English Premier League

Blackburn sign striker McCarthy

McCarthy was linked with a string of
Premiership clubs in recent seasons
Blackburn have signed Porto striker Benni McCarthy on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The South Africa international, 28, has had spells with Ajax and Celta Vigo, and was part of the Porto side which won the Champions League in 2004.

"We tried to sign Benni 12 months ago and we have been tracking the situation since then," Blackburn chairman John Williams told the club's website.

"We are delighted that we have managed to bring him to Rovers."

McCarthy is the third striker Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has signed this summer, following Francis Jeffers and Jason Roberts to Ewood Park as the club look to improve on last year's sixth place in the Premiership.

Rovers are reported to have paid a fee of about £2.5m for McCarthy, who had previously been linked with moves to Everton, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and West Ham.

He started his career at feeder club Ajax Cape Town, before progressing to the full-blown Ajax Amsterdam set-up in 1997.

McCarthy then moved to Spanish side Celta Vigo in 1999, but struggled to settle in Spain, and - after two unsuccessful seasons - was loaned to Porto under manager Jose Mourinho where he blossomed.

He returned to Celta Vigo before Porto made the transfer permanent in 2004.

McCarthy has won 60 caps for South Africa, scoring 26 goals and playing at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups.

He retired from the international game after the 2002 World Cup, but reversed his decision in 2004.

Newcastle face Latvian opposition


Newcastle have been drawn against Latvian side Ventspils in the second qualifying round of the Uefa Cup.

Scottish side Gretna face Irish club Derry, Welsh outfit Llanelli will play Denmark's Odense and Drogheda United are up against Norwegians Start.

The winners of the two-legged ties, to be played on 10 and 24 August, will advance to the Uefa Cup first-round.

Premiership sides Tottenham, Blackburn and West Ham, along with Rangers, will enter at the first-round proper stage.

"It's a trip into the unknown for us, but one thing for certain is that we will prepare thoroughly for these two matches," said Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder.

"We will have Ventspils watched between now and playing them so nothing will be left to chance with our preparations.

"We obviously need to do our homework and find out about this team as quickly as we can.

"In situations like this you get to know as much as you can about the other team and then you reach a stage where you get your own house in order and worry about yourself."

Uefa Cup holders Sevilla, French sides Lens and Paris St Germain, German team Bayer Leverkusen and Dutch outfit Feyenoord will also come into the competition at the first-round stage.

The winners from the first round will then participate in the group stage.

Newcastle booked their passage into the Uefa Cup with a 4-1 aggregate win over Norwegian side Lillestrom in the Intertoto Cup, aided by double from Shola Ameobi in their 3-0 away-leg victory.

Uefa Cup second qualifying round draw:

APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus) v Trabzonspor (Turkey)
Bnei Yehuda (Israel) v Lokomotiv Sofia (Bulgaria)
CSKA Sofia (Bulgaria) v Hajduk Kula (Serbia & Mont.)
Dinamo Bucharest (Romania) v Betar Jerusalem (Israel)
FBK Kaunas (Lithuania) v Randers FC (Denmark)
FC Artmedia Bratislava (Slovakia) v Dinamo Minsk (Belarus)
Basel (Switzerland) v FC Vaduz (Liechtenstein)
Videoton (Hungary) v Grasshoppers (Switzerland)
Twente Enschede (Netherlands) v Levadia Tallinn (Estonia)
Chernomorets Odessa (Ukraine) v Wisla Plock (Poland)
FK Karvan Evlakh (Azerbaijan) v Slavia Prague (Czech Republic)
FK Sarajevo (Bosnia & Herz.) v Rapid Bucharest (Romania)
FK Ventspils (Latvia) v Newcastle United (England)
Flora Tallinn (Estonia) v Brondby (Denmark)
Gretna (Scotland) v Derry City (Ireland)
Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) v Domzale (Slovenia)
Hertha Berlin (Germany) v Ameri Tbilisi (Georgia)
IK Start (Norway) v Drogheda United (Ireland)
Molde (Norway) v Skonto Riga (Latvia)
OB Odense (Denmark) v Llanelli (Wales)
OFK Belgrade (Serbia and Mont.) v Auxerre (France)
Olympique Marseille (France) v Young Boys (Switzerland)
Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus) v Litex Lovech (Bulgaria)
Partizan Belgrade (Serbia and Mont.) v Maribor (Slovenia)
Rubin Kazan (Russia) v BATE Borisov (Belarus)
Brann Bergen (Norway) v Atvidabergs FF (Sweden)
SK Tirane (Albania) v Kayserispor (Turkey)
Suduva Marijampole (Lithuania) v Club Bruges (Belgium)
Mattersburg (Austria) v Wisla Krakow (Poland)
SV Ried (Austria) v FC Sion (Switzerland)
SV Roeselare (Belgium) v Ethnikos Achnas (Cyprus)
Zimbru Chisinau (Moldova) v Metalurg Zaporizhya (Ukraine)

I'm Real nervous, admits Van Nistelrooy

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored 150 goals for United

Ruud van Nistelrooy insists he is looking to the future after leaving Manchester United for Real Madrid - but refused to claim he was more likely to win the Champions League with his new club than he had been at Old Trafford.

Van Nistelrooy, who has cost Real around £10.5million, ended a five-year stay with United after falling out with boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 30-year-old Dutchman never won the Champions League with United whose most recent triumph in that competition came in 1999 when the Dutchman was a PSV Eindhoven player.

Van Nistelrooy, as he was unveiled as a Real Madrid player yesterday, refused to boast that he was more likely to win the competition with his new club.

