Huth urged to stay: German coach Jurgen Klinsmann has urged Robert Huth to stay at Stamford Bridge and fight for a place in Jose Mourinho's side rather than go out on loan in a bid to secure his World Cup place. Huth has failed to figure in Mourinho's plans this season and there is growing speculation that the giant defender will be allowed to go out on loan until the end of the season when the January transfer window opens.
Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach are just two of the clubs linked with a move for Huth, who is desperate to earn a place in Klinsmann's squad for the finals in Germany next summer. But the German coach does not believe a loan move would be a good idea for Huth and insists he will learn more from the host of world class defenders at Chelsea. "We believe he can learn a lot from John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and William Gallas because they are all experienced defenders," said Klinsmann.
Essien faces ban
Uefa disciplinary chiefs are expected to impose a one-match or two-match ban on Michael Essien today for his dangerous lunge at Liverpool's Dietmar Hamann. The Chelsea midfielder has been charged with gross unsporting conduct and his case is being heard by Uefa's control and disciplinary panel in Nyon today.
Essien (23) has since apologised to Hamann for the tackle, which caught the German midfielder just below the knee during the Champions League game last week, but was missed by the referee Herbert Fandel. In their written submission to Uefa, Chelsea are expected to say the challenge was accidental and that there was no malicious intent.
Such was the nature of the tackle though, that the Ghana midfielder can expect a short suspension that will rule him out of at least one of the Chelsea's games in the first knockout phase of the Champions League.
Rangers deny Miller bid
Rangers chairman David Murray insists they have not sounded out Wolves about making a move for Kenny Miller. Murray says no discussions have taken place with the English Championship side, despite recent speculation that the striker is set for a return to Ibrox.
Miller has rejected a new deal at the Molineux club, meaning he will become a free agent in the summer - and both Rangers and Hearts have been linked with a move.
His future was top of the agenda last night at a Wolves fans' forum attended by chairman Jez Moxey. And, according to the club's official website, Moxey has told supporters he expects the player to return to Glasgow. But Murray denied any talks have taken place.
Campbell eyes new role
Veteran striker Kevin Campbell has admitted he "would jump at the chance" to take on a coaching role with West Brom next season. Manager Bryan Robson has already spoken to 35-year-old Campbell, whose current playing contract ends in the summer, about being part of his backroom team in the future. And it is a challenge which appeals to Campbell, who is now taking the necessary coaching badges and has desires to eventually move into management. Campbell said: "I want to manage and if I got the opportunity to coach, at West Brom or elsewhere, I would take it.
Portsmouth seek Faye
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has told Portsmouth counterpart Milan Mandaric to put up the money if he wants to re-sign Senegal international midfielder Amady Faye. The talk on the English south coast is that new Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has put the African close to the top of his shopping list as he attempts to rebuild for a Premiership survival campaign.
However, talk of a loan deal has been scotched by Shepherd, who insisted he would only consider a cash offer for a player who arrived on Tyneside from Fratton Park in January this year. "If Portsmouth - or anyone else for that matter - want any of our players in January, then they will have to put their money on the table," he said.
In brief . . .
Aston Villa and Northern Ireland midfielder Steven Davis has been offered a double-your-money new contract even though he still has three and a half years to run on his current deal . . . Luton winger Carlos Edwards is linked with a move to Premiership club West Brom . . . Blackburn defender Ryan Nelsen will be on the sidelines for a fortnight with a hamstring injury . . . Norway international Thomas Myhre has signed a new deal with Charlton until June 2007.
