Ferdinand happy with competition

Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand believes joining the club took him out of his comfort zone and could make him a better player for it.
Ferdinand, 23, joined from boyhood team West Ham in August for around £8m and says competition for places has forced him to sharpen up on the field.
"At West Ham I was used to knowing I was in the team every week," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"I know that if I don't perform here I won't be playing."
Anton followed his brother Rio, now at Manchester United, into the first team at Upton Park after breaking through the youth ranks to make his debut against Preston North End in 2003.
After nine years with the Hammers, Ferdinand believes it was the right time to move on and is enjoying life in the North East with Sunderland.

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"The way I was always looked at when I was at West Ham was as the young boy who came through the ranks and as Rio's brother," he said.
"Now I'm someone who has been brought in to hopefully make the team better and I'm looked at in a different way.
"It's a blessing to be looked at in that way and the fans have shown me great love and hopefully that will continue as long as I repay them with good performances."

Blades rule out move for Gerard

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell will not be signing midfielder Gerard Lopez following his trial at the club.
The ex-Barcelona man, 29, is likely to go and play in the United States.
Blackwell told BBC Radio Sheffield that it is difficult for players to show their capabilities in the short time they have on trial.
"It's difficult for them to get match fit - they have to impress in two or three days. We have a good squad, it's hard for them to break in," he said.
Spain international Gerard has played for Valencia, Alaves, Barca and Monaco and was at Recreativo Huelva last season.
Hear live and exclusive commentary of the Sheffield derby on BBC Radio Sheffield's Football Heaven on Sunday on 88.6, 94.7 & 104.1 FM, 1035 AM and DAB. All the build-up starts at 1200 BST.

England pre-Capello was 'circus'

Stand-in captain Rio Ferdinand says the England camp was like "a circus" before the arrival of coach Fabio Capello.
Ferdinand, whose nation face a World Cup qualifier in Belarus on Wednesday, believes the 2006 World Cup campaign was damaged by the celebrity culture.
The 29-year-old said: "We became a bit of a circus, in terms of the whole WAG (wives and girlfriends) situation.
"People were worrying more about what other people were wearing and where they were going, rather than the team."
Ferdinand will wear the captain's armband in place of the injured John Terry when England attempt to make it four wins from four World Cup qualifiers under Capello in Minsk.
Manchester United defender Ferdinand reveals the atmosphere around the England set-up is now completely different to the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany under Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Back then the squad regularly hit the headlines when they stayed at Baden-Baden and were famously accompanied by their WAGS.
"It seems like there was a big show around the whole England squad," added Ferdinand.
"It was like watching a theatre unfolding and football almost became a secondary element to the main event.
"When you step back and look back at that, you think like it was a circus.
"I'm not going to tell the other players what you should or should not do but I just think that, as a squad, we were a bit too open, going out in and around Baden-Baden, and probably had too much contact with families.
"You don't get many tournaments in your career. To give yourself the best chance, you have to be focused.
"That then transposed itself into the team. This regime is very watertight. If I'm honest, it feels as if we're going in the right direction.
"I don't want to speak too soon but you can see we're at the start of something and hopefully there will be bigger rewards than what we've had in the past."
Football Association director of communications Adrian Bevington insisted that the players were not to blame for any negative atmosphere.
"I fully understand the sentiment Rio is making. What I think I can say very confidently is that I don't actually blame the players for that," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"In the end they didn't pick the hotel, we did. They didn't say that if your family wants to come and stay in a town 20 minutes down the road from the team hotel they can do.
"If we had been in a big city we would never have heard so much about this."

Ferdinand has felt a significant shift in focus since Capello took over as coach - with the Italian guiding his team to a 100% winning start in Group Six of the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
"It's a very, very professional regime," he said. "Very result-orientated. Very much like a lot of our clubs. The results come a long way before the performances.
"You see how he is on the training ground, in our meetings, that there's a winning mentality there. That's what he's putting over to the squad he has in front of him. It's about us taking that on board."
Ferdinand feels there is a healthy distance between the players and Capello and the former West Ham and Leeds star compares the relationship with that of his club manager at Old Trafford Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Do you really know any managers? I don't know the real Fergie," he said.
"When he comes to football, he's probably a totally different person to when he's at home with his wife and grandchildren.
"That doesn't matter. They're not here to be buddies, talk about old times or be great friends. They are here to win football matches."

What now for England's midfield?

'Back to square one' might not seem a thoroughly accurate way of describing England's 5-1 win over Kazakhstan on Saturday, but answers to how to combine Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in midfield yet again failed to show up on the dial.

The phrase, used by radio commentators of yesteryear to explain where the ball was, could even prove to be useful on the training pitch before England head to Minsk to face Belarus.
Perverse as it may seem to be picking faults in a 5-1 victory, in the first half England boss Fabio Capello's attempts to play the midfield duo in a 4-3-3 formation made him revert to a more predictable solution after the break.
Granted, it paid dividends with England scoring five goals in a 4-4-2 system, but it also exposed the defence to several surging attacks from a country ranked 131st in the world.
The result and the overall performance were perfectly adequate and, importantly, it gave the new manager the chance to find an original solution to a long-standing problem.
And according to former England boss Graham Taylor, it also showed that Capello has the ability to see a problem and immediately rectify it, as all good coaches do.
"I dare say he got it wrong in the first half," said Taylor. "He didn't get the flow he was after and once that happened he made the necessary changes. And if they work then you have to give him credit."

So if the alterations were an admission of a mistake, how do England, now without the injured Ashley Cole and John Terry, play against Belarus on Wednesday?
The second half at Wembley showed that a stronger team than the Kazakhs would have little trouble slicing through the midfield, and then there is the 4-1 win over Croatia where, without Gerrard, England engineered their most complete display for years.
Despite the lack of goals, former England midfielder Steve Hodge, who now works at the Nottingham Forest academy, thinks the first half was not a forlorn exercise.
"Capello will have learned that against lesser teams he won't need that holding midfield player, certainly at home," Hodge told BBC Sport.
"Offensively, I don't think the [4-3-3] formation worked but when the opposition are still physically strong, wound up for the game, getting men behind the ball and working damn hard it is difficult to create things, as happened on Saturday."
England were largely criticised for lacking width on the left with Gareth Barry, Gerrard and Lampard working as a midfield three and then Wayne Rooney playing as a left-sided attacker.

The Manchester United man has been tried as a wide player for his club without much success this season and his central link-up play, with a striker like Emile Heskey, is further evidence of where he does most damage.
But Hodge says he can understand what plans Capello is trying to implement, although he concedes there are still improvements to be made.
"If you think of France over the last few years with Zinedine Zidane, or even Robinho playing for Brazil this week, they both start wide on the left and wander inside a lot," Hodge said. "Ronaldinho did the same when he was playing with Barcelona.
"It seems to be where your most creative player gets the most room. He can wander off and the right-back will be reluctant to follow him inside as it leaves space down the flank.
"Rooney does create things from that area although he probably prefers being tucked inside with Heskey. Certainly, he caused problems in the hole against Croatia, but I think the manager will persist with this [4-3-3] system."
Although they were backed up by Barry, Hodge also says the system failed to eke out the best in Lampard or Gerrard because Heskey alone was unable to safeguard possession.
"As a midfield player you want to see spaces to run into and there weren't that many so there's no point wasting energy running into blind alleys," said Hodge.
"Most midfielders like to gamble on a near-certainty rather than a possibility, when it comes to getting possession. With Heskey being up front on his own it wasn't always the case so in that regard there are things to work on."
The second half on Saturday offered further causes for concern when England switched to a 4-4-2 formation.