'That's a very difficult question to answer,' said Van Nistelrooy. 'I think Real Madrid are a fantastic team, a fantastic squad.

'But favouritism is something you have to earn on the pitch. We have to go step by step on the pitch and not speak much about it.'

Van Nistelrooy, also courted by Bayern Munich, admitted his head was still in a whirl after the events.

'You have to bear in mind that a lot has happened in the last 24 hours which have been very intense for me,' said Van Nistelrooy.

'When president (Real president Ramon) Calderon presented me to the media and the fans I was a bit nervous, I admit it.

'But it was a great feeling for me to go to the dressing room and finally put on the Real Madrid shirt. It was nice to have a few kicks of the ball as well.

'For a striker there is nothing better than scoring goals,' said the Dutchman. 'It's my ambition and my job.'

Real had been locked in a tussle with German champions Bayern Munich for Van Nistelrooy's signature.

'But I am not going to put a figure on how many goals I am going to score in a season.

'This is a new opportunity for me to show my ability to the maximum and that's what my challenge is.'

Real eventually beat German champions Bayern Munich to the signature of the Dutchman whose relationship with Ferguson started to deteriorate when he was left out of the Carling Cup final side.

Bayern president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge lamented the fact that his side had been beaten to Van Nistelrooy's signature by Real.

'Not just Bayern, but the whole of the Bundesliga would have benefited from this transfer,' Rummenigge told Sport1.de. 'It's a real shame.'

Van Nistelrooy's move draws a line over his bust-up with Sir Alex and while the Dutchman admitted his fall-out with his former boss had been `painful' he nonetheless remembered the good days.

'He (Ferguson) waited for me during my injury and allowed me to play at the highest level.

'I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to the manager yesterday because when I left the training ground in Manchester yesterday afternoon the deal had not yet been completed but I'm sure I'll meet him again.'

Van Nistelrooy used his press conference to deny reports he had fallen out with Holland coach Marco van Basten who dropped him during the World Cup when the Oranje were eliminated at the last 16 stage by Portugal.

'In 1988 when Holland won the European Championship with Van Basten I was 12 years old and he was my idol,' said Van Nistelrooy.

'I want to clarify there has been no split with Van Basten. He left me out for a match. Afterwards we had a conversation but nothing more than that.'

When Van Nistelrooy was presented with his shirt he was not allocated with a number.

'I am just happy to be wearing the white jersey,' said the Holland international. 'The number is not important and I will accept whatever number the club wants to give me.'

United and Spurs seal £15m transfer for Carrick

Carrick has been a long-time Man U target
Michael Carrick's 25th birthday celebrations will have been particularly joyful last night. With Manchester United and Tottenham confirming they have agreed a fee for his transfer, the England international received a perfect present. Only personal terms and Monday's medical can prevent Carrick becoming the latest central midfielder to move to Old Trafford in recent seasons. He will trust his stay proves longer and more successful than several of his predecessors.

In the five years since Juan Sebastian Veron came for a spell that failed to justify his £28.1m fee, Sir Alex Ferguson has been searching for an ideal midfield solution. Kleberson, Liam Miller - not exclusively central players - and Eric Djemba-Djemba have arrived and fallen below expectations. Carrick brings something none of those had in proven Premiership ability and United will hope their first major signing this summer helps to spark a big improvement in the pursuit of Chelsea and European honours.

By trying to buy Milan's Gennaro Gattuso, Ferguson has shown he would like a ball-winner to complement the deep-lying but less destructive Carrick, so to regard the new man as a replacement for Roy Keane would be unfair. Ferguson last night all but conceded it will be impossible to lure Gattuso but ought to get fluency, quick distribution and vision from Carrick. The fee has not been disclosed but is believed to be about £15m with possible add-ons. Tottenham stressed Carrick "asked to be allowed to leave".

Injuries dictated that United ended last season with John O'Shea and Ryan Giggs in central midfield but, with Paul Scholes back and Carrick joining, a more natural look is returning, even if the balance does not yet look perfect. Glenn Roeder, the Newcastle manager who coached Carrick at West Ham, believes his former charge will thrive. "He'll be a star in the Manchester United team," he said.

It was after Roeder's West Ham were relegated that Carrick moved to Tottenham for just £2.75m. "He's a wonderfully balanced," Roeder said. "He was never going to be a Championship player; he's a Premiership and international player who has his best years ahead of him."

Nigel Winterburn had three seasons alongside Carrick at Upton Park and recommended him to his former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger when it seemed Patrick Vieira would leave in 2004. He holds Carrick in high regard but believes the midfielder will need to take his game to an "even higher level".

"He had a good season last season and got in the World Cup squad but I think my one reservation is whether he can change a game round," Winterburn said. "He has certainly got fantastic talent and I am sure he is going to be a big asset to Manchester United. When they play in the Premiership they have a lot of possession, usually more than 50%, so they need creative players. When they go into the Champions League and come up against good teams will he still have that influence? I hope he can develop his game.

"The main part of his game is long and short passing with both feet. At times when I was at West Ham I was waiting for him, in games where we were struggling, to take games by the scruff of the neck and change them round like Vieira did at Arsenal, but I don't think that's his style. He's not a big tackler. He can get forward but he will probably more sit in front of the back four and support and look to get on the ball."

Ferguson, who denies an interest in Tottenham's Jermain Defoe, may continue to search for a more defensive figure. The former United player Lou Macari welcomed Carrick's signing but feels a starting place cannot be taken for granted. "There's nothing obvious that stands out that he will bring that others don't have," he said. "That's not being disrespectful to Michael Carrick. His job is to make his mark and prove the money spent is money worth spending and stay in the team for a number of seasons."

