LEEDS transfer target Barry Hayles admits he has held talks with the Yorkshire club but plans to take his time.

RIO FERDINAND faces the prospect of a lengthy ban after the FA charged him yesterday with the serious offence of ‘failure or refusal to take a drugs test’.

FOOTBALL legend George Best was charged with drink-driving yesterday, Scotland Yard said.

MANCHESTER UNITED have told Chelsea to raise their bid or forget all about landing Argentine midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.

TOTTENHAM’S Gary Doherty will start at centre back for the first time in an Irish shirt tomorrow night as Brian Kerr pledged further experiments in the challenge against Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road (7.30 pm ko).

MANCHESTER UNITED fans have joined the chorus of condemnation at the shocking attack on the ambulance transporting Alan Smith from Anfield on Saturday - but urged supporters of both sides to keep the incident in perspective.

ARSENE WENGER insisted playing with style was as important to him as trophies, as he declared ahead of the FA Cup final that Arsenal are one of only four great entertainers in the whole of Europe.

AS Manchester United and Juventus consolidated their places at the top of Group D, the shock of the night was recorded by Swiss champions FC Basel who edged out Deportivo Coruna 1-0 to earn their first win in the second phase of the Champions League.

BRYAN ROBSON is the bookies' firm favourite to take over as manager of Ireland's soccer squad.

RUSSIA will introduce to international football a player said to be quicker than Michael Owen when they play Ireland today in the opening match of the European Under-21 Championship in Moscow.

CHELSEA have revealed that they would be prepared to spend £60million on Ruud van Nistelrooy if the Dutchman became available – and up to £100m on a single player if the need arose.

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson is under investigation by South African police following a complaint of indecent assault.

ALEX FERGUSON has stressed the importance of a successful Christmas period as Manchester United aim to crank up the pressure on title favourites Chelsea.

FINANCIAL expert Keith Harris last night warned the banks which funded the Glazer family’s Old Trafford takeover will be “sharpening their knives” following Manchester United’s shock Champions League exit.

ARSENAL are prepared to break their transfer record to ensure Arsene Wenger keeps one step ahead of Manchester United after posting their best ever financial results.

A LEADING football business analyst has rubbished claims Peter Kenyon can turn Chelsea into a "normal business" inside five years.

DAVID BECKHAM is set to wear the No 11 jersey at Real Madrid – after it was revealed he has agreed to fall in with the club’s policy on player sponsorship contracts.