Football: May agrees his move to United

DAVID MAY, Blackburn's Oldham-born defender, has agreed to join Manchester United in a deal that could cost the champions up to pounds 2m. Old Trafford said yesterday that the fee for the 23-year-old 'will be payable either by agreement or as decided by a tribunal'.

May, a centre-half capable of filling in at full-back, will increase Alex Ferguson's options for Europe as he is eligible to represent England.

Viv Anderson, the former United player, has resigned as Barnsley's player-manager to become assistant to Bryan Robson at Middlesbrough. Anderson's No 2, Danny Wilson, has been appointed caretaker manager at Oakwell.

Arsenal, former employers of Anderson, last night insisted there was 'no truth' in reports emanating from Portugal linking Highbury with Benfica's unsettled striker, Sergei Yuran. Portuguese television claimed that the Russian striker, who performed imperiously against Arsenal in the European Cup two years ago, had signed a four-year deal with the Gunners. Last week Arsenal signed Yuran's club-mate, Stefan Schwarz.

Graeme Sharp, the Oldham Athletic striker, has agreed a new contract which will keep him at Boundary Park for a further two years. Ryan Jones, Sheffield Wednesday's 20-year-old Welsh midfielder, has signed a five-year contract with the Hillsborough club.

Newcastle United and Aston Villa are the first winners of the Football Association Fair Play League. The clubs finished level on points to share a pounds 30,000 prize which will go to charities of their choice.

Assessors attended every Premiership match last season with the specific task of judging fair play from players, coaching staff and managers. Attacking play was rewarded and points deducted for red and yellow cards.

The FA also made a special award to Liverpool for the good behaviour of their supporters. The pounds 20,000 prize is to be used towards improving Anfield spectator facilities.

Roma have reached an agreement to sign Napoli's Uruguayan striker, Daniel Fonseca, for around pounds 7m.