Today's other stories in brief

Liverpool plan 'long-term'

Dubai International Capital (DIC), the investment company behind the proposed takeover of Liverpool, insist they have a long-term strategy in place for the club, including significant funds for new players.

The company have responded to reports in yesterday's Daily Telegraph that they plan to sell the club in 2014 having first made a huge profit from what the newspaper described as "purely a business deal".

A DIC source last night sought to assure Liverpool fans that were the takeover to be concluded there would be "the best possible" financial support for boss Rafael Benitez. The spokesperson said: "What DIC is doing is planning to make sure that, if a deal is done, Liverpool has the best possible funding in place going forward under DIC stewardship.

"This is particularly important as we would need to get on with the stadium early in 2007 and it takes time to sort out the necessary financing. This is also important in terms of making sure cash is available for the ongoing strengthening of the playing squad.

"Should DIC acquire the club, Liverpool will be well run, both on and off the pitch, and we are currently laying the groundwork to ensure that will be the case."

But DIC officials have pointed out they are yet to conclude their takeover of the club and that, as a result, talk of plans to sell it off for profit are premature.

The source added: "DIC has not yet formally made an offer, never mind completed a deal. Certainly there are no plans to exit an acquisition we have not even bought yet."

Scolari eyes Brazil job

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed he would relish managing Brazil at the 2014 World Cup, should his native country win the right to host the event.

Brazil are firm favourites to be awarded football's showpiece event in eight years, with Colombia the only other country to have submitted a bid.

On Tuesday, Scolari announced his intention to quit as Portugal manager after Euro 2008, and he said: "I lived that (coaching a home nation) in the Euro 2004 tournament played in Portugal.

"All coaches in this situation would like to coach his national team in that moment. I don't know if it would be me, as I don't have any long-term projects as yet, but we will see."

Scolari (58), who turned down the chance to become England manager during the summer, also claimed he had been offered the Brazil job by Brazilian Football Confederation president Ricardo Teixeira before Dunga was appointed earlier this year.

"(After the 2006 World Cup), the president (Teixeira) called me to see if there was a possibility to return to the national team," said Scolari, who led Brazil to glory at the 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan.

Balde ruled out for months

Celtic have confirmed defender Bobo Balde suffered a broken leg during the Scottish Premier League draw with Dundee United on St Stephen's Day.

Balde will be out of action for several months as a result. A Celtic statement said: "Celtic can confirm that Bobo Balde suffered a leg break during the 2-2 draw with Dundee United.

"The Guinean defender, who has been an integral part of the Hoops squad since joining the club from Toulouse in 2001, will be out for a number of months."

Leeds sell Elland Road

Leeds United have confirmed Elland Road has been sold, but have assured fans the ground's future is in safe hands. A weekend newspaper reported Elland Road, sold by the financially stricken club's previous board in November 2004 to Manchester businessman Jacob Adler, had been sold for a second time in as many years to latest owners Teak Trading Corporation, based in the British Virgin Islands.

Leeds United chief executive Shaun Harvey said: "We can confirm that the change in ownership in relation to Elland Road actually took place in excess of 15 months ago. The change of ownership has no material effect on Leeds United as we still have the same lease as originally entered into, albeit with a different company.

"More importantly, the buy-back provision has also been transferred."

In brief . ..

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has criticised the half-time intervention of the television media that he believes added to the pressure on referee Mark Clattenburg during the game against Manchester City . . . Everton manager David Moyes has denied any intention to sell striker James Beattie when the transfer window opens on January 1st . . . Bury boss Chris Casper is hopeful that his side's expulsion from the FA Cup will be reversed at today's appeal to the FA.