Craig Bellamy faces the tough task of trying to match Robbie Keane's heroics for Coventry after Norwich last night conceded defeat in their efforts to keep the Wales striker. The 21-year-old, who is expected to complete his £6.5 million move from the first division club today after undergoing a medical, had turned down an improved contract from the Carrow Road club in order to move to Highfield Road.

Coventry chairman Bryan Richardson expects Bellamy to do even better than Keane, who moved to Inter Milan for £11 million. "I can safely say it is down to Gordon Strachan and his commitment that Craig chose to come to Coventry," said Richardson. "He is a manager who is only interested in talking about football with the player and Craig has realised that this is someone who will look after him as he did with Robbie Keane. We fully expect Craig to do as well as Robbie, if not better."

Leeds United's hopes of Dominic Matteo making his debut on Saturday were crushed last night after the 26-year-old failed his medical - but United will press ahead with the £4.25 million transfer. Despite Matteo being ruled out for the next six to eight weeks with a knee injury, Leeds manager David O'Leary and chairman Peter Ridsdale have no intention of pulling the plug on the defender's move from Liverpool. However, Leeds will now have talks with Liverpool about delaying the payment of the £4.25 million fee until the former England B and under-21 international has fully recovered from the problem.

O'Leary, meanwhile, will complete negotiations on his new six-year contract within the next 48 hours following the latest meeting between the Irishman and Ridsdale last night. O'Leary, who was yesterday described by Ridsdale as the "hottest managerial property in the game", will sign the deal which could make him the most highly paid in the Premiership depending on the club's performances. O'Leary's salary will increase throughout the six years and could eventually be worth up to £10 million.