Manchester United captain Gary Neville is in line to make his long-awaited return from injury when he turns out for the reserves on Thursday.
Neville has been out of action since March with calf and ankle problems but he resumed training late last month.
"We are hoping to use Gary against Liverpool reserves this week. That's the plan," Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said.
"He is getting better and improving all the time. He needs games now and hopefully he can start on Thursday."
Derby seek new investment
Premier League club Derby County are on the look-out for new investment to help them generate off-field funds.
However, club chairman Peter Gadsby moved to distance the club from takeover talk. "We have put in a planning application for a complex to include a hotel, shops, eateries and offices," Gadsby said.
"We are seeking £10m to do that, which has led people to believe the club is on the market. But we are seeking a partner to put money into the club."
Ronaldo wishes Mourinho luck
Cristiano Ronaldo has put his differences with Jose Mourinho aside by wishing his fellow countryman all the best for the future.
The pair became embroiled in a major row at the end of last season, which ended with the former Chelsea boss claiming Manchester United star Ronaldo "lacked class".
However, Ronaldo has shown he holds no grudge towards Mourinho and feels the loss of the Portuguese coach will leave a hole in the Premier League.
"English football will miss Jose Mourinho," Ronaldo said.
"He is a great manager. He won a lot of things in England. Maybe he wants a new experience and I wish him all the best."
SFA chief denies Dida call
Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith has dismissed reports that he called for action to be taken against Milan goalkeeper Dida.
The Italian club have been asked by UEFA to explain why Dida was carried off on a stretcher after a Celtic fan appeared to slap him on the shoulder following Scott McDonald's late winner in their Champions League clash on Wednesday.
Smith, who launched a campaign against diving in Scottish football in the summer, stepped back from the calls to punish him.
"It was portrayed that I was calling for UEFA action but I wasn't," Smith said. "We are making no moves to call for UEFA action."
Eriksson linked with Vieira swoop
Manchester City are preparing a £6.5m swoop for Patrick Vieira, according to media reports in England.
The News of the World claimed that Sven-Goran Eriksson is ready to end Vieira's unhappy stint at San Siro and bring him back to England.
The former Arsenal midfielder has been restricted to just 68 minutes of competitive football for Inter this season - in the Italian Super Cup defeat to Roma in August - after suffering a series of injury setbacks.
Last season he managed only 28 games between Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia and has not featured in the top flight since the 4-3 win over Lazio on May 13.
Mancini slams Blatter proposal
Inter coach Roberto Mancini has voiced his opposition to FIFA president Sepp Blatter's proposal to limit the number of foreign players in a starting XI to five from 2010.
"We would have difficulty, I think, and I'm sorry but I do not agree," said Mancini who has regularly fielded no Italians in his squad this season.
"It is difficult to find Italians who are up to the standard of playing at Inter, as those clubs who have them keep a tight hold on these stars. We have some talented youngsters and are trying to help them grow."
Vidic doubtful for qualifiers
Serbia centre-back Nemanja Vidic could miss the team's Euro 2008 qualifiers at Armenia and Azerbaijan with a facial injury, coach Javier Clemente said yesterday after naming his 19-man squad.
"We'll wait for another day or two to see if Vidic recovers and call up a replacement if he doesn't. It's an awkward injury," Clemente told reporters.
Vidic injured his cheekbone in Manchester United's 4-0 win over Wigan on Saturday and his absence would further weaken Serbia's defence, missing Mladen Krstajic with a long-term injury and suspended left-back Ivica Dragutinovic.
Juve flop Tiago heading for exit
Midfielder Tiago Mendes is eyeing a move back to Portugal in January after failing to make an impact at Juventus.
The former Chelsea midfielder was one of the big-name signings of the summer following Juve's promotion to the Serie A, but has barely featured due to injury and poor form.
With Antonio Nocerino, Cristiano Zanetti and Sergio Almiron doing well in midfield, there are reports in Italy that Juventus will offload Tiago in January. Sporting Lisbon and Porto have both shown an interest in the Portuguese midfielder, who cost £9 million to prise away from Lyon.
Beckham a 'true patriot'
England manager Steve McClaren has described David Beckham as a "true patriot" as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Beckham resumed training with Los Angeles Galaxy last week after a sprained right knee kept him on the sidelines for a month and ruled him out of England's Euro 2008 qualifiers in September.
"He's a true patriot and he loves playing for England," McClaren said. "That's still his motivation, that's still his mindset.
"He's working towards the Croatia game (Nov. 21). He's in late training at the moment and that's his target to be back playing and in contention for that squad."