Drug all-clear for Sharpe and Summerbee

The Football Association yesterday cleared the Manchester-based players Lee Sharpe and Nicky Summerbee of involvement with drugs, while reaffirming their determination to drive offenders out of football.

"Manchester United and Manchester City have exonerated their players Lee Sharpe and Nicky Summerbee of any involvement with drug abuse," the FA said in a statement from Lancaster Gate. "The FA have established that both clubs acted swiftly following newspaper allegations by making their own inquiries into the matter. The players were reminded of their responsibilities and both gave firm assurances that they do not take prohibited substances."

Manchester United are apparently interested in Panathinaikos' right winger, George Donis. Reports from Athens suggest United have been tracking the player and that a club scout watched him in their European Cup quarter- final against Legia Warsaw, which the Greeks won 3-0. Donis will play for Panathinaikos against the European champions, Ajax, in Amsterdam tonight.

Officials of the Greek club say United, who have not commented on the reports, are willing to offer pounds 2.5m for the 27-year-old, who has 20 caps and is recognised as the fastest winger in Greek football.