As Manchester United jet-off on their pre-season tour of Asia, England centre-back Rio Ferdinand has still failed to sign his new contract.
He was jeered by his own fans in the club’s last two pre-season friendlies against Clyde and Peterborough United.
The Football League’s Agents’ Fees Report for 2004-05 shows that £7.8million was paid out last term- As Manchester United jet-off on their pre-season tour of Asia, England centre-back Rio Ferdinand has still failed to sign his new contract. He was jeered by his own fans in the club’s last two pre-season friendlies against Clyde and Peterborough United. Sections of United supporters are furious that he has yet to agree terms following reports that the defender has been offered £100,000 a week. Chief executive David Gill says he respects Ferdinand for taking his time in talks over a new deal.
- After its Agents’ Fees Report for 2004-05 shows that £7.8million was paid out last term, Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney calls for urgent regulations to govern agents. The Championship accounted for £6.8million with Leeds United the highest spenders at £1.9million.
- Real Madrid sign Santos striker Robinho in a £16.6million deal to cast further doubt on England’s Michael Owen’s future at the Bernabeu. The 21 year-old striker and made it clear after helping Brazil win the Confederations Cup that he saw his future in Europe having recently refused to play any more games for Santos. He missed three Brazilian Championship matches and was fined an undisclosed amount by Santos for every day he failed to report for duty. Arsenal were also reported to be interested in his signature while, along with Chelsea and Manchester United, they may now turn their attention to Owen.
- Guus Hiddink is appointed coach of Australia’s national team and will lead the Socceroos bid to reach the 2006 World Cup finals. The 58 year-old former Holland and South Korea coach takes control immediately and also continues at Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven until November at least. He replaces Frank Farina who stood down in June after a poor Confederations Cup campaign.
