Soccer News, Rumours, Results and Analysis

Soccer News and Rumours

Saturday 6 July 2013

ALABA FULL OF PRAISE FOR GAURDIOLA


David Alaba has praised new Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola for leaving great first impressions on the squad.
The trainer was announced as Jupp Heynckes' successor in January and assumed control in June after being formally unveiled by the club's hierarchy.
Positive Alaba praises Guardiola
The former Barcelona boss has a hard act to follow after Heynckes guided Bayern to an historic treble last season, however, Austria international Alaba has been quick to praise the Spaniard for his treatment of the players.
"I'm feeling positive," Alaba told reporters. "The first encounter [with Guardiola] was very friendly. During training he is coaching us players well."
Alaba, 21, was also eager to pay tribute for his rapid rise to older team-mates Philipp Lahm and Franck Ribery, whom he credits with assisting in his development at the club.
"Philipp has helped me a lot and I am grateful for this," he added. "He has played for such a long time at a very high level, and right or left he was the best or one of the best players in the world. You can see this season after season.
"As a young player Franck Ribery looked after me. It was him who said 'come here my boy'. He looked out for me both on and off the pitch.
"As I lived in the boarding school, he often picked me up and we went out for dinner. Obviously you are grateful about those things and want to give something back. We get along very well."

SHAQIRI: THIS COULD BE MY BREAKTHROUGH YEAR

Bayern Munich winger Xherdan Shaqiri is hopeful of enjoying a breakthrough year under new coach Pep Guardiola.

The 21-year-old hit a second-half hat-trick on Friday to set die Roten on their way to a comfortable 13-0 victory to lift the Paulaner Cup and he is hopeful such form will lead to greater first-team opportunities next term.
Shaqiri wants to force into Bayern first team
"It was my first friendly match after vacation and we all had a lot of fun. I was particularly keen to be playing again at last, and I think it was obvious to everyone watching," the Switzerland international told the club's official website.

"I played a lot of games last season, but obviously I'm now looking to take the next step. I want to be starting the important matches too.

"Last year was superb because absolutely everything worked out. We have the potential for another superb year."

The Bavarians made headlines for their €37 million swoop for Mario Gotze, but Shaqiri is unfazed, insisting they can co-exist: "It's not a problem, because we could play together. At the end of the day, it's the coach’s decision."

Captain Philipp Lahm lauded the training expertise Guardiola brought to the mix and Shaqiri also took time to pay tribute to how his new coach was helping him progress as a player.

"I really like his [Guardiola's] training sessions," he concluded. "I like the football we're playing. After all, I’m a fan of attacking play.

"You do have to think a bit and listen hard to make sure you do the training right. We have to be very focused."

ALEX UNSURE OF HIS PSG FUTURE

Paris Saint-Germain defender Alex has revealed that his future at the club is shrouded in doubt but insists that he wants to stay.

Carlo Ancelotti left Parc des Princes for Real Madrid in late June and was simultaneously replaced by former France coach Laurent Blanc.
Alex unsure of PSG future
Alex, 31, is keen to remain at the Ligue 1 champions but accepts that whether he will remain with the Parisiens is down to the French club and the new head trainer.

"I do not know for sure if I'll stay," he told L'Equipe. "After all, it depends on the club whom I have not yet spoken to. But I want to stay.

"I have another year of contract and of course I want to stay at PSG. I have many friends here and I want to continue to play here."

Edinson Cavani has been heavily linked with a move to the capital-based club and Alex believes such a signing would help boost their chances in Europe's top competition, where they were beaten by Barcelona in the quarter-finals last campaign.

"It is a good thing for the team [to be linked with buying Cavani], if we want to have a good run in the Champions League," he added.

"We saw last season that it is not easy to win. So if we want to succeed, this type of player will help us."

RONALDO: I WISH NEYMAR CHOSE MADRID

Brazil striking legend Ronaldo has revealed that he would have preferred Neymar to chose Real Madrid over Barcelona.