Macari sees Carrick's capacity to deal with the expectation as key. "He's a good footballer," he said. "He has played for England and in the Premiership for a number of years. The question is can he handle playing at Old Trafford? It's a completely different pressure from playing for Tottenham or West Ham. The expectancy at Manchester United is to win the Premiership, Champions League and anything else you can throw in."

Marseille keen to sign Campbell

Campbell made 197 appearances for the Gunners
Marseille have confirmed their interest in signing England and former Arsenal centre-back Sol Campbell.

The 31-year-old was released by the Gunners at the start of the month after five years at the club and says he is keen to move abroad.

"We have a list on which there are a lot of players' names," said Marseille president Pape Diouf.

"Sol Campbell is one of them. His defensive qualities are exceptional. We are interested in him."

Marseille play in France's top division and will also compete in the second qualifying round of next season's Uefa Cup after coming through the third round of the Intertoto Cup.

But Diouf said there was still some way to go for the club to reach a deal for Campbell.

"We cannot say at the moment that the contacts are strong enough between him and Marseille to say he will be with us next campaign," he said.

Campbell, who was part of England's squad for the recent World Cup finals in Germany, had a mixed final season with the Gunners.

He stormed out of Highbury after being substituted at half time against West Ham in February, which raised concerns about his future in the game, but he then went on to score in the Champions League final defeat at the hands of Barcelona in May.

Last week, he told the News of the World that a move abroad would help him move "my football into a new realm".

"There are clubs interested in Italy, Spain, Germany and here at home but there is nothing finalised," he said.

Campbell made 197 appearances for Arsenal after arriving on a free transfer from local rivals Tottenham in 2001, and has won 68 England caps.

Rooney reveals bust-up with Moyes

Rooney (right) and Moyes
had a bust-up at Everton

Wayne Rooney has revealed he fell out with Everton manager David Moyes before he left the Toffees to join Manchester United in a deal worth £27m in 2004.

The 20-year-old England striker said the row meant he considered an offer from Newcastle before moving to United.

"I would have gone almost anywhere just to get away from David Moyes," Rooney said in his autobiography, which is being serialised in the Daily Mail.

"To me, he appeared overbearing; just wanting to control people."

He added: "I suppose being young and confident and playing for England at 17, I wasn't bothered about upsetting him or answering back."

Rooney claims he had already decided to leave Goodison Park when he had a training ground confrontation with Moyes and told him: "I don't want to play for you ever again."

Newcastle made the first offer for Rooney but he says he was only interested in a move to Old Trafford once it became apparent United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him.

"If no-one else had come in I would have gone to Newcastle," stated Rooney.

"But I knew that United was the club I wanted to join."

Rooney reveals bust-up with Moyes

Rooney (right) and Moyes
had a bust-up at Everton

Wayne Rooney has revealed he fell out with Everton manager David Moyes before he left the Toffees to join Manchester United in a deal worth £27m in 2004.

The 20-year-old England striker said the row meant he considered an offer from Newcastle before moving to United.

"I would have gone almost anywhere just to get away from David Moyes," Rooney said in his autobiography, which is being serialised in the Daily Mail.

"To me, he appeared overbearing; just wanting to control people."

He added: "I suppose being young and confident and playing for England at 17, I wasn't bothered about upsetting him or answering back."

Rooney claims he had already decided to leave Goodison Park when he had a training ground confrontation with Moyes and told him: "I don't want to play for you ever again."

Newcastle made the first offer for Rooney but he says he was only interested in a move to Old Trafford once it became apparent United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him.

"If no-one else had come in I would have gone to Newcastle," stated Rooney.

"But I knew that United was the club I wanted to join."

Bergkamp given rousing farewell

It was a family day for Bergkamp
as he said his footballing farewells

Dennis Bergkamp bowed out of football on a entertaining, celebratory opening day at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium.

A sell-out crowd revelled in seeing some of the club's greats play in a second-half Legends match against Bergkamp's first club, Dutch side Ajax.

Ian Wright, Emmanuel Petit, Patrick Vieira and Marc Overmars were some of the names to return for the Gunners.

And 59-year-old Johan Cruyff and Holland manager Marco van Basten came on for Ajax in the last 10 minutes.

Ajax's Dutch international striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar had the honour of scoring the first goal at the 60,000 capacity stadium in a first half in which the clubs sent out a host of youngsters for a regulation pre-season run-out.

Huntelaar went close on a couple of occasions before turning in Edgar Manucharyan's low, flat cross from the left.

After the break the girths were a little wider and the legs, in some cases, a bit slower than in their heyday as a new match began between two teams of legends.

But it was Arsenal's only present day player on show who gave the hosts the lead.

It's difficult to say goodbye-Dennis Bergkamp

Thierry Henry, having chartered a private jet to fly back from a family holiday in the USA for the match, converted Lee Dixon's cross to the delight of the home fans.

And after Ronald De Boer blazed a penalty over following Gilles Grimandi's foul on Tottenham's Edgar Davids - the day's pantomime villain, Kanu's deflected shot made it two to Arsenal.

He may not have scored, despite being put through one-on-one on the right in the closing minutes, but the day was all about one man and Bergkamp was given a rousing send off.

"If I was to have a testimonial it was always going to be against Ajax and their fans have put in a lot of effort to come here," he said in an emotional speech after the final whistle when he gave thanks to one and all.

"My mum and dad were always there from the beginning and have probably seen every game.

"And my wife has been amazing over the years. You can't do a career like this alone and if it wasn't for her I would not be here.

