NEWS: Claims that Lazio had reached an agreement with Leeds United to sign French midfielder Olivier Dacourt were denied yesterday by both the English Premiership side and the player's agent.

Leeds said nothing had been agreed and added that the club were "reluctant to decide their close-season restructure" until the end of the season.

However, a Lazio spokesperson earlier claimed, "Lazio have reached an agreement with Leeds on the purchase of Dacourt".

West Brom chairman and Football League board member Paul Thompson will not take part in today's league investigation into the "Battle of Bramall Lane".

The league are likely to confirm that the result - the match was abandoned with WBA leading Sheffield United 3-0 - stands.

Referee Eddie Wolstenholme was forced to abandon the game as United had just six players left on the field, after three red cards and two injuries.

Roma striker Vincenzo Montella has revealed he is keen on a move to the Premiership. "I have always been fascinated with English football, I would like to play one day there, maybe in a Manchester United shirt."

Bradford have signed Everton midfielder Tom Kearney on a free transfer. Oldham have completed the loan signing of Birmingham City striker Dele Adebola and Notts County have signed Manchester City and Northern Ireland midfielder Jeff Whitley, also on loan.

Republic of Ireland winger Mark Kennedy has emerged as an early doubt for next week's friendly against Denmark.

Kennedy picked up a groin injury in Saturday's Wolves versus Grimsby game and is not yet sure whether he will be allowed to travel for the match.

The Republic, meanwhile, have risen one place to 18 on the FIFA international ranking list.

Ireland switch places with World Cup rivals Cameroon while Germany have recovered the two places they dropped last month and are back at 10, while Saudi Arabia drop one place to 35.

France, Argentina and Brazil are still occupying the leading three places respectively.