SOCCER:A round-up of more soccer news.

Materazzi accepts apology

ITALY DEFENDER Marco Materazzi yesterday accepted a public apology over a claim that he had used vile racist abuse to goad former France captain Zinedine Zidane into headbutting him during the 2006 World Cup final.

The Inter Milan centre-back was at London's High Court for the settlement of his libel action against Express Newspapers, over articles in the Daily Star.

His counsel, Jane Phillips, said the newspaper accepted that the allegations were "wholly untrue" and apologised for the distress and embarrassment caused.

Materazzi said: "The truth is now coming out - finally. I am looking forward to a quick and positive conclusion to my claims against the other newspapers who published lies about me. Only then will I be truly satisfied."

His solicitor, Steven Heffer, said the newspaper would also be paying Materazzi substantial damages and his legal costs.

Scan shows no break for Ferdinand

SCANS HAVE revealed Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has not suffered a broken bone in his left foot.

The England international limped off in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough and left the Riverside with his foot in protective plastic casing.

Medical assessments yesterday have revealed there is no fracture in the foot but United have not been able to put a timescale on the 29-year-old's return.

"Rio went for a scan on Monday and we can confirm that he has not suffered any break," said a statement on manutd.com.

With Roma due at Old Trafford tomorrow United manager Alex Ferguson is set to look to Gerard Pique to solve the defensive crisis caused by Ferdinand's injury and by fellow central defender Nemanja Vidic, who is already out for two to three weeks.

Ferguson has used Pique sparingly this season but has been hugely impressed by the 21-year-old Catalan in two recent appearances.

Ferguson said: "Pique came on and did brilliantly (against Middlesbrough). He was marvellous. The lad's a terrific player and I think that actually helped us.

"We've got great confidence in the lad and he's come through very well."

Living in hope

MANAGER SVEN-Goran Eriksson admits he would love Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra to buy Ronaldinho this summer.

The Brazil forward, currently out injured, could leave Barcelona in the summer and his brother and representative Roberto De Assis was entertained at the City of Manchester stadium on Saturday.

"It was the first time I had heard such a thing, so I really hope it is true," said Eriksson.