It is widely reported that Real Madrid have finally made an official bid for Patrick Vieira. (Sun, Mirror, Express, Star)

But their £18million offer, sent by fax, is way short of Arsenal’s £25million asking price.

There is no chance of Real’s bid being accepted - but the club hope they can bargain with Arsenal and land Vieira for around £20-22million.

**************

Nicolas Anelka is seeking a £10million move to Barcelona in a bid to resurrect his international career, according to the Daily Mirror.

Talks between agents of the Manchester City striker and the Catalan club have apparently taken place in Paris.

The 25-year-old, who previously played in Spain for Real Madrid, has become increasingly frustrated with life at City and his relationship with manager Kevin Keegan is understood to be strained.

**************

Sir Bobby Robson insists he has no plans to retire at the end of the season - even though he has been told his reign at St James’ Park will end next summer.

"I’m not going into this season thinking it will be my last as a football manager," said the former England boss.

"My heart, my head and my legs are fine.

"I like what I’m doing and I feel very fit. I’m not thinking about retiring - no way." (The Sun)

**************

Sir Alex Ferguson has set Ruud van Nistelrooy a six-day deadline to prove he is fit enough for Manchester United’s Champions League qualifier next week.

The Dutch striker has not kicked a ball since his country’s Euro 2004 semi-final defeat to Portugal at the end of June and was left out of United’s pre-season tour of America.

But Van Nistelrooy will feature against his old club PSV Eindhoven in the Vodafone Cup tonight in the hope of convincing Fergusoon he is ready to face Dinamo Bucharest or Zilina next Wednesday.

"I must say that I have a good feeling about him playing next week," said Ferguson.

**************

Harry Kewell last night admitted that the last six months have been the worst of his career.

The Aussie star’s first season at Liverpool was blighted by an ankle injury and ended in the sacking of manager Gerard Houllier.

"It was a huge disappointment and although I had a bad ankle that’s no excuse," said Kewell.

"I think, for me, the last six months have been the worst of my career." (Daily Mirror)