Football In Brief

Liverpool seeded for qualifiers as Lyon keep up the chase for Baros

Liverpool seeded for qualifiers as Lyon keep up the chase for Baros

* Gérard Houllier still hopes to sign the Liverpool striker Milan Baros, despite his first inquiry being rebuffed by the player. The Lyon coach, who signed Baros for Liverpool from Banik Ostrava, said: "We have not lost hope of recruiting him. Baros remains on our list." Liverpool have been seeded for the Champions' League qualifiers, although they still face the possibility of a trip to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan or Armenia next month. Their 12 potential opponents are: Rabotnicki (Macedonia), Dynamo Minsk (Belarus), Pyunik (Armenia), Sliema Wanderers (Malta), Tirana (Albania), Levadia Tallinn (Estonia), Glentoran (Northern Ireland), Total Network Solutions (Wales), F91 Dudelange (Luxembourg), Neftchi (Azerbaijan), Torshavn (Faroe Islands), Kairat Almaty (Kazhakstan).

United close in on Korean Park

* South Korea's Park Ji-sung is close to completing a move to Manchester United, according to his agent. "We are at the stage where we can soon ring the final bell on the deal," Kim Jung-il said. Park, who helped PSV Eindhoven reach the Champions' League semi-finals last season and South Korea reach the 2002 World Cup semi-finals, is expected to sign for four years in a deal worth around £4m.

Chelsea line up rising Swiss star

* Chelsea are set to clinch the signature of Swiss prospect Jonas Elmer from Grasshopper Zurich. The 17-year-old left-sided player was due to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge yesterday before agreeing terms. The Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly impressed by the potential of Elmer, who was spotted by Chelsea scout Gwyn Williams and will join the club on a three-year deal.

Arsenal the real thing for Guti

* Arsenal are reportedly tracking the Real Madrid midfielder Guti, although they face competition from Juventus and Milan. The 28-year-old, who is rated at £13m, was previously linked with Liverpool. His agent, Zoran Vekic, said yesterday: "After Real Madrid, his only desire if he was to move to England would be to play for Arsenal. He likes their style, team spirit - and, of course, they have a great coach."