Real and Chelsea agree Robben switch

Chelsea winger Arjen Robben is poised to move to Real Madrid after both clubs announced they had reached agreement on the Dutch international's transfer.

The deal is now only subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

A Chelsea statement released on Wednesday said: "Chelsea Football Club and Real Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of Arjen Robben subject to the player agreeing personal terms and passing a medical."

Real also confirmed the deal for Robben in a statement on their website, which read: "Real Madrid and Chelsea have reached an agreement for the transfer of Arjen Robben, who will become part of the Madrid club for the next five seasons.

"The agreement is pending the player's medical and the signing of the contracts."

At the start of the month Spanish media reported that Real had offered Chelsea around 40 million euros for Robben.

Robben, 23, has two years left on his contract with Chelsea and has been in long drawn-out negotiations with the London club over a contract extension until 2012 but has not always been in favour with the club's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.

Henry edges to within one of Platini's record

Thierry Henry marked his return to the international scene after a six month hiatus with the decisive goal in France's 1-0 friendly win over Slovakia here on Wednesday.

Barcelona's new signing struck in the 39th minute for his 40th international goal to put him within one of the record 40 goal tally set by French playing legend and recently elected president of UEFA, Michel Platini.

This was former Arsenal star Henry's first appearance for France since February 7 and he left his imprint on the game striking the back of the net with a freekick.

The win will act as a confidence booster for Raymond Domenech's side as they prepare to face Italy in a Euro 2008 qualifier next month.

Domenech reflected: "It's always better to win than to lose, especially against Slovakia. I'm satisfied, but you have to remember the matches that counts are the qualifiers (against Italy on September 8 and Scotland four days later).

Monaco agree deal to sign Nene

Monaco have agreed a deal with Celta Vigo for the signing of Brazilian midfielder Nene, the Spanish club said Wednesday.

The 25-year-old has recently acquired dual Brazilian-Spanish nationality, meaning he would no longer take up one of the limited number of non-EU places in the Monaco squad.

Celta only signed him a year ago from Spanish rivals Alaves for 4.5 million euros but Celta's relegation from the top flight last season made his exit a likelihood.

"Celta and Monaco agreed yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon for the transfer of Nene," said a Celta statement.

"The player left this afternoon for Monaco and will take a medical tomorrow (Thursday) morning and join the Monaco squad."