Juventus make bumper contract offer to Ibrahimovic

Juventus have made a new contract offer to striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Swede's agent warned Juve last week that Ibrahimovic would demand a move should they refuse to meet his new contract demands.
It's emerged that Juve directors have agreed to offer the young forward a new deal worth £3.5 million-a-year.
In the meantime, both Inter and AC Milan have been told by Juve they won't sign Ibrahimovic for less than £25 million.
Pavel Nedved spent the weekend in talks with Ibrahimovic urging the youngster to stay in Turin for the coming season.

Newcastle's Boumsong: Juventus want me

Newcastle United defender Jean Alain Boumsong has confirmed the interest of Juventus.
Juve coach Didier Deschamps wants the Frenchman as a replacement for Fabio Cannavaro and a swap involving Jonathan Zebina has been mooted.
"Yes, it's true," revealed Boumsong. "Juventus do want me."

Roeder keen to bring PSV's Farfan to Newcastle

Newcastle United are preparing a £4 million bid for PSV Eindhoven striker Jefferson Farfan.
The People says the Magpies want the 21-year-old to follow Damien Duff into St James's Park as Glenn Roeder continues to reconstruct his squad.
Portsmouth failed to convince Farfan to move to the south coast before the World Cup after having a bid accepted by PSV.

Arsenal want Robinho in Reyes deal

Arsenal want Real Madrid to include Brazilian sensation Robinho in their bid for Jose Reyes.

The People says sources close to Real president Ramon Calderon claim when Real asked about Cesc Fabregas last week Gunners chiefs said they had no chance of snatching Fabregas but Reyes would be available if the deal was right.
A cash-plus-player deal would suit Arsenal, especially if the player was the Brazilian Julio Baptista, who scored 50 goals in two seasons at former club Seville, or Robinho.
Baptista was on the Arsenal manager's wanted list last summer but the player chose Real Madrid instead.
Despite a strong second half of the season, Baptista - who can play as a striker or in midfield - now looks like being frozen out by new boss Fabio Capello.
Real would be more reluctant to let Robinho go, but Arsenal may prefer a player who can step straight into Reyes' position.

Man Utd push Rooney to shake hands with Ronaldo

Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo may make a public show of their friendship as the latter returns to Manchester United training today.
The People says United are considering whether to ask the pair to pose for a handshake to show all is well with the two star players.
Rooney himself is against the idea and that senior players such as Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand are also opposed to any publicity stunts.
But Rooney's advisers and United management might yet persuade the England striker to give a public display of unity with his under-fire Portuguese team-mate.

Torres desperate for Man Utd move

Atletico Madrid skipper Fernando Torres is waiting anxiously for Manchester United to make a bid for him this week.

The People says the 22-year-old star is hoping United can put together a package to take him to Old Trafford - and is in constant touch with agents who are trying to make the deal happen.
Despite publicly stating he was happy to stay in Madrid for another season, Torres is privately desperate to join United.
However, there are concerns United are struggling to raise the £27 million needed to convince Atletico to sell, having already committed £14.5 million for the capture of Michael Carrick from Tottenham last week.

Spurs offer Murphy, Reid for Wigan's Chimbonda

Tottenham are ready to make a multi-player swap offer for Wigan Athletic fullback Pascal Chimbonda.

The Mirror says Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is ready to offer cash, plus Danny Murphy and Andy Reid, in exchange for France international Chimbonda.
Versatile Murphy only joined Spurs from Charlton a year ago but has struggled to make an impact and is obviously surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane. Chunky leftsider Reid has also been linked with a move away after failing to live up to his reputation since his move from Nottingham Forest two years ago.
However Wigan are determined to keep Chimbonda until Spurs get closer to their £6million valuation and the haggling - and angry words - could continue this week.

Chelsea stars back expected £25M Cole arrival

Chelsea aim to strike a £25 million deal with Arsenal for fullback Ashley Cole this week.
Blues manager Jose Mourinho has told his players the Arsenal left-back is the missing piece in their quest for Champions League glory.
And Chelsea reckon a £25m offer will persuade the Gunners to sell. But Blues must sign Cole, 25, by Thursday to register him in time for the Champions League group stages.

