Soccer Digest

A round-up of today's other soccer news

Doyle raring to go and has no problem with price tag

WOLVES' record signing Kevin Doyle cannot wait to pull on a gold shirt for the first time in Friday's pre-season friendly against Perth Glory of Australia.

Doyle joined the newly promoted club from Reading late last month for a fee reported to be in the region of €7.8 million – a figure he admits brings with it additional pressure.

But the Republic of Ireland international was quick to play down the size of the deal when compared to the money-spinning transfers involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, both of whom have joined Real Madrid.

"Considering it's Wolves' record signing, I suppose there's a little bit (of pressure) but I don't mind that, I just get out and play," Doyle said.

"Compared to some signings this summer, it's only a grain of sand. Some players probably get paid double what my signing was in one season. (But) I'm very happy about it.

"I've just signed for a big club and I'm excited about being back in the Premier League, they've shown faith in me and it's just nice to be able to come here and be wanted."

Ashley given ultimatum

DISAFFECTED Newcastle United players are threatening to demand transfers if the owner, Mike Ashley, does not sell the club or appoint Alan Shearer as manager within the next fortnight.

Senior members of the squad are unhappy at being left managerless and in limbo this summer. Amid a growing mood of militancy, they have given Ashley an ultimatum to install Shearer while he waits for a buyer or drop his €115 million asking price and sell Newcastle quickly.

It is understood that the Steven Taylor and Habib Beye are leading the calls for Shearer, who was in charge on a temporary basis for the final eight games of last season, to be made manager. If the former England captain does not take charge it is thought they will be joined by Sebastien Bassong, Nicky Butt and Alan Smith in making transfer requests.

In the interim Newcastle are preparing for their first pre-season friendly against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

ESPN to launch new sports channel

THE WALT Disney-owned sports network ESPN said yesterday it would launch a new channel in Britain in August to show its 46 Premier League soccer matches and other international sports programming.

The channel, which will be available in standard and high definition, will also carry a range of American sports previously provided on the ESPN America channel, which will be integrated into the new British channel.

Dominant pay-TV firm BSkyB, which owns the rights to show the remaining 92 live Premier League matches next season, will sell the ESPN channel to both its residential and commercial customers.

For residential customers, it will be available on a premium subscription basis, for €10 a month to existing Sky Sports subscribers and for €14 per month to other Sky customers.

Birmingham get their man

BIRMINGHAM CITY have formally completed the signing of Ecuador striker Christian Benitez in a move from Mexican side Santos Laguna which could cost up to €9 million.

City faced competition from top European clubs to sign Benitez (23) ut reached agreement with Santos in early June and now the deal has been completed.

Birmingham also remain confident that Lee Bowyer will complete his move from West Ham on a free transfer.

Fortune expected to sign for Celtic

MARC-ANTOINE FORTUNE is on the verge of signing for Celtic and may be followed by Nancy team-mate Landry N’Guemo.

Fortune arrived in Glasgow for a tour of Celtic’s training and stadium facilities on Monday and talks have progressed well.

The Guyanese-born frontman is expected to tie up a transfer of around €4.5 million today, snubbing several teams in the English Premier League.

Celtic have also discussed a deal to sign Cameroon midfielder N’Guemo and Nancy expect him to follow Fortune to Glasgow.

A statement on Nancy’s official website said: “Unless there is a turnaround in the situation, Marc-Antoine Fortune will soon sign for Celtic.

“He visited the club’s facilities on Monday and could quickly be transferred.

“He will probably be joined by Landry N’Guemo, who will be the subject of a one-season loan.”

Jo set for another Everton loan deal

BRAZILIAN STRIKER Jo is with Everton at their Scottish training camp ahead of a likely loan move being agreed with Manchester City.

Jo, who scored five goals in 11 games on loan at Everton last season but was cup-tied for the run to the FA Cup final, is expected to have a season-long loan to the Goodison Park club confirmed today.

Jo turned up at the club’s Finch Farm training ground on Monday for medical tests and travelled to a four-day training camp later in the day with manager David Moyes’ squad. Now, with City having an abundance of strikers, including Craig Bellamy, Roque Santa Cruz and Robinho – plus the anticipated arrival of Carlos Tevez – Jo will find few chances to figure in Mark Hughes’ team next season.