Wilkins: Former England international Ray Wilkins began his tenure as Jordan coach in defeat after a late goal by Yusuf Nasser gave Kuwait a 1-0 win in a friendly on Friday. Former Chelsea, Milan and Manchester United midfielder Wilkins only took charge of the Asian Cup finalists last month. Jordan, who have been drawn in Group D of January’s Asian Cup in Australia alongside holders Japan, Iraq and Palestine, will take on Kuwait again on Monday.
Berisha: Albania keeper Etrit Berisha is considering a move in the winter transfer window after losing his place to the returning Federico Marchetti in Lazio’s starting formation. Reports in Italy yesterday said 25-year-old Berisha is mulling a push for a transfer if he remains on the bench. Marchetti returned to action after shrugging off a series of injury problems.
Donovan: Landon Donovan bid an emotional farewell to the US national team in a 1-1 friendly draw against Ecuador in Hartford, Connecticut on Friday. Donovan was unable to add to his record 57 goals in his 157th and final appearance for his country before being replaced in the 41st minute of the game. The 32-year-old came close, though, striking the post in the 25th minute after being set up by Jozy Altidore.
Protasov: Romanian Cup winners Astra have hired former Soviet Union striker Oleg Protasov to replace the sacked Daniel Isaila, the Giurgiu-based club said. Astra are fourth in the standings with 19 points from 10 matches, six points behind leaders Steaua Bucharest. Much-travelled Protasov, 50, previously coached clubs in Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and his native Ukraine. In 2003, he led Olym-piakos Piraeus to the Greek league title.
Milner: Roma are ready to pay €11 million for the transfer of winger James Milner from Manchester City in January. England international Milner, 28, is out of contract in June next year and negotiations over a new deal are stalled at the moment. Milner joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in 2008 but recently dropped a hint that he intends to move overseas with Roma his likely destination.