Wenger warns against sackings

Arsene Wenger warned yesterday that England's international future will suffer if club managers continue to be sacked at such a "crazy" rate.

Nineteen have lost jobs already this season and the Arsenal manager described the statistic as a "dangerous trend". Wenger also identified Brazil, where the club game is rife with sackings and the national team are struggling, as evidence of the damage impatience can bring.

He pointed out that managers nervous for their futures are far less likely to blood home-grown players or develop youngsters if they know instant success is demanded and a few bad results could cost them their jobs. Short-term thinking, he said, produces long-term problems and Wenger believes managers should be given "four to five years".

"It's dreadful for football. Once managers will be sacked after one or two bad results they will not care any more about working on what makes a club strong, with the youth- team players.

"Why should they take the risk of putting young players in the team? You don't work any more on improving the players, you just take the best players, make them sharp and try to win. And nothing else in the club will be worked on.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have admitted for the first time that Arsenal's Patrick Vieira is top of their wanted list as they search for players to complement the £48 million sterling Zinedine Zidane. "He (Vieira) is in the market Real Madrid are looking at," said Jorge Valdano, Real's sporting manager.

UEFA confirmed last night they have charged Boavista following allegations of racist chanting against Liverpool striker Emile Heskey.

The England forward became the target of abuse from home fans during the 1-1 Champions League draw in Portugal on Wednesday night.

European football's governing body originally stated they would not make a final decision on whether to charge Boavista until next month. But director of communications Mike Lee confirmed that action has already been instigated.

"We have brought a charge that the Boavista fans are guilty of racist chanting," said Lee. "The club have a chance to respond and the disciplinary hearing will be held in November."

UEFA are determined to rid soccer of its racist element after a number of high-profile incidents across Europe in recent years.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have opened talks with their England Under-21 defender Stephen Wright, who is out of contract at the end of the season but is expected to feature strongly over the next few weeks as Markus Babbel, Gregory Vignal and Sami Hyypia are all injured. Hyypia, who lasted six minutes at Boavista, is expected to be out for at least 10 days.

Leicester City accepted a transfer request from Muzzy Izzet yesterday. Dave Bassett is likely to look for £8 million for him.

David O'Leary at Leeds is an admirer but John Gregory looks the most likely purchaser. Gregory wants to strengthen Aston Villa's midfield in his push for a Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Leicester's goalkeeper Tim Flowers has joined Stockport on a month's loan.

West Ham are hopeful of shoring up their defence by signing Taribo West, the Nigeria centre-back, on a free transfer from Milan.

West Ham's manager Glenn Roeder also has the latest rumour concerning Paolo di Canio to contend with. His Italian striker is reportedly worried about his future at the club despite only having signed a two-year contract a few months ago. "So far there is no indication from West Ham that they want to extend his contract," said Di Canio's agent Moreno Roggi.

Gordon Strachan is attempting to turn Southampton Sky Blue by signing Coventry's Paul Telfer 24 hours after getting Paul Williams on loan from his old club.

Manchester City have signed Denmark's Under-19 goalkeeper Kevin Stuhr Ellegaard from Farum for £750,000.