Shakhtar claim UEFA Cup triumph

Shakhtar Donetsk became the last winners of the UEFA Cup by claiming a 2-1 extra-time victory over Werder Bremen in the final in Istanbul.

Mircea Lucescu's team also became the first Ukrainian side to win a European trophy thanks to Jadson's winner in extra-time.

The final - the last to be played before the competition is rebranded as the Europa League next season - finished all square on 90 minutes after Naldo had equalised Luiz Adriano's opener. The Ukrainians should have gone ahead in the fifth minute when Luiz Adriano was allowed the time and space to turn on the edge of the box, but he fired just wide with the goal gaping.

He was almost made to pay for his profligacy a minute later as Shakhtar failed to clear Sebastian Boenisch's long throw, but Frank Baumann miscued his effort and on 24 minutes the Brazilian striker made amends - seizing on a through-ball that had wrong-footed the Bremen defence and lifting a sumptuous chip over onrushing Werder goalkeeper Tim Wiese.

But just as Shakhtar were threatening to extend their advantage, Bremen hit back in thunderous fashion through their own Brazilian, Naldo stepping up in the 34th minute to hammer a free-kick at Andrei Pyatov with such ferocity that the goalkeeper could only help it on its way into the net.

At the other end Wiese looked far more assured in denying Mariusz Lewandowski's powerful strike and the teams went in level at the end of an absorbing first half.

Wiese was back in action soon after the restart, doing well to punch away Darijo Srna's free-kick from the right and Jadson's strike from the left.

With the game petering out extra-time looked increasingly likely and once it got under way, it was almost inevitable that it would be an error that would finally settle the issue.

Less predictable was that Wiese would be the culprit, horribly misjudging Jadson's soft shot from 12 yards and undoing all his good work through the night by letting it bobble past him into the net.

Scotland job appeals to Moyes

Everton manager David Moyes admits that one day he would like to be manager of Scotland, but that the England job would never be a consideration.

The Everton manager is finding himself linked with big jobs now he has guided the Toffees to the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 30.

And his chairman Bill Kenwright says he could "manage Barcelona, no problem. But he's not going anywhere." But Moyes, also frequently linked with Manchester United, does fancy the job as manager of his country.

The Glasgow-born 46 year-old said in a BBC Inside Sport interview: "I am very ambitious and I want to win things. And I would like to do that with Everton.

"But I have always thought that the Scotland job would be something I would like to do in time, and living back in Scotland does appeal to me.

"I class that as my home and I do see that (the Scotland job) as a possibility. But I have a long way to go and a lot to do 'down here' and who knows.

"It might not be the right time for Scotland when David Moyes is available for that job."

But England is not on his radar. Moyes said: "I recall taking a call once from someone who asked whether I would be interested in the England job. And I thought he was winding me up.

"I would never get back over the border and I don't know as a Scotsman whether I would be invited back. I can say it is the one job that I have no interest in whatsoever."

Carragher driven on by Mersey mission for league title

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes the club are closer than ever to winning the Premier League title.

The Reds are on course to be the first team to lose just two league games in a season and not win the championship.

Carragher did praise Manchester United for winning their 18th crown to equal the record held by Liverpool but cannot wait to challenge them next term. It's hard to win the Premier League as our top four sides plus Barcelona probably make up the best five sides in Europe,' he said.

'That's the challenge we face. You can look at the statistics and it is impressive we've only lost two games and scored lots of goals, but United have got more points than us and credit to them - that's what matters.'

Reds goalkeeper Jose Reina added: 'When I first joined Liverpool we were something like 30 points behind United, now it is only three or four points.

'We have already beaten the club record in terms of points and we tried our hardest to do our best at the end of the season.

'But it wasn't enough because United didn't slip at any time.

'We are really proud to be closer but we will be even prouder to win it. That is the next step.' Brazilian Lucas admits it was hard to watch as United gained the point needed to win the title on Saturday, and he could not bear to see their title celebrations.

