Newcastle United's manager, Kenny Dalglish, yesterday completed the signing of Welsh international Ian Rush on a one-year deal. The Leeds striker has joined Newcastle on a free transfer and after completing the deal Dalglish quipped: "We are developing our youth policy."
He added: "There are no problems. The deal is done and he will be registered to play in Europe. There will be a full press conference on Monday when we will introduce Ian and John Barnes."
The 36-year-old Welsh international, who made 42 appearances for Leeds last year scoring three goals, was released by George Graham and has had talks with Steve McMahon of Swindon.
The 73-times capped former Liverpool star picked up five championships, three FA Cup, five League Cup and one European Cup winner's medal during his time at Anfield.
He couldn't resist the chance to link up with former team-mate Dalglish, especially as the Magpies also have other former Liverpool stars, John Barnes and Peter Beardsley on the staff.
In a statement issued by Leeds, the club confirmed an agreement had been reached by the two clubs. It added: "The club would like to thank Ian for his contribution during his time at Leeds and wish him good luck for his future career."
Another striker on the move is the former West Ham and Everton player Tony Cottee (32). He is back in England with Leicester after an unhappy spell in Malaysia with Selangor.
Cottee has joined City in a £500,000 deal on a two-year contract.
He signed for Leicester only hours before yesterday's deadline for the UEFA Cup which Leicester will take part in next month as the League Cup holders.
Cottee is relishing the prospect of being able to play in Europe for the first time in his career. He said: "I qualified with Everton and West Ham but the Heysel ban meant I missed out on both occasions. Now to have the opportunity with Leicester is the icing on the cake."
Cottee has scored more than 200 goals in his career and all of his 187 league goals have come in the top flight - 115 in two spells with West Ham and 72 with Everton, while he won seven England caps between 1987 and 1989.
May Agrees New Six-Year Deal
Manchester United defender David May yesterday signed a new six-year agreement with the club. Alex Ferguson said: "We are delighted to secure David's services for a substantial period of time. It is important that we continue to build on the success which the club has enjoyed over recent years."
Wilson Hopeful On Dowie Deal
Barnsley boss Danny Wilson is still hopeful of clinching a deal with West Ham for striker Iain Dowie.
Wilson had been told there was no money left in the Tykes coffers for new signings following last week's £750,000 capture of Darren Barnard from Bristol City.
However, Wilson is confident any move for Dowie, who is out of favour at Upton Park following the arrival of John Hartson and Paul Kitson, can be resurrected.
He said: "It may be next week before anything can get sorted out, but I am still interested and I am hopeful that we can do a deal with West Ham."
The former Arsenal and Everton star Anders Limpar has returned to Sweden on a three-month contract with Stockholm side AIK Solna.
The move comes four months after Birmingham annulled the Swedish international winger's contract just weeks after signing.
Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Rivaldo became Spanish soccer's most expensive signing yesterday when he joined Barcelona for £16 million.
Rivaldo, who leaves Spanish club Deportivo de La Coruna, may make his debut for Barcelona today when the Catalan side face Italy's Sampdoria in a friendly.
Following four hours of talks with club vice president Juan Gaspart, Rivaldo signed for five seasons for Barcelona.
The transfer fee topped the £13 million paid by Atletico Madrid to sign Brazilian star Juninho from Middlesbrough earlier this summer and made Rivaldo Spanish soccer's most expensive signing.
