Chelsea’s former assistant manager Ray Wilkins is to take legal advice following his departure from Stamford Bridge.
The ex-England international left the club nine days ago after being told his contract would not be renewed.
Michael Emenalo has been named as Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant since Wilkins’ exit. The former Nigeria international joined the club in 2007 under former manager Avram Grant and has been promoted from his position as head opposition scout.
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On-song Aston Villa youngster Barry Bannan has been handed a new three-and-a-half year contract by manager Gerard Houllier.
The 20-year-old has impressed in Villa’s first team since breaking into the starting line-up under the Frenchman and the new deal ties him to the Midlands outfit until the summer of 2014.
The diminutive star’s explosion onto the Premier League scene culminated with him earning a Scotland call-up for Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over the Faroe Islands at Pittodrie.
After failing to impress former boss Martin O’Neill, Bannan was loaned out to Blackpool last term. He was a substitute as the Seasiders beat Cardiff City in the Championship play-off final in May.
Fulham boss Mark Hughes has confirmed that Belgium international Moussa Dembele will miss the next three weeks after suffering an ankle injury while on international duty.
The former AZ Alkmaar striker picked up the injury during his country’s game against Russia on Wednesday.
Dembele has scored three times in 12 Premier League appearances for the Cottagers.
Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton says he has no intention of selling Alan Smith in the January transfer window.
The former Leeds United and Manchester United star has been a peripheral figure at St James’ Park this season with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City reportedly interested in securing his services.
In cricket, England beat Australia A by ten wickets in their final warm-up match ahead of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane on Thursday.
Resuming on 128-3 in Hobart, the hosts were quickly in trouble as Chris Tremlett took three early wickets.
Cameron White scored a century before falling to Monty Panesar who ended up with figures of 3-63.
The impressive Tim Bresnan’s fourth wicket wrapped up the innings before the England openers knocked off the nine runs required.
