were watching Elmander as one of the options for us in the past and I know we can talk about several players."

Man Utd's Rooney out for two months with broken foot

Wayne Rooney will be out for two months with a hairline fracture in his left foot, Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson said Monday.

The striker will therefore miss Sunday's derby against Manchester City at Eastlands, England's friendly with Germany on August 22 at Wembley, and the 2008 European Championships qualifiers there against Israel on September 8 and Russia on September 12.

He is also likely to miss the qualifiers away to Estonia on October 13 and Russia on October 17.

"It's a hairline fracture of the foot. Hopefully he will be back in two months," Ferguson said.

"It's a bad blow for him and it's a bad blow for Steve McClaren," the Scot said of the England boss, his former assistant at United.

"I'm disappointed for Steve but England should cope without him."

Rooney sustained the fracture during Sunday's 0-0 draw at home to Reading, the opening game of United's title defence. He left Old Trafford with his left foot in plaster.

Ferguson has ruled out bringing in a new forward to fill in while Rooney recovers.

Ferguson is expected to hand Argentina forward Carlos Tevez his debut for the English Premier League champions in United's match at Portsmouth on Wednesday.

But the veteran boss is short on fit strikers, with both France forward Louis Saha and Norway attacker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only just returned to training after long-term problems -- and Tevez lacking match fitness.

"Carlos Tevez is available now and Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are training," Ferguson said after the Reading game.

"I was considering using Carlos at Portsmouth anyway but, obviously, he will come into our thoughts even more now.

"With Wayne as well, we have four strikers so I am not looking at a situation where I have to add to that number."

The transfer window closes at the end of the month.

United sold strikers Alan Smith to Newcastle United and Giuseppe Rossi to Villarreal in the pre-season.

They even finished the Reading match with Portugal winger Ronaldo and Republic of Ireland defender-cum-midfielder John O'Shea up front.

Rooney, 21, is no stranger to foot injuries.

He almost missed last year's World Cup with a broken metatarsal in his right foot and his involvement in Euro 2004 was ended after a metatarsal injury to his left foot.

Van der Vaart pleads with Hamburg for Valencia move

Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart pleaded with his German club Hamburg on Monday to let him leave for a 'dream' move to Valencia.

Hamburg denied earlier in the day that they have received an offer for their captain but van der Vaart has now said that his mind is set on a move to the Spaniards.

"I am determined to leave and Valencia would be a dream for me," the 24-year-old said in an interview due to be published in the Tuesday edition of Hamburger Abendblatt.

"If I have to stay at Hamburg, that would be very painful for me," he added.

Hamburg later admitted to have received an offer for the former Ajax star but said they are determined to keep hold of the player they signed in 2005.

"In this particular case money is of no importance," said sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorfer.

Van der Vaart, who has a Spanish mother, had previously claimed that he could not refuse an offer from Real Madrid, also reportedly chasing him, but no firm bid has been forthcoming from them and the Spanish champions recently splashed out 27 million euros on another Dutch central midfielder, Ajax's Wesley Sneijder.

According to Hamburger Morgenpost on Monday, Valencia are prepared to pay 14 million euros for van der Vaart.

Van der Vaart is under contract with Hamburg until 2010, but has refused to start negotiations with club bosses about an extension.

He has scored six goals in 40 appearances for the Netherlands despite frequent injuries, has scored 17 goals in 46 Bundesliga appearances for Hamburg, who finished third in 2005-06 and were seventh last season.

Dutch duo set for Real Madrid unveiling

Dutch midfielders Royston Drenthe and Wesley Sneijder will be unveiled by Spanish champions Real Madrid later Monday.

Real said in a statement on their webiste that the pair will be presented before the Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium at 1630GMT.

Drenthe, 20, successfully passed his medical last week and 23-year-old Sneijder underwent his on Monday morning.

Sneijder's transfer from Ajax was concluded overnight Monday, after agreement was reached on a five-year deal worth 27 million euros (36.8 million dollars). Drenthe signed a five-year deal worth 14 million euros.

Sneijder's transfer is one of the Spanish league's biggest this season along with Brazilian defender Pepe, for whom Real Madrid paid 30 million euros.

"I'm very happy. It's a dream come true for me to play at Real Madrid," Sneijder told the daily As. "I know I still have a lot to learn and I hope to achieve that alongside Real's great players."

Both Drenthe and Sneijder are set to make their debut against Sevilla Sunday for the return leg of the Spanish SuperCup. Real lost the first leg 1-0.

Lyon's Cris ruled out for six months

Lyon captain Cris has been ruled out of action for six months after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, the French champions confirmed.

