Tags - former

Former England manager Steve McClaren has backed Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp to succeed Fabio Capello as the national head coach. England have struggled with their managers in recent history with Sven-Goran Eriksson, McClaren and Fabio Capello all failing to maximise the country's potential.

Arsenal have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Marseille star Andre Ayew after the midfielder revealed he would rather remain with the Ligue 1 club. The Gunners[http://www. sportsvibe. co. uk/news/football/arsenal-given-hope-in-pursuit-of-15m-france-star-as-marseille-chief-admits-move-could-happen-10081/] were expected to make a move for the France international in the summer following the departures of Smair Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.

Arsenal have reportedly been joined by Italian club Lazio in the chase for Cologne striker Lukas Podolski and the two clubs appear set to battle for his signature in January. Reports have begun to emerge claiming Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is keen to recruit the Germany international[http://www. sportsvibe. co. uk/news/football/arsenal-set-to-swoop-for-15m-rated-german-international-striker-12643/] in the new year.

Former Rabobank and Geox TMC rider Mauricia Ardila has signed with the new Colombia-Coldeportes team. * * The 32 year old Columbian rider is best known for winning the 2004 Tour of Britain, taking the national tour while being a member of the Chocolade Jacques team.

Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan has cooled talk of a move to Manchester United by saying that, although he is flattered by talk of a £40 million move to Old Trafford, he is more concerned about the Champions League clash between the sides later this month.

Newcastle's in-form midfielder Yohan Cabaye has revealed that he is not interested in rumours suggesting that he is a target of Premier League champions Manchester United. Reports in France had suggested that national team manager Laurent Blanc had recommended the former Lille midfielder to Sir Alex Ferguson.