Today's other stories in brief

Gill hits back at Benitez over FA board comments

MANCHESTER United chief executive David Gill has hit back at Rafael Benitez following the Liverpool manager’s recent verbal tirade against the club. Benitez questioned the influence Gill has on the Football Association due to his position at the governing body of football in England.

But Gill has defended his position, insisting there is no conflict of interest between his role at Manchester United and with the FA.

“With respect to his comments on my position they are totally inaccurate,” said Gill, speaking in Macau at the launch of United’s tour of Asia, which will take place later this year. “The reality of it is that on the FA board sit three representatives of the Premier League in Premier League chairman Dave Richards, Bolton chairman Phil Gartside and myself. They are elected every year by every club in the Premier League and when we are on the board we are there representing the Premier League and I am not there representing Manchester United.”

Ronaldo insists he is staying

CRISTIANO Ronaldo insists he wants to remain at Manchester United and win more silverware.

Fresh reports emerged from Spain on Tuesday claiming the Portugal winger will join Real Madrid in the summer after the Primera Liga champions failed to sign him last year.

But Ronaldos priority is to continue his success at the Old Trafford club.

“I know it will be hard but I want to achieve even more things with these great players we have at United,” he said.

“We can dominate. Manchester has a lot of young players – myself included – so the future for the club looks good. I want to be here, to be a part of the success that I believe lies ahead.

“For me, it’s great to be a part of this fantastic club and my motivation is to win more trophies. Im still very ambitious. I want to carry on and repeat the success Ive already had.”

Heskey to see out contract

EMILE Heskey has told Wigan he will see out his contract and stay with the club until the summer.

The England international striker has been linked with moves to Aston Villa and Liverpool during the January transfer window.

But Wigan chief executive Brenda Spencer says the 31-year-old has said he is happy at the club.

Ireland move up one spot

THE Republic of Ireland moved up one spot to 37 in the latest world rankings published by Fifa yesterday. European champions Spain remained top.

NORWICH, who were knocked out of the FA Cup by Charlton on Tuesday night and are only outside the Championship relegation zone on goal difference, have terminated manager Glenn Roeder’s contract.

THE agent for Brazil striker Adriano, who scored for Inter Milan in Tuesday night’s Italian Cup win over Genoa, maintains there will be no move to White Hart Lane in the transfer window.

BOLTON have opened discussions with Fulham with a view to a €5.5 million bid for Jimmy Bullard but have yet to make a decision on whether to sign former Brazil international Denilson.

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz has admitted he is surprised the club did not accept the €17.7 million Manchester City bid for him and remains desperate to be reunited with former Rovers boss Mark Hughes at Eastlands.

Wenger may have to break record

ARSENAL could be forced to smash their transfer record or be priced out of a move for Andrei Arshavin, as Zenit St Petersburg continue to demand a big-money fee for the wantaway Russian playmaker.

The Gunners have already seen one offer of €11 million knocked back, but are understood to be ready to return with an improved deal.

However, that is not likely to be anywhere near the €22 million figure touted by the Russians, even including any add-on clauses.

Given both cash-rich Manchester City and Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan also reported to be chasing Arshavin it seems Arsenal could have no option but to stretch themselves to be sure of landing Arsene Wenger’s number one target.

Kilbane has talks with Hull

KEVIN Kilbanes move from Wigan to Premier League rivals Hull has edged a step closer after the player entered into talks with the club. The Republic of Ireland international, who is in the final six months of his contract, has found opportunities limited because of the form of Maynor Figueroa and Ryan Taylor on the left flank.

Kilbane (32) next month, had hoped to earn a new deal but Wigan are prepared to let him leave.

SUNDERLAND manager Ricky Sbragia has confirmed that midfielder Liam Miller could be allowed to join QPR on loan until the end of the season.

Sbragia told the club’s official website, www.safc.com: “There’s been some interest in Liam from QPR, so something might happen there. They have made an inquiry about him and we are just waiting to see the full extent of their interest. But it looks like it could be a loan.”