Basketball: Newcastle eye Miller

Newcastle Eagles are favourites to sign the former England international Carl Miller, who was part of last summer's exodus to Continental clubs but now wants to return to the Budweiser League.

The 6ft 7in Miller has been released by the Lisbon club Estrelas, surprise contenders for the Portuguese championship under the former Crystal Palace and Hemel Royals coach Danny Palmer.

Manchester-born Miller, 30 last month, played for Warrington, Manchester United and Giants, Guildford, Kingston, London Leopards and Thames Valley in a 12-year career and was capped 44 times for England and Great Britain.

Eagles have dropped to eighth in the league after winning their first four games, but the coach, Tom Hancock, is preparing to climb the table as Newcastle have up to five games in hand over the clubs above them.

This week Hancock signed the American guard Ralph Blalock, who made his debut in last night's 7-Up Trophy group game against Manchester Giants, and released his compatriot Anthony Joseph, to be signed by Converse Crystal Palace.

Palace were also chasing Miller, who played for Thames Valley last season, but will now rekindle their interest in another American, Paul Grant. Palace are waiting for work permits to play Joseph, Grant and Tim Garrett in Sunday's Trophy game at Tigers.

English transfer moves this week took Garnet Gayle to Derby Storm and the 6ft 10in England international Jason Crump to Chester Jets.