The Italian World Cup forward Alessandro Del Piero yesterday instructed his agent to start legal action against the Roma coach Zdenek Zeman over what the player saw as allegations by the Czech of drug use by the Juventus striker.

Zeman claimed in an Italian magazine interview that drugs were in danger of turning Serie A into another Tour de France, adding that he was amazed at the muscle development of Del Piero and the Chelsea player-manager Gianluca Vialli.

Juventus refused to comment but Del Piero's agent Claudio Pasqualin announced that his client would sue for damages, describing the accusations in L'Espresso as very damaging for the whole of football.

"It's sporting discipline and personal sacrifice that have been the basis of Del Piero's success," he said. "If Mr Zeman knows something different, he should address himself to the football authorities."

Vialli, in Sicily for a Chelsea pre-season match, also responded angrily. "The Italian federation should suspend him for at least one year. He's trying to destabilise the soccer world."

Lee Mills has become freespending Bradford City's record signing by joining from Port Vale for £1 million.

Blackburn's Danish striker Per Pedersen has joined Strasbourg on a three-year contract worth £900,000.

Mick Harford has retired as a player after a 21-year career. The 39-year-old will concentrate solely on coaching duties at Wimbledon.

Alex Miller has confirmed he will remain as Scotland assistant manager under Craig Brown.