Chelsea midfield man Joe Cole cannot wait for his England team-mate to join him on the left flank at Stamford Bridge.
He said: "I already know what it's like playing with Ashley behind you and he makes it very easy.
"He's a great player. If he was to come here, we would have two of the best left-backs in the country in him and Wayne Bridge."
Chelsea skipper John Terry also reckons Cole will add another dimension to the team.
The England centre-half said: "Ashley is a fantastic player. He's defensively solid and quick. Ash is also great one-on-one, going forward and crossing.
"Everything about him is first class - but don't forget we've still got Bridgey here as well.
"Bridgey had a good six months at Fulham. He is looking very sharp."

Man Utd's Ronaldo wants family to stay away

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has told his family to stay away from Manchester.

Ronaldo returns today to the club's Carrington training base for the first time since the storm over his part in Rooney's red card in England's quarter-final exit.
The Sun says he has told mum Maria Dolores, brother Hugo and sister Liliana not to return to Manchester, where they have lived with him for much of the last two seasons.
United will step up security for the winger's return. But he fears his family will not be safe after his house was attacked by vandals and he received death threats.

Ref: Rooney like a big kid

The ref that sent-off Manchester United star Wayne Rooney during the World Cup has told the striker to stop moaning.

Horacio Elizondo sent off the England striker for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho's groin in the quarter-final defeat to Portugal.
Elizondo revealed: "Rooney was complaining all the time, always coming close to you and saying 'Referee this, referee that'.
"Protests and more protests - he reminded me of my kids!"
Elizondo also claimed then-England boss Sven Goran Eriksson came to see him in the dressing room after losing on penalties.
The ref said: "He wanted to congratulate us. I really appreciated that. We chatted and he mentioned the red card. 'Rooney stamped on him, didn't he?' he asked. I nodded.
"He told me: 'I can't understand how a professional player can react like that'. Then he left."

Jol rap for Man Utd-bound Carrick

Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick will have his Manchester United medical today ahead of completing a £14.5 million move to Old Trafford.

The England midfielder, 25, has already agreed personal terms on a transfer from Tottenham. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson will hand Carrick his United debut in Friday's friendly against Porto in Amsterdam.
Spurs coach Martin Jol blasted: "You get used to these things. There are always little circumstances and, in this case, one big circumstance which makes players go to other clubs.
"He was very happy here but players have their own reasons for going and he made his mind up he wanted to go to United.
"Once that happens it's always better if you only have people who desperately want to play for you."

Man Utd bid for Villarreal's Senna

Manchester United have tabled an offer for Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna.
The Sun says Villarreal's Spanish international is the subject of serious United interest with a £3 million bid on the table.

Agent insists Drogba wants Chelsea stay

Didier Drogba is staying at Stamford Bridge as he is more than happy to fight for a starting place, according to his agent.

The Ivory Coast international has been the subject of persistent speculation with regards his future and the arrival of Andrei Shevchenko at Chelsea has done little to quell any such talk.
''Didier would have no interest at all in leaving,'' Etienne Mendy told the Sunday People.
''He feels fine at Chelsea and the club are counting hugely on him.
''Jose Mourinho has said that more than once, so Didier is staying with the Blues. In fact, we are even talking about extending his contract here.
''He hopes to continue winning trophies with Chelsea and why not the Champions League? So why would he leave?''
At the front of the queue for his services would likely be French champions Lyon but again, Mendy does not feel this is a likely scenario.
''Didier will not be going to Lyon,'' he concluded.
''I don't want to lack respect towards them but Chelsea remain a little bit above.
''Didier still has great things to do at Chelsea. There are competition for places there, of course, but that has never frightened him.''

Leeds demand Chelsea pay £24M for whizkids

Leeds chairman Ken Bates has demanded £24 million from former club Chelsea for the two youngsters the champions allegedly lured from Elland Road.
The controversial supremo is livid about the fact Chelsea have signed youngsters Michael Woods and Tom Taiwo, and is of the opinion that the West Londoners have acted inappropriately in making illegal approaches for the duo.