"It's difficult to say goodbye. I've had a fantastic time over the last 11 years and a big part were the fans and how they treated me - they have been fantastic."

Bergkamp was carried shoulder high during a lap of honour by Vieira and Henry - Arsenal captains past and present.

It was applauded long and loud by the legends on the pitch as well as the crowd who have marvelled at his Arsenal displays for the last 11 years during which he has scored 120 goals in 423 games.

Bent admits World Cup frustration

Striker Bent will be aiming to
reassert his England credentials

Charlton striker Darren Bent has revealed his helplessness at having to watch on holiday while England endured problems in attack at the World Cup.

He was omitted from the squad and was a frustrated onlooker as injured Michael Owen's exit left England struggling.

"I thought Michael Owen's injury was unlucky," he told BBC Five Live Sport.

"But there is nothing we could do about it. There were several strikers left at home who were just watching and were helpless to do anything."

Bent scored 18 Premiership goals last season and was the highest-placed English striker in the top flight.

He and Tottenham's Jermain Defoe were surprisingly left out by the then England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.


There is no reason why I can't get many more England caps while playing for Charlton-Darren Bent

Bent added: "A few of the boys texted me and told me I was unlucky and said I should have been there.

"A lot of the public were brilliant as well and said it was a disgrace how myself and Jermain were not in the squad.

"I just said I didn't do enough last year and hopefully next time around I will be able to."

Bent signed a new four-year contract with the Addicks this summer but may miss the start of the season after newspaper reports claimed he had sliced his finger when making a sandwich.

If that is the case, he would also be out of the running to make the England squad to face Greece in a friendly on 13 August - in what will be manager Steve McClaren's first game in charge of the national team.

Asked about whether he got on well with McClaren, Bent joked: "I thought I got on well with all of them but obviously that has changed.

"There is not a lot I can do about that but I'm just looking forward to the new season and I'm raring to go."

He also insisted being at Charlton would not hinder his England prospects.

"I got one cap last year and my team-mate Luke Young has got several," he said.

"Chris Powell, Paul Konchesky and Scott Parker all got England caps playing here so there is no reason why I can't get many more playing for the club."

Real make new Van Nistelrooy bid


Ruud van Nistelrooy is wanted by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich
Real Madrid have made an improved £10.3m bid for unsettled Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Bayern Munich were favourites to sign the 30-year-old, who handed in a written transfer request after a row with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

But Real have upped the stakes and a spokesman said on Wednesday: "The club have made a new offer and are waiting for reply from Manchester."

Van Nistelrooy returned to training on Monday, despite his uncertain future.

It now remains to be seen whether Bayern respond after claiming they were on the verge of closing a deal, and that Van Nistelrooy himself was keen to move to Germany.

Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer was confident a deal will be struck for Van Nistelrooy, adding that they will offload Roy Makaay or Claudio Pizarro.

"We're still Euros 5m (£3.4m) away from Manchester United's valuation, but the chances are still high," he said.

"But if it does work out, I could imagine us giving away Roy Makaay or Claudio Pizarro."

Bayern have already spent £7.15m on Germany international Lukas Podolski from Cologne.


I couldn't tell you why he wants to leave or why his heart isn't in it-Sir Alex Ferguson

And with Makaay, Pizarro and Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz already on the club's books, Van Nistelrooy's arrival "would leave us with too many strikers", according to Beckenbauer.

Paolo Guerrero was sold to Hamburg and Beckenbauer claims further departures to the north may be on the cards as their Bundesliga rivals are in the market for a striker, having failed to land Milan Baros or Patrick Kluivert.

"We could reach another deal with Hamburg," he added.

United boss Ferguson revealed that Van Nistelrooy has asked to leave Old Trafford three times since May 2005.

"Ruud asked away before the Arsenal FA Cup final last year, then asked away through his representative, and has now asked away himself in writing," he told the News of the World.

"Quite frankly, if he wants to leave, there really is no point trying to persuade him to stay.

"I couldn't tell you why he wants to leave or why his heart isn't in it - all I can tell you is that he has asked away and we have accepted that."

What club in their right mind would refuse £12m for a 30-year-old striker?

Bayern are openly admitting they have held talks with the player.

"He wants to come to us. Now the ball's in Manchester United's court," Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness told the Bundesliga club's website on Sunday.

And Bayern club president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told the Bild newspaper: "Ruud has told us he would like to play for us next season. We have already spoken about money with him but it would be United who will finally decide."

United signed Van Nistelrooy for £19m from PSV Eindhoven in 2001.

Valencia reveal Ronaldo interest

Ronaldo has been at Old Trafford for three years
Valencia president Juan Soler claims they are trying to sign Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Spanish reports quoted Soler as saying: "I have always said it will be difficult. But nothing is impossible.

"Until they tell us no several times we will not give up. At the moment it's a priority and we have until 31 August."

The Portugal international, 21, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, however Manchester United have stressed the player is going nowhere.

But Soler, who has already signed Fernando Morientes and Asier Del Horno from the Premiership, added: "First we will negotiate with the English club and then the player."

Ronaldo's future has been in doubt this summer after he was quoted as saying he wanted a move to Spain after his World Cup spat with Wayne Rooney.

But United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists the winger is going nowhere.

Last week Ferguson said: "Without any question, Ronaldo will be our player next season and for the rest of his contract.

"I haven't paid much attention to what Cristiano is supposed to have said about his future.

"I haven't spoken to him since the World Cup."

Ronaldo, who joined Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon for £12.24m in August 2003, is under contract until 2010.

