Sporting briefs

Ferguson: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has finally called a halt to his long-running feud with the BBC. Ferguson has not spoken to the organisation’s television or radio outlets about United since 2004 following the broadcast of a TV documentary containing allegations about his son Jason.

Barton: Controversial Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has had a medical with QPR as he considers a move to the Premier League club. Barton, 28, has been offered a lucrative deal to join Neil Warnock’s team after being told he can leave Newcastle on a free transfer and he has travelled to London to discuss a deal.

Alcaraz: Wigan defender Antolin Alcaraz will be sidelined for up to two months after tearing a leg muscle during last weekend’s Premier League clash at Swansea. Alcaraz, 29, suffered the injury in the first half of the 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium.

FA board: The English FA are to start the process of recruiting two independent board members after winning final approval for the change to the organisation’s structure. The FA’s shareholders voted 97% in favour of the change which will see two non-executive directors added to the board.

U-21 Call ups: Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones were called into the England U-21 squad for next month’s double-header against Azerbaijan and Israel, casting doubt over their involvement in the senior side’s matches with Bulgaria and Wales. Welbeck had been tipped to keep his place in Fabio Capello’s party for the Euro qualifiers, while his new United team-mate was an outside bet to earn his maiden call-up.

Gorkss: Reading have announced the signing of QPR centre-back Kaspars Gorkss on a three-year deal. The 29-year-old Latvia captain played in 42 out of Rangers’ 46 league games last season.

Bovo: Cesare Bovo, 28, will play for Genoa next season after completing his transfer from Palermo. The centre-back joined Genoa on loan until the end of the season.

Ebanks-Blake: Wolves striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake has been ruled out for a month after suffering knee ligament damage. Ebanks-Blake sustained the injury during Wolves’ League Cup win at Northampton.

League cup: Second round – Scunthorpe vs Newcastle 1-2 (aet).

Serie B: Sampdoria vs Padova 2-2.