Stoke City manager Mark Hughes is cautious about Jack Butland’s return to Premier League action after the goalkeeper announced his successful recovery from an ankle fracture he sustained while playing for England in almost a year ago.
Butland said on Twitter: “Surgeon couldn’t be happier with my ankle, fracture completely healed and free to progress! Best early birthday present ever.”
However, Hughes suggested that the England international may need to wait until next season before he returns.
“There’s an option to maybe give Jack Butland the opportunity to have games before the end of the season or else ‘let’s make sure he’s right for pre-season’,” Hughes said.
Shakespeare set to be handed Foxes job
Craig Shakespeare is set to be named Leicester manager until the end of the season, according to reports.
The 53-year-old has won his two games in charge since replacing the sacked Claudio Ranieri as caretaker boss last month.
Shakespeare is currently in Dubai with the squad on a training camp ahead of next week’s Champions League last 16 second leg game against Sevilla.
Leicester are due to return today with reports suggesting Shakespeare will be handed the chance to keep the champions in the Premier League, although the Foxes were unable to confirm that when contacted by Press Association Sport yesterday.
Michel appointed new Malaga coach
Malaga have appointed Michel as new head coach until the end of next season after Marcelo Romero stepped down earlier yesterday.
The 53-year-old Spaniard has managed in his native country before at Sevilla, Getafe and Rayo Vallecano before spending two successful seasons with Olympiacos and one with Marseille.
The La Liga club were quick to announce the news following Romero’s departure by mutual agreement after just two months in charge and Michel will be presented to the media today.
Bendtner opts to join Rosenborg
Nicklas Bendtner has left Nottingham Forest for Norwegian champions Rosenborg, both clubs have announced.
The 29-year-old Denmark forward has put pen to paper on a three-year deal after joining RBK for an undisclosed fee.
Bendtner played 17 times for Forest, with the last of his two goals coming in the 2-1 victory over Newcastle in December.
The Championship outfit confirmed the move on their official website, while Rosenborg posted on Twitter: “Nicklas Rosenborg has a three-year contract with Nicklas Bendtner.”
Williams urges Koeman to stay
Ashley Williams has urged his manager Ronald Koeman to ignore speculation regarding Barcelona and finish what he has started at Everton.
Koeman is one of a handful of names to be linked with the top job at the Nou Camp after current boss Luis Enrique last week announced his intention to stand down at the end of the season.
“For me personally and the lads, we obviously hope he stays,” Williams said.
“He’s started building a team here and we’re all confident the future looks good for Everton so from our point of view we’d obviously want him to stay.
“But he might have his own ambitions. From our point of view, definitely we enjoy working with him.”
United fans warned ahead of Russia trip
Manchester United have advised their fans heading to Rostov not to wear the club’s colours while in the Russian city.
Manchester United face FC Rostov tomorrow night in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. There are concerns over the safety of supporters going over for the game.
And, according to newspaper reports, United’s head of ticketing and membership Sam Kelleher has sent a letter to fans travelling to Rostov which says: “For your safety and security you are advised not to wear Manchester United colours when in Rostov, or attract attention to you presence in the city.”
Rowett has held Rangers talks
Former Birmingham manager Gary Rowett has confirmed he has held talks with Rangers over their managerial vacancy.
Rowett, who controversially lost his Blues job in December after Gianfranco Zola was lined up to replace him, is understood to be vying with other contenders including Portuguese coach Pedro Caixinha and former Ibrox boss Alex McLeish.
Rowett told BBC Sport: “It is public that I met Rangers. Again, it is a compliment clubs like that are willing to meet me.
“It doesn’t mean to say they want me to be their team manager. I just had a conversation with the club.
“I have done that with a few clubs who are looking for their next manager.”