Duff not for Liverpool: Chelsea winger Damien Duff has ruled out a move to Liverpool. The Irish winger has been linked with a move to Anfield after Chelsea signed Arjen Robben to compete with Duff for the left-wing spot.
But Duff's agent, Pat Devlin, said last night "Damien is very happy at Chelsea and cannot wait to start the season. It's nonsense to suggest he wants to go back to the north-west, there's no way he wants to leave. Damien has just recovered from a bad shoulder injury and isn't thinking about anything but playing for Chelsea."
Wenger optimistic
Arsene Wenger last night repeated his belief that Patrick Vieira would stay with Arsenal. Real Madrid's director of sport Emilio Butragueno and the midfielder's agent Steve Kutner also distanced themselves from a move for the player to Madrid.
Wenger said: "I don't come out with private conversations I have with the players because I would lose their confidence. But why should I not believe he's going to stay - he's got three more years on his contract?"
No job joy for Robson
Bobby Robson got the meeting with the Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd that he was looking for yesterday but it is understood Shepherd made no retreat from his stance that this will be Robson's last season at St James' Park, writes Michael Walker.
However, the meeting was not confrontational and Robson is now determined to have a positive working relationship with Shepherd and his captain Alan Shearer. Robson remains disappointed about the news from Shepherd, and insisted he was determined to try to stay in management, if not at Newcastle.
Gregg bid falters
Paul Gregg's bid to seize control of Everton suffered a significant setback last night when Lord Grantchester, the Labour peer who it was claimed would provide major financial backing to a proposed £15 million rescue package, denied any involvement in the scheme.
Gregg had even earmarked Grantchester, a former director and a grandson of Everton's former benefactor Sir John Moores, as a potential chairman once current incumbent Bill Kenwright had been ousted. The 53-year-old Cheshire farmer's decision to distance himself from the claims has merely added to the sense of turmoil.
While Grantchester said he favoured change, he was not behind Gregg's proposals to underwrite funds for the club. "Indeed I have not seen his proposals to the board," he said
Anfield Thai deal still on
lLiverpool's search for new investment could yet see them attract funds from Thailand, after the businessman spearheading an apparently doomed bid to acquire 30 per cent of the club said it was untrue he had lost interest in the scheme. Paiboon Damrongchaitham, chairman of the GMM Grammy entertainment company, insisted discussions were continuing with Liverpool's financial advisers, Hawkpoint Partners Ltd, via email.
In brief . . . .
Blackburn Rovers manager Graeme Souness has confirmed his interest in Rangers defender Craig Moore. The Ibrox manager Alex McLeish had been looking to offload the Australian international after a row over Moore's involvement in the Olympics. The 28-year-old was stripped of the captaincy but Souness has agreed a fee of £500,000.
Middlesbrough have confirmed the signing of the midfielder Boudewijn Zenden, who agreed a one-year deal after completing a free transfer from Chelsea.
West Ham have completed the signing of the Manchester United winger Luke Chadwick on a free transfer. Veteran midfielder Tim Sherwood, 35, has sealed his move to Coventry City and been named captain. He has signed a two-year deal. Aston Villa have finally completed the signing of Czech Republic international central defender Vaclav Drobny on a season-long loan deal. Debt-ridden former Italian champions Napoli have been declared bankrupt. Napoli, who have been refused a licence to play in Serie B due to their heavy debts, reported to be around 70 million will officially find out their fate on today when a Naples court announces the decision.
