Soccer Shorts: Ricardo Carvalho is likely to face disciplinary action from Chelsea after blasting manager Jose Mourinho's decision to name him on the bench for Sunday's Premiership opener at Wigan.
The Blues are close to adding to their squad with the imminent signing of Lyon midfielder Michael Essien, but it is clear Mourinho is experiencing difficulty trying to keep existing players happy.
Chelsea are understood to be highly displeased the 27-year-old centre half aired his grievances through the media, rather than seek to raise the matter internally.
"I want to know why I didn't play," said Carvalho. "How can I explain when I don't understand it? Sincerely, I gave a lot of thought and time to myself but cannot find a valid explanation. It's totally incomprehensible."
Hammers quiet
West Ham United have declined to comment on media speculation the club could be subject to a £90 million takeover bid.
It was reported that an investment group which bought Brazilian league leaders Corinthians last year could make a bid for the London club within 10 days.
Media Sport Investment, headed by businessman Kia Joorabchian, had talks with the West Ham board this month, who quoted a price of £60 million for the club. West Ham are also believed to have declared debts of about £30 million.
Joorabchian said he would spend £200 million in total if the deal went through, half of which would be spent on new talent.
Meanwhile, West Ham have signed Manchester United's French forward David Bellion (22) on a season-long loan.
France plummet
The Republic of Ireland's next World Cup qualifying opponents France have slumped to their lowest position in Fifa's world rankings since winning the World Cup in 1998. France are ranked ninth after dropping two places this month.
Brian Kerr's side have jumped up one place to 15th, while England also moved up a place to seventh. Northern Ireland slip four places to 116th, Wales are down three to 83rd and Scotland have fallen one place to 86th.
Kanoute moves off
Sevilla have signed Mali striker Frederic Kanoute (27) on a four-year contract from Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of £4.4 million.
Kanoute's exit may end rumours that Ireland striker Robbie Keane would leave White Hart Lane before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.
Doubts over Buffel
Rangers manager Alex McLeish's selection problems have increased with Thomas Buffel doubtful to face Celtic this Saturday. The Belgian pulled out of his country's friendly with Greece with a thigh strain.
To add to McLeish's problems, Fernando Ricksen is suspended, while striker Federico Nieto and midfielder Brahim Hemdani have already been ruled out by McLeish.
In Brief . . .
The English FA insist the decision to downgrade Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas's red card at Arsenal on Sunday will stand despite a review of their disciplinary procedures . . . Emanuel Pogatetz will be able to make his debut for Middlesbrough this weekend after Russian soccer authorities reduced his six-month ban imposed, while playing for Spartak Moscow, for a dangerous tackle . . . AC Milan are to loan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati to Juventus as cover for the injured Gianluigi Buffon, who hurt his shoulder in a friendly between the two clubs . . . Fulham striker Steve Marlet (31), who spent the last two seasons on loan at Lyon, is is set to sign for German side Wolfsburg on a free transfer . . . Blackburn have been fined £10,000 for their poor disciplinary record last season . . . Seth Johnson (26) has rejoined Derby on a one-year contract after being released by Leeds this summer before an additional £250,000 payment was due to Derby . . .
Dublin-born forward Karl Bermingham (19) has joined Burnley from Manchester City on a one-month loan deal.
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