ANDY TOWNSEND, the Republic of Ireland captain, has had a knee operation but is hopeful of being fit for the start of the new season with his club, Aston Villa, who are giving a trial to the Liverpool-born winger Robbie Slater, an Australian international who plays for Racing Club Lens in France.

TRANSFERS: Colin Woodthorpe (Norwich to Aberdeen) pounds 400,000; Jeff Eckhardt (Fulham to Stockport) pounds 50,000; Keith Dublin (Watford to Southend) exchanged for Tommy Mooney and Derek Payne (Southend to Watford) and pounds 95,00.

TRIBUNAL: Tony Ellis (Preston to Blackpool) pounds 165,000.