Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli has moved to strengthen his defence by signing Italian international full back Christian Panucci from Inter Milan on a one-year loan. The 27-year-old put pen to paper after personal terms were agreed in London and he arrives as a replacement for Dan Petrescu who has left for Bradford.

Predominantly a right back, he can also play at centre back on in a back three and gives Vialli extra options, as he will challenge the likes of Albert Ferrer, Mario Melchiot and Frank Leboeuf for a first team place.

Chelsea's previous summer signings - Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Mario Stanic - have all been attacking players.

Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has declared himself fit for the Premiership curtain-raiser at Manchester United after shaking off a niggling knee injury.

Shearer has played just 20 minutes of his club's pre-season campaign because of a bout of tendinitis, but he is now set to celebrate his 30th birthday by turning out against Spanish side Espanol in Barcelona on Sunday.

Bradford chairman Geoffrey Richmond is hoping to clinch a £1.5 million deal for Blackburn striker Ashley Ward next week, with Lee Mills poised to join Portsmouth.

Manchester City new boy Paulo Wanchope looks set to miss out on a dream debut against arch rivals Manchester United. The 24-year-old striker trained with his new team-mates yesterday but was due to fly out on international duty with Costa Rica forcing him to miss the trip to Everton on Saturday and probably Denis Irwin's testimonial at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Meanwhile City midfielder Jamie Pollock looks set to join Crystal Palace after the two clubs agreed a fee of £600,000 for the player.

Royle has also placed winger Terry Cooke on the transfer list again.