Football in brief: Muamba thankful to Coyle as he chases England recognition

Bolton Wanderers: Midfielder Fabrice Muamba has attributed his fine recent form to manager Owen Coyle.

The 21-year-old's fine recent form has seen him linked with an England call-up, with the player last week speaking of his desire of step up to full international level under Fabio Capello. "Since the gaffer has come in things have changed," Muamba said. "You can see the way we have been playing and the confidence in the team. That's credit to the manager and the staff, and hopefully we can continue for the rest of the season. I've enjoyed playing under him [and] would say I've been in the best form of my career."

Wanderers currently sit in 14th, eight points clear of the relegation zone ahead of tonight's visit of Manchester United. "We'll definitely stay up," Muamba maintained. "Another two wins and we should be fine. We can give anybody a game on any given day."

World Cup stadiums get the all clear for summer

South Africa: The World Cup hosts declared it was "all systems go" yesterday when it announced that all 10 World Cup venues were ready for this summer's tournament following a final Fifa inspection tour. "We can say with confidence [that] we have delivered on our promise of 10 world-class stadiums and delivered them months before the tournament even starts," local Organising Committee chief executive officer Danny Jordaan said. He was speaking at the end of the 10-day inspection of the venues across nine South African cities. Six new venues have been built for the tournament and a further four renovated.

Eagles in talks with potential buyer

Crystal Palace: The club's administrators are in discussions with a potential buyer after yesterday's deadline for interested parties passed. The Eagles, now managed by Paul Hart, went into administration in January with debts of £30m and sit in the Championship relegation zone after being docked 10 points. The administrator Brendan Guilfoyle, who set the deadline after warning the club could not be financed after this season, said: "We remain positive the club's future will be resolved shortly."

Kroenke comes within 10 shares of Arsenal bid

Arsenal: American businessman Stan Kroenke has increased his stake in the club to move to within 10 shares of the threshold that would force him to make a takeover bid. The American, who owns 29.9 per cent of the club, acquired seven shares at a cost of £8,500 each. If the Denver-based businessman reaches 30 per cent, he would be required to make an offer for the remaining shares in Arsenal Holdings plc. If he acquires more than 50 per cent he will gain legal control of the club.