Real Madrid say they are confident of completing the world record signing of French international midfielder Zinedine Zidane from Juventus.
Juventus confirmed on their web page that negotiations had taken place, adding that "after long discussions the two sides agreed to meet again next week." Real said earlier yesterday that talks to bring the World Player of the Year to Spain had begun.
The French midfielder, on holiday in Tahiti until July 12th, said on his official web page that he was aware of the negotiations, but added that no deal had yet been signed.
According to earlier reports on Spanish radio station Cope, Real president Florentino Perez met Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi in Switzerland on Tuesday and a transfer fee of $65.16 million was agreed for the French international. That would smash the $56.1 million Real paid Barcelona to buy Luis Figo out of his contract last year.
Lazio's ambitious attempt to sign Barelona's former World Player of the Year Rivalso looks to have failed after the Brazilian playmaker last night committed his future to the Catalan club.
Italian reports are suggesting that Lazio have pulled out of the deal after Rivaldo revealed he has no inclination to meet with Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti.
"I don't know Cragnotti, I have never seen him, I have never spoken to him and I don't want speak with him," Rivaldo said in Spanish Marca. I have still got two years contract with Barcelona and I intend to respect that."
The Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifying game against the Netherlands at Lansdowne Road on September 1st will kick off at 3.30. Ireland's friendly international against Croatia at Lansdowne Road on August 15th will start at 7.30.
The FAI's a.g.m will take place on Saturday 14th July in the Rochestown Park Hotel.
Mark Kennedy has completed his £2 million move to Wolves from Manchester City. The deal was set up in the middle of last month, but had to be delayed as Kennedy (25) was on holiday.
Bohemians manager Pete Mahon has described the merger between St Patrick's Athletic and St Francis as "shameful." Details of the merger, which sees the clubs join forces to become the Dublin Saints, took National League officials and fans by surprise.
Mahon, who famously managed the Baldonnell club to the FAI Senior Cup final, while they were an amateur side, said: "I can't believe it. I may have nothing to do with the club anymore but I have been a supporter for six years and, more importantly , I was involved with it for 26 years. I think the merger is a disgrace.
"St Francis are gone . A bigger club has swallowed it up, and you have to ask what each party is getting out of it? History has been wiped out. The club was formed in 1958, and all those cup and league victories mean nothing. It's a disgrace.
"My phone has been jumping out of my pocket all day, with calls from people who can't understand it. Make no mistake; there area a lot of annoyed St Francis fans and officials out there. You can guarantee that there won't be a player from St Francis in that new side. Where are they going to go?"
Meanwhile, Leinster Senior League side Newbridge Town are favourites to take St Francis' place in the First Division.
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has added a new goalkeeper to his shopping list. United's complement of goalkeepers has been reduced following the departure of the on-loan Andy Goram at the end of last season.
United have been linked with Wigan's Roy Carroll. However, it is understood the highly-rated Northern Ireland international would be reluctant to move to Old Trafford because he wants first-team football.
Meanwhile confirmation is expected imminently that United have completed the signing of Juan Veron from Lazio for a reported British record fee of £23.5million.
Italy international goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon from Parma.Though Juve declined to reveal the fee, Italian media have reported the deal cost them $32.80 million plus Jonathan Bachini, valued at £13.12 million.
