Ronaldo's agent has told Real Madrid the Brazilian striker is ready to leave Inter Milan, the Spanish club's sporting director Jorge Valdano said yesterday.
Valdano stressed, however, that Real were only "relatively" interested in the top scorer in the World Cup finals and would not consider making a bid for him unless and until Inter decided they want to sell.
Liverpool slumped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid last night in the opening game of the Santiago Bernabeu trophy. The Reds were comprehensivley outplayed by the European Champions and the result was never in doubt after Javier Portillo added to Luis Figo's first-half opener.
Leicester yesterday terminated the contract of former England winger Dennis Wise after he was sent home from a pre-season tour of Finland following an incident which left team-mate Callum Davidson with a double fracture of the cheekbone.
The president of the FAI, Milo Corcoran paid tribute to the late Dr Brendan Menton who died on Thursday. Corcoran said that Dr Menton had been an inspirational figure in the association. Dr Menton co-founded Home Farm FC in Dublin in 1928 and was a former president of the FAI and a UEFA committee member. Dr Menton is survived by his daughter Mary and sons Brendan (the FAI's General Secretary), Kevin, Colm and Malachy.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp claims he has agreed personal terms with Paul Merson over a move to Fratton Park.
Middlesbrough had a double reason to celebrate yesterday with the news that World Cup winner Juninho has been granted a work permit on appeal and that George Boateng has agreed personal terms with the Riverside club.
Portugal striker Nuno Gomes could be on his way to the Premiership following the relegation of Fiorentina, according to his agent. Manchester United, where former Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz is now Alex Ferguson's number two, could be among Gomes's suitors.
