Rovers turn to Best to lead Premier League return
The 25-year-old penned a four-year contract at Ewood Park after completing a medical.
Best joined the Magpies in a £1.2million switch from Coventry in February 2010 but found his chances on Tyneside last season limited by injury and the form of Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse.
Blackburn, relegated from the Premier League, are looking to make a quick return to the top-flight and part of their preparation for life in the Championship will see them play Cork City in a friendly at Turner’s Cross next month. The match, which will take place on Sunday, August 12 (kick off 3pm), has been welcomed by the managers of both clubs.
“This is another attractive fixture for us and for our fans,” said City boss Tommy Dunne. “It will be a good test for our young squad.”
Tickets for the game go on sale this morning at Bishopstown and online through Ticketmaster and will be priced at €10 and €5 for concessions.
Meanwhile Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is tipping Rafael to become one of the world’s best full-backs after the youngster signed a new four-year deal.
The 21-year-old has earned a call-up to Brazil’s squad since joining United four years ago and Ferguson believes his continued development will see the defender progress even further at the highest level.
“Rafael has all the attributes to become one of the best full-backs in the world and I am delighted he has signed a new contract,” said the Scot.
“The boy has developed immensely since joining United, his energy and enthusiasm are a joy to watch.”
Rafael’s twin brother Fabio is on his way out of Old Trafford, temporarily at least, joining QPR on a season-long loan yesterday.
The full-back played 53 first-team matches for the Red Devils but has rarely been a first-choice starter.
“He’s got great enthusiasm as well, and just like his brother, he’s a top pro,” said QPR boss Mark Hughes.
United also officially confirmed the release of striker Michael Owen and goalkeeper Tomas Kuszczak after their contracts expired, along with 18-year-old keepers Liam Jacob and Joe Coll. Kuszczak has already joined Championship side Brighton while Jacob has gone to Oldham. Owen is yet to find a club but has been linked with the short move to Stoke.
Elsewhere, Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill snapped up free agent Carlos Cuellar on a two-year deal.
The 30-year-old Spaniard’s contract with Aston Villa expired at the weekend to allow the Black Cats to push home their interest.
Cuellar joined the midlands club from Rangers during the summer of 2008 as then Villa boss O’Neill got his man for the first time. Villa did have some fortune on the market yesterday when they signed Morocco international midfielder Karim El Ahmadi from Feyenoord on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
In Europe, Paris St Germain completed the signing of Argentinian international winger Ezequiel Lavezzi from Napoli yesterday, for a fee believed to be in the region of €30m.
Lazio signed Brazil midfielder Ederson on a free transfer from Lyon.
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