Benito Carbone's proposed move from Bradford City to Middlesbrough fell through just before the English transfer deadline yesterday. The Italian, set to leave Bradford on a free transfer, had even passed a medical at the Riverside stadium, but the deal collapsed after both parties failed to agree on the length of the player's contract. Middlesbrough offered a one-year deal, while Carbone was holding out for a three-year offer.

Andy Goram's loan move to Manchester United was completed. United manager Alex Ferguson, who handed Goram his Scotland debut against East Germany 15 years ago, said: "We need cover in the form of an experienced goalkeeper who can handle a European tie. Andy has been in great form for Motherwell and has been proving his fitness every week. There is no one better in a big-game situation. We are delighted to have him until the end of the season."

A number of Republic of Ireland players also moved yesterday, mostly on loan deals. Richie Partridge went from Liverpool to Bristol Rovers, Seamus Crowe from Wolves to Hereford, Alex O'Reilly from West Ham to Bristol Rovers, Mickey Evans from Bristol Rovers to Plymouth, David Greene from Cardiff to Cambridge, and Andy Turner from Rotherham to Rochdale. Jeff Kenna went on a loan move to Tranmere from Blackburn on Tuesday.

Barcelona have put a not-for-sale sign on Brazil's Rivaldo amid reports linking him to Manchester United. Club president Joan Gaspart moved swiftly to ease his supporters' fears that the playmaker might soon be on the move. Gaspart said money was no object to keeping Rivaldo, who signed an improved deal last year.