The former Al Wahda coach Josef Hickersberger will lead Bahrain at the 2011 Asian Cup finals after being appointed as the Gulf nation's new coach. The Austrian succeeds Czech Milan Macala, who left after Bahrain failed to qualify for this year's World Cup following a two-legged playoff defeat by New Zealand last November. The 62-year-old, who failed to advance Austria from their group as co-hosts of Euro 2008, led Al Wahda to the title this season, the Asian Football Confederation said on its website. Bahrain have been drawn with South Korea, India and Australia in Group C of the January 7-29 Asian finals in Qatar. Hickersberger was also coach of Bahrain earlier in 1996. * Reuters
The Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard himself is the top offseason signing being targeted by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, The Telegraph said. The Spanish club will make a £30 million (Dh160 million) offer for the midfielder, who has said he won't make any decision on his future until after the end of the World Cup in July, the newspaper said. Portsmouth goalkeeper David James may move to Fulham if Arsenal is successful in signing the Cottagers' Mark Schwarzer, the Daily Mail said. Schwarzer has a year left on his contract, and Fulham would probably let him go for about 4 million pounds. That would allow it to replace him with James, the newspaper said. The Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has joined in the battle to sign midfielder Joe Cole, whose contract at Chelsea expires this offseason, the Daily Mirror said. Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United are also looking at the player, who won't decide on his future until after the World Cup ends in July, the newspaper said. Former Russia and Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink isn't interested in taking over for Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan, the Independent reported. The Dutchman's agent said he was the Italian club's first choice, but a move was impossible because he recently was named manager of the Turkey national team, the newspaper said. * Agencies
