SOCCER SHORTS:ARSENAL HAVE been handed a double boost, with Cesc Fabregas likely to be available for selection for tomorrow's friendly at Benfica, after taking a full part in the club's open session day and Theo Walcott intending to declare his fitness for the following weekend's season opener against Newcastle United. Fabregas, whose future remains in the balance due to Barcelona's interest, trained with the squad in front of fans at the Emirates Stadium as part of an event for club members yesterday.
There is a growing feeling that Arsene Wenger, the manager, will be keen to involve Fabregas tomorrow after the midfielder took a comprehensive part in yesterday’s session.
Meanwhile, Juan Mata is thought unlikely to join Arsenal after Valencia’s manager, Unai Emery, said the club were confident he was no longer seeking a move.
Blackpool, Hull get the ball rolling
HULL MANAGER Nigel Pearson believes he has assembled a squad that can last the pace in this season’s Championship.
The Tigers will launch the new season with a home game against relegated Blackpool tonight, with both clubs looking to regain their top-flight status.
After a summer of impressive recruitment, most notably the signing of Leicester’s Jack Hobbs, Pearson thinks consistency is the key so charges can be in the mix after 46 games. “That’s the key to success in this division. You can’t afford too many bad days.”
While the main talking point of Blackpool’s summer has been the departure of captain Charlie Adam to Liverpool, manager Ian Holloway has been somewhat quietly going about his transfer business.
The signings of veteran duo Kevin Phillips and Barry Ferguson may prove to be shrewd, with Ferguson set to skipper the side.
QPR swoop for DJ Campbell
QPR yesterday completed the signing of DJ Campbell from Blackpool on a two-year contract.
The 29-year-old joins for a reported fee of €1.5 million which triggered a release clause in his Seasiders contract. “It’s a club that I supported as a kid,” he said. “I grew up around here and QPR have played a massive part in my life.”
SWANSEA yesterday completed their second signing of the week after Wayne Routledge sealed his move from Newcastle.
The Premier League new boys signed Leroy Lita on Wednesday and Routledge has followed suit for an undisclosed fee after completing his medical. The 26-year-old has signed a three-year contract.
O'Dea signs loan deal with Leeds
LEEDS have signed Celtic and Republic of Ireland defender Darren ODea on a season-long loan deal. ODea is looking forward to linking up with Simon Grayson’s side in their attempt to get promotion back to the Premier League. “I’m delighted to be here,” O’Dea said. “I’d been looking to get away and as soon as I heard of Leeds’ interest I had no doubts. I played in the Championship with Ipswich last season and its a very competitive division. Teams at the bottom can beat teams at the top and its a test Im really looking forward to.”
O’Dea is now hoping he will be involved in Leeds opening game of the new season at Southampton tomorrow.
New Bolton signing breaks leg
NEW BOLTON signing Tyrone Mears has broken his leg in training, less than a week after joining the club. The defender completed his signing from Burnley alongside Clarets team-mate Chris Eagles on Friday.
Manager Owen Coyle said: “Ty went in for a challenge and unfortunately suffered the injury. It was desperately unlucky for him and we will make sure that he is fully supported in his rehabilitation.”
Chelsea snap up Romeu from Barcelona
CHELSEA yesterday filled the void left by the injured Michael Essien by completing the €5 million signing of Oriol Romeu from Barcelona.
The 19-year-old 6ft defensive midfielder, the second new arrival of the Andre Villas-Boas era, penned a four-year contract and will link up with his new team-mates at the end of Spain’s Under-20 World Cup campaign. That might not be until after August 20th, a week into the Premier League season.
The Blues are already resigned to being without midfield powerhouse Essien for the first half of the campaign after he suffered a serious knee injury which will sideline him for six months. Barca confirmed they had paid €5 million for Romeu, with the deal including a buy-back clause of €10 million after one year and €15 million after two.
The fee was agreed 11 days ago for the player, who was quoted this week as saying: “Chelsea is a great option for me. Leaving Barca hurts, but you have to take your chances.”
Romeu’s agent, Magico Diaz, reportedly jetted out to Columbia this week to seal the deal.
That is where Romeu is currently based, having played 90 minutes in Spain’s opening two 4-1 and 2-0 victories over Costa Rica and Ecuador respectively at the Under-20 World Cup.
British trio advance in Europa League
STOKE, Fulham and Hearts progressed to the final qualifying round of the Europa League with wins last night. A late own goal by Ljubo Milicevic in Croatia secured a 1-0 victory for Stoke against Hajduk Split,
The Potters, who went into the third round second leg with a 1-0 lead from last weeks first leg at the Britannia Stadium, put in an impressively controlled display over the 90 minutes at Stadion Poljud.
Fulham moved through with a 2-0 victory over RNK Split at Craven Cottage. After enduring a tough first leg in Croatia last week, the Londoners won a temperamental clash on home soil.
Andrew Johnson’s header gave Martin Jol’s side a first half lead, before skipper Danny Murphy wrapped the tie up from the spot.
Hearts also reached the play-off round with their 4-1 home win against Hungarian club Paks SE which gave them a 5-2 aggregate victory in the tie.
