Rio Ferdinand yesterday realised a dream when he was appointed Leeds United's long-term captain.

Leeds boss David O'Leary is convinced Ferdinand will be "a fantastic captain for many years to come," with the 22-year-old taking over with immediate effect from Lucas Radebe.

Chelsea have finally completed the signing of Dutch international winger Boudewijn Zenden from Barcelona for £7.5 million on a four-year deal.

Zenden becomes Chelsea's fourth major summer signing following the arrivals of William Gallas, Emmanuel Petit and Frank Lampard.

Chelsea managing director Colin Hutchinson said: "It seems like a long track to have got him, but we're delighted he is here.

Former Wimbledon star Walid Badir is the player at the centre of a rumpus that could see Liverpool's Champions League rivals thrown out of the competition.

Liverpool were stunned to be told by UEFA that Maccabi Haifa, who they are expecting to play in the third qualifying round tie in Tel Aviv next Wednesday, are facing a disciplinary hearing today.

The uproar has come because Wadir played in the 4-0 second leg victory on Wednesday against Finnish side Haka, to complete a 5-0 aggregate victory.

European football's governing body have informed Haifa that Badir had not completed a two-match suspension, held over from last season's UEFA Cup.

Celtic have completed the triple signing of John Hartson, Steve Guppy and Momo Sylla, a club spokesman said yesterday.

But while Celtic welcomed the three newcomers, Tommy Johnson, despite being offered a new one-year contract, slipped quietly out of the back door to play his football elsewhere.