UK Roundup

Leeds confirms Kewell to begin transfer talks with Arsenal

LONDON (Reuters) -- Leeds United are expecting their Australian international striker Harry Kewell to hold transfer talks with Arsenal this week.

Arsenal contacted Premier League rivals Leeds earlier this month to express interest in Kewell.

"If Harry wants Champions League football, then he is aware of this official interest from Arsenal and he will no doubt pursue that," Leeds chairman John McKenzie told British newspapers on Tuesday.

"I would guess he will be talking to Arsenal and talking to [manager] Arsene Wenger at some stage this week."

Kewell, 24, has one season remaining on his contract with Leeds, who are struggling financially and finished 15th in the Premier League last season, three places above the relegation zone.

In contrast, Arsenal finished second in the premier league and retained the FA Cup.

McKenzie said Leeds had made Kewell a "very good [contract] offer" but understood that the player wanted to assess his options.

"He has heard what we have got to say," McKenzie told British newspapers on Tuesday. "We have done all we can for Harry and we have made what we consider to be a very good offer.

"If Harry decides that offer is not good enough and he does not want to play for Leeds then that is his option. Harry wants to assess his various options and there is nothing more we can do until he has done that."

Charlton signs Holland from Ipswich

LONDON (Reuters) -- Ireland World Cup midfielder Matt Holland has joined Charlton Athletic from Ipswich Town for 750,000 pounds (US$1.26 million), the London club said Monday.

The fee could increase to 900,000 pounds in 50,000-pound instalments over the next three seasons if Charlton maintains its Premier League status, it said on its official Web site.

"I'm delighted to get Matt. He is a quality international player and will be a valuable addition to the first-team squad," Charlton manager Alan Curbishley said.

"A number of clubs were interested in signing Matt, but the fact he did not have to move house was an important factor in his decision to choose Charlton ahead of other clubs."

Cash-strapped Ipswich, who just missed out on the promotion playoffs, had to release its captain despite the low transfer fee, saying it could not afford his wages in the first division.

Promoted Premier League club Portsmouth had made an offer similar to Charlton's two weeks ago.

Holland could have left Ipswich for Aston Villa for four million pounds last August after its relegation to the first division but rejected the move.

"It was a big decision for me to make (to leave Ipswich) but I'm 29 now and want to be playing Premiership football," Holland said.

Holland, who helped Ireland reach the second round at last year's World Cup, has been capped 33 times. He helped Ireland win its last two Euro 2004 Group 10 qualifiers this month which left it in second place two points behind leader Switzerland with two games to play.

Charlton finished 12th in the Premier League last season.

England to play Liechtenstein at Old Trafford

LONDON (AP) -- England will play its final Euro 2004 home qualifier against Liechtenstein at Old Trafford in Manchester, the Football Association said Monday.

Manchester United's 68,210-capacity stadium will host the match on Sept. 10. England beat Liechtenstein 2-0 in Vaduz on March 29.

"We're delighted to be staging another senior international at Old Trafford," FA spokesman Paul Barber said.

"We are pleased to be offering the greatest number of fans the opportunity to witness England's final home Euro 2004 qualifier, and we look forward to a fantastic atmosphere in one of Europe's finest stadiums."

Old Trafford hosted England's World Cup qualifier against Greece in October 2001, when captain David Beckham scored on a late free kick to secure the point which sealed qualification for the finals in Japan and South Korea. Last month, AC Milan beat Juventus on penalties in the Champions League final there.

Edinburgh rivals consider joint stadium

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) -- Hearts and Hibernian are considering sharing a new stadium in Edinburgh.

Both clubs have struggled financially in recent years, and the proposal has support from the local councils.

Hearts chief executive Chris Robinson whose club placed third behind Rangers and Celtic in the season just ended, has highlighted a site in Straiton, to the south of Edinburgh.

"Our need to move is well known," Robinson said. "Apart from the potential financial benefits a move would bring, Tynecastle (stadium) does not meet UEFA requirements.

"It makes perfect sense to work in partnership on this with Hibernian and with both local authorities who are keen to be involved."

Hibs managing director Rod Petrie said the club would only move from Easter Road if it helped finances.

"Our position is different from that of Hearts. Our ground complies with the standards set down by UEFA," Petrie said.

"We are only prepared to consider a move if it puts us in a much stronger financial position.

"If we can exchange Easter Road and the mortgages associated with the stadium for access to another modern stadium and have no debt, reduced running costs, greater opportunities to generate revenues and have cash in the bank, I think it is an option well worth exploring."

Drink-driving ban for Villa's Hendrie

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) -- Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie was banned from driving for 12 months Monday after being caught 1 1/2 times over the legal limit for alcohol in his blood.

Hendrie, a fringe England international, was stopped by police for speeding while traveling at 106 miles per hour (170 kph) in Warwickshire, central England. He later was charged with drink driving after failing a breath test.

Hendrie admitted one count of driving over the legal limit.

 

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Both the Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.