Today's other soccer stories in brief

Arsenal reject Toure request

ARSENAL chairman Peter Hill-Wood says the club won't grant a transfer request from defender Kolo Toure.

The centre-back has failed to secure a regular first-team spot this season and Manchester City are thought to be considering a bid for his services.

Hill-Wood is aware the €10.4 million-rated Ivory Coast international has indicated he is keen to leave, but insists the Gunners are not looking to sell.

"I know about it (the transfer request)," Hill-Wood said, "but we are not going to accept it."

Meanwhile, Marcos Senna, one of Manchester City's leading targets, yesterday said he had no intention of leaving Villarreal.

All offers considered at West Ham

WEST HAM chief executive Scott Duxbury has admitted no player is off-limits as they brace themselves for several bids on their stars during the January transfer window. With West Ham feeling the pinch all offers would be considered.

Nottingham Forest have appointed Billy Davies (44) as their new manager. Former Republic of Ireland striker David Kelly joins Davies as assistant manager and the pair will take over on Monday after the FA Cup third round clash with Manchester City tomorrow.

Hull have joined the chase for Liverpool's out-of-favour winger Jermaine Pennant who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. But with that transfer seeming unlikely, other clubs have been alerted.

Norway and Aston Villa striker John Carews back injury will take longer to heal than previously thought and could be mising until February.

Non-league Droylsden have lost an appeal against their expulsion from the English FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player, defender Sean Newton, who scored both goals for the Manchester side in their 2-1 victory over Chesterfield, should have been serving a suspension for picking up five bookings.

League defend referee's decision

THE English Premier League have dismissed any suggestion TV replays could have influenced referee Steve Bennett's decision to overturn a penalty he awarded at Hull this week.

Hull thought they had earned a late lifeline in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa at the KC Stadium when Bennett pointed to the spot in stoppage time for an apparent handball by Ashley Young.

Bennett, however, changed his mind following protests by Villa and consultation with his assistant, Andy Halliday.

The pair correctly ruled the ball had struck the crossbar and not Young's raised arm but there have since been claims a third party, having seen a replay, could have influenced the decision via their earpieces.

This would contravene Premier League rules forbidding both third-party influence and the use of replays and Hull have called for an investigation.

The Premier League are adamant nothing untoward occurred.

Ronaldo insists he is happy at Manchester United

CRISTIANO RONALDO has dismissed fresh speculation linking him with Real Madrid and insisted he is happy at Manchester United.

Ronaldo was linked with a switch to the Bernabeu throughout the summer and the story was revived recently following claims the Spanish club had reached an agreement with United over the sale of the Portugal international.

But in an interview with MUTV, Ronaldo said he was happy and settled in Manchester and not interested in a move.

"There's always speculation, not just about me, but about the future of players all around the world," the 23-year-old said.

"People were speaking about me this summer but that was normal because of what I did during the season. What people are saying now is not true.

"Who says that is a liar because I am happy at the club, I want to stay here. I feel at home here. I feel very happy here."

Ronaldo did little to discourage the speculation in the summer, and openly said he was keen to play for Madrid.

However, after scoring 42 goals in all competitions last year, he was welcomed back to Old Trafford by the United faithful at the start of the new season.

"I love the fans because they have been brilliant with me, not just this season but every season. Like I said before, I feel at home in Manchester."