Hamburg eyeing Parkhead striker

Published on Thursday 7 August 2008 23:21

HAMBURG are said to be lining up a £7million bid for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.

The Dutch striker hit 20 goals for Celtic last season and the Bundesliga side have turned to the 29-year-old as a possible replacement for Rafael van der Vaart, who joined Real Madrid for 10.5m on Monday. "We need a new striker," said Hamburg manager Martin Jol. "We are looking for an experienced player who can help us progress straight away."

Matteo poised for player-coach role

FORMER Scotland international Dominic Matteo is poised to be offered a second chance by Stoke manager Tony Pulis.

The defender was released by Pulis at the end of last season. But in a bid to keep fit, the 34-year-old has been training with the Stoke squad and may now be offered a player-coach role.

Fulham fork out 10m for Johnson

ANDREW Johnson has completed his transfer from Everton to Fulham for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around 10million.

Johnson had been linked with the move for much of the summer but the deal appeared to hit problems earlier this week.

The clubs have now come to an agreement on a fee, with 27-year-old Johnson signing a four-year contract.

Robson losing his fight with cancer

FORMER England manager Sir Bobby Robson admits he will lose his battle with lung cancer. Robson has been fighting a fifth bout of the illness and has accepted doctors' prognosis he is unlikely to beat it. "I am going to die sooner rather than later," he said.

Cherries handed a 17-point handicap

BOURNEMOUTH will start the League Two season on minus 17 points. They have been handed the points penalty after failing to exit administration via the necessary Company Voluntary Agreement and for being declared insolvent.