Robbie Fowler has signed for Blackburn after rejecting a pay-as-you-play deal from Cardiff. The 33-year-old ex-England striker was expected to sign a new one-year deal at the Bluebirds but told the club on Thursday he would be joining Rovers.
Fowler scored six goals in 16 games in an injury-hit season at Ninian Park after joining Cardiff from Liverpool.
He has not played since mid-December because of a hip injury that required surgery in the United States.
The move will reunite Fowler with new Blackburn manager Paul Ince, who is an old friend of the forward following their time together at Anfield.
Ronaldo has tough choice says Beckham
David Beckham believes Cristiano Ronaldo has an "incredibly difficult choice" to make between staying at Manchester United or joining Real Madrid.
Ronaldo, who has this summer spelt out his "dream" of playing for the Spanish giants, has agreed with Sepp Blatter's claim that there is "modern slavery" in the transfer market. Beckham, who swapped Manchester for the Spanish capital in 2003, believes United are equal to Real.
"When I left Manchester United the only other club I wanted to play for was Real Madrid," the England midfielder told Sky Sports News.
" Playing for Manchester United was my dream but so was playing for Real. It was an incredibly difficult choice to make and I'm sure it is the same for Cristiano."
Juventus consider Niemi bid
Juventus are reportedly considering a move for Fulham goalkeeper Antti Niemi as they look for an understudy to regular goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
The Serie A club have long been seeking an experienced back-up for the Italy goalkeeper and reports said yesterday that they are now planning a swoop for Finnish goalkeeper Niemi.
The arrival of Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has forced Niemi to seek a move elsewhere and the lure of a transfer to the Serie A could tempt Niemi to start a new adventure.
Klinsmann wants to keep Podolski
Bayern Munich coach Jurgen Klinsmann has moved to quash speculation regarding the future of Lukas Podolski by saying that he wants to keep the striker and help him improve his game.
The 23-year-old has failed to establish himself at the Allianz-Arena and he is keen to secure a move to a club which can guarantee him first-team football. However, Klinsmann insists the Germany international is going nowhere.
"Lukas has two years to go on his contract with us so there are no questions to be answered. I'll go to great lengths to make sure Lukas feels happy at Bayern," Klinsmann told Bayern's official website.
Nasri agrees to join Arsenal
France playmaker Samir Nasri has agreed to join Arsenal from Olympique Marseille, the English Premier League club said yesterday.
Arsenal gave no details of the deal, saying only the 21-year-old would be joining on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee. Nasri will join the squad for pre-season training on July 21.
"We are delighted to be signing Samir Nasri," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. "He is young, quick and technically an outstanding player.
"He has shown great potential with his performances for Marseille and the French national team over the past two seasons."
Arshavin wary of transfer fee
Andrei Arshavin fears he may have priced himself out of a move away from Zenit St Petersburg following his excellent performances for Russia at Euro 2008.
Chelsea and Arsenal are believed to be keen on Arshavin and an unnamed English club recently had a £19 million bid rejected, according to the Russia playmaker's agent. Barcelona are also eager to capture the 27-year-old and had two offers turned down by Zenit.
The UEFA Cup holders have already stated they will only let Arshavin go for £24 million and Arshavin fears he may prove too expensive for a number of clubs.
"As it turned out, maybe I did the wrong thing for myself as an individual by playing well at Euro 2008 since it has led to a rise in my market value," Arshavin told the Daily Telegraph.
Lippi tips Inter for Scudetto
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has backed Inter to win the 2008-09 championship.
A fascinating fight for the Serie A title is in prospect as champions Inter look to maintain their hold on the crown but face a tough challenge from Milan, Roma and Juventus.
However, Lippi has great respect for Inter's new boss Jose Mourinho and thinks the Portuguese man can deliver the silverware.
"I believe Inter will win the Scudetto again because I really like the coach that Massimo Moratti has brought in," Lippi said.
"Mourinho is a closed person, but when all the players speak so highly of a boss it means that he has sown the seeds correctly."