Caldwell close to Sporting deal

Last updated : 02 June 2003 By Martyn Elliott

It is widely reported that Steve Caldwell expects to become a Sporting Lisbon player within the next two weeks, with Newcastle expecting a fee in the region of £750,000 for the out of contract youngster.

"If I have to choose between Newcastle and Sporting, I will choose Sporting. I won't think twice about it," he is reported to have said.

"In some ways I already feel I'm a Sporting player. At this moment, I can't think about joining anyone else.

"Nothing is yet certain - and it's important to point out that if this move doesn't work out, I have other possibilities - but I think that everything will be decided within two weeks."

Still, if Caldwell’s options are, as reported in the Sunday Sun, Sporting Lisbon and the Mackems his enthusiasm for Portugal is understandable.

The Evening Gazette claim that Juventus are preparing a £10million bid for Hugo Viana, but offer little in the way of corroborating evidence.

Perennially crocked striker Carl Cort is again interesting Wolves although The Journal also claim that he will be used as part of a bid for Spurs’ Stephen Carr.

Meanwhile Nikos Dabizas has said that he is keen to stay in the Premiership, with Portsmouth, Charlton, Wolves and Manchester City said to be interested.

And Motherwell are rumoured to be keen to sign Jamie McClen, as long as Falkirk’s appeal against being barred from entering the SPL proves unsuccessful.