Chelsea also tried to land Danny Rose but the youngster elected not to follow his team-mates, with Bates adamant that he will receive a top price for Woods and Taiwo.
''We're asking for £24 million for the players,'' he told the Sunday Mirror. ''They made an illegal approach for three of our kids, so, at the moment, we're going to report them to Fifa as well.
''They're sitting on a three-point deduction for (Ashley) Cole. We're asking the FA to revive that.
''So three points for each player would represent a 12-point deduction for next season.
''We're asking for £24 million. They paid £16 million for the Nigerian kid (John Obi Mikel).''
Chelsea have responded to Bates' claim by issuing a denial that states that they feel there has been no wrongdoing on their part.
''We've always denied that an illegal approach was made for Woods, Taiwo and Rose,'' read a statement.
''We made an approach to Leeds at the end of last year which they rejected.
''There was then a window of opportunity where the club could come in and make offers.
''Two of the players joined Chelsea. If there is an official complaint there is a process in place which can deal with this kind of matter.''

Man Utd to provide Ronaldo security

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to be given a personal security team when he makes his return to pre-season training with Manchester United on Monday.
The Portuguese international infuriated England fans for the part he played in Wayne Rooney's sending-off at the World Cup finals earlier this summer.
United are also concerned that the winger could be a target for England fans and The People claim that they are launching a major security operation.
They say that the 21-year-old will be shadowed by a dedicated team of minders as soon as he jets back into Manchester Airport on Sunday.

Strachan: Sir Alex treated me like a kid

Gordon Strachan has finally responded to Sir Alex Ferguson's criticism of him in his 1999 autobiography by claiming the Manchester United boss bullied him during their time together at Aberdeen and Old Trafford.
In his new book 'Strachan: My Life In Football', the Celtic boss says he was picked on by Ferguson - 'a man who thrives on conflict' - at Aberdeen and United.
Strachan, whose book is serialised in The Sunday Times, said: "The longer we worked together, the more I needed him to adopt a different attitude and approach with me. I needed him to treat me as an adult, not a kid; to have some respect for the fact I was an experienced professional to whom abuse from the manager had become more of a motivational turn-off than a stimulus."

Liverpool's Gerrard: I envy Terry

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard admits he is jealous of the success enjoyed by Chelsea counterpart John Terry.

The influential England midfielder has seen international team-mate Terry lift the Premiership trophy twice in as many years and he has clearly found the Londoners' monopoly of the top prize painful.
''The Premiership is the one trophy I really want to get my hands on,'' said Gerrard.
''I've seen John Terry lift it for the last two years and, while I'm happy for him because he's a good mate, there is also a bit of jealously there because I want to do the same.
''It's important for me, but it's more important for a club like Liverpool to be champions again.
''It's been too long for a club like this and it hasn't been easy seeing other teams in the title race while you've fallen too far behind.
''It is a very painful thing for a Liverpool captain to admit, but that's why the title would mean so much to me.''

Man Utd star Ronaldo's nightmare revealed

The future at Manchester United of Cristiano Ronaldo remains in doubt today after reports of death threats.

Portuguese newspaper Record reports Ronaldo believes he will have "to leave" United after the fall-out from his blow-up with Wayne Rooney during the World Cup.
Ronaldo says he "wants to play in Spain" and "for either Real Madrid or Barcelona".
The newspaper says Ronaldo's home was ransacked by a group of vandals, which saw some of his furniture damaged. The winger also received death threats over the phone and by letter.
A source says Ronaldo's niece was also harassed when identified as being part of his family.

Atletico Madrid expect Man Utd push for Torres

Manchester United have not given up on their bid for Atletico Madrid captain Fernando Torres.
Despite Torres' insistence last week that he was staying with Atletico, DiarioSport says United intend to use the £10 million raised from Ruud van Nistelrooy's sale to Real Madrid to add to their bid for the player.
United are willing to bid £25 million to Atletico for Torres and have also drawn up a contract offer worth £4 million-a-year.

Campbell in talks with Newcastle boss Roeder

Released Arsenal defender Sol Campbell could stay in the Premiership this season.
Campbell has held talks with Olympique Marseille and Fiorentina about a Bosman move away from England for the coming season.
But the Sunday Times says Campbell has held informal talks with Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder, though an offer may rest on whether Roeder can offload Jean-Alain Boumsong.