With Shaun Wright-Phillips wide left and Theo Walcott patrolling the right flank, neither Gerrard nor Lampard sought to marshal the area between the defence and midfield.
"The second-half formation did expose England and Kazakhstan should have scored within the first minute of the re-start," said Hodge.
"They are both great going forward and they both defend well but they are not defensively minded like Barry or Owen Hargreaves or a Claude Makelele whose sole thing is to destroy the opposition in and around the 18-yard box."
"Against a better side [Gerrard and Lampard's pairing] becomes an issue," added Taylor. "Will you need a third midfield player or a holding midfield player?
"At the highest level the top sides play through their team and control the middle of the park."
So is the obvious answer to stick with a similar formation to the one England used in Croatia when Walcott scored an emphatic hat-trick?
That would mean relegating Gerrard or Lampard to the bench with Barry behind them or, if not, moving Gerrard to the left to accommodate the other pair in the centre.
Hodge believes all three will play and, echoing the thoughts of former England team-mate Chris Waddle who called for Walcott to be dropped against Kazakhstan, thinks that David Beckham could be used in the first half on Wednesday.
"There were some excellent goals by England against Croatia and it was a fantastic result but the last half-hour was played against 10 men," Hodge said.
"That night Walcott was going forward a lot but I think on Wednesday he will be going backwards quite a bit more than he would like to because Belarus will attack at home.
"Great as the game was against Croatia he did cash in during the second half when things were in our favour heavily. Beckham will help keep the ball and keep it tight."

Real keen to make new Ronaldo bid

Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has revealed that the Spanish giants hope to have signed Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo by next summer.
Ronaldo, 23, was heavily linked with a move to Real earlier this year but the Spanish side eventually had to admit defeat in their bid to sign the winger.
But Schuster is determined to make a new approach at the end of the season.
"We must do everything possible as it would be worth it to have this player," Schuster told Spanish newspaper Marca.
"I think this year it will be a little complicated for his club to hang on to him."
United remain committed to keeping the Portuguese player at the club at least until his current contract expires in 2012 and it would take a huge bid from Real to seriously test their resolve.

However, Schuster believes that although Real would have to pay a big fee to land Ronaldo it could be lower than the 90 million euros that was mooted this summer.
"There is no other solution other than to make a large bid as they'll not let him go on the cheap," he said. "Next year the price could be a little lower."
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already stated that he expects Real to make a fresh approach but has warned them that the result will be the same.
Ronaldo is also reported to be wanted by United's neighbours Manchester City following their acquisition by the Abu Dhabi United Group.
However, United chief executive David Gill said that he was taking suggestions of a £135m bid with a "pinch of salt" when interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live in September.
Ronaldo has only recently returned to the United team after missing the start of the season as he recovered from ankle surgery.
He admitted after Euro 2008 that he had been playing with the problem for several weeks and subsequently missed the first month of the current campaign, returning as a substitute in the Champions League draw with Villarreal.

Reds face Atletico ground switch

Liverpool's Champions League opponents Atletico Madrid must play their next two home matches away from the Calderon Stadium as a result of crowd trouble.
The Uefa ban follows the treatment of Marseille fans during and after Atletico's 2-1 win a fortnight ago.
Monkey chants were aimed at the French club's players, while the Marseille team bus was attacked after the match.
The Liverpool game, on 22 October, will be held at a neutral venue, yet to be chosen, at least 200 miles from Madrid.
A Liverpool spokesman said: "We are liaising closely with Uefa and as soon as we have any further information we will make it available to our fans."
Atletico have also been fined a record 150,000 euros by European governing body Uefa, while the punishment could be extended to a third home match should there be further trouble at the club within five years.

The Spanish club's coach Javier Aguirre has been punished for abusing a Marseille player.
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He has been banned from the sidelines, the tunnel, and the dressing room, and is forbidden from communicating with his team, during the matches against Liverpool on 22 October and at Anfield on 4 November.
Any appeals must be lodged by 1100 BST on Friday, 17 October.
The decision to move the game from Madrid will deny former Atletico striker Fernando Torres the chance to return to his former home ground when the Reds look to maintain their 100% start to their European campaign next month.
Atletico must also play PSV Eindhoven away from the Vicente Calderon Stadium on 26 November.
"Atletico are shocked by the news," reports BBC Radio 5 Live's Ashish Sharma.
"Basically Uefa are unhappy with the way the police treated Marseille fans. They forced them to remove banners and they refused to escort the team bus from the training ground to the stadium, which was then attacked."

Black journalists in the press area were also racially insulted by Atletico fans - and no provision was made for disabled supporters who had bought tickets.
A Uefa spokesman said the ruling was part of the organisation "acting with renewed strength" against racism.
News of the suspension comes a day after the Football Association refused to sanction a plan to stage an England friendly against Spain in Madrid because of the racist abuse suffered by the likes of Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips the last time they played there.
The punishment appears to be a lot harsher than that imposed upon Croatia a month ago.
Their FA was fined just £15,000 by world governing body Fifa after their supporters aimed monkey chants at Emile Heskey during England's World Cup qualifying 4-1 victory.
However, Gaillard denied "double standards", saying: "That was a Fifa fine, not a Uefa fine.
"We have no direct influence on Fifa decisions at all. But if we had been in charge, the punishment would have been a lot heavier."

Dirk Kuyt scored an injury-time

Dirk Kuyt scored an injury-time winner as Liverpool came back from two goals down to beat 10-man Manchester City.
Stephen Ireland lashed in a shot to put City ahead and Javier Garrido curled a 22-yard free-kick into the top corner to extend the home side's lead.
But Fernando Torres sidefooted home and, after City's Pablo Zabaleta was sent off for a tackle on Xabi Alonso, headed in to level for the visitors.
Kuyt dramatically decided the game late on when he slotted in at the far post.
Liverpool showed plenty of character and belief in completing a battling comeback which will only have served to enhance their title credentials.
The game was a match up between a City side who were the highest scorers in the Premier League before the encounter, while the Reds had the top-flight's meanest defence.
And they produced an action-packed match with plenty of drama

In the opening skirmishes, Reds left-winger Albert Riera caused plenty of problems for ex-club City.
Riera had a low well-struck shot from an acute angle saved by Joe Hart before he weaved and wriggled his way into space and put in a low cross for Kuyt.
The Dutchman sidefooted over with his left-foot from six yards and City responded by taking the lead.
Wright-Phillips crossed for Jo and, after Alonso nicked the ball away from him before he could shoot, the City winger managed to pull back another cross back for Robinho.
The Brazilian was challenged by Alvaro Arbeloa and the loose ball fell to Ireland to power home the opener.
The goal put a spring in City's play and they knocked the Reds out of their stride with a mixture of flair and hard work.

City were rewarded with a second when Riera fouled Wright-Phillips and Garrido curled in a left-footed free-kick past the despairing dive of Reina.
Liverpool must have been on the end of some harsh half-time words from manager Rafael Benitez because they came out with an increased desire after the break.
The visitors quickly pulled one back when Torres sidefooted in Arbeloa's cross, but City would have restored their two-goal advantage if Robinho had not fluffed a glorious chance.

