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Blackburn v Manchester City preview.

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Blackburn Rovers welcome Premier League high flyers Manchester City to Ewood Park for a televised FA Cup 3rd Round fixture, in what will most certainly be a hotly contested North West Deby. 

Rovers go into the game as real underdogs going into the fixture, but will be looking to cause an upset in what is always a superb weekend of Football to welcome in the new year. 

The Ewood Park side currently sit in 10th place in the SkyBet Championship, as Rovers will be looking to DJ Campbell and on loan striker Rudy Gestade, who is on loan from Cardiff. 

Jordan Rhodes does not start for Rovers today, with growing speculation about his future at Blackburn, so Gary Bowyer has opted to put the Scottish international on the bench for today’s encounter. 

Blackburn come into the game after a superb 2-1 victory away at Leeds United, and are in confident mood ahead of a tough teat at home to the oil rich City. 

Rovers right-back Todd Kane misses out with a thigh strain but Jason Lowe returns after a one-match suspension. 

David Dunn is also out with a thigh strain, and Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson starts his first game for Rovers since the December of 2012, after a series of serious injuries. 

City come into the fixture in superb form, having won their last twelve games, and in free scoring mood, after scoring an unbelievable 57 goals in 20 Barclays Premier League fixtures this season. 

Pellegrini’s side have won their last four games in a row, the last being last weeks 3-2 win away at Swansea City. 

Alvaro Negrado will most certainly spearhead City’s attack, with the Spaniard adapting to the English game in a superb manner, and forming a superb partnership with fellow striker Sergio Aguero, leading the goal scoring charts in the meantime.   

Team news wise, Costal Pantilimon will replace Joe Hart in goal for the crunch Cup tie.

Manchester City playmaker David Silva returns from suspension but midfielder Jack Rodwell (hamstring) is out.

Strikers Sergio Aguero (calf) and Stevan Jovetic (hamstring), and defenders Micah Richards and Martin Demichelis (hamstring) are also out.  

City have four games in the next twelve games, as Prllegrini looks looks to shape his squad for those games.

He said: “We are going to make changes because we are playing too often in the last (few) weeks.

“We are going to try to have a good squad and to win the first game in our FA Cup (campaign) because for our team it is an important cup.

“I said from the beginning of the season if we are going to play in every competition we must play with exactly the same importance.

“The FA Cup is a very traditional competition here in England and in every country of Europe the cup is always an important competition.

“I just told the players it an important test for us, not only for the team but for individual performances.”  

Rovers have not won the showpiece since 1928, whilst City will be looking to avenge last years Cup Final defeat to Wigan Athletic. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1 

Prediction-  Rovers 0 City 2

PSG ready bid to sign Chelsea star Hazard

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The Belgian star joined the Blues following the club’s Champions League triumph in 2012 and has demonstrated his talent to much acclaim, recently drawing huge praise from current manager Jose Mourinho.

This form has not gone unnoticed and according to reports in France, the big spending Ligue 1 club have set their sights on attempting to persuade Chelsea to part with their midfield ace.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is a huge admirer of Hazard, 22, and will offer the former Lille star a bumper contract to return to France next summer.

Manager Laurent Blanc has made the signing of a new creative midfielder at the club a priority after splashing ÂŁ53m on Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani in the summer.

It seems unlikely that Chelsea will allow Hazard to leave Stamford Bridge, especially after producing a number of match-winning performances this season.

Mourinho is keen to secure the Belgian international on a new long-term deal, which would involve a significant pay increase to ward off any offer from PSG.

Much like Hazard, Mourinho is keen to keep hold of the unsettled Juan Mata.

Ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Derby County, the Chelsea boss has included Mata in the squad.

