Soccer Shorts

A round-up of other stories from the world of soccer.

Quinn nears goal

Sunderland last night confirmed they have entered into talks with a consortium headed by former striker Niall Quinn.

The club announced to the Stock Exchange that discussions over a proposed take-over bid are underway.

A statement issued through the club's website read: "The Board of Sunderland Limited confirms that it is in discussions with a consortium of private investors led by Niall Quinn that may or may not lead to an offer for the company being made."

There have been suggestions that a successful buy-out would see the club's £40million debts cleared and an injection of £20million into the playing staff. But Quinn and his unnamed partners have previously insisted long-term stability is the key.

Sky's secure control

BSkyB's domination of the English Premiership's television rights will continue after the Premier League yesterday announced the satellite broadcaster will screen at least half of the 138 live matches from 2007 to 2010.

Sky have been awarded the rights for three of the six packages of 23 games each, and are favourite to win a second round of bidding within the next fortnight for two more packages. Under a deal struck by the league with the European Commission, Sky will be limited to a maximum of five packages.

The League said in a statement: "The FA Premier League is in a position to announce that it has awarded three out of the six packages of live rights to BSkyB."

The next round of bidding is likely to take place at the end of next week.

A number of other broadcasters are also competing and Irish pay TV operator Setanta are favourites to secure the other package. Other companies including cable firm NTL, ITV and Channel 4 are also understood to have bid.

Messi eyes return

Argentina forward Lionel Messi hopes to be back in action as soon as possible after returning to Barcelona for the final stages of treatment on a thigh injury.

Messi had spent 10 days in Argentina recovering from a thigh muscle tear sustained on March 7th in the second leg of a 3-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the last-16 of the Champions League.

"I'm not setting a date for my return but I'm dreaming of being back soon," the 18-year-old said. "But I'll only return when I'm completely recovered."

Messi has said that he is confident he will be ready for the Champions League final against Arsenal on May 17th.

No cup joy for duo

West Ham's Hayden Mullins and Luis Garcia will miss the FA Cup final after their appeals for wrongful dismissal were rejected by the English FA Association.

The pair received red cards after an incident nine minutes from time during Liverpool's 2-1 victory at Upton Park on Wednesday.

McShane tempted

Brighton manager Mark McGhee is hoping he can tempt Manchester United's Wicklow-born defender Paul McShane back to Withdean Stadium next season.

An impending hernia operation has forced McShane's return to Old Trafford. But McGhee is hoping Brighton fans have not seen the last of the 20-year-old, who has spent a season on loan and scored four goals in 40 appearances.

McGhee said: Paul's got a year left on his contract at Manchester United but we'd certainly like to see him back."

Bullard on the move

Fulham last night confirmed they have signed Wigan midfielder Jimmy Bullard in a £2.5-million deal.

Bullard put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal at Craven Cottage, after Fulham triggered a clause in the player's contract.

Wigan boss Paul Jewell stated earlier yesterday he was eager to keep Bullard but conceded he was powerless to prevent the player from moving on.

In Brief . . .

Republic of Ireland centre back Richard Dunne has won the Manchester City player of the year award for the second season running . . . Drogheda United midfielder Stephen Bradley has been called up to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad for the upcoming preliminary round of the European Championships against Azerbaijan in place of the injured Glenn Whelan . . . The second-round Draw for this year's FAI Senior Challenge Cup will take place on Wednesday 3rd May at the D Hotel, Drogheda at 5.45pm.