Today's other soccer news in brief

Real Madrid's vist to Tallaght sells out

THE COMPANY behind Real Madrid’s visit to Dublin next month has confirmed that tickets for the friendly against Shamrock Rovers have sold out. Platinum One, which put tickets priced €60 on sale yesterday – after a number had been sold to Rovers supporters – said all 9,000 had been purchased.

Liverpool win battle to sign Johnson

LIVERPOOL ARE set to sign England right back Glen Johnson after confirming they have reached an agreement with the player and his club, Portsmouth.

Liverpool have been linked with the defender for a number of weeks while Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie claimed last week Johnson’s former club Chelsea were willing to pay €21 million for the 24-year-old.

A statement from the club last night said: “Liverpool FC confirmed this evening that they had reached an agreement with Portsmouth Football Club and with Glen Johnson for the transfer of the player to Anfield.”

Owen expects to leave Newcastle soon

MICHAEL OWEN will leave Newcastle when his contract expires at the end of the month.

The 29-year-old is to end his stay on Tyneside four years after making a club record €20 million switch from Real Madrid.

Owen told Sky Sports News: “I’m still a Newcastle player, but I think it will only be for a matter of weeks. There are plenty of clubs who would interest me, but we will see where that is, whether that’s home or abroad.”

Ex-Celt Nakamura all set to join Espanyol

SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA is set to join Spanish club Espanyol after Yokohama F Marinos failed to complete a deal for the former Celtic player.

ROQUE SANTA Cruz has completed his €20 million move to Manchester City from Blackburn Rovers.