A roundup of today's other soccer news in brief:

Bruce remains first choice

Steve Bruce remains Sunderland’s first choice to succeed Ricky Sbragia despite claims from Roberto Mancini that he has been offered the manager’s job at the Stadium of Light. Dave Whelan is demanding €3.44 million for Bruce, a sum Niall Quinn, Sunderland’s chairman, is determined to haggle down.

However, Sunderland officials are mystified by Mancini’s claims on Italian television about an offer they insist was never made. The former Internazionale manager, who is without a club, was first linked with the Wearsiders when Roy Keane walked out last December. “I am honoured to have had an offer from Sunderland football club. It is a fantastic opportunity,” Mancini told the Italian broadcaster Sky Italia.

Carrick out of England squad

Michael Carrick has withdrawn from the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra with a foot injury. James Milner, a member of the Under-21 squad for this month’s European Championships in Sweden, has been called up as a replacement.

Pressure on Shearer

Alan Shearer will have to reduce his financial demands if he is to become permanent manager of Newcastle United. It is understood Shearer has requested an annual salary in the region of €3.4 million, plus a €22.8m transfer kitty, allied to autonomy over player purchases and backroom appointments. In contrast, Mike Ashley’s priority is to halve the club’s €84.6m player wage bill. Should Shearer fail to soften his stance, the owner will seek a more experienced manager to oversee the impending period of limbo.

Deal for Howard

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard is poised to ease the pain of the FA Cup final defeat by signing a new five-year deal. Howard is at an advanced stage in talks and is expected to join defenders Phil Jagielka and Joseph Yobo in committing his future shortly.