A round-up of today's other soccer news in brief ....
Villa win the race for Delph
ASTON VILLA last night fended off late interest from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur to agree the signing of Fabian Delph from Leeds United for a fee that could rise to €9.4 million.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who is regarded as one of English football’s most promising talents, will travel to Villa today to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical before signing a four-year contract after Villa agreed an initial down-payment of €7 million with add-ons to follow.
Having failed with a bid for Delph recently Villa increased their offer to meet Leeds’ valuation and, although City and Spurs tried to hijack the deal, Leeds refused to renege on their earlier agreement.
Chelsea say Cole is staying
CHELSEA have warned they are not willing to sell Joe Cole after the midfielder was linked with a move to Tottenham.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is a long-time admirer of the former West Ham player, but Chelsea moved swiftly to quash suggestions Cole could leave Stamford Bridge this summer. A statement from Chelsea read: “Contrary to media reports Chelsea is not, and will not be, considering any offers for Joe Cole.”
Blackburn do deal for Kalinic
HAJDUK SPLIT last night announced that Blackburn have struck a deal to sign their Croatia international striker Nikola Kalinic. The 21-year-old could cost Blackburn up to €14.1 million, according to Hajduk Split.
Kalinic was also targeted by Portsmouth this summer but Rovers had funds in place following the sale of Santa Cruz and the player is set to spearhead their attack in the new campaign. Sam Allardyce, who has spent the summer searching for forwards, has previously confirmed his interest in Kalinic and he now appears to have got his man.
Bent set for Sunderland
SUNDERLAND assistant manager Eric Black confirmed last night that the club are “very close” to signing striker Darren Bent from Tottenham. Black hopes to see Bent complete his move today and is optimistic the England international’s arrival will persuade other targets to move to the north-east. Bent, who joined Tottenham for €19 million two years ago, was at Sunderland yesterday for a medical.
Black said: “We’re very close . . . We’re hopeful that in the next 24 hours he’ll be a Sunderland player.”
Bent would join England under-21 striker Fraizer Campbell from Manchester United, Albanian midfielder Lorik Cana from Marseille, and Paraguay defender Paulo da Silva as new signings at Sunderland.
