A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Terry denies FA charges of racially abusing Ferdinand

John Terry has denied an English Football Association charge of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand and has requested a personal hearing.

The Chelsea captain was last month found not guilty of a racially-aggravated public order offence in relation to the same incident at Westminster Magistrates’ Court but faces sanctions from the FA after being charged last week.

A statement on the FA’s website said: “John Terry has today denied an FA charge of using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour, which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race, towards Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand.

“The Chelsea player has requested a personal hearing, the date of which will be set in due course.

“During this period John Terry remains available to play for England.”

City bring strong squad to Thomond

Manchester City are expected to bring a strong squad including many of the regulars from last season’s Premier League title winning campaign to Thomond Park tomorrow evening for their game against Limerick.

The tie, which follows on from the club’s appearance at last year’s Dublin Super Cup, is intended to raise funds for the Irish club and the projects it backs around the city.

Mario Balotelli and Samir Nasri, both of whom have only recently returned to training after this summer’s European Championships, are expected to be present although it is suggested that the likes of Joleon Lescott, Nigel De Jong, Gael Clichy and James Milner may play more prominent roles in the game.

The club says that a very limited number of stand tickets were still available as of yesterday morning and that some may be on sale at the venue along with terrace tickets.

EMMET MALONE

Aquilani completes move to Fiorentina

Alberto Aquilani’s time at Liverpool is finally over after the Reds confirmed the midfielder had completed a permanent transfer to Fiorentina.

The 28-year-old Italian arrived at Anfield on a five-year deal in August 2009 following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, but his time on Merseyside was badly affected by injury and he has spent the last two seasons on loan, firstly to Juventus and then AC Milan.

A statement on club website read: “Liverpool Football Club can today confirm that Alberto Aquilani has completed a permanent transfer to Serie A side Fiorentina.

“The midfielder joined in 2009 but made just 28 first-team appearances having spent the last two seasons on loan in his homeland. Everyone at the club would like to wish Alberto all the best for the future.”

Aquilani scored twice in his 28 appearances for Liverpool.

Lindegaard signs new four-year contract at Manchester United

Anders Lindegaard has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United.

The Denmark goalkeeper has made a big impression at Old Trafford and had become Alex Ferguson’s first choice until he suffered a serious ankle injury in January.

The 28-year-old has since returned to full fitness and will be part of the United squad that heads to Scandinavia for the next leg of their pre-season tour this weekend.

Ferguson said: “Anders is still relatively young for a goalkeeper, he has come on leaps and bounds since joining us last year.

“There is healthy competition in the goalkeeping department which is always good for the team, albeit a headache for me.”