Football: Eriksson to opt for Lazio

Sven Goran Eriksson will decide on his future this week, with Blackburn Rovers fearing that the Swedish coach will be joining Lazio instead.

The Sampdoria manager has been approached by the Rome club to take charge of them in the summer rather than move to Ewood Park and the signs are that he has opted to stay in Italy.

Sergio Cragnotti, the Lazio president, said he was "100 per cent certain" that Eriksson is joining his club, while the Swede revealed there was an imminent announcement. Blackburn issued their stock denial, but are in the dark.

Eriksson has an agreement to join Blackburn at the end of his Sampdoria contract on 1 July, but it is thought that there is no written agreement.

Sources close to Eriksson say he will cite personal reasons for his decision to stay in Italy, but this may only be a cover for disagreements over signings and strategy with Rovers.

One of the key figures is Sampdoria's captain, Roberto Mancini, a player Eriksson wants to keep with him next season. The 32-year-old's age is a problem for Blackburn and although he is on a free transfer, Mancini's wages are around pounds 40,000 a week.

Other targets included Arsenal's David Platt and the Sweden captain Jonas Thern, but both are in the later years of their career and Jack Walker, the Blackburn chairman, has, in the past, had a strict rule about only signing younger players.

Eriksson's indecision is causing trouble at Blackburn, where one staff member is understood to have resigned amid fears that the Swede planned to trim the playing and management staff. Even Tony Parkes, the caretaker- manager, is unsure of his long-term position.

The Huddersfield defender Kevin Gray has vowed to clear his name after being served with a summons which could lead to an unprecedented criminal conviction. Earlier this week, Bradford instigated criminal proceedings against Gray following his tackle on Gordon Watson, which broke the striker's leg, during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Valley Parade.

Gray and Huddersfield also look set to fight a civil writ issued against them by Bradford who are seeking considerable compensation for loss and damages.

Watson is almost certainly out for eight months, during which time he will require at least one more operation and there are fears his career could be over. Gray will appear before Bradford Magistrates on 13 March.

It is believed to be the first time a footballer has instigated criminal proceedings against a fellow professional in England, although there have been several instances in rugby.

Two of Bournemouth's three directors have been banned from Dean Court by receivers as the club prepare to contest a winding-up order in the High Court. The receivers, called in by Lloyds Bank who are owed pounds 2.1m, have told Norman Hayward and Roy Pack they are acting against the best interests of the club.

Newcastle directors' pay cut, page 20