Staunton missing

Coventry manager Micky Adams is set for showdown talks with defender Steve Staunton after the Drogheda man failed to turn up for pre-season training.

The former Republic of Ireland international is out of contract with Coventry and has been linked with a possible switch to Walsall, who have offered him a player-coach role.

Adams said: "I am very disappointed Stan has not turned in and I would like to find out the reason why. I will be talking to him as soon as possible to make my feelings known in strong terms.

"Where do we go from here? That is something I need to speak to the player about first before speaking to the press."

Liverpool have confirmed they are in discussions with Albacete to bring winger Mark Gonzales to Anfield. The 20-year-old Chile international, currently sidelined with a cruciate knee-ligament injury sustained in May, was linked with Liverpool last month.

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has been holding talks in Seville about a possible move for Brazilian forward Julio Baptista as the London side look to strengthen their strike force.

Newcastle boss Graeme Souness has admitted he has made inquiries about Manchester United striker Alan Smith and Italian international Christian Vieri - who has been released from his contract by Inter Milan - as he searches for Craig Bellamy's replacement.

He revealed, however, that the Magpies have received no encouragement in either case and they are now looking elsewhere.