Wenger meets on Henry bid

SOCCER:Arsene Wenger has met a Barcelona emissary at a leading hotel in the west of Paris, according to a report on L'Equipe's internet site yesterday. The French sports newspaper's website claimed the focus of the meeting was Thierry Henry's prospective transfer to Camp Nou this summer.

It is believed in France that Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has set a £20.3 million fee for his captain, but it is unlikely any such meeting would have taken place without Samuel Eto'o also being discussed. Wenger is an admirer of the Cameroon striker, whom Barcelona are thought to consider surplus to requirements if Henry arrives. Arsenal would not comment last night.

Barcelona are believed to be seeking to tie up any transfer for the 29-year-old quickly - even as early as next week - to demonstrate to their fans how quickly they can rebound from the expected loss of the title to Real Madrid on Sunday.

Ajax forward Ryan Babel, 20, has opened the door to a possible move to Arsenal by describing the prospect of working with Wenger as "a dream".

Babel, who has impressed for the Holland under-21 team who have reached the semi-finals of the European championship, would cost about £7 million.

Sampdoria's striker Fabio Quagliarella, who has made a dramatic early impact with Italy, has emerged as a target for Manchester United, according to the player's agent.

Interest in the 23-year-old has risen substantially since the forward scored two outstanding goals on his first start for the Azzurri in their 2-0 European Championship qualifier win in Lithuania last week. .

Quagliarella's agent, Silvio Pagliari, said yesterday: "One month ago, Manchester United made a £10 million offer. We believe Fabio is worth between £10 million and £13 million, hence if the English club's offer still stands, he could probably go abroad."

David Beckham has been assured by Steve McClaren he will continue playing for England even after he turns his back on top-flight football to join the Major League Soccer side Los Angeles Galaxy.

Beckham plays his last game for the Spanish league leaders when they face Real Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu in the title-decider on Sunday night.

The 32-year-old insisted he had "no regrets" and believes that with "two or three years left at the highest level" he can go on playing for England well beyond the European Championship finals next summer. More importantly, he will do so with the blessing of his coach.

"The manager has told me that [ I have a place with England] as long as my fitness is right and I'm playing like I have over the last six months," Beckham said.

"That's the reason he brought me back and I believe I can continue to play at that level, that I can stay in the team. I think my fitness will be the same, if not better than ever. I don't think there can be any worries about me.

"Are England and America compatible? Without a doubt."