Bahrain-based investment bank GFH Capital are poised to complete their takeover of Leeds United, the two parties have said yesterday.
GFH Capital have provided Leeds owner Ken Bates with the necessary proof of funds to complete the transaction, which has been in the pipeline since May when talks between the two first began.
Bates said: “It’s been a long road, but we are in a good place.
“Both sides have been in talks over the last few days. We are keeping focused and hope to complete the deal very soon.
“The inaccurate reporting of certain journalists does not help the situation though.”
Sunderland sign McFadden
James McFadden has completed his move to Sunderland on a short-term contract.
Manager Martin O’Neill revealed this week that the 29-year-old former Scotland international would put pen to paper within 24 hours, and the Black Cats have confirmed he has now done that as he attempts to rekindle his career.
Free agent McFadden spent six months at Everton last season after being released by Birmingham City.
He will spend the next three months on Wearside as O’Neill assesses whether or not he can return to the form which brought him 48 senior caps.
Kagawa setback
Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa is facing three to four weeks on the sidelines because of a knee injury.
United boss Alex Ferguson confirmed the news at a press conference yesterday.
“Kagawa is out for three to four weeks with a knee injury. Playing on Tuesday (against Braga) didn’t help. It is disappointing,” the Scot said.
On a positive note, Ferguson reported that defender Chris Smalling was back in training following a broken metatarsal.
“That is a big bonus for us,” Ferguson added.
Celtic unworthy of CL – Schuster
Celtic do not deserve to be playing in the Champions League, according to former Barcelona player and manager Bernd Schuster.
The German made the comments following Tuesday’s game at the Nou Camp which saw the Glasgow side lose 2-1 after a mainly backs-to-the-wall performance.
“I’m fed up of seeing these type of matches,” Schuster said.
“There should not be teams like Celtic in the Champions League. We saw it last year with Chelsea and it is regrettable that they became the European champions.
“You see Celtic defending with 10 men and almost snatching a point – that is not fair.”
Wanyama won’t sign again – agent
Midfielder Victor Wanyama has rejected Celtic’s offer of an improved contract, according to his agent.
The 21-year-old Kenyan is under contract until 2015 after signing in the summer of 2011 from Belgian side Beerschot.
Wanyama’s agent Rob Moore said: “Victor has informed Celtic the contract offer fell short of his expectations.
“There were a number of aspects that fell short – he turned it down.”
Wanyama’s performances have seen him linked with a move to the Premier League and Celtic reportedly rejected an offer for the midfielder in summer.
Stars unite for Hillsborough
Robbie Williams and former Spice Girl Mel C are among some of the stars set to record a charity single for the families of the 96 victims of the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster.
A range of British artists including Paloma Faith, The Clash’s Mick Jones and Beverley Knight are joining forces to record a cover of The Hollies’ legendary hit, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” in time for Christmas.
Organisers also hope that Beatles legend Paul McCartney will be involved in the recording.
The news comes weeks after an independent inquiry uncovered a police cover-up in the aftermath of the crush at the 1989 FA Cup football semi-final in Sheffield that killed 96 Liverpool fans.
Chelsea rubbish Terry rumours
Chelsea have branded claims they are negotiating the sale of John Terry to Valencia as “nonsense”.
Agent Francois Gallardo claimed on Thursday that Terry was mulling over a move to Valencia after deciding to leave Stamford Bridge.
“Valencia are negotiating, and I am involved in person,” Gallardo said.
The Blues were quick to rubbish the claims, however, with a club spokesman telling reporters that the story was “nonsense.”
Terry has 18 months left on his deal at Stamford Bridge. The former England skipper has played for the Blues throughout his professional career.