Lillestrom 0-3 Newcastle (agg 1-4)


Ameobi responded to leading the attack by scoring a brace

Newcastle eased into the second qualifying round of the Uefa Cup after beating Lillestrom in their Intertoto Cup second leg tie in Norway.

Shola Ameobi gave Newcastle the lead when he sidefooted in after Charles n'Zogbia's free-kick was parried.

The goal gave the Magpies a 2-1 lead on aggregate and Ameobi extended that further when he slotted in at the far post after a Scott Parker cross.

Emre completed the win when he found the top corner with a 20-yard strike.

The Magpies had slowly asserted their authority from the start in Oslo and Ameobi almost scored when he headed over from eight yards.

He atoned for his miss with the opener after 29 minutes and Emre also went close with a snapshot on his weaker right-foot which squirmed wide.

Lillestrom rarely posed a threat to the Premiership side and went two behind when they allowed Parker to run down the right wing and set up Ameobi for his second after 36 minutes.

The home side upped their game in the second half but had keeper Otto Fredrikson to thank for not conceding a third when he saved from Nolberto Solano.

Arild Sundgot sent a header narrowly wide.

But that was as close as former Manchester City striker Uwe Rosler's side got as Newcastle cantered to victory.

Newcastle's will find out their opponents in the Uefa Cup after the draw on Friday 28 July.

# Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder:

"Shola should not have been out there. We kept it a secret.

"He picked up an ankle injury in training and he had no chance on Thursday. It just shows the character of the lad and the spirit in the team.

"He can score goals and he just needs to play in his position which he has not always been able to do."

Lillestrom: Fredrikson, Rambekk, Stefanutto, Sogard, Winsnes, Koren, Riise, Kippe, Mifsud, Mouehli, Occean.
Subs: Muller,n Bertheussen, Strand, Myklebust, Wehrman, Sundgot, Andresen.

Newcastle: Given, Carr, Bramble, Taylor, Babayaro, Solano, Emre, Parker, N'Zogbia, Milner, Ameobi.
Subs: Harper, Faye, Moore, Butt, Ramage, Pattison, O'Brien.

Referee: Stanislav Sukhina (Russia)

Chelsea agree to sell Del Horno

Del Horno has spent just one season at Chelsea

Chelsea have agreed to sell Spanish international left-back Asier Del Horno to Primera Liga side Valencia.
The Premiership champions have not revealed any details of the fee involved, but Del Horno has travelled to Spain to discuss personal terms.

Del Horno, 25, joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for £8m last summer but struggled to hold down a regular place.

He made 25 league appearances last term but missed the end of the season and the World Cup because of injury.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Arsenal's Ashley Cole and Real Madrid's Roberto Carlos as replacements for Del Horno.

The defender had been tipped for a return to former side Athletic Bilbao a year after they sold him to the Blues.

But he admitted earlier this week that Valencia was his prefered choice.

Man Utd could keep Van Nistelrooy

Van Nistelrooy fell out of favour at Man Utd last season

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects to see striker Ruud van Nistelrooy at training on Monday.
The 30-year-old Dutchman has been at the centre of summer transfer speculation and Ferguson has rejected an initial approach from Real Madrid.

"They have made an offer, we have rejected it," confirmed Ferguson.

"If they don't come back in and increase their offer, he won't be going and I would be content with that. It would not bother me one bit."

Ruud van Nistelrooy's scoring tips
Real have warned they will "not be held to ransom" over Van Nistelrooy, who Ferguson values at £16m.

"He is a striker who can score upwards of 20 goals a season and there are not many of those going around," the Scot said.

The Spanish giants are falling short in their valuation, offering just £12m, and vice-president Juan Mendoza said: "We are not going to drive ourselves crazy trying to meet valuations which don't bear any relation to the market."

German side Bayern Munich are also in the hunt for Van Nistelrooy if his switch to Madrid falls through.

Real have failed with one bid for Van Nistelrooy, who has asked to leave Old Trafford, but The Bernabeu outfit still remain favourites to capture him.

However, Mendoza added: "We're about to reach the point where we break off all negotiations even though the player clearly wants to play for us.

"It's time to make it clear to Manchester United that Real Madrid are not going to be held to ransom over exorbitant prices."

New Real boss Fabio Capello said: "There is no question that I want Van Nistelrooy.

"The fact that Bayern also want him indicates that the entire market is being scoured by Europe's top clubs looking to snap up the best players.

"In the end it will be the player himself who has the final vote."

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted that the German side have not given up hope of hijacking Real's bid for Van Nistelrooy.

"We are trying to get him signed," said Rummenigge.

"The chances of him joining are changing by the day but we have not written him off."

Rummenigge is still confident Van Nistelrooy would choose a move to Germany over Spain.

"Every club wants to bring in important players, but it's the players themselves who have the final word," he added.

"There is a great relationship between the two clubs, and I know Van Nistelrooy wants to come to Bayern."

The Dutchman has scored 150 goals in 218 appearances since joining United from PSV for £19m in 2001.

Van der Sar deal to be extended

Van der Sar has been United's
best since Schmeichel


Manchester United are set to offer goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar a one-year contract extension.

The 35-year-old Dutch international joined from Fulham at the start of last season and his current deal at old Trafford expires next summer.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We have to pay attention to his age and it depends how he does next season.

"But he was a terrific addition to our squad last season, his form was superb," added Ferguson.

In his first season at Old Trafford Van der Sar proved himself to be United's best keeper since Peter Schmeichel retired in 1999.

Fabien Barthez, Mark Bosnich and Tim Howard are among those who have tried to fill the gap left by the great Dane, but Van der Sar coped easily with the demands of playing for United.

