Soccer Shorts

Today's other stories in brief

Reyes wants to reign in Spain

Spanish forward Jose Antonio Reyes has said he hopes to clear a move to Real Madrid before Arsenal play their Champions League third qualifying round match against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.

"The manager (Arsene Wenger) hasn't said anything to me and I don't know if I am going to play or not. I hope I don't or that everything will be resolved before then," Reyes was quoted as telling sports daily Marca yesterday. "Obviously, if I do, it will make a move to Real a lot more difficult. But if I have to play, I will play."

The nine-times European champions have said they are only interested in signing players who would be available for all competitions. If Reyes played in Tuesday's first leg in Zagreb he would be ineligible for Real in Europe next season.

Despite denying reports a week ago that he wanted a move back to Spain, Reyes went on to add: "I haven't adapted to the life there (in London).

"I miss Spain and I have a unique opportunity to return with what Real are offering. Everyone has to understand I can't let this chance slip away. Real Madrid are unique. I don't know what is happening but I am a little unsettled by all the rumours."

Cole transfer may be ditched

Jose Mourinho has warned Ashley Cole that, if Arsenal decline Chelsea's transfer approach, he will abandon his interest in the England left back.

"Arsenal know we are interested," said the Chelsea manager. "We know that the player belongs to Arsenal. We know they have the power to decide. They know we made an offer and, if they accept, we can negotiate with the player; we will try to bring the player to us but, if they don't accept, we won't approach the player and it is over. Everything is very clear."

Meanwhile, William Gallas attended training for the first time yesterday at the club's Cobham centre, four days after his agreed return date, which sparked ire from Mourinho, who referred to his absence as "a lack of respect".

Mourinho stated that there had been no offers for the want-away French defender: "You can tell me everyone wants him but the fact is we have no offers. No offers, not even a bad one - but, if we have a good offer, we can think about it."

Zenden wants to dodge Israel

Bolo Zenden insists Liverpool have no wish to play their Champions League qualifier against Maccabi Haifa in Israel. Uefa will reveal on Monday where the second-leg tie will be played with a suggestion it could be in Ukraine. Midfielder Zenden said: "It's clear we don't want to go to Israel. Obviously nobody wants to."

Antonio Barragan has completed his £675,000 move from Liverpool to Deportivo La Coruna. The right back has signed a five-year deal, although Liverpool have reserved the right to buy the 19-year-old back after the second.

Tottenham turn to Neill

Tottenham's search for a right back has homed in on Blackburn's Australian star Lucas Neill after chairman Daniel Levy ended the club's interest in Wigan defender Pascal Chimbonda.

Levy told Wigan he was not prepared to meet their £6 million asking price for Chimbonda and has now targeted Neill from Lancashire rivals Blackburn.

Tottenham's chances of landing Neill were enhanced yesterday when the player's agent, Peter Harrison, confirmed his client, who has less than a year left on his contract, was leaving Ewood Park.

Boruc may count on blessing

Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc could face court action over allegations that he taunted rival fans by blessing himself during an Old Firm match. Complaints were received by police after the SPL match at Ibrox against Rangers on February 12th, which Celtic won 1-0.

Meanwhile, Celtic skipper Neil Lennon is back in contention for their game at Hearts tomorrow after missing last week's match against Kilmarnock last week through suspension. Striker Kenny Miller picked up a hamstring injury in a training session this week and is a doubt for the game against Hearts.

Days numbered for Ricksen

Fernando Ricksen's Rangers career appears to be over after he was told to find a new club by manager Paul Le Guen. The 30-year-old is back in training being sent home from the preseason tour of South Africa following an incident involving a flight attendant.

Manchester United have confirmed Lee Martin (19) could join Rangers on loan.

Meanwhile, Rangers winger Chris Burke and striker Kris Boyd return after an ankle injury and suspension respectively. Barry Ferguson (heel) and Ian Murray (thigh) are out but new striker Filip Sebo is included.

Roeder watching Kuyt

Newcastle have renewed their interest in Dirk Kuyt, with manager Glenn Roeder planning to make a personal check on the Feyenoord striker.

Roeder will fly to Rotterdam, after today's friendly with Villarreal at St James' Park.

Roeder will watch Kuyt in a friendly against Middlesbrough, which is being billed as the start of the 26-year-old's farewell to Dutch football.

In Brief . . .

Former England international John Barnes, who was born in Jamaica, has been linked with the vacant managerial post with his nation of birth . . . Peruvian defender Juan Vargas (22) is close to completing a £1.6 million move to Portsmouth . . . Hearts have completed the signing of former Benfica midfielder Tiago Costa . . . Former England international Keith Curle has won his case for wrongful dismissal against former club Mansfield, winning undisclosed damages from the League Two club . . . Grimsby have accepted a transfer request from striker 26-year-old Irishman Michael Reddy, who has been linked with a move to Leeds United . . . Coventry have signed Manchester United goalkeeper Luke Steele on loan.