Maradona the singer

Controversial former Argentine star Diego Maradona is to record a song entitled "La mano de Dios" (the hand of God) to celebrate his infamous World Cup goal against England in the 1986 World Cup.

The song, which Buenos Aires singer Rodrigo dedicated to him before his death in a car accident three months ago, is tongue in cheek as it refers to the goal which Maradona scored with his hand in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.

He later went on to score a second in the same match after a brilliant, mazy run leaving a trail of England defenders in his wake.

Maradona, 39, returned home on Wednesday from Cuba, where he spent eight months undergoing treatment for heart problems brought on by cocaine abuse.

Yesterday he revealed his latest transformation from soccer megastar via drug addict and author with a recent biography, entitled "I am Diego," to budding songster - at England's expense.

Maradona said in an interview with Argentine television that he would add his voice to the track Rodrigo had laid down before his death.

The pair got the idea for the song when the singer visited Maradona in Havana. "I am going to do it for the maestro (Rodrigo), who wanted me to add my voice on the theme which he dedicated to me," said Maradona. [SBX]

ENGLISH premier league champions Manchester United confirmed yesterday they were in talks with a leading sportswear company after reports said the club were close to signing a deal with Nike Industry sources said United were discussing a £300 million 15year deal with the US sportswear giant that would earn the club £20 million a season.

A statement from the club did not confirm the details but said they were in discussions with a sportswear company.

"We are in discussions with lots of clubs at any given time as you would expect from a football brand the size of Nike, and that includes Manchester United, but we have not signed anything," said a Nike spokesman.

Former world champions Brazil, current holders of the existing kit deal record, have an agreement worth £100 million spanning a 10-year period.