Transfer News:  Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has swapped one striker for another with Lyon forward John Carew signing a three-and-half-year deal and Milan Baros moving to the French club.

The Baros deal was concluded earlier in the day before the 27-year-old Norway international agreed to a switch in the other direction.

Carew, a former Valencia and Roma striker, is likely to be the first of the new arrivals at Villa Park with Watford forward Ashley Young expected to sign following a medical today after the two clubs agreed a fee over the weekend.

West Ham complete Neill deal

West Ham have confirmed the signing of full-back Lucas Neill from Blackburn for an undisclosed fee.

After agreeing terms and passing a medical at Upton Park the 28-year-old completed his move to east London this afternoon. The Australian international chose the Hammers despite rumoured interest from Liverpool.

Blackburn have moved to bolster their defence after Neill's departure with the signing of Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock, again for an undisclosed fee.

Spurs agree on Rocha deal

Tottenham have reached an agreement to sign Portuguese defender Ricardo Rocha, according to reports.

Benfica centre-half Rocha was targeted by Tottenham boss Martin Jol to plug the gap left by Calum Davenport's transfer to West Ham last week.

Benfica were reluctant to release the player - who has been one of their most consistent performers this season - but according to reports in the Portuguese media, a €5million deal has been struck.

The Portuguese giants' hand was forced somewhat when Rocha declared he wanted to sign on at White Hart Lane last week.

Rocha is reportedly on his way to London to finalise personal terms and undergo a medical, and may sign a three and a half year contract before Tottenham's Carling Cup semi-final with Arsenal on Wednesday.

Tottenham will also reportedly travel to Lisbon to play a friendly against Benfica as part of the deal.

Fernandes has Everton medical

Portuguese midfielder Manuel Fernandes is having a medical at Everton with a view to an initial six-month loan move from Benfica.

The 20-year-old had returned to Benfica after Portsmouth decided against completing a move for the central midfielder who has played for Portugal at Under-21 and senior level.

Fernandes played against Everton in a 2-0 win for Portsmouth at Fratton Park in December.
Now he could become a key part of the Merseysiders' push for a European place, following yesterday's 2-0 win at Wigan which lifted them into seventh place in the Premier League.

Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has confirmed the negotiations, saying: "We have been in discussions with Benfica and representatives regarding the possibility of a loan move until the end of the season.

"As part of that process he is currently undergoing a medical at Bellefield. However, the transaction is not complete."

Fernandes has played 12 times this term for Pompey, and made his senior international debut against the Republic of Ireland in February 2005.

Hughes hopeful on Warnock

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is hoping to complete the signing of Stephen Warnock from Liverpool today.

The full-back arrived at the club's training ground for a medical this morning as the squad prepared for tomorrow's Premiership trip to Watford.

Hughes has marked him down as a replacement for Lucas Neill, who is set to join West Ham.

The Blackburn boss said: "The deal is not done yet. We will see how day goes. I hope there are no complications."

Hughes is coming to terms with the loss of central defender Andre Ooijer for the remainder of the season.

The Holland international had a successful operation after suffering a broken leg and damaging ankle ligaments in Saturday's 3-0 victory at Manchester City.

Hughes said: "It is a blow to us all. We are all disappointed for Andre.

"He has been a real influence for us both on and off the field.

He has brought a winning mentality to the club and is a guy of great experience. We have been benefited from that.

"His day-to-day work has been excellent. He doesn't allow his standards or those around him to drop.

"The operation went well and, once his body heals, he will back."

Meanwhile, Hughes has tied up young strikers Matt Derbyshire and Paul Gallagher on new deals until 2010.

The Rovers boss said: "It is important to keep them at the club. They have shown a real desire to be part of the first-team squad.

"They have done exceptionally well when called upon.

"I want the young players pushing the more senior members and I hope they continue to have the impact they are making at the moment."