The identity of Sunderland's next manager is no clearer after Roberto Mancini yesterday claimed he has been offered the chance to manage the team.
The 44-year-old former Italy forward was sacked by Inter Milan 12 months ago, despite leading the club to three successive Serie A titles, and his claims appear to contradict Wigan chairman Dave Whelan's statement that his manager Steve Bruce was close to making a decision on whether to take the role.
Mancini, who has been out of football since leaving the San Siro club, told Sky Italia: "I am honoured to have had an offer from Sunderland Football Club. It is a fantastic opportunity.
"It will be truly wonderful to lead such a prestigious and historic club in England after a year of sitting on the sidelines.
"I feel I am ready to start again with immense enthusiasm."
However, Bruce is still the firm favourite for the Stadium of Light post after Ricky Sbragia's resignation seven days ago.
Wigan have confirmed they will not stand in the way of Bruce, their manager, providing Sunderland pay £3million (Dh17m) in compensation.
Whelan has already given Bruce permission to talk to Sunderland.
He told BBC Radio: "I paid Birmingham a compensation fee and I think it is only fair they buy his contract out. I paid Birmingham £3million and I am asking for the same amount back."
Meanwhile, Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has revealed he wants to sell the club "as soon as I can" and regrets buying the club in 2007.
He told The Sunday Times: "It has been catastrophic for everybody. I've lost my money and I've made terrible decisions. I tried my best. But I accept my best was woefully short. I am sorry for everybody about what has happened."
* With agencies
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
Copa del Rey
Barcelona v Real Madrid
Semi-final, first leg
Wednesday (midnight UAE)
Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais
Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
