SOCCER DIGEST: Sunderland were doing their best yesterday to stay out of a row over their efforts to sign teenage Tranmere Rovers midfielder and Republic of Ireland under-19 international Sean Thornton.
Second division Tranmere fired off a furious broadside to Sunderland after Thornton informed them he has not only trained with the Wearsiders but completed a medical and signed a five-year deal.
Sunderland have held talks over a compensation package. But Rovers, who recently offered Thornton a three-year contract, have accused Sunderland of illegally approaching one of their brightest stars and have vowed to take their fight to the English Football Association and the Football League. Yesterday Sunderland would only confirm their attempts to lure Thornton, who is out of contract on June 30th, to Wearside are continuing and talks over compensation took place last week.
Meanwhile, Sunderland's Republic of Ireland under-21 international Thomas Butler will be able to join the Irish squad for the Toulon tournament next month after all. He was due to meet his colleagues next Monday but was asked to stay behind because he may be needed to play against Derby the following Saturday. But the 21-year-old will jet off the next day and be available to play in the second week of the competition.
ITV DIGITAL: ITV Digital subscribers will today lose most of their service as the broadcaster's pay channels go off the screen. Administrators Deloitte & Touche decided to pull the plug on the company's pay television services, leaving subscribers with just free-to-air channels such as BBC4. This means the remaining Nationwide League play-off matches will be shown on television as scheduled.
The decision to pull the plug on the pay TV services had threatened the coverage, but the re-designation means the matches will be available to a bigger audience.
FOOTBALL DESIGN: Specially designed footballs to protect soccer players when they head the ball were yesterday recommended by US health officials. The study by neurological specialists also considered the merits of making footballers wear helmets to reduce the risk of concussion.
PEP GUARDIOLA: Spain's midfielder Pep Guardiola will miss the World Cup finals for the second time in succession after tests on an injury to his right knee yesterday revealed ligament damage.He sustained the injury during Brescia's 5-0 defeat by Juventus in Serie A on Sunday.
TOTTENHAM: Tottenham have confirmed they have finalised a deal with Red Star Belgrade for the transfer of Slovenian international Milenko Acimovic (25). The club yesterday afternoon announced to the London Stock Exchange that all parties have agreed on a four-year contract.
LEEDS UNITED: Leeds United have denied claims from Holland they have made an official £8 million bid for Feyenoord winger Brett Emerton. Boss David O'Leary was spotted in Rotterdam at the weekend where the Dutch club were playing Heerenveen. Leeds sources insist O'Leary was in Holland to check out the progress of another, unnamed player.
Meanwhile Lucas Radebe has been named in South Africa's preliminary World Cup squad despite knee and ankle injuries which have sidelined him this season. He could make the final 22 - announced on May 24th - if he proves his full fitness.
ROBBIE SAVAGE: Leicester City midfielder Robbie Savage has been charged with improper conduct by the English FA for using the referee's toilet before their 2-2 draw with Aston Villa 10 days ago.
