Latest ChampionShip News

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LAWS KEEN TO EXTEND TUDGAY STAY

Sheffield Wednesday want to discuss terms over a possible contract extention with striker Marcus Tudgay.

The Owls have turned down a £1.5million bid for the 26-year-old from Burnley and have accused the newly-promoted Clarets of "underhand tactics" by trying to unsettle the player.

Wednesday manager Brian Laws said: "My relationship with Marcus is very strong and it looks like we have come through a difficult situation where communication and the processes surrounding extending his contract had been strained to say the least.

"The alleged unsolicited interest from Burnley has calmed. I have talked to Marcus, whose attitude continues to satisfy me that he is 100 per cent committed to being the top-class professional for which I have total respect.

"The chairman and I will be meeting with Marcus when Lee (Strafford) returns from holiday. We will be sitting down to see if we can reach an agreement on Marcus' contract extension."

 

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CELTIC SEAL FOX MOVE

Celtic have completed the signing of Coventry left-back Danny Fox on a four-year contract.

The 23-year-old will be eligible for Wednesday's Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Moscow after Celtic moved quickly to snap him up.

Fox told celticfc.net: "I'm a bit shellshocked, but I'm really grateful to the manager and the coaching staff for bringing me here. It's a dream come true."

Celtic moved for Fox hours before Thursday night's deadline for registering their squad for the third qualifying round.

And, although they could not complete the deal in time, Fox will be eligible for Wednesday's home leg if, as expected, manager Tony Mowbray opts to utilise his one wildcard option.

Mowbray fended off competition from former club West Brom - who had a package of just under £2million rejected by the Sky Blues.

Fox was also thought to be the subject of several failed bids by Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies earlier this month.

City revealed they had agreed to keep the transfer fee confidential as they announced the move on their website.

Fox, who was named in the Championship team of the season, has already joined up with his team-mates in London and is expected to make his debut in the Wembley Cup this weekend.

"It's all happened so fast but I'm delighted to be here," Fox said.

"I got a phone call on Thursday afternoon to tell me to head for Glasgow and it's all been a bit surreal.

"This is a massive move for me. I couldn't sleep on Thursday night because I was so eager to get down and meet the lads in London and I can't wait to make my debut.

"The size of Celtic speaks for itself. You have the history, the fanbase, the stadium and there's the added bonus of European football.

"I want to test myself at the highest level and there is no better place to do it than at Celtic. I'm just looking forward to getting started."

Fox came through the youth ranks at Everton before moving to Walsall, from where he was signed by Coventry in January 2008.

He becomes Mowbray's third signing following the capture of striker Marc-Antoine Fortune and midfielder Landry N'Guemo from Nancy.

The former Hibernian manager will hope the signing solves what has been a problem position for Celtic in recent seasons.

Lee Naylor has struggled to recapture the form he showed in the first season following his move from Wolves in August 2006, while Mark Wilson has been dogged by injuries.

 

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BAGGIES SNUB NEW GREENING BID

West Brom have rejected a third offer of £4million from Fulham for captain Jonathan Greening.

Albion's resolve underlines their determination to retain the services of the 30-year-old midfielder, who handed in a written transfer request earlier this month.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has already hit out after Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace labelled the Premier League club's first offer for Greening - £2m plus a player - as "derisory".

He was further disheartened when Albion turned down a second bid of £3.25m on Monday.

Friday's developments leave the saga at a crossroads, with Hodgson facing a decision over whether to again up the bid or start looking elsewhere.

Greening has made it clear he will happily remain at The Hawthorns if an offer does not come in that matches the club's valuation.

West Brom have themselves seen a bid rejected by Championship neighbours Coventry for Danny Fox - with the left-back now understood to be close to joining former Baggies boss Tony Mowbray at Celtic.

Albion put a package deal valued at just below £2million on the table, but that was turned down by the Sky Blues, ending the club's interest in the defender.

