Free agent Hakan wants more money to join Blackburn

Hakan Sukur's move to Blackburn Rovers was in doubt yesterday after he turned down a contract offer from the club's chief executive John Williams. The Turkish World Cup striker watched Rovers beat Fulham on Saturday and was given a 'take it or leave it' package by Blackburn that he has not immediately accepted.

Hakan, who is a month away from full fitness, could join Blackburn straight away as a free agent and can sign before the transfer window opens in January because of that.

The Rovers manager Graeme Souness wants the 31-year-old for the rest of the season with a one-year option, but the final decision will be down to the player and what Williams is willing to pay him. "We have had talks and there are complications," Souness said. "But I expect we will talk again." Hakan will stay at Blackburn to train for a couple of days, but the chances of the move going through are diminishing over the differences of his salary.

George Best will be honoured with the 2002 Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's BBC Sports Personality of The Year on Sunday.

"I feel I achieved everything I dreamed of as a child," said Best. "I also feel I played in the best team in Europe if not the world with some very special players. The fact that I didn't play in a World Cup was compensated by the fact that I played for Manchester United."

He paid tribute to his former United manager. Sir Matt Busby. Best said: "Sir Matt was the biggest influence in my life, not only as a manager but as a friend."