Chelsea Threaten Round Deal

Steve Round is poised to exchange life as Newcastle United's first-team coach for a role assisting David Moyes at Everton, but his move to Goodison Park may be hijacked by a last-minute approach from Chelsea. Accordingly Everton, where Moyes has been working without a No2 since Alan Irvine's departure for the manager's job at Preston North End last November, are keen to finalize the Round deal this weekend.

Chelsea are believed to have given serious consideration to the idea of recruiting the 37-year-old former Middlesbrough and England coach but, with all new backroom appointments on hold until Luiz Felipe Scolari begins work as the London club's manager, Everton's move for Round appears timely.

Moyes, whose squad will return for pre-season training next week, has quashed speculation about a transfer for Andy Johnson, with Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Wigan believed to be interested in the 27-year-old. "Andy Johnson is not for sale - it is that simple," he said.

Newcastle are finalising a fee with Plymouth Argyle for Aaron Spear. The 15-year-old striker, dubbed the next Wayne Rooney, is the star product of Plymouth's youth system but has agreed to join the Tyneside club after meetings between his family and Dennis Wise, Newcastle's executive director (football).

Middlesbrough hope to conclude the signing of two midfielders, Reading's James Harper and Paris St Germain's Didier Digard for £3.5m and £4m respectively this weekend but will resist any attempts from Liverpool to lure Stewart Downing to Anfield. Responding to news of Rafael Benítez's interest in the England left-winger, Keith Lamb, Boro's chief executive, said yesterday: "We were all delighted when Stewart signed a new contract last season and we believe he is happy and settled here."