Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson hit out yesterday at the wages spiral he believes is in danger of crippling the game. "What you have now is a free-for-all so far as wages are concerned," Ferguson said in an interview with the Glasgow Herald newspaper. "It is a serious concern now whether clubs can afford to pay the kind of money which is being talked about.

"If you are to believe some of the sums being bandied about then the game could die if clubs attempt to meet the demands which are being made."

Ferguson called on players' unions to "preach reality" to their members involved with contract negotiations.

"Honestly, I believe the very future of football is on the line unless we get back to wage negotiations in which players and clubs are comfortable and can talk clearly to each other instead of being hung up on the often nonsensical wage deals which are being asked for nowadays."

Newcastle will unveil new signing Silvio Maric at their Chester-le-Street training ground today. Maric flew into England on Wednesday night after Newcastle had obtained a work permit for the 23-year-old Croatian international midfielder. Newcastle had agreed a deal - for a reported fee of £3.65m - with Croatia Zagreb a couple of weeks ago. Maric could be in line for a Premiership debut at home to Arsenal on Sunday.

Michael Owen has admitted he is flattered to be linked with Italian giants Lazio - but insists his future is at Liverpool. The England star believes Anfield boss Gerard Houllier will bring the good times back to Liverpool, and he ridiculed claims that he has any interest in a supposed £25m move to Italy.