'I watched the game but when they were about to receive the trophy I switched off my TV,' the midfielder said.

'Last year in January we were out of the fight for the title, this time we were right up there.

'We have to believe in ourselves. We have the quality to win the title.'

Ireland nowhere near new City deal

Manchester City star Stephen Ireland insists he is a long way from agreeing a new contract with the Eastlands club.

Reports last week suggested the midfielder was set to be offered a big-money four-year deal after excelling in a season which saw him shortlisted for the PFA's Young Player of the Year award.

The 22-year-old believes his performances this term speak for themselves and has called on the City hierarchy to resolve his future. We're nowhere with the contract, to be honest, we're still a long way off. Talks have barely started,' he told the Daily Mirror.

'I don't know what's going to happen and if I'm going to sign or not sign. It's out of my hands right now, it's up to the club, not me.

'It's getting to the stage now where I don't know if I'm going to be signing or not. I think I've done enough this year, let my football do the talking.

'The club haven't really made an offer yet. If they make one great - if not, I've got two years left.'

Ashley to blame for Newcastle mess, says Shepherd

Former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd insists Mike Ashley is solely to blame for the club's relegation plight and urged the current regime to stop 'whingeing'.

Shepherd sold the club to Ashley nearly two years ago having himself suffered criticism for his running of the club.

Since then, however, the Magpies have lurched from crisis to crisis and are staring relegation in the face heading into the final weekend of the Premier League season.

And Shepherd told The Sun: 'Relegation would be an absolute disaster in terms of corporate and the crowd.

'It took us 12-15 years to get a big ground, a great academy and a good set of players. We left and all of a sudden there's a disaster. And you can't make a profit out of a disaster.

'One thing that is really upsetting is the whingeing that is going on. They blame everyone but themselves.

'They have to look at themselves and say 'what have we done wrong here' and not start blaming other people. It annoys me that they seem to blame me all the time.

'Every year we were there we made a profit. There is only one person to blame and that's the guy who decides who is going to run the club.

'Lots of people can buy football clubs but not many can run them.'

Sunderland stay in contention for drop

Sunderland's bid for Barclays Premier League survival will go to the wire after two defensive howlers allowed Portsmouth to snatch victory at Fratton Park tonight.

The Black Cats could have secured their top flight status with a win and they took the lead with a 59th minute strike from Kenwyne Jones.

But Portsmouth then scored twice inside seven minutes through John Utaka and Phil Bardsley's own-goal after a dreadful gaffe from Anton Ferdinand.

Portsmouth wrapped up the victory three minutes from time after Armand Traore was allowed acres of space to angle his shot inside the far post.

The only consolation for Sunderland ahead of next Sunday's final league game at home to Chelsea is that their top-flight future remains in their own hands.

Sunderland remain a point better off than Hull, who host Manchester United, and two ahead of local rivals Newcastle.

'Anton's [Ferdinand] obviously held up his hand,' said Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia.

'It's happening too often in general - we play well, we think we're sort of in charge of the game.

'We knew in the second half they'd push on to us and close us down. but we got off to a good start. Kenwyne scored and from then on we should have been a bit more confident and bossed the game.

'We kept the lead for two minutes, and that's not acceptable. The second goal was a bad mistake by Anton. He switched off. I would imagine he should have just put his foot through it and helped it on.

'From then on I thought we played reasonably well. We left ourselves open late on - we were obviously trying to go for the equaliser.'

Wenger won't quit Arsenal for Real this summer

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists boss Arsene Wenger won't quit the Emirates for Real Madrid this summer. The Gunners chief also slammed shareholders for their 'disgraceful' criticisms of the French manager.

In the wake of a Champions League semi-final mauling by Manchester United which confirmed a fourth trophyless season for the north Londoners, the French boss suffered the wrath of some fans during the forum at the Emirates Stadium on May 14.

Wenger's youngsters were accused of lacking backbone, defender Mikael Silvestre was branded "geriatric" and striker Emmanuel Adebayor also came in for fierce personal criticism over his performances this term. Reports this week have suggested Wenger could be tempted by a move to Real Madrid after he refused to rule out the possibility when quizzed on French television this week.

