Andriy Voronin, of Ukraine, is to join Liverpool in the summer on a four-year deal, BBC Sport reported yesterday.
The 27-year-old, who is a free agent in the summer, has reportedly agreed a four-year contract with Liverpool. Voronin has scored six goals in 20 league games for Bayer Leverkusen this season.
Voronin played twice against Liverpool two years ago when Rafael Benitez's side beat Leverkusen 6-2 on aggregate en route to winning the Champions League in 2005.
If the deal goes through, Voronin's transfer would be the first under the new regime of George Gillett and Tom Hicks after the American tycoons agreed a takeover of Liverpool earlier this month.
Magnusson slams Pardew
Eggert Magnusson, the West Ham owner, yesterday claimed there was dressing room unrest while former manager Alan Pardew was in charge. Pardew was sacked by Magnusson in December after a disastrous run of form, with Alan Curbishley replacing him at Upton Park.
Magnusson will come face-to-face with Pardew next weekend, as West Ham travel to Charlton for a crucial relegation battle.
"There was no purpose to talk about it publicly at the time," Magnusson said. "But the key factor was something was just not right in the dressing room. Tension had been building between the players and the manager for a while. There was a cancer we had to cut off."
No talks to recall Beckham
The English FA said yesterday that Steve McClaren did not ask his senior players if he should recall David Beckham. A Sunday newspaper claimed McClaren consulted his players over whether he should pick the ex-England skipper for March's Euro 2008 qualifier in Israel.
But FA director of communications Adrian Bevington said: "I have spoken to Steve McClaren regarding this story. He categorically stated that there is no truth whatsoever in this."
McClaren said on Wednesday he had no plans to speak to Beckham, although he has also said in the past that he would never close the door on any player regarding selection.
Beckham stood down as England captain on July 2 of last year after England's exit from the World Cup finals.
Ronaldo thrilled with Milan goals
Brazilian ace Ronaldo was thrilled after scoring twice for Milan in their 4-3 win at Siena on Saturday. The goals, Ronaldo's first since his transfer switch from Real Madrid last month, came in just his second appearance for Milan.
Ronaldo revealed he was struggling for fitness late on but was able to complete the game.
"I must say that it has been a really positive day. We gave everything," he told Sky Italia.
"I had cramps, but I was able to finish the match. There is still a lot to work: if you have cramps it means you are not physically at the top."
Gordon rules out move to Russia
Spartak Moscow were keen to sign Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon last month but the Hearts shot-stopper said he will not go to east Europe.
"I don't see a move to Russia as the best move at this stage of my career," he said.
"If I am going to leave the club I supported as a boy it will be to one of the big leagues."
Gordon, 24, was reinstated to the Hearts team on Saturday after missing out on the last four matches, with head coach Valdas Ivanauskas claiming transfer speculation had unsettled him.
Fulham made an offer for Gordon in January, while the keeper also revealed that German giants Bayern Munich were interested.
"My understanding is Hearts turned down Fulham's bid," said Gordon. "Bayern Munich never met Hearts' asking price either, so there was nothing to consider there."
Barca boss respects United
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo is not among the transfer targets for Barcelona, club president Joan Laporta said yesterday.
Ronaldo's future has been the subject of constant speculation, with reports linking him to both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Laporta said he has too much respect for United to talk about any of their players.
"He is a player who belongs to Manchester," Laporta said. "I have good institutional relations with (United chief executive) David Gill and we have not made an offer for Cristiano.
"Of course, he is one of the best players in the world but he's not in our plans. I do respect Manchester United. Alex Ferguson is a great manager and David Gill is a friend."
Stop FA Cup replays says Roeder
Glenn Roeder has backed calls for FA Cup ties to be decided by a single match. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants replays scrapped and the Newcastle manager yesterday said he feels the same.
"There are so many games to be played now that I would prefer for there to be only one match, decided by extra-time and penalties if needed," Roeder said.
Birmingham took advantage of the replay rule to knock out Newcastle in the FA Cup third round, winning 5-1 away after a draw at home.
Missile-throwing fans halt match
Argentine football was hit by another bout of football violence last weekend as missile-throwing fans caused the Newell's Old Boys-River Plate match in Rosario to be abandoned.
River, who received a five-match home ban on Thursday following a fight in the club's social area, were winning 2-1 when Newell's supporters began hurling stones and other objects across the fence separating them from River supporters.
The match was considered high risk after two Newell's supporters were killed in a clash with River fans four years ago.