Kewell's manager unrepentant over transfer
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Your support makes all the difference.Harry Kewell's representative has denied any wrongdoing over the player's transfer to Liverpool after the Football Association referred all documents relating to the deal to world football's governing body, Fifa.
The FA made the referral after allegations that a non-licensed agent had been involved in the Australian forward's £5m move from Leeds United. Bernie Mandic, who describes himself as Kewell's commercial manager, said: "It's a nonsense to suggest that we have done anything illegal ... In terms of meeting Fifa regulations, we naturally meet those by using the solicitor, Chris Farnell, in all transactions and a player's licensed agent, Nikola Mandic. In terms of other commercial activities his grandmother could represent him, so whether it's me or anybody else is not an issue."
The FA spokesman, Adrian Bevington, said: "Due to the international element of the transfer, and the fact that the FA has jurisdiction only over agents licensed by the FA, the matter therefore falls within the jurisdiction of the world governing body."
Mandic responded: "Basically it's sour grapes from Leeds because I refused to deal with the agents of their preference and dealt instead with the agent of my preference which is my brother."
Sam Allardyce has revealed that he "came close" to bringing Dennis Bergkamp to Bolton. Arsenal's Dutch striker, who is out of contract, had talks with Allardyce but did not want to move north.
Elsewhere, the Manchester City manager, Kevin Keegan, is trying to move out Richard Dunne, Eyal Berkovic and Paul Ritchie as he raises funds for transfers. Dunne is being cleared to leave after several fall-outs with Keegan over his off-the-field behaviour and Leicester City are making an inquiry about taking the Republic of Ireland player. Dunne could follow Steve Howey to Leicester if a deal can be agreed at around £1m.
Berkovic's ongoing feud with Keegan could soon be over as City seek to revive his sale or even loan to Portsmouth in the next 24 hours. The defender Ritchie is wanted by New York MetroStars in the MLS.
Dave Jones, the Wolves manager, has failed in his attempt to sign the Cameroon player Modeste Mbami. The midfielder had met Wolves for talks about a £2m move from Sedan, but Paris St-Germain stepped in to sign him yesterday as they prepared to sell Ronaldinho to Old Trafford.
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