Meanwhile, Baggies left-back Marek Cech has stressed his determination to resolve his future as soon as possible.

The Slovakia international has attracted interest from Celtic and Dutch side FC Twente, according to his agent, although West Brom are keen to retain his services.

Cech made just eight league appearances last season, but the exit of fellow left-back Paul Robinson to Bolton and Mowbray to Parkhead could see him back in the frame.

Cech is also wary of the effect Albion's relegation will have on his chances of making Slovakia's squad for next year's World Cup in South Africa.

He told the Birmingham Mail: "At this moment we are discussing things.

"We will see in the next few days how my future will pan out. I can't say now whether I'll stay or go.

"We will see what the decision is - it may take a few days, maybe a few weeks.

"If it's decided I stay then I will take it professionally. But these are things I need to consider before a decision is made."

 

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TRIPLE SWOOP FOR BLADES

Sheffield United have completed the signing of striker Ched Evans from Manchester City for £3million and unveiled two more new signings at Bramall Lane.

Blades manager Kevin Blackwell has finally got his man after a summer-long chase for Evans, who has put pen to paper on a three-year deal, while former Hull defender Ryan France has signed a two-year deal and Blackburn winger Keith Treacy has joined on a long-term loan.

Blackwell said: "He's a young striker and we are delighted to have won the race for him because there was significant interest in him from two Premiership clubs and two from the Championship.

"We think the lad has a bright future and felt it was only right to invest some of the money from the sale of two of our star youngsters into the signing of another.

"He is still maturing, still learning the game, so there is more developmental mileage in him which will benefit this club in the long term as well.

"With plenty of first-team experience for City in the UEFA Cup last season he is an exciting prospect and City were reluctant to let him go."

 

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BARCA HELD BY SPURS

Tottenham youngster Jake Livermore celebrated his new contract with the club by scoring a late equaliser in the Wembley Cup friendly against Barcelona's second string.

Livermore's new deal, until 2011, had been announced earlier in the day and he found the net shortly after coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute, cancelling out Bojan Krkic's opener.

Barcelona took the lead in the 32nd minute when Yaya Toure went on a mazy run past Wilson Palacios and Corluka. Huddlestone tackled him cleanly but the ball ran for Bojan, who lashed home at the near post.

Livermore headed home in the 83rd minute, getting on the end of Benoit Assou-Ekotto's cross.

Steven Gerrard stepped from the courtroom straight into a surprise appearance for Liverpool's reserves - and then scored a trademark goal in a 2-2 draw.

The Liverpool skipper was at Prenton Park for a friendly against Tranmere just hours after being found not guilty on a charge of affray in a high-profile court case.

Gerrard was part of a very youthful Liverpool side, who fell behind to a Chris Shuker goal just before half-time.

But before being substituted after 63 minutes, Gerrard blasted a fine equaliser with a low drive from outside the box.

But just 13 minutes after his departure, Tranmere took the lead again with a header from defender Gareth Edds.

Liverpool hit back with a penalty equaliser in injury-time when former Anfield youngster John Welsh brought down Adam Hammill in the box, with the 21-year-old substitute getting up to score from the spot himself.

Celtic began their Wembley Cup campaign in impressive fashion with a 5-0 victory over Al-Ahly on Friday.

Massimo Donati started the rout shortly after the half-hour mark, before Shaun Maloney, Chris Killen and a brace from the lively Scott McDonald rounded off a comfortable evening's work.

SPL rivals Rangers were due to start their pre-season campaign in Germany at Sportfreunde Lotte but the game was called off following heavy rain.

It was due to take place on Saturday but further rain has seen it called off again and the match will not be rearranged.

Sunderland went down 2-0 to Benfica in the Amsterdam Tournament.

The Black Cats, who have confirmed the signing of Lorik Cana from Marseille, went behind in the 32nd minute when Danny Collins brought down Javier Saviola in the area and Oscar Cardozo sent Marton Fulop the wrong way from the spot.

