Americans Abroad

Transfer of McBride to Blackburn Rovers remains a possibility.

Negotiations about a transfer of Brian McBride to Blackburn Rovers apparently aren't over.

By Robert Wagman (in Washington, D.C.)
SoccerTimes

(Monday, July 12, 2003) -- Major League Soccer officials have been in England the past week for talks with a number of clubs about long-term relationships.

Reportedly, there have been revived talks about Columbus Crew striker Brian McBride moving permanently to Blackburn Rovers, the Premier League club that employs United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel. In previous negotiations, Rovers wanted to acquire McBride via a loan deal to the end of the Premiership season in May, while MLS only wanted him to let him go until the end of March so he would be available for the start of the American league's season.

In the next few days, Blackburn will decide if it will make the financial commitment for a full transfer offer.

The English Football Association has begun a formal investigation into U.S. keeper Tim Howard's transfer from MLS's MetroStars to Manchester United last summer. Howard is not accused of any wrongdoing, but the FA is looking into charges that money changed hands between agents after the deal was completed in violation of the rules of the FA and world governing body FIFA.

Swiss-based agent Gaetano Marotta represented Manchester United in negotiating the $4.25 million transfer. The accusation is that Marotta split part of his fee with Monaco-based agent Mike Morris. Manchester United's manager Sir Alex Ferguson's son Jason is said to be a close associate of Morris.

In a statement United denied any wrongdoing, saying it had paid "an appropriate sum" to Marotta. "All our transfer deals are approved by the board of Manchester United, PLC, and are conducted in accordance with FIFA and FA rules. Details of payments involved in those deals are sent to the football authorities as required under their regulations."

In Premier League play yesterday, Manchester United and Newcastle United, a pair of high-scoring sides, hooked up in a defensive struggle and wound up tied 0-0.

Howard played solidly for Man U, but may have gotten away with one when he took down Alan Shearer midway through the first half. Shearer reached Gary Neville's poor backpass before Howard, who arrived an instant later and sent Shearer flying.

Referee Paul Durkin waved play on, but later he admitted he did not see the contact because he had been caught running upfield. After reviewing a replay, Durkin said it looked like a foul and Shearer should have been awarded a penalty kick. Otherwise, the United defense was solid and Howard had little to do.

Friedel, involved in one of Blackburn Rovers more unusual matches of the season, was beaten four times in a 4-3 loss Saturday to Bolton Wanderers who overcame a 3-1 deficit despite the match being controlled by Rovers for long stretches.

Kevin Nolan scored the quickest goal of the Premiership season, being sent through off the opening kickoff and putting a shot under Friedel with 14 seconds gone. Rovers came back with goals by Vratislav Gresko, Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole to lead 3-1 after 34 minutes, but French international Youri Djorkaeff slammed home a terrific goal just before the half for Bolton.

While Rovers seemed in charge in the second half, Friedel was called on to deny Emerson Thome's sharp header off a Djorkaeff corner. Stelios Giannakopoulos and Kevin Nolan scored off goalmouth scrambles within a five-minute span for a 4-3 lead after 78 minutes.

A solid 90 minutes in goal by American Kasey Keller and an opportune goal from Robbie Keane allowed Tottenham Hotspur to defeat Leeds United 1-0. Spurs were helped when Leeds was forced to play the final 10 minutes with 10 players after using all three substitutes and then having an injury.

Spurs (7-11-3, 24 points) won a second straight outing, climbing into a three-way tie for 12th place, five points clear of the relegation zone.

U.S. striker Jovan Kirovski entered for Birmingham City in stoppage time and helped preserve a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southampton.

Despite some good play from American keeper Marcus Hahnemann, Reading's winless streak was extended to five matches after a late goal allowed Ipswich Tiwn to escape with a 1-1 draw Sunday in England's First Division. After three straight 3-0 losses, Reading (11-10-6, 39) has played a pair of 1-1 ties and is tied for ninth place, four points below sixth place which is included in the promotion playoff.

Hahnemann made several saves to keep the match scoreless. In the 64th minute, his long clearance fell to Scott Murray, who, in stride, crossed to Lloyd Owusu and the young striker scored his first goal of the season.

Dutch midfielder Martijn Reuser's well-placed corner kick allowed John McGreal to equalize for Ipswich 10 minutes later.

U.S. midfielder Eddie Lewis was back in the U.S. to visit with his ailing father. He dropped by training at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., and played a half with the U.S. under-23 men in a scrimmage against the full national team.

With Lewis absent, Preston North End defeated West Ham 2-1 yesterday.

In Amsterdam, U.S. midfielder\defender John O'Brien is back in full training with Ajax's first team and will compete for a starting spot when the Dutch season resumes on January 21. In an interview, he indicated he hoped to play for the U.S. in the match against the Netherlands February 18.

Robert Wagman is a SoccerTimes senior correspondent. E-mail Robert Wagman.