AC Milan's Kaka "75%" on way to Real Madrid

Real Madrid are close to clinching an agreement for AC Milan star Kaka.
Telemadrid declared yesterday that a deal was "75 per cent" done, with Kaka's Dad having just visited Madrid to negotiate personal terms with Real directors.
A source close to Kaka says the midfielder will now pressure Milan to accept a bid from Real. The Brazilian has already asked for Jon Woodgate's No17 shirt.
Yesterday, Milan transfers chief Ariedo Braida again declared that Kaka "was not for sale" and the claims from Madrid yesterday are sure to further ignite the deteriorating situation between the two clubs.

Real Madrid go for Arsenal pair Reyes, Cesc

Real Madrid sports chief Predrag Mijatovic is launching a fresh bid for Arsenal pair Jose Reyes and Cesc Fabregas.

Encouraged by comments from Reyes over the weekend that he wants a move to Madrid, Mijatovic is turning to the Spain international after being shutdown by Chelsea over a move for Arjen Robben.
Real coach Fabio Capello wants a player to strengthen the left-side of midfield and is keen to bring Reyes back home.
Mijatovic is confident he can strike a deal in the range of £15 million for Reyes, with the player not a first-choice for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
The pursuit of Cesc will be trickier for Mijatovic, despite Real president Ramon Calderon having struck personal terms with the midfielder's agent before his election win last month.
Cesc has only just signed a new long-term contract with the Gunners and insists he wants to stay at the Emirates stadium.

Benfica's Simao pulls out of Valencia move

Valencia's bid for Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa has collapsed.

The two clubs had struck an agreement over a £10 million cash fee for the Portugal international and he was expected to be unveiled today at the Mestalla.
But Simao hopped on a plane back to Lisbon last night after Valencia refused to match his &pounbd;1.4 million-a-year contract demands. Los Che are reluctant to go higher than £1 million-a-year.
"There are always possibilities of returning to speak and to negotiate," insisted Simao this morning.
Valencia president Juan Soler refuses to give up on Simao and is planning more negotiations today. He has made the player a priority signing before the summer transfer window closes.

Torres agent opens door to AC Milan move

The agent of Fernando Torres has opened the door to a move to AC Milan for the Atletico Madrid striker.

Milan chief Ariedo Braida refused to rule out bidding for Torres yesterday and the striker's agent, Antonio Sanz, admitted this morning: "Fernando at this moment does not feel he needs to comment on declarations about the future. He's been with Atletico Madrid since he was a child and it's logical he will show loyalty to them above everything else.
"He's a symbol of the team, but we know that Milan has followed him for many years and we cannot deny that they appeal to us, even if for the moment nobody from Milan has spoken to us."

Benitez: Pennant, Bellamy can follow Fowler example

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez wants senior striker Robbie Fowler to act as a mentor for new signings Craig Bellamy and Jermaine Pennant.

"When we signed Craig and Jermaine , both mentioned how Robbie was a player they loved watching for Liverpool when they were younger," said Benitez. "He is someone they look up to.
"With Robbie, we have a player at the club who is already a legend for the supporters and some of the players, and that can be a positive influence, particularly on the youngsters we have here.
"They look up to Robbie and admire him and he will enjoy helping them as much as possible."

Man Utd boss Ferguson expects more signings to follow Carrick

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson expects more new signings to follow Michael Carrick.
"We have targeted several players but in my experience, these things take time," he said. "We are not going to be stupid and just pay the price other clubs want.
"You have to negotiate and sometimes, you have to be patient."
Having made a £10million bid for Tottenham midfielder Carrick before the World Cup, Ferguson had long ago placed the 25-year-old at the top of his hit-list.
The Wallsend-born player should make his first United appearance in next weekend's Amsterdam tournament, probably against Porto on Friday.

Chelsea's Bridge favours Newcastle

Chelsea fullback Wayne Bridge is keen on a move to Newcastle United.
The Daily Mail says the England international favours Newcastle over rival interest from Tottenham.
Bridge is expected to demand a transfer while on tour with Chelsea in the USA.

Barry to demand Aston Villa move

Gareth Barry is ready to quit Aston Villa.
The Daily Express says the midfielder is set to submit a transfer request to Villa chairman Doug Ellis.
Portsmouth have had a bid for Barry turned down this summer, while Tottenham and West Ham are also interested in the England international.

