The Screamer... It's the talk of football

Ashley has been on the look-out for a possible quick deal since he acquired the club last year.

He was dismayed to find he had inherited £80m worth of debt because of his failure to undergo due diligence.

That has now been cleared and Ashley believes a debt-free Barclays Premier League club with a ground paid off is worth beyond the £250m that was mentioned at the weekend.

He has spent three months stepping up his bid to find a buyer but none has emerged.

A sale would put the position of Kevin Keegan in jeopardy and Frank Gilmour, chairman of the Independent Newcastle United Supporters' Association said: "The biggest loser would not be Ashley or the fans, but Keegan."

Campo gets involved in spat

Ivan Campo has raised the temperature before Bolton's UEFA Cup trip to Atletico Madrid on Thursday by branding Sergio Aguero 'stupid' following last week's spitting furore.

Atletico are appealing against Aguero's red card for spitting at Matt Taylor during the first leg, but ex-Real Madrid star Campo said: "He behaved in a stupid way."

Yeung guns... don't go for it!

Birmingham's owners have urged shareholders to vote against Carson Yeung's resolution to add Steve McManaman and former Crystal Palace defender Fan Zhiyi to the club's board at tomorrow's AGM.

McManaman acted as an adviser to Yeung during his failed bid to take complete control of Birmingham last year.

Birmingham managing director Karren Brady said: "The board have unanimously recommended to our shareholders to vote against the notice."

Sahar to join Owls

Chelsea forward Ben Sahar is set to join Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the rest of the season.

But Sahar will not complete his move in time for tonight's home game with Coventry. Wednesday midfielder Kenny Lunt is rejoining Crewe on loan.

Mido gets Cup fever

Mido insists the worst season of his life can become one of the best if Middlesbrough win the FA Cup. He had to stay at home as his Egypt team-mates retained the African Nations Cup without him due to a stomach injury that left him in agony.

Mido said: "I couldn't really do anything for three months. I've missed out on one trophy because of my injury, but hopefully I can make up for it by helping Boro to win the FA Cup."

Must-win for McCrathy

Mick McCarthy has played down speculation about his future at Wolves, but says tonight's match against Scunthorpe is a must-win challenge.

McCarthy insisted owner Steve Morgan and chief executive Jez Moxey are behind him, adding: "I don't suddenly think I can't do the job any more."