SoccerShorts

Dual role for Quinn expected: Niall Quinn was expecting the green light to become Sunderland's new manager following the club's pre-season friendly against Shelbourne at Tolka Park last night.

New chairman-elect Quinn is waiting to hear that his application to become the permanent successor to Mick McCarthy had been ratified by his own consortium. The announcement would afford former fans' favourite Quinn almost total control over the Stadium of Light club and end a period of uncertainty following last season's relegation from the Premiership.

But there remained uncertainty over Quinn's choice of assistant, with the Sunderland Echo last night reporting that suggestions of a return for former boss Peter Reid were premature. Sunderland officials insisted that no official announcement of Quinn's new dual role was imminent.

Platini seeks Uefa presidency

Michel Platini is now officially a candidate to be president of Uefa. Jean-Pierre Escalettes, the president of the French Football Federation (FFF), yesterday sent a letter to Uefa secretary general Lars-Christer Olsson to propose the former European footballer of the year for the post.

A statement on the FFF website read: "This letter confirms the engagement of Michel Platini, vice-president of the FFF, member of the Uefa and Fifa executive committees, for the presidential elections of Uefa which will take place in the next congress in the month of January 2007."

Crespo wants to return to Italy

Hernan Crespo is desperate to return to Italy, but Chelsea insist they will only sell the unsettled Argentina striker at the right price. Crespo returned to Stamford Bridge last summer following a season-long loan spell with AC Milan, and is so anxious to return to Serie A he admits he is "hoping the mobile will ring".

But Chelsea are adamant they will not let Crespo leave on the cheap and confirmed the club have received no approach for the 31-year-old during the transfer window. A club statement released yesterday read: "There are no new contract talks or discussions about offers of any nature with Hernan Crespo. He is contracted to Chelsea for the next two years and will remain so unless Chelsea receive a suitable offer for him."

Diao may seal move to Charlton

Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao has been given permission to play for Charlton today on trial. Diao is to play for Charlton against Hibernian at Easter Road. The 29-year-old could now be on the brink of a £700,000 move to the Valley. Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "Salif has been given permission to play for Charlton in Tuesday's friendly game against Hibernian."

Ellis's future at Villa uncertain

Doug Ellis's future as Aston Villa chairman appeared increasingly uncertain last night when Randy Lerner, the owner of the Cleveland Browns American Football club, was strongly linked with a takeover bid for the Premiership club. Lerner, who is worth around £648 million, is understood to be preparing a deal that could end Ellis's 24-year reign at Villa Park.

In brief . . .

Sheffield United have agreed a deal with Leeds United to sign Rob Hulse for an initial fee of £2.2million . . . The 28-year-old Scotland international Lee McCulloch has signed a three-year deal with Wigan Athletic . . . Pierluigi Casiraghi is the new Italy Under-21 coach while Gianfranco Zola will act as a technical consultant . . . Patrick Vieira is on the verge of joining Inter Milan from Juventus in a deal worth €13 million . . . Rangers striker Dado Prso fears he could be forced to retire through injury at the end of the coming season with persistent knee problems.