Paletta set to join Liverpool
Gabriel Paletta, the Argentine defender, appears to be the most likely next signing for Liverpool. The 20-year-old is scheduled to travel to Merseyside on Sunday to agree personal terms and undergo a medical. Paletta, who caught Rafael Benítez’s eye playing for Argentina in the Under-20 World Cup last year, is expected to see out the domestic season with Club Atlético Banfield before joining Liverpool in the summer in a deal that could cost up to £2 million.
“The discussions are very advanced,” Carlos Portell, the Banfield president, said. “God willing, we will have everything sorted out before the end of the weekend.”
Campbell injury
Sol Campbell will miss the first leg of the Champions League first knockout round tie against Real Madrid on February 21. The Arsenal defender has a foot injury and will be out for up to three weeks, but he should be back before the second leg at Highbury on March 8. “He played two or three weeks with it, but the injury became worse,” Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, said. “He cannot kick the ball at the moment. It is an ankle injury but not a ligament problem. It is bone bruising.”
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On the rocks
Rotherham United, the Coca-Cola League One club, will cease trading and drop out of the Football League unless they can raise up to £2 million in the next six weeks. Administration is not an option because Rotherham, who are second from bottom in the table, do not own Millmoor and have virtually no assets. Peter Ruchniewicz, the chairman, said: “The club must find £1 million before the end of the season, and perhaps a further £1 million to ensure full viability for next season.”