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General Sports News

Bhoys close in on Mowbray

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 13/06/2009

Tony Mowbray is the overwhelming sports betting favourite to be confirmed as Celtic's new boss next week fter West Brom gave the Scottish club permission to speak to their manager.

The two clubs have agreed in principle to a £2million compensation package for Mowbray who seems set to take on the role vacated at Parkhead by Gordon Strachan last month.

The Bhoys will also pay an additional compensation figure for the services of Albion's assistant manager Mark Venus and first-team coach Peter Grant.

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan is waiting for Manchester United to lodge an official offer for winger Luis Antonio Valencia.

The 23-year-old Ecuador international has been watched by United for some time and the Red Devils are expected to firm up their interest as soon as Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid is completed.

Portsmouth's executive chairman Peter Storrie has admitted that England international Glen Johnson is almost certain to leave Fratton Park this summer.

Chelsea are believed to be leading the chase to sign their former player while Manchester City and Liverpool are also interested in securing his services.

Lyon director Bernard Lacombe insists Manchester United target Karim Benzema will still be at the Stade Gerland next season.

The 21-year-old striker has been spoken of as a possible replacement for Ronaldo at Old Trafford, if the Portugal international completes his anticipated £80million switch to Real Madrid.

Internazionale and Real Madrid have also been linked with Benzema, but Lacombe is adamant that he has received no offers for the player.

Internazionale manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that he would be interested in bringing Chelsea midfielder Deco to the San Siro.

The Portugal international admitted earlier in the week that he was hoping to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after enduring a poor season in England.

Mourinho has now added fuel to the speculation by speaking of his desire to be reunited with Deco, who he worked with at FC Porto.

Everton boss David Moyes has released Nuno Valente and Andy van der Meyde while Segundo Castillo has returned to Red Star Belgrade after his loan spell at Goodison Park came to an end.

Valente moved to the club four years ago but the 34-year-old made only 60 first-team appearances for the Toffees.

Van der Meyde also joined the club in 2005 from Internazionale but injuries and disciplinary and personal problems restricted him to only 14 starts for Moyes' side.

Castillo also struggled to make an impression on Merseyside finding the net only once in 13 appearances for the club.

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