Soccer: Effenberg move hits wage snag

Stefan Effenberg’s move to Manchester City has hit a snag over the German star’s wage demands.

City are refusing to comment on the progress of the deal, but it is understood Effenberg, who is available on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, wants around £60,000-a-week (€97,000).

This is more than double what the current top earner at Maine Road takes home each week.

City were expected to discuss Effenberg at a board meeting today and are still hopeful that they can agree terms on a two-year deal with the 33-year-old.

However the First Division champions now fear the odds have shifted against Effenberg moving to Maine Road.

Effenberg, who is also wanted by Galatasaray, has been one of manager Kevin Keegan’s prime transfer targets for some time now and he has said he would like to have two major signings in place before the World Cup.

However Keegan, who has already signed Peter Schmeichel on a free transfer from Aston Villa, has also said he will not be rushed into any deals.

He claims he will still have plenty of time after the World Cup to sign players.

Meanwhile Keegan claims Stuart Pearce could one day replace him as City manager.

Keegan was having talks with Pearce, who quit playing at the weekend, today at the former England defender’s home and stud farm about a coaching role at City for next season.

Keegan claims the job will be open-ended and Pearce would be able to walk away at any stage if he wanted to take up another offer.

He said in the Manchester Evening News: ‘‘You never know, we could be sat here in five years’ time and he could be replacing me. It’s a possibility.

‘‘Stuart has already been offered jobs and will continue to be offered jobs, we know that.

‘‘If he gets the right offer and he wants to go we will just shake his hand and say thank you.’’