The Spanish star reacted angrily to being substituted in the victory over Southampton on New Year’s Day, but Mourinho has since confirmed his desire to keep Mata at the club

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Man United fear Rooney won’t agree to a new deal

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David Moyes admits there is no guarantee Wayne Rooney will sign a new contract at Old Trafford if Manchester United fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Rooney, who will miss Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at home to Swansea with a groin injury, will enter the final year of his ÂŁ250,000-a-week deal in the summer.

United are anxious to open negotiations over a new one but it is thought the 28-year-old wants to wait until after the World Cup before assessing his future and the club’s progress

United’s hopes of retaining the Barclays Premier League title suffered another blow on New Year’s Day when they slipped to seventh in the table after a defeat by Tottenham.

It raised fears that Rooney, subject of a ÂŁ30million bid from Chelsea last summer, could leave if United cannot qualify for the Champions League.

Moyes said on Friday: ‘We would have to wait and see what happened in that situation.’

Asked if the England striker is happy at United, Moyes said: ‘I think if you look at his performances he’s certainly playing at his best.’

Rooney’s groin injury has kept him out of two of United’s last five games, although Moyes says he has ‘a chance’ of returning for the Capital One Cup semi-final against Sunderland on Tuesday.

Moyes said Ashley Young also has a shoulder injury as a result of a challenge from Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris on Wednesday.

Referee Howard Webb took no action, a decision described as ‘scandalous’ by Moyes, who thought the challenge was worthy of a penalty and red card for Lloris.

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Brendan Rodgers charged by FA

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Rodgers criticised the “horrendous” performance of the match officials and questioned the appointment of Bolton referee Lee Mason after the 2-1 loss.

He said: “Hopefully we won’t have a Greater Manchester referee with Liverpool-Manchester games in future.”

Rodgers has until 1800 GMT on 8 January 2014 to respond to the charge.

The Football Association said: “It is alleged the comments by Rodgers called into question the integrity of the match referee, and/or implied that the match referee was motivated by bias; and/or brought the game into disrepute; and/or amounted to a failure to act in the best interests of the game.”

Rodgers was particularly infuriated by a decision against Raheem Sterling, who put the ball in the net after being incorrectly flagged offside when the game was still goalless.

The Northern Irishman also claimed Luis Suarez had his shirt pulled by Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott inside the home penalty area in the late stages.

Liverpool were top of the Premier League at the start of Boxing Day, but dropped to fourth after City’s comeback victory at the Etihad Stadium.

The day after the game Rodgers insisted he was trying to make a valid point and did not intend to slight Mason.

“In terms of geography, I certainly wasn’t questioning the integrity of referees,” he said. “It was more than logical (as a comment) in terms of having a referee from that part of the world refereeing a game in Manchester.

“I wouldn’t suspect that Mike Dean, from the Wirral, has refereed many games for Liverpool over the years.

“I was only speaking honestly after the game. I think the FA and the Referees’ Association know perfectly well I am someone who engages in supporting the referees.”

Written by Steve Milne – Leave us your thoughts below 🙂

Former England International Linked With Columbus Crew

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The Columbus Crew likely won’t be in talks with names like Frank Lampard or Ronaldinho about suiting up in central Ohio, but the new coaching staff may be attempting to bring in a name English soccer fans might recognize.

The blog MLS Transfers, which attempts to be a one-stop location for movement and contract negotiations in MLS, claims they received a tip from England that new Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter is attempting to convince David Bentley to come for a trial in January.

The winger began his career with Arsenal of the English Premier League at 13-years old, but was loaned out to Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers in consecutive years. Blackburn signed Bentley from the Gunners and he went on to make 88 appearances and scoring 13 goals.

Bentley was thought to be one of the up-and-coming talents of English football, believed by many to be a natural replacement for David Beckham at the international level.

During the 2006-07 campaign, Bentley scored seven goals and registered 13 assists on his way to being named the Rovers’ Player of the Year.

Two seasons later, Tottenham splashed a reported ÂŁ15 million on the midfielder and he signed a six-year contract. With Spurs, Bentley’s form began to suffer, scoring only three goals in 42 appearances.

