Fulham midfielder Bjorn Helge Riise could find himself in hot water following critical reports of his team-mates, particularly Ireland's Damien Duff, in the Norwegian press.

Fulham today signed Norway midfielder Bjorn Helge Riise on a three-year contract.

John Arne Riise’s brother has revealed the Liverpool defender was so disappointed by his own goal against Chelsea he did not even want to speak to his family.

A MAN from Malta made Sir Alex Ferguson very cross indeed as Michael Mifsud struck twice to dump Manchester United out of the Carling Cup.

FORGOTTEN man Albert Luque will come in from the cold in Sicily tonight as Newcastle attempt to ease towards the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup.

Bohemians pair Stephen Ward and John Paul Kelly are wanted by Championship side Cardiff City.

It has been revealed that Newcastle United landed Irish international Damien Duff for a cut-price fee of just £5m (€7.34).

Newcastle will today show off new signing Damien Duff and intend to announce more transfer market coups before the start of the season.

Lillestrom 0 Newcastle 3 (Newcastle win 4-1 on aggregate)

Newcastle are on the verge of pulling off a major transfer coup as they head into this afternoon’s vital Intertoto Cup clash with Lillestrom.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd is hopeful of snatching Damien Duff from under the noses of Barclays Premiership rivals Tottenham.

Newcastle 1 Lillestrom 1

NEWCASTLE have appointed midfielder Scott Parker their new captain following the retirement of Alan Shearer.

Bohemians sold Tony Grant to Drogheda United yesterday evening for an undisclosed fee with Mark Leech moving in the opposite direction on loan – and John Paul Kelly may soon be on his way to Norwegian side Lillestrom.

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi is facing a battle against the clock to play his part in the club’s Intertoto Cup campaign.

Newcastle have confirmed they will play their Intertoto Cup tie against either Keflavik or Lillestrom at St James' Park on Saturday, July 15.

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback has confirmed he will pick the strongest squad available ahead of the March 1 clash with the Republic of Ireland at Lansdowne Road, Dublin.

Fulham have signed Watford striker Heidar Helguson from Watford for £1.3m.

Burnley 0 Leeds 1

Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell is set to recruit Iceland international Gylfi Einarsson – but he will have to wait until New Year’s Day before handing the player a debut.

Former Manchester City and Southampton striker Uwe Rosler has been diagnosed with chest cancer.

Bobby Robson threw teenagers Jermaine Jenas and Hugo Viana into the heat of European battle in Bosnia this evening as Newcastle launched their bid for Champions League football.

MANCHESTER UNITED and Newcastle are odds-on to join Liverpool and Arsenal in the Champions League after both clubs received favourable draws in the third qualifying round.

MANCHESTER UNITED and Newcastle are odds-on to join Liverpool and Arsenal in the Champions League after both clubs received favourable draws in the third qualifying round.

Glasgow Celtic will face either MSK Zilina (Slovakia) or FC Basel of Switzerland in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

Eircom League champions Shelbourne must travel to Malta to play Hibernians following the Champions League first round qualifying draw in Geneva today.