Alex Ferguson would like to add the combative skills of Italy's Luigi Di Biagio to the Manchester United midfield next season. Ferguson has officially registered his interest and it is believed a bid over 7.5 million would pave the way for the 28-year-old's departure from Roma.
Ferguson's interest in Di Biagio suggests he might sanction the sale of at least one member of his European Cup winning squad, possibly Nicky Butt. Though Ferguson admires Butt's skill and patience he was unable to guarantee him regular first-team football last season and is aware that Sunderland would not hesitate to meet an asking price of around £6 million if encouraged to make a bid.
The Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier will seek urgent talks with Robbie Fowler when the troublesome forward returns from England duty this week. Houllier will insist that Fowler confirms either his willingness to stay or his desire to leave.
It is widely anticipated that Arsenal will seek to lure Fowler to Highbury if, as expected, their French international Nicolas Anelka leaves for Real Madrid before the start of next season. If Fowler were to join Arsenal in a deal which would be worth at least £13 million, Houllier would consider making a £7 million bid for Leicester's Emile Heskey.
Meanwhile, Joe Kinnear has been installed as the bookies' favourite to become the new Wales manager. The former Wimbledon boss, who left his post last week, is the 2 to 1 favourite to succeed Bobby Gould, who resigned after Saturday's 4-0 defeat in Italy.
Former Blackburn manager Roy Hodgson is second favourite at 7 to 2 followed by former Wales and Everton captain Kevin Ratcliffe at 4 to 1.
Mark Viduka's troubled Celtic career could be over after barely half a season following his revelation that Tottenham are poised with a £5 million offer for his services.
Celtic have stressed no formal approach has been received from White Hart Lane, but Viduka himself revealed he has been told a projected move is a realistic prospect.
Asked about Tottenham, Viduka said: "It's a good club and I'm flattered they've offered that sort of money for me."
A Celtic spokesman responded, however, by insisting: "The club has received no approach from any football club regarding an offer for Mark Viduka."
