Bruce Joins Wigan, Sky Says; England May Drop Beckham: Roundup
Steve Bruce is leaving Birmingham to manage Wigan, which is struggling to avoid demotion from the English Premier League, Sky Sports reported.
He set to sign a four-year deal worth 8 million pounds ($16.4 million), the Sun said.
Wigan Chairman Dave Whelan will pay the Blues 3 million pounds in compensation for Bruce, who had a seven-week spell in charge of the Latics six years ago, the paper added. Chris Hutchings was dismissed two weeks ago.
Bruce future at Birmingham was in doubt because a proposed takeover by Hong Kong Carson Yeung left it unclear whether he would be offered a new contract.
The 46-year-old former Manchester United defender has also managed Sheffield United, Huddersfield and Crystal Palace. Wigan is 19th in the 20-team Premier League, two points ahead of Derby. A phone message to Wigan seeking confirmation of Bruce appointment was not immediately returned.
Paul Jewell, former Wigan manager, is the 5-1 favorite to replace Bruce at Birmingham with bookmaker Coral.
BECKHAM AXED?
David Beckham may be dropped from the England team to face Croatia in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in two days, the Sun reported.
He looked off the pace in the 1-0 win in Austria three days ago before being substituted after an hour, the paper said.
Manager Steve McClaren declined to confirm Beckham would play on Wednesday, when a draw would secure England place in the finals. He needed that game, he needed a run out, the Sun quoted the coach as saying.
England was handed a lifeline two days ago by Israel last-gasp 2-1 win over Russia. A Russian victory would have virtually eliminated England from the tournament.
Croatia, which lost 2-0 to Macedonia two days ago, is now sure of reaching next year finals in Austria and Switzerland.
England will be without striker Michael Owen on Wednesday, after he injured a thigh muscle in Austria. Darren Bent has been called into the squad.
Defender John Terry, returning from a knee injury, is battling to be fit for the game, the Independent reported. He rejoins the squad this week and, although unlikely to play, he hasnt been ruled out, the paper added.
McClaren was so nervous he could not bear to watch the final minutes of the Israel-Russia match and sought refuge in the bathroom, papers including the Sun and the Mirror reported. He then heard his sons cheer when Israel got the winner.
TRANSFER NEWS
Chelsea has stepped up its efforts to sign Croatia midfielder Luca Modric, with manager Avram Grant watching him in the 2-0 defeat in Macedonia, the Sun reported.
Henk ten Cate, the Blues assistant manager, tried to sign Modric when he coached Ajax, the paper said, adding that Arsenal is also interested in the Dinamo Zagreb 22-year-old.
Liverpool target Javi Martinez is desperate to play in the Premier League, the Daily Mirror reported. The Reds face competition from Fiorentina to sign the Athletic Bilbao
midfielder, the paper said.
IRELAND WANTS VENABLES
The Republic of Ireland wants McClarens assistant Terry Venables to succeed Steve Staunton as manager, the Daily Mail said.
Venables is unlikely to be interested if England qualifies for Euro 2008, the paper said. Staunton left the Irish post after the nation failed to reach the finals of the tournament.
The new manager faces a massive task, the Guardian quoted midfielder Lee Carsley as saying.
WEST HAM IN U.S.
West Ham is trying to raise its profile in the U.S. by setting up academies in Colorado and Florida, the Daily Telegraph reported.
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