Stan Collymore is being targeted by Spanish strugglers Oviedo as he bids to end his Bradford nightmare. The troubled striker has been in Spain discussing a possible move with Oviedo boss Raddy Antic.

Details of Collymore's existing contract at Valley Parade still need to be ironed out and are slowing the projected deal. But the Spanish club remain confident and spokesman Miguel Solis said Collymore was keen and money would not be a problem to make the move happen.

Celtic striker Henrik Larsson yesterday revealed he once rejected overtures from Manchester United. The Swede claimed he snubbed United in 1998 because he felt he could not be guaranteed a game every week at Old Trafford.

Rumours of an imminent £15 million sterling move by United remain the talk of Glasgow. Celtic boss Martin O'Neill and his Old Trafford counterpart Alex Ferguson have strongly denied any contact, as has the player's agent.

Aston Villa striker Luc Nilis has announced his retirement from football. The Belgian international has been forced to admit defeat in his fight to regain full fitness after suffering a double fracture to his right leg in September's Premiership clash with Ipswich.

Nilis, who has been recuperating in Belgium, received medical opinions which stated that he would never retain the level of fitness required for him to return to the premier league.

Moroccan midfielder Hassan Kachloul has turned down a move to Ipswich from Southampton after failing to agree personal terms.

Ipswich Town manager George Burley told his club's official website: "We agreed a fee with Southampton, but the player has decided to stay at The Dell until his contract runs out with them in the summer."

Patrik Berger is on course for an earlier-than-expected Premiership return after his knee operation in Colorado was deemed a success.

Liverpool's Czech international midfielder has started jogging again following the surgery and expects to begin ball-work within the next fortnight. Berger suffered the injury on the first day of the season.