Football: Australians threaten Cole with legal action over tackle

ANDY COLE and Manchester United could yet face legal action over a potentially career- threatening challenge made by the striker on one of Australia's brightest prospects, Simon Colosimo, during a pre-season tour.

The Australian club Carlton may sue over Cole's challenge on Colosimo during the July friendly against Australia in Sydney, which left the defender needing a knee reconstruction. A Melbourne law firm has bee instructed to handle any compensation claim and proceedings could start this month.

A Carlton director, Lou Sticca, revealed the law firm had been studying what had happened and would decide how to proceed. "We put the matter in their hands and at the end of the day we will be guided by their legal advice," Sticca said. The tour promoters, Rivkin Entertainment, and Soccer Australia could also be cited in any claim for compensation.

Colosimo was seen as one of Australia's best young players and was tipped for a move to Europe before Cole's tackle sidelined him until the New Year.

Manchester City's defender Tony Vaughan has joined Cardiff City on a month's loan. Vaughan, who cost pounds 1.3m from Ipswich, was a regular last season and a key member of City's promotion-winning Wembley squad in May.

On his way out of Ninian Park is Cardiff's director of football, Kenny Hibbitt, despite the fact he still has three years remaining of his contract. The former Wolves player spent four years with the Welsh club and previously had a spell as manager.

The 48-year-old former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder is keen to return to the coaching and managerial side of the game. Hibbitt's representative, Hugh Jamieson, said: "The parting with Cardiff was amicable but he wants to get back involved with coaching and managing."