THEHE TALK OF FOOTBALL

LIVERPOOL have pulled out of a pre-season friendly with Borussia Monchengladbach in protest at the way they are pursuing 18-year-old prospect Rhian Brewster.

The Champions League finalists are convinced Borussia have spoken to Brewster (right) without permission and will consider making a complaint to FIFA. They have cancelled the scheduled meeting between the clubs at Anfield on August 7.

Brewster was top scorer when England won the Under 17 World Cup last year and is considered one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from the Liverpool Academy.

That sparked interest from Borussia who have already signed Keanan Bennetts, 19, from Tottenham.

WEST HAM hope to appoint Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager next week and are also interested in recruiting Malaga sporting director Mario Husillos.

Talks between the Hammers and former Manchester City boss Pellegrini are at an advanced stage.

If all goes according to plan, West Ham hope to confirm the Chilean’s appointment by the end of next week.

Pellegrini and Husillos previously worked together at Malaga. LEICESTER CITY have finalised the signing of Ricardo Pereira from Porto.

The 24-year-old (right) flew in from Portugal on Friday for his medical and the clubs have agreed a fee of around £22million. Leicester will pay an initial £17.5m plus add-ons.

Right-back Pereira has agreed a five-year contract ahead of joining up with his national side for the World Cup.

Pereira said last night: ‘I feel very happy to be here.’

TOTTENHAM are close to agreeing a deal for 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig.

Meanwhile manager Mauricio Pochettino is to hold talks with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy over his own future. The Argentine wants greater investment changes to compete with rivals. CASEY STONEY is to leave her role as assistant manager to Phil Neville for the England women’s team to take charge of Manchester United. The 36-year-old, who won 130 caps, is the favoured candidate to manage United’s first professional women’s team, which will start in the second tier next season.