And Hill-Wood insists the flak aimed his way was the last thing needed at such a sensitive time. 'Frankly, some of the questions were quite disgraceful,' he told the Daily Mirror. 'There you have the most successful manager in our history and two or three of the shareholders made the most negative and somewhat hostile and sarcastic comments, which I think were completely out of order.

'I was very upset by the questions, I have to say. We, and he, kindly agreed to have this meeting and whether we have another one is a moot point.

'Arsene was very diplomatic and honest in his answers and deserves great credit for that. But I wouldn't have been anything like as polite if they had asked me.

Hill-Wood also quashed suggestions Wenger, whose contract runs until 2011, was set to leave Emirates Stadium any time soon.

He told the Daily Star: 'Arsene is here and under contract, and I am sure that is how it is going to remain.

'I think he is a big enough man to accept that a few people are not prepared to be reasonable.

'I think we all have to accept criticism, but you expect it to be reasonably constructive, rather than destructive.'

Bednar suspended following drugs claims

Striker Roman Bednar has been suspended by West Brom following allegations he bought illegal drugs.

The 26-year-old Czech international was named and pictured in a newspaper report on Sunday morning and the midlands club have taken swift action.

A statement from the Barclays Premier League club read: "Roman Bednar has been suspended while the club conduct an internal investigation into the matter." Bednar joined the Baggies from Hearts in August 2007, initially on loan before the deal was made permanent at a cost of £2.3million last summer.

The frontman was a revelation in his first season at The Hawthorns, finding the net 17 times in 22 starts as West Brom won promotion to the Barclays Premier League and made it to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

This term he has started just 12 times in the league, coming off the bench on 14 occasions, and has scored six goals.

Bednar signed for Hearts from Czech club Mlada Boleslav in July 2005.

Celtic held at Hibs

Celtic's Clydesdale Bank Premier League title challenge suffered a blow when they were held to a goalless draw by Hibernian at Easter Road.

Gary Caldwell and Scott McDonald missed good chances in the first half after Hoops' keeper Artur Boruc had saved well from Steven Fletcher's over-head kick but the champions could not get the second-half breakthrough despite incessant pressure

Celtic host Hearts at Parkhead next week in the last game of the season while Rangers travel to Dundee United two points clear of the champions.

Hibs had dented the Ibrox club's title challenge with a 1-1 draw at Easter Road in midweek but they could barely get out of their own half in the opening moments as Celtic quickly took a grip.

But in the seventh minute, seconds after they had won their first corner of the game, the Leithers had their first effort on goal when skipper Rob Jones headed a Derek Riordan cross over the bar from 10 yards. The champions, though, treated that let-off as a mere blip.

However, in the 22nd minute, it was Boruc who was the first keeper to be called in to action. To end a brief spell of Hibs pressure, the Hoops' keeper pulled off a fine save from Fletcher's overhead kick, after the Easter Road striker had latched on to a searching Ross Chisholm cross.

Six minutes from the interval Caldwell should have taken advantage of a pin-point Shunsuke Nakamura free-kick from wide on the left but he failed to get enough on his header and the ball slipped past the far post and the waiting Andreas Hinkel.

In the final minute Celtic missed another decent chance to get the breakthrough when McDonald latched on to a long pass from Caldwell but he screwed his shot from 14 yards wide of the far post.

In the 65th minute Hibs keeper Yves Ma-Kalambay did well to claw away Aiden McGeady's cut-back from the bye-line which was heading for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who had replaced Georgios Samaras.

It was all becoming increasingly tense and in the 71st minute Ma-Kalambay did well again when he blocked McDonald's angled drive after the Australia international had been set up by Vennegoor of Hesselink, who soon afterwards headed a Hinkel cross over the bar.

Blues win in Hiddink's Bridge farewell

Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka gave Chelsea a 2-0 victory over Blackburn in the last match at Stamford Bridge under the charge of temporary head coach Guus Hiddink.

