Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren yesterday brought back memories of the big-spending Bryan Robson days as he launched a bid to re-sign World Cup winner Juninho and finally got his hands on Massimo Maccarone. Boro have broken their club record transfer fee to land £8.15 million Empoli striker Maccarone, but it will be an even bigger story if they can persuade the Brazilian for a third time that his future lies on Teesside.
McClaren targets Juninho
Chief executive Keith Lamb brokered the Juninho deal after flying to Spain yesterday to meet officials from Atletico Madrid, and the club will enter into negotiations with the 29-year-old and his representatives in a bid to push home their interest. "Keith Lamb has agreed a fee with Atletico Madrid for Juninho," said a club spokesman. "We will commence negotiations with the player and his agent in the next couple of days."
Meanwhile, Maccarone, whose goals helped Empoli win promotion to Serie A last season, and his agent agreed a five-year contract weeks ago, but until all the financial mechanisms for the payment of the fee, which exceeds the £8 million the Teessiders paid Aston Villa for the services of defender Ugo Ehiogu in October 2000, were in place, the club would not confirm the move.
Boro have confirmed that 35-year-old midfielder Robbie Mustoe, a target for Derby, will leave the club after turning down a new one-year contract.
Ljungberg blow for Arsenal
Arsenal's defence of their Premiership title sustained an early blow yesterday with news Freddie Ljungberg will miss the first month of the season because of a hip injury sustained at the World Cup.
With Robert Pires, whom Ljungberg so effectively replaced on Arsenal's left wing after the Frenchman injured his knee in March, not likely to return until October the champions will be forced to deploy a makeshift midfield until Ljungberg's return.The midfielder is expected to be sidelined for about two months.
Manager Arsene Wenger is to offer David Seaman a new contract in an effort to keep the 38-year-old goalkeeper at Highbury for a further year. "He is the best goalkeeper in England, it's as simple as that," Wenger said yesterday.
Blanc to stay put
Laurent Blanc has signed a new one-year deal with Manchester United, to start with immediate effect. The former France captain signed for United from Inter Milan on a one-year deal to replace Jaap Stam at the beginning of last season.
Despite being heavily criticised for his role in an unusually leaky defence, the 36-year-old retained the backing of manager Alex Ferguson.
And though United have been linked with big-money bids for Alessandro Nesta and Rio Ferdinand, Ferguson was always ready to offer Blanc a new deal. "We are delighted," said Ferguson. "Laurent Blanc has been at the World Cup and we have been waiting his return. It has simply been a matter of agreeing with agents."
Blanc's performances improved as he settled into the Premiership and he is looking forward to another championship challenge at Old Trafford. "I am very happy and can't wait for the new season to start," he said.
Blanc had insisted when he joined United in August last year that he would play only the one season before hanging up his boots.
Longford sack Lawlor
Martin Lawlor was last night sacked as manager of Longford Town, just seven months into the job, reports Paul Buttner. Rumours circulated earlier in the week that Lawlor's position may come under threat at the club's a.g.m. on Tuesday night. Chairman Adrian Duncan and secretary Dan Rooney stepped down at the a.g.m., citing business reasons, to be replaced by vice-chairman Jim Hanley and Frank Murtagh respectively.
It is believed that the club were unhappy with Lawlor failing to hand up some player's registration forms in time to be submitted to the league.
The club released a brief statement last night. It read: "Martin Lawlor and newly-elected Longford Town chairman Jim Hanley met for discussions this evening. As a result, they agreed by mutual consent to part company. Assistant manager Alan Matthews and club coach Aaron Callaghan will take charge, in a caretaker capacity, for Friday's opening league match against Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds."
Japan tempt Zico
Legendary Brazilian Zico was yesterday asked to replace Philippe Troussier as coach of Japan. Currently with J-League team Kashima Antlers, the 49-year-old has been approached by the Japanese Football Association who are seeking a replacement for Frenchman Troussier.
Japan lost in the second round to Turkey at the World Cup and are seeking a high-profile appointment.
Zico, who played for Brazil in the 1978, 1982 and 1986 World Cups, has been with the Antlers since 1993. Should Zico accept the Japan FA's proposal, he is expected to be handed a four-year contract - taking him through to the 2006 World Cup.
