BRAZILIAN star Juninho last night joined Spanish club Atletico Madrid for Pounds 12 million. The 24-year-old, who was also the subject of a Pounds 11 million bid by Tottenham, is turning his back on Middlesbrough and English soccer in an attempt to resurrect his international career.
"They first showed an interest in signing me about two or three months ago," Juninho said last night. "They are an ambitious club and one of the biggest clubs in Spain and Spanish football is shown in Brazil every week."
However, Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb revealed that Juninho could return to the club if his Spanish adventure turns sour.
"We have first option to buy back Juninho during the period of his contract," said Lamb. "That option is not there for show. It's there because we have a genuine interest. If he wants to leave Spain, we can have him back here at Middlesbrough. This is a good deal for Middlesbrough, but we would rather have kept him because he's a great ambassador for football."
Northern Ireland international Nigel Worthington last night announced his intention to retire as a player after taking over as manager of second division Blackpool.
The 35-year-old defender, who made over 550 senior appearances and won more than 60 international caps in his 16-year career, hopes to have played his last game, having signed a two-year contract with Blackpool.
Chris Waddle also kicked off his managerial career yesterday when he became the new manager of second division Burnley.
The former England player, who succeeds Adrian Heath, has agreed a three- year deal at Turf Moor as a player-manager. Waddle's number two is former Watford boss Glenn Roeder, who was a team-mate of his at Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Jim Smith, Derby County's manager, was last night invited to travel to Italy for talks with unsettled Milan striker Roberto Baggio. The offer came from Baggio's agent, Antonio Calaendo, who said: "I think it would be beneficial if Mr Smith came to see Roberto personally. Roberto knows of his reputation as a fine coach with a good knowledge of the game. I know Roberto would like a meeting with him."
Derby are among six clubs interested in signing the 30-year-old Italian international. Smith is on a pre-season trip to Spain with his players, but is due back later today and will then decide whether to pursue his interest in Baggio who will cost Pounds 1 million, but will also be demanding wages of around Pounds 30,000 a week.
Chelsea have dismissed reports that their Italian striker Gianluca Vialli is set to join Celtic. According to Chelsea's general manager Gwyn Williams the player has put his run-ins with the manager Ruud Gullit behind him and is staying at Stamford Bridge.
"Vialli will be staying with us this season," said Williams. "He has trained hard and appears in top physical condition and there is no reason to think he has to leave. He has told me that he is happy at the club and that he will be staying put."
Liverpool have completed the signing of England youth international Danny Murphy in a deal which could eventually be worth Pounds 3 million. Liverpool have given Crewe the initial payment of Pounds 1.5 million for the 20-year-old mid-fielder, after beating Tottenham to his signature.
Norwegian international striker Tore Andre Flo is set to arrive ahead of schedule at Chelsea, after originally being expected on November 1st on a free transfer from SK Brann. Chelsea have agreed a Pounds 300 000 fee with Flo's Norwegian dub for the 6ft 2in 24-year-old forward.
Swedish international striker Martin Dahlin last night confirmed his Pounds 2.5 million move to Blackburn following a difficult spell with Italian club Roma.
The 29-year-old has signed a three-year deal and will join the 1995 Premiership champions at their pre-season training camp in Sweden tomorrow. Dahlin, whose goals played a major part in Sweden's run to the 1994 World Cup semi-finals, said "It's a relief that it's settled."