The Dutchman is set to return to his full-time role with the Russian national team following the end of the season, which will conclude with the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Chelsea were good value for their win, with Blackburn also putting on a decent performance despite having little to play for. The Blues, who have a slim chance to catch Liverpool in runners-up spot, started brightly, and took the lead after just four minutes.

Anelka escaped down the right, before whipping the ball back onto the penalty spot, where Malouda arrived on queue to crash a bullet header past Paul Robinson.

Rovers had a chance to get quickly back on level terms, but captain Ryan Nelsen headed El-Hadji Diouf's right-wing cross over from six yards.

Frank Lampard struck the crossbar after being played in by Anelka, before Gael Givet had to be alert to hack away Malouda's chip over the goalkeeper.

Chelsea continued in determined mood following the restart and doubled their lead after 59 minutes.

Cole's ball in was missed by Malouda, but Didier Drogba touched back for Anelka on the edge of the Blackburn penalty area. The French striker needed no second invitation, and drilled in his 18th league goal of the season, to draw level with United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

Robinson produced a fine reaction save from Anelka at point-blank range during stoppage time before Chelsea and their departing coach all enjoyed a lap of appreciation after the final whistle.

Baggies go down

West Brom went down fighting as Liverpool edged to within one point of being confirmed as Barclays Premier League runners-up. after a 2-0 win.

Albion's players gave everything in a defiant last stand at The Hawthorns to avoid relegation, but Liverpool still stretched their unbeaten league run to 10 matches.

Football Writers' player of the year Steven Gerrard struck his 24th of the season in the first half to record his best seasonal tally to date, with Dirk Kuyt driving in the second with 27 minutes left. Albion, sticking to their attacking policy, have been battling the drop all season and this was their third relegation from the top flight in seven years.

They fought to the last, and there were more cheers than tears from their defiant fans at the end.

But Liverpool were a class above as Gerrard struck in the first half and then set up Dirk Kuyt for the second just after the hour mark.

The Reds looked uncomfortable early on - but were handed the lead by a shocking piece of defending after 28 minutes. Defender Shelton Martis, with plenty of time on his hands to clear, hesitated in possession and scuffed the ball straight to Gerrard. The Liverpool skipper surged away and clipped the ball over Dean Kiely.

Albion had strong claims for a penalty turned down after 60 minutes when Lucas' last ditch challenge sent Ryan Donk tumbling as he went for a Juan Carlos Menseguez cross.

But after 63 minutes Liverpool struck again. Gerrard fed Kuyt and the Dutchman surged at retreating defenders before drilling the ball past Kiely from the edge of the box.

Luke Moore struck a post for the home side and Marc-Antoine Fortune had an effort disallowed for offside while Ryan Babel and Lucas missed chances at the other end.

Sbragia wants safety secured on Monday

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia is eager to avoid a nerve-jangling Barclays Premier League finale against Chelsea.

The Black Cats face an anxious wait to see where they will sit in the league table by the time they run out at Portsmouth on Monday night. If all goes well for them over the weekend, a point at Fratton Park could effectively secure their top-flight status. However, wins for Newcastle over Fulham at St James' Park and Hull at Bolton would send the Wearsiders into the relegation zone.

Sbragia said: "This is the big one for us. I would hope not to go into the last game of the season and need something. It's possible, you can always do it, but at the present we are just thinking about this Portsmouth game." Sunderland started the weekend in 16th place, two points better off than the Magpies and the Tigers, and two adrift of Portsmouth in 15th, with Paul Hart's side themselves not yet mathematically safe.

However, the Black Cats have won only one of their last 11 games and taken just six points from a possible 33 in the process, and they have collected a meagre two points from the last 18 they have contested on the road.

That particular failing is one Sbragia has blamed in part on his own naivety.

He said: "We have not been consistent and the league shows that. We went to clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool and played a formation.

"Maybe in my naivety, I thought we could go to some clubs and play 4-4-2.

