Nigeria call up Mikel

Soccer Shorts: John Obi Mikel has been named in Nigeria's squad for the African Nations Cup. The 18-year-old midfielder is in dispute with his Norwegian club, Lyn Oslo, and has not played club football since early last year.

Oslo's city court this week rejected Mikel's claim that his contract with Lyn was forged and should have prevented the Norwegian being sold to Manchester United. Mikel agreed to a move to United last April, but then backtracked and claimed he wanted to join Chelsea instead.

His case will be heard by Fifa or the Football Federation of Norway, with the African Nations Cup providing a chance him to play football.

No bids for Gravesen

Former Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen looks set to leave Real Madrid - but Manchester United is unlikely to be his destination.

Gravesen has been eased out of the first-team picture at the Bernabeu this season and there has been speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford.

"There is certainly no transfer imminent, and if Manchester United have made a bid, I know nothing about it," said the Dane's agent, John Sivebaek, a former United defender.

Ehiogu in limbo

Ugo Ehiogu's future at Middlesbrough appears unclear after a transfer to West Brom collapsed following an ankle injury to Gareth Southgate.

Ehiogu (33), had passed a medical at The Hawthorns, according to his agent, Steve Kutner, but it is understood Boro have pulled the plug on the deal.

Kutner claimed Ehiogu was still determined to join West Brom. But the centre back could be required at the Riverside Stadium after the loss of captain Southgate for up to three months with a suspected stress fracture of an ankle.

"He does not want to go back to Middlesbrough, despite what might have happened," Kutner said. "In his head, he is a West Brom player. He has accepted the fact he was leaving Middlesbrough, and that would be very difficult for him to change now."

Southgate (35), picked up his injury during the FA Cup tie with Nuneaton on Saturday. When the injury failed to clear up after the 1-1 draw it became clear it was long term.

Sheffield look east

English Championship side Sheffield United became the first foreign club to buy a Chinese team when it announced the purchase of a 90 per cent stake in second division Chengdu Five Bull yesterday.

The promotion-chasing English club said in December it wanted to acquire the team in southwestern Sichuan province, which has a population of about 100 million, as part of a plan to increase its brand presence in China.

Villa bid still on cards

The consortium striving to buy Aston Villa have dismissed reports the £64 million bid for the club has collapsed. Sources close to Irish property magnates Brian and Luke Comer insist claims the deal was dead and buried were "totally wrong" and "not true", and that both sides were "still talking".

There has been speculation the consortium are around £10million short of meeting the asking price. But suggestions they have already pulled the plug on any takeover have been quashed. Villa chairman Doug Ellis has indicated he is willing to sell if any interested parties can meet the asking price.

Repka homesick

Unsettled West Ham defender Tomas Repka looks certain to leave Upton Park and is hoping for a return to his native Czech Republic. The 32-year-old revealed that he has agreed a three-year contract to sign for Sparta Prague.

Though manager Alan Pardew is reluctant to lose Repka, particularly until he has brought in a replacement, he has accepted the defender's wishes to return home, where his family live.

Pardew also confirmed that he has made offers for two unnamed players.

In brief . . .

Egyptian striker Mido has told Roma he will not be returning to the club after his 18-month loan spell at Tottenham is complete this summer . . . Blackburn have agreed to release striker Matt Jansen (28) from his contract . . . Benfica are interested in Bolton's Jared Borgetti (32), according to the Mexican striker's agent . . . Defender JLloyd Samuel has admitted his days at Aston Villa could be numbered after claiming "it could be time for a fresh challenge" . . . Rangers have signed former England under-19 international Moses Ashikodi until the end of the season. He was previously out of contract

. . . Rushden and Diamonds' Republic of Ireland under-21 international midfielder David Bell is negotiating terms with Luton Town after a £100,000 fee was agreed between the clubs

. . . Nottingham Forest have agreed an undisclosed fee with Wolves for Northern Ireland under-21 midfielder Sammy Clingan . . . Italy striker Christian Vieri (32) completed his move from AC Milan to Monaco yesterday . . . Former Argentina World Cup winning captain and manager Daniel Passarella was named as coach of River Plate, returning for a second stint at the club . . . Former German international Lothar Matthaus has joined Brazilian side Atletico Paranaense as coach.