FOOTBALL DIGEST

BRENDAN RODGERS admits he was more alarmed by Leicester’s lack of spirit than mistakes in the 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth that threatens a top-four finish. Leicester led before a Kasper Schmeichel error prompted four goals in 17 minutes and a red card for Caglar Soyuncu. Rodgers said there were some ‘harsh truths’ spoken at full-time and added: ‘Above the technical aspect of the game, it was our spirit that concerned me more. We let ourselves down. We didn’t run hard enough or work hard enough, it’s as simple as that.’

FORMER Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City manager Carlos Carvalhal is recovering after fending off three robbers, including one carrying a knife, outside his home in Portugal. The 54-year old was returning to Braga at 2.15am after guiding his side Rio Ave to a goalless draw at Maritimo. Carvalhal said: ‘My natural instinct was to put up a fight. That was perhaps a risky decision, and with the help of my son, Jose Carlos, we managed to get out of the situation. We have a few cuts and bruises but nothing serious.’

SOUTHAMPTON are close to signing Mohammed Salisu from Real Valladolid, pending a work permit. French club Rennes had been the main competition for the Ghanaian defender but Salisu has told them he wants to play in the Premier League with Southampton. The 21-year-old has a £10.9million buy-out clause and Southampton have a deal in place with Valladolid to sign the 6ft 3in centre back. Southampton are looking to sell Jannik Vestergaard, a target for Leicester City, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

TOTTENHAM have held talks with Wigan Athletic over a £500,000 deal for teenager Alfie Devine. The 15-year-old midfielder, who was at Liverpool, impressed during a 2-0 win over Spurs in the FA Youth Cup. MARK SCANLON has emerged as favourite for the position of League of Ireland director, in succession to Fran Gavin. Scanlon is the FAI’s national co-coordinator for Schools and Third Level football.