NUNEZ INJURY BLOW: Antonio Nunez's move to Liverpool got off to the worst possible start with the Spaniard suffering a knee injury in his first training session.
He was only unveiled as a Liverpool player yesterday after joining from Real Madrid in part exchange for Michael Owen but the club suspect he may now have suffered ligament damage, with more information likely to emerge today.
Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton said: "We are all desperately disappointed for Antonio because this injury has come at such a bad time for him and he is understandably gutted."
Nunez, who twisted his left knee with no other player in close attendance, is definitely out of Liverpool's Premiership clash with Manchester City at Anfield on Saturday.
The £3 million-rated Nunez failed to start a game during his time in Madrid, his 10 appearances coming as a sub.
Liverpool hope to complete the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Xabi Alonso by the weekend, manager Rafael Benitez said yesterday.
"We hope to finish our conversations about signing Alonso this week," Benitez said. "I'm not sure when the transfer will be completed. It is near - we hope before the weekend but I'm not sure he will be able to play on Saturday."
FIGO TAKES BREAK: Portugal captain Luis Figo said yesterday he was taking an indefinite break from international football, but would not confirm whether his decision was final.
"The time has come to take a break. I still can't say if this is for ever . . . but at the moment I feel the need to stop," the 31-year-old Real Madrid winger said.
DOHERTY TRANSFER: Norwich have agreed an undisclosed fee with Tottenham for the transfer of Republic of Ireland international Gary Doherty.
The 24-year-old centre back, who can also play up front, will travel to Carrow Road today for a medical and to to discuss personal terms.
Norwich manager Nigel Worthington said:"I'm very much looking forward to Gary arriving in Norwich and hopefully we will be able to complete the deal on Thursday, then he can have his medical."
Doherty began his career as a trainee with Luton before signing for Spurs in a £1 million deal in March 2000.
Meanwhile,Tottenham have emerged as front runners to sign West Ham midfielder Michael Carrick.
Spurs technical director Frank Arnesen is searching for a central midfielder and has already seen moves for England internationals Danny Murphy and Owen Hargreaves fall through.
FARRELLY DEAL CLOSER: Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Gareth Farrelly is expected to be appointed as player-manager of Bohemians within the next few days.
The Dalymount Park outfit are in talks with the player, who played most of his soccer in England with Bolton and Everton, and a three-year deal is due to be agreed between the two parties.
An attempt was made by former manager Stephen Kenny to sign the 29-year-old as a player last month but Farrelly, who joined Aston Villa from Home Farm in 1992, was unavailable then as he was on a trial with Millwall where he had hoped to sign a deal.
