MARK McGHEE has called for a study into the merits of summer football after the SPL was hit by two call-offs over the weekend.

McGhee's club Motherwell, and Kilmarnock, are now under an SPL investigation after their matches against Hearts and Aberdeen were postponed due to frozen pitches.

But McGhee believes the game north of the border may benefit from an earlier start to the season.

"I would have no fears about summer football," he said. "Somebody has to do a proper audit, whether it's Uefa or the SPL and SFA.

"We should be looking at it and really seeing what the options are and what the financial implications are with media and television.

"What the supporters want, of course, is fundamental. It is the most important thing."

McGhee has launched a full investigation into the Fir Park undersoil heating system.

"I want answers," McGhee rapped, "If there was some sort of failing, I want to know it's been fixed immediately."

An SPL spokesman said: "There will be an urgent and serious inquiry as to why both clubs' undersoil heating didn't do its job."

Kilmarnock said they were unable to confirm if their undersoil heating was experiencing problems but chairman Michael Johnston issued a statement apologising to supporters.

In today's English papers lSam Allardyce leading British contender for the vacant Sunderland job, with Gerard Houllier, Avram Grant and Martin Jol interested.

lNewcastle striker Michael Owen - a free agent in the summer - is being tracked by Chelsea.

lArsenal poised to make a new bid for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

lSpurs will offer £5m plus midfielders Aaron Lennon and Jamie O'Hara to tempt Liverpool into selling Robbie Keane back to them.