Paolo Di Canio's chances of salvaging his career with Sheffield Wednesday - or any other club - appear to hinge on an independent medical examination of the errant Italian who claims he is suffering from depression.

The Hillsborough club's board, after an emergency meeting yesterday, want an examination "within the next few days" to establish the state of the forward's mental health and, if necessary, "appropriate treatment" for their record £4.5 million signing, who has so far refused to break his exile in Italy.

Wednesday have effectively accepted the challenge from the player's agent Moreno Roggi to set up an independent medical if not satisfied by repeated doctor's notes from Italy insisting Di Canio is unfit to travel.

Greater Manchester could have a new football club by next season following reports that three of the smallest clubs in the area - Bray, Oldham and Rochdale - are considering a merger.