Newslines

Long-serving Manchester United defender Denis Irwin is fully rested and ready to meet the twin challenges of club glory and testimonial success. The Republic of Ireland full back has been a consistent presence in the Old Trafford rearguard for a decade.

Although one of the unsung heroes in a club of stars, Irwin is set to break Bobby Charlton's record attendance for a testimonial on August 16th when United take on City in a pre-season Manchester derby at Old Trafford, with a 60,000-plus crowd expected. United take on Newcastle in the opening game of the new Premiership season on August 20th.

Leeds United's hopes of signing Norwegian international John Arne Riise were last night on the brink of collapse. Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale had agreed a fee - believed to be around £4 million sterling - with reigning French champions Monaco for the promising 19-year-old. Riise was quoted in Norwegian newspaper VG as being "excited" at the prospect of joining Leeds. Riise's mother Berit, who is a recognised FIFA agent, and was handling negotiations in conjunction with Rune Hauge, revealed only formalities were remaining on her son's contract.

Monaco, however, have decided to increase their valuation of the player, who can operate in both midfield and defence, at the last minute. It means Ridsdale is now likely to pursue other targets as he admits he is not prepared to back down from the fee originally agreed between both parties.

Aston Villa's French connection extends further than yesterday's signing of David Ginola after Toulouse president Jacques Rubio revealed two of his club's young stars are joining the Premiership outfit.

Christophe Grondin and Mickael Sabathier were spotted playing for Toulouse's under-17 side but will now test their talents in England.

"We are the world champions for grooming young players for other European clubs, and I regret the pillaging of kids from the French youth system," declared Rubio.

"It is purely a financial problem, we have to live with an unfair situation in France and we don't have the financial facilities to hold on to our young players," he added.

Sabathier would have preferred to stay with Toulouse but felt he could not turn down Villa's offer. "Aston Villa offered me a salary of between 10,000 and 15,000 francs (just under £1,000-£1,500 sterling) per month plus board and lodgings while Toulouse could only offer 1,500 francs per month and an amateur contract."

Alan Smith replaced Steve Coppell as Crystal Palace manager for the second time yesterday. Smith stepped in after Coppell departed by mutual consent on Tuesday night following three embarrassing pre-season friendly defeats.

George Weah signed for Manchester City yesterday and immediately set his sights on Europe. The former world footballer of the year has agreed a two-year deal with the Maine Road club and could make his debut in the friendly against Stockport on Saturday.

Weah was released from his contract by AC Milan last week, having failed to agree an extension to his loan period at Chelsea.

Having secured their second successive promotion last term, manager Joe Royle was well aware of the need to bring in experience and quality to bolster his enthusiastic squad.

Only the £2.5 million capture of Alfie Haaland has maintained that belief among the City faithful but the arrival of Weah should ensure the club's supporters approach the new campaign with growing optimism. "I will come here and give everything and I think we will go into Europe," said Weah.

The City boss expects to meet West Ham forward Paulo Wanchope within the next 24 hours after agreeing a fee of over £4 million with the Upton Park club for their Costa Rican striker. A potential three-man strike-force of Weah, Wanchope and Shaun Goater should keep Premiership defenders on their toes next season.

Portugal have chosen Antonio Oliveira as the new national team manager. Oliveira returns to the job he had between 1994 and 1996. The 48-year-old, who had stints as a player for FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon and managed eight clubs, replaces Humberto Coelho who retired following Portugal's run to the Euro 2000 semi-finals.