Robinho failed to steer a Wright-Phillips cross into an empty net from three yards before City's Zabaleta was red-carded for a two-footed lunge on Alonso.
Torres was then guilty of missing an equally gilt-edged chance to Robinho's when he struck an effort over from point-blank range after Robbie Keane's ball across City's six-yard box.
The Reds suffered a setback when centre-back Martin Skrtel buckled under his standing leg and was stretchered off.
Liverpool - also down to 10-men as they had made their three substitutions - stunned the Manchester City faithful when Kuyt slotted in the winner after a Torres shot had found its way to him.
It was Kuyt's first goal in the top-flight since last November and maintained Liverpool's unbeaten start to the season as they stayed joint top of the Premier League with Chelsea.
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes: "We played really well in the first half and deserved our lead," he said. "The sending off has changed the game and made it even more difficult for us.
"Overall, we have to take the positives out of it. In the first half, it was as good as we have played this season."
He added: "It's a harsh lesson and we will have to learn from it."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez:"We have some experience after Istanbul (when we beat AC Milan after being 3-0 down) and other games.
"The main thing for me was the belief of the players until the end.
"In the second half we were on top. We changed the mentality and approach. We knew we were giving them too much space so we tried to press them.
"Kuyt is one of our key players. His work-rate is amazing and I think that is why the supporters love him."

Capello in dark over Kazakhstan

England boss Fabio Capello says he knows very little about World Cup qualifying opponents Kazakhstan because of their recent managerial change.
Kazakhstan sacked coach Arno Pijpers in September and caretaker boss Bernd Storck has dropped 17 players from the previous squad.
"I only know four players," he said. "They have moved a lot of players from the Under-21s and I have one video.
"It's a new manager and squad. But it is impossible to change style totally."
Kazakhstan are ranked 131st in the world compared to 14th-placed England.
England are facing relative international minnows on the back of a superb 4-1 victory in Croatia, but Capello has warned his players against complacency and urged the Wembley crowd to play their part.

It is very important for the group, for the spirit and the confidence in the team that we win," he said on Friday.
"I think tomorrow we will play with more confidence and I hope the crowd will help us. I know the crowd hope we will win and play a nice game.
"There is a big expectation but it is normal for the England team."
He warned that the match may not be a formality, despite the fact that Croatia raced into a three-goal lead within 20 minutes when they recently beat Kazakhstan.
"It is possible we will not score very early and we have to be patient," he said. "I remember the old Wembley atmosphere and that helped the England players a lot.
"I spoke with the players. We have to play with confidence, better than the last game we played here.

I said a lot of times we have a good team with very important players. It is important we won against Croatia and now we are better than when we last played at Wembley.
"We are more confident, more compact, more of a team than we were before. I'm sure we will play well against Kazakhstan."
Capello must decide who will partner Rio Ferdinand in central defence in the absence of the injured John Terry, with Everton's Joleon Lescott tipped to get the nod ahead of West Ham's Matthew Upson.
Steven Gerrard is expected to return to the midfield after missing the wins over Andorra and Croatia with injury.
The Liverpool captain will team up with Frank Lampard, with Gareth Barry also set to play.

Steven Gerrard is a very important player for Liverpool and us," said Capello.
"He is a fantastic player. He scores goals and makes assists. I am very happy he is back."
Lampard admitted on Thursday he and Gerrard had not played at their peak for the national side.
"We both want to be at our best for England and will probably say that, for the last couple of years, we haven't done that," he said.
"Everyone is trying to find the solution but it's not just me and Steven Gerrard, it's the whole team."
Meanwhile, Storck has told his players not to be overawed by Capello's stars and does not want them swapping shirts on the pitch when the game finishes.
"If they look to change shirts straight away I will be upset," he said. "I'd rather buy them a shirt myself. This is not an important thing, they can swap in the tunnel.
"The players that go to Rooney or Beckham straight after the final whistle would never play again."
Despite the importance of the match, German-born Storck admits the game may not be as big in Kazakhstan as it is in England.
"Even if we pulled off big result not many people in Kazakhstan would know about it," said the former Borussia Dortmund player.
"We have only two or three newspapers in the week, people don't hear about football, the game against Croatia wasn't even shown on TV.
"I hope people there will wake up after the match and it will bring more people into the stadiums."

Harris hopeful for Everton sale

Keith Harris, chairman of investment bank Seymour Pierce, has revealed he is hopeful of finding a buyer for Everton.
Chairman Bill Kenwright has indicated he is willing to sell and has asked Harris to help conduct the search.
Harris said he is "quietly confident" over Newcastle's proposed sale and told BBC Radio 5 Live that he was similarly optimistic about Everton.
He said: "Bill is passionately clear it is is going to be someone who really does care for Everton in the future."
Harris added: "Bill has been very straightforward. First and foremost he is the most enormous Everton fan."
Kenwright admitted at a recent EGM called by fans who were unhappy about Everton's proposed ground move to Kirkby that the club needed to find a new billionaire owner.
Harris said: "It is not going to be hot money or people who want to do all sorts of strange things with it. It is somebody who is going to carry on the tradition.
"A big talking point has been the ground and you have heard Bill come out on that. It is very difficult for clubs to compete at the highest level if they can't get 55,000 or 60,000 people to come to watch them."

Stoke close in on keeper Carson

Stoke City have agreed a fee of around £4m with Liverpool for England international goalkeeper Scott Carson, BBC Radio Stoke understands.

Carson was at the Britannia Stadium on Monday to open negotiations over personal terms.

The 22-year-old joined Liverpool from Leeds for £750,000 in 2005, but spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, making 35 Premier League appearances.

Carson, who has two caps for England, would become Stoke's record signing.

The proposed £4m fee marks a major reduction in the player's asking price, with Liverpool previously holding out for around £10m.

However, Carson was critical of his original price tag, claiming it could price him out of a move.

Aston Villa had been favourites to sign Carson on a permanent basis but manager Martin O'Neill's interest appeared to cool with Tottenham keeper Paul Robinson emerging as a more likely target for the Villans.

Liverpool, who have already sold Peter Crouch to Portsmouth this summer, are keen to free up transfer funds as they look to finalise a deal for Villa captain Gareth Barry and continue to chase Spurs striker Robbie Keane.

Stoke, meanwhile, will hope that Carson follows midfielder Rudolph Austin into the club, the 22-year-old midfielder being close to signing in a £1m deal from Jamaican side Portmore United.

Chelsea monitoring Real's Robinho

Chelsea are interested in signing Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Robinho - but have not offered £48m in a bid to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

BBC Sport understands the 24-year-old is on the list of targets drawn up by Chelsea's new manager, Robinho's fellow countryman Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Chelsea have not, as claimed by sources at the Bernabeu, made a £48m offer.

Robinho is unhappy that Real have tried to use him in their attempt to sign Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Scolari is currently working on bringing in new faces ahead of his first Premier League campaign and Robinho is believed to be keen to work with the former Brazil coach.

Robinho said: "It would be a dream for me to work with Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is one of the best coaches in the world.

"I have always spoken highly of him and he has always spoken very highly of me, since well before he was at Chelsea

"In 2003, when I was unknown in Europe, he called me to play in a charity match. It was brief but it was enough for me to see his style and character."

