FORMER Manchester United and Northern Ireland football hero George Best was back in hospital yesterday, recovering from an infection following his life-saving liver transplant operation.

ARSENAL are close to agreeing a deal with Ajax for their outstanding full-back Hatem Trabelsi.

THE FA have confirmed that Roy Keane has until Friday to appeal against his five-match ban and £150,000 (€234.157) fine.

CHELSEA striker Mateja Kezman was last night handed a three-match domestic ban by the Football Association following his sending off against Roma during last week’s pre-season friendly in America.

HOLLAND coach Marco van Basten has recalled several senior players to the squad to face the Czech Republic and FYR Macedonia.

MARK VIDUKA has pledged his future commitment to Australia and is determined to lead his country into the next World Cup finals.

GABRIEL HEINZE could be back in training with Manchester United by the beginning of April.

RAFAEL BENITEZ admits winning games in the Premiership has become more difficult compared to last season - but the Liverpool boss has been encouraged by Chelsea’s winning run coming to an end.

SPAIN’S Jose Antonio Reyes is hoping England defenders Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand can put domestic issues to one side when the two countries clash tomorrow night.

Alex Ferguson’s winter spending plans will not be affected by confirmation that Manchester United will have to wait until April 2005 for the final instalment of the €25m fee for Dutch defender Jaap Stam.

Defender Mikael Silvestre will be fit for Manchester United following his ankle injury in time for Porto’s Champions League visit to Old Trafford next week.

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

ENGLAND international Nicky Butt completed his move to Newcastle from Manchester United yesterday.

DEFIANT Steven Gerrard believes he will be back in action within the next two months despite fears he could be sidelined until Christmas.

ROY KEANE has revealed he has a desire to manage The Red Devils and succeed Alex Ferguson once his illustrious playing career is over.

TALKS have opened between Everton and Wayne Rooney’s representatives to discuss a new five-year deal for the 18-year-old England striker.

IN the lexicon of political jargon, the buzz word in vogue is “competitiveness”.

NEWCASTLE misfit Nicky Butt could yet end up back at St James’ Park if Birmingham are relegated.

ALEX Ferguson is keeping his fingers crossed that a double knee operation will eventually get Owen Hargreaves back on to the field for Manchester United.