A round-up of today's other news in brief
Moyes move discounted
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd and his Everton counterpart, Bill Kenwright, have moved to end speculation linking David Moyes with the managerless north-east club.
Moyes, who signed a new Everton contract last year that will keep him on Merseyside until 2010, was the latest big name to be touted as Graeme Souness's replacement.
The Scot refused to comment on the speculation but Newcastle and Everton went to the lengths of issuing a joint statement.
"Both football clubs were amazed to see huge speculation this morning regarding the possibility of David Moyes leaving Everton and joining Newcastle United," said the statement.
Shepherd, who is reported to have courted Martin O'Neill and Sam Allardyce, said: "Bill Kenwright is one of my closest friends in football and I have phoned him this morning to say Newcastle have not approached David Moyes, will not approach David Moyes, and wish him and Everton only the best of success."
Kenwright added: "I know David Moyes. I know Freddy Shepherd. The story is fabrication and total nonsense - it should be discounted immediately."
O'Shea courts dislike
John O'Shea wants Manchester United to reclaim from Chelsea the unofficial title of "the most hated team in England".
The Irish international believes the tag is a reflection of success - which is why he wants United to be loathed by opposition fans.
O'Shea also claims United have shown Chelsea are beatable and insists he can see why people have criticised Jose Mourinho's style of play for being too defensive.
He said: "It's fair to say that Chelsea have taken our place as the most hated team in England. When they had their little blip a few weeks back, people were jumping on it and seemed pleased that they were having a few problems. That's the way it was with us for a long time and we want to get back to that as quickly as possible."
O'Shea believes Chelsea's style of play would not go down well if tried at United.
"People have criticised their style of play and I can see why they would do that. This is an entertainment business and possibly the fans would prefer to watch a side like Arsenal or United.
"I know some supporters just want success in whatever way they can get it, but if a new manager came into United and played in the Chelsea style, there would be grumblings from some sections of the Old Trafford crowd.
"They would be asking what has happened to the attacking United style."
Phillips backs O'Leary
Aston Villa striker Kevin Phillips has insisted under-fire manager David O'Leary has the full backing of the players.
Villa fans called for the sacking of O'Leary after Saturday's 4-1 defeat by Everton at Goodison Park - their third in eight days.
But O'Leary is under no imminent threat of chairman Doug Ellis wielding the axe even though the club are in the bottom six of the Premiership.
Phillips said: "I'm 100 per cent clear in my mind that all the players are fully behind the manager. If anyone says any different, they would be wrong because that's definitely not what I'm saying.
"In the supporters' eyes, it's the manager's fault but that's not right. We as players have got the manager into this situation. We are all to blame including the manager and the coaching staff. But I feel it should be on the players' heads because we're the ones not producing."
Eriksson targeted
Sven-Goran Eriksson is being targeted by South Africa to coach the side when they host the 2010 World Cup.
Eriksson is stepping down as England head coach after this summer's World Cup finals, and Danny Jordaan, 2010's chief executive, believes he would ideal for South Africa.
Jordaan told BBC Sport: "Sven has overseen the emergence of young players and that sort of attitude would be important when building a new team for South Africa.
"England have moved away from the idea that if David Beckham isn't available or Paul Scholes retires then the team is in trouble.
"There's more depth and balance to the England team - whatever's said about Eriksson, young players now have a permanent place in the squad and that sort of attitude would be important when building a new team."
South Africa had a disastrous African Nations Cup in January, failing to win a single point, and have parted company with interim coach Ted Dumitru.
Jordaan insists 58-year-old Eriksson's salary should not be a deterrent.
"The question is can we afford not to afford the best possible coach? It would be a footballing disaster if South Africa fail in 2010."
Portugal's Brazilian coach Luis Felipe Scolari has denied he held talks with the English FA at the weekend about taking over from Eriksson to become England coach.
Henry on Inter wish list
Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti says his club would be ready to make a bid for Arsenal's French international Thierry Henry - if the striker opts against staying with the London club.
"Which team with the potential to make a signing of that kind wouldn't do so?" Moratti asked on Inter's official website.
"For anyone who loves football it is a delight to watch him play and it is nice to think, as a fan, that he could play for your team.
"At this moment it seems difficult because he is tied by his contract to Arsenal and because I have the impression he would like to stay in London," added Moratti.
The Inter owner said that if Henry opted for a switch, the Serie A club would be ready.
Italian media have reported that Inter are in the market for a big-name striker to partner their Brazilian forward Adriano next season as they bid to end a 17-year wait for a Serie A title.
In Brief
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o last night scored twice to help his side come from a goal down to claim a 3-1 win against Getafe that stretched their lead in the Primera Liga to 14 points . . . Manchester City have confirmed striker Georgios Samaras is "likely to be out for a number of weeks" after damaging ankle ligaments against Wigan on Saturday. It had been feared the 21-year-old Greek would miss the rest of the season but he has started rehabilitation work and could return before May.
