Fowler: Robbie Fowler's hopes of a new contract at Liverpool hinge on his physical condition, says manager Rafael Benitez. Fowler returned to the club in January from Manchester City on a six-month contract and Benitez is willing to give the striker a new deal if he proves his worth, but his fitness is still causing a problem. Benitez said: "He knows that we need to decide in maybe three weeks or a month and he needs to continue to work hard but we know he is a good finisher and a good player. But we need to know how he will play next season and what level his physical condition will allow him to play at."
Aston Villa: English club Aston Villa have conditionally agreed a two-year sponsorship deal with internet gaming company 32Red, the club and the company said yesterday. Under the deal for which 32Red will pay a "basic six figure sum per season", Villa players will wear the company's logo on their home and away shirts starting next season. The club will also receive revenue under a marketing affiliate arrangement with the company.
Clemence: Birmingham City midfielder Stephen Clemence has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring tear, the Premier League strugglers said yesterday. Clemence suffered the injury eight minutes into Tuesday's 1-0 home win over Bolton Wanderers that lifted Birmingham out of the relegation zone. There was better news for Bruce on Nicky Butt, who also suffered a hamstring problem against Bolton but is expected to be back in time for the derby against Aston Villa on April 16.
Beckham: David Beckham has been left out of Real Madrid's squad to face Real Sociedad at home in the Primera Liga today because of a rib injury. The England captain sustained the injury in last weekend's 1-1 draw in Barcelona although he completed the match. Real coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro said he did not know about Beckham's injury until after training on Tuesday.
Friendly Cancelled: World Cup finalists Ghana have had a friendly against Hanover 96 this month cancelled, the Ghana Football Association said yesterday. The west African country are hoping to organise an alternative match in Germany on April 26 against another German club side as part of their World Cup preparations. The GFA said Hanover had called off the game for "organisational reasons".
Fixtures Switch: Barcelona and Villarreal have agreed to move next week's Primera Liga game forward by one day to give them more time to prepare for their Champions League semi-finals. The game will now be played at the Nou Camp on Friday, the Spanish Football League said on its website. Barcelona travel to Milan in their semi-final first leg on April 18 while Villarreal play Arsenal in London the day after.
Chelsea Reserves: Two Philippines brothers skipped the inaugural Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Bangladesh this month because they were worried about losing their reserve team places at Chelsea. "If there was a chance I might lose my reserve team place, I wasn't going to risk it," said 18-year-old striker Philip Younghusband. The pair, born in Ashford near London to a Philippine mother and English father were scouted by Chelsea at the age of 10 and their talent has propelled them through the ranks.
In England: The Championship - Leicester vs C. Palace 2-0.