RANDY LERNER’S re-emergence as a major contender to buy Aston Villa could pave the way for Martin O’Neill to be appointed manager sooner rather than later.

Life-long fan Michael Neville’s hopes of his consortium taking control of Aston Villa have been boosted by the apparent withdrawal from the bidding of American billionaire Rady Lerner.

TOTTENHAM are interested in bringing Lazio coach Roberto Mancini to White Hart Lane as Glenn Hoddle’s successor.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s business manager today issued a categorical denial of reports suggesting the England boss had signed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s right hand man Tord Grip is hoping the England coach’s reported affair with TV star Ulrika Jonsson will be ‘‘forgotten’’ by the time the World Cup starts.