Football news

Wesley Sneijder believes Jose Mourinho will replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United when the Scot eventually steps down.

Ferguson has been in charge for almost 24 years at Old Trafford but speculation continues to rage about who will take over when he does finally decide to call it a day.

Sneijder told the Daily Star Sunday: ‘‘I have had many long conversations with Jose and I would put money on him taking over from Ferguson. I know the job he would want is to be Manchester United manager.

“He is probably the only coach in the world who is capable of taking over from Ferguson. I know Alex Ferguson will have a big say in who takes over from him – and, even though they have their differences, there is a big mutual respect.’’

Stoke reject Chelsea’s Begovic bid

Stoke chairman Peter Coates has revealed the club have rejected an offer from Chelsea for goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Coates insisted the club have no intention of selling the 23-year-old Bosnian who reportedly refused to play in the League Cup match against Shrewsbury last week after being linked with the Premier League champions.

“I felt huge disappointment. He’s an exceptional young goalkeeper, one of the best in the country,” Coates said.

“Clubs like Chelsea make enquiries about them and their heads can get turned very easily.”

Fulham keen to sign Given

Fulham boss Mark Hughes is hoping to sign Shay Given on loan before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.

The Cottagers’ current first-choice keeper, Mark Schwarzer, has been the subject of two bids from Arsenal but Hughes is adamant that Fulham must first find a replacement before allowing the Australian to leave.

“Mark Schwarzer has made it clear that he would like to go to Arsenal so we are trying to look at other options,” Hughes said.

“I’m always interested in quality players and Shay Given is a quality player. Make of that what you will.

“But I have said that if we can’t get anyone else in, Schwarzer will have to stay.”

Sandro no-show angers Redknapp

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has been angered by the non-appearance of new signing Sandro.

The 21-year-old was expected to join the Spurs following his commitments with Internacional at the Copa Libertadores, which finished on August 18, but Redknapp is still awaiting his arrival.

“Have we really signed him – or is he just a myth?” Redknapp said.

“I’ve never seen him here. He’s supposed to be here... but not today!”

Sandro is due to join up with the Brazil squad of European-based players in a training camp from September 2-8 in Spain and Redknapp added: “I might have to go to Barcelona to watch him.”

Mascherano revels in Barca switch

Javier Mascherano has described his impending move to Barcelona as a dream come true.

Mascherano arrived in the Catalan city on Saturday as he looks to put the finishing touches on his switch from Liverpool.

The Argentina midfielder, whose transfer will reportedly cost Barca €22 million, will undergo a medical today before, if all goes well, putting pen to paper on a four-year contract.

“The truth is it’s a dream, it’s a great joy and a reason to be proud for me and my family because of what it all means, for everything they’ve achieved in the last few years,” he said.

Balotelli unhurt after car crash

Mario Balotelli was involved in a car crash on Saturday morning, police confirmed yesterday.

The 20-year-old, who recently joined Manchester City from Inter for £25 million, was at the wheel of his Audi A8 when it collided with another car in Manchester.

The Italian striker was uninjured in the crash but was breathalysed in accordance with standard practice.

Police were called to the scene in Chester Road, Hulme, and spoke to Balotelli and the driver of a BMW and checked the striker’s documentation, which was all in order.

Police are no longer inves-tigating.

Gers confident of keeping Miller

Walter Smith says he is confident of holding on to Kenny Miller after watching the striker hit his fifth goal in three games as Rangers came from behind to defeat St Johnstone 2-1 at Ibrox on Saturday.

The Scotland international is in the final year of his contract and has yet to agree an extension to his deal.

“We can be approached but whether we sell or not is another thing. There is no necessity for us to do so and that’s where we stand at the present moment,” Smith said.

“We’ve been sitting since the end of May and we haven’t had any enquiries for anyone who is playing in our team.

“So hopefully we will get no enquiries and we’ll manage to settle down after that.”