Former England manager Graham Taylor saluted "goal-scorer" David Platt yesterday after hearing about his decision to retire as a player.

Platt was a key member of Taylor's squad which failed to qualify for the World Cup in the US four years ago.

"If he carries the qualities he displayed as a player into management, then I am sure he will be successful," said Taylor.

And yesterday as Platt took his leave of Highbury, Arsenal manger Arsene Wenger moved to persuade Ian Wright to stay. Wright has said he feels like he and the club are moving in different directions, but Wenger, who believes he needs a deep squad to compete in England and in the Champions' League, wants Highbury's all-time top goal-scorer to stay for another season.

Wenger, meanwhile, dismissed speculation that Arsenal are close to moving in for Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert, who is unsettled at AC Milan.

Newcastle United have signed Oldham's England B defender Carl Serrant for £500,000.

And there was good news for John Gregory as Julian Joachim pledged his future to Aston Villa yesterday before the July 15th deadline set by the manager. The Villa chief has already warned Mark Bosnich, Mark Draper, Gary Charles and Riccardo Scimeca that they will be transfer-listed if they refuse to sign.

Southampton manager Dave Jones has completed the £1.5 million signing of former England winger Stuart Ripley from Blackburn. This follows the free transfer of Tottenham's David Howells last week.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have agreed to release former Blackburn winger Robbie Slater from his contract at Molineux. The Australian international, 33, wants to move back to his home near Lens in France.

In Scotland, AC Milan striker Filippo Maniero could become Rangers coach Dick Advocaat's latest signing within the next 24 hours. The 25-year-old Italian hit-man is reported to be on the verge of agreeing a £3 million move to Ibrox. Dutch left back Arthur Numan has already been secured by the club for £5 million.