And Robinho's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, was reported as saying in Spain: "Madrid have failed to value him as he deserves and I do not like the fact that they tried to include him in the Ronaldo deal. Money is not the problem for us now.

"What matters for Robinho is to leave the club and play for Scolari at Chelsea."

Real, however, are reluctant to sanction any deal for Robinho to leave while their bid to bring Portugal winger Ronaldo to Spain remains in the balance - and this could yet cool Chelsea's interest.

Man Utd in no rush over new coach

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson says the club are in no rush to appoint a successor to assistant manager Carlos Queiroz.
With less than five weeks to the start of the Premier League season, Queiroz left Old Trafford to take the job of coaching his native Portugal on Friday.
"You take your time with these things," said Ferguson.
"I knew when Portugal came for him that it would be very difficult for us. But we've good staff and we'll carry on."
Current United coaches Mike Phelan, Brian McClair and Rene Meulensteen are among the names said to be in the frame for the post, along with the likes of former Reds defender Laurent Blanc.
"It's always disappointing to lose good men and Carlos was a good man," added Ferguson.
"He was honest, very loyal to me and a good coach, who brought a lot of initiatives that we now carry on.
"He has taken a challenge on that people do, if they have that patriotic passion and the nationalist fervour to go and manage their country. He's got that."

Ferguson was speaking following his side's first pre-season run-out, a 2-0 win over his former side Aberdeen in a testimonial for the Dons' European Cup Winners' Cup-winning side of 25 years ago.
The Scot enjoyed the chance to remember his first triumph on the European stage, but made sure the occasion did not overshadow his focus on the team's performance at Pittodrie.
"It was a good day for me, it was emotional driving up to the stadium and seeing people you haven't seen for years," said Ferguson after a first-half Michael Carrick penalty and a Wayne Rooney header gave United a 2-0 win.
"It was our first game and it was quite an open match and easy for both teams.
"They had a couple of chances and we had to defend well at times so it was good.
"Wayne had a couple of chances in the first half and made some nice runs round the shoulders of defenders which could have got us a couple of goals.
"He made the goal and scored the header so he will be happy."
Ferguson refused to answer questions on Fifa president Sepp Blatter's recent comments about Cristiano Ronaldo's future at the club.

Bolton name Wigley as head coach

Bolton manager Gary Megson has reinforced his backroom staff by appointing former Southampton boss Steve Wigley as head coach.

Wigley, who also enjoyed a spell as assistant manager and first team coach at Manchester City, will link up with Wanderers when he returns from holiday.

He will combine his duties at the Reebok Stadium with his role as a coach with the England Under-21 set-up.

Wigley, 46, took up his role with the Football Association in August 2007.

Wigley had a brief spell as caretaker manager of Southampton in February 2004 following Gordon Strachan's departure and then got the job full time for the start of the 2004/05 season.

However, he only lasted until December having won just three of his 17 matches in charge.

Wigan & Sunderland chase Johnson Wigan & Sunderland chase Johnson Wigan & Sunderland chase Johnson

Wigan and Sunderland are leading the chase to persuade Everton manager David Moyes to sell striker Andrew Johnson.

Moyes has insisted Johnson, 27, is not for sale - but Everton may now decide to cash in to boost their transfer fund if they receive offers of about £10m.

BBC Sport understands Wigan boss Steve Bruce is currently in pole position and is ready to offer Johnson a lucrative package to tempt him to the JJB.

But Sunderland counterpart Roy Keane is still hoping to clinch a deal.

West Ham have also been strongly linked with Johnson - and boss Alan Curbishley could yet make a late move if Everton make it clear they are willing to sell.

Everton are currently at a pre-season training camp in Switzerland and while Moyes is reluctant to part with the player he signed for £8.6m from Crystal Palace in 2006, Johnson could be sacrificed in a bid to kick-start the incoming transfer activity at Goodison Park.

Moyes is an admirer of Blackburn's David Bentley but Tottenham remain favourites to land the England star, while Everton have also been linked with a move for Manchester United midfield man Darren Fletcher.

The Everton boss had previously told the official club website: "Andy Johnson is not for sale - it is that simple.

"He is a highly-valued member of my senior squad and I look forward to seeing him when the players report back for pre-season training."

Johnson has scored 22 goals in all competitions since his move from Selhurst Park.

He only signed a new five-year deal with the club in November 2007 after being linked to the Hammers.

Hull agree contract with Boateng

Hull City look set to complete the signing of Middlesborough midfielder George Boateng on Monday.

The 32-year-old Dutch international has agreed a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

"He's coming in for his medical and to sign contracts on Monday," chairman Paul Duffen told BBC Radio Humberside.

"He couldn't come in earlier because he's gone to fulfil a commitment in France playing in a charity match to raise money for Africa."

The former Feyenoord, Coventry and Aston Villa midfielder has played over 200 games in six seasons at the Riverside.

Duffen added: "All things being equal, obviously the medical has still got to go through but short of formalities we're there with George now which is great.

"He's a player of real quality and real class with a fantastic track record and will be exactly the sort of character as well as skill that we need in order to ensure we fight our second season in the Premier League a year hence."

Arsenal 'offer Adebayor to Milan'

AC Milan claim Arsenal are ready to sell Emmanuel Adebayor, a month after insisting he was not available.

The Gunners told Milan on 13 June that the striker, 24, was not for sale.

But Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani revealed the Gunners have since written to the Italian club to say they have changed their position.

Galliani told Italian TV station Antenna 3: "I have a letter from Arsenal that says 'we will consider a deal if it still interests you'."

However, the clubs still need to agree a fee, with Milan unwilling to meet Arsenal's £36m valuation of the Togo international.

Galliani says he has spoken to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger about a deal but that they are "divided" on the player's value.

Milan said in June that Adebayor was their "sole transfer target" of the summer, although they later said they could not afford him.

After selling Alberto Gilardino to Fiorentina and with Ronaldo out of action because of a serious knee injury, Milan have made signing a striker their top priority, although Barcelona also covet Adebayor, who scored 30 goals in 48 games last season.

"If Adebayor decides to leave, Milan definitely want him but it is clear that if an offer arrives from Barcelona it would be difficult for him to say no," Galliani added.

Galliani says he has spoken to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger about a deal but that they are "divided" on the player's value.

Milan said in June that Adebayor was their "sole transfer target" of the summer, although they later said they could not afford him.

After selling Alberto Gilardino to Fiorentina and with Ronaldo out of action because of a serious knee injury, Milan have made signing a striker their top priority, although Barcelona also covet Adebayor, who scored 30 goals in 48 games last season.

"If Adebayor decides to leave, Milan definitely want him but it is clear that if an offer arrives from Barcelona it would be difficult for him to say no," Galliani added.

Villa complete Sidwell transfer

Aston Villa have made their first signing of the summer after Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell finalised his £5m move and signed a three-year deal.

The 25-year-old passed a medical on Thursday and is now expected to join Villa's pre-season tour of Switzerland.

"I am over the moon," Sidwell told the club's website. "It's taken a while but I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and playing football.

"I've had a year of not playing much so to get on the pitch is my first aim."

Sidwell failed to establish himself at Stamford Bridge after moving from Reading on a free transfer last summer.

He is the likely replacement for Gareth Barry when the Villa captain finally completes his move to Liverpool.

Sidwell was part of the Arsenal side that won the FA Youth Cup in 2000 and 2001 and had loan spells with Brentford and Brighton.

