Everton will complete the cut-price signing of the Celtic midfielder Colin Healy as soon as the transfer window opens next month.
The Republic of Ireland international (22), who Mick McCarthy attempted to add to his World Cup squad in May after the acrimonious withdrawal of Roy Keane, is out of contract at the end of the season and has rejected a new two-year deal at Parkhead having failed to secure regular first-team football.
That has enabled the Everton manager David Moyes to step in for the former Coventry City loanee, who will move for around £150,000.
Ronaldo was named European Footballer of the Year last night, capping his long comeback from injury. The Brazilian was awarded the Golden Ball after coming top in the annual survey of 52 of the continent's journalists, conducted by France Football magazine.
After three injury-plagued years with Inter Milan, he announced his return to form with both goals in the World Cup final victory over Germany this summer before completing a £29.8 million move to Real Madrid. His compatriot and Madrid team-mate Roberto Carlos was second, while Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn was third.
Ronaldo, who was a winner in 1997, becomes the first non-European to win the award twice. He is also in the running for FIFA's World Player of the Year award, which will take place in Madrid today.
Birmingham City have been fined £25,000 by the English FA after having seven players cautioned during Sunday's match against Fulham. Clubs having five or more player booked in any one match automatically receive the fine, though Birmingham handsomely exceeded that requirement in receiving eight bookings, including two for their centre-back Darren Purse.
Both Fulham and Birmingham have denied suggestions that Rufus Brevett and Clinton Morrison were involved in an altercation after the game. "It was a storm in a teacup," a City spokesman said. "Both clubs are happy to forget about it and wish each other all the best for the rest of the season."
Newcastle have made a surprise move for Nigerian World Cup defender Isaac Okoronkwo, who arrives for a trial today. The 24-year-old, currently with the Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, will be joined by Chinese goalkeeper An Qi, whose presence is the result of the club's links with Dalian Shide.
Newcastle yesterday described as an "absolute non-starter" the suggestion that they could sign Jaap Stam from Lazio, while manager Bobby Robson appears to have little chance of prising John Terry from Chelsea.
- Guardian Service
