Manchester United defender John O'Shea is likely to miss the rest of the season due to a leg injury, manager Alex Ferguson said.

"He's got a terrible injury at the moment," he told yesterday's Irish Independent newspaper. "It's one of those sorts of injuries that are unusual. It's like a dead leg except a dead leg is usually only three or four days (out).

"The problem is that the blood clot became all knotted and when it gets knotted you get calcification so therefore it's a long process to clear that up and he'll probably miss the season now," added Ferguson.

"It's a bad blow for the boy and for the team because he can play anywhere."

Hiddink agent denies 'Pool talk

Guus Hiddink's agent has denied an approach for his client from Liverpool - but believes Hiddink could be interested in taking over at Anfield in the summer.

"That's absolutely not right," Cees van Nieuwenhuizen said. "Each day I'm surprised when I read comments in the newspapers in Russia, or in Italy with Juventus, or in England with Manchester City before and now Liverpool."

The former Chelsea boss is under contract with Russia until this summer, but Van Nieuwenhuizen admitted a move to Liverpool could interest his client when that deal is through.

"It would be fair to say because it's one of the big names in global football," he said. "But if Liverpool have a problem today or tomorrow then Guus is not available."

Goading was just a response - Tevez

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has defended his controversial goal celebrations against former club Manchester United on Tuesday.

"Gary (Neville) was very disrespectful, which is out of character, but he didn't know the whole story of why I left United and I believe I deserved his respect," Tevez said.

"For the second goal I cupped my ears and looked up to the part of the ground where the United directors were sitting, and also to Ferguson, because I wanted them to know this was my response to them saying I was not worth the money."

Bruce hopes to lure Kilgallon

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is hoping to succeed where Newcastle failed in luring Matthew Kilgallon to the north-east.

The 26-year-old Sheffield United defender was one of Magpies boss Chris Hughton's three top transfer targets for this month, although his hopes of landing the player - who is out of contract at the end of the season - were dealt a blow when his agent announced he had decided to stay at Bramall lane.

It is understood that Bruce, who has made no secret of his desire to strengthen his defensive resources, has shown his hand and is attempting to persuade the York-born player.

Zidane tips Spain for World Cup

Zinedine Zidane put head before heart and tipped Spain to win the World Cup in South Africa this year.

"If it is the heart speaking, it is France, and I'd also like to say that Algeria can do well at this World Cup," the former French captain and son of Algerian immigrants said.

"But to be logical, I would point to Spain as the favourites for this competition. I would say Spain without hesitation because they have demonstrated over the last few years that they have a great team and one that can do something big at this World Cup."

"It reminds me of what we (France) did in 1998 and 2000, in reverse order," Zidane added. "They won the European Championship in 2008 and why not the World Cup? From the French point of view, I hope not, but I can see it happening."

Arsenal suffer Gibbs blow

Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs will miss the remainder of the season after the Premier League club said yesterday he would require surgery on a broken foot.

"The fracture has failed to heal satisfactorily and to ensure a complete recovery, Kieran will undergo an operation in London on Friday (today)," said a club statement.

"It is expected that Kieran's rehabilitation will take approximately five months."

Gibbs sustained the injury in a Champions League match against Belgian side Standard Liege in November.

"Needless to say I'm gutted - there's just no other word," the England Under-21 international said. "I'm now just looking to recover from the injury, work really hard and be ready for next season."

Man. City target Amauri, Chiellini

Manchester City have asked agent Davide Lippi to approach Juventus about Giorgio Chiellini and Amauri, Tuttosport has reported.

City have been linked with Chiellini since they were taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008, but Juventus are unlikely to sell one of their prized assets.

The same might not be said for Amauri who has scored just four goals this season, all of which came in the space of 10 days. Before that he had been on a seven-month goal drought.

Tuttosport suggested that Juventus are prepared to try and recoup as much of the €22.8m they paid Palermo for Amauri in May 2008.