The 21-year-old joined the Catalans for €57 million in June, choosing to sign a five-year contract with the Blaugrana over the Blancos, who were also chasing his signature.
Ronaldo wishes Neymar chose Madrid
Ronaldo, who spent one year at Camp Nou and five years at the Santiago Bernabeu, admits that the move would not have been his ideal option but believes that the Brazilian "legend" will still thrive at Tito Vilanova's side.

"I would have preferred him [Neymar] to sign for Madrid, but it's not for me to say," he told reporters in Las Vegas.

"With so many clubs after him it was difficult to pull off. But Barcelona is a great team and we know he'll do well in Europe. For us Brazilians he is already a legend."

Neymar was one of the stars of the Confederations Cup for the victorious Selecao in June and scored the second goal in Luiz Felipe Scolari's side's 3-0 win over Spain in the final.

NORWICH ENQUIRE ABOUT AJAX DEFENDER

Norwich City have made contact with Ajax to enquire about the availability of Toby Alderweireld, the Belgian defender's agent understands.
Alderweireld, who can play at centre-half or right-back, has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer after some impressive performances in the Eredivisie last season.
Bayer Leverkusen had appeared favourites to sign the 24-year-old but have reportedly dropped out of the chase, while the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur had previously been credited with an interest.
Toby Alderweireld: Ajax defender is understood to be on Norwich's radar
But it is Norwich who are the latest English club to have been connected with a swoop for Alderweireld as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign.
The player's agent, Soren Lerby, told Dutch paper De Telegraaf: 'I understand they made contact with Marc Overmars (Ajax's director of football).
"Toby has left the pre-season camp of Ajax in Austria due to personal reasons and I haven't spoken with him about Norwich yet.
"I don't know if Toby is interested in a move or not."
While it remains to be seen whether Alderweireld will leave Amsterdam this summer, Ajax are confident they would be able to cope if he does depart.
Having snapped up youngster Mike van der Hoorn from FC Utrecht, head coach Frank de Boer is happy with the defensive options at his disposal.
He said: "If Toby would leave, then we have with Joel Veltman and Van der Hoorn two good players who could take over that position."

BAYERN MUNICH STAR KEEN ON FIORENTINA MOVE

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has revealed that Mario Gomez wants to join Fiorentina but warned the Serie A side he will only leave if his valuation is met.
The striker, 27, found himself behind Mario Mandzukic in the pecking order last season as Bayern claimed a Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal treble.
'Gomez wants to go to Fiorentina'
Sammer has admitted that the Germany international wants to join the Florence-based club for first-team football, but he says the Bavarian club will not accept a cut-price offer.
"If the conditions are not right, then it's just not going to work," Sammer told Sport1.
"As long as our wishes remain unfulfilled, nothing is going to happen. But Mario wants to go to Fiorentina."
Gomez has scored 113 goals in 174 appearances for Bayern since arriving from Stuttgart in May 2009.
He has also netted 25 goals in 58 appearances for Germany.

COURTOIS EYES BARCELONA'S SCALP IN SUPER CUP

Thibaut Courtois is targeting another trophy with Atletico Madrid and has his eyes on the scalp of Barcelona in August's Super Cup.

The goalkeeper, who will spend a third year on loan at the Vicente Calderon from Chelsea this season, was part of the side that beat Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final in May.

Courtois is keen to claim another major victory over one of the Spanish giants, though he accepts that competing with the duo for the La Liga will be extremely tough.
Courtois eyes Barcelona Super Cup scalp
"The team's objective has to be to win another trophy," Courtois told reporters at a press conference. "In August [during the Super Cup tie with Barcelona] we can win another one.

"We should also fight for the top of the league, but it will be difficult [to break Barca and Real Madrid's hegemony].

"We have to try to get as far in the Champions League as we can this season. We saw Malaga reach the quarter-finals, so nearly reach the semi-finals, so we'll see if we can get there."

Former talisman Radamel Falcao departed in a big-money switch for Monaco, but the 21-year-old shot-stopper insisted the side will still possess the means to challenge on all fronts.

