Barcelona alerted as Bowyer stalls Leeds

Lee Bowyer is stalling on signing a new contract with Leeds United – and Barcelona are on alert about the chance of taking him on a "Bosman" free transfer. The England international is free to talk to foreign clubs about his future from 1 January. He will benefit from the fact that the transfer market is depressed and money is tight in all countries, making someone without a transfer fee a major attraction.

The French Football Federation president has added his voice to the chorus of disapproval over Nicolas Anelka's refusal to play for the national team. Claude Simonet believes the Manchester City striker made a grave error of judgement when he turned down a late call-up for Wednesday's friendly against Yugoslavia.

"Nicolas Anelka should not have turned down the invitation," Simonet said. "It would be good for him to reflect on it, if he is considering having a future with the French team."

The Bolton Wanderers manager, Sam Allardyce, has criticised the French federation for "neglect and arrogance" over Bernard Mendy's broken leg, and demanded that it pays his wages while he is injured. The right-back broke his leg in a practice match for France's Under-21 side this week.

The Chelsea captain, Marcel Desailly, is to have a scan to determine the exact nature of an injury he picked up on Wednesday during the French senior side's 3-0 win over Yugoslavia.

Hartlepool United have appointed the former Blackburn Rovers and Everton striker Mike Newell as their new manager, replacing Chris Turner.