Patrice Evra extends Manchester United deal

Patrice Evra believes that the present Manchester United team are on the brink of greatness after retaining their Barclays Premier League crown and winning the Champions League last season (James Ducker writes). The France defender became the final member of Sir Alex Ferguson's back four, after Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown, to commit his long-term future to United, signing a new four-year contract worth £60,000 a week yesterday. “I am sure the success we have earned in the last two seasons confirms the history of this club and will be the start of something even more special,” the Evra said.

Paul Ince 'flattered' by Blackburn Rovers link

Paul Ince, the Milton Keynes Dons manager, has made no secret of his desire to talk to Blackburn Rovers about the possibility of succeeding Mark Hughes at Ewood Park. “They are a family club and Mark Hughes did a fantastic job there, so we will see,” Ince said. “It is nice when you are being talked about by Premier League clubs. Blackburn would have to speak to my chairman first. If that happens, we will go from there.” Ince is likely to face stiff competition for the job from Sam Allardyce, the former Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers manager, and Henk ten Cate, the former Chelsea assistant first-team coach.

'No agreement yet' to Fabio Capello Thailand trip

The FA has played down speculation that Fabio Capello will visit Thailand next month to give a lecture on the game. “No agreement has been made yet,” the FA said. Capello has been concentrating his energies on Croatia, who will face England in their World Cup qualifying campaign and whom he saw in action for the second time during Euro 2008 yesterday, when they beat Germany.

Atlético Madrid set for Liverpool friendly

Liverpool are hoping to welcome Atlético Madrid, Fernando Torres's former club, to Anfield for a pre-season friendly on August 8. The clubs have been in discussions and an agreement is expected to be reached soon. Liverpool have not played a friendly at their stadium for five years, when Rafael Benítez was in the opposing dugout as the coach of Valencia.

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