Rooney bags hat-trick in United romp

A Wayne Rooney hat-trick helped Manchester United demolish American MLS side Seattle Sounders 7-0 in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.

Introduced as a second-half substitute, Rooney quickly cut loose, drilling home his first just after the re-start and completing his treble 18 minutes from time.

It was part of a seven-goal romp which takes the Red Devils' total in two games so far to 11, with Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf, Park Ji-sung and Gabriel Obertan netting the rest.

The only downside was a knock picked up by Rio Ferdinand near the end that left the defender limping at the final whistle.

Terry hopeful of succeeding Villas-Boas as Blues boss

John Terry is confident of being appointed Chelsea manager once his playing career comes to an end, hoping the club will give him the chance to succeed present incumbent Andre Villas-Boas.

The central defender, who has three years remaining on his current contract, is delighted with the recent appointment of Villas-Boas, who previously spent time as a member of Jose Mourinho's backroom staff at Stamford Bridge before making a name for himself as a manager in his own right at Porto.

Terry believes the arrival of the 33-year-old demonstrates that the club are willing to give young managers a chance - especially if they have a prior history at the club - and as a result the captain is hopeful that he will be given the chance to manage the Blues when he hangs up his boots.

Corinthians pull out of deal for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez

The Sao Paulo giants have decided to cease discussions of a move for the Argentine striker, due to the clubs being unable finalise the deal before Brazil's transfer deadline.

Corinthians have announced the end to negotiations for the transfer of Manchester City's Carlos Tevez.

Despite City manager Roberto Mancini claiming that a deal reportedly worth around €40 million (£35.1m) had been made on Monday, a formal statement from Corinthians has now confirmed that the transfer has fallen through.

Mancini confident on City bid for Aguero

Roberto Mancini expects to make a bid for Sergio Aguero in the next few days as Manchester City prepare for life after Carlos Tevez.

Mancini had said that Corinthians had already agreed a deal to sign Tevez before the Brazilian club issued a statement to deny that was the case.

Asked about the situation after the 2-1 friendly victory over Vancouver on Monday, Mancini said: "I slept last night and I had a game to prepare for today so I don't know any more. The clubs are talking."

Though Corinthians' denial has raised doubts over whether the deal can be resolved before the conclusion of the Brazilian transfer window on Wednesday, it appears City are already resigned to losing their captain as they pursue a deal for Atletico Madrid star Aguero.

Asked when a bid might be lodged for the Argentina forward, Mancini said: "Maybe in the next days. I have not spoken to anyone about it, but probably. I think so."

Midfielder Gareth Barry believes Aguero would be a fine replacement for Tevez and says the players are excited about his potential arrival.

"Aguero is a very exciting player from what I have seen on TV," Barry said. "He is a class act. Names like that will excite fans and the players."

He added: "There has obviously been the odd chat about Carlos. He has made it clear he is ready to leave and the players will respect his decision.

"It is down to the club to decide what fee they want for Carlos. We would be sad to lose him because he is a class player who has worked really hard for the club.

"If you believe what you read, then yes, he has played his last game, but he has been great for Manchester City. He has helped the club win its first trophy and he has always given 100%. We are grateful for that."

Source: www.sport.uk.msn.com