Asprilla doubt over future at Newcastle

Faustino Asprilla, Newcastle United's Colombian international, admitted yesterday he is unhappy with his limited first-team opportunities and is discussing options with his agent.

"I left Parma for Newcastle with the idea of being champion, but now I am just a substitute at any position," Asprilla said in an interview in Bogota. "We'll see what happens, but I am not happy at Newcastle," he added.

The Blackburn Rovers chairman, Robert Coar, yesterday denied that their goalkeeper, Tim Flowers, was about to move to Newcastle for pounds 4m. "There is simply no truth in this story whatsoever," Coar said. Rovers' Colin Hendry intends to be playing again by early next month after minor surgery on a groin strain.

Mark Guterman, the Chester City chairman, last night dismissed rumours of personal financial problems and reiterated his desire to lead a pounds 35m bid for Manchester City. "There appears to be a negative rumour about me which is finding its way into the media," the 36-year-old property tycoon said in response to the speculation.