Sporting briefs...

Betting ring: An illegal soccer betting ring which had been raking in more than $1.41 million each month has been smashed by Malaysian police. All transactions were handled through the internet and the syndicate had been collecting bets for matches normally played on Saturdays and Sundays involving English teams.

Milan: The 2006/07 season is only a few weeks old in Italy but Milan are already planning on strengthening their goalkeepers' department next year. Dida, the regular no.1, will be out of contract next summer and could decide to change club. Milan are considering their options and reports claim that they have already decided on one of two possibilities - Gianluigi Buffon or Marco Amelia. Buffon was targeted by Milan before he pledged his future to Juventus. However, their first option appears to be Amelia who could move from Livorno next January.

Ashton: Striker Dean Ashton is "at least two months away" from resuming full training. The 22-year-old broke his ankle in August while training with England ahead of the friendly with Greece. West Ham physio Steve Allen said: "Dean is due to be evaluated by the surgeon, who will X-ray the ankle again and hopefully remove the air-cast walking boot that he has been wearing."

Brown push: Scottish third division club Raith Rovers have British Chancellor Gordon Brown to thank for signing Trinidad and Tobago defender Marvin Andrews. Brown persuaded Andrews to return to his favourite club, a press officer said. The spokesman would not comment on reports that Brown had persuaded local businessmen to pay the player's wages.