The Brazilian central defender had an MRI scan on Monday and is expected to undergo surgery in the comings days.

Cris, who was named team skipper this summer, picked up the injury on Saturday as the six-in-a-row champions fell to a shock 1-0 defeat at Toulouse.

His absence follows that of goalkeeper Gregory Coupet who has been ruled out for four months with a left knee injury.

"It's a terrible blow," Lyon sporting advisor Bernard Lacombe told AFP. "Now we have to see what we can do, noteably the possibilites we have to recruit."

Bolton hamstrung by Davies injury

Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies could be on the sidelines for up to six weeks after suffering a torn hamstring, boss Sammy Lee said Monday.

He sustained the injury during the 3-1 defeat at home to Newcastle United on Saturday's opening day of the English Premier League.

"Davo has suffered a slight tear in a hamstring and will be out for up to six weeks," Lee said according to the club's website.

"It's a massive blow as he's such an influential player in our team but it will give an opportunity for somebody else to stake their claim."

And the UEFA Cup side's forward Ricardo Vaz Te was to have a scan later Monday on the foot injury that forced Lee to replace him at half-time during the defeat to the Magpies.

Meanwhile Sweden winger Christian Wilhelmsson could make his Trotters debut in Wednesday's match at Fulham after receiving his international clearance.

He is on a season-long loan at the Reebok from French club Nantes.

Essien injury fears give Mourinho reasons to be fearful

Just when Jose Mourinho thought his injury worries were starting to fade, Michael Essien has joined the ranks of Chelsea's walking wounded.

Essien suffered a knee ligament injury in Sunday's record-breaking win over Birmingham and the Ghana midfielder is a doubt for Wednesday's trip to Reading.

After a pre-season scarred by injuries to a host of key players including captain John Terry, Mourinho must have thought things were looking up as Didier Drogba made a quicker than expected return to fitness against Steve Bruce's side.

Instead he could be facing a spell without his most versatile player.

Essien's value was underlined against Birmingham. He capped a dynamic display with the winner that ensured Chelsea extended their unbeaten run in league matches at Stamford Bridge to 64, beating Liverpool's previous top-flight record.

"It was something in the knee ligament," Mourinho said. "He (Essien) was limping and the doctor was saying he was in pain.

"I had two midfielders on the bench so I made the change immediately. If you ask me if he is ready for Wednesday I don't know.

"Claude Makelele will train with me on Monday, so will Paulo Ferreira. But Andriy Shevchenko, Terry, Wayne Bridge and Michael Ballack will be out."

Mourinho knows he cannot afford to take Reading lightly on Wednesday. Steve Coppell's side earned a gritty draw at Manchester United on Sunday and will fancy their chances of upsetting Chelsea.

As a result, Mourinho will resist the temptation to make significant changes to his team ahead of next Sunday's clash at Liverpool.

"These are different games, so maybe different choices but basically this is a moment when the players need to play," he said.

"I'm not going to make rotation like I would do if we were in February or March with Champions League matches around the corner.

"Reading played on Sunday like we did and it is the same for Liverpool next weekend. We play against Reading on Wednesday and they play Toulouse the same day."

Chelsea had to work hard for their record in a dramatic match. They fell behind to Mikael Forssell's early header, but Claudio Pizarro equalised two minutes later when goalkeeper Colin Doyle let his shot trickle in.

Florent Malouda finished a fine move to put Chelsea ahead before Olivier Kapo unleashed a stunning equaliser for the visitors.

Essien won it in the 50th minute when his curling drive was weakly palmed into the net by Doyle.

Mourinho is already setting his sights on reaching a personal milestone when Portsmouth visit on August 25.

If Chelsea avoid defeat in that match he will have got to a century of unbeaten home league matches during his time at the London club and Porto.

"I'm on 99 with my personal record and I hope my friend Harry Redknapp (the Portsmouth manager) does not kill my record of 100 in the next game at home because I would love to get there."

Birmingham boss Bruce took plenty of positives from the way his newly-promoted team went toe to toe with Chelsea.

"If we keep producing performances like that we will make a fist of it that's sure," Bruce said. "We know it will be difficult but if we keep showing that attitude we've got an outstanding chance."

One source of optimism for Bruce was the performance of France midfielder Kapo.

Bruce said: "I thought he was arguably the best player on the pitch. I saw him playing for Auxerre against Arsenal four years ago and he was fantastic.

"He got a big money move to Juventus but it didn't quite work for him.

"He is a natural footballer and put in a good shift for us. He will enhance the Premiership and we are delighted we've got him."

