Football: Bould and Winterburn ready to say farewell to Highbury

A break up of Arsenal's vaunted defence is indicated by a delay in negotiations with Steve Bould and Nigel Winterbottom, who will both be out of contract at the end of this season.

Told they must wait until next month for an offer that may only be year's extension of existing agreements, both are threatening to speak with other clubs as allowed under the Bosman ruling. Bould may be influenced by entry into a testimonial year, but both men have made it clear that they will be open to offers unless Arsenal clarify the situation. Speculation that Ian Wright also could be on his way from Highbury ended with the realisation that Benfica could not afford the fee Arsenal would place on him.

Meanwhile, Tony Adams has enjoyed a highly successful recuperation in France and may return as soon as Wednesday's third-round FA Cup replay at Port Vale. Adams has been dogged by injury over the past two years and told the Independent on Sunday that he had considered retiring after the World Cup finals. "Before Christmas I was deep in depression," Adams said. "I was frustrated that I wasn't doing myself justice." But after his treatment Adams was now "raring to go".