"I thought we could beat West Brom with a 4-4-2, but on the day, it didn't work for us.

"Maybe we have to address that and look at it and be a little bit more difficult away from home to beat and be much more solid, and in some cases, just try to steal a goal."

Pompey may see big-name exits

Portsmouth have admitted big-name players may have to be sold this summer whether or not the club remains in the Premier League for a seventh successive season.

Pompey's executive chairman Peter Storrie says their uncertain future hinges on the ownership issue - with current supremo Alexandre Gaydamak having made it clear he wants to sell and will no longer invest.

With the club reportedly £65million in debt and due to pay off a large chunk of that to a South African bank at the end of the season, Storrie admits: "I'd like to keep all our good players but a lot depends on the ownership issue." He added: "We can bring in a new owner but it has to be one who can put finance in because that's what is required for the club to go forward again.

"At this moment in time what happens in the transfer market depends entirely on the ownership of the club.

"Sacha (Gaydamak) has made it perfectly clear that although he's done some fantastic things in the past he cannot now put in any more finance.

"At the moment various discussions are happening on that and I'm hopeful something will happen sooner rather than later."

Meanwhile, caretaker-manager Paul Hart has a clean bill of health - apart from injured Kranjcar - from which to choose his team to face fellow strugglers Sunderland on Monday and will be odds-on to keep the job with a new contract for next season should he keep Pompey in the top-flight.

But he could soon be plunged into major negotiations with no fewer than 15 players out of contract this summer including skipper Sol Campbell, 34, Pompey's top earner.

Colly wobbles over Freddie blow

England's World Twenty20 plans may be thrown into disarray if Andrew Flintoff does not, as he fears, win his race to be fit in time following knee surgery.

Flintoff delivered his bombshell on Friday, during a washed-out second day of the second npower Test against West Indies - leaving Twenty20 captain Paul Collingwood already considering a campaign without his most obvious match-winner.

Following Flintoff's revelation his schedule might prove "too tight", Collingwood said: "I think we're still waiting on how his fitness will be over the next couple of weeks. It would obviously be a big blow if he's not in it, but we'll have to overcome it." Collingwood acknowledges Flintoff's absence would leave a big hole.

"He's very much two players in one - as I've always said," he explained.

"It would be a huge blow if he wasn't going to be fit, but we certainly have the players in the squad to overcome that in many ways."

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive David Collier, meanwhile, was confirming talks with Pakistan to play a four-Test series in this country next summer - with the possibility of those tourists also 'hosting' two more Tests against Australia here in 2010.

Collier confirmed: "Yes, we are talking to Pakistan. We anticipate that that agreement is very close.

"We've still got to tie up the details with Pakistan, but the schedule is feasible.

"I think we've also got a broader responsibility to the global game. We all recognise that Pakistan are having an issue in terms of being able to stage their home matches."

Bruce: Reds will have to wait

Liverpool have been warned that it could take them years to break Manchester United's stranglehold on the Barclays Premier League.

The warning over Liverpool's future ambitions comes from a Manchester United legend, their former captain Steve Bruce. Bruce's Wigan could not halt United's progress on Wednesday, and he feels Liverpool will also struggle to get on terms with the current European and world champions in the foreseeable future.

He said: "When we were chasing for the title back in the 80s and 90s, it was always Liverpool we were chasing because they always seemed to win it. Now Liverpool are in the same position, and they have got to overtake a really young, vibrant Manchester United to win the title. They may look at that team and wish there was some old ones in it!" He added: "But they will keep trying, Liverpool demands that, but it will be very, very difficult for them to overtake United again.

"United tried for 26 years without winning the title, and now they have won it so many times since and look likely to do it again now. The first time is always the most difficult after so long."

Xabi Alonso will return from an ankle injury on Sunday to face West Brom at The Hawthorns, where Liverpool can all but condemn the midlanders to relegation with a win.

The Spain international missed last week's win at West Ham with the injury, where Fernando Torres was withdrawn in the second half following concerns over his hamstring problems.

