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Wigan complete Alcaraz move

WIGAN have completed the signing of Paraguay international Antolin Alcaraz after the defender was granted a work permit.

Alcaraz agreed a deal with the Premier League club prior to playing in the World Cup after his contract with Belgian side Club Brugge had expired.

His performances in South Africa led to suggestions other clubs might try to hijack the deal but Wigan were always confident of landing the 27-year-old.

FA lay down the law for Capello

THE English Football Association (FA) yesterday confirmed Fabio Capello was contractually obliged to seek their approval for any external business ventures.

England manager Capello has reportedly been reminded of his obligations on this front as the fallout from the publication of the Capello Index continues.

The FA declined to comment directly on the matter but did confirm Capello was subject to the same conditions as any other employee.

It nevertheless appears certain any future venture the Italian undertakes will be subject to greater scrutiny than that which followed his decision to involve himself with the controversial Index.

The FA have already confirmed that, while he remains England manager, Capello would have no further input into the www.capelloindex.com website.

Schalke confident of Raul capture

SCHALKE coach Felix Magath says he is confident of signing Real Madrid legend Raul this summer.

The Bundesliga outfit have already held talks with the Madrid captain and Magath believes the 33-year-old is primed for a move to Gelsenkirchen.

“Raul has shown in every moment his interest in signing for our team and we believe he will arrive, be it in days or weeks,” Magath said in quotes published by Marca.

Tottenham and Newcastle have also been linked with Raul, but Magath says the former Spain star will reject all other offers to sign for Schalke.

“We are aware that the Real Madrid striker is receiving other offers, but we also know he is turning them down,” he said.

Chelsea's Alex to miss start of new season

CHELSEA, who are already without goalkeeper Petr Cech, also look as if they will have centre back Alex sidelined for the start of the season.

Brazilian Alex injured his thigh in pre-season training and will be out for a month, the Premier League and FA Cup double winners said yesterday.

Czech goalkeeper Cech is expected to be out for a similar length of time after tearing a calf muscle in his right leg.

The pair seem certain to miss the opening league game of the season at home to promoted West Bromwich Albion, who are managed by former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo, on August 14th.

The Londoners also announced on yesterday that vuvuzelas would be banned from Stamford Bridge this season: “The decision has been made to ensure the continued enjoyment and safety of fans following consultation with the clubs stakeholders, including fans’ representatives who showed strong support for a ban.”

James has talks with Sunderland

SUNDERLAND are in negotiations with Colin Gordon, David James’s representative, over the England goalkeeper’s potential move to the Stadium of Light.

Matters are complicated by rival interest from Celtic and Fulham and the fact that James wants a one-year contract and regular first-team place, whereas Sunderland manager Bruce aims to sign short-term cover while his first choice, Craig Gordon, recovers from a broken arm.

Gordon’s deputy, Marton Fulop, is wanted by Ipswich and expected to leave shortly, creating a vacancy. “David would be interested in a move to Sunderland,” said Colin Gordon.

“They are a big Premier League club with an excellent manager. I know Steve Bruce well and we are having on-going talks.

“We are hopeful something can be done but Sunderland already have Craig Gordon and, once he returns from injury in two or three months’ time, that could complicate matters.”

Rovers can't get Beattie on cheap

BLACKBURN Rovers have failed in an attempt to re-sign James Beattie after being told that Stoke City are looking to recoup a significant sum for the former England striker despite the manager Tony Pulis’s desire to move on a player he clashed with last season.

Blackburn had hoped that, with Stoke keen to get Beattie off the wage bill, there might be a chance to pick up a player who started his career at Ewood Park on a free or for a nominal fee.

However, Stoke have signalled that they would be looking for about €2 million for Beattie, who cost them double that amount when he joined from Sheffield United in January 2009. Stoke also informed Blackburn they would not consider loaning Beattie to one of their Premier League rivals.

Blackburn have missed out on another target after the Iran international Andranik Teymourian turned down the chance of an extended trial.