NEVILLE: England are likely to be without defender Gary Neville for their World Cup qualifiers against Wales and Northern Ireland next month after injuring his groin playing for Man.United last night. Neville limped off after 13 minutes of United's Champions League third qualifying round second leg match in Debrecen, with initial reports suggesting he had torn a muscle. If that diagnosis proves accurate the 30-year-old Neville faces a six-week lay-off.

Di Michele: Udinese have told Roma to forget about any hopes of signing David Di Michele before the transfer deadline. Reports suggested that the Italian international will be targeted by Roma if Antonio Cassano is sold. But Udinese made it clear the ex-Reggina ace will not be joining former boss Luciano Spalletti in the capital.

DEL PIERO: Sampdoria boss Walter Novellino has invited Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero to join him in Genoa. The Juve captain is seemingly no longer assured of a first team shirt at Juve, leading to stories of a possible departure. "They can give him to me," Novellino told the Turin-based Tuttosport yesterday. "If Juventus want to be free of him, even if I think that is unlikely, then I would be delighted to have him in my side."

Wigan: Australia midfielder Josip Skoko has signed a two-year contract with promoted Wigan. "I am delighted we have managed to secure a very talented player for the club," Wigan secretary Stuart Hayton said.

PARAGUAY: Paraguay are concerned about facing Argentina in next month's World Cup qualifier minus their two regular strikers. Roque Santa Cruz has been ruled out with a thigh strain while striker Jose Cardozo has pulled a muscle in his right leg. Salvador Cabanas and Nelson Haedo Valdes are expected to form Paraguay's attack against Argentina.

BERSON: Aston Villa's midfielder Mathieu Berson has been loaned to AJ Auxerre for one season. "Auxerre proved themselves very convincing. I wanted to come back to France. They did everything they could to set up a deal," Berson said.