Roy Keane has dropped a hint that he may stay on at Manchester United after his contract ends next summer. The Republic of Ireland international and United captain has been linked with a move to Italy, but Keane said he hopes to have some "positive news" for United fans next week.

Keane, who is free to talk to other clubs from January 1st, said: "There's a meeting scheduled next week between the club's lawyers and my solicitor so hopefully I'll have some positive news next week when I get back from Tokyo."

Asked if it would be the news United fans are hoping to hear, Keane, who is flying to Japan for United's Inter-Continental Cup final against Palmeiras, told London's Century Radio: "Talks are probably at a delicate stage now, but as I say, fingers crossed, I'll have some positive news next week."

Marseille coach Rolland Courbis has resigned following his side's 2-0 defeat against Lazio in the Champions League. Reserve team coach Bernard Casoni has stepped up to succeed Courbis. Marseille have struggled in the French league this season and were beaten by goals from Dejan Stankovic and Sergio Conceicao against Lazio on Wednesday.

The Israeli Football Federation has cleared its national team players of allegations they spent the eve of their Euro 2000 playoff first leg against Denmark in the company of call girls.