Today's other stories in brief

O'Leary back in Leeds frame

Leeds United travel to Coventry City tomorrow with their manager Kevin Blackwell's position in jeopardy should Leeds lose a third match in seven days.

Defeats at home to Wolves and Sunderland have left Leeds third-bottom and the names of Dennis Wise, Glenn Hoddle, Alan Curbishley and, intriguingly, their former manager David O'Leary circulating in west Yorkshire.

Riquelme quits Argentina

Argentina playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme announced his international retirement yesterday at the age of 28, citing family reasons. The Villarreal midfielder said he had taken the decision because of his mother, who has been suffering from ill health.

"Since the World Cup, my mother has been taken to hospital twice and my responsibility is to take care of her," said Riquelme, who won 37 caps. "It was an easy decision to make. My family comes before the football."

Puskas makes improvement

Hungary and Real Madrid legend Ferenc Puskas's health is improving after being taken into intensive care this week, fellow member of Hungary's "Golden Team" Jeno Buzanszky was quoted as saying yesterday. Puskas (79) has been in hospital with an Alzheimer-like disease for six years, and went into intensive care earlier this week, according to state news agency MTI on Wednesday.

"Based on my personal experience and information from the hospital, I think that although Ocsi's (Puskas) condition is serious, there is no reason to worry," Buzanszky told MTI.

In brief . . .

Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has rejected the idea of a return to the national team in a supervisor capacity . . . Tottenham coach Martin Jol has confirmed Aaron Lennon is to have a knee operation that will sideline him for six weeks . . . Championship side Hull City have completed the signing of Manchester City's former England international defender Danny Mills (29) on a two-month loan deal . . . Manchester City midfielder Ousmane Dabo is to serve a three-match ban after an appeal over his sending-off against Reading was rejected by the English FA . . . Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie (29) has said he will consider leaving the club on loan after admitting his first-team opportunities are becoming increasingly limited.