Stuttgart - Bernd Schuster is a candidate for the VfB Stuttgart coaching post as current incumbent Markus Babbel can only continue in his role until the end of the season as he hasn't got a coaching licence, the Sport-Bild reported Wednesday.

Stuttgart denied the report that Schuster, who was sacked as Real Madrid coach last week, was being considered for the job and refused to comment further on the situation.

The German football federation (DFB) and German football league (DFL) announced Tuesday that Babbel must obtain a full German coaching licence if he wants to be in charge of VfB Stuttgart beyond the end of the season.

Zurich - European champions Spain remain top of the world football rankings issued Wednes

London - Manchester United confirmed on Wednesday

London - Hull City vowed on Wednesday that they will not sell centre-back Michael Turner in the January transfer window.

London - Liverpool moved on Wednesday to dismiss speculation that misfiring forward Robbie Keane will leave the club in the January transfer window.

Former Liverpool player Mark Lawrenson, now a BBC pundit, said that the club captain Steven Gerrard had told him he thought the Republic of Ireland international could be sold.

But Liverpool issued a statement denying Lawrenson's claim.

"Mark Lawrenson's remarks are his interpretation of a private chat between the two of them," it said.

Buenos Aires - Argentine officials sprang a Davis Cup surprise with their selection on Wednesday of unknown Modesto Vazquez as new captain for the 2008 finalists.

The 59-year-old replaces Alberto Mancini, who stepped down after his side lost to Spain in the final only weeks ago.

"We have chosen two professionals with a lot of experience and long careers in tennis," said Enrique Morea, president of the Argentine federation.

Vazquez is working as federation development director, but played ties for his South American nation in 1968 and 1970.