SOCCER SHORTS:RAFAEL Benitez and Martin O'Neill will go head-to-head again in a €23 million battle for Ashley Young. Aston Villa are bracing themselves for Liverpool's offer for 24-year-old England winger Young, although O'Neill has warned potential bidders to expect "short shrift".
That will not deter Benitez, who is also reportedly on the verge of winning his fight to keep midfielder Xabi Alonso.
The lure of a Premier League title challenge and Champions League action at Anfield will be tough for Young to resist, especially in a World Cup season.
In another massive boost to Liverpool's title hopes, Alonso is ready to commit himself for another season. Real Madrid had set a deadline of this weekend for a €31 million transfer, but that passed without a deal and they will not be encouraged to bid again.
Setanta Cup gets official go ahead
THE FAI confirmed yesterday that the Setanta Cup will kick off at the end of August with the draw for the group stages of this year's competition, which had to be postponed a few weeks ago, now pencilled in for tomorrow week.
The competition's future had been in doubt due to the broadcaster's financial difficulties but the Irish wing of the company has survived the financial crisis that ultimately brought down the larger, British operation. But at a meeting between the company and officials from both the FAI and competing clubs yesterday, Setanta said they were now in a position to guarantee their continued backing.
"We are very gratified with the support that we've received from the clubs and from the Associations following what has been a difficult period," said Setanta CEO Niall Cogley, "and we are delighted to be continuing with this tournament that signifies so much about our company."
Brown lining up striker Zamora
HULL manager Phil Brown has revealed he is to hold talks with Fulham striker Bobby Zamora at the coming days. The Premier League side have had a €5.8 million bid accepted by the London outfit for the services of Zamora, who scored two league goals last season.He said: We have tabled a bid and it has been accepted.
Obviously people will question that Bobby is not prolific. But I think he is a very, very good holding player.
ROY Keanewas to be disappointed on his return to his hometown as his Ipswich Town team fell to a 2-0 defeat at Cork City yesterday.
The hosts went ahead five minutes after the break when Tommy Smith pulled down Fahrudin Kuduzovic in the area and the Bosnian stepped up to convert the penalty.
Gavin O’Neal sealed the victory for the League of Ireland side three minutes from time.
McShane out for three months
SUNDERLAND defender Paul McShane will be out for at least three months after being told he needs knee surgery.
The Republic of Ireland international sustained the injury shortly after scoring in the 4-0 friendly win at Darlington on Thursday night.
Tests have now shown McShane needs to have an operation, ruling him out of the start of the new Premier League season.
Downing a bargain claims O'Neill
ASTON Villa manager Martin O’Neill has hailed the signing of Stewart Downing as a bargain and expects the winger to be a great addition to his squad.
Downing became Villa’s first signing of the summer when he joined from Middlesbrough last week.
Villa paid Middlesbrough an initial €11.5 million, with a further €2.3 million due dependent on appearances, but O’Neill believes the 24-year-old will prove his worth when he is fully fit.
“£10 million (€11.5m) is a bargain,” he said. “It’s great value and he’s a superb acquisition.
“He’s got pace, although he admits he could add a few more goals to his game. I’m delighted to have him.”
Owen rallies his new team-mates
MICHAEL OWEN has called on all his new Manchester United team-mates to “step up to the plate” as they look to replace the man whose shirt he now wears.
Owen enjoyed the perfect start to life as United’s new number seven by scoring a late winner as United opened their Far East tour with a 3-2 win over a Malaysia XI on Saturday.
Given his reputation, Owen will be one of the main men asked to replace the 67 goals Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the two seasons prior to his move to Real Madrid.
“Hopefully I might add something the team haven’t got at the moment,” he said. “Nobody is going to replace Ronaldo, even though I wear his shirt.
“Everyone is going to have to step up to the plate a bit more to make up for him.”