He was unable to force his way into the first team with the Gunners and moved to Reading in January 2003 on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

Sidwell played a big role in Reading gaining promotion to the top flight for the first time two years ago, but he rejected a new contract that summer and left the Royals on a free transfer to move to Chelsea in 2007.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill, meanwhile, could name Martin Laursen as captain in place of Barry, who is waiting to get the go-ahead to complete his switch to Anfield.

O'Neil said: "There are a number of people on the list and Martin Laursen would certainly be one of the names I'd be thinking about.

"He was terrific last season. There are a number of people who would want it but there are a number of people who are on my list who might not want it. I haven't discussed it yet.

"There are quite a few candidates at the club and perhaps others not yet at the club so that's something I'll look at further down the line."
v

Crouch agrees terms with Pompey

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has agreed personal terms with Portsmouth and will complete his move upon passing a medical within the next 48 hours.

It is believed the 27-year-old England international striker will cost Portsmouth about £11m.

Crouch is set to link up with Pompey again six years after leaving, and will work with boss Harry Redknapp for the third time in his career.

"Crouch is a terrific player, top class," Redknapp told BBC Radio Solent.

The Liverpool striker was also praised for his contribution to the Merseyside club by Reds manager Rafael Benitez.

"He is a good professional and we would have wanted him to stay," he said.

"We offered him a new contract. But sometimes you have to understand the player. He wanted to play a lot more."

The Spaniard added: "With Fernando Torres now first choice, that [playing more] was always going to be difficult.

"I can understand Peter's situation. But he did very well for this club and we always supported him when people doubted the decision to bring him to Anfield."

Crouch will team up with Jermain Defoe in a new-look Portsmouth attack next season.

Liverpool are expected to initially receive in the region of £9m for Crouch, who joined the club from Southampton in July 2005 but only started nine Premier League games last term.

Benitez initially said he would consider offers for Crouch in the region of £15m but has been forced to scale back his demands for a player with only a year left on his current contract.

Crouch has scored 40 goals in 135 appearances for Liverpool but has struggled to hold down a regular first-team place in recent times.

He was relegated behind Torres, who scored 33 goals for the Reds after signing from Atletico Madrid last summer.

However, he was a popular figure with Liverpool fans and still managed to net 11 goals as he was mainly used as a substitute by Benitez.

Crouch started his career as a trainee at Tottenham before moves to QPR, Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Norwich - where he had a spell on loan - Southampton and Liverpool.

Chelsea insist Lampard will stay

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon insists Frank Lampard will see out the final year of his contract if a new deal cannot be agreed.

Lampard, 30, wants a longer deal than Chelsea's current offer of four years.

Chelsea have again insisted he is not for sale after rejecting a £7.95m bid from Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan.

Kenyon said: "We'd like to hope we can reach an agreement but if we can't we have always worked on the basis that he sees out the terms of his contract."

He explained: "The situation is ongoing. We have always maintained that we want Frank to stay and an offer was made to that effect.

"That offer is still on the table. Frank is under contract and he still has one year to run on that."

New Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari insisted Lampard was happy to stay at Chelsea, but his agent, Steve Kutner, said the player's future was "completely unresolved".

Scolari revealed on Tuesday that Lampard had told him he wanted to stay "for more than one year".

"I was very happy because I asked if he wants to stay and he said 'yes, I will stay at Chelsea'," said Scolari.

However, Kutner's response soon after Scolari's news conference cast more doubt on the player's future.

Talks over a new deal for Lampard have been on-going for two years without success, and Chelsea face the prospect of the England international leaving for free next summer if the matter is not resolved.

"You've got Inter claiming they've made a bid, Chelsea saying that they are not entering into discussions over a transfer and Lampard pretty much saying meet my terms," said BBC football correspondent Jonathan Legard.

"The Lampard team are not happy, they are frustrated. Lampard wants to stay - exactly as Scolari said in his press conference - but he would like a five-year deal and Chelsea are only offering four on, from what I gather about £150,000-a-week.

"If Lampard feels that Chelsea won't meet his terms then perhaps he needs to look elsewhere and that is why Inter have come back again and are still confident they can get him to play for them next season under Jose Mourinho."

BBC 5 Live also report Chelsea insist there was no row between Lampard and chief executive Peter Kenyon at the Cobham training ground on Tuesday, despite reports to the contrary.

And at his first news conference in England since taking charge, Scolari insisted he envisaged Lampard's long-term future being in south-west London.

"I met him on Monday and told him that I like him very much as a player and as a person and I asked him if he wanted to stay, not only for this season but for longer," added Scolari.

"After we had spoken for 15 minutes, he said he wants to stay and play for Chelsea for many years.

"I am very happy because I think Chelsea need Lampard and I think he is with us for more than one year."

BBC Sport revealed on Monday that Inter had contacted the Blues over Lampard.

However, a statement on Chelsea's website on Tuesday read: "We have informed Inter that we will not enter into any discussions regarding the transfer."

Despite Chelsea's insistence that they had not received an offer from Inter, the Italian club's president Massimo Moratti claims a bid was made.

"This is not true," said Moratti. "There was an offer and we confirm it. However, we don't want to create any big problems.

"They replied that they have no intention of negotiating, as was their right. Now we will see."

Lampard also has an option under Fifa rules to buy out the remaining 12 months of his contract.

Scolari has already signed Portugal midfielder Deco from Barcelona to join the Blues' already considerable midfield resources.

Wigan & Sunderland chase Johnson

Wigan and Sunderland are leading the chase to persuade Everton manager David Moyes to sell striker Andrew Johnson.
Moyes has insisted Johnson, 27, is not for sale - but Everton may now decide to cash in to boost their transfer fund if they receive offers of about £10m.
BBC Sport understands Wigan boss Steve Bruce is currently in pole position and is ready to offer Johnson a lucrative package to tempt him to the JJB.
But Sunderland counterpart Roy Keane is still hoping to clinch a deal.
West Ham have also been strongly linked with Johnson - and boss Alan Curbishley could yet make a late move if Everton make it clear they are willing to sell.

Bentley is still a Rover - Nelsen

Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen has said no-one at the club has a problem working with want-away midfielder David Bentley.
The England international requested a transfer at the end of last season as he wants to move to a bigger club.
"For us he's a team-mate and will be until the club decide otherwise," Nelsen, 30, told BBC Radio Lancashire.
"We understand where he's coming from and we understand he might stay at the club as well."

"There's no animosity towards him or anything like that, it's his decision and you can't hold that against any person.
"Hopefully the fans will understand as well but he's done really good service for Blackburn.
"If he does decide to leave I think the club will be compensated very well so it's a win-win situation."
Nelsen will train with the Blackburn squad this week in England before going on the club's training camp in Germany and pre-season tournament in the Algarve.
But he will then be heading to Beijing to skipper New Zealand at the Olympic Games.

And he has admitted that he is delighted to have been given the go-ahead by Paul Ince to take part.
"I put the new manager in a difficult position in all honesty and I really appreciate that he's allowed me to go.
"With New Zealand we don't get to go to very many major tournaments and the Olympics is obviously a major one and I really wanted to play.
"Thankfully he's met me half-way and let me go for the first two games."

