Soccer newslines

RONALDO: Brazil's team doctor at the 1998 World Cup, Lidio Toledo, has denied accusations he gave star striker Ronaldo a painkilling injection before the team's defeat in the final by France. Ronaldo's convulsions before the match which the Brazilians lost had been put down to an injection he allegedly received beforehand.

But sports journal Lance, which carried the initial report last weekend through a "confidential" source, quoted Toledo as saying that the allegation was unfounded.

"No way. This doesn't exist. Ronaldo never had a painkilling injection - either at club or national team level," said Toledo. "If he had undergone this treatment with his clubs he would have had to tell the national team doctor," said Toledo, who is now no longer assigned to Brazil.

But Lance maintains that Ronaldo had no less than eight injections during the tournament and the last one had side-effects which involved some form of a fit. Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes after Brazilian football federation official Ricardo Teixeira, concerned at the implications for the team's sponsors, allegedly insisted that the player start.

RAVANELLI: Derby midfielder Darryl Powell believes the Pride Park board would be "crazy" to turn to Fabrizio Ravanelli as manager following the sacking of Colin Todd.

Powell said he was a friend of Ravanelli's but that his lack of coaching experience meant he was unsuitable: "Obviously Rav is flattered and would be interested in the job, but if you offered me the job I'd be interested in it. That doesn't mean I'm the right man though!"

BECKHAM: Bayern Munich have ruled out any chance of a bid for Manchester United midfielder David Beckham, saying they can live without the "media circus" that follows the England captain.

"From a sporting point of view Beckham would appeal to us very much, but not when I realise it would mean his wife - that Spice Girl - coming with him," Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness told the Sun.

REIZIGER: Barcelona have rejected claims that Manchester United have made a move for Michael Reiziger: "The player is a Barcelona player and I don't recall any contact or negotiations with Manchester United," a spokesman said, pouring cold water on a claim by the defender's agent.

KENNA: Republic of Ireland international Jeff Kenna wants to make his loan move from Blackburn to first division side Birmingham permanent. The right back has been told by Rovers' manager Graeme Souness he can leave Ewood Park on a free transfer.

Kenna said: "There is a chance to win promotion and play in the Premiership again, which is what I want."

MANAGERS: New research shows that one in three English managers needs to modify his lifestyle to avoid serious health problems. Heart specialist Dorian Dugmore said of a sample of 12 managers: "A third of them are in great shape, a third are in the middle and a third of them need lifestyle modification."

SHEARER: Bookmakers have slashed the odds on Newcastle captain Alan Shearer again pulling on an England shirt from 25 to 1 to 8 to 1 after taking a rush of bets.

However, Shearer has been at pains to say a change of heart is unlikely.