Premier League chiefs are to study whether rising ticket prices and television coverage have contributed to an apparent slump in top-flight attendances at a special meeting next month.

PARIS ST GERMAIN have turned down an offer from Manchester United for Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho, but the player’s agent is confident the two clubs can still negotiate an agreement.

ARSENAL must face either a Spanish giant like Barcelona, Valencia or European Cup holders Real Madrid at the next stage of the Champions League, or else one of the Italian aces such as AC Milan, Inter and Juventus.

ARSENE WENGER moved last night to distance the club from speculation that Arsenal are attempting to lure David Beckham to Highbury in the wake of his dressing-room bust-up with Alex Ferguson.

AFTER a close season dominated by financial problems and a row over television rights, Italy’s Serie A finally gets under way at the weekend with the northern trio of Inter Milan, AC Milan and reigning champions Juventus once again favourites for the title.

Villarreal 0 Manchester United 0

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger yesterday urged panicking Manchester United supporters not to crucify Malcolm Glazer before he has even set foot in the door at Old Trafford.

MANCHESTER UNITED are not seeking and do not need a billionaire backer like Roman Abramovich, chief executive David Gill said yesterday.

IT WAS Gary Player who declared 'the more I practise the luckier I get' so Alex Ferguson must have been working off his frustrations at Manchester United's Carrington training ground last week.

ENGLAND striker Wayne Rooney yesterday warned defenders they will be wasting their time trying to wind him up at the World Cup finals as he vowed to clean up his disciplinary act.

A CONSORTIUM involving JP McManus, John Magnier and Dermot Desmond is understood to be a major shareholder in a multi-million fund to invest in the food and other sectors of the global economy.

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY says he is proud to be walking in the shadow of Manchester United legends.

Sparta Prague 0 Chelsea 1

ARSENAL coach Arsene Wenger has not made an emergency plan in case a number of his players are banned following incidents after the 0-0 draw against Manchester United.

RIO FERDINAND heads to Bolton for the biggest battle of his career today — with chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, Gordon Taylor, believing the verdict has already been delivered against Manchester United’s record signing.

NEW Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell has been given a personal apology by director Simon Morris following the farce which almost led to him turning his back on the club.

EVERTON are planning to lure out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker to Liverpool in the January transfer window.

GARY NEVILLE believes Rio Ferdinand was forced to do “a dog’s job” during his eight-month exile.

MANCHESTER UNITED consolidated their position as the financial kingpins of world soccer yesterday, announcing a 48% increase in profits to stg£32.3 million. (€51.3million)