Shearer the target in Wednesday takeover

The consortium that is thought to be the front-runner in the battle to take over Sheffield Wednesday has approached Alan Shearer about becoming manager should its bid succeed. Geoff Sheard, a Lancashire businessman, has made contact with the struggling Coca-Cola Championship club and the appointment of Shearer, the former England captain, whose high profile might help to outweigh his lack of managerial experience, would be a considerable coup.

Sheard has also approached Wednesdayite, the supporters group, about acquiring its 10 per cent shareholding. A sale of supporters’ shares could trigger a buyout of the club, which is reportedly saddled with debts of about £26 million.

West Ham denial

West Ham United have denied entering into a deal to reimburse Kia Joorabchian for money paid to the club for the release of Carlos Tévez’s registration so that the forward could sign for Manchester United. Media Sports Investments and Just Sports Inc, the companies fronted by Joorabchian, which own the economic rights to Tévez, paid £2 million to West Ham in the summer.Joorabchian has issued a High Court claim against the club for £7.1 million.

Cousin transfer off

Fifa has ruled that Daniel Cousin cannot move from Rangers to Fulham and must stay in Scotland because he has played for the maximum two clubs this season. The clubs agreed a deal for the Gabon striker — who also represented Lens in the Intertoto Cup — on January 20. Fulham could qualify for Europe even if they are relegated. England will obtain an extra Uefa Cup place if they remain top of Uefa’s Fair Play League. Fulham would claim it because of their disciplinary record.

Ferguson hits back

Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, has accused Jean-Michel Aulas, the Lyons president, of being “mischievous” in the row over Karim Benzema, the France striker. Aulas said that United’s apparent interest in Benzema was “destabilising”, but Ferguson, whose team play Lyons in the Champions League on Tuesday, said: “When you are asked about the quality of a player, you give an honest opinion. He is a good player. I think he [Aulas] is being a little bit mischievous.”

Wheater signs up

David Wheater, the Middlesbrough defender, has signed a 3½ year contract that more than doubles his salary. The England Under-21 player has attracted interest from Liverpool and Celtic this season, but he said: “This is the only club I’ve ever wanted to play for. The negotiations have dragged on a little, but I’m delighted it’s all finally sorted.” Chris Riggott, the Middlesbrough defender, has joined Stoke City, the Coca-Cola Championship leaders, on loan for the remainder of the season.

Fulham’s incentive

Fulham could qualify for Europe next season even if they are relegated from the Barclays Premier League. England will obtain an extra Uefa Cup place if they remain top of Uefa’s Fair Play league at the end of the season. Fulham would be given the place because of their domestic disciplinary record. Eleven English teams could qualify for Europe, with up to two gaining entry through the Intertoto Cup and either Bolton Wanderers or Everton by winning the Uefa Cup.

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