Football news

Dean Saunders was expected to open talks with Wolves yesterday about their vacant managerial position after Doncaster confirmed receiving an approach for their manager from the Championship club.

Saunders quickly emerged as the favourite for the job following Wolves’ decision to sack Stale Solbakken in the wake of their FA Cup third-round exit to non-league Luton.

In a statement, Doncaster said they hoped to retain Saunders but would not stand in the way of the former Wales international.

Newcastle must spend – Pardew

Newcastle United must bring in new players or risk relegation from the Premier League, manager Alan Pardew said after his side were knocked out of the FA Cup by second-tier club Brighton and Hove Albion.

“We’re not too big to go down,” he told reporters after Newcastle’s 11th defeat in their last 14 matches in all comp­etitions.

“I think it is important to spend...the most important thing for us is our Premier League status now because we’ve put ourselves at risk with all the injuries and the run we’re on.

“We need to make sure we’re a Premier League side next season.”

Redknapp fears Nelsen exit

Queens Park Rangers defender Ryan Nelsen is considering a coaching role in the United States in what would be a major blow for the Premier League club’s battle against relegation.

“He has been offered a job in America and there is every chance that he might want to go,” manager Harry Redknapp said.

“He wants to be a manager and it’s a chance for him to go and manage a club.”

“He’s just one of the best pros I’ve ever met in my life,” Redknapp added. “To lose him would be a massive blow for us.”

Ferguson praises Magpies fans

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has attempted to clear the air with supporters of Newcastle United after describing their side as “a wee (small) club in the north-east”.

Ferguson made the remark during a spat with Newcastle coach Alan Pardew, who had suggested the United manager was fortunate to avoid punishment for arguing with match officials during a match between the teams at Old Trafford.

“It was never my intention to belittle Newcastle fans,” he told the Mail on Sunday.

“I want to clear up any misunderstanding that may have arisen over what I said.

“I have nothing but the highest regard for Newcastle fans and I always have had.

“They are up there with the best supporters in the game.”

Tear blow for City striker Aguero

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has confirmed he has a tear in his hamstring after undergoing tests on the injury in Italy.

Aguero missed City’s 3-0 win over Watford in the FA Cup third round after suffering the problem late in the 3-0 win over Stoke on New Year’s Day.

“The studies confirmed I have a torn muscle,” Aguero wrote on his Twitter account. “We have to keep on thinking positive and try to recover in the best way possible.

“For that, I’ve travelled to Italy where a specialist is treating me. I’ll keep you up to date in how the injury evolves.”

Wolfsburg swoop for Perisic

Wolfsburg have completed a deal to sign Ivan Perisic from Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund.

The Croatia international flew to Belek, Turkey, where the Wolves are preparing for the second half of the season after the two clubs reached an agreement over a transfer.

“I expect we will be able to present Ivan as a new signing soon,” said Wolfsburg’s director of sport Klaus Allofs on his club’s website.

Perisic was to sign for Wolfsburg upon successfully passing his medical yesterday.

Meanwhile, Wolfsburg have sent midfielder Jungbin Park on loan to Greuther Furth for 18 months.

Lazio banner upsets Zarate

Mauro Zarate has expressed his disappointment at a banner from Lazio fans urging him to leave the club.

In Saturday’s 2-1 win over Cagliari, there was a banner that declared: ‘Zarate go! A real champion is humble and picks up the ball in a training session with the youth team, he doesn’t moan on Twitter.’

“It annoyed me seeing that banner,” the Argentine, who has fallen out of favour with Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic, said on Twitter.

“I would never dare to say those things to the fans, because they gave me so much.

“I apologise if I offended anyone.

“The important thing now is for me to find a solution so I can get out of here.”