Maxi Pereira sealed the win for the Portuguese side with the second 10 minutes after the break.

West Ham were 3-2 victors at Thurrock with new recruit Frank Nouble grabbing the winner in the final minute.

Fulham proved too strong for League Two outfit Aldershot in their latest outing, securing a narrow 1-0 win at the EBB Stadium.

Freddie Sears was among the scorers for Crystal Palace as they eased to a comfortable 3-0 success at Bristol Rovers.

The Eagles' Championship rivals West Brom were unable to replicate the heroics of the men from Selhurst Park as they could only muster a 2-2 draw at Kidderminster.

Queens Park Rangers were also at the centre of a four-goal thriller, being held 2-2 at Oxford United.

Hartlepool, though, endured an evening to forget at York City as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat.

Lincoln City were held 1-1 at neighbours Lincoln United, while Chesterfield hit the heights as they crushed Matlock 5-2.

 

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COUNAGO REJECTS SWANSEA MOVE


Swansea's pursuit of Ipswich striker Pablo Counago looks to have come to an end after the striker rejected a move to the Liberty Stadium.

The Swans were granted permission to talk to the Spanish forward on Thursday after the clubs agreed a fee but chairman Huw Jenkins has confirmed talks have broken down.

Jenkins said: "We spoke to the agent but Pablo has turned down our offer. It seems the player is happy to stay at Ipswich.

"We are obviously disappointed but Paulo Sousa has always said he has a number of options and targets."

 

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CLINGAN SEALS SKY BLUES MOVE


Coventry have completed the signing of Sammy Clingan from Norwich.

The 25-year-old has signed a three-year contract after the Sky Blues agreed an undisclosed fee with the Canaries.

Clingan's switch to the Sky Blues appeared to have fallen through a fortnight ago due to high demands made by the player's agent, despite a fee having been agreed between the two clubs.

However, Coventry boss Chris Coleman suggested on Monday that a deal may be back on and an agreement was finally reached on Friday.

The former Nottingham Forest midfielder has 17 international caps for Northern Ireland.

 

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McCARTHY MAKES YEOVIL SWITCH

Yeovil boss Terry Skiverton has swooped to sign teenage Reading goalkeeper Alex McCarthy on loan until January.

Skiverton was impressed by 19-year-old shot-stopper McCarthy in Tuesday night's friendly against Derby and again when he saw him in action for the Royals' reserves at Bromley on Thursday night.

McCarthy is currently fourth choice at the Madejski Stadium and has previous league experience while on loan with Aldershot last season.

 

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ADEBAYOR MAKES DEBUT IN CITY DEFEAT

Emmanuel Adebayor made his debut for Manchester City as they lost 1-0 to the Kaizer Chiefs in the Vodacom Challenge final.

After Jeffrey Ntuka's poke put the Chiefs ahead Adebayor had two good chances in the second half, but lashed a left-footed shot over and then forced a good save from the goalkeeper with a header.

Of greater concern for City boss Mark Hughes were injuries that forced Richard Dunne, Nedum Onuoha and youngster Javan Vidal off early, with Vidal's appearing the most serious.

Substitute Paul Gallagher netted a last-minute penalty to earn Blackburn a 1-1 draw against Leeds at Elland Road.

Jermaine Beckford put Leeds ahead five minutes into the second half, pouncing from close range after Luciano Becchio had nodded on a Robert Snodgrass corner.

Two goals in five first-half minutes from Danny Haynes and Nicky Maynard were enough for Bristol City to see off Premier League new-boys Wolves 2-0 at Ashton Gate.

Striker Neil Mellor bagged a first-half brace as Preston beat Stoke 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at Deepdale. Richard Cresswell scored for the Potters with 12 minutes left.

George Boyd scored twice in the last five minutes to earn Peterborough a 3-3 draw against Fulham at London Road.

Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora (2) scored for the Premier League outfit with Aaron Mclean bagging the other goal for the home side.

Gavin McCann was on target as Bolton began their tour of Germany and Holland with a 1-1 draw against Borussia Monchengladbach. Raul Bobadilla scored an equaliser for the German side.

Portsmouth and Hull both struggled for goals as they drew 0-0 against Basingstoke and Sheffield Wednesday respectively.

A youthful Sunderland XI claimed a 2-1 victory over Oldham at Boundary Park.

Individual mistakes cost Oldham dear as first new boy Andy Holdsworth gifted a goal to Adam Reed before team-mate Reuben Hazzell did likewise in allowing David Dowson to double the Black Cats' advantage before the break.

Pawel Abbott's second half penalty proved nothing more a consolation for Oldham.

Newcastle endured a miserable afternoon at Brisbane Road as they were thumped 6-1 by Leyton Orient.

Jimmy Smith, Sean Thornton, Scott McGleish, Tamika Mkandawire and Ryan Jarvis scored for the League One outfit with Joey Barton on target for the Magpies.

Sven-Goran Eriksson was in the stands for the first time at Notts County as goals from new signings Luke Rodgers and Lee Hughes helped his new side beat rivals Nottingham Forest 2-1.

Leigh Bromby and Jordan Robertson (2) were on target as Sheffield United continued their preparations for the Championship season with a comfortable 3-0 win at Bury.

Luke Moore made it three goals in four pre-season games as West Brom came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw at Walsall after Dwayne Mattis and Matt Richards put the home side 2-0 up at the end of the opening period.

Goals from Adam Johnson and Rhys Williams earned Middlesbrough a 2-0 friendly victory at Carlisle.

Paul Green returned from injury to score twice as Derby won 3-1 at Exeter. Steven Davies was also on target for the Rams with Richards Logan striking for the League One new boys.

Leicester hit four goals before the break from Jack Hobbs, Lloyd Dyer (2) and Dany N'Guessan to see off Shrewsbury in a comfortable 4-0 win.

James Hayter was the star of the show as his two goals helped Doncaster stroll to a 4-0 success at near neighbours Rotherham. Sam Hird and trialist Jason Walker also struck for the Championship side.

Coventry were held to a goalless draw by Huddersfield at the Galpharm Stadium.

Aberdeen were held to a 1-1 draw by Dundee in their final warm-up game before next week's Europa League clash with Sigma Olomouc.

Sone Aluko gave Aberdeen the lead inside the first minute, but Eric Paton's free-kick earned Dundee a draw.

Hearts slumped to a 3-0 defeat at St Mary's as Alan Pardew enjoyed a successful start to his career as Southampton manager thanks to goals from Adam Lallana and Grzegorz Rasiak (2).

However, their Edinburgh rivals enjoyed a better afternoon as goals from Merouane Zemmama and Derek Riordan helped Hibernian beat Glentoran 2-0 at the Oval Showgrounds in Belfast.

 

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McCORMACK OPEN TO TIGERS MOVE


Ross McCormack would be interested in a move to Hull after admitting he wants to leave Cardiff because he is not being played as a striker.

Scotland international McCormack scored 23 goals for the Bluebirds after arriving from Motherwell last summer and only recently signed a new contract.

However, he is now looking to quit the Championship side, with his agent revealing an agreement is in place which would allow the 22-year-old to leave if a Premier League club made an offer.

Hull boss Phil Brown has shown an interest, with McCormack confirming he would be willing to discuss a switch to the KC Stadium.

And he has explained his reasons for wanting a transfer by claiming Michael Chopra and Jay Bothroyd will be manager Dave Jones' preferred striking partnership this season.

"It looks to me like Chops and Jay will be starting up front," McCormack told Wales On Sunday.

"That is fair enough, but obviously if that happens I'm going to be looking to leave because I've got to think about my place with the Scotland team.

