American Football: Montana poised to leave 49ers and join the Chiefs

JOE MONTANA, the quarterback who led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl victories, seems certain to be traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, writes Matt Tench.

Montana has agreed a contract with the Chiefs, but over the weekend the two clubs were at loggerheads over the compensation the 49ers would receive. There was then speculation that Montana would, after all, stay with the 49ers as their 'designated starter'. However Montana met Eddie DeBartolo Jnr, the 49ers owner and issued a statement yesterday that prepares the way for his departure.

'It is my opinion that it is in the best interest of the 49ers to go with Steve Young and Steve Bono as their two quarterbacks. Both are great players and will continue to be successful leading one of the best teams in the NFL,' Montana said.

Montana has played for just 30 minutes in the last two years, after repeated problems with an elbow injury. In his place Young, who is five years Montana's junior, has become a more than adequate replacement, while Bono, who is regarded as one of the league's best back-up quarterbacks has just re-signed. The 49ers want the Chiefs' first- round draft pick in exhange for Montana.