McCarthy: I can win things at Blackburn

Benni McCarthy insists he joined Blackburn because he believes they are an ambitious club on the verge of success.
The 28-year-old striker signed a four-year deal at Ewood Park after Rovers agreed an undisclosed fee with Porto.
He told RoversWorld: "I came here because I want to win things for this club and I want to be a better player and I think Blackburn have got the powerful motivation of looking forward.
"I think it's a club that is going to go places and going to win things and I want to be part of that.
"Blackburn are a very ambitions team and club and that is the motivating part about it.
"When clubs are always ambitious that is when they always get success in Europe or domestically. Blackburn are very ambitious so there are strong possibilities and why not?

"They have quality players, a great manager and they are very organised with beautiful training facilities and all of this helps for the future, the way to win trophies and to do well."
Rovers have been pursuing McCarthy for some time and tried to lure him to Ewood Park 12 months ago and the player is flattered by their attention.
He said: "As a player it's always to be honoured because it is a great club and we are being trained by one of the best strikers England has ever seen.
"So for me it's a privilege and an honour to play for the team who show so much interest in a player, and not giving up hope and so want me, and when they got a chance they still went for me.
"But Blackburn haven't lost faith - they came last season for me and it didn't work out and this season they fought again but finally I'm here so I'm going to make the most of it.
"It has always been an ambition and I hope I'm going to fulfil my dreams," he added.
"I always wanted to play in the Premiership and I just hope I can really make the most of it and get a good start.
"I've played against Premiership teams and always seemed to do well against them but now it's going to be a challenge playing week in week out against Premiership opposition and it's very tough.
"I hope I've got enough quality to last me and have a lot of team-mates who are going to help me and make me into a better player.
"I think my football is more suitable for the Premier League than anywhere else but the wind has always been blowing me to Portugal, Spain, and to Amsterdam but never the English way.
"Now finally I get my chance I hope I've still got plenty left to show and show my style is really to play in the Premier League."

Man Utd linked with Villarreal's Senna

Reports in the Spanish media are claiming Manchester United are closing on a deal for Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna.

The Spain international has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for much of the summer, but it appeared a deal had been ruled out when The Red Devils stepped in for Michael Carrick.
The 30-year-old said recently that he was flattered to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, but favoured inking a new deal at Villarreal.
However, it is being suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson has firmed up his interest and could land another midfielder before the Premiership season gets underway.

Chelsea boss wants to keep Crespo, Drogba

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insists he wants to keep Hernan Crespo and Didier Drogba, but won't stand in their way if they are desperate to quit Stamford Bridge.

The pair have been quoted to be seeking pastures new following the arrival of Andriy Shevchenko this summer.
But Mourinho said: "Both Hernan and Didier are Chelsea players.
"If they desire to leave Chelsea so much then I will have to let them go if the conditions are good for Chelsea.
"Everybody knows what Hernan and Didier have done in the last few years.
"We also have some good young strikers here but all believe we have a better squad now with the strikers we have.
"The squad is full of quality and it gives me the ability to try different combinations for different games.
"All the players here will play a big part in our success and we need the team to win the league."

Spurs try again for Wigan's Chimbonda

Tottenham are to rekindle their interest in Wigan full back Pascal Chimbonda and Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing after selling Michael Carrick for £15m.
Carrick will complete his move to Manchester United on Monday after agreeing personal terms and completing a medical.
Carrick, who turned 25 on Friday, rejected a new deal at Spurs to join United.

Fergie to keep Rossi at Man Utd

Manchester United chief Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that he will let Italian star Giuseppe Rossi off the leash in the new Premiership season.
Rossi arrived at Old Trafford in 2004 from Parma and has been tipped for greatness by many respected figures within the game.
Ferguson has taken a patient approach with Rossi, but such is the teenager's talent, he has already featured in the Scot's first-team plans.
"We want to see Giuseppe progress as a centre forward and it is looking more likely he will stay with us now," said Ferguson.

Camoranesi: Juventus can't expect me to play in Serie B

Mauro Camoranesi admits he could quit Juventus before the start of the season.
"I am currently analysing the situation," the World Cup winner told Argentinian television.
"You do all you can to play at the top level, and then you get used to it.
"The stadia, the trophies - they make you dream, but then you lose it all just like that.
"With all respect, we shouldn't have to play against Albinoleffe and I have no intention of doing so."

