Today's other stories in brief
Sevilla on double quest
Holders Sevilla must get the better of their domestic squabble with Osasuna to remain on course to emulate Real Madrid and successfully defend their Uefa Cup trophy.
Juande Ramos's side visit Pamplona for the first leg of their semi-final tonight (live on Setanta Sports 7.45) and start as favourites to reach successive finals. Only Real, in 1985 and 1986, have won back-to-back Uefa Cup crowns.
Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop is back in the squad after missing the second leg of the quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur with a calf injury.
Meanwhile, Espanyol coach Ernesto Valverde faces a selection dilemma ahead of tonight's second semi-final first leg clash against Werder Bremen at Montjuic.
Uruguayan centre-forward Walter Pandiani has been in prolific form in the Uefa Cup, scoring 10 goals so far, but talismanic striker Raul Tamudo is back fit after injury and it will be hard to leave out the talented Luis Garcia.
Biancheri eyes Arsenal job
Former Monaco sports director Henri Biancheri, a close friend of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, told L'Equipe he would be interested in becoming a sports director at the London club. "I would like that," said Biancheri. "I have a friend at Arsenal whom I regard as one of the best coaches in Europe, if not the world, and we often talk."
Biancheri worked with Wenger at Monaco for seven years.
Ranson plans takeover bid
Former Manchester City defender Ray Ranson has broken his silence over his intention to mount a formal £90million takeover bid for the Premiership club.
Ranson said: "City is now an established Premiership side but has to be seen to be going forward. It is our ambition to be in Europe on a regular basis - a club the size of City should be in Europe."
The 46-year-old businessman insists he is interested in the club from a long-term perspective but would make a sum reportedly in the region of £20 million available for immediate team-strengthening.
But City officials have expressed their concern over the viability of Ranson's projected bid. City insist that since issuing a "prompt response" on March 12th to Ranson's initial offer, there has been no further contact between the two parties.
Portsmouth look to move
Portsmouth are set to end their 108-year stay at Fratton Park after unveiling plans for a new 36,000-seater stadium. If given planning permission, work could get under way by summer 2008.
TODAY'S SOCCER FIXTURES (7.45 unless stated)
FA Youth Cup Final (second leg): Man Utd v Liverpool. UEFA Cup Semi-finals (first leg): Espanyol v Werder Bremen, Osasuna v Sevilla. National League First Division: Dundalk v Wexford