"Everyone thinks I'm a winger because I played there a few times last season and I've played there for Scotland.

"I'm a striker. I'm here to score goals. I want to score as many goals as I can.

"As far as I'm aware there have been no offers for me. Everyone knows I'm supposed to have handed in a transfer request, but it did not really happen.

"I won't be going to Celtic, but anywhere in England. People are saying Hull are interested, but they have not put a bid in.

"I would be interested in Hull and I'm sure there are a lot of Championship clubs too.

"But Hull have not affected my decision. It is just because I don't see myself playing and I've got to leave.

"The chairman and the manager have said if the right offer comes in I can leave, but I'm a Cardiff player until I'm told differently.

"I'm not going to say I'm happy at Cardiff, but while I am here I am going to give it everything."

 

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MIDO NEARS BORO EXIT

Middlesbrough have accepted an undisclosed offer from an unnamed club for Mido.

The Egypt striker, 26, was fined earlier this week for returning to pre-season training two weeks late following the north-east outfit's relegation to the Coca-Cola Championship.

Gareth Southgate had already admitted he was resigned to seeing Mido and Tuncay exit the Riverside this summer, and the Boro boss revealed there has also been a upturn in enquiries for the Turkey international forward.

He told the club's official website: "Interest has certainly stepped up.

"We have received an offer for Mido which the club finds acceptable, it's up to the player and maybe something will happen over the next week."

Mido joined Boro from Tottenham for £6million back in August 2007 but ironically spent the second half of last season on loan at Wigan helping the Lancashire club secure their top-flight status.

The news of his impending departure follows Stewart Downing's £12million move to Aston Villa last week.

 

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KEANE PLEASED AS COUNAGO STAYS


Roy Keane wants to see Pablo Counago fight for his first-team place after rejecting a switch to Swansea.

The Spanish striker has turned down the chance to move to South Wales despite the Swans' bid being accepted by Keane and the Town hierarchy.

Counago, 29, is currently struggling with a groin injury and missed Saturday's testimonial to mark Fabian Wilnis' spell at the club - a 2-0 triumph over Colchester thanks to an own goal from Magnus Okuonghae and a strike from Jordan Rhodes.

But when he returns, Keane wants to see a determination from the 29-year-old to force his way into the reckoning.

He told the club's official website: "I've no problem with Pablo staying and fighting for his place here, absolutely no problem at all. I spoke to Pablo and told him that if he wanted a new challenge at a new club then fair enough but if he wants to stay he has to come out fighting for his place.

"He knows I'm looking to bring in one or two new strikers so he will have to battle for his place in the team and hopefully we will see him up for the challenge. It's the same with all my players, I expect them to have to fight for their place."

 

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O'DRISCOLL WANTS ANOTHER LOOK


Sean O'Driscoll is hoping to keep trialists Jason Walker, John Oster and Quinton Fortune for another week.

Barrow striker Walker, former Everton and Sunderland midfielder Oster and former Manchester United midfielder Fortune all featured for Rovers during Saturday's 4-0 triumph over Rotherham.

And O'Driscoll is hoping to have another look at the trio in Tuesday's pre-season friendly at Grimsby.

He told the club's official website: "We'll try and keep Jason for another week, if Barrow let us, and then he'll play some part in the Grimsby game. Then, I think to be fair to everybody, we need to make a decision and decide what we are going to do."

Speaking about Oster and Fortune, he added: "Both boys obviously want to sort themselves out with clubs. That was the first competitive game that John has played in three months and Quinton played for an hour as well as a behind-closed-doors game against Chesterfield.

"I thought Quinton and Brian Stock complimented each other and John fitted into some of the passing and movement that we were trying to do. We'd like to keep them for another week and include them against Grimsby."

 

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GAZZA HAILS 'LEGEND' ROBSON

England legend Paul Gascoigne led the tributes to his former mentor Sir Bobby Robson after a successful charity match in his honour.