Camoranesi, who is yet to return from a holiday to his native Argentina after helping Italy win the World Cup this summer, admits he would choose any other club over Juve, just as long as his ambitions can be satisfied.
He said: "My main aim is to play in a strong side who wants to reach the final of the Champions League. I don't care which country."
Bayern Munich are one side who may fit the bill - and have already shown an interest - but their chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has already declared the transfer market closed for the German champions.
That may leave Internazionale ready to offer him the route back into the Champions League, but Camoranesi's harsh words against the Nerazzurri could end their interest in him.
"Inter could never - and I mean never - have won 15 points more than us," he said. "They may have the Scudetto, but we are the real champions."

Inter Milan stars: We deserve Scudetto celebrations

Inter Milan players insist they deserve to celebrate the Scudetto they were awarded last week.
The Nerazzuri were awarded the 2005/06 Scudetto on Wednesday evening by acting president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Guido Rossi, but the discussion of whether Inter can count themselves as true champions continues to flare.

While Juve players have insisted they will still class themselves as champions, Inter's Javier Zanetti believes his side did, in fact, deserve to win the title.
"I felt morally a champion even before the Federation's decision,'' he said.
"This title is deserved and everybody knows why. We won our points fair and square on the field.''
Colombian defender Ivan Cordoba said: "Whoever plays dirty has to pay for it. If one of our management team had done the same, we would have been involved too.
"I want the three stripes (for winning the last season's title) on my shirt to show the whole world that Inter won for their own merits.
"We won all of our points in an honest way.''
Zanetti confirmed that the whole squad would celebrate the title "when we are all here together".
Juve midfielder Pavel Nedved had claimed: "To win the title, you need to end the season in top spot on the final day of the season, something Inter never did.''

Shevchenko: AC Milan Calciopoli involvement shocked me

Chelsea signing Andriy Shevchenko admits he was shocked to see former club AC Milan involved in Italy's Calciopoli scandal.

Shevchenko insisted the timing of his departure had nothing to do with Milan being punished and maintains that no player should be accused of any wrongdoing.
He told the Mirror: "It's very difficult for me to understand what has occurred in Italy. When I reflect back upon the games now, it's hard for me to believe that there was something behind what the players were doing on the field.
"From my experience of playing with and against every player, they all gave their maximum on the field to win the game. For me it's very difficult to understand how this could have happened.
"I'm happy on a personal level that the sentence was reduced for Milan and that they will play in the Champions League.
"I don't believe that the sentence is correct, but certainly the original sentence was too aggressive."

Ibra agent wants Juventus sale

The agent of Zlatan Ibrahimovic admits the Swede will leave Juventus in the coming month.

The Turin-based club wish to extend his contract until 2010, offering him more money to take him closer to the wages earned by Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluigi Buffon.
But for Ibrahimovic, money doesn't play that big a role.
"I think it is clear Zlatan does not want to play in Serie B and Juve have got to understand that," said his agent Mino Raiola.
"We intend to work with the club to find a solution and a way out of this situation."
On Friday, following his new-look side's 3-1 pre-season victory over Trento, Didier Deschamps insisted the door out of the club would remain locked shut.
"Juve may sign two or three players, but we aren't letting anybody else leave," he said.

Rovers seal Benni deal

Blackburn Rovers have confirmed the signing of Porto striker Benni McCarthy.
The South African international has penned a four-year contract at Ewood Park.
The former Ajax and Celta Vigo ace put pen-to-paper after completing his medical and the formalities of the transfer on Thursday evening.
"We tried to sign Benni 12 months ago and we have been tracking the situation since then," said Rovers chairman John Williams.
"We are delighted that we have managed to bring him to Rovers."
McCarthy is the third striker to have joined the club this summer following the arrivals of Jason Roberts and Francis Jeffers.

