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General Sports News

Kroenke increases stake

Author: Rose Young
Date: 12/05/2009

Stan Kroenke has moved a step closer to launching a takeover bid for Arsenal by buying more shares in the club.

The American billionaire has a 28.3 per cent share of the Premier League club, more than Uzbekistan tycoon Alisher Usmanov.

Under financial regulations, were any single shareholder to reach a 30 per cent threshold, they would be obliged to make a takeover bid.

Nicolas Anelka's agent has rubbished rumours suggesting the much-travelled Frenchman will be leaving Chelsea in the summer.

It had been reported that the Blues were open to offers for the 30-year-old who is the online betting favourite to top the Premier League goalscorers list, despite not being a regular starter.

Reports suggest Manchester City will offer Stephen Ireland a lucrative new contract this summer.

The 22-year-old, who is enjoying a magnificent season, has already found the net 13 times this term from midfield and has been one of the most consistent players in an inconsistent side.

City boss Mark Hughes is believed to be on the verge of offering the Republic of Ireland international a 50,000-a-week contract and lengthen his stay at Eastlands.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has promised to introduce an alcohol ban at the club next season following Ledley King's misdemeanours at the weekend.

The England international was arrested for an alleged assault outside a London nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning, to Redknapp's annoyance.

Argentina international Javier Mascherano insists he is not interested in leaving Liverpool.

Recent reports suggested the midfielder was unsettled at Anfield but the 24-year-old says he has no desire to seek a summer move.

In rugby union, Newcastle Falcons have continued their squad rebuilding process by snapping up Rob Vickerman from Leeds.

The 23-year-old England Sevens centre was part of the side which won promotion to the Guinness Premiership this season, but has now signed a two-year contract with the Falcons.

Vickerman will join six other new arrivals - Jimmy Gopperth, Tom Biggs, James Hudson, Charlie Amesbury, Josh Afu and Filipo Levi - at Kingston Park next season.

In rugby league, Bradford Bulls forward David Solomona has been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.

The 31-year-old dislocated his shoulder for the second time in his career at St Helens last month and will not play again this season.

Finally in Formula One, team principal Ross Brawn has assured Rubens Barrichello that there are no orders favouring Jenson Button at Brawn GP.

Speaking after Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix which was won by championship leader Button, the experienced Brazilian threatened to walk away from Formula One if he thought that his team was favouring the Briton.

However, Brawn claims there is no such policy in place despite Button appearing to be the team's main hope for success this season.

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