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General Sports News

Roque targets top four

Author: Craig Williams
Date: 24/06/2009

New Manchester City signing Roque Santa Cruz has stated that the club's ambitious project was the main reason behind his £17million move from Blackburn Rovers.

The 27-year-old Paraguay international has signed a four-year contract with the Citizens, having been linked with an exit from Ewood Park for much of the last 12 months.

Santa Cruz told his new club's official website: "The owners want the club to be more successful - they want to break into the top four."

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Meanwhile, Liverpool have won the race to sign England international Glen Johnson after reaching an agreement with Portsmouth for the defender.

The Reds have confirmed the news less than a week after they reportedly had 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 cooled their interest in the player recently.

American broadcaster ESPN have stepped in to take over the Premier League rights previously held by Setanta.

Financial troubles at Setanta forced the Irish broadcaster to relinquish their rights to rival Sky, with ESPN now holding the rights for 46 games next season and 23 matches per season for the 2010-13 period.

Real Madrid have all but given up hope of being able to sign Spain striker David Villa from Valencia this summer.

Sporting director Jorge Valdano had been leading the negotiations to try and take Villa to the Bernabeu, with Chelsea having also been heavily linked with the 27-year-old.

However, Valdano told Radio Nacional de Espana: "There is no possibility of negotiating with Valencia."

South Africa have announced their line-up ahead of Saturday's second Test against the British & Irish Lions, with back-rower Schalk Burger returning to the side.

Burger, who is regarded as one of the best flankers in world rugby, slots back in to the side after recovering from injury. He takes the place of Heinrich Brussow who drops to the bench.

Burger missed Saturday's 26-21 first Test win over the tourists due to a calf injury.

Wasps have sealed the signing of Lee Smith on a three-year contract from rugby league outfit Leeds Rhinos.

The 22-year-old, who can play at centre or full-back, has decided to switch codes in a bid to further his career.

He told his new club's official website: "A move to London Wasps is a massive challenge for me, not only as a rugby league player moving to union, but also leaving Leeds for London.

"Wasps are one of the biggest clubs in the Guinness Premiership and have some of the best players in England."

Durham's England fast bowler Liam Plunkett is set to see a specialist in a bid to get to the bottom of an injury which has seen him sidelined for the past month.

The 24-year-old continues to be troubled by what Durham think is a groin problem and there are few signs of an imminent recovery.

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