Football: Kidd ponders Everton offer

BRIAN KIDD has the weekend to decide whether he wants to leave Manchester United and become the new manager of Everton. Alex Ferguson's assistant at United was given a 48-hour deadline by the Goodison club yesterday to decide on the switch.

United have refused Everton permission to speak to Kidd, whose only option now is to quit Old Trafford if he wants to move to Merseyside. Kidd has had talks with United, including leading plc executives, but is still waiting for assurances about his future.

With Bryan Robson, the Middlesbrough manager and former United captain most likely to eventually succeed Ferguson, Kidd may consider a move to Everton his better option.

Everton want to hear from Kidd before looking at their alternatives. The sacking of Howard Kendall may also give Martin O'Neill second thoughts about leaving Leicester although he too would have to resign. After a torrid summer Everton chairman Peter Johnson wants a manager quickly.