A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Pardew warning
West Ham United's manager Alan Pardew emphasised he will walk away if he is forced to pick the Argentina internationals, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, in a clear warning to potential new owners of the club, writes Jon Brodkin. Pardew's excitement was unmistakable at landing the pair in a deal he only learned was possible 36 hours before the transfer window closed but he acknowledged he could not guarantee keeping the players for more than a season.
Kia Joorabchian, an Iranian-born businessman, is now considering mounting a takeover of the club. Joorabchian went public with that ambition yesterday, telling the stock exchange he has not ruled out making a bid. He claims there are no clauses forcing Pardew to field the pair and the manager stressed he would not tolerate any other arrangement. Guardian Service
Concern over pitch
Uefa has ordered Lithuania to improve the pitch at the Darius ir Girenas Stadium for tonight's Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland after midfielder Nigel Quashie said it resembled a "superbike track". Walter Smith's team trained at the stadium yesterday and found it to be heavily rutted in many places - with the Scotland manager understood to be furious over the conditions as his side look to build on Saturday's 6-0 impressive demolition of the Faroe Islands. Uefa shared the Scots' unhappiness and have ordered the Lithuanian FA to improve the pitch before kick-off. Guardian Service
Almunia for England
Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is determined to become the regular Arsenal number one again - and earn himself a call-up for England. The 29-year-old Spaniard joined Arsenal in July 2004 from Celta Vigo, and in another two years will qualify for British residency.
Fifa regulations state that so long as a player over the age of 21 has not represented their country of birth at any level, then they are free to switch international associations.
"I am 100 per cent sure if I win my place with Arsenal and play for the first team, then I will play for Spain one day," Almunia told Arsenal TV Online. "But if not, in two years I can be English, take the nationality and then I can play for England. If someone wants me, I do not care about the nationality."
Live showdown
The first managerial clash of Wolves manager Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane is to be broadcast live on Sky TV. McCarthy's Wolves will take on Keane's Sunderland at Molineux on Friday, November 24th, with an 8pm kick-off, with the game having been rearranged to accommodate the broadcaster.
Lerner's nervous wait
Randy Lerner is on the brink of completing a 100 per cent buyout of Aston Villa - but he could face a nervous fortnight. The American, who is thought to be worth in the region of £680 million and already owns NFL side the Cleveland Browns, has provisionally secured 85.5 per cent of shares in the Villa Park club. However, Villa pointed out that unless Lerner's investment vehicle Reform Acquisitions Ltd reach the 90 per cent mark by September 18th, the deal may hit the rocks.
Three called up
Sweden have called up Teddy Lucic, Stefan Ishizaki and Fredrik Berglund for tonight's Euro 2008 qualifer against Liechtenstein, replacing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and two other players axed for staying out late.
The decision by coach Lars Lagerback to send home Inter Milan striker Ibrahimovic, as well as Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg and Nantes midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson, created banner headlines in Swedish media.
Vassell injured
Manchester City striker Darius Vassell has been ruled out for at least two weeks with a knee strain. The former Aston Villa and England forward suffered medial ligament damage during the 1-0 win over Arsenal at Eastlands.
City boss Stuart Pearce told the club's website, www.mcfc.com: "Vass will be out for at least a fortnight. It's a blow but one of those things you have to expect during the season. He is at home resting at the minute and we hope that the injury will not require surgery."
Parreira excited
New South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said he was excited by the opportunity of taking charge of the country's team for the 2010 World Cup but warned of big challenges ahead. The Brazilian World Cup winner, who officially takes up his post in January, said South Africa faced a major rebuilding process that required patience and hard work.
"There is a potential among the players and with the right preparation we have a chance. But patience will be the key word," he cautioned.
