Beenhakker: Leo Beenhakker is the number one candidate to take over as Poland's coach. "Beenhakker is a huge personality and he is our favourite," Ryszard Czarnecki, head of the Polish FA's international department, said. "The only problem is money because he will not be cheap." After a disappointing first-round exit from the World Cup, coach Pawel Janas is expected to confirm his resignation at a meeting this weekend.

Heskey: Wigan Athletic have made a bid to sign former England striker Emile Heskey from relegated Birmingham. "Emile is a proven performer at Premier League and international level and we have made what we consider to be a very good offer to Birmingham," Wigan manager Paul Jewell told his club's website. Jewell played down media reports Wigan had also made an offer to Blackburn for Wales midfielder Robbie Savage. Wigan will begin their second season in the Premier League by visiting Newcastle on August 19.

Reading: South Korea winger Seol Ki-hyeon looks set for Premier League football after promoted Reading agreed a fee with Wolves. The Berkshire team, who are preparing for their first season in the top flight, said they had agreed an initial fee of one million pounds with second division Wolves for Seol, rising to 1.5 million based on appearances.

Vieri: Serie A club Sampdoria have agreed a deal to sign former Italian international Christian Vieri, the club announced. Vieri, who turns 33 next week, joins Sampdoria from Monaco where he played just seven times before injury ended his hopes of playing for Italy at the 2006 World Cup.

Van Nistelrooy: Manager Alex Ferguson said yesterday he expected Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to return to Manchester United for pre-season training on July 24. Van Nistelrooy stormed out of the club after being omitted from United's final Premier League game in early May. He spent most of the latter part of the season on the bench.