Today's other stories in brief
Newcastle in the dumps
Sam Allardyce's trials and tribulations at Newcastle United appeared to intensify last night. Towards the end of a day in which the beleaguered manager admitted dressingroom morale had sunk to its lowest ebb since he took charge in May, it emerged that Joey Barton will not be returning to his squad in the near future.
Although Barton was last night freed from prison, where he had been remanded on an assault charge for the past week, the terms of his bail conditions are likely to preclude the possibility of the midfielder representing Newcastle until, at the very earliest, the away game with Arsenal on January 29th.
"The players are very dejected and disappointed." said Allardyce. "It has been a massive effort with so many games in such a short period of time.Now it is three defeats on the trot and in terms of confidence that is hugely draining."
SFA may get clinical
The Scottish FA could implement compulsory heart checks in an effort to reduce the danger of tragedies hitting the game.
Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell collapsed and died at the age of 35 after suffering heart failure during Motherwell's match against Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday, and his funeral takes place in Hamilton today.
SFA medical officer Professor Stewart Hillis believes footballers at all levels would benefit from health tests, even if there is no guarantee that examinations would save lives.
Lehmann back in frame Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger anticipates Jens Lehmann being involved in the FA Cup tie against Burnley on Sunday.
Lehmann (38) has been linked with a move back to Germany and speculation intensified after Borussia Dortmund called a press conference for today.
Wenger has the League Cup semi-final against Tottenham next Wednesday to prepare for and is carefully considering his team for Turf Moor this weekend. "I think Jens Lehmann will be involved," the Frenchman said.
Lehmann was dropped towards the start of the season following a blunder against Blackburn - and he has played for Germany more times since.
Manuel Almunia has established himself as Wenger's first choice after a run of form that has seen him suggested as a possible England goalkeeper when he qualifies for residency.
Everton get ball rolling Everton have confirmed that they have agreed a deal, believed to be for €2 million, to sign Plymouth's teenage defender Dan Gosling.
The 17-year-old is a local Plymouth product and has made 24 first-team appearances for the championship side after making his debut at 16.
Everton expect to complete the deal later this week, but the youngster will not be considered for first-team action this season, with manager David Moyes saying: "He is one for the future."
Robert trials at Derby French winger Laurent Robert is to have a trial with Premier League bottom club Derby County.
"He's coming in on Friday and we'll see what condition he's in and if he is right for us," Derby manager Paul Jewell said.
Robert (32), formerly with Premier League side Newcastle United, has recently left Spanish club Levante.
Celtic get recruiting
Coelho, a 24-year-old Brazilian defender, is in Glasgow for a week's training with a view to a €1.4 million move to Celtic from Corinthians.
Gordon Strachan is keen to see if the player can adapt to life in the city, even though the Parkhead manager is expected to complete the €2.7 million transfer of Sevilla's German full back Andreas Hinkel within 24 hours.
In brief . . .
Wigan midfielder Denny Landzaat has dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Feyenoord and insisted he is happy at the JJB Stadium . . . Dean Ashton has been told by his manager Alan Curbishley that, if he decides to stay at West Ham United, he should not expect to start against the Premier League's top sides . . . Djibril Cisse's agent Ranko Stojic has said he expects West Ham to launch a bid for the Marseille striker this month.
