Goram heeds United's call

ANDY GORAM is set to make a startling return to the European stage after Manchester United's urgent search for an experienced goalkeeper took them to the former Rangers and Scotland international who will be 37 next month.

Last night Goram was back in England finalising an ingenious loan move from Motherwell which could well see him in United's goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final early next month.

UEFA are believed to have stipulated that United could take a goalkeeper only on a straightforward loan - an arrangement originally rejected yesterday by Motherwell - but the Scottish club later agreed to part with their captain when United offered them £100,000 for his services on a three-month deal.

Goram's Motherwell contract expires this summer but he has effectively finished playing for them. After his Old Trafford spell he will revert to being a Fir Park player, but only for one day, before becoming a free agent.

Goram could make his debut a week on Saturday in the Premiership at Liverpool, with Fabien Barthez doubtful after suffering a thigh strain which forced him out against Leicester. Raimond van der Gouw is also injured, leaving Alex Ferguson with only the 19-year-old American Paul Rachubka to keep goal.

Blackburn have denied speculation linking on-loan midfielder Alan Mahon with a return to Sporting Lisbon. The Republic of Ireland international midfielder has been at Ewood Park since December.

Leeds United's 20-year-old striker Alan Smith yesterday pledged his long-term future to the club by signing a new contract. Smith has signed a five-year deal and is due to earn £4.2 million as a result.

Republic of Ireland international Alan Maybury has also signed a one-year contract after finally making his long-awaited return to the first team last week. Maybury (22) spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch in the previous three years due to a shin splints injury and a broken leg.