Asprilla admits Newcastle are worried about injury

COLOMBIAN World Cup star Faustino Asprilla last night admitted that Newcastle are concerned about a knee injury which could put paid to his £6.7m transfer to the Premiership leaders.

Asprilla said that there was no current problem with the knee, but that Newcastle were worried about a previous injury. The 26 year old revealed that Newcastle officials wanted him to undergo a series of tests "to see if the knee is the same or has got worse".

In an interview with a Colombian radio station, the striker said "I don't have any problem with the knee," adding that such a complaint was not keeping him out of action for Parma.

Asprilla said he was not worried about his contract talks insisting "It's all wrapped up." But he added "If it does not happen, I'm happy will Parma and will return to Italy.

Earlier, Newcastle chairman Sir John Hall said the transfer was still on. In a statement, Hall said "The board are handling negotiations as they always do when they get to this stage. There are still a number of matters to be resolved to our satisfaction. We are running a business and we must be left to get on with it."

Meanwhile, West Ham have finalised the loan signing until the end of the season of Dani da Cruz Carvalho from Sporting Lisbon. Upton Park managing director Peter Storrie had talks with Sporting president Santana Lopes yesterday to agree terms.

Storrie said "We are delighted to sign a player that Sporting Lisbon manager Bobby Rob son describes as one of the best young players in Europe. Although he is only 19 he has already played for the Portuguese national team twice and has represented his club 43 times at Under 16 18 and 21 level. W& are sure he will be an exciting talent for the East End public."

Middlesbrough manager Bryan Rob son last night dismissed reports linking him with a trio of internationals. The former England captain has reportedly made offers for Inter Milan defender Roberto Carlos, Lazio striker Alen Boksic and Brazilian full back Claudio Branco.

But after returning from a few days in Italy where he studied straining techniques, Rob son insisted the last bid he made for a player was when he signed Juninho in October.