Reyna to Fulham: "Just one or two details to sort out"

Fulham manager Chris Coleman said today that Claudio Reyna is on the verge of completing his move to the west London club.

Coleman told Fulham's official website, "We've just got one or two details to sort out, but we're very optimistic that he'll be a Fulham player shortly. He won't be in for Saturday, but everything's agreed. Hopefully we'll be getting him through the door very shortly."

And Coleman sang the praises of 'Captain America', saying "He's got great experience, he's the captain of his country, a superb midfield player, he's very busy and he's a team player.

"I've said all along that I've got money to spend, but I'm only going to bring in the right type of player - and Claudio Reyna is the right type.

"If we get him through the door he'll be a great asset for us."

Another Irish recruit?

Mick McCarthy is considering the merits of yet another Irish player - on the recommendation of one of his existing Irish team members!

RoI U21 defender Clive Delaney comes highly recommended by Sunderland new boy Gary Breen, and Delaney has joined Sunderland for a trial period. Breen and Delaney were team-mates at West Ham last season.

Delaney took part in yesterday's reserve team match against Man City, but McCarthy has today played down his interest in the player.

He said "I gather he has had offers, but he hasn't got fixed up yet. Gary Breen mentioned him to us and we're just having a look at him, but it's nothing more than that at this stage."

Arca called in from the cold

Mick McCarthy has decided to give crowd favourite Julio Arca another chance to impress in a first-team match after looking like he was resigned to reserve team football.

Julio hasn't been in the squad for any of the first-team matches so far this season and Sunderland's dismal start to the season has led to calls for his return to action.

And today, McCarthy confirmed that the Argentinian will be included in the squad for this Saturday's trip to Deepdale for the televised game with Preston North End.

Arca played at left-back in yesterday's 1-0 reserves team win, and McCarthy said "Julio was excellent - he's been terrific all pre-season.

"I watched him from afar and saw him as a wide left midfield player. Having sat down with him, his actual position is left-back.

"I didn't buy him, I wasn't involved in that process, but he played wide left for a long time - I know he did because I kept watching Sunderland as Irish manager and he was keeping Kevin Kilbane out of the team.

"But he's played more at left-back, he's trained at left-back and he played there on Wednesday and did well. He works very hard in the gym and looks strong.

"He'll definitely be involved in the squad on Saturday."

Oster called up for Euro qualifiers

Sunderland winger John Oster has been selected by Wales as part of a 22-man squad for their forthcoming vital Euro 2004 Qualifying matches.

Wales face Italy in a vital fixture at the San Siro Stadium in Milan on Saturday 6th September. They currently top Group 9 and need only 1 more point to claim a definite play-off spot.

Mark Hughes' men will then take on Finland at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday 10th September.

Ticket News/Alcohol ruling - Preston North End match, Sat 23 August

Nationwide Division One
Preston North End
Deepdale
Saturday 23rd August 2003
Kick Off 5.35pm

Tickets for this fixture can no longer be purchased from Sunderland AFC Ticket
Office.

Tickets are now only be available at the Preston North End ticket office from 2.00pm until kick off on the day of the game.

Prices:
Adults £16
Senior Citizens £11
Juniors £8.50

Preston North End would like to inform Sunderland fans that, in line with their normal policy, there will be no alcohol available inside the ground at any time.