Work permit refusal stalls McCarthy's move

Middlesbrough have been refused a work permit for the South African striker Benni McCarthy. The Teessiders had negotiated a loan deal for the rest of the season with Celta Vigo, but it is understood McCarthy's international appearances over the past two years have been below the required 75 per cent.

The Blackburn Rovers manager, Graeme Souness, is beating Middlesbrough in the chase to sign Sedan's French Under-21 left-back, David Di Tomasso. The young defender has been to The Riverside for talks but headed for Blackburn last night and may sign later this week.

Manchester City have moved a game back 24 hours after the Israeli, Eyal Berkovic, pointed out a clash with the Jewish Day of Atonement. Berkovic would have been unable to play against Walsall on the scheduled date of 26 September as he plans to observe the holy day Yom Kippur. As City's match with Walsall kicks off after dusk – the start of the new day in the Jewish religion – Berkovic would have had to sit out the match. Berkovic pleaded with the club to alter the fixture and the Football League has consented to it being brought back to 25 September.

Former England midfielder Nigel Clough has played down speculation linking him with the vacant manager's post at Coventry. Gordon Strachan left the Sky Blues by mutual consent yesterday following a poor opening to the First Division campaign.

Foreign referees could be set to join overseas managers and players in the Premiership, according to the Fifa president, Sepp Blatter.