Coventry City will reduce their asking price for Michael Mifsud from £1.5 million to £750,000, the News of the World reported yesterday.
The Malta striker's contract runs out at the end of the season and speculation has been rife that the Sky Blues intend to cash in on the 27-year-old in January.
The News of the World claims that Coventry's readiness to slash Mifsud's transfer fee is likely to alert Norwich and Crystal Palace. Sheffield United could also join the race after club chairman Kevin McCabe last week revealed his interest in Mifsud.
On Saturday, Mifsud set up Clinton Morrison for Coventry's late equaliser in a 1-1 home draw against Derby Country.
Ballack to apologise
Germany captain Michael Ballack plans to apologise to coach Joachim Loew in person in a move that should help to cool their public row.
"I will sit down with Joachim Loew, as soon as my injury permits, and apologise for my behaviour to him," Ballack said.
Ballack's position as captain came under threat when Loew reacted furiously to a newspaper interview in which the Chelsea midfielder suggested senior players were not being treated with enough respect.
Ballack added: "I told Jogi Loew on telephone that it was never my intention to criticise the work he is doing as national team coach. I just wanted to show support for my fellow players."
Dunga takes time on Amauri
Carlos Dunga said he won't be rushed into calling Amauri for national team duty even though the Juve striker could accept a call from Italy as the process of a new passport is now almost complete.
Brazilian-born Amauri has made it clear he will accept a call from Italy if his native country does not pick him for international status first.
"I am following his progress and he is doing well for Juventus," Dunga said.
"But that does not mean I will call him up soon. I have my own squad and will carry on with that unit. I am a consistent person."
FA to probe trouble
The English FA is waiting for reports on the trouble at the derby between Sunderland and Newcastle on Saturday. Police said there were 29 arrests after violent clashes before and after Sunderland's 2-1 win at the Stadium of Light.
The most serious incident, perhaps, happened inside the stadium when Newcastle keeper Shay Given was confronted by two home fans after Kieran Richardson's winner.
Joey Barton was pelted with missiles and there were clashes between rival fans after a pitch invasion on the final whistle.
An FA spokesman said: "We will look into the incidents. We are awaiting reports from the officials and gathering information.
"Invading the pitch is a criminal offence and we will be working with the clubs and the police to identify those responsible."
I made right decision - Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has said he made the right decision to stay with Manchester United and expects to continue with them beyond this season.
The Portugal winger was courted by Real Madrid during the close season after he let slip he would like to play for them in the future, having won a Premier League and Champions League double with United.
"Now I understand I have made the best decision. I am with Manchester in body and soul," Ronaldo said.
"I am a Manchester player. I want to respect the club, my colleagues and the fans. I don't want to talk about other teams at present. Only God knows the future. I think I will continue here next season."
Beckham honoured to join Milan
David Beckham, 33, has said he is very honoured to be on the verge of a loan move to Milan and is especially excited about playing alongside defender Paolo Maldini.
The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder will move to the San Siro on loan from January once the details of the deal are agreed.
"I've been given the chance to join up with Milan for a couple of months and I'm very honoured," he said in his first public comment about the proposed move.
"Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I've been lucky enough to play with one of the biggest clubs in England, one of the biggest clubs in Spain and now I'm being given the chance to play with one of the biggest clubs in Italy.
"To be on the pitch, training field and get experience with those players is a big honour for myself."
Brazil's Ronaldo not going to Man. City
Mark Hughes told reporters that the possibility of Manchester City signing Brazilian Ronaldo does not exist anymore. It had been rumoured that the former Inter, Real Madrid and Milan striker could join City once he recovers fully from injury.
Ronaldo is currently looking to improve his fitness after battling back from a long-term knee injury suffered early in the year.
However, City boss Hughes says regardless of Ronaldo's fitness the 32-year-old will not be joining them.
"Ronaldo is not an option," Hughes said.
"It doesn't matter whether he proves his fitness. I'm surprised that he says he wants to come here, but I don't want him and that's my decision."