Soccer news round-up
Keane eyes defensive duo
West Bromwich Albion are bracing themselves for an approach from promoted Sunderland for Republic of Ireland defender Paul McShane and full back Paul Robinson. Reports have suggested Roy Keane is ready to make a £5million bid for the pair as he attempts to strengthen his squad for life in the Premier League.
Keane's interest in 21-year-old McShane, who arrived at the Hawthorns on a free transfer from Manchester United last summer, is long-standing. The Wicklow-born centre half emerged from the ranks at Old Trafford and was a member of the 2003 FA Youth Cup winning team. He had loan spells at Walsall and Brighton before joining the West Brom.
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is lining up a £5 million cash-plus-player bid for West Brom playmaker Jason Koumas. O'Neill is understood to be prepared to allow one or more fringe players - possibly Gary Cahill and Isaiah Osbourne - join Albion on loan as part of the deal.
Henry dismisses injury claim
Thierry Henry believes his spell on the Arsenal sidelines last season could prove beneficial for his new club Barcelona. He also dismissed reports that he has become injury-prone over the last few campaigns.
The striker said: "For the very first time, if you have followed my career, I had an injury this year which stopped me from playing. Maybe not having played too much last season will be good for me next season. I have only had one (serious) injury and nobody should worry about me being injured."
Yaya Toure, brother of Arsenal's Kolo, has completed his £6 million move to Barcelona from Monaco.
In brief . . .
West Ham striker Carlos Tevez has admitted there is a strong possibility he will move to Inter Milan this summer . . . Bayern Munich have agreed an undisclosed fee with Werder Bremen for Germany striker Miroslav Klose . . . Carson Yeung, the Hong Kong-based businessman, has confirmed his intent to mount a £50 million takeover offer for Birmingham City through face-to-face meetings David Gold, the chairman, and the co-owner, David Sullivan.
