Football: Dutch keeper set for Anfield

LIVERPOOL are poised to make Sander Westerveld the most expensive goalkeeper in Britain when he signs for pounds 4m today.

The Dutchman was in Liverpool yesterday for a medical and is to be unveiled in the next 24 hours as Gerard Houllier's ninth signing since taking sole charge at Anfield. The Vitesse Arnhem keeper is considered a long-term investment and also tipped by many as a future regular Dutch international.

The signing is likely to mean an end to the Anfield career of David James, who has been told he can leave and will be allowed to move on for a reduced fee, perhaps as low as pounds 800,000.

Adrian Heath met Sheffield United for a second round of talks yesterday, and is likely to be named as their new manager today. Heath has emerged from a shortlist of candidates for the post at the club where he was previously player-coach. The Blades' decision has been complicated because of factionalism within the club, but Heath, who is prepared to leave his coaching job at Sunderland, is the first choice.

Roy Keane wants to stay at Manchester United despite apparent growing interest in him from leading clubs in Europe. Lazio are reportedly ready with a pounds 20m offer, while Juventus are also said to be interested. However, Keane's agent, Mike Kennedy, said yesterday that the Republic of Ireland midfielder wants to sign a new contract at Old Trafford.

Leeds United's hopes of signing Michael Duberry appear to have been dashed by Chelsea's asking price for the 23-year-old centre-back.

The Elland Road chairman, Peter Ridsdale, yesterday confirmed his interest in Duberry, who was unable to command a regular place Chelsea's line-up last season. Leeds are apparently offering pounds 3m to pounds 3.5m for the former England Under-21 international, while the London club are understood to want closer to double that figure.

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