Mellberg keen on Sven arrival

Aston Villa skipper Olof Mellberg has welcomed Sven Goran Eriksson's possible arrival at the club.
Eriksson has been linked with the vacant manager's position at Villa Park following David O'Leary's exit earlier this month.
Speculation has intensified that Eriksson could take charge at Villa with the Swede's agent, Athole Still, heading up a consortium trying to buy the club.
If Still was successful in his bid to gain control Villa, it is widely expected that he will turn to Eriksson to take control of team affairs at Villa Park.
Mellberg has admitted he would be happy to see his fellow Swede, Eriksson, take over from O'Leary.
"I have heard about it, it would of course be fun to get Svennis to the club," Mellberg told Expressen.
"We want to take a step forward now and establish ourselves among the top clubs in the Premier League.
"Then, we need a good coach and I am convinced that Svennis is a good one.
"What concerns Aston Villa affects me, but as players we are trying to stay outside of things right now."

Milan bag Bonera

Milan have announced the signing of Parma defender Daniele Bonera.
The 25-year-old has signed a four-year deal at the Giuseppe Meazza after Milan agreed an undisclosed fee with Parma.
Bonera has spent the last four seasons with Parma after arriving from Brescia.
The talented central defender has been continually linked with a move away from Parma with Liverpool credited with an interest in Bonera.
Milan have won the chase for his signature and he is set to be unveiled by the Rossoneri on Saturday.
Bonera will help fill the void left by the departure of Jaap Stam at Milan.

Aimar joins Zaragoza

Valencia schemer Pablo Aimar has left Valencia to join Real Zaragoza in a €11 million (£7.5 million) deal.
The talented Argentina international had fallen out of favour at Estadio Mestalla but his reputation is such in Spain that his capture will be seen as a noticeable coup for Zaragoza.
Aimar has put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal and will take home €1.5 million (£1 million) a year for his exertions having concurred on personal terms with Real officials.
During his stay at Valencia Aimar picked up two Liga titles, a Uefa Cup and a European Super Cup as he quickly established himself as a keen favourite of the club's faithful.
On his day, Aimar, who made only fleeting cameo appearances at the World Cup, has proven he has few equals and he will be eager to capture such form in the somewhat less intense surrounds of Zaragoza.

Van Nistelrooy: I didn't want to leave Man Utd

New Real Madrid signing Ruud van Nistelrooy insists he never wanted to leave Manchester United.
The Dutch striker, 30, completed his cut-price £10.3million switch to Real Madrid yesterday and could not hide his pain at leaving United.
But Van Nistelrooy made it clear he had to escape Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson after their relationship broke down.
He said: "It's got nothing to do with the club, fans, players or anything else.
"It was because of the manager that it was better for me to leave.
"The relationship with the manager ended. He did a lot for me and that is why it was so painful when it went wrong because I care a lot about him.
"He gave me the chance to play at the best level I have ever played at and at the greatest club. Whatever happened, happened and that relationship came to an end.
"My affection and appreciation towards the fans and everyone at the club will be for ever - it's part of me.
"I was there for five incredible years and I will carry that with me for the rest of my life. The fans embraced me and they never let go."
Fergie's harsh treatment of Van Nistelrooy mirrors his fall-out with David Beckham before he was sold to Real in 2003.
Van Nistelrooy admitted he was gutted when Becks was shown the door but now he cannot wait to get on the end of his old pal's crosses.
The Dutchman said: "It's great to be reunited with Beckham. The two seasons I played with him at United were incredible and I missed him a lot."

Shevchenko wants son Jordan to play for England!

Chelsea star Andriy Shevchenko has earmarked son Jordan to one play for ... England!
Shevchenko has enjoyed meeting his new Blues team-mates on the pre-season tour to America.
In the surroundings of the famous Beverley Hills Hotel on LA's Sunset Boulevard, the Ukrainian star, 29, revealed wife Kirsten, a top model in the USA, had a big say in his switch from AC Milan to Stamford Bridge. He said: "I talked very closely with my wife about the move. It is a decision we made together.
"It was a lifestyle decision to join Chelsea for me and, most importantly, for my family. I wanted to come over to England.
"And my son could play for England one day? Yeah!"
Jordan is just 20 months old and the Shevchenkos are also looking forward to the birth of a second child.
And if it turns out to be a case of like father like son, then a future England boss could have something special on his hands.

