Connolly in limbo as Dutch club seeks £3m

AZ Alkmaar are demanding £2.9 million sterling compensation from striker David Connolly after claiming that he went back on a verbal agreement to join them.

The Republic of Ireland international is poised to sign a three-year deal with Wimbledon, although AZ say he has already accepted an offer from them.

The Dutch club claim they met the 24-year-old several times to negotiate a contract before the two parties reached a verbal agreement, which under Dutch law is binding, on July 3rd.

According to Connolly, no deal was made. "I know that they held a press conference and I have been phoned by many journalists, but I have always said that the transfer was not for definite."

With Connolly unable to complete his move to England until the dispute is resolved, both clubs and the player met in front of a Dutch Football Association (KNVB) ruling committee on Monday to discuss the matter.

But according to Wimbledon manager Terry Burton, a definitive outcome is still some way off. "Connolly is training but he can't get out on the pitch - it's a restraint of trade. The Dutch FA are preventing him from playing. You can't stop people working - there will be lawsuits."

Meanwhile, Dutch captain Frank de Boer will appear before UEFA's Appeals Body today in an attempt to overturn his one-year suspension for a positive drugs test.

The Barcelona defender was suspended in June after testing positive for the banned steroid nandrolone following a UEFA Cup quarter-final against Celta Vigo on March 15th. De Boer continues to protest his innocence.

Charlton have signed Tottenham's England under-21 international defender Luke Young for £3 million sterling. He is Charlton's third major signing of the summer, following the captures of strikers Jason Euell and Shaun Bartlett for £4.75 million and £2 million, respectively.

Former Italian international Fabrizio Ravanelli has said he will finally sign for Derby tomorrow.

Frank Leboeuf completed his move from Chelsea to Marseille after signing a two-year contract with the French club. Leboeuf travelled to France yesterday to finalise personal terms.

The Scottish Premier League yesterday restored the Old Firm battles back to the more traditional place of Saturday afternoons. Champions Celtic and arch-rivals Rangers will clash for the first time at Ibrox in front of the Sky TV cameras on September 29th at 1.0p.m.

Meanwhile, Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has told striker Tommy Johnson that his future must be resolved by tomorrow.