Leicester captain Matt Elliott is pessimistic about his club's chances of holding onto manager Martin O'Neill, who looks set to become the new boss of Celtic.

And the Scotland defender, speaking before flying out to prepare for today's international with the Republic of Ireland, admitted it would be a "massive blow" and a "major disruption" if O'Neill quits Filbert Street.

O'Neill is set to formally announce his decision today - and the indications are that he will end his four-and-a-half year reign with Leicester to tackle one of football's most demanding and pressurised jobs.

He has delayed his decision by 24 hours after holding talks on Sunday evening with Leicester chairman John Elsom, but the lure of managing the Scottish giants - and the knowledge that if he turns down such a move will leave people questioning his ambition - looks as if it will be too great for him to ignore.

Manchester United are poised to sign World Cup-winning goalkeeper Fabien Barthez from French champions Monaco.

Barthez was given leave from France's training camp for Euro 2000 yesterday as he bids to sort out his club future.

United assistant secretary Ken Ramsden confirmed yesterday: "It's true to say that discussions are ongoing with the player. But nothing has been concluded yet and he certainly hasn't had a medical. We hope to progress tomorrow."

Joe Kinnear is not about to be lured away from Sheffield Wednesday by the advances of Atletico Madrid. The Spanish giants were linked with the former Wimbledon boss at the weekend, but Kinnear's agent yesterday dismissed the suggestion as "absolute rubbish".

Manchester United are poised to sign World Cup-winning goalkeeper Fabien Barthez from French champions Monaco.

Barthez was given leave from France's training camp for Euro 2000 yesterday as he beds to sort out his club future.