Players' representatives stormed out of talks with FIFA and UEFA in Zurich last night, virtually dashing hopes of forging a united agreement on a new transfer system ahead of the European Commission deadline.
The meeting took place with next week's deadline looming large but it ended in failure with FIFPRO players' union representative Philippe Piat walking out with the parting shot: "We cannot find an agreement here."
Sheffield Wednesday, bottom of the English first division, yesterday tried a last desperate throw of the dice when they sacked their manager Paul Jewell. The resignation of their chairman Howard Culley followed. Jewell has been replaced by his highly-experienced assistant Peter Shreeves, who will be in charge in a caretaker capacity for tonight's game with their fellow strugglers Tranmere at Hillsborough.
Wolves have moved a step closer to signing the Coventry City striker Cedric Roussel for £1.5 million. Roussel was left out of Coventry's 16-man squad on duty at West Ham last night and is to have further talks with Wolves about making a move to Molineux.
Newcastle last night confirmed that they have agreed terms with Sheffield United for the transfer of defender Wayne Quinn. The 24year-old full back has played four times for Newcastle during a month's loan at St James's Park.
Gerard Houllier is resigned to facing Roma on Thurday night without the services of Steven Gerrard. Gerrard is still struggling with the groin injury sustained at Sunderland on Saturday. Igor Biscan will be unavailable too.
Celtic supporters' groups have joined forces to call for fans to boycott the clubs new strip next month.
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