Lampard wants to stay - Scolari

New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari insists Frank Lampard has told him he wants to remain at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have rejected an official approach from Inter Milan to discuss the transfer of the England midfielder.
"I was very happy because I asked if he wants to stay and he said 'yes, I will stay at Chelsea'," said Scolari.
Meanwhile, Lampard's camp said a new deal is still not agreed after two years of talks and his situation is "completely unresolved".
Lampard's contract expires next summer and he has been heavily linked with joining forces with ex-Blues boss Jose Mourinho at the San Siro.
But, speaking later at his first press conference in England since taking charge of Chelsea, Scolari underlined that he sees Lampard's long-term future as being at the London club.
"I met him on Monday and told him that I like him very much as a player and as a person and I asked him if he wanted to stay, not only for this season but for longer," added Scolari.
"After we had spoken for 15 minutes, he said he wants to stay and play for Chelsea for many years.
"I am very happy because I think Chelsea need Lampard and I think he is with us for more than one year."
BBC Sport revealed on Monday that Inter had contacted the Blues over Lampard.
However, a statement on Chelsea's website on Tuesday read: "We have informed Inter that we will not enter into any discussions regarding the transfer."
Should he fail to agree a new deal with the Stamford Bridge outfit before his current deal runs out, Lampard would be free to leave without his new club paying a fee.

That appears to be reflected in Inter's valuation of the midfielder, with reports suggesting they had made a £6.5m bid.
And, despite Chelsea's insistence that they had not received an offer from Inter, the Italian club's president Massimo Moratti claims a bid was made.
"This is not true," said Moratti.
"There was an offer and we confirm it. However, we don't want to create any big problems.
"They replied that they have no intention of negotiating, as was their right. Now we will see."
Some reports had suggested that Lampard might be willing to buy out the remaining 12 months of his contract - as permitted under Fifa rules and on the back of Chelsea signing Portugal midfielder Deco from Barcelona in June.

Inter begin Lampard negotiations

Inter Milan have opened negotiations to sign Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard, BBC Sport understands.
The Serie A club are believed to have sent a fax to Chelsea to begin the process of reuniting the 30-year-old with former Blues coach Jose Mourinho.
Earlier this month, Mourinho, who became Inter boss in June, said he did not expect to sign Lampard this summer.
The ex-West Ham star is into the final year of his Chelsea contract and is yet to commit his future to the club.
Reports on Monday suggested that the opening offer from Inter was £6.5m for Lampard, who is set to leave for free next summer.

The recent arrival at Stamford Bridge of Portugal central midfielder Deco, who was also courted by Mourinho and who has joined the Blues on a two-year deal from Barcelona, may hasten Lampard's exit.
There are also reports circulating that Chelsea striker Didier Drogba could be set for a reunion with Mourinho.
The Portuguese boss indicated in June that he would like to work with the Ivory Coast international again.
"I cannot forget Deco, Lampard and Drogba. These are players who I could never say no to," stated Mourinho.
"I would love to work with them again in the future but I am not too obsessed with this idea."
He added: "I don't know which of these three will leave their clubs but we will see."
If Mourinho bids for Drogba then he may face a fight for his signature from local rivals AC Milan, whose technical director Leonardo told BBC Sport that they are also keen on the forward.

Permanent Villa move for Davies

Aston Villa have completed the signing of defender Curtis Davies from West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee.
Davies, 23, made the switch across Birmingham last year on a season-long loan, but a ruptured Achilles tendon ruled him out for most of the season.
The deal had threatened to scupper a permanent move, with Davies unlikely to be fit for the start of the new season.
However, it has now gone through, with Davies having signed a four-year deal under Martin O'Neill at Villa Park.
And the centre-half, who was signed by West Brom from Luton for £3m in 2005, is targeting a return to full fitness in time to face his former club on 20 September.
"I think everyone knows what game I'm targeting," he told the Villa website. "It's a very tight thing but potentially I think I can be back for that.

"Obviously it will be down to the gaffer and I hope the team that starts the season gets off to a flier. I'm not going to expect to walk straight back into the team for any game.
"I just need to keep progressing, really. I can't worry about any one individual game, as much as I'd love to play that game, there's a lot more to the season - hopefully with a long European campaign coming up.
"I need to make sure I'm right for the whole season and not just the one game."

Everton move to end Round wrangle

Everton hope to solve a compensation row with Newcastle to allow coach Steve Round to be appointed assistant manager in time for pre-season training.
The 37-year-old's contract ends on 2 July and Everton hoped he could start work alongside David Moyes immediately.
But Newcastle insist they hold a one-year option on Round's deal.
"There is an issue over an option on the contract and the clubs are in on-going discussions over a solution," said an Everton spokesman.
"We believe it is something that can be sorted out to allow the appointment to be made."
Moyes is back at his desk on Wednesday and Everton report for pre-season training on Thursday - with Round hoping to be installed in his new job. But there is a clear dispute between the clubs over when Round's contract at St James' Park officially ends.
Moyes has been without a deputy since Alan Irvine left to take over as Preston manager in November, and he has now settled on the highly-rated Round.
The Burton-on-Trent-born former full-back was forced to retire from playing at Derby through injury after making just nine league appearances.

He then worked as a coach under Steve McClaren at Derby, and again when he took over at Middlesbrough. He was also part of the England backroom set-up under the former national coach.
Round had continued working for Middlesbrough but left when Gareth Southgate took over as manager and he was Sam Allardyce's first appointment when he took over as Newcastle manager.
Current Magpies boss Kevin Keegan is understood to have wanted to keep Round on, but he has not been offered a new contract.

Fulham complete deal for Kallio

Fulham have signed Finland defender Toni Kallio on a permanent two-year deal after he arrived at Craven Cottage on loan in January.
The versatile 29-year-old signed from Swiss side BSC Young Boys and played under Fulham boss Roy Hodgson during his time as Finland's coach.
Kallio, who can play in central defence and at left-back, previously played for HJK Helsinki and Molde FK.
Fulham have already signed Mark Schwarzer and Zoltan Gera this summer.

Blackburn fined after player row

Blackburn have been fined and warned as to their future conduct by the Football Association for "failing to control their players".
The charge centred on the reaction of Blackburn players after Rovers winger Morten Gamst Pedersen and Newcastle's Habib Beye clashed over a throw-in.
Rovers have been fined £10,000, £7,500 of which has been suspended until 31 May 2009.
Blackburn won 1-0 in the clash at Newcastle on 1 March.

Crespo released from Chelsea deal

Striker Hernan Crespo has officially left Chelsea after the Argentine's contract at Stamford Bridge expired.

Crespo, 33 on Saturday, joined Chelsea in 2003 and scored 10 league goals in his first season for the Blues.

But he never settled at the London club and was loaned to Italian side AC Milan a year later.

Crespo returned to win the Premier League title in 2005/06 but was soon back in Italy and has spent the past two seasons on loan at Inter Milan.


Crespo is now a free agent and following former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's appointment as Inter coach, he is reportedly keen to sign a permanent deal with the Italian champions.

Crespo was one of the first signings made by Claudio Ranieri after Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.

"We thank Hernan for his efforts in a Chelsea shirt, and wish him well in the future," said a Chelsea statement.

Robinho linked with Chelsea move

Chelsea appear to have moved a step closer to signing Robinho after his agent claimed to have held talks with Blues sporting director Frank Arnesen.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has been strongly linked with the Real Madrid striker, 24, since taking over as Chelsea boss.

