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Sabella speculation over successor to Maradona
FORMER Sheffield United favourite Alex Sabella could be in the frame to succeed Diego Maradona as manager of Argentina.
The one-time Blades midfielder - who brings his Estudiantes side to Bramall Lane on Sunday (4pm) - is among the names being touted as a likely successor to the man who led Argentina to the World Cup quarter-finals but whose contract was not renewed this week.
Sabella's growing reputation in Argentine soccer was boosted massively when, in his first season in charge, he led Estudiantes to victory last season in the Copa Libertadores, South America's equivalent of the European Champions League.
They then went on to lose to Barcelona, 2-1 in extra-time, in the final of the World Club Championship in December.
The speculation linking Sabella with his country's top post adds spice to his return to the Lane on Sunday.
When he originally joined the Blades in 1978 - for a then club record fee of 160,000 - it created huge interest in the city. At the time Argentina, newly-crowned World Cup winners, were football's flavour of the moment.
Sabella joined from top club River Plate who, just a couple of months later and as part of the deal, played United in a friendly at the Lane, winning 2-1 in front of 22,000.
Estudiantes - who also play in red and white stripes - are the home town club of former Manchester United star Juan Sebastian Veron and he returned there last season.
He and defender Clemente Rodqriguez were part of Argentina's squad in South Africa but don't look set to travel as Argentina's World Cup stars were afforded a break and have yet to resume training with their clubs.
Kick off is 4pm.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
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