Football news in brief

Published on Friday 4 July 2008 22:18

McGregor nears return to hand Smith a boost

RANGERS manager Walter Smith was handed a pre-season boost with the news that goalkeeper Allan McGregor is set to resume full training after recovering from ankle and knee injuries. The Scotland international has been out since April when he had to limp off in an Old Firm meeting with Celtic.

"Allan has been given permission to step up his training a little bit more now," said Smith. "I would hope that within the next week, he will be back in among the rest of the players on a full-time basis."

Touzani leaves Dons to head home for Sparta

KARIM Touzani has left Aberdeen and returned home to the Netherlands to sign a three-year deal with Sparta Rotterdam.

The former Ajax Academy youngster joined the Pittodrie club from FC Twente in 2006. Deployed in defence and midfield, his career at Pittodrie was hampered by injury and he made only 25 appearances for the Dons, scoring one goal which came in a 2-1 win against Dundee United at the end of last season.

Dossena deal done as Deggen finally arrives

LIVERPOOL have completed the signing of Italian left-back Andrea Dossena, 26, from Udinese on a four-year deal. Dossena, capped once by Italy, is manager Rafael Benitez's second acquisition of the close season following the arrival, also yesterday, of Swiss international Philipp Degen on a four-year deal.

Southgate lures young hopefuls to Riverside

MIDDLESBROUGH manager Gareth Southgate splashed out in the transfer market yesterday, first clinching a 3.2 million deal for Dutchman Marvin Emnes, then spending 4 million on France Under-21 midfielder Didier Digard.

Emnes, 20, moves on a four-year deal from Sparta Rotterdam, while Digard joins from Paris St Germain.

Kewell's agent rejects claims by Galatasaray

HARRY Kewell's agent has denied the former Liverpool player has signed with Galatasaray, despite claims on the Turkish club's website that the Australian international had agreed to a three-year deal.

Kewell's agent Bernie Mandic said no decision will be made on the midfielder's future until today.

Defenders Dunne and Taylor sign new deals

MANCHESTER City captain Richard Dunne has ended speculation about his future by signing a new four-year contract with the club, while Newcastle defender Steven Taylor also cleared up his future by signing a new three-year deal at St James' Park. It is understood Taylor's new deal will more than treble his wage packet to around 35,000 a week.