As he looks for a long-term successor for Van der Sar, Ferguson is in the process of trying to sign West Brom's Polish keeper Tomasz Kuszczak, while youngster Ben Foster will spend another season on loan at Watford to gain experience.

Ferguson has also loaned Tim Howard out to Everton for next season after the American suffered a loss of form last term.

The United boss said: "We're trying to consolidate our goalkeeping options and by next season I think we will be in a stronger position than at any time since the Peter Schmeichel era.

"We need experienced cover and the fact that Tomasz has played a full season in the Premiership gives him greater all-round experience at this moment in time."

Newcastle 1-1 Lillestrom



Newcastle avoided Intertoto Cup embarrassment at the hands of Norwegian side Lillestrom thanks to Albert Luque's equaliser.

Misfit striker Luque paid a sliver off his £9.5m transfer fee by curling in an exquisite equaliser.

Robert Koren deservedly put Lillestrom ahead with a shot that deflected past keeper Shay Given.

A well-drilled Lillstrom outfit did enough to suggest Newcastle face an uphill task to claim a Uefa Cup place.

With Michael Owen facing knee surgery and Shola Ameobi only fit enough to be named among the substitutes, Newcastle's striking shortcomings again reared up as Luque and James Milner struggled to make headway.

Emre's free-kick was Liilestrom keeper Heinz Muller's only first-half test and the Magpies were booed off by the 31,000 crowd at half-time.

Bjorn Helge Riise, brother of Liverpool's John Arne, sent a dipping shot just over the bar as Lillstrom pressed for a winner.

Newcastle were denied what would have been an undeserved winner when Alan O'Brien fired wide with the last kick of the game.

# Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder:
"Parts of our play were quite rusty but we'll eradicate that.

"This game will do us the world of good. The boys are going to be a lot sharper next week.

"They have got the away goal and so we know what we are going to have to do. It's very important because we want the club in the Uefa Cup."

Newcastle: Given, Carr, Bramble, Taylor, Babayaro, Solano, Parker, Emre, N'Zogbia, Milner (Ameobi 65), Luque (O'Brien 81)
Subs Not Used: Harper, Faye, Butt, Ramage, Pattison.

Goals: Luque 50.

Lillestrom: Muller, Winsnes (Kali 5), Rambekk, Andresen, Stefanutto, Riise (Wehrman 68), Sogard, Mouehli, Koren (Strand 60), Mifsud, Occean.
Subs Not Used: Fredrikson, Myklebust, Kippe, Sundgot.

Booked: Mifsud.

Goals: Koren 21.

Att: 31,059

Ref: Joeri Van De Velde (Belgium).

BARTON TIED UP BY CITY



JOEY BARTON is ready to sign a new deal at Manchester City - but he wants a guaranteed £4.5million price tag put in his contract.

Scouser Barton, 23, has all but agreed terms on a £30,000-a-week renewal to stay with Stuart Pearce's club for the next three seasons, but the ambitious midfielder is keen to have a fixed valuation on his head.

Ultimately he has decided City are his best option - with only Middlesbrough in the bidding for him. They are not a much better prospect than Pearce's club.

Barton, who is also pleased Didi Hamann and Ousmane Dabo have signed to strengthen the squad, is about to commit to City but he wants the cover of a price clause in case one of the really big clubs comes for him.

The Blues are likely to agree to that arrangement as they were worried Barton would leave for nothing if his deal had run until next summer.

Chairman John Wardle had turned down £3m from Middlesbrough, so £4.5m is a decent figure for him.

Barton's imminent signing will come as a relief for City who have been under siege - with Portsmouth and Middlesbrough chasing Sylvain Distin and Tottenham bidding £5m for Micah Richards.

And Barton finally got the pay rise he wanted.

TRANSFER RUMOURS

Chelsea winger Damien Duff is joining rivals Spurs in an £11m deal. (The Sun)

Cristiano Ronaldo has told his mum he is staying at Manchester United. (The Sun)

Manchester United are ready to lodge an £8m bid with Juventus to make it third time lucky in luring Patrick Vieira to Old Trafford. (Daily Mirror)

Ashley Cole is to persist with his plans to leave Arsenal when he returns from honeymoon despite Arsene Wenger's insistence he wants him to stay. (The Guardian)

Atletico Madrid insisted last night that Fernando Torres was not on his way to Manchester United. (Daily Star)

Rino Gattuso was locked in talks last night with his agent over a "dream" move to Manchester United. (The Sun)

Liam Miller will leave Manchester United once they receive a suitable offer. (Daily Mirror)

Rangers have signed the Senegalese midfielder Makhtar N'Diaye. (The Independent)

West Ham are in talks to sign Ghana World Cup star John Pantail. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City are reportedly close to signing Bernado Corradi from Valencia. (Daily Telegraph)

Portsmouth are trying to snatch Czech Republic defender Tomasz Ujfalusi from scandal-hit Fiorentina. (Daily Mirror)

Fulham boss Chris Coleman is still insisting Steed Malbranque will never play for the Premiership side again despite the Frenchman's failure to find a new club. (Daily Star)

Adie Boothroyd is trying to push through a £1.2m deal for Crystal Palace winger Jobi McAnuff. (Daily Mirror, Daily Star)

West Brom boss Bryan Robson wants Wigan's former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson. (Daily Mirror)

Millwall have accepted a £400,000 bid from Leeds for midfielder David Livermore. (Daily Star)


OTHER GOSSIP

Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal will not take advantage of the Juventus fire sale. (The Sun)

David O'Leary's Aston Villa career looks finished but chairman Doug Ellis is determined he will not get a penny in compensation. (The Sun)

Sunderland are ready to offer O'Leary an escape from his Aston Villa hell. (Daily Star)

Jose Mourinho has told Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo to put up and shut up. (Daily Express)

But Mourinho's also told Ronaldo he needs to leave Manchester United if he wants to become a champion. (Daily Star)

Joey Barton is ready to sign a new deal at Manchester City. (Daily Mirror)

FUNNIES

Wayne Rooney loves arriving at Manchester United's training ground in his favourite Marks & Spencer carpet slippers. Apparently his team-mates call him "slipperman". (Daily Star)

Bellamy delight at Fowler link-up



Liverpool's new £6m striker Craig Bellamy thanked his "hero" Robbie Fowler for setting up his debut Liverpool goal in the win at Wrexham.