"The team is all here and only missing Radamel," Courtois added. "I believe that the club is looking for other reinforcements in attack and I think we have the team to play well.

"I'm very happy because it was my desire to stay here and reach an agreement with Atletico for another year. The pre-season is hard, but it's important to compete and get to next June. I want to keep improving and go a step further."

MONACO SIGN FRENCH INTERNATIONAL

Monaco have continued their summer spending spree with the signing of France international Jeremy Toulalan from Malaga.
The 29-year-old midfielder has penned a two-year contract with Monaco with the option of a further year on top, the newly-promoted Ligue 1 club have announced on their website.
Jeremy Toulalan: Has signed a two-year deal with Monaco
Toulalan, who will be presented by his new club on Monday, joins the likes of Radamel Falcao, Ricardo Carvalho, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho as new arrivals at the big-spending Monte Carlo club, who are bankrolled by ambitious Russian owner Dmitry Rybolovlev.
Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev said on his club's website: "We are happy with the signature of Jeremy. His skills, his European and international experience, will be an important asset for our team this season."
Toulalan joined Malaga from Lyon in 2011 and played 57 competitive matches for the Primera Division outfit. The former Nantes player has won 36 caps with France.

MILAN LOOKING TO SIGN FIORENTINA STRIKER AS ROBINHO REPLACEMENT

AC Milan are looking to secure the services of Fiorentina attacker Adem Ljajic to replace Robinho if the Brazilian leaves, says the club's CEO Adriano Galliani.

Robinho has been linked with a return to Brazil to play for Santos but the transfer has stalled because Milan's asking price is too high for the 29-year-old.

Galliani is not sure whether the forward will be at the club come the start of the season but, if he does depart San Siro, the Rossoneri chief says highly-rated Fiorentina man Ljajic, 21, could be part of their contingency plans.
Galliani: Milan considering Ljajic as Robinho replacement
"If Robinho does leave, there are several candidates to replace him, including Ljajic," he told reporters.

"He is a Fiorentina player and I'm not sure they will want to sell. We are sure, however, we have a great team. Again, if someone leaves, someone will be signed, but otherwise we're okay."

With the Brazilian transfer market closing soon, Milan's CEO knows time is running out to do a deal which would see Robinho leave the club for his homeland.

He added: "We are in discussions, but we only have a week to sort something - the Brazilian market close on 15 July."

Meanwhile, Santos vice-president Odilio Rodriguez says negotiations are still taking place between Milan and his club over the transfer of the former Manchester City and Real Madrid forward.

Milan's asking price has dropped to €8 million from €10m but no deal has been reached yet.

"The operation is still difficult," he told Globo Esporte. "We need to analyse the total volume of money involved in this operation. But we are still discussing."

ALLEN: I WANT TO MAKE A FRESH START AT LIVERPOOL

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is hoping for a "fresh start" at the club after recovering from a shoulder injury that disrupted his debut season at Anfield.

The Wales international moved to Merseyside from Swansea City last season but missed the end of 2012-13 after undergoing surgery in March.

However, the 23-year-old has now returned to full fitness and says that he cannot wait for the start of the new season.

Allen wants fresh start at Liverpool after recovering from injury


"It's brilliant to be back. Obviously we all enjoy our break and our holidays but, at the same time, we can't wait to get back in and get started," he told the club's official website.

"Having missed the end of last season, I personally couldn't wait to get back in. Hopefully I can put the injury behind me once and for all.

"I think, for anyone, your first year at a new club can be tough in some ways but I feel settled here now and I'm looking forward to a fresh start with the coming season. Hopefully I can put in some good performances.

"I think last season I may have put myself under too much pressure. So it's a case of just giving my best every day in training and in every match. That's all I can do, really."

The Reds have been busy in the transfer market this summer, bringing in Iago Aspas, Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto and Simon Mignolet and Allen reports that the news faces are looking good.

"They've settled in really well," he added. "With new signings you sometimes worry that it might take them a little time to adapt but they've settled straight in and they've got into the swing of things straight away, which is a really, really positive sign."

