AN AUDIT of Barcelonas accounts by new president Sandro Rosell has uncovered a post-tax loss of €77.1 million for the 2009-10 season compared with a net profit of €11 million reported in June by the previous board of directors.

The loss, which the La Liga champions said was the first in seven years, highlights the financial state of many Spanish clubs, with even wealthy Barca – second behind Real Madrid in the latest ranking of the richest clubs by revenue by accounting firm Deloitte – slipping into the red.

The new Barca audit, conducted by Deloitte, showed operating income of €408.9 million and costs of €477.9 million compared with previous figures published under former president Joan Laporta of €445.5 million income and €429 million costs.

Meanwhile, Newcastle appear to have won the race for Sol Campbell’s signature with the veteran defender poised to join the newly-promoted club today.

Campbell had also been linked with Newcastle’s local rivals Sunderland and Celtic following the end of his short-term contract at Arsenal but the 35-year-old appears to have decided on a move to St James’ Park.

The deal would see Campbell reunited with Magpies boss Chris Hughton, with whom he worked at Tottenham early in his career.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle believes he has pulled off a coup to land teenage left back Marcos Alonso from Real Madrid.

The 19-year-old has signed a three-year deal at the Reebok Stadium after turning down the chance to join Portuguese giants Benfica.

Harry Redknapp has raised fears over Jonathan Woodgate’s career after all but confirming the defender would not be in his 25-man squad for the first half of the Premier League season.

And, finally, Cliftonville’s European dreams took a big blow last night as they suffered a 3-0 loss away to CSKA Sofia in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying tie.