"I've admired Robbie for years, he is a great player," said Bellamy, who scored in the 53rd minute of the 2-0 victory.

"He lifted a very good ball into my stride for me to run on to and score.

"It means a lot to me to be on the same side as him. I have played against him before but being in the same team is a great honour."

Bellamy admitted he knew he only had 10 minutes of the second period to get the goal he craved.


I am following some great Welsh strikers at Liverpool, John Toshack and Rushie-Craig Bellamy

"The boss [Rafael Benitez] told me before the game I would be on for about an hour, that I had just a few minutes after the break before I was substituted.

"So it was pretty special to get that goal, I know it's only a friendly, but it was good to score in front of the Liverpool fans. I'm one myself.

"They have taken to me well, but then Liverpool fans always give their new players plenty of support, that's what they are like.

"I know I've been given a 15-goal target by the boss, but I don't think pre-season ones count! But I expect to score goals, and that's what I aim to do."

Ian Rush

Bellamy hopes to emulate Rush's Liverpool glories

As well as Fowler, Bellamy admitted his admiration and gratitude to another Reds legend, fellow Welsh international Ian Rush.

"Ian has said some nice things about me in his newspaper columns, they came at the right time and I appreciate that," said Bellamy.

"He was my hero as a kid and I cannot thank him enough. I am following some great Welsh strikers at Liverpool, my Wales manager John Toshack and Rushie.

"Hopefully if I can get anywhere near the status they both had at Anfield then I will be more than happy. Both have played a crucial part in my career."

Another former Welsh great was known to be upset with Bellamy's move to Anfield - Blackburn manager Mark Hughes, who offered the player a Premiership lifeline from Newcastle.


I have played for some big clubs, but what I am missing is trophies

Craig Bellamy

"I am grateful to Mark and Blackburn, but I did have other opportunities when I left Newcastle," said Bellamy.

"I had to make sure I went to the right club. I knew Mark and the coaches like Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki from their time running Wales, they were people I really trusted.

"I would only have left for Liverpool, they understood that.

"I'm nervous, I don't want to come here just to get Liverpool on my CV, I want to be a big hit and be remembered for doing really well as a player.

"That's what is driving me now, that hunger. It's what kept me going when I was younger, to fight through all those injuries and operations.

"I am always going to be labelled as a player with baggage, but the only thing I really care about is to try to make my team better and how I work around the training ground.

"I have played for some big clubs, but what I am missing is trophies and that is what I aim to put right here. Otherwise it will all be a bit of a failure."

Cardiff close to Koumas transfer



Cardiff are expected to complete the transfer of Jason Koumas from West Bromwich Albion this week.

BBC Sport understands that the fee and personal terms have been agreed for the Wales midfielder, 26.

Koumas enjoyed a successful season-long loan at the Bluebirds last year and is the club's number one transfer target.

He has no future at the Baggies after falling out with manager Bryan Robson, but his arrival could cost Cardiff over £2m, likely to be paid in instalments.

It is believed that the Bluebirds have agreed a £1.5m down-payment, with appearance bonuses that could continue for up to three years.

Koumas scored 13 goals last season and proved the creative lynchpin of the team, winning the adulation of Cardiff fans and making the Championship team of the season.

He has two years left on his Baggies contract, but his rift with Robson deepened last week when he was disciplined for failing to turn up for pre-season training at the Midlands club.

Cardiff have money available to finance the deal after the £3m (initial fee) sale of Cameron Jerome to Birmingham.

But money remains tight at Ninian Park, with the wage bill still higher than manager Dave Jones would like.

English clubs prepare Italy swoop


England's top clubs are preparing to join the race to sign players affected by the Italian match-fixing scandal.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted it was "something we are addressing".

And Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said: "There are a lot of good players in these teams and they interest us."

Juventus, Fiorentina and AC Milan are set to be forced to sell many of their top players, with Chelsea and Arsenal also ready to swoop.

Chelsea have been widely tipped to sign Milan defender Alessandro Nesta, while the Gunners are reportedly interested in Juve keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Benitez is thought to be particularly keen on Juve striker David Trezeguet and winger Mauro Camoranesi.

"The players will be a better price now than they would have been three months ago," said the Liverpool boss.

"All the Juventus players are good, including Trezeguet.




"He didn't play much in the World Cup but that is because France have so many good forwards."

Ferguson has been linked with a move for former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira.

The United boss said: "At the moment, we are not exactly clear who is available and what the circumstances are.

"Some clubs might be looking at loan situations, believing they will get straight back into Serie A, so that is a possibility.

"But we also don't know whether players are available for sale or on free transfers."

Juventus' new president Giovanni Cobolli Gilli has vowed to try to keep as many of their star names as possible at the club, and insists none will leave at cut-down prices.

"I hope that some of our important players will stay," he said.

