Ray Parlour is set to become the fourth high-profile signing to join Middlesbrough when he is expected to complete the formalities on a three-year, £1.7million deal soon.
The 32-year-old midfielder will join Mark Viduka, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Michael Reizeger at the Riverside, according to his agent Steve Kutner, who says: "Ray will be signing for Middlesbrough subject to a medical."
Parlour's arrival may signal Juninho dropping down the pecking order at the Riverside but the Brazilian says he isn't leaving, by choice.
The World Cup winner, who had to content himself with a 'second-string' outing at York while Viduka and Hasselbaink featured in a stronger line-up against Rotherham, said: "I will only leave if the manager wants me to."
It looks likely that Kanu could be the next player to depart from Highbury. After recent speculation that the Nigerian was wanted by Charlton and West Brom, comments from the player's agent would seem to confirm that Villa Park is a preferred destination for Kanu.
Paul Okoye, the strikers' agent admitted: "I don't know anything about Charlton or West Brom, Villa is his dream. He loves the club, the manager David O'Leary and he'd love to link up with the team there."
It looks as if Sami Hyypia could be on his way to Barcelona. The Finn is said to be a target for Barca manager Frank Riijkard and after comments from President Joan Laporta that would seem to be confirmed.
Laporta said: "We need a centre half and Hyypia is on our list. We have been studying him closely and think Liverpool may do business."
Liverpool, meanwhile, gave a debut to recent arrival Djibril Cisse in Wednesday's friendly at Wrexham and the Frenchman came through with flying colours.
Cisse played the first half and although he was overshadowed by fellow Frenchman Anthony Le Tallec, who netted both goals in the 2-1 win, his manager, Rafael Benitez, was delighted with Cisse, saying: "I'm very happy with Djibril. The problem is we were playing short passes and with his pace he needs long passes."
It makes me wonder if Cisse and Michael Owen will get in each other's way as chasing long balls, over the top, is one of Owen's strong points too?
Jurgen Klinsmann is set to rescue Germany from the embarrassment of their struggle to replace departed coach Rudi Voller.
The former Spurs and German striker said: "I was delighted to see the German FA accept my offer to help the national team in their preparation for the 2006 World Cup in Germany."
After the abject failure of their strikers in Euro 2004 I wouldn't rule out Jurgen getting a game for the national side!