Bentley was sent on a series of loans over the next three years including a return to Blackburn, but was unable to find the form from his previous stint.

After the 2013 season, Bentley was released by Tottenham and is currently a free agent, allowing him to sign anywhere.

Bentley played eight times for the England under-21 squad and has seven caps with the senior team.

If the rumor is to be believed, there is little risk in offering a player with this potential a preseason trial. At 29-year old, Bentley is still in his prime and would provide vast experience on a young team – having played both in the EPL and the UEFA Cup.

The preseason would allow Berhalter to see Bentley in action and judge how hit fits with his Columbus club.

If Bentley is able to return to form in MLS he could be a dangerous player for the Crew. He could replace the retired Eddie Gaven as a winger who is comfortable moving to central midfield or playing behind a lone striker.

The potential move is just a rumor, but if something amounts from this, Bentley could fill a large void for the Black and Gold.

Written by Steve Milne – What are your Thoughts – Have your say below 🙂

FC Dallas keeper Raul Fernandez Could Be Heading Back To Peru

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A report from Monday out of South America suggests that FC Dallas keeper Raul Fernandez could be headed back to Peru. Club Universitario is hoping to bring Fernandez back and the keeper has confirmed that his agent has been in talks with the Peruvian side.

The translation is pretty rough but here is the gist of what is being said. Fernandez won’t say that the talks are advance but he does seem to be interested in returning home to his native Peru.

Universitario is set to play in the Copa Liberitores in 2014 and could be in the market for a new keeper as both of their current keepers are on the younger side and Fernandez does have the big international experience over them.

Fernandez is signed with FCD through the 2016 season, so it likely won’t be cheap to get him out of his current deal with the club. He was an All-Star in his first season with FC Dallas. But from the sound of everything, the guy just wants a pay raise. Right now he’s earning almost $240k in total compensation, with a likely bump next season (via the MLSPU CBA). He’s actually one of top earning keepers in the league in 2013.

I do think it would be fairly shocking to see Fernandez go after one season but given how stocked the club is in the keeper department, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to have happen.

Written by Steve Milne – What are your thoughts? have your say below 🙂

AC Ajaccio captain Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi is in talks with Major League Soccer.

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After helping French side AC Ajaccio fight their way to France’s Ligue 1, it appears captain Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi may be headed to MLS.

Last-place AC Ajaccio first confirmed on their website Monday that Pierazzi (above, left), who spent his first six professional seasons with his hometown club based on the island of Corsica, is in negotiations with a team in MLS.

It’s unclear, however, which club is after the 28-year-old midfielder. The team website initially linked Pierazzi to the Chicago Fire, but later said that was an error. A Fire spokesman told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday that the club has not contacted Pierazzi.

“The club has decided not to oppose his departure: it is very likely that Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi will leave the ACA at the beginning of the month of January,” the website stated.” AC Ajaccio will keep in memory the proud and loyal service of his emblematic captain.”

Pierazzi’s first three seasons with Ajaccio were spent in Ligue 2. They earned promotion for the for the 2011-12 campaign, during which Pierazzi made 32 starts to lead them to a 16th-place finish. In 67 appearances (53 starts) over the past two-and-a-half seasons, Pierazzi hasn’t recorded an assist or goal.

This season, Ajaccio are currently in danger of relegation with just nine points from 19 games.

Written by Steve Milne – What are your thoughts? – Have your say below 🙂

Crystal Palace plotting Hennessey deal.

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Tony Pulis is reportedly after Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, to strengthen his goalkeeping situation at Selhurst Park. 

Pulis wants the shot stopper to provide a healthy competition to regular first team goalkeeper Julien Speroni, as the Eagles battle against relegation in their first season back in the Premier League following promotion back to the top flight. 

The Welsh international has not featured for Wolves this season, since returning from a loan deal at Yeovil Town, as Hennessey spent two and a half months with the Somerset club. 

