LERNER OPTION
Randy Lerner, the American who is the prospective new owner of Aston Villa, would consider renaming Villa Park but he wants to honour the club’s history by adding a star over the badge to acknowledge their 1982 European Cup triumph.
“Naming rights is something we will have to look at because it could make a very positive impact on revenue,” Lerner, whose £62.6 million takeover could go through this week, said.
ANELKA’S MOVE
Nicolas Anelka, the France forward, is close to signing for Bolton Wanderers. “I have an agreement with Bolton on a four-year contract. I hope it will be finalised next week,” the Fenerbahçe and former Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool player told L’Equipe, the French sports daily.
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HOSPITAL DATE
Sir Bobby Robson, assistant to Steve Staunton, the Ireland manager, is to miss the European Championship qualifying match against Germany in Stuttgart on September 2. He is to have surgery this week to remove a “small” brain tumour. Robson, 73, is hoping to recover in time for the trip to Cyprus on October 7.
BAYERN PUZZLE
Owen Hargreaves was omitted from the Bayern Munich squad for the Bundesliga match away to Bochum yesterday. The news comes after a week in which the England midfield player, 25, has said that he is keen to join Manchester United but Bayern want to keep him.