"It is true Chelsea are interested," Robinho's representative Vagner Ribeiro told Spanish sports daily AS.

"I met with Arnesen in London and he confirmed to me that Chelsea wanted my player for next season."

Brazil star Robinho played an important role in Real's league success last season, scoring 11 goals in 32 games.

He is keen to stay at the club but they reportedly want to sell him to help fund the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.

"Neither Robinho nor I like the fact that Real Madrid can use him as part exchange in their bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo," said Ribeiro.

"We don't like this attitude and we want Madrid to start valuing Robinho because at the moment they're not.

"Robinho's priority is to continue at Real Madrid, but he cannot stay in a place in which they don't recognise his talent and at the moment Real Madrid are not doing that and I'm not talking about money.

"I'm referring to the fact that they are undervaluing him in comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo."

Liverpool increase bid for Barry

Liverpool have made an increased offer of around £15m for Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry.

BBC Sport understands the new bid does not include any potential extra payments that would take the deal nearer to Villa's £18m valuation.

Liverpool are now waiting for Villa's response to their renewed bid.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has said Barry, 27, will be granted his wish to join Liverpool - but only when his asking price is met.

Liverpool hope to finally resolve a protracted and increasingly acrimonious saga, but O'Neill is furious at how the Anfield club's interest in Barry became public.

Barry is scheduled to return to pre-season training with Villa on Thursday and is expected to confirm his desire to move to Liverpool.

O'Neill has been firm in his stance on the proposed move, saying: "If Liverpool meet our valuation, he will have his express wish to leave Villa Park granted."

Barry, 27, criticized Villa for not trying hard enough to keep him but O'Neill insists they want him to stay.

The player signaled his intention to move when he complained on Sunday about Villa's lack of urgency in speaking to him.

There's no going back, it's time for me to move on," he said.

"I'm desperate to play Champions League football and that's why I have to leave Villa.

"Villa kept saying they wanted me to stay but I have not heard from the manager for weeks.

"It's seven weeks now since the season finished but while the gaffer's found time to be a pundit at Euro 2008, he hasn't found the time to speak to me.

"Have Villa offered me anything to try to persuade me my future is at Villa Park, not Anfield? Not a thing."

But O'Neill has hit back to vehemently deny Barry's claim.

"The chairman and I were surprised at Gareth's comments," he said.

"Contrary to what he said, we desperately wanted to keep him - and he knows that."

Barry captained England for the first time and scored his first international goal during the recent friendly against Trinidad and Tobago.

Liverpool are keen to partner Barry in midfield with his England colleague Steven Gerrard.

Spurs fail with Capel offer

Tottenham Hotspur have failed in a bid to sign winger Diego Capel from Sevilla.
Spurs head coach Juande Ramos was keen to return to his former club to sign the promising 20-year-old wideman.
The north London club reportedly matched the buy-out clause in Capel's contract, but Sevilla are under no obligation to sell as it can only be activated by an offer from another Spanish club.
The diminutive winger and Spain Under-20 international broke into the first team last season after progressing through the ranks at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.
"He has a clause in his contract which is only valid for a Spanish team," said president Jose Maria Del Nido.
"We do not negotiate with any figure less than that. Tottenham made a superior bid and we said no."

PSG blame Boro over Digard

Paris St Germain have denied claims from midfielder Didier Digard that they are holding up his proposed move from France to Middlesbrough.
The 21-year-old Frenchman accused his current club of "incompetence" earlier in the week after his five million euros switch to the Riverside Stadium remained uncompleted two weeks after being agreed.
But the Ligue 1 club have denied they are behind the hold up and have pointed the finger firmly at the Teessiders.
"Twelve days after an agreement in principle between PSG and Middlesbrough for the transfer of Didier Digard, the directors are still waiting for bank guarantees from the English club," read a club statement.
"After two hours of discussion an agreement was come to. A rate of instalments for the payment of the transfer was also decided upon.
"Part of the details of the agreement on the part of the English club was to provide PSG with bank guarantees.
"Up until now these guarantees have not been presented. Nevertheless, negotiations continue in a climate of reciprocal confidence.
"In conclusion, the declarations by the PSG player Didier Digard are false especially as the player has wished to leave PSG since December 2007."

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Ronnie welcomes Scolari link

Reported Chelsea transfer target Ronaldinho was welcomed talk suggesting that he could be reunited with new Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Ronaldinho, 28, was part of Scolari's World Cup winning Brazil squad in Japan & South Korea in 2002.
The new Chelsea manager is reportedly keen to bring the playmaker to Stamford Bridge from Barcelona where he has been told he is surplus to requirements and Ronaldinho has admitted that would be an attractive proposition.
Manchester City, AC Milan and Internazionale are all also believed to be keen on signing the former world and European football of the year.
"I am a Barca player. I am only focused on training," he told Brazilian television.
"With respect to where I am going to play, if I will stay or if I will go, all that is in the hands of my brother (and agent).
"It is marvellous that Felipao (Scolari) is interested in signing me because he is an excellent coach. I have a lot of respect for him because I have known him since I was very young and he was coach of Gremio.
"If the chance came up to work with him again then it would be very good.
"We have a history together in the game, we won the World Cup, and that is something I will never forget."

Deco targets Blues success

Deco has set his sights on helping Chelsea to domestic and European glory after joining the Stamford Bridge club on a two-year deal for a fee of around £7million.

The 30-year-old Portugal international is the first player brought to the club by manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who will officially start work at his new job on Tuesday.

Deco was coached by the Brazilian during Euro 2008, but was allowed to leave Barcelona after slipping down the pecking order last season.

"It is good for me to be here and first of all I am very happy to be here," said the former FC Porto star.

"I am sure I have come at the right time to do great things and be able to help Chelsea go back to the way it was and come back to being the first one, not only in England but also to win the Champions League that has been their dream for so long.

"The Premier League is a great league and it is getting better and you can see that with the Champions League Final, where you had two English teams.

"It is great that we have so many great players here at Chelsea and it is great that there is the competition which is healthy for everybody and this just makes the team better.

"To have great players in any position just enhances the club. I know it is a new challenge but I am looking forward to it.

"I know I need a little bit of time to adapt but I am sure I will adapt quite well and quite fast and do my best for the team."

Meanwhile, the arrival of Deco has led to further speculation that fellow midfielder Frank Lampard will leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

The England international has been linked with a move to Internazionale and on Monday refused to rule out the possibility of being reunited with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at the Italian club.

Jose: No swift Lamps move

Jose Mourinho has cooled reports suggesting Frank Lampard will join him at new club Internazionale after suggesting the Chelsea midfielder will not make the move for another 12 months.
Lampard, 30, has been strongly linked with a move to the Italian champions where he would again link-up with his former Stamford Bridge mentor.
The speculation has intensified following new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari's decision to bolster his midfield with the capture of Deco from Barcelona.
But although suggesting Lampard will join Inter, Mourinho claims the move is likely to take place in 12 months' time when the England international will be out of contract and available on a free transfer.
"This season? I don't think so," the Portuguese coach told The Sun.
"Why won't he? Well, it's not because we don't want him to, but I'm sure Chelsea and Chelsea's officials don't want to sell him.
"However for the next season it will be easier for him to join me at Inter.
"I'm 100 per cent sure in 2009/2010 he will be playing here."

Portsmouth have signed Ben Sahar from Chelsea on a six-month loan deal.