ANSOTEGI: ILLARRAMENDI TO MADRID IS NOT A DONE DEAL

Asier Illarramendi is not a Real Madrid player yet and it is not worth speculating about his future, according to his Real Sociedad team-mate Ion Ansotegi.

According to reports, Madrid are set to offer la Real €30 million, which would be enough to prise the highly-rated Under-21 Spain international away from the Basque club as it triggers a release clause in his contract.
Illarramendi to Real Madrid not a done deal - Ansotegui
On Friday current skipper Xabi Prieto was adamant that it would take a hefty offer to lure Illarramendi away from the Anoeta and centre-back Ansotegui refused to be drawn on the rumours.

"Until we’re told anything, there's no point talking about possibilities and hypothetical situations," he told AS.

"For the moment all we know is that Asier is a ‘La Real’ player. Unless we’re told otherwise, he has to be here on Thursday [for training]. Those of us who are here should keep calm and not take any notice of what is being said.

 “It’s not down to me or any player to talk about what could happen in the future. Last year, Asier was very important for us; if he stays, he’ll continue to be important.

"He is a high-quality player, but he isn’t the only one. There are other players who played to a very high level [last season], and there will be teams who want to sign them. I don’t think it’s down to me to tell him to stay or to go. It’s something that Real, Madrid and he should decide.”

Illarramendi has a contract with Real Sociedad until 2018.

LIVERPOOL: STURRIDGE WILL BE FIT FOR START OF THE SEASON

Liverpool expect striker Daniel Sturridge to be fit in time for the start of the new season.

The 23-year-old was stretchered off with an ankle injury during England's 1-1 friendly draw with Republic of Ireland at Wembley in May.

The Reds are now back in pre-season training and, while Sturridge is still sidelined, the club's head of performance, Glen Driscoll, is happy with his progress.


Sturridge 'on target' to be fit for start of season, confirm Liverpool


"Daniel Sturridge is the only player in the squad not training at the moment but he's progressing really well and he's still on target to make the start of the season," he told the club's official website.

"Steven Gerrard is still being modified but he's about to enter all out training."

Driscoll was also upbeat on the health of the other members of the squad who are returning to training after injury.

"Martin Kelly is back in full training and doing really well," he added. "He has absolutely no problems.

"Raheem Sterling has actually come back a little bit earlier, like Martin, to do some extra conditioning so they hit the ground running. He looks extremely sharp.

"Joe Allen also did some extra work and is raring to go now."

Liverpool kick off their 2013-14 campaign at Anfield against Stoke City on August 17.

GIACCHERINI WANTS JUVENTUS STAY

Emanuele Giaccherini is happy at Juventus and does not want to leave the club, according to his representative Fulvio Valcareggi.

Giaccherini, 28, produced some impressive performances for Italy in the Confederations Cup following a season of sporadic opportunities to showcase his talents for the Bianconeri.
Giaccherini keen for Juventus stay
But his agent says the attacker is quite content with his squad status at the Serie A champions, even with interest coming from abroad.

 “The great performances at the Confederations Cup certainly caught the attention of international clubs, but Emanuele is happy at Juventus," Fulvio Valcareggi told TuttoJuve.

“In Turin there have always been signs of respect and admiration for Emanuele, so there are absolutely no doubts. We want Giaccherini to stay with Juventus.”

Giaccherini, who has a contract with Juve until the summer of 2015, made 17 league appearances last season.

LEDLEY: WANYAMA IS GOOD ENOUGH FOR A TOP PREMIER LEAGUE SIDE

Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley says that team-mate Victor Wanyama is good enough to play for a top Premier League club.

The Kenyan's future is the subject of hot debate. Southampton, whose interest has been confirmed by Mauricio Pochettino, have had a £12 million bid accepted but have been joined by Liverpool, Everton and Cardiff City in the race for his signature.

Ledley expects his team-mate to leave and feels that he has the ability to become a huge success in the Premier League.


