Football news

Two Asian billionaires were keen to make a £1 billion bid for Manchester United, according to reports. Sky Sports News said the pair were prepared to pay the massive sum, but were told the Glazer family were unwilling to sell.

The deal was brokered by Rio Ferdinand's agent Pini Zahavi in October last year. But the billionaires, who have not been named but are 'huge Manchester United supporters', were told the Glazers 'were not willing to hear offers'.

The investors have no involvement with the Red Knights consortium who revealed their own takeover plans last week.

Kallon turns down big Uzbek offer

Former Inter and Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Kallon turned down an offer of $2 million a year to join Brazil's Rivaldo at wealthy Uzbek club Bunyodkor before signing for China's Shaanxi.

"I received a phone call from Bunyodkor immediately after I touched down at the Shanghai Pudong Airport. They offered me two million dollars annually," Kallon, who also had spells at Monaco and Greek club AEK Athens said.

"But money is the least of my concerns when it comes to my transfer.

"I have committed myself to Shaanxi and Chinese football and I am not someone who likes to break his promise."

Moyes buoyed by Arteta return

Everton manager David Moyes admitted he was relieved to see Mikel Arteta back to his best as the Spanish midfielder inspired a 5-1 demolition of struggling Hull.

Arteta scored his first goals of an injury-ravaged season at Goodison Park on Sunday, while Richard Garcia's own goal and late strikes from Landon Donovan and Jack Rodwell sealed the rout.

"He scored two very good goals and played really well all round," Moyes said.

"Mikel is still not back to how he was but I thought it was more like him and shows how much we have missed him over the year. It might take him a while to get his full strength back but he did a lot of good things with the ball."

Mowbray undecided over Keane

Celtic manager Tony Mowbray has admitted he has yet to decide whether to make a permanent move for Robbie Keane despite the Irish forward's double in the 2-0 win over Falkirk.

Keane, on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season, showed why Mowbray was willing to pay him a reported £65,000 per week with two clinically taken goals at the Falkirk Stadium on Sunday.

"That's what he does. That's why he is here, to stick the chances away when they come along and he did that here," Mowbray said.

"Extending his deal is not something that has crossed my mind. We will wait and see. He is still a young guy, he is contracted to Tottenham and I don't know what he thinks about his future."

Ribery reveals Chelsea approach

Franck Ribery has confirmed that Chelsea are competing with Real Madrid and Barcelona for his signature. However, the Frenchman insists that he is not definitely going to leave Bayern Munich this summer.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at the Allianz Arena next year and Bayern are looking for him to sign an extension.

"When will I decide my future? In two or three weeks," he told French television show Telefoot.

"I am not 100 per cent sure I am going to Real Madrid. Barca is also interested, and there is Chelsea. But that doesn't necessarily mean I will leave Bayern."

N'Zogbia considers England switch

Wigan coach Roberto Martinez has revealed Charles N'Zogbia would consider switching his allegiance to England. Despite having represented France at Under-21 level, the winger has the required residential credentials to play for Fabio Capello's men.

With England light of left-sided options given Ashley Cole's injury and Wayne Bridge's self-imposed exile, Martinez feels N'Zogbia, who has experience of playing at left-back, is a viable alternative for Capello.

"I asked Charles the other day about England and he said he was hoping. I think he is definitely open to playing for England," said Martinez.

"He's only 23 and hasn't peaked yet - he's certainly got the potential to get into the England squad."

Rangers attract takeover interest

Rangers have received takeover interest, including from property developer Andrew Ellis, the Scottish club said yesterday.

Rangers, 10 points clear at the top of the Scottish league with a game in hand, said it had been notified that Murray International Holdings (MIH) had entered into discussions with others about MIH's stake in the club.

The Gers said the talks may lead to an offer or offers for the entire issued share capital of the club. MIH owns over 90 per cent of the club.

"The board of RFC understands that discussions are at an early stage and there can be no certainty that any offer will be made for the issued shares of RFC," it said.

Shares in the group were up 8.6 per cent at 44 pence after the statement.