But Torres will also feature against relegation-haunted Albion, while Javier Mascherano has also shaken off an ankle problem.

Wenger laments Arsenal criticism

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he feels hurt by the criticism his side has come in for this season. The Gunners have again failed to claim a major trophy this term, having to settle for a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League and being knocked out by Manchester United in the last four of the UEFA Champions League.

Wenger, though, insists his side's season should not be regarded as a failure. "When you look now at people assessing the situations of the clubs, it has become ridiculous," he told The Guardian. "It is unbelievable. If you do not take a distance with it, you think: 'What kind of world do we live in?' "We lose against Man United who have ten times more resources, it's not a shame. They are the best in the world. Congratulations to them. If you play tennis tomorrow and you lose against (Rafael) Nadal, you can still say you are a good player."

Indeed, far from looking back on the campaign with regret, Wenger believes it has been full of positives as his side overcame a tough start go on a fine run. "For me, it's one of the best seasons for a long time considering where we were in November," he said.

"It's not like we lost against Cardiff (City) in the FA Cup, we have lost against Chelsea in the semi-final and we have lost against Manchester United in the Champions League semi-final. It hurts, believe me, but it's not like we have lost against nobody.

"I believe as well we have to keep a little bit of common sense. Our average age in midfield is 22. Normally, you play not to go down in the Premier League with a team like that."

Wenger believes the fans at the Emirates Stadium are not getting behind the team. "There is a massive difference between the away fans, who are absolutely fantastic, and the home fans," he added.

World Cup boosts South African pride

The prospect of playing host in 2010 to the most-watched sports event on earth - the FIFA World Cup™ - is giving South African pride and confidence a solid boost according to the latest market research conducted on FIFA's behalf.


These findings are from the second instalment of a six-wave public opinion survey and show a pronounced upward trend in South Africans' anticipation of the event as well as a deeper understanding of the benefits it can bring to the host nation.

The results of the survey, which was carried out by international research agency SPORT+MARKET, come just one month before South Africa prepares to host the FIFA Confederations Cup. Given that this tournament is regarded by many as the "championship of champions" and is a major international sporting event, the survey suggests that South Africa is more than ready to embrace world-class football and recognise the legacy such tournaments can leave behind.

The following are key extracts from the findings (percentage point change from the first-wave scores in January 2009 in brackets):



* Big leap in confidence - 83 per cent feel their country will be ready to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup (+10)
* An overwhelming 94 per cent (+6) are proud that South Africa is hosting the competition, with 89 per cent (+8) saying the event will bring long-term benefits to the country
* 92 per cent (+5) believe that hosting the competition will lead to an upgrade in infrastructure, notably public transport, roads and telecommunications
* 90 per cent (+7) believe the FIFA World Cup will improve South Africa's image abroad
* 96 per cent (+5) expect the competition to be a fillip for the country's tourism industry
* South Africans are determined to enjoy the FIFA World Cup irrespective of Bafana Bafana's performance. 86 per cent say their interest is unaffected by the performance of the national team (no comparison as this question was not asked in the first wave).

Lingering doubts do remain, however: 58 per cent of respondents believe that crime will be a concern for visitors to the FIFA World Cup, with the same amount anticipating increased congestion problems in South African cities. Furthermore, 59 per cent have concerns about the possibility of inflated prices in South Africa as a result of the tournament.

Source: FIFA.com

Player of the Year honour surprises Gerrard

Steven Gerrard claims he was surprised to be named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association.

The England midfielder beat off competition from Manchester United's Ryan Giggs - the recently-crowned PFA Player of the Year - and Wayne Rooney.

He is the first Liverpool player since John Barnes in 1990 to claim the honour
I'm delighted but I'm a little bit surprised,' said the 28-year-old England international.

'When you look at the quality of the players there are in this league, it's a great privilege to win this kind of award.

'It's not just the Manchester United players. When you look at the players the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal and other teams have got, they all have fantastic players throughout their squads now.

