Football in Brief: Assou-Ekotto to bring 'amicable end' to clash with angry Spurs fan
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Your support makes all the difference.The Tottenham Hotspur defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto is set to meet the fan who he clashed with on Saturday after Spurs' disappointing 1-0 home defeat by Wolves. Assou-Ekotto confronted the fan, who was sitting near the tunnel after the game, and had to be pulled away by assistant manager Joe Jordan.
Initially the police investigated an allegation of assault during the incident, but Spurs have moved quickly to dismiss such fears. A statement said: "The fan and Benoit are due to speak this week to bring an amicable end to the matter."
Hughton dismisses Taylor swap deal
Newcastle Utd manager Chris Hughton has ruled out any potential swap deal between Steven Taylor and Manchester United's Federico Macheda. Recent injuries have meant midfielders Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick are being used out of position in defence at Old Trafford, prompting Ferguson to consider his options. Although Macheda would bolster the Magpies forward line, Hughton has stated that Taylor will be going nowhere. "I can't imagine where the story came from – it's absolute nonsense," he said.
Gunnarsson chases move from Madejski
The Reading midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson is interested in a move away from the Royals in January. The Iceland international has found himself out of favour since the arrival of manager Brendan Rogers, making only ten appearances in all competitions. Gunnarsson's agent admits the versatile midfielder could move next month to find regular first-team action. "There is interest for Brynjar, but we will see what happens in January," his agent said.
Edwards's ankle injury upsets McCarthy
Welsh international Dave Edwards suffered ankle ligament damage in Wolves' weekend win at Spurs. The midfielder was replaced at White Hart Lane just before the hour mark and is facing ten weeks on the sidelines, which could be lengthened if he requires surgery. Manager Mick McCarthy, who is already without Michael Kightly and Andy Keogh, admits the team will miss Edwards. "It's another big blow to us. He is very versatile and has done well this season."
Martinez admits Latics risk losing Figueroa
Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez admits he expects Maynor Figueroa to leave the club in the near future. The Honduran hit headlines at the weekend with a 60-yard wonder strike at the Britannia Stadium, and has been linked with a £6m move to Sunderland or Stoke. The Latics' manager said: "He'll probably go next summer, but I am certainly not looking to lose anyone in January."
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