Harte may say adiosThere has been renewed speculation in the Spanish media that Irish left back Ian Harte will leave Levante during the January transfer window in order to return to English football, writes Emmet Malone.
The former Leeds United defender expressed a desire to get away from the club in the wake of the team's relegation from the league's top flight at the end of last season, but despite expressions of interest from a number of British clubs none was prepared to make the kind of offer required and so he was obliged to stay on.
Harte, however, has reportedly been the subject of inquiries from Derby County and Birmingham City, and if Levante's previously stated determination to secure a substantial fee for the Republic of Ireland international has eased then he could return to England early in the new year.
Burley for Southampton
Southampton have revealed that George Burley is their new head coach, with Clive Woodward taking over as the Championship club's director of football.
Saints chairman Rupert Lowe said last night: "I am delighted with the new arrangements that were approved unanimously at today's board meeting, in line with my recommendation.
"I believe we now have a management team that will deliver stability, results and exciting football."
Fifa inquiry on Di Canio
Fifa are to investigate Paolo Di Canio's extremist right-wing gestures during Lazio's match with Livorno. The former Celtic and West Ham striker was subsequently banned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and fined after the controversial salute in the game on December 11th.
But Fifa may now take the case further after asking the FIGC to submit a file on the issue. The world game's governing body will determine the extent to which Di Canio's gestures may have violated the Fifa code of ethics, which came into force in 2004, and will also examine the relevant disciplinary provisions.
Sacchi denies sacking
Real Madrid's departing director of football Arrigo Sacchi said he was leaving the club because his role did not have the freedom he envisaged.
"The work wasn't really to my liking. I don't like to earn money for work I could only do in part," Sacchi told a news conference.
The 59-year-old former Italy coach joined Real just over 11 months ago and was involved in bringing Brazilian coach Wanderley Luxemburgo to the club soon afterwards. Real finished second last season behind Barcelona but Luxemburgo was sacked this month after a run of poor performances and has been replaced by reserve team coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro.
Sacchi was quick to deny any link between his decision to leave and Luxemburgo's dismissal.
"The press have said I've been sacked, I am going because Luxemburgo went, because things weren't going well, and that they wanted me to be coach," he said.
Dowie relieved
Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie has welcomed the club's decision to reject West Ham's bid for striker Andrew Johnson.
Chairman Simon Jordan turned down a £5.5 million offer this week for the 24-year-old England international, who signed a new five-year deal with Palace in the summer.
"It's reassuring to hear the chairman say again that AJ is not for sale, but we've got to make sure we put some results together now," said Dowie.
Feeling Harry's pain
West Ham manager Alan Pardew has expressed his sympathy for Harry Redknapp after his acrimonious defection back to Portsmouth and admitted he would never want to go through such a "horrible thing" again.
Pardew's move from Reading to West Ham last year ended up in the high court and the bitter experience put his family under huge strain.
"I can understand what he is going through. I have had that side of it and I would never want it again, it is a horrible thing," said Pardew. "I am sure privately Harry has regrets about it because it is a horrible thing to put the family through."
Souness fixture fears
Graeme Souness fears Newcastle could be left with an injury crisis after playing their next four Premiership games in the space of eight days. His side travel to Liverpool on St Stephen's Day before facing Charlton, Tottenham and Middlesbrough by January 2nd.
"We have got a very hard programme, as everyone has," said Souness. "Whoever makes the decisions to play the games as close together as they are obviously does not understand football. After the first game, you are risking everything."
In brief
Tottenham are on the brink of reaching an agreement with Egypt over the late arrival of striker Ahmed Mido for the African Nations Cup next month. . . Meanwhile Spurs have agreed a £2.3 million deal with AZ Alkmaar for defender Ron Vlaar.
