Football: Coventry splash out pounds 3.25m on Moldovan

Coventry City have signed Viorel Moldovan from the Swiss side Grasshopper for pounds 3.25m. The 25-year-old Romanian international striker has signed a four and a half year contract believed to be worth about pounds 2m. He will arrive on 2 January.

However, Everton have failed to convince Mickael Madar to join them from Deportivo La Coruna. The 29-year-old French international striker had been expected to sign for the Goodison club, but he will fly back to Spain today to think things over.

West Bromwich Albion will parade Denis Smith as their new manager at a press conference at The Hawthorns today. He has agreed a three-year contract to take over from Ray Harford.

Crystal Palace have made a bid for Norwich's Welsh Under-21 midfielder Craig Bellamy. Preston have dismissed reports that Ian Rush may replace Gary Peters as manager at Deepdale.

Alex Miller, the new manager of the Scottidh Premier's bottom club, Aberdeen, will listen to offers for any of his squad except his goalkeeper, Jim Leighton, and the new recruit, Derek Whyte.