Fantasy Premier League

Wed Jan 23 06:59PM by Jeremy

Ashton ready for European push

West Ham striker Dean Ashton is ready to return to lead the Hammers attack and continue their push for a European place.The England hopeful, said to have emerged as a transfer target for Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan, missed the 1-1 draw at Manchester City because of a back problem.

However, Ashton, 24, has reported no more ill effects following treatment at the east London club and is confident he will available for the visit of Liverpool next Wednesday night.

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Derby secure Sterjovski transfer

Derby have completed the signing of Australia midfielder Mile Sterjovski after he was handed a work permit on appeal.The Rams were forced to face a Home Office hearing on Wednesday after the 28-year-old fell just short of the criteria to gain an automatic permit.

But with that hurdle safely negotiated, Sterjovski can now join from Turkish club Genclerbirligi for an undisclosed fee.

[ed. note: This is interesting because he may be another Johnny Utah winger-cum-striker. Worth watching where he gets listed in the game versus where he ends up playing for Derby.]

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Bianchi nearing Lazio transfer

Manchester City striker Rolando Bianchi is close to completing a permanent transfer to Lazio, according to the Roman outfit.The Italian striker, who joined City from Reggina for £8.8million at the start of the season, has been strongly linked with a return to Serie A in the winter transfer window.

[ed. note: Vassell @ Derby this weekend? He's still relatively cheap (7-something) even after his goal against WHU. And what other options does SGE have? Certainly not Podolski.]

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Latics duo cleared to play

Wigan have been boosted by the news they have received international clearance for left-backs Erik Edman and Maynor Figueroa.Latics manager Steve Bruce signed the duo last week within the space of 24 hours as the position has been a season-long problem.

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Lampard Blow For Chelsea

Avram Grant has been dealt a major blow ahead of Chelsea's Carling Cup semi-final against Everton tomorrow after England midfielder Frank Lampard suffered a setback to his thigh problem in training.

Lampard was hopeful of returning for the second leg at Goodison Park but the Chelsea coach confirmed the midfielder had aggravated his thigh muscle again and could face a further two weeks on the sidelines.

However, winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, who was expected to miss out because of an ankle injury sustained against Birmingham at the weekend, could be in the squad.

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