Pearson earns Scotland recall

Former Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson was rewarded Monday for helping Derby return to the English top flight with a call-up to the Scotland squad.

Pearson, who has six caps, was named by manager Alex McLeish in his 22-man squad for the friendly against visitors South Africa at Pittodrie in Aberdeen on August 22.

"It's a chance for us to look at another midfield while at the same time bearing in mind that victory is still very important for us," said McLeish.

"We want to win this game but I have rested some of the senior players and I have got them on a stand-by list should we have any problems."

The 24-year-old Pearson's former Motherwell team-mate James McFadden is also included despite missing Everton's first match of the season through injury.

But there is no place for Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam or Kilmarnock forward Steven Naismith following their Scotland debuts in June.

Naismith has been named in the Under-21 squad for their clash with the Czech Republic the night before the South Africa game.

However, McLeish urged the young pair to show patience.

"If they are disappointed to be left out, they shouldn't be. They just have to keep the form they have shown," he said.

"It's important we don't rush the young players."

Scotland squad

Goalkeepers: Neil Alexander (Ipswich/ENG), Craig Gordon (Sunderland/ENG), David Marshall (Norwich/ENG), Allan McGregor (Rangers)

Defenders: Graham Alexander (Preston/ENG), Russell Anderson (Sunderland/ENG), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Alan Hutton (Rangers), Jay McEveley (Derby/ENG), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Steven Pressley (Celtic)

Midfielders: Scott Brown (Celtic), Darren Fletcher (Manchester Utd/ENG), Stephen Pearson (Derby/ENG), Barry Robson (Dundee Utd), Gary Teale (Derby/ENG)

Forwards: Craig Beattie (West Bromwich/ENG), Kris Boyd (Rangers), James McFadden (Everton/ENG), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa/ENG), Kenny Miller (Celtic), Garry O'Connor (Birmingham/ENG)

Beckham says he likely won't play in Toronto

Former England captain David Beckham all but ruled himself out of making his Major League Soccer debut in Toronto on Sunday.

Beckham, who traveled with his Galaxy teammates to Toronto on Friday, spoke to the media on Saturday and indicated he did not expect to play.

"Unless there's a drastic change I won't be playing tomorrow," said the England midfielder, who is still recovering from a nagging ankle injury that his limited his playing time to a 78th minute substitute's appearance in a friendly against Chelsea two weeks ago.

"Today was the first time that I ran. Running straight forward is not a problem, but turning corners is still a problem, and I don't think I'll be involved in the game."

Beckham even threw into doubt his participation in the Galaxy's next game, on Thursday against DC United in Washington.

"It would be nice to play some part of the game in Washington but I'll just have to keep my fingers' crossed," he said. "A week to 10 days is what I'm looking at."

With only 12 minutes played at the end of the Chelsea friendly, Beckham has kept fans guessing as to what sort of impact he can have as he begins a five year contract with the Galax

Eriksson targets Aussie star Bresciano

Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson could make Australian midfielder Mark Bresciano his ninth signing of the summer on Sunday.

Former England manager Eriksson refused to state whether the Palermo player was the man he was after, but the Swede appeared to give the game away when he was asked whether he was trying to sign an Italian.

"Maybe not an Italian, but possibly someone who has played in the Italian league," he said.

Bresciano's arrival would certainly bring some bite to the City midfield, a commodity which appeared to be lacking in Saturday's 1-0 home friendly defeat to Valencia.

In a contest of few chances, David Silva's 10th-minute effort proved decisive, with both Michael Johnson and Ronaldo Bianchi hitting the bar as Eriksson's team strove for an equaliser.

Hammers fume as Dyer deal 'off'

West Ham were left fuming on Saturday after claiming Newcastle pulled the plug of on six-million-pound deal which would have taken England midfielder Kieron Dyer to Upton Park.

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley insisted the deal was now "definitely off".

"We made an offer, had it accepted, agreed personal terms and the player passed a medical but it was pulled at the 11th hour by Newcastle and there's not much we can do about that," said Curbishley.

"It has never happened to me before. We are disappointed and the player is very disappointed but it's definitely off."

It remains unclear whether Newcastle had asked West Ham for more money after the London club had been promised two million pounds in the settlement over Carlos Tevez or whether a higher offer had then come in for Dyer.

Curbishley, who saw his side come back from behind to defeat Roma 2-1 at Upton Park in the final pre-season friendly, also insisted the Hammers had made efforts to keep Tevez who has moved to champions Manchester United.

