Tristan keen to make impression

Diego Tristán hopes to be offered a short-term deal with West Ham United when his trial ends on Saturday. The Spain forward was invited by Gianfranco Zola, the manager, after the loss of Dean Ashton until January because of an ankle injury. Tristán is a free agent after leaving Livorno. “Zola called me and told me his plans and the situation with the team,” he said. “I have come to prove myself.”

Injured Viduka attracts interest

Mark Viduka is no nearer to making a return for Newcastle United from an Achilles tendon injury, but his fitness problems have not prevented an Australian club expressing an interest in signing the burly striker. The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season — Newcastle are unlikely to exercise a one-year extension on his deal — and Melbourne Heat, the prospective A-League franchise, are hoping to make Viduka, right, their marquee signing.

Number of the day - 9: Goals by Reading’s Hunt brothers this season (Noel five, Stephen four)

Police to investigate Campbell abuse

Hampshire Police are to investigate the verbal abuse of Sol Campbell, the Portsmouth captain, by Tottenham Hotspur fans at Fratton Park on Sunday after a complaint was received from a member of the public, a move supported yesterday by Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth manager. “Somebody has to take a stand,” he said. “You’re talking about awful abuse — racist, everything. It has no place in football. Tottenham have a big Jewish element in their support. How would they like it?” Peter Crouch, the Portsmouth forward, agreed. “There is no player who hasn’t suffered abuse, but a line has been crossed,” he said.

And finally ...

Russian gangsters have been arrested in Spain after bragging that they “bought” the Uefa Cup for Zenit St Petersburg in May. In phone calls tapped by police, Gennadios Petrov, the head of an underworld gang, claimed that up to € 40 million (about £31.6 million) in bribes was spent to ensure victory in the semi-final matches against Bayern Munich and the final against Rangers.