Transfer news and speculation, 19 June

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Kia Joorabchian yesterday insisted that the Brazilian striker Jo, who is wanted by Manchester City, is fully-owned by the Russian club, CSKA Moscow. Joorabchian refuted claims that the proposed transfer flouted the Premier League rules which state third-party ownership is not allowed. In the case of £18m-rated Jo it is understood that CSKA have ownership but would have to pay 20 per cent of any sell-on fee to his former club Corinthians and to a South American investor. Joorabchian argues that such agreements are similar to those in other players with so-called "sell-on" contract clauses.

Roma consider £4.5m Riise

Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise has wasted no time in meeting officials of Roma after being given permission to talk to the club. The Norwegian defender landed in Rome yesterday morning to open negotiations with last season's Serie A runners-up and could move for a fee of £4.5m. Riise is expected to sign a four-year deal worth £1.3m with Roma, who reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season. Amantino Mancini, meanwhile, looks set to leave the club and move to Internazionale on a four-year contract worth £2.5m.

Gow to hasten Lafferty switch

Lafferty's transfer from Burnley moved a step closer as Alan Gow's agent confirmed yesterday that Rangers' Scotland B forward is likely to sign for the Clarets. A fee of £3.25m has been agreed for Lafferty, but Gow has been offered as part of the deal and was continuing to hold talks with the Championship side yesterday.

Spurs lead race to sign Bentley

Spurs are emerging as favourites to sign David Bentley from Blackburn, according to reports yesterday. Bentley grew up as a Tottenham fan and has said he wants to play European football, which Spurs could give him next season in the Uefa Cup. The club would, however, be unwilling to pay Rovers' asking price of £15m.

Sky Blues snap up Westwood

Coventry City have signed young goalkeeper Keiren Westwood from Carlisle in a £750,000 deal. The 23-year-old joins on a three-year contract and is City's third signing of the close season following the arrivals of the midfielders Guillaume Beuzelin from Hibernian and Aron Einar Gunnarsson from AZ Alkmaar.

Yesterday's completed moves:

Keiren Westwood (Carlisle) to Coventry City; £750,000

Jason Puncheon (Barnet) to Plymouth Argyle; £250,000

Gareth McAuley (Leicester City) to Ipswich; Undisclosed

Paul Arnison (Carlisle) to Bradford City; Free

Paul Wotton (Plymouth Argyle) to Southampton; Free

Shaun Whalley (Accrington Stanley) to Wrexham; Free