Capello to stay put until 2003

Fabio Capello, the Roma coach, is not ruling out joining Manchester United or Barcelona, but he will not be joining either before his contract runs out next year.

Capello has been linked this week with a return to Spain or as replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. However, the Italian is committed to Roma until 2003 and has said he will honour that.

"To have a new experience abroad would be stimulating," he said. "I can't hide the fact that the interest of this type of club is pleasing because they represent some of the most prestigious clubs in the world. However, at the moment, I am bound to Roma."

Middlesbrough are likely to meet Charlton this afternoon in the Premiership minus their defender Ugo Ehiogu, who has a groin injury, while Alen Boksic is out with a calf problem and Szilard Nemeth is fighting a thigh injury. Claus Jensen is missing for Charlton because of a knee injury, but Mark Fish has recovered from a stomach bug.

In Mali, World Cup finalists Nigeria and South Africa will have their credentials examined at the African Nations' Cup in the first two quarter-finals. Nigeria renew their old rivalry with Ghana while South Africa meet the hosts.

Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Aglai have been overshadowed by Julius Aghahowa, who scored the winners against Algeria and Liberia last week, but the Super Eagles will still be fancied to advance.