Wanyama good enough for a top Premier League club, says Ledley


"He's been great but it looks like he'll continue his career somewhere else now," he told the Daily Record.

"The Celtic fans know how good Victor is and realise we got him at a steal. He can play for a top team in the Premier League, easily. He's got great potential and, if he can get to a top club, it would be fantastic to go up against him in the Champions League in the future.

"Anyone who saw him in that competition last year will know how good he is. I'm surprised none of the top clubs have come in for him but it's early days in the transfer window.

"If Victor goes it will be a massive blow to us. He was terrific in the Champions League for us last season."

Ledley, who spent six years at Cardiff prior to his move to Celtic, also feels that the Bluebirds would be an excellent move for Wanyama.

"The way Cardiff play would suit him as he could be their midfield holding player. He would be a fantastic signing for them," he argued. "They are nowhere near as big as Celtic but it’s the capital of Wales and they're getting more recognition now they are in the Premier League.

"If Victor went there, he'd enjoy it. I have friends who are fans and they've seen him when they're up watching me at Celtic. I know they were excited about the prospect of him going there."

INTER MILAN TERMINATE STANKOVIC CONTRACT

Dejan Stankovic bid a fond farewell to Inter fans on Saturday following his decision to terminate his contract with the club.
Stankovic, 34, made only three appearances last year and is now a free agent following his departure from the San Siro giants.
Stankovic bids farewell to Inter
Last month, the Serb insisted he was determined to stay and fight for his place but with no contract extension offered and sides, including Fiorentina and several from the MLS, reportedly holding an interest in him, Stankovic said an emotional goodbye to supporters.
"Dear Nerazzurri fans," he wrote in a statement on the club's official website. "This is your 'Drago' speaking, with a sense of emotion but also with great pleasure.
"I don't know if I can find the right words to say goodbye and to thank you properly for everything you have given me, your affection, your trust and your honesty.
"The last 10 years have been the best of my life. I have grown both as a man and, with immense joy, as a footballer.
"My family and I want to thank the Moratti family. I'd like to mention my president in particular: he gave me the opportunity to wear the Inter shirt, which I have been happy and extremely honoured first of all to play in, and then with which I was able to win everything there was to win."
Stankovic made 315 appearances for Inter after joining from Lazio in 2004.
His time with the Nerazzurri brought him five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia wins and one victory in the Champions League.

CASILLAS TO BECOME A FATHER FOR THE FIRST TIME

Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is set to become a father for the first time, he has confirmed.

The 32-year-old and his partner Sara Carbonero, who is a journalist for Tele 5, revealed the news on Saturday on their way back from the Confederations Cup in Brazil.
Casillas to become a father for first time
Casillas, who fell out of favour at Madrid last season, played in the final, in which Spain lost 3-0 to the hosts. Miss Carbonero, meanwhile, was out in Brazil on media duties covering the tournament.

"We are very happy," Casillas told reporters at Barajas Airport, Madrid.

The couple met back in February 2010 and it is reported that Casillas' girlfriend is 13 weeks pregnant.

The pair will now go on holiday to an unknown destination.

BAYERN: WE WON'T REDUCE THE ASKING PRICE FOR GOMEZ

Bayern Munich director of sport Matthias Sammer says he has no intention of dropping the asking price for Germany striker Mario Gomez to allow Fiorentina to net a bargain.

The Viola are struggling to match Bayern's reported 20million euro ($25.66 million) asking price for the striker, who has requested a transfer.

The player is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Fiorentina, whom he is keen to join, yet the Serie A club are reported to be falling at least five million euros short of Bayern's valuation.
Should they not raise their bid Gomez faces the prospect of staying with Bayern next season, unless another club can meet their valuation.
"If the conditions are not right, then it's just not going to work," Sammer told Sport1 television.
"As long as our wishes remain unfulfilled, nothing is going to happen. But Mario wants to go to Fiorentina."
However, the Tuscan club, who will play in the Europa League next season, are reluctant to increase their bid for the 27-year-old.
"They have a player whom they have to sell and they have their requirements which we respect but we have our own requirements," Fiorentina's director of sport Daniele Prade said.
"Being such a strong player, he costs a lot of money and right now, the conditions don't exist for us to finish the deal."
Fiorentina could yet face competition for Gomez's signature, with the Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that Napoli are preparing to enter into negotiations.

