Rodriguez: Southampton forward Jay Rodriguez’s hopes of making Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the World Cup are under threat after he badly injured his knee in yesterday’s 4-1 Premier League loss to Man. City. The 24-year-old Southampton’s top scorer fell awkwardly midway through the first half at the Etihad Stadium as he was attempting to control a high ball. Manager Mauricio Pochettino said: “It’s not looking good but we’ll be assessing it in Southampton.”
Vucinic: Reports in Italy yesterday said Arsenal are prepared to offer €12m for Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic. The 30-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Turin and in January a switch to Inter collapsed at the last minute. Vucinic has barely played this season due to a series of injuries and the arrival of both Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente.
King: Ledley King would love nothing more than to one day become Tottenham manager. Having made 323 appearances for the north Londoners, injury prematurely put paid to the Spurs captain’s playing career in 2012. The former defender has been studying for his coaching badges. “I will do my badges, complete that and it would be a dream come true for me to lead the Spurs out as a manager,” King said. “It is early days for me still, I will take my time and all you can do is see where you go from there.”
Allegri: Former Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed he intends to return to club football next season when it emerged that he had turned down the offer to coach the Greece national team. Consultant Michele Frola said: “There was a concrete proposal from Greece, who had offered Massimiliano the role of coach, but he preferred not to accept so that he can be free for a club next season.” Allegri is currently in London to improve his grasp of the English language.
Pearson: Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson has been named the Championship Manager of the Month for the second time in three months. Pearson first scooped the award back in January after guiding the Foxes to a perfect month and has landed the gong again after four wins and two draws in March. The League One Manager of the Month was Wolves boss Kenny Jackett, while York’s Nigel Worthington picked up the League Two prize.