Oldham move for Warnock

Neil Warnock is expected to be confirmed today as Oldham Athletic's manager until the end of the season. The former Latics forward Andy Ritchie is believed to be returning to Boundary Park from Scarborough as Warnock's assistant to lead the First Division's bottom club's battle against relegation.

Warnock, sacked by Plymouth Argyle a fortnight ago despite leading them out of the Third Division last season, replaces Graeme Sharp, who resigned earlier this month. In the past, he has also guided Notts County and Huddersfield to promotion. "I have offered my services to the end of the season and I hope I can help Oldham and myself," Warnock said yesterday. "I'll do my best to save them."

Celtic have announced the signing of the central defender Enrico Annoni from Roma for a fee of around pounds 300,000. Celtic hope to field the Italian in tomorrow's Bell's Scottish League Premier Division match at Motherwell, but are still waiting for international clearance from the Italian authorities.

Patrick Vieira's form for Arsenal received some reward yesterday when he was called up to the French squad for their friendly against the Netherlands next Wednesday.

Bryan Robson tried to snatch Mark Schwarzer from Everton's grasp last night. The Middlesbrough manager, who changed his initial player-swap bid to straight cash, had talks with Schwarzer after the 24-year-old Bradford City goalkeeper had met officials from Everton, who had agreed a fee of pounds 1.4m with the Valley Parade club.

Andy Johnson, the Norwich City midfielder, has submitted a transfer request.