Football news

An Asian consortium led by Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung is planning a HK$770 million (US$98.5 million) bid for English Premier League club Birmingham City.

Hong Kong's Ming Pao newspaper gave few details about Yeung's plan, only saying he would make the formal bid, equal to about 50 million pounds "within the coming days".

Birmingham City were promoted to the Premier League last month and are the latest in a string of English soccer clubs to attract interest from investors, many from overseas.

Jaaskelainen priced at £6m

Bolton want £6 million for Jussi Jaaskelainen, who is now being chased by Manchester United, Aston Villa and Sunderland. Bolton's plans for the new season under Sammy Lee have been rocked by Jaaskelainen's refusal to sign a new deal.

The goalkeeper only has one year left on his current deal, and is happy to see that out according to his agent Peter Harrison but Lee wants to cash in on the Finn in order to fund his squad strengthening plans.

Bolton are believed to want £6 million for Jaaskelainen but is more likely to get nearer to £4 million due to his contract situation.

McGhee new Motherwell boss

Motherwell have confirmed Mark McGhee is their new manager. McGhee replaces Maurice Malpas, who left at the end of last season.

A former Celtic, Aberdeen, Newcastle and SV Hamburg striker, McGhee also managed Brighton, Wolves, Leicester City, Millwall and Reading in England.

McGhee, 50, said: "I'm delighted to return to Scotland as manager of Motherwell. I am determined that from next season the team will give its absolute best to deliver the kind of results the supporters rightly expect."

Downing not for sale - M'boro

Stewart Downing will not be leaving Middlesbrough. The 22-year-old winger has long been linked to Tottenham and reports at the weekend suggested Everton were also keen to sign him.

"I'm not surprised clubs are interested but that is as far as it goes," manager Gareth Southgate said. "Stewart is definitely not for sale, so other clubs would be wasting their time even considering making an offer."

Middlesbrough have already lost striker Mark Viduka this summer. The Australian turned down a new contract and signed for Newcastle instead.

Juve chasing Bellamy

Juventus and Roma are in the chase to sign Craig Bellamy, reports in the UK press said yesterday.

Juve are looking to strengthen their attack in view of David Trezeguet's likely departure and coach Claudio Ranieri has eyed the 27-year-old as a suitable replacement.

The Guardian reported that Bellamy's future at Liverpool is uncertain and Ranieri has already made enquiries about his availability.

The striker is valued at £12m. Juventus are allegedly willing to offer up to £10m although Roma could also join the race.

Coventry in takeover talks

Coventry's takeover bid is likely to be completed before the end of June after the Manhattan Sports Capital Partners consortium agreed a deal to buy the Sky Blues. They also agreed to take on the club's estimated debts of £28m.

Managing director Paul Fletcher said: "June was always around the time that we were hoping to make a serious announcement. We're hopeful they'll confirm an offer by the end of the month or soon after."

Coventry yesterday dismissed reports that Graeme Souness could mount an 11th-hour bid to buy the club. Souness was invited by Fletcher to look around the Ricoh Arena last week.

Jimenez to stay at Lazio

Luis Jimenez will not change clubs despite reports he would be leaving Lazio. The midfielder, signed from Ternana in January, hinted last weekend that he would move to another club.

"Those statements were part of a radio interview, where Jimenez explained that he dropped out of the Copa America to join his team-mates for pre-season training," agent Rocco Dozzini said.

"I believe Luis was misunderstood, he only meant to say that he will leave Rome after June 30, 2008, when his loan deal ends."

Lazio have an option to buy the player for £8m.

Sheringham faces speeding charge

Teddy Sheringham was arrested after he allegedly gave false details in response to a charge of speeding. The footballer, who was made an MBE last week, was interviewed by police last month.

The ex-West Ham forward was bailed to return in July for further inquiries.

He is one of three Premiership players to have been questioned over speed driving in recent weeks. Last Wednesday, West Ham striker Bobby Zamora, 26, was arrested on similar grounds and midfielder Shaun Newton, 31, was also questioned regarding similar allegations.

Chelsea fail to sign McCarthy

Jose Mourinho failed with a bid to buy Benni McCarthy from Blackburn. The Chelsea boss is looking to strengthen his squad to take the Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge next season.

Mourinho sees the 29-year-old McCarthy - who helped him win the Champions League at Porto - as the perfect man to pep up his strikeforce.

Mourinho said: "Benni is the kind of striker every coach wants and I am no exception. I saw the possibility of us re-uniting at Chelsea but he has a contract. Blackburn said he was not for sale and you have to respect that."