The 18-year-old Israel striker has made three appearances for Chelsea's first team and had spells on loan at QPR and Sheffield Wednesday last season.
Sahar, who joined Chelsea from Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2006, is set to taste Uefa Cup football with Pompey this season.
"Portsmouth are a great team who can win trophies. They are now in Europe and that will be a big challenge as well," Sahar told the club's website.
Dutch side NEC Nijmegen were among the clubs hoping to sign Sahar on loan.
But a spell with the FA Cup winners will enable Chelsea to keep a closer eye on his progress and Sahar will challenge Jermain Defoe, David Nugent and Kanu for a place in Pompey boss Harry Redknapp's attack.
Sahar added: "I'm ready for the challenge of being part of such a big club like Portsmouth. I want to be part of it and to show that I deserve to be here.
"I've heard a lot of good things about Harry Redknapp, the club and the staff and they obviously had a very good season."

Ljungberg to quit internationals

Sweden captain Freddie Ljungberg has quit international football to focus on playing for his club side West Ham.
"The physical strain of playing for the national team and in club football for such a long time has finally taken its toll," said the midfielder.
"I have loved every match, especially the outstanding support that you the fans have always given us players."
Ljungberg, 31, was handed the captain's armband for Euro 2008 but an ageing Sweden went out at the group stage.
After recording only one win in Group D - over 2004 champions Greece - it was predicted that a number of Sweden's older players would call time on their international career and Ljungberg is the first to make that move official.

"I will carry on playing football at the highest level in the Premier League for several more years and I love this sport more than anything," added Ljungberg, who made his announcement in a letter released via the website of Swedish newspaper Helsingborg Dagbladet.
Vittsjo-born Ljungberg earned 75 caps and scored 14 goals for his country.
He joined West Ham prior to the start of last season after spending nine trophy-laden years at London rivals Arsenal but has suffered a number of injuries recently, including a cracked rib in April.
He has three years left on his contract with West Ham.

Rams agree deal for Albrechtsen

Derby County have agreed a deal to sign West Brom defender Martin Albrechtsen.
The 28-year-old Denmark international is out of contract with the Premier League new boys and will join the Rams on a free transfer.
"A deal has been agreed," Derby boss Paul Jewell told BBC Radio Derby. "He's a Bosman and a good signing for us.
"He can play at right-back and at left-back, he has good pace and he will give us even more competition for the centre-half position."
Albrechtsen made 138 senior appearances in four seasons at The Hawthorns.
Baggies boss Tony Mowbray added: "The era of Bosman means the incentives offered by clubs to out-of-contract players are often decisive in whether a player stays or leaves.
"We will continue to push forward in our bid to find new faces to strengthen the squad."

Potters have Fulop bid rejected

Sunderland have rejected a bid of £1.7m from Stoke City for Marton Fulop, BBC Radio Stoke has learnt.

The Potters are now expected to make an improved bid, probably around the £2m mark for the Hungarian goalkeeper.
Fulop spent less than a week on loan with Potters in February, his spell at the Britannia Stadium being cut short when he was recalled by Roy Keane.
The 25-year-old former Spurs keeper has seen his chances with the Black Cats limited by the arrival of Craig Gordon.

Liverpool face battle for Keane

Liverpool have launched a surprise move to sign Tottenham striker Robbie Keane - but may be priced out of a deal for the Republic of Ireland star.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos is an admirer of Liverpool forward Peter Crouch and Anfield boss Rafael Benitez is happy to make him part of an exchange deal.
BBC Sport understands Liverpool would be willing to offer Crouch plus cash to sign 28-year-old Keane.
But they fear Spurs will demand £20m for Keane, wrecking a possible deal.
Spurs have not received a transfer request from Keane, despite reports claiming he had demanded to leave White Hart Lane.
Liverpool's transfer plans are currently focused on concluding the protracted and acrimonious pursuit of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry.
Barry has publicly stated his desire to move to Liverpool - and while Villa boss Martin O'Neill admits he is willing to do business, the current price tag of at least £18m is out of Liverpool's reach.

Benitez's interest in Keane is an unexpected development but, with Crouch likely to go and Portsmouth still his most likely destination and Andriy Voronin struggling to make an impact, he is seen as an ideal partner for Spain's Euro 2008 hero Fernando Torres.
Keane is under contract with Spurs until 2012, having signed a new five-year contract in May 2007.
He was an influential figure last season, scoring 23 goals in a campaign that was capped by the Carling Cup going to White Hart Lane - and Liverpool's move will receive no encouragement.
But reports suggest Keane may be tempted to make the switch by the lure of playing Champions League football at Liverpool, the club he supported as a boy.
He joined Tottenham from Leeds for £7m in August 2002 and has also played for Wolves, Coventry and Inter Milan
Liverpool, meanwhile, may have to wait until European champion Xabi Alonso returns from holiday before they can sort out the Spanish midfielder's future.
Alonso is on a three-week break after being part of Spain's successful Euro 2008 squad, leaving a possible £16m move to Juventus in limbo and boss Benitez waiting to discover if he will get a fresh injection of transfer funds.

Hull City to appoint extra coach

Hull City are to add to their coaching staff in time for their maiden Premier League season, report BBC Look North.
Boss Phil Brown is holding interviews to find someone to work alongside coach Steve Parkin and assistant Brian Horton at the KC Stadium.
He said: "I'm meeting with a potential coach to bolster our backroom staff."
The manager also revealed that he will be talking to potential new players who he is hoping to sign. Winger Stelios Giannakopoulos has been linked to City.
The Greek international was recently released by Brown's former club Bolton Wanderers.

Barton admits team-mate assault

Premier League footballer Joey Barton has admitted assaulting a former team-mate in a training ground row.

The Newcastle United midfielder changed his plea ahead of a trial and admitted assaulting Ousmane

during a training ground row on 1 May last year.
The 25-year-old repeatedly punched Dabo as he lay dazed on

the ground, Manchester Minshull Crown Court heard.
The ex-Manchester City player is currently serving a six-month jail term for an attack in Liverpool.
The trial, which had been due to start more than a year after the incident, was put back until after the season had ended for the convenience of witnesses.
Many of them are involved in professional football. Outlining the events at Manchester City's training ground on May 1 last year, prosecutor Richard Vardon said it was an "explosive combination of football and violence".

Barton and Dabo confronted each other after a row during a training match, the court was told.
Dabo, 31, was said to have felt intimidated that Barton had invaded his personal space as he shouted and swore at him.
The Frenchman pushed his shoulder with both hands and Barton retaliated by punching him in the head, causing the Frenchman to fall over and lose consciousness.
Mr Vardon said several witnesses said Barton continued to punch Dabo while he lay on top of the player, who was in a dazed state.
One player, Georgios Samaras, said he had never seen such a violent incident on a training pitch in all his career, the prosecutor added.
Barton, who admitted one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), will be sentenced on Tuesday.

In May Barton was jailed after an attack in Liverpool which took place two days after Christmas.
CCTV images showed the footballer punching a man 20 times.
Later in May Barton was cleared of vandalising a taxi during a night out in Merseyside.
The Liverpool-born footballer was sold by City to Newcastle in a £5.8m deal last summer, signing a five-year contract.
Newcastle United said it was not commenting on Monday's hearing.
Dabo, 31, is now playing for Rome side Lazio and was in court to hear Barton plead guilty.