A crowd of 33,000 turned out at St James' Park as a team including several of Robson's 1990 England World Cup squad took on a Germany XI to raise money for the 76-year-old's own cancer charity.

Robson, currently battling the disease for the fifth time, attended in a wheelchair and was introduced to both teams and presented with a UEFA lifetime achievement award before kick-off.

The match was intended as a reprise of the World Cup semi-final of 19 years ago, which West Germany won on penalties before going on to win the trophy.

Gascoigne, who was famously reduced to tears during England's defeat in Turin, said: "Sir Bobby is a legend over the world.

"He was the one who gave me my first run-out for the England team.

"When I saw him it was quite heartbreaking to see him that way but he is battling away and keeping on top of it, which is great.

"He's battling cancer for the fifth time. It takes a man to beat it once but he's doing it for a fifth time.

"That's the man he is, he won't give in."

The match was more open than the original 1-1 draw, with the England side coming from behind to win 3-2 with goals from post-Robson era players Les Ferdinand, Alan Thompson and Alan Shearer.

Yet the result was of secondary importance to the cash raised for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, a cancer charity set up last year by the man himself.

Peter Shilton, David Platt, Mark Wright, Des Walker, Peter Beardsley and John Barnes were among the other Italia 90 stars on show alongside a handful of celebrities such as Craig David and Paddy McGuinness.

Barnes played under Robson for both England and Newcastle. Robson's eight-year reign as England boss ended after Italia 90 and he later managed Newcastle from 1999-2004 following spells abroad with PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.

Barnes said: "People have flown in to play for Sir Bobby, that is the esteem in which he is held.

"He is a great man, a great football person, so enthusiastic. There is not another person alive who deserves the accolades he gets.

"People fall out of love with football but he never has. He would still be involved now if he was able."

Howard Wilkinson, who managed the England XI, added: "I'm pleased Sir Bobby was able to be here and so many people from around Newcastle turned up to pay their respects.

"I'm pleased so many players and personalities wanted to be here and it was a roaring success."

 

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COMMONS CLOSING IN ON RETURN

Kris Commons could make his first appearance of pre-season for Derby towards the end of this week.

A hamstring problem has kept the Scotland international forward out of the Rams' seven friendly matches to date.

Derby play Burton in the Bass Vase on Thursday and then Alfreton the following day, and manager Nigel Clough hopes the 25-year-old will be able to get some minutes under his belt.

"Kris trained last Friday but did not join in the football side of it, hopefully he can start that now," said Clough. "He has done three or four days running so he has got some catching up to do in that area and we hope he will be on the pitch on Thursday or Friday this week, possibly both."

Meanwhile, Dean Leacock has been pencilled in for a return to action at Solihull Moors next week. The defender has been out since aggravating the groin and pelvic problems that kept him out for eight months last season against Burton on July 11.

"Dean will start some light work this week. The matches on Thursday and Friday might be a bit soon for him but we've got a game at Solihull on August 4 and at worst we would hope he plays in that," he added.

 

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O'DRISCOLL: WE'RE STRUGGLING TO COMPETE

Doncaster boss Sean O'Driscoll admits the club are still finding it difficult to compete on a financial level in the Championship.

Rovers are about to embark on their second season in the second tier and, despite an encouraging mid-table finish last term, O'Driscoll is struggling to attract players to the Keepmoat.

With the new season just a fortnight away, the boss has yet to bring any new players into his squad, citing the failure to be able to match both transfer fees and hefty wage demands for the lack of activity.

"As I've said before, this division is a massive financial hurdle for us," O'Driscoll told the club's official website. "Our biggest problem is that at times we can agree the transfer fees, but we can't to the wage or vice-versa.

"To get both options is proving quite difficult."

 

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DONS PASS ON PLYMOUTH PAIR


Aberdeen look set to give up on Plymouth duo Steve MacLean and Jim Paterson, while there has been a new twist in the Reda Johnson chase.

