Dominic Matteo has followed a popular trend adopted by other departed Leeds players and agreed to waive all monies owed to him by the club.

The former Leeds skipper made an instant return to the Premiership yesterday by joining Blackburn on a free transfer, signing a three-year contract.

Matteo became Rovers' manager Graeme Souness's third signing this summer, joining Paul Dickov and Javier de Pedro at Ewood Park.

The former Scotland international's move is a reluctant one, though, for it is believed he offered to take a pay cut to remain at Leeds and guide them out of the first division and back into the top flight.

Despite the exits of Alan Smith, Paul Robinson and James Milner, the Leeds board remain determined to remove the high wage earners from the books.

With Matteo earning close to £1.5 million a season, the directors were forced to let him leave, pushing through the deal by letting him go for nothing.

After weeks of trying to lure Matteo away from Leeds, Souness was relieved to get his man.

Liverpool expect Milan Baros to report for training in two weeks despite him being linked with a move to Real Madrid.

The 22-year-old Czech Republic striker finished top scorer in Euro 2004 with five goals and it is believed he is top of Lorenzo Sanz's wish list should he oust Florentino Perez as president of Real in this Sunday's election for the post.

Liverpool, however, are distancing themselves from the speculation: "There has been no contact between the clubs," said spokesman Ian Cotton.

"Milan is expected back in training on July 19th along with the other players who played in Euro 2004."

Baros revealed his agent, Pavel Paska, had spoken with Sanz to propose the deal which would be conditional on the results of the elections and new Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez's say-so.

The Republic of Ireland are down two places in the latest FIFA rankings and are now in 16th place, equal with Cameroon.

Greece have soared from 35th to 14th after their unexpected Euro 2004 victory.

Meanwhile the Greek football federation said yesterday Otto Rehhagel is set to see out his contract and coach their national side to the 2006 World Cup.

Czech Republic players Martin Jiranek and Marek Heinz have revealed Celtic would be their preferred destination after their their Euro 2004 performances sparked a bidding war.

Jiranek, a right back, siad:"I am pleased with all the offers, but if I were to choose, I would prefer Celtic."

Striker Heinz stated: "Celtic are one of the clubs I am interested in. One of the reasons is that they regularly play in the Champions League."

Roberto Mancini has been named as the new coach of Italian side Inter Milan.