BITS AND BOBS

Last updated : 23 February 2006 By Ed

* The Mirror claim that Eriksson has been approached by Real Madrid to be their manager next season.

* Madrid say that Ronaldo is not for sale despite the player saying he was unhappy there.

* Today's Mirror: Sir Alex Ferguson has put Villarreal's Argentinian playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme right at the top of Manchester United's list of wanted stars.

And Fergie was in Glasgow last night to run the rule over the talented midfielder in preparation for a £10m summer swoop.

* Forlan got a goal for Villareal in the 2-2 draw at Rangers.

* Steve Bruce's son Alex is to represent the Republic of Ireland at under 18 level. Steve Bruce explains why he never played for Ireland: "It’s genuine, his grandparents are Irish so he thought, why not?

"In fact Jack Charlton rang me before the 1994 World Cup in the United States after someone told him I was qualified.

"With my mother being Irish it was a close call, and I nearly went. But because I was at Manchester United, and there was the five-foreigner rule, I decided not to.

"But I think the opportunity to gain international recognition appeals to Alex and I am happy to support him in that."

* Bayern's Uli Hoeness about Ballack following his goal against Milan: "Until recently, I was convinced that Michael Ballack had not had any offer from another club, but his goals will make some people interested in him again."