Hennessey suffered a serious torn cruciate knee ligament injury in a fixture against Manchester City in April 2012, and went onto miss the whole of the 2012/13 campaign, as Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered back to back relegations, with has seen the Midlands side slip into League One for the current campaign. 

Since his return to Molineux, Hennessey has found himself as back up to Carl Ikeme, with Ikeme being firmly in control of the number one jersey under recenly appointed manager Kenny Jackett, as Wolves look to gain automatic promotion back to the Championship. 

However, news has since emerged that Hennessey refused to play in the Televised Friday fixture away at Gillingham, alerting Palace to the prospect of a possible transfer involving Hennessey.  

The Keeper did not feature in his sides 1-0 defeat at Gillingham.

Speaking to Sky Sports News prior to kickoff, Jackett said that he was “disappointed” by Hennessey’s actions and suspects that they may be result of an imminent bid from another team for his services. 

The 6ft 6ins keeper is one of a number of players Palace boss Tony Pulis has targeted as he attempts to steer the club clear of the relegation places, with Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland another possible target for the Eagles. 

Since the news has emerged, it appears that the Eagles may swoop for Hennessey in the next few days, with a view to a transfer. 

By Ben Reardon 

@BenReardon1

THIS JUST IN : Was Camilo Sold to Queretaro?

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Bob Lenarduzzi has stated that the Camilo rumors are false, and that the wee Brazilian will be at training camp later this month. So, that should put all these rumors to rest now.

However, a report suggesting that star striker Camilo has been sold has been quashed by the club.

According to reports from multiple sources, including Marc Weber of The Province, the ESPN Deportes article is untrue, and Camilo will be back with the club when training camp beings.

Some reports suggest that this is a ploy by Camilo’s agent to get him a bigger paycheque.

But If Camilo had truly been sold, it throws into question not only the core of Vancouver’s lineup moving forward, but the status of his services for the Canadian National team.

Written by Steve Milne – What are your thoughts? – Have your say below 🙂

Reports have Gaston Fernandez Signing on Friday

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Gaston Fernandez, will reportedly sign a one-year contract. Quispe suggests there is a club option for a second year but others commenting on the developing situation lean more toward the deal just encompassing a single season.

Juan Arango had the deal done on New Years Eve, which was given some credence when Merritt Paulson sent up a Fernandez highlight reel on Twitter on December 31. Prior to that, Andres Cantor noted Argentine media confirming the deal

Written by Steve Milne – What are your thoughts – Have your say below 🙂

Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez named to U.S. National Team roster

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LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan and defender Omar Gonzalez have been called up to the U.S. National Team by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann for a week long training camp that will be held at StubHub Center. Donovan and Gonzalez are two of the 26 players that have been selected by Klinsmann for the camp.

They will report to camp on Monday, January 6, before holding the first of six days of training on January 7. The final training session of the camp will be held on Sunday, January 12.

Following the training sessions at StubHub Center, the U.S. squad will travel to Sao Paulo, Brazil for two weeks of training before returning to Southern California on Sunday, January 26 ahead of the friendly against Korea Republic at StubHub Center on Saturday, February 1. The pair of Galaxy players are scheduled to join the club for preseason training following that game.

Last year, both Donovan and Gonzalez helped the U.S. qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Brazil this summer. Gonzalez appeared in and started eight of the 10 games that the U.S. played in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying while Donovan appeared in three qualifiers, scoring once.

Donovan enters the year with 154 caps, leaving him 10 shy of Cobi Jones’ record of 164 appearances for the U.S. National Team. Already the U.S. record holder for goals and assists with 57 goals and 57 assists in his international career, Donovan had eight goals and eight assists in 10 appearances for his country last year, leading the U.S. to the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup championship.

