Soccer News: Froggatt decides to sign for Coventry

Coventry are expected to complete the signing of Wolves winger Steve Froggatt today in a £1.9 million deal after the player finally ruled out a move to Middlesbrough.

Wolves had agreed fees with the two clubs and left it to the player to decide which one to join. The 25-year-old informed Coventry yesterday that he would sign for them and the club chairman Bryan Richardson said: "We are delighted to have finally got him. Our manager Gordon Strachan has always believed him to be a top quality player".

Everton forward Nick Barmby looks set for a month on the sidelines after a recurrence of the hernia problem that dogged him last season.

This increases the need to get the transfer of Ivory Coast striker Ibrahim Bakayoko sorted out. Smith has agreed personal terms with Bakayoko and the £4.5 million fee with Montpellier. The only detail holding up the deal is the issue of a work permit.

Manchester United assistant manager Brian Kidd insists there will not be a European Super League for the foreseeable future - but reckons a World League could be set up before the end of the century. He came out in favour of a re-structuring of international club competitions in an interview with Match of the Day magazine.

He said: "I don't think there will be a European Super League in my lifetime. What you will get is a World club league, and that will come in within two years."

Limerick FC are ready to change the face of the League of Ireland scene. They broke new ground last night with the appointment of Waterford-born Siobhan Furlong as their coach. She will work alongside manager Dave Connell. She is believed to be the first woman to be appointed to such a position in League of Ireland football.

Crystal Palace chief Terry Venables has been reunited with Swedish international Mathias Svensson. The 24-year-old striker scored 11 goals in his 51 appearances with Portsmouth and will be available for Palace's clash against Bury tonight.

Arsenal have signed up former England international Neil Webb's 12-year-old son Luke for their Academy of Excellence. He was spotted by Arsenal scouts while playing a representative schools' match.

Nottingham Forest have asked the Premier League for a £4 million loan in a bid to try to freeze rebel striker Pierre van Hooijdonk out of football. Forest hope to use the cash to buy players and would pay it back when they eventually sell the Dutch international.