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Carrick deal almost done

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed they're close to sealing a deal for Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick.
Tottenham rejected Fergie's initial £10million bid for the England midfielder.
But following Ruud van Nistelrooy's departure to Real Madrid, boss Ferguson is now confident Carrick's move to Old Trafford will be completed next week. He said: "We are close to that.
"There has been some agreement over part of it and it should be finalised in the next day or so."
United insist the fee for the 25-year-old Geordie is nowhere near £17m. And Fergie hopes Carrick will be involved at the Amsterdam tournament which starts Friday.
But the United chief will NOT be making a second raid on Spurs for striker Jermain Defoe.
He added: "There has not been any interest from us in Defoe. Carrick is the only Tottenham player we are interested in at the moment and I think it will stay that way."

Giuly: Arsenal's Henry had Barca house lined up

Ludovic Giuly has revealed Arsenal captain Thierry Henry already had identified a house in Barcelona before he committed to a new Gunners deal at the end of last season.

Barca midfielder Giuly, a good pal of Henry's, said: "I was very surprised. Everything was ready for his arrival. He had chosen his home in Barcelona, the contract was prepared and he spoke a lot with Txiki (Begiristain) and the president.
"I don't know what happened, he changed his opinion from one day to the next, but it is necessary to understand his situation, mainly after losing the Champions League final.
"Thierry is the king of Arsenal and people adore him in London. It is his problem.
"I mean his decision. Not his problem, his decision."

Man Utd's Ferguson praises Van Nistelrooy

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Ruud van Nistelrooy for the attitude he showed in training yesterday.

Van Nistelrooy has handed in a written transfer request after a bust-up with Ferguson, and Bayern Munich are favourites to sign the 30-year-old.
But he has returned to training and Ferguson said: "At this moment in time Ruud is still a United player.
"He did very well in training on Monday. He showed a good attitude, which is good."
United are holding out for a ?15m transfer fee, with both Bayern and Real Madrid having bids turned down, leaving Van Nistelrooy to return to training at Carrington on Monday.
Ferguson, who has flown to Glasgow with a young squad for Wednesday's friendly with Celtic, insists he is not panicking over a lack of new signings.
"We are working on certain things," said Ferguson. "Of course, people are trying to make out we are in a desperate situation. That is far from the case.
"If I was to start the season with the players I have now, all fully fit, I would not be disappointed."

Middlesbrough close deal for Sunderland's Arca

Middlesbrough have completed the signing of Sunderland winger Julio Arca.

The 25-year-old Argentine, who has been with the Black Cats for six years, will be unveiled by Boro at 1300 BST, says BBC Radio Cleveland.
He joined Sunderland for £3.5m from Argentinos Juniors and became a huge favourite on Wearside.
But Arca, who was also interesting Spanish side Espanyol, was given permission to talk to Boro by new Sunderland boss Niall Quinn.
He becomes the first signing for new Boro boss Gareth Southgate.
Arca was in the final year of his contract and it is thought he had a clause in his contract allowing him to talk to other clubs.

Real Madrid offer £17M for Liverpool's Xabi

Real Madrid have made a £17 million offer for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso this morning.

Real sports director Predrag Mijatovic made contact with Liverpool last week to discuss Xabi's availability and was informed that nothing less than £17 million would be considered over the player's sale.
AS says that after a cooling off period of several days, Mijatovic will match Liverpool's asking price this morning and plans serious talks with the Premiership giants later in the day.
Xabi's agent, Inaki Ibanez, is also seeking talks with Liverpool over their intentions.

Barcelona move for Chelsea striker Crespo

Barcelona have made a late move for Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo.
AC Milan are outright favourites for the Argentine, who admits he wants a return to the San Siro this season.
However, Chelsea insisted this week that Crespo won't be allowed to leave until they receive a realistic offer, which has opened the door for Barca to move for the striker.

Kaka assures AC Milan fans: I will stay

AC Milan midfielder Kaka has broken his silence over Real Madrid's bid for him.

After learning that Milan's Champions League qualification had been reinstated last night, the Brazilian declared: "I am happy to be playing in the Champions League.
"But I would not have had problems, however, staying with Milan even if our destiny was different. I'm honored and proud of the contract that I signed with Milan.
"I repeat: the tifosi must be calm: I was always staying with Milan. I feel close to this team and this club, the other things that have been said and written have nothing to do with how I feel."