SFA agree Burley fee

Soccer Shorts:Scotland agreed compensation terms with English Championship side Southampton yesterday over the planned appointment of George Burley as manager.

The Scottish Football Association has held talks with Burley's agent and an SFA spokesman said: "We expect these (discussions) to continue tomorrow but, in the meantime, we have reached agreement with Southampton."

Earlier, Burley was ratified by the SFA as the "preferred candidate" for the job which has been vacant since Alex McLeish left for English Premier League Birmingham City in November.

The former Ipswich Town defender Burley is a former Scotland international.

Keegan in for Woodgate

Kevin Keegan is ready to test Middlesbrough's resolve to hang on to England international Jonathan Woodgate.

The new Newcastle manager has been linked with a improbable list of potential targets since his installation last week, but is understood to be preparing to lure the 28-year-old defender back to St James' Park, where he left for Real Madrid in 2004.

Lazio striker Goran Pandev (24) claims Newcastle United have launched a bid for his services.

"This morning the people from the club told me about the offer from Newcastle," the Macedonian striker said yesterday. "Keegan's club want the negotiations to start soon, but I don't know anything about the figures and a possible sum."

Macedonian reports suggest Newcastle would be willing to pay €15 million for Pandev, who joined Lazio in 2004.

Los Angeles Galaxy president Alexi Lalas has insisted David Beckham is not for sale to Newcastle or anyone else. The England midfielder found himself linked to the Magpies earlier this week as Keegan launched his search for new recruits.

Lalas said: "I can confidently say there is absolutely no truth in the speculation linking David with a move to Newcastle United.

"We have had no contact from any representatives for Newcastle United."

Tunisia make their point

Mejdi Traoui scored late in the game to help Tunisia to a 2-2 draw in their Group D match against Senegal at the Africans Nations Cup in Ghana yesterday.

Elrio van Heerden's late goal gave South Africa a 1-1 draw against Angola in the other game of the group. Manchester United striker Manucho scored the other goal of the match.

Real realise limits

Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic admits it is virtually impossible that either Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo or Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas would be playing for the Spanish giants in the future.

"Of course it would not be bad for us to have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is at a great club like Manchester United. I see it as an impossible signing," Mijatovic said.

On the possibility of signing Fabregas, who was one of Real president Ramon Calderon's transfer promises when he was running for election in 2006, Mijatovic said: "He is the same."

Keane keeps buying

Sunderland manager Roy Keane last night clinched his fourth transfer window signing when he landed Swedish international striker Rade Prica for €2.7 million.

The 27-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract after leaving Aalborg. He follows loan signing Jonny Evans and defenders Jean-Yves Mvoto and Phil Bardsley to the Stadium of Light.

Berbatov commits

Dimitar Berbatov looks set to remain at Tottenham until at least the end of the season after vowing to fire the club to English League Cup glory next month.

The 26-year-old's agent had suggested at the start of the January transfer window that he would welcome a move if the right offer was made.

"I am happy, everyone is happy," said Berbatov. "This will be my first game at Wembley. Everybody is excited. I will relish the moment."

McCaffrey names squad Republic of Ireland under-19 manager Sean McCaffrey yesterday announced his squad for friendly matches against the Czech Republic.

The two friendlies will take place in United Park, Drogheda, on the 5th and 7th of February.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (v Czech Republic):Redmond (Nottingham Forest), McKeown (Peterborough), Hughton (Tottenham), Breen (Manchester City), Donoghue (Sunderland), Sharkey (Derry City), Kelly (Reading), Bermingham (UCD), Earls (Aston Villa), Carey (Celtic), Berrett (Huddersfield), McCarthy (Hamilton), Arter (Charlton), Cahillane (Celtic), McDermott (Manchester City), Hutton (Tottenham), Scannell (Crystal Palace), McDaid (Derry City), Daly (Manchester City), Harkin (Charlton).

In brief . . .

Manchester City striker Rolando Bianchi(24) has joined Lazio on loan with a view to a permanent deal . . . Derby have completed the signing of Australia midfielder Mile Sterjovski(28) . . . Fulham have signed US striker Eddie Johnsonfrom Kansas City and Danish midfielder Leon Andreasenfrom Werder Bremen . . . Bayern Munich have ruled out a summer move for Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann(38).