McBride’s Transfer in Limbo

Late interest for American star Brian McBride by English club Fulham has put the striker’s possible transfer to Blackburn in limbo.

McBride and Major League Soccer, which owns his contract, were thought to be close on a deal with Blackburn that would have moved the Columbus Crew forward to England for three years.

On Sunday, Fulham saw French striker Louis Saha transfer to Manchester United for a fee reported to be as high as $32 million, which raised speculation that McBride would soon join the roster as Saha’s replacement.

Fulham, according to skysports.com, bettered a contract offer made to McBride by Blackburn, which was reported last week at $1.4 million a season.

If McBride winds up with Fulham, he would be the second American player to join the club this month. Defender Carlos Bocanegra made his debut in a 3-1 loss to Newcastle United on Monday night.

McBride will discuss his status today at a news conference in Columbus.

Vanney Returns

U.S. defender Greg Vanney, sidelined since November because of a groin injury, returned to his French club Bastia on Sunday.

Vanney started at left back and help his team to a 0-0 tie against league leader AS Monaco.

“It’s good to be healthy again,” Vanney told ussocceruk.com. “I was able to go 100%. It’s good to be back on the field competing and battling to help move the team up the table.”

Mathis Waits

U.S. striker Clint Mathis, whose MLS contract ended after last season, is awaiting word on an offer to play for German club Hannover 96.

The Bundesliga team seemed keen on Mathis before the player spent a week in England trying out for Sunderland of the first division. Mathis has since rejoined Hannover for a winter-break training camp.

But on Monday, Hannover officials were thought to be discussing a possible deal for Vfl Wolfsburg and Croatian forward Tomaslav Maric, who has fallen out of favor.

Zidane Sidelined

French and Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane will sit out two weeks because of a right thigh injury suffered Sunday against Real Betis.

Zidane will sit out both games of the Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Spanish league leader Valencia as well as Saturday’s home match against Villareal.

Real Madrid trails Valencia by one point in the standings.

Collina to Retire

Pierluigi Collina, whose trademark bald head and piercing eyes make him arguably the world’s most recognizable referee, says he will reluctantly retire in June 2005 when he turns 45.

Collina, who is Italian, said he would follow rules regarding the mandatory retirement age for referees in Italy.

Collina, who officiated the 2002 World Cup final involving Brazil and Germany, revealed his plans in a speech to students in Florence and said he would respect the rules “as we referees are governed by laws.”

Quick Passes

Massimo Moratti has resigned as president of Inter Milan, giving in to fan pressure after the team lost at home, 1-0, to lowly Empoli on Sunday. Inter is 11 points behind Serie A leader AS Roma.... As expected, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand appealed his eight-month ban by the Football Assn. for failing to take a random drug test.... South Korean striker Ahn Jung-Hwan signed a one-year deal with Yokohama of the J-League after failing to land a contract in Europe.... English team Leeds United has been granted a one-week extension by creditors to solve its financial troubles, estimated at a debt of $148 million.... Canada got a goal from Carlo Corazzin in the 11th minute to defeat host Barbados, 1-0, in a friendly at Waterford on Sunday and make Coach Frank Yallop a winner in his debut.

Times wire services contributed to this report.