Milton Keynes refusal sets Dons on course for legal action

Wimbledon will press ahead with plans to move to Milton Keynes despite a second rebuff from the Football League.

The club have refused to rule out relocation after being told the League would not reconsider their proposal. But they did agree to look at other possible sites within the borough of Merton, as suggested by Merton Council.

The club's stance brings the prospect of legal action by chairman Charles Koppel against the Football League a step closer. Koppel has sought legal advice and wishes to bring a case of restraint of trade against the League, who voted unanimously to block the move.

Pegguy Arphexad is trying to leave Liverpool on a free transfer after Gerard Houllier's double signing of Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland. The Frenchman, upset that he will be third or even fourth choice at Anfield.

Arphexad's team-mate, Patrik Berger is set to miss the club's opening Champions' League fixtures this month after undergoing a knee operation in the United States.

Middlesbrough hope to tie up their move for the Celta Vigo striker Benni McCarthy within the next 48 hours. The South African, 23, also attracted interest from Aston Villa last season.

The cost of Glenn Hoddle's switch to Tottenham was revealed when Southampton's annual report confirmed they received £910,000 compensation for the ex-England coach and his assistant John Gorman.

Newcastle United have had a loan bid for centre half Sylvain Distin turned down by Paris St Germain. Chairman Freddy Shepherd offered a year's 'rental' of £300,000 for the out-of-favour defender yesterday, but PSG want more.

Wolves boss David Jones has made a surprise £3.2 million bid to bring Ade Akinbiyi back from Leicester City. Crystal Palace have made a £900,000 offer for Bradford City's transfer-seeking keeper Matt Clarke.

The West Brom assistant manager Frank Burrows is recovering from surgery after being diagnosed with cancer of the kidney.