HODGSON THE MAN FOR ENGLAND

While the written press and most of the broadcast media had already appointed Harry Redknapp, the Football Association shocked everyone last night by confirming a move for Roy Hodgson as the new England boss.

The West Brom manager has already spoken with FA chairman David Bernstein, with the 64-year-old expected to be announced as the replacement for Fabio Capello later this week.

Bernstein said: “Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set out.

“Further conversations will now take place with Roy.”

At the time of writing we’re still awaiting Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand’s Twitter musings on the subject.

MORE WOE FOR REDKNAPP

It appears now that Harry may be the only man guaranteed to still be at Spurs next season if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Redknapp has admitted that Luka Modric may leave White Hart Lane in the summer, and Gareth Bale told BBC’s Football Focus he could leave if they aren’t playing in the Champions League.

“Last summer it was vital that we kept hold of Luka,” said Redknapp. “I would be lying if I said I was sure that he would stay [this summer].

“You would like to think Luka would still be here, but you never know.”

FERGIE TALKS UP CITY

Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester City will be favourites to win the title if they triumph at the Etihad tonight.

City will go level on points with United with victory in the Manchester derby, and take top spot on goal difference.

And Ferguson said: “If they beat us, I think they will probably go on to win the title. If we draw we’ll be strong favourites but we will be trying to win.”

In an apparent determined attempt to still play down City’s chances manager Roberto Mancini said: “If we win they (United) are favourites.

“My opinion is always the same – I think they have more chance than us.”

GYAN CLOSE TO BLACK CATS EXIT

Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan looks to have played his last game on Wearside with Al Ain expected to sign him on a permanent basis.

Gyan joined the UAE club on a season-long loan last August and helped them to the league title scoring 17 goals in 15 games.

The Ghana international has told Al Ain he would like to stay and they are keen for the 26-year-old to spearhead their return to the Asian Champions League.

Club chief executive officer, Carlo Nohra, revealed this weekend he expects to sign Gyan on a permanent deal when the loan agreement ends in June.

Earlier this month Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill admitted Gyan’s return to the Stadium of Light was unlikely, with the club looking to recoup the £13million they paid French club Rennes in 2010.

ON THE CONTINENT

Portuguese Premier League club Uniao Leiria took to the pitch with only eight players for their match against Feirense yesterday after 16 squad members submitted collective resignation letters over delays in salary payments. Feirense won 4-0.

German champions Borussia Dortmund are resigned to losing playmaker Shinji Kagawa, who is considering a switch to the Premier League amid reports of an offer from Manchester United.

Porto clinched their 26th Portuguese Premier League title after rivals Benfica slipped to a 2-2 draw at Rio Ave.

OTHER NEWS

Rangers boss Ally McCoist fears liquidation of the Glasgow club is a likely prospect. “I would have to say that looks more of a possibility now than it ever has,” said McCoist, after a 3-0 Old Firm defeat yesterday.

Manchester United’s Portuguese winger Nani is eager to sign a new long-term deal at Old Trafford.

Sunderland striker Connor Wickham is being linked with a return to Ipswich Town after failing to impress since his £8m move last summer.