Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has explained the reasons for telling Republic of Ireland defender Phil Babb that he can leave. Houllier said: "There are about six players for two positions now at the back. So I told him that because he had one year left on his contract, he had a good opportunity to move.

"If he does I'll be happy, but if he doesn't I will be happy as well. If a club comes in for him it will be fine, but he could also decide to stay.

"He is a good lad and a good player and he will be part of the team and the squad."

However, Houllier confirmed defender Dominic Matteo's future at the club, following claims that Celtic wanted to buy him for around £5 million.

Liverpool have surprisingly added Michael Owen, who has not kicked a ball since April because of a persistent hamstring injury, to their party for the trip to Norway. A 17-year-old apprentice who tested positive for heroin last season was sacked by Newcastle United last night. The discovery of morphine in a random drugs test last February was revealed only this month. Yesterday's action was taken in anticipation of his name being revealed today in a tabloid.

John Gorman and former England striker Cyrille Regis have taken charge of West Bromwich Albion on a caretaker basis in place of sacked manager Denis Smith. Former Aston Villa manager Brian Little is favourite to get the job.

Benito Carbone, who has been put on the transfer list by Sheffield Wednesday after refusing a new contract, has rejected an offer to join the senior squad and opted to train with the reserves.

Bryan Robson edged closer to making Milan's Christian Ziege Middlesbrough's first close-season purchase yesterday. Middlesbrough have agreed a fee of between £4.5 million for the 27-year-old German international and appear prepared to meet Ziege's personal demands of around £25,000 a week for four years. But Ziege has yet to sign and there is still doubt as to whether a move to Teesside is his preferred option.