Premiership clubs today stepped up their quest for new players as Newcastle, Portsmouth and Aston Villa all dived into the transfer market, with England striker Michael Owen poised for a big-money move to St James’ Park.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry today expressed his relief after the holders avoided Everton in the draw for the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

Celtic’s possible opponents in the final qualifying round of the Champions League will come from eastern Europe.

THE RELIEF was etched on the face of Mateja Kezman after he scored his first Premiership goal with a cheeky last-minute penalty against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.