Baros in squad: Rafael Benitez last night refused to rule out the prospect of Luis Figo completing a free transfer from Real Madrid while insisting £7 million-rated Milan Baros was in his squad for the Champions League qualifier against the Lithuanian champions, Kaunas (Sky Sports 1, 7.45).
Liverpool are believed to have turned down a £5 million bid from Aston Villa for Baros, insisting the offer is way short of their valuation for the Czech star. And, although playing Baros in a European game would not only cup tie him in Uefa competitions but also instantly reduce his valuation.
Benitez has injury doubts over Steve Finnan and Djimi Traore, but would not give any indication of Baros' involvement. He said: "As far as I am concerned he is in my squad. I will see tomorrow if he plays or not. He is here, in the squad and can play. He is happy and training well, he is playing and scoring goals, of course he is happy."
Spat over spit
David Beckham was involved in a furious half-time bust-up after accusing a Tokyo Verdy player of spitting at him during a pre-season game yesterday. The England captain and Real Madrid team-mates Ronaldo and Michel Salgado tried to force their way into Verdy's changing room to get to Kazuyuki Toda after an ugly clash on the pitch.
"Toda spat in my face," Beckham told Reuters after Real's shock 3-0 defeat. "Our players saw it and they weren't happy about it." Toda, who left the pitch on a stretcher with damaged ligaments in his right arm after a late tackle, denied that he had deliberately spat at Beckham. "Beckham kicked me and I swore at him," he said. "Some spit flew but it didn't hit him. That's why he got angry I think."
Vassell set for City
Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell (25), was discussing personal terms with Manchester City yesterday and having a medical after a fee, believed to be £2.5 million, was agreed with Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Villa defender Martin Laursen looks set to miss the start of the season after a recurrence of a long-term knee injury
Celtic sign Nakamura Celtic have completed the signing of Shunsuke Nakamura from Reggina ahead of a medical. The Japan international has signed a three-year deal to become Gordon Strachan's seventh signing this summer. The 27-year-old is expected to be in Glasgow shortly for the medical, which is expected to be a formality along with a successful application for a work permit.
Baptista fee 'close'
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has dismissed reports he is interested in signing Edgar Davids or Olivier Dacourt and insists he is happy with his squad. However, Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido has claimed Arsenal's latest bid for Brazilian Julio Baptista is close to the figure they would accept. The 23-year-old is thought to prefer a move to another Spanish club but Del Nido has confirmed Arsenal have upped the stakes.
Takeover speculation
Speculation that Newcastle United is a takeover target mounted today after its former chairman was approached about selling his stake in the club. In a statement to the stock market, millionaire businessman Sir John Hall confirmed an unnamed party had expressed an interest in buying the 28.5 per cent stake held by his Wynyard business. The announcement followed a 18 per cent spike in the share price of Newcastle yesterday as investors speculated that it could follow Premiership rival Manchester United in being taken over.
In brief . . .
Bayern Munich's general manager Uli Hoeness has warned Michael Ballack that the club will not be held to ransom over a new contract . . . Bolton Wanderers have agreed terms to sign Mexico striker Jared Borgetti (31), on a two-year contract . . . Everton chief executive Keith Wyness is hopeful of tying Tim Cahill down on a long-term contract despite reports claiming the winger has rejected their latest offer . . . Brendan Rea has been confirmed as the manager of Waterford United in the wake of the departure of Giles Cheevers who left to take up a coaching post in the United States over the weekend.
