Football: Papin tempts Spurs

TOTTENHAM'S audacious bid to buy Milan's Jean-Pierre Papin was threatened yesterday when the striker prepared to put his family first - and return to France. Papin confirmed that Monaco are rivalling Spurs for his services.

The asking price could be as low as pounds 2m, leaving Papin's staggering pounds 1.6m annual salary as the only potential problem. Alan Sugar, Spurs' owner, apparently believes that hurdle can be overcome and wants to push through the deal before tomorrow's transfer deadline. 'We have had contact with both clubs,' Papin said. 'But I think a move back to France would be best for my family.' The 30-year-old proved his worth last night when, in his 50th international, he scored France's first goal in a 3-1 victory over Chile in Lyons.

The Queen's Park Rangers manager, Gerry Francis, yesterday met his chairman, Richard Thompson, for talks about his future. With Francis the clear favourite for the vacant managerial position at Wolves, the former England captain was trying to repair relations with his chairman after a fractious weekend. A club spokesman, however, denied that the talks were anything more than the normal weekly meetings between manager and chairman.

Bristol City have rejected a pounds 300,000 offer from Tranmere Rovers for their 18-goal top scorer, Wayne Allison.

Paul Bernard, Oldham's Scotland Under-21 midfielder, will miss the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Wembley on 10 April, following a cartilage operation.

Fifteen Swansea supporters were arrested during last night's victory at Wycombe in the Autoglass Southern Area final.