Dons boss Mark McGhee was hoping to secure season-long loan deals for the Pilgrims' Scottish pair.

Unfortunately, financial constraints have scuppered any such move, with Aberdeen unable to match the duo's wage demands.

"I have done nothing more about those two (Paterson and MacLean) since I was told about their wages, which we cannot afford," McGhee told the Press and Journal.

In any case, both midfielder Paterson and striker MacLean have impressed in pre-season for Argyle, and now appear likely to stay at Home Park.

McGhee has also been looking to tie up a deal for Benin international defender Johnson, and land a back-up 'keeper, before the Dons face Sigma Olomouc in the Europa League third qualifying round on Thursday.

Johnson's employers, French third division outfit Amiens, are holding firm for a fee for their man, while Aberdeen are keen on a loan agreement, but McGhee is confident a compromise can be reached.

"I expect to sign Reda Johnson. His club is digging in its heels but I expect to get him - whether it is a loan deal or a permanent signing, both deals are on the table.

"We are also hoping to sign a goalkeeper by Thursday."

However, in a fresh twist, Johnson is reported by the Plymouth Evening Herald to have been the mystery trialist playing for Argyle in their 2-0 friendly win at Morecambe on Saturday.

The Devon club's boss Paul Sturrock attempted to keep the 21-year-old defender's identity secret - listing him as "Bryan Spring" on the teamsheet - and is now said to be keen to beat Aberdeen to his signature.

 

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BATES SUFFERS INJURY AGONY

Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates has suffered cruciate ligament damage for the fourth time in his career.

The 22-year-old Teessider has battled back from three separate surgeries on his knees during his short career.

He looked to be over his injury nightmare, having made the breakthrough into Gareth Southgate's first-team last season.

Indeed Boro had to beat of competition from a string of Premier League clubs to keep him at the club as he agreed a four-year deal only last month.

But now the club have confirmed that Bates has torn the anterior ligament during the club's pre-season clash at Carlisle on Saturday.

 

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IPSWICH REJECT RHODES BID

Ipswich boss Roy Keane has confirmed he has turned down an offer for teenage striker Jordan Rhodes.

The promising forward is fit again after suffering a metatarsal injury while on loan at Brentford last season and he scored in Ipswich's friendly win over Colchester at the weekend.

Rhodes sparkled during his time with Brentford, scoring seven goals in 14 games for the eventual League Two champions.

The Bees have previously expressed an interest in re-signing the 19-year-old, with Keane revealing there has been a bid from an unnamed club.

However, Keane has been impressed by Rhodes since taking over at Portman Road and is keen for the youngster to challenge for a first-team spot.

"When I took over I received a lot of phone calls about him and we did turn down one offer for him, but he's in the group on merit," Keane told the club's official website.

"As much as I take feedback from my staff, I judge players with what I see with my own eyes and he couldn't do a lot more at the moment.

"There's been talk about strikers here, but if he keeps putting the ball in the back of the net then that will do the talking for me.

"He's only a young lad and there is a hell of a lot he has to improve on, but his attitude and work-rate has been spot on."

 

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BLACKPOOL FACE RIVALS FOR REID

Rotherham have revealed a second club have shown an interest in highly-rated striker Reuben Reid.

The unsettled Reid is on the transfer list and has been the subject of a bid from Championship side Blackpool.

He is currently weighing up a move to Bloomfield Road with the transfer fee understood to be in the region of £200,000.

However, Blackpool may face competition for the signature of Reid after another team made an enquiry for the 21-year-old.

MK Dons have previously had an offer turned down and Millers boss Mark Robins is now awaiting the outcome of talks regarding Reid's future.

"Our chairman, Tony Stewart, has been dealing with it after my initial involvement, but another club has been on," said Robins in the Sheffield Star.

"The interest is live and we'll see what happens."