FOOTBALL SHORTS

MANCHESTER UNITED will activate the 12-month option on Ander Herrera’s contract if negotiations over a new deal continue to drag on. United are hopeful that Herrera, 28, will agree terms but they are conscious the Spain midfielder will be a free agent next summer and therefore free to talk to foreign clubs in January.

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Michael O’Neill has been banned from driving for 16 months and fined £1,300 after pleading guilty to drink-driving. Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard he was caught on the outskirts of the city at about 1am on September 10 and was around three times the drink-drive limit.

ARSENAL and Chelsea are monitoring Brest winger Lenny Pintor who impressed for France Under 17s during the current World Cup in India.