Football; United told Jansen will not be cheap

Manchester United may have difficulty securing the services of Matt Jansen, the promising Carlisle United striker. The Carlisle chairman, Michael Knighton, said yesterday that the 20-year-old striker, who has scored 12 goals this season, will not be sold off cheaply.

United were reportedly interested in a "pay as he plays'' instalment deal with an initial down payment of pounds 1m, but Knighton, a former Old Trafford director, rejected this.

"Matt is under contract with us for another three years and he is happy to stay here unless the deal is right,'' Knighton said. "So the message to Manchester United and anybody else who is interested in signing him is simple. Let's see the colour of your money.

Jordi Cruyff took another step towards full fitness when he came through a friendly for a Manchester United XI at Northwich. The Dutch international, who has not played for United since the end of October because of an ankle operation, had a scoring chance in each half of the 1-1 draw. The match marked the opening of Northwich's new Danebank stand.

Bryan Hamilton, the former Northern Ireland manager, is being lined up by Bradford City as an experienced right-hand man for new manager, Paul Jewell.