Perth Glory are set to offer Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler an extension of his contract to keep him in Australia’s A-League for a third season.
Fowler has regained his scoring touch, netting a brace in Perth’s 4-2 win over Adelaide on Wednesday to take his season tally to nine goals.
“Robbie’s indicated he wants to stay,” Perth chief executive Paul Kelly said. “He’s got a few personal things he’s got to get through.
“He’s got to speak to his wife and kids for a start and he heads to Dubai for a few days to spend some time with his family.
“Let’s see what happens after that.”
Celtic’s Hooper set for six weeks out
Celtic striker Gary Hooper could be out for up to six weeks after a scan showed he’d suffered ankle ligament damage during the draw with Kilmarnock.
The scan at least allayed fears Hooper, who went off in the 35th minute of Tuesday’s 1-1 draw following a clash with Killie defender Frazer Wright, had broken his leg.
But the 22-year-old Hooper, who has scored 11 goals in 12 games since joining Celtic from English club Scunthorpe in July, could now be out until February.
A statement on Celtic’s website said: “Following an MRI scan, the specialist and the Celtic doctor confirmed that the player could be out for up to six weeks with a severe ankle strain.”
Adamu quizzed in bribery probe
Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency has begun quizzing suspended FIFA executive member, Amos Adamu over allegations of corruption.
“We invited Adamu after he finally arrived in the country on Friday and he has been at our office in Abuja since Wednesday morning,” Femi Babafemi, a spokesman for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said.
Babafemi said that the anti-corruption body is interrogating Adamu over how the 24 billion naira (about 190 million dollars) budget for the 2003 All Africa Games of which he was the chief executive was spent.
Last month, Adamu was suspended by FIFA for three years after world football’s governing body ruled that he had breached their code of ethics.
Wenger disappointed by Dein snub
Arsene Wenger admitted to being “surprised and disappointed” at the decision to overlook David Dein for the post of English FA chairman.
Dein was the front-runner for the position but the nominations committee headed by Bolton chairman Phil Gartside instead plumped for David Bernstein.
“I was completely surprised and disappointed (by the FA’s decision),” Wenger, who was lured to Arsenal by Dein in 1996, said.
“He would have offered a competent knowledge of football and international football. It is a disappointment.”
Ferguson expects Van der Sar to quit
Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United expect Edwin van der Sar to retire at the end of the season.
The Dutchman celebrated his 40th birthday earlier this year yet, apart from one mistake against West Brom in October, has still been performing to his usual high standards.
“We are planning for this being his last season,” Ferguson said.
Given his vast experience, Van der Sar is bound to be an attractive proposition as a coach, although Ferguson admitted talks are still to take place on the matter.
“We have not discussed it,” he said.
“But Edwin is a player who would be of interest in terms of his knowledge and standing in the game.”
McClaren receives board backing
Former England coach Steve McClaren received the dreaded vote of confidence from the board of struggling Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg yesterday.
The 49-year-old’s position had become increasingly precarious after a winless run of seven Bundesliga matches – which leaves the 2009 champions in 13th place – and reached its nadir with a 3-1 German Cup home defeat by Second Division Cottbus on Wednesday.
However, the board gave McClaren, who is in his first season in charge after a successful spell at Dutch side Twente where he guided them to the title, backing after a meeting yesterday.
Houllier to decide on Friedel future
Gerard Houllier will decide on veteran Aston Villa keeper Brad Friedel’s future in February.
Houllier is looking to the future and has already confirmed Villa have watched Rangers number one Allan McGregor.
“We are looking at several goalkeepers – and we’ve told Brad,” Houllier said.
“We’re looking for a keeper for the future. If Brad is fine in February, then we will keep him. We’ve told him that, if he feels okay.
“I’ve spoken to him and said ‘obviously, you’re 39, so I need to look to the future but I’m happy with you’.”