The Republic of Ireland will be without Blackburn striker Damien Duff for the European Youths Championship in Cyprus in 10 days time. Duff has had an operation on his troublesome groin and will be out of football for at least a month.
Blackburn manager Roy Hodgson said the young player was troubled with the injury last season and initially the club was told that rest would solve it. "It became clear in the first two days of pre-season that he was still in pain and discomfort and we wasted no time in booking him in to hospital. He could be out for a month but hopefully we will have at least solved the problem," said Hodgson.
Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr said it was a big disappointment to lose a player of Duff's calibre but he was happy that his sqaud could still make a big impact in the competition. David Freeman of Nottingham Forest has been called up to replace Duff.
Tottenham last night refused to comment on reports that they have agreed a £7.5 million fee with AC Milan for Patrick Kluivert. Spurs' North London rivals Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Kluivert, who has been partnering Highbury hero Dennis Bergkamp during Holland's World Cup campaign.
Spurs are also reported to be poised to sign Iran World Cup midfielder Medhi Mahdavikia, with Ahmed Abedani, president of Mahdavikia's club Piruzi claiming a deal worth over £2.5 million will be finalised within a week.
Nottingham Forest have rejoined the race for Norwegian world cup player Roar Strand. The Rosenborg midfielder, who has been tracked by Forest for several months, claims to have discussed personal terms with the Premiership new boys. However, the £1.5 million valuation could prove to be a stumbling block.
Jose Antonio Camacho resigned as Real Madrid coach yesterday - three weeks after taking the job. The 43-year-old, who won six championships and two UEFA Cups with the club as a player in the 1980s, quit following a disagreement over his contract.
Camacho failed to convince the club that one of his assistants should receive his full two-year salary even if he ended his contract before the period was up. He replaced German coach Jupp Heynckes.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister completed his £2.5 million move to Middlesbrough yesterday and declared: "I am still ambitious - I want to play at the top for another three years and help Boro to their first major trophy."
Pallister, though delighted to back at his home club, admitted: "I was surprised to be released by Manchester United. I had a year left on my contract and felt I had a good last season but that's the way of football. You are never sure what is round the corner."
Portsmouth manager Alan Ball has completed the signing of Greek international striker Nikos Kyzeridis in a £100,000 move from Paniliakos. Ball swooped for the 27year-old forward on the recommendation of Pompey's former AEK Athens midfield player Michalis Vlachos.