'The quality is getting better and better each year so to win this award is a great achievement for myself.

'It's made even more special for me because I am following in the footsteps of Liverpool players like John Barnes, Steve Nicol and Kenny Dalglish who were heroes of mine.

'Then further back players like Ian Callaghan and Terry McDermott who were heroes to my dad and so many other Liverpool fans.'

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez had nothing but praise for his captain, who has been the driving force behind their bid to challenge Manchester United for the Premier League title.

'I'm really pleased for Steven,' said the Spaniard.

'It is fantastic for him because he was competing with a lot of good players.

'For him to be named player of the year is massive credit to him and shows just how much he has achieved.'

Chairman of the FWA Steve Bates, chief football writer for The People, said: 'Steven's performances this season have been of the highest quality.

'His drive and desire have underpinned Liverpool's Premier League title challenge and ensured a tight finish to the season.

'Steven is clearly in his prime and quite rightly rated one of the finest midfield players of his generation, and the FWA are delighted to honor his contribution to club and country.'

Gerrard will receive the trophy at an Football Writers' Association gala dinner in London on May 29.

Tevez future in doubt as agent denies United have made fresh offer

Carlos Tevez seems increasingly likely to leave Manchester United this summer after his advisers denied Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that the striker has been made an offer to stay.

No sooner had Sir Alex Ferguson eulogised about Tevez's contribution to United's 2-1 win at Wigan last night, and revealed a contract offer had been put to the Argentine, than a statement was released on agent Kia Joorabchian's behalf insisting there was no deal.

'(Chief executive) David Gill has had a good meeting and I have spoken to him [Tevez]. We have given him an offer and we hope he accepts,' said Ferguson.

The fans love him because he is a trier. He has great skill, of course, but he never gives in and that is a great quality to have. He has a hunger to fight all the time. It is wonderful to see.

'The problem is we are not negotiating with a football club.'

In fact, United are dealing with Joorabchian, who was allowed to keep Tevez's registration at the start of a two-year loan period but must now relinquish it if the South American is to remain in the Premier League.

"'t is true David Gill came to see Mr Joorabchian and they had a cordial meeting,' said Joorabchian's spokesman.

'It is categorically untrue that Manchester United made an offer to try to persuade Carlos Tevez to stay at the club.

'In 2007 Manchester United agreed a two-year loan deal for Carlos Tevez and at the same time agreed the terms that would make the transfer permanent. They have not taken up that option.'

If no deal is agreed Tevez will be free to negotiate with any club willing to pay Joorabchian's rumoured £22million asking price.

Liverpool, Manchester City, Inter Milan and Real Madrid have all been linked with the former West Ham striker.

Wenger and Gunners are not in crisis, says Gazidis

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger can expect a grilling when he meets the club's shareholders today but his chief executive Ivan Gazidis insists the Gunners are not a club in crisis.

Wenger will attend a question-and-answer session with the shareholders following another trophy-less campaign but has been given the total support of Gazidis, who also insisted the Frenchman will take an open-minded approach to the make-up of his squad next season.

'I am not happy where we ended up but I am pleased we are disappointed by it,' Gazidis said. 'There are other clubs who would feel this is a good position. So why aren't we feeling great about it? The answer is because we have higher expectations.

'But this is not a situation where we should be over-reactive and feel that we are in crisis. We are not.

'We have a team with an average age of 23 or 24 that went to the Champions League semi-finals and is going to get better.'

Wenger has also faced criticism for his refusal to spend big money on established internationals - with the exception of Andrey Arshavin.

'He is not closed-minded,' added Gazidis. 'The idea Arsene Wenger is some stubborn guy who is not open to having his ideas challenged and there is nobody there who can say "listen we need someone with experience in the middle of the park or at the back", just isn't true.'

Emirates Stadium chiefs, meanwhile, have denied reports assistant manager Pat Rice will retire at the end of the season.

'He remains a key part of Arsene Wenger's backroom staff,' insisted a club spokesman.