Southampton table Forren bid

Southampton table Forren bid

Published Jan. 15, 2013 7:15 a.m. ET

Derby goalkeeper Ross Atkins has returned to Pride Park following his loan spell at Burton Albion.

Atkins joined the Rams' npower League Two neighbours in the summer and began the season as Albion's number one, starting the club's first seven matches in all competitions.

However, an injury in the last of those appearances against Coventry in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on September 4 saw the 23-year-old slip down the pecking order at the Pirelli Stadium as Stuart Tomlinson and then Dean Lyness took over between the posts.

The American winger moved to Boro in August but managed only nine appearances after being hampered by a hamstring injury.

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He follows Oliver Risser out of the exit door after the midfielder returned to parent club Swindon last week and subsequently joined Aldershot.

A club statement read: "Stevenage FC would like to thank both Oliver Risser and Robbie Rogers for their contributions to the club during their loan spells this season, which have both now ended."

Chinese soft drinks manufacturer Wahaha and one of China's most prominent banking groups, China Construction Bank, have signed three-year tie ups with the Old Trafford outfit.

Both deals are 'territory specific' and aim to take advantage of United's huge popularity in the country.

"Manchester United has a long association with China, visiting 11 times to play friendly matches," said United commercial director Richard Arnold.

"The first time was in 1975 and the most recent visit in August last year.

"Sir Alex and his team were overwhelmed with the welcome they received from fans who packed the stadium in Shanghai."

United posted record commercial income of ?117.6million last year and have already announced an eye-boggling ?357million seven-year shirt sponsorship deal with US car manufacturer Chevrolet that starts in 2014.

The club confirmed the former England boss had agreed to join the coaching staff to assist boss Alex Schmidt.

Chief executive Robert Schafer said on the club website: "He is a coach of the world. We now have to try to use his wealth of experience for our benefit."

1860 did not provide details about what exactly Eriksson's role would be.

The 64-year-old was only recently appointed technical director of Thai side BEC-Tero Sasana.

1860 lie in sixth place in the 2. Bundesliga with the top two teams guaranteed promotion.

Scottish striker Miller led out the Cumbrians for the first time in Sunday's victory over Coventry when Abbott's side secured a third straight win at Brunton Park.

"I've never been a captain before so leading the team out was different for me," Miller told the club's official website.

"Obviously I'm delighted about it and feel very proud. The lads work for each other and we're all mates in there. There's a good spirit so hopefully we can keep that going.

"I had a discussion about it during the week with the gaffer and Danny (Livesey) and (club captain) Paul Thirlwell and I'll be the team captain now.

"Greg didn't really give me any specific instructions. He just told me to go out there, play the way I usually do and be a leader.

"There's more than one leader out there, even though I'm the one who has the armband, so we're all working for each other anyway."

Miller, sidelined for four months with ankle and groin injuries before returning to action last month, wants Carlisle to start picking up points away from home following three straight defeats on the road.

"We know we've been inconsistent," he added. "We need to try and get a foothold in games then defend well, like we did (against Coventry). Hopefully we've turned the corner and that can be the result which kicks us on."

Liverpool looked to be leading the race for Forren after they invited the Norwegian international over for a trial this week.

However, the trial has now been cancelled after Southampton made a firm bid for the highly-rated central defender.

Solskjaer has confirmed the two clubs have all-but agreed a deal and Forren is now set to hold talks with Southampton about a possible move to St Mary's.

"There have been many enquiries from various English clubs, but Southampton submitted an offer, it was very interesting for us and Vegard," Solskjaer told Romsdals Budstikke. "We are more or less agreed with the club, but nothing is a hundred per cent confirmed.

"Molde is close to a deal, so we'll see if this is something that all the three parties will go on."

However, Southampton could face competition for Forren's signature with Queens Park Rangers also thought to be weighing up a move for the 24-year-old.

QPR boss Harry Redknapp is in the market for defensive reinforcements with Ryan Nelsen set to leave for Toronto FC and he could make a move for Forren.

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