Football: In Brief

Robson rejects role with Hearts

* Sir Bobby Robson has declined the opportunity to take up a position with Hearts. The 72-year-old former England manager had been in discussions regarding a move to Edinburgh. But the former Newcastle manager has turned down the chance to work under the new regime at Hearts, spearheaded by the majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov. The club were hoping Robson would take up either a director of football role or head coach following the resignation of John Robertson last month. Robson seriously considered the offer, but has rejected the move for family reasons.

* Sir Bobby Robson has declined the opportunity to take up a position with Hearts. The 72-year-old former England manager had been in discussions regarding a move to Edinburgh. But the former Newcastle manager has turned down the chance to work under the new regime at Hearts, spearheaded by the majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov. The club were hoping Robson would take up either a director of football role or head coach following the resignation of John Robertson last month. Robson seriously considered the offer, but has rejected the move for family reasons.

Barça president denies Henry bid

* Joan Laporta, the president of Spanish champions Barcelona, has denied that the club have made an offer for Arsenal's Thierry Henry and are prepared to sell their Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o in exchange. "Barça have not made an offer for Henry," Laporta said. "We are happy with the squad we have here."

Svensson seals move to Elfsborg

* The Norwich striker Mathias Svensson has completed his £100,000 move to the Swedish club Elfsborg. The 30-year-old is believed to have signed a three-and-a-half-year deal after exercising an escape clause in his contract. Svensson moved to Norwich from Charlton in 2003 and scored 11 goals in 27 starts.

Azerbaijan coach Alberto sacked

* Carlos Alberto has been sacked as coach of Azerbaijan, in England's World Cup qualifying group, after Saturday's 3-0 defeat. It was Azerbaijan's fourth consecutive qualifying defeat under the 1970 World Cup-winning captain, who was shown a red card after picking a fight with the fourth official.