Gonzalez who was also a part of the U.S. squad at last year’s Gold Cup, collected 14 caps in 2013 and now has 16 for his international career. Only seven players on the 26-man camp roster have collected more caps than Gonzalez while only seven are also younger than the 23-year-old Galaxy defender.

Written by Steve Milne – What are your thoughts – Have your say below 🙂

Pellegrini: Lescott Still Useful

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Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini maintains that defender Joleon Lescott remains an important member of his squad.

Lescott, who is out of contract in the summer, has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium during this month’s transfer window.

Tottenham and Newcastle are reportedly potential destinations for the 31-year-old, possibly on loan, but Pellegrini insists no clubs have made an approach.

When asked if there was truth in suggestions Lescott could leave this month, Pellegrini said: “Not for the moment.

“Joleon Lescott is a very important player for us.

“I understand he finishes his contract in June here.

“We will see what happens in the future but for the moment he is still here and he is a very useful player for our team.”

Asked further if he could be allowed out on loan, Pellegrini, speaking at a press conference, said: “At this moment, we are not considering (it).

“We will see in the future, during the transfer window, what will happen.”

While that could be interpreted as the Chilean not ruling out a possible move, centre-back does remain a problem area for City.

With Martin Demichelis currently injured, Lescott is the only senior back-up to first-choice pair Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic.

Both Kompany and Nastasic have had injury problems this season and Pellegrini might be reluctant to let Lescott leave, at least without signing a viable alternative.

One player who is likely to move out on loan is striker John Guidetti.

The progress of the Sweden Under-21 international, who had a successful loan at Feyenoord two years ago, has been blocked by injury and illness.

Pellegrini said: “I think John must go on loan, he is coming back from a long injury for about 18 months.

“Here we have (Edin) Dzeko, (Alvaro) Negredo, (Sergio) Aguero and (Stevan) Jovetic. Maybe he will not play as often as he needs so maybe it is best for him and the team.”

Midfielder Jack Rodwell could face another spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

The 22-year-old, who has had numerous hamstring problems in recent years, will miss Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Blackburn.

Pellegrini said: “Rodwell has some problem in his hamstring.

“We will see tomorrow how serious. Maybe it is a small thing but for tomorrow he is not fit.”

Written by George Coomber

Hughton: Survival Norwich’s Priority

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Manager Chris Hughton accepts Barclays Premier League survival remains Norwich’s “biggest priority”, but feels the FA Cup will forever be a “very special competition”.

The Canaries host fellow relegation-battlers Fulham at Carrow Road on Saturday, looking to make amends for the disappointing 2-1 home defeat on Boxing Day.

Hughton – whose side were knocked out at home by non-league Luton in the shock of last season’s third round – fully understands the needs for the Norfolk club to retain their top-flight status.

However, the former Tottenham defender, who won back-to-back FA Cup finals at Wembley in the early 1980s, sees no reason why teams should not aim to stay in the famous old competition as long as possible.

“There is no doubt the biggest priority for us is making sure we do well enough in the Premier League, but we also want to do well enough in the FA Cup and would like to make progress if we can,” said Hughton.

“I was fortunate to be involved in cup-winning teams a long time ago, certainly a lot longer than some of our younger supporters would know about, in 1981 and 1982.

“I think whichever year you look at, the FA Cup competition hasn’t changed as regards the stature that it has worldwide.

“The approach to the FA Cup has changed of course over the years, as many aspects of the game have, but it is still a very special competition.”

Hughton added on Canaries Player: “There has been a mentality change a bit by a lot of clubs, with the amount of games there are now and how big this Barclays Premier League is now, but I think it is still the best cup competition in the world and the one which historically will certainly remain that way.”

Hughton is set to utilise the full Norwich squad on Saturday, with club-record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel, fit again from a toe injury, set to lead the attack, while misfit striker Luciano Becchio could also be handed a chance to impress along with 18-year-old winger Josh Murphy and his twin brother Jacob.

