Ferguson Keen on Cardiff Starlet

Sir Alex Ferguson has joined the growing list of Aaron Ramsey's admirers and has contacted Cardiff City to register an interest in the 17-year-old midfielder, according to the Championship club's chairman, Peter Ridsdale.

Cardiff are eager to cash in on the Wales Under-21 international, who has helped the club to the FA Cup semi-finals and is reputedly attracting interest from, among others, Everton and Newcastle United as well as Ferguson's Manchester United.

"Sir Alex Ferguson did make a telephone call to [Cardiff's manager] Dave Jones but that is the only contact of any sort," said the Cardiff chairman. "It was no more than a call to ask what the youngster is like. We know of course there is strong interest in Aaron among a number of Premier League clubs but nobody has made any sort of offer and we certainly have not agreed anything."

Keith Hackett, the head of refereeing, has demonstrated his faith in Martin Atkinson, who was strongly criticized by Ferguson after United's defeat by Portsmouth in the FA Cup last Saturday. He has refused to drop Atkinson from the Premier League list and appointed him to referee West Ham United's game at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

The Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton appeared in court yesterday charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray. He has been bailed and will reappear at Liverpool crown court on April 23 for a plea and case management hearing.

The England goalkeeper David James has extended his contract at Portsmouth, signing a deal to the end of the 2009-10 season, when he will be almost 40. Shrewsbury Town of League Two have appointed Paul Simpson as their manager.

Gretna may go out of business today, with the Scottish Premier League unwilling to provide emergency funding of £100,000 unless the ailing club can prove they can complete this season's fixtures. Administrators took over at Gretna yesterday and £30,000 is needed to fulfill Saturday's game at Aberdeen.