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General Sports News

Reds close in on Johnson

Author: Rose Young
Date: 16/06/2009

Liverpool have reportedly won the race to sign Portsmouth and England right-back Glen Johnson after having an £18.5million offer for the player accepted.

Chelsea had also been linked with the 24-year-old, who left Stamford Bridge almost two years ago, but appear to have cooled their interest in the player recently.

The transfer fee will take into account the fact that Pompey still owe Liverpool £7million for Peter Crouch's move to Fratton Park last summer.

Roberto Martinez is delighted to be returning to Wigan Athletic after being confirmed as the new manager of the Latics.

The 35-year-old Spaniard, who enjoyed a successful six-year playing career with the club from 1995, has signed a three-year contract with Wigan after negotiations with Swansea City regarding his backroom staff were finally resolved.

The two clubs have agreed further compensation for assistant manager Graeme Jones and chief scout Kevin Reeves as well as Martinez. Goalkeeping coach Inaki Bergara and masseur Oscar Brau are also moving to Wigan.

Aston Villa have opened talks with David Bentley as they attempt to complete the signing of the Tottenham midfielder.

The 24-year-old moved to White Hart Lane from Blackburn Rovers last summer in a £16million transfer but, despite scoring a stunning goal in the dramatic 4-4 draw with Arsenal, Bentley endured a poor season at Spurs.

He managed to find the net just once more in 35 appearances and failed to start a game in the last three months of the season.

It is believed that Harry Redknapp will accept as little as £7million for Bentley, but may offer the midfielder and Jermaine Jenas to Villa in exchange for Ashley Young.

Ricardo Carvalho's transfer from Chelsea to Internazionale has moved a step closer after the 31-year-old criticised the Premier League club's attitude towards him in the last 12 months.

Inter have confirmed their interest in signing Carvalho and his Portugal team-mate Deco this summer with both men being quoted as saying they would like to work with the Italian side's coach Jose Mourinho again.

Manchester United are interested in signing France international Franck Ribery, according to Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea are also keen to sign the 26-year-old, although Rummenigge still believes will be a Bayern player when the new season starts in August.

In rugby union, South Africa head coach Peter de Villiers has named his squad for Saturday's first Test against the British & Irish Lions.

The Springboks have been hit by the withdrawal of Schalk Burger, who is struggling with a calf injury and Heinrich Brussow replaces him.

Captain John Smit starts at prop while a fearsome back three of Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen and Bryan Habana has been selected.

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