Football: Chelsea plan action over fee for Laudrup

CHELSEA'S managing director, Colin Hutchinson, said yesterday that he had instructed lawyers to take the the London club's case to the European Commission if Rangers persist with their cash demands for a fee of pounds 6m for Brian Laudrup.

Hutchinson said: "If a player like Steve Staunton can leave Aston Villa at the end of the season for free because he is out of contract, I do not see why Brian Laudrup, as an EU [European Union] citizen, should not be given the same privilege. I do not see why Rangers are suddenly putting up these barriers to a deal we have already agreed."

Laudrup is reported to be upset by the development. He said: "Last season I was offered a pounds 5million deal with Ajax... but decided to stay. There was no mention of compensation when I told them I was going to Chelsea," he added.

The Manchester City fan Noel Gallagher has revealed he had no intention of trying to buy the Maine Road club.

The Oasis singer has been repeatedly linked with moves to take over City, who went down to the Second Division for the first time in their history last weekend, but on Saturday he said: "I won't say how much money I've got but I couldn't buy one decent player."