MANCHESTER UNITED have said claims that they have made a £12 million bid for German star Oliver Bierhoff are "completely unfounded". Reports from Italy said that Bierhoff's club, Udinese, had rebuffed an approach from United for the 28-year-old striker, who scored. Germany's "golden goal" winner in the final of the Euro '96.

United spokesman Ken Ramsden has also denied stories that Old Trafford manager Alex Ferguson has agreed a five-year deal with Norwegian trialist Erik Nevland, who is to return to Norway to complete one year's national service despite scoring hat-tricks in both of his appearances for United's A and reserve sides.

Negotiations for Tomas Brolin's move to Sampdoria from Leeds appear to have broken down. Swedish television quoted the Serie A team's Swedish coach Sven Goran Ericsson as saying it was virtually certain that the striker would not return to Italy.

The 26-year-old Swede had been set to sign on loan for Sampdoria until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move.

Barcelona have denied reports that they are still interested in signing Newcastle's French star David Ginola. The Spanish club admitted they moved to sign the player during the summer, but were put off then by the high price being asked for him. "There is nothing in it," a Barcelona club source said yesterday. "The club looked at signing him in the close season but he was considered too expensive."

Several Spanish newspapers reported a transfer was possible after Ginola's agent was seen in the president's box at Barcelona's game against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. However, Ginola, who seems to have returned to his best form in recent weeks, is believed to be more settled at St James' Park now he has resumed a more attacking role in Kevin Keegan's side.

Sampdoria coach Sven Goran Ericsson last night ruled himself out of the running for the vacant Blackburn Rovers manager's job. There was widespread speculation that Ericsson was unsettled in Italy and could be on his way to Ewood Park.