Centre-half Michael Turner is doubtful with a hamstring problem picked up in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day, while Leroy Fer serves a one-match suspension after he was sent off.

Hughton added: “The tough part will be making the right balance between making the changes, giving players an opportunity, but giving ourselves a really good chance to win the game.

“We are playing against a top-class opposition which makes the task even tougher, but we are at home, so I think it is a good distraction.”

Whatever side he puts out, Hughton is determined for a much-improved display than the last time Fulham came to Norfolk.

“We certainly want to be doing better than our Boxing Day result,” he said.

“After having taken the lead and having a couple of good opportunities, it was a real disappointment to lose that game.

“This is an opportunity for us to make amends.

“It is always about a result, this is a game we want to win and get through.”

While Hughton has no pressing need of reinforcements following a ÂŁ20million-plus summer spending spree, the Norwich manager will keep all options option.

Hughton also maintained he had no intentions of letting anyone leave, with Anthony Pilkington and Wes Hoolahan both linked with moves away from Carrow Road in January.

“At the moment our thoughts are not on anyone leaving the club. What happens come the end of the month you can never pre-empt, but the decisions I am making are all about who we bring in,” Hughton said.

“What we find in the last few seasons is that as the month progresses it tends to get busier and even more hectic, particularly that last week.

“The phone has certainly been busy, that is normal and would not just be myself, but every manager.

“We are continuing to work hard and make the right decisions.

“January might be with us now, but this is a process which rolls on throughout the season.”

Written by George Coomber

Mass confusion over Whitecaps Striker’s Contract

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The potential transfer of Vancouver Whitecaps striker Camilo Sanvezzo to Querétaro FC took a further twist Thursday evening, as the president of the Mexican club told CentralDeportiva.com it was his understanding the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner is available on a free transfer.

Adolfo RĂ­os said in an interview that his club had been approached by Camilo’s representatives about a possible move. In that same interview, the president told CentralDeportiva.com that the player and his agent have accepted the Mexican side’s offer.

During the negotiations, Camilo’s representatives told QuerĂ©taro the player’s contract expired Dec. 31, according to RĂ­os.

While that may technically be true, the Whitecaps exercised their star forward’s option weeks ago, which makes the player who bagged 22 goals in MLS play Vancouver property for the duration of 2014.

According to the Whitecaps, no contact has been made with Querétaro over a possible sale, and they expect the player to report for preseason camp later in January.

As for whether it’s possible Camilo’s agent snuck in some sort of clause which would allow the Brazilian to get out of his contract, the Whitecaps insist there’s no chance of that, with a club spokesman telling MLSsoccer.com “that’s not possible.”

However, it appears not much that will come of this, and Camilo will be back in MLS this spring. However, if Camilo goes through with the paperwork and breaches his Whitecaps contract unilaterally, there are precedents for how these situations can be handled.

Written by Steve Milne – What are your thoughts – Have your say below 🙂

Bolton re-sign Danns

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Bolton Wanderers have re-signed Neil Danns from Leicester City until the end of the current Skybet Championship campaign. 

Danns spent two and a half months on loan at the Reebok, and proved to be a real favourite with the Wanderers faithful, after the 31 year old scored four times in 13 outings, including the winner away at Barnsley in his final game of his previous loan spell.  

The popular playmaker become renowned for his desire and versatility during his original loan spell, becoming a key component in Dougie Freedman’s side. 

The news will come as a huge positive for Wanderers supporters, with Danns previously hinting that he may return to the Reebok just last week. 

He leaves Leicester, who are currently top of the Championship heading into the new year. 

He will be eligible for all of the Wanderers League and domestic FA Cup games, barring the home fixture against Parent club Leicester City on 22nd April. 

Danns will be available to play in tomorrow’s FA Cup tie at home to Blackpool, and his completed signing will come as a major boos for Freedman’s men. 

Danns have previously had spells at Huddersfield, Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Bristol City amongst others.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1