FOOTBALL SHORTS

÷ CARLOS TEVEZ may be paid £650,000 a week to play for Shanghai Shenhua but he says football in China is 50 years behind the rest of the world. The former Argentina striker was labelled ‘overweight’ by new coach Wu Jingui last week, but told French broadcaster SFR Sport: ‘Technically they are not very good. I don’t think they are going to get to the same heights . . . not even in 50 years.’

TAMMY ABRAHAM has denied reports he is to switch allegiance from England to Nigeria. The England Under 21 striker, on loan at Swansea from Chelsea, qualifies for Nigeria through his father. But he said: ‘I met the president of the NFF given he is a friend of my father. However, I remain available for selection for England.’

FOOTBALL LEAGUE clubs are in favour of following the Premier League’s lead in having an early closure to the summer transfer window from next season. The issue will be put to a vote in February.

÷ SPORTSMAIL’S Ian Herbert has been nominated for the 29th William Hill Sports Book of the Year for his book Quiet Genius: Bob Paisley, British Football’s Greatest Manager. The winner will be announced on November 28.