Manchester United's renewed interest in Patrick Vieira prompted a
typically hostile response from Arsenal yesterday, with the club's
vice-chairman David Dein insisting their most influential player was "not
for sale".

But there is growing concern within Highbury about the potential
ramifications if the captain, whose current deal expires next summer,
continues to stall over signing a new contract.

Although Arsenal remain cautiously optimistic that Vieira will recommit
himself, the fact they could lose a multi-million-pound asset on a free
transfer next summer means they must seriously consider selling unless his
future is decided in the next few weeks.

United are surprised that Arsenal have allowed a player of Vieira's
stature to come within a year of leaving for nothing and, having been so
close to signing the Frenchman two summers ago, Alex Ferguson will be
encouraged by the disclosure yesterday that Vieira's contract talks are
not as advanced as had been thought.

Vieira has given Arsenal few clues of his intentions and United will not
be too perturbed by the message from Dein, who said: "Patrick Vieira is
not for sale. We have not had any inquiry from United for Patrick, and
even in the event of one he is not for sale."

If Vieira reports for the new season with his future still undecided, he
would be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with potential foreign
buyers in January over a free transfer next summer.

Hence United are exploring the possibilities before the August 31st
transfer deadline.

United value Vieira at around €31 million but that will decrease
sharply as he moves closer to a free transfer.

Aston Villa will accept a substantial loss on their record €13.8
million signing Juan Pablo Angel. But they warned his intended club, Real
Betis, that they still want a realistic price for the Colombian striker.

Tottenham have sealed the transfer of the Portugal striker Helder Postiga
from Porto for €9 million, rising to €12 million depending on
appearances and team performance. Postiga (20), has agreed a five-year
contract.

Portsmouth are considering taking legal action against cash-strapped
Wimbledon.

The Premiership new boys are frustrated over the Dons' apparent reluctance
to tie up the loose ends of Harry Redknapp's moves for Nigel Reo-Coker and
Joel McAnuff. Portsmouth claim they have made progress in talks over
personal terms with the pair but are being delayed by Wimbledon's
administrators.

Chief executive Peter Storrie told the club's official website,
www.pompeyfc.co.uk: "Both players want to come here and we had been making
excellent progress then this. To say it's frustrating is an understatement
and I have never come across such a situation in all my years being
involved in football at the highest level.

"We will be looking at legal action."

Rangers have confirmed they expect to complete the signing of defender
Zura Khizanishvili today.

The Georgian international will arrive at Ibrox for further negotiations
and a medical.