Jay Bothroyd joins Queens Park Rangers on free transfer

Premier League newcomers Queens Park Rangers have signed England striker Jay Bothroyd on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old, who left Cardiff during the summer, has signed a three-year deal at Loftus Road.

"I think this club is heading in the right direction and has got a lot of ambition," said Bothroyd.

Wolves set to announce Johnson deal

Wolves are set to parade Birmingham central defender Roger Johnson as their third signing of the summer on Wednesday morning in a near-£7million deal.

Wolves are holding a press conference at their Compton training ground to announce the signing of the former Cardiff player - barring any last-minute hitches.

The clubs have agreed a fee while Johnson has agreed personal terms and passed a medical. All that remains is for Johnson to formally put pen to paper on a four-year contract ahead of facing the media.

Gardner deal to be done in 24 hours

Craig Gardner is set to end his 18-month spell with Birmingham in the next 24 hours and complete a £5million move to Sunderland, Press Association Sport understands.

Birmingham fan Gardner admitted it was "a dream come true" when he made the move from local rivals Aston Villa to St Andrew's during the January 2010 transfer window in a £3million deal. He celebrated by finishing as leading scorer with 10 goals in his only full campaign at Blues and helped them lift the Carling Cup.

Champions start at West Brom

Manchester United will start their defence of their Barclays Premier League title with a trip to West Brom.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men are at The Hawthorns on August 13, with their next two games at Old Trafford against Tottenham and Arsenal. The champions round off the campaign on May 13 with a match at Sunderland.

Newcastle make move for Taylor

Newcastle have made an undisclosed bid for Swansea left-back Neil Taylor.

The 22-year-old Wales international made 30 league appearances last season - including 26 starts - as the Welsh club clinched promotion to the Barclays Premier League via the npower Championship play-offs.

"We have received a proposal from Newcastle regarding Neil," Swans chairman Huw Jenkins told www.swanseacity.net. "But the proposal has not been accepted or rejected at this stage."

Young eyes Champions League

Ashley Young has set his sights on starring in the Champions League one day.

With Wayne Rooney suspended and Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Andy Carroll both missing through injury, Young looks certain to start England's Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland at Wembley on Saturday.

It would represent another high spot in an excellent year for Young, which has not gone unnoticed away from Villa Park. "I have never doubted my ability. There will always be people who do and everybody is entitled to their opinion. But my opinion is that I can play in the biggest and best competitions," said Young.

Ferguson wins League Manager's award

Sir Alex Ferguson was on Monday night named Manager of the Year by his fellow league managers.

Ferguson was also named the Barclays Premier League manager of the year following Manchester United's title triumph, and picked up a special merit award for having passed 2,000 matches as manager.

McLeish receives Phillips backing

Kevin Phillips believes it is vital for Birmingham's future that Alex McLeish remains as manager even if they are relegated from the Barclays Premier League.

Blues are only out of the bottom three on goal difference after the weekend 2-0 reversal at home to Fulham and will likely have to take something from their trip to Tottenham. West Ham this week sacked Avram Grant after their demotion from the top flight was confirmed.

Foster happy to stay at Birmingham

Goalkeeper Ben Foster has hinted he wants to remain at Birmingham after capping his first season by being voted player of the year by his team-mates and supporters.

The Carling Cup winners could be relegated from the Barclays Premier League this weekend if they are overhauled by either Wigan or Blackpool in the final round of matches. Foster has enjoyed an outstanding campaign and scooped the double award at City's awards ceremony at the NIA last night.

When asked if he would be prepared to play in the npower Championship, Foster said: "I want to stay at Birmingham City. I've loved this season. 

Santa Cruz hopes for Ewood return

Roque Santa Cruz hopes to secure a permanent move to Blackburn this summer to end his frustrating time as a Manchester City player.

The 29-year-old was a £17.5million signing for City from Rovers in the summer of 2009 but a combination of injury and poor form has limited him to just six league starts and three goals at Eastlands.

Nani wants strong run-in

Nani is determined to finish the season in style and help Manchester United regain the Barclays Premier League championship from Chelsea.

The Portuguese winger has weighed in with 10 goals going into the vital match against Liverpool on Sunday and is arguably enjoying his best season at Old Trafford. United are anxious to bounce back following the defeat by Chelsea and Nani wants to get a third title winner's medal.

He told manutd.com: "I am really happy but it's what I do from now until the end of the season that really counts."