SoccerShorts

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Aubey checked out

Manchester United scouts have been scrutinising the France under-21 international Lucien Aubey, watching him for the fourth time when his club Toulouse played Lyon last Saturday.

The United delegation was in France for the team's 1-0 defeat, in which Aubey played at left back. It is understood that Alex Ferguson has identified that position as a key area to strengthen during the January transfer window after the cruciate knee ligament injury suffered by Gabriel Heinze in September.

The Argentinian defender is not expected to return to action this season and that could open the door to a £1 million move for Aubey.

Offer for van Persie

Arsenal will offer their in-form striker Robin van Persie a new contract as they continue their policy of tying younger players to long-term deals.

The Dutchman signed until the summer of 2008 when he joined from Feyenoord 18 months ago.

Wembley a doubt

English Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick remains cautious over whether the new Wembley Stadium will be ready to host this season's FA Cup final. The £757 million project is running behind its original schedule and Barwick will not confirm the stadium would host the FA's showpiece event next year.

Long haul Makelele

Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele believes Jose Mourinho's squad are destined for long-term success.

The 32-year-old Frenchman said:"Chelsea . . . have a big future. One season is not everything. Manchester United and Arsenal, they have given five, six, seven good seasons. Chelsea have demonstrated a big possibility."

Meanwhile, defender Winston Bogarde has announced his retirement nearly five years after his last official game for Chelsea.

The 35-year-old joined Chelsea in 2000 and was paid £40,000 a week for four years despite playing only 12 times for the London club.

In brief...

English Championship leaders Sheffield United are set to offer Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper Paddy Kenny a new contract, his current deal is set to expire at the end of the next campaign . . . Uefa have shortlisted Italy and joint bids from Croatia/Hungary and Poland/Ukraine to host the European Championship in 2012, after rejecting proposals from Greece and Turkey yesterday . . . Middlesbrough's former Liverpool defender Abel Xavier faces a two-year ban after Uefa yesterday confirmed that his B sample proved positive following his failed drugs test after the Uefa Cup game against Xanthi in September.