"Obviously lots of them will find it hard to stay with us in Serie B with 30 points deducted, but the clubs that are interested will have to pay full rate.

"Should Real Madrid want our players, they will have to pay. That also applies to other teams who may be interested in our players, because we have the duty to defend the club's heritage."

TRANSFER RUMOURS
Chelsea
Alessandro Nesta (Milan), Fabio Cannavaro, Pavel Nedved, Gianluca Zambrotta (all Juve)
Manchester United
Patrick Vieira, Pavel Nedved (both Juve), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Luca Toni (Fiorentina)
Liverpool
Mauro Camoranesi, David Trezeguet (both Juve)
Arsenal
Gianluca Buffon, Lilian Thuram, Patrick Vieira, David Trezeguet (all Juve), Filippo Inzaghi (Milan)
Tottenham
Lilian Thuram (Juve), Filippo Inzaghi (Milan)

Solskjaer comeback boosts Man Utd


Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could provide a solution to Manchester United's striking problems.

Solskjaer, who has missed almost two seasons through injury, scored twice in United's 4-0 win over Orlando Pirates.

With Ruud van Nistelrooy primed to leave Old Trafford, Ferguson said: "Ole back in action is like a new signing.

"At the moment we only have Saha and Rooney, we don't know where Ruud will be so Ole could be the third striker."

United risk beginning their Premiership campaign undermanned in the striking department, with Alan Smith still completing his recovery from a broken leg.

Promising forward Giuseppe Rossi could be allowed a loan move to gain some experience.

Ferguson said: "Over the years we have always had four strikers but we are considering whether to let Giuseppe leave on loan and Alan won't be back until the end of August, even if we consider him as a striker."

But Ferguson needs little reminding of Solskjaer's qualities as a penalty-box predator.

The United boss said: "Sometimes forwards freeze in front of goal but Ole warms up.

"When he got that first chance, you just knew Ole was going to take it.


I've missed the last two pre-seasons so I've been looking forward to this

Man Utd striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

"There are very few players in our game who you feel so confident about doing that."

Solskjaer was given a new two-year contract in March but the inclusion of a club ambassadorial role hinted that his playing role could be wound down.

But the Norwegian striker has proved his determination to mount a comeback.

The 33-year-old has suffered two years of injury misery with a succession of knee injuries, hamstring problems and a fractured cheekbone which stalled his comeback at the end of last season.

Ferguson said: "I think 45 minutes was just about enough for him, there's no point in pushing him at the moment.

"We hoped he would get through pre-season training but he's taken part in every session and was really looking forward to the game."

Solskjaer attempted to put things in perspective after negotiating his first complete pre-season for three years.

He said: "I've missed the last two pre-seasons so I've been looking forward to this for a long time.

"The main thing now is getting match fitness and getting ready for 19 August, but a goal or two helps. It's been a while since I got one for the first team.

"With players being away after the World Cup, it's important for those of us who didn't go to have a good pre-season to put a bit of pressure on them when they come back."

Real & Bayern eye Van Nistelrooy


Real Madrid may join Bayern Munich in the chase for Manchester United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
Real president Ramon Calderon believes new boss Fabio Capello is considering a move for the 30-year-old Dutchman.

"It seems as though Fabio likes Van Nistelrooy," Calderon told the club website. "He could complement Ronaldo."

Meanwhile, Bayern are ready to speak to United, with club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge saying: "The player wants to come to us we know that."

Van Nistelrooy's future at United has been in question since he drove away from Old Trafford three hours before the final Premiership game of last season.

He is thought to have been unhappy at being left out of the side to face Charlton after spending much of the second half of the season on the bench.

We have to speak with the player and naturally with Manchester United


Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
Despite spending most of the latter part of the Premiership campaign on the bench, Van Nistelrooy still managed to finish the season as United's top scorer, with 21 league goals.

"Now we will approach the thing with all calm," Rummenigge said in a newspaper interview carried on Bayern's website.

"We have to speak with the player and naturally with Manchester United but there are no grounds for haste."

But German outfit Bayern may face competition from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Capello, who ended his two-year reign as Juventus coach last week, is currently evaluating his squad.

Club president Calderon added: "There is enough money for us to make six or seven reinforcements and they will be here before 3 August.

"The signings that Capello has asked for are possible.

"Of course I would like for Cesc Fabregas to be one of our signings. We had an agreement with the player during the presidential elections but we have yet to sit down with Arsenal and negotiate.

"With regards to Kaka, Capello has told me he is an exceptional player. Kaka wanted to come three months ago when I was a club executive but now we must talk to AC Milan."

Midfielder Fabregas insisted on Sunday that he expects to report back for training with the Gunners on 24 July and was "not thinking of anything other than playing for Arsenal next season".

Huth set to complete Boro switch




Huth has struggled for first-team football at Chelsea

Chelsea defender Robert Huth was on Teesside on Monday afternoon for a medical, with a view to completing his move to Middlesbrough.

The 21-year-old German international is expected to formally sign a deal for a fee of around £5m within 24 hours.

New Boro manager Gareth Southgate reached a verbal agreement with Huth as the World Cup finals began last month.

But Germany's progression to the last four meant the deal could not be completed until now.

Report: Southgate set to seal Huth deal

The Berlin-born defender will become Southgate's first signing.

Huth managed only 32 senior starts during his five years at Chelsea and, after picking up an injury in the run-up to the World Cup finals, played only once for his country as they clinched third place.

He has been signed as a direct replacement for Southgate, who effectively ended his playing career when he was asked to succeed Steve McClaren, who has taken over as England boss.

However, Southgate will retain his registration in case of emergencies.

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