Sven-Goran Eriksson was showing off his skills as a linguist at Manchester City's training ground yesterday, translating into Spanish for Martin Petrov and Portuguese for Geovanni, as the club showed off their latest recruits. Petrov, a Bulgarian international, has become Eriksson's fourth summer signing in a €7 million move from Atletico Madrid.
Eriksson hopes to bring in at least three more overseas players. The first is likely to be the Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini followed by the Mexican striker Nery Castillo, from Olympiakos of Greece. A secondary list of targets is headed by Emerse Fae, an Ivory Coast midfielder available from Nantes for €4 million, and Sevilla's Ivica Dragutinovic, a Serbian defender.
Geovanni, a Brazilian, has arrived on a free transfer after leaving Cruzeiro and Eriksson is also interested in Liverpool's back-up goalkeeper Scott Carson. Liverpool do not want to sell but Carson may be tempted by regular first-team football.
Gallas may get captain's job
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that he is in no rush to appoint Thierry Henry's successor as captain. William Gallas, however, captained the side in Wednesday night's 1-0 defeat to Salzburg sparking rumours that the Frenchman was next in line to take the armband.
Newcastle beat Celtic
Albert Luque proved the unlikely hero as Sam Allardyce tasted victory at St James' Park at the first attempt beating Celtic 4-1. The Spaniard scored twice and Obafemi Martins got the other as they led 3-0 at the break. It took Celtic 72 minutes to score, through Scott Brown, but James Milner sealed the victory at the death.
Thierry Henry scored a penalty in the 90th minute as Barcelona beat Dundee United at Tannadice Park.
In brief . . .
Liverpool have been given permission to play new signings Fernando Torresand Ryan Babelin the today's Asia Trophy final against Portsmouth after receiving international clearance . . . Benfica have agreed to sell Simao Sabrosato Spain's Atletico Madrid for €20 million . . . Bolton have signed winger Christian Wilhelmssonon loan from Nantes . . . Birmingham manager Steve Bruceis resigned to losing the battle to sign Tottenham striker Midoand team-mate Hossam Ghalyas both deals have hit a few snags . . . Former Derby and Manchester City striker Paulo Wanchopehas reached an agreement on a one-year deal with Chicago Fire.