"I'm disappointed he didn't want to come back to us. We tried but he decided his future is elsewhere. So all I can say is thanks for what he did.

"I don't believe he was the only player here last year but obviously had a big say in things. He knew we were keen for him to stay, but once Manchester United came in he decided his future was elsewhere."

Substitute Dean Ashton netted a 68-minute winner against the Serie A side who fielded Francesco Totti among other well-known names, after George McCartney's header had cancelled out Ludovic Giuly's first-half opener.

Ashton had been sidelined for a year after suffering an injury during an England training session but looked fighting fit by brushing past defender Max Tonetto and beating the goalkeeper with ease.

Blades secure Beattie and Carney transfer double

English Championship side Sheffield United on Saturday secured the signing of Everton striker James Beattie in a four-million-pound (5.9 million euro) deal.

Beattie's move to the Blades also coincides with the transfer of Sydney FC's Australian international David Carney to Bryan Robson's side for 50,000 pounds (74,200 euros).

Blades' boss Robson was happy to capture the 29-year-old Beattie as they begin their campaign to reclaim their English Premiership place.

He said: "We've got a strike force now that ranks as the best in the Championship. It's a signal of our intention to return to the top flight."

Beattie told the BBC that he was hoping to only spend one season in the Championship.

"I've been very impressed with the manager and the chairman. It's an ambitious club and I'm confident I can help them make a swift return to the top flight.

"Twelve months ago I was starting a new season as Everton's leading goalscorer, but last season was a nightmare."

Beattie suffered a frustrating time at Goodison Park and was muscled out of the side by Andy Johnson last season.

After having scored just 13 goals in his 76 appearances for Everton, Beattie fell out of favour with boss David Moyes.

Carney, a 23-year-year-old midfielder, impressed Robson with his performances in the recent Asia Cup and is believed to have signed a three-year contract.

"This is a great move for me. I reckon I need a couple of weeks training before I'm fully fit but I can't wait to get going. Hopefully I can help the Blades bounce straight back to the Premiership.

"A lot of people wanted me to stay in Australia but if I want to better my career this is the place to be," he said.

Real offer 40 million euros for Ballack and Robben - reports

Real Madrid have offered Chelsea around 40 million euros for German midfielder Michael Ballack and Dutch winger Arjen Robben, Spanish media reported on Saturday.

The transfer could be settled in the "coming days," sporting dailies AS and Marca and Cadena Ser radio said.

Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has been on the record as saying that the Spanish giants needed the likes of Robben and Ballack.

Robben, 23, has two years left on his contract with Chelsea and has been in long drawn-out negotiations with the London club over a contract extension until 2012 but has not always been in favour with the club's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.

German captain Ballack has not played since he was injured playing for Chelsea in their Premiership match against Newcastle in April and had an operation to remove a loose bone from his ankle shortly after.

The 30-year-old missed his club's Champions League semi-final with Liverpool, the FA Cup final win over Manchester United and this month's Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Czech striker Koller unsettled at Monaco

Czech international striker Jan Koller is considering quitting French first division club AS Monaco after being sidelined from the first team, the Czech daily Sport reported on Saturday.

"I am very disappointed. I have thought about leaving," the giant striker told the paper.

"If the situation stays the same long term then I will have to look around for something different. But I will give it a try," he said of his substitute status.

Koller said Monaco apparently only want to play with one attacker up front with French striker Frederic Piquionne apparently preferred.

Czech coach Karel Bruckner has checked up on the situation of his first choice striker, the paper reported. The Czech team faces a key European Championship 2008 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in September.

Tevez eyes long stay at Man United, says agent

Carlos Tevez hopes he will be a Manchester United player for "a long time to come", according to his representative Kia Joorabchian.

Although the final paperwork on Tevez's United contract has yet to be completed, the Argentina star has already passed his medical and trained with his new team-mates after West Ham agreed a two-million-pound settlement for the 23-year-old to leave the club.

Joorabchian told Sky Sports News: "We tried in the last couple of months to do it very quietly and quickly and I'm very happy, we're all very delighted it has come out to be a victory for everybody in this case.

"He made it clear he was very happy last year but he knew the ambition had come now to progress and he's absolutely thrilled to move on. He's very happy that he left West Ham on a good note.

"And he's absolutely thrilled now to join Manchester United and hope that will be his club for a long time to come."

Tevez could play his first Manchester United match in the humble surroundings of either Dunfermline in Scotland or Glentoran in Northern Ireland for pre-arranged friendlies with a split squad.

Tevez's debut will mark the start of a two-year loan period, which gives United the option to complete a permanent transfer at the end.