Other soccer news in brief
Nigerian sights set on Newcastle
A CONSORTIUM of wealthy Nigerians are planning to take over Newcastle United, according to a report in Africa.
Owner Mike Ashley is trying to find a buyer for the ailing Premier League club, after proving unsuccessful with his initial efforts to secure a sale.
Ashley has announced he wants to sell his interest in Newcastle just 16 months after staging a €168.5 million takeover. Dubai International Capital (DIC) have ruled themselves out of the running.
However, a Nigerian company claim they have €440 million behind them - and are bidding to secure the remaining funding which would improve their chances of a successful takeover. Chief executive officer of the NVA Management, Chris Nathaniel wants to make Nigeria the first African country to own a Premier League club.
He told www.KickOffNigeria.com: "All along I have been working hard to get wealthy and football loving Nigerian entrepreneurs to buy the club since Ashley indicated his willingness to sell the club to the person, people or entrepreneurs who can meet the €500 million selling price of the club."
Hull City have signed former Bolton midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos.
The 34-year-old Greek player left Bolton Wanderers in the summer and has been without a club since.
Controversial goal stands
THE FOOTBALL League have confirmed there is no prospect of Saturday's English Championship game between Watford and Reading being replayed.
Linesman Nigel Bannister flagged for a goal instead of a corner after the ball crossed the end-line wide of the goal, following a challenge involving John Eustace and Reading striker Noel Hunt.
Despite not a single Reading player appealing for a goal, referee Stuart Attwell gave Steve Coppell's side a 1-0 lead. The game finally ended 2-2.
Reading manager Coppell offered to replay the match if required but Andy Williamson, the league's chief operating officer, insisted that Attwell's decision must remain final.
Chelsea set to sign Mineiro as cover
CHELSEA ARE set to sign the 33-year-old Brazilian Mineiro to provide back-up in midfield after injuries to Michael Essien and Deco.
The former Brazil international is a free agent after leaving Hertha Berlin in the summer and Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari expects to have him available for the game against Aston Villa a week on Sunday.
"Mineiro is a player I need because I lost Essien for six months and only John Mikel Obi is there for us," Scolari said. "He won't play this week but maybe after 10 days he will play. He needs to play in the reserve team and needs some time but that is good for me because he gives me some options."
Arsene Wenger had considered a move for the Brazilian but the Arsenal manager explained this month that nothing would happen "at the moment" after watching the player in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Mineiro was offered an extension to stay at Hertha last summer but felt the offer was not good enough.
McCaffrey changes two
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND under-17 manager Seán McCaffrey, has been forced to make two changes to his squad for the European Championship qualifying mini-tournament which gets under way in Luxembourg this Friday, writes Emmet Malone.
Manchester United's Robert Brady and Seleuk Tidim of St Pauli in Germany have withdrawn and are replaced by Brian Murphy of Listowel Celtic and Blackburn Rovers' Jordan Philpott.
Ireland play Luxembourg on Friday before group games against Andorra and Greece.
