Football: Everton set their sights on Graham

Everton hope to persuade George Graham to resign as Leeds United manager and decamp to Goodison Park.

Chairman Peter Johnson plans to make an official approach to Leeds United today for Graham and is willing to pay compensation. He will try to tempt Graham with a salary of pounds 15,000 a week and a pounds 20m transfer kitty.

While Johnson prefers Graham, other board members would like to speak to Middlesbrough's Bryan Robson and Leicester's Martin O'Neill, the two other names thought to be on the shortlist. However, these two will not be approached until the hunt for Graham is concluded one way or another.

Another departure from Elland Road may be striker Brian Deane. Graham is thought to be looking at Nottingham Forest's Alf Inge Haaland for around pounds 2m, while the 29-year-old Deane has been linked with a move to Middlesbrough.

Paul Warhurst has rejected the offer of a new contract from Blackburn and appears set to leave Ewood Park. Bolton, Birmingham and Manchester City all showed interest in the versatile 27-year-old last season.

Lorenzo Amoruso yesterday finalised his pounds 3.75m move to Rangers from Fiorentina. Another signing, for pounds 1.75m, was Staale Stensaas from the Norwegian side, Rosenborg.

Scotland's clubs will vote today to double the number of work permit players allowed in the League. The present limit of 10 will be increased to 20 if the League AGM backs a plan put forward by Motherwell and supported by Rangers.

Simon Rodger is among five Crystal Palace players about to iron out new deals with manager Steve Coppell. The 25-year-old midfielder is out of contract at the end of June. Defender Gareth Davies, midfielder Darren Pitcher, along with squad players Rory Ginty and Anthony Scully, are the others.

Sheffield Wednesday have announced a new ticket scheme which will see children admitted free or half-price next season. The club has responded to criticism of high ticket prices by announcing the package for 15 of the 19 Premiership matches.

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