Soccer Shorts

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Aguero could make his City debut in Dublin Super Cup

STRIKER Sergio Aguero could possibly make a surprise debut in this weekend’s Dublin Super Cup following the completion of his move to Manchester City yesterday.

The Argentina international signed a five-year contract to commit himself to a move that will initially cost City €40m, rising to €43m depending on his success with the FA Cup winners.

While Aguero is still technically on holiday after playing in the Copa America and would not be required to return to training until next week, City have raised the possibility of him featuring in some capacity in Ireland.

The club have named 27 players in their squad for the matches against an Airtricity League XI and Inter Milan – coincidentally the club now being linked with a move for want away Carlos Tevez, the man Aguero has been brought in to replace.

However, City have also tantalisingly left one space open and it is among their strikers, with the list published on the club’s website stating “plus one other”.

Bradley fired as USA coach

BOB Bradley was dumped as the United States national mens head coach yesterday.

Bradley, 53, had been in the job for five years but had been facing mounting pressure after this side underperformed at last months Gold Cup finals, despite making the final, which they lost to Mexico.

We want to thank Bob Bradley for his service and dedication to US Soccer during the past five years, US Soccer President Sunil Gulati said in a statement.

During his time as the head coach of our mens national team he led the team to a number of accomplishments, but we felt now was the right time for us to make a change.

Bradley took over as head coach in 2007 after the US disappointed at the 2006 World Cup and enjoyed instant success, winning the 2007 Gold Cup. He guided the team to the 2010 World Cup finals but the US lost in the second round to Ghana.

There was no immediate announcement on who would replace Bradley.

Goal-line technology on Fifa's agenda

FIFA will make a final decision on goal-line technology in March, according to president Sepp Blatter.

The debate over whether a review system should be introduced to the game has been a bone of contention for some time now, with Blatter previously against it.

But with support for it mounting, the Swiss has opened investigations and has not ruled out using such technology at the next World Cup.

As a result, Fifa is talking to nine potential suppliers who are conducting tests to meet strict criteria including being 100 per cent sure within a single second whether the ball has crossed the line.

“We will have on the next international board at the beginning of March next year a final decision on goal-line technology,” said Blatter at a news conference. “If it will prove to be accurate and to be affordable, then it is possible the international board will decide goal-line technology shall be introduced for the World Cup 2014.”

Bendtner set for move to Sporting

NICKLAS Bendtner is set for a fresh start away from Arsenal as the Denmark striker closes in on a €10 million move to Sporting Lisbon.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger last week revealed the 23-year-old had been given permission to miss the friendly against Cologne and training camp in Germany “to sort out his future”.

Bendtner, pushed further down the pecking order following the arrival of Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, was photographed in Portugal and is expected to push through the formalities of his move over the weekend.

Two other Arsenal players who look set to miss the Emirates Cup – which will see former Gunners striker Thierry Henry return to the club with New York Red Bulls – are Barca-bound captain Cesc Fabregas and England winger Theo Walcott who is battling a niggling ankle complaint.

Aquilani eyes Fiorentina deal

LIVERPOOL midfielder Alberto Aquilani has a 50 per cent chance of joining Fiorentina, according to his agent.

Reports suggested a deal to move to the Serie A club had fallen through as the 27-year-old wanted a permanent move as opposed to another loan spell like the one he had with Juventus last season.

“The player wants to come to Italy on a permanent transfer,” said his agent Franco Zavaglia.