Transfer News:Burnley have signed Reading defender Andre Bikey on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
The 24-year-old could make his debut against Manchester United in the Clarets' first Barclays Premier League home fixture tomorrow.
Because of a technicality, the Cameroon international's four-match ban - imposed after his sending-off against Burnley in last season's Championship play-off semi-final first leg - will be completed when Reading play Swansea.
Burnley's defence has been depleted by injuries to captain Steven Caldwell and Michael Duff and although David Edgar returns from suspension there are still gaps to fill.
Bikey, for whom the Clarets are believed to have paid around €3million, therefore comes into the reckoning.
"Steven Caldwell's still got little or no chance, Michael Duff's still out, but David Edgar is in contention," said manager Owen Coyle.
"There's a few bumps and bruises and a couple of boys missed training on Monday morning, but I expect them to be up and training ahead of the game.
"The skipper's getting better, but he's not in contention for the United game, and it's a blow because he's been outstanding for us.
"Hopefully he might have a chance for Sunday against Everton but we'll just have to wait and see."
Chelsea sign Matic
CHELSEAhave signed midfielder Nemanja Matic from Slovakian club MFK Kosice.
The 21-year-old, who has two caps for Serbia, has penned a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Kosice president Blazej Podolak confirmed earlier today the transfer fee for Matic was €1.75million.
The 6ft 4in midfielder joins compatriot Branislav Ivanovic at the Blues.
He told the club’s official website: “I know a lot about Chelsea, I have been following them.
“I play together with Branislav in the national team and have spoken to him about Chelsea. The first time when I met him to play in the national team I asked a couple of questions.”
He added: “I am a solid midfielder, I have a lot to offer and for sure to progress and I will show everyone why I am at Chelsea.
“I am a central midfielder and I know I am not well known but I have physical power and I am quite a technical, left-footed player.”
Matic also revealed he had a trial at Middlesbrough in January.
He added: “I was there in the winter, when I came it was winter in the north of England so it was not very nice, but the squad was okay and I liked it.”
Kosice announced Matic’s departure for the Barclays Premier League this morning.
Podolak said on www.mfkkosice.sk: “At around five o’clock in the evening we signed the contract on the transfer. Matic goes for 1.75 million euros.
“The success was down to the the fact that the money does not come in instalments, but immediately.”
