* Bayern manager, Felix Magath: "We need to look for a leading figure outside the club. When Michael leaves we will lose a personality who takes responsibility. We do depend a lot on him but that does not mean we will have problems once he's gone. This is a great opportunity to take a new orientation."
* United have been linked with a move for Udinese keeper Morgan De Sanctis.
* O'Pie will not be banned despite having been booked for the fifth time this year against Wigan. The cut-off point for suspensions for five bookings came at the end of February so he will only be 'warned about his future conduct.'
* Real's Guti and Ronaldo were involved in a 'dressing room fight at Highbury' last night according to the Mirror.
* Fergie talks about his bet with Ronaldo about scoring 15 goals: "His recent goals mean I might lose my money this season but I’ll be happy to lose the bet.
"I won last year, even though he tried to tell me his FA Cup final penalty counted. I was having none of that."
* Mahamadou Diarra, of Lyons, and Javier Mascherano, who plays for Corinthians in Brazil, rated in the £20 million bracket are mentioned by the Times as potential replacements for Ruud if Fergie decides to sell. See 'RUUD PEED OFF' story today.
* This from the Lancashire Evening Telegraph:
Blackburn Rovers today dismissed speculation linking Steven Reid with a shock move to Manchester United.
Several newspapers have carried stories claiming the Republic of Ireland international is a £6 million summer target for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Old Trafford chief is desperate to bolster his midfield resources in the wake of Roy Keane's sudden departure and he reportedly sent scouts to watch Reid play a starring role for the Republic in their 3-0 friendly win over Sweden last week.
But Rovers' chairman, John Williams, has poured cold water on talk of the 24-year-old joining the Reds, claiming he's an integral part of Mark Hughes' plans for the future.
"There has been no contact with Manchester United whatsoever in regard to Steven Reid and, as far as we are concerned, it's complete newspaper speculation," said Williams.
"Steven is an important member of our squad and he's a player we want to keep here."
* Derby's bid to sign Dwight Yorke has failed due to him being under contract to Sydney at the close of the January transfer window - and overseas players cannot be loaned outside the windows apparently.