UPDATED DONE DEALS FOR ALL PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS - 6TH JULY, 2013

Arsenal
In: Yaya Sanogo (Auxerre, free)
Out: Andrey Arshavin, Samir Bihmoutine, Reice Charles-Cook, Denilson, Sead Hajrovic, Conor Henderson, Jernade Meade, Nigel Oldfield Spence-Neita, Joshua Rees, Philip Roberts, James Shea, Sebastien Squillaci, Sanchez Watt (All released), Craig Eastmond (Colchester, free), Vito Mannone (Sunderland, undisc), Francis Coquelin (Freiburg, loan), Johan Djourou (Hamburg, loan)

Aston Villa
In: Aleksandr Tonev (Lech Poznan, undisc), Jores Okobe (FC Nordsjaelland, £4m), Leandro Bacuna (Groningen, undisc), Niklas Helenius (Aalborg, undisc), Antonio Luna (Sevilla, undisc), Jed Steer (Norwich, free)
Out: Calum Barrett, Joshua Barton, Courtney Cameron, Daniel Devine, Richard Dunne, Eric Lichaj, Andy Marshall (All released)

Cardiff
In: Andreas Cornelius (Copenhagen, undisc)
Out: None

Chelsea
In: Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen, undisc), Marco van Ginkel (Vitesse Arnhem, £8.5m)
Out: Amin Affane, Yossi Benayoun, Abdul Deen-Conteh, Paulo Ferreira, Hilario, Florent Malouda, Archange Nkumu, Ross Turnbull (All released), Thibault Courtois (Atletico Madrid, loan), George Saville (Brentford, loan)

Crystal Palace
In: Stephen Dobbie (Swansea, undisc), Dwight Gayle (Peterborough, undisc)
Out: None

Everton
In: None
Out: Johan Hammar, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Sam Kelly, Jan Mucha (All released), Phil Neville (retired)

Fulham
In: Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma, £4m), Fernando Amorebieta (Athletic Bilbao, free), Derek Boateng (Dnipro, free)
Out: Chris Baird, Simon Davies, Mahamadou Diarra, Thomas Donegan, Corey Gameiro, Georgios Karagkounis, James Musa, Richard Peniket, Mladen Petric, Mark Schwarzer, Alex Smith, Csaba Somogyi (All released), Dan Burn (Birmingham, loan)
Hull
In: George Boyd (Peterborough, free), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan, free), Curtis Davies (Birmingham, undisc), Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderland, undisc), Alan McGregor (Besiktas, £1.8m)
Out: Andy Dawson (Scunthorpe, free), Danny East (Portsmouth, free), Sonny Bradley (Portsmouth, free)

Liverpool:
In: Kolo Toure (Manchester City, free) Luis Alberto (Sevilla, £6.8m), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo, £7.7m), Simon Mignolet (Sunderland, undisc)
Out: Danny Wilson, Tyrell Belford, Jamie Stephens (All released), Jamie Carragher (retired), Andy Carroll (West Ham, £15m), Jonjo Shelvey (Swansea, £5m)

Manchester City
In: Jesus Navas (Sevilla, £14.19m), Fernandinho (Shakthar Donetsk, £22m)
Out: Wayne Bridge (Reading, free), Filippo Mancini (Released), Ryan McGivern (Hibernian, free), Roque Santa Cruz (Released), Kolo Toure (Liverpool, free), Carlos Tevez (Juventus, £7.6m)

Manchester United
In: Guillermo Varela (Penarol, undisc)
Out: Reece Brown, John Cofie, Michele Fornasier, Luke Giverin, Luke Hendrie, Luke McCullough, Gyliano Van Velzen, Freddie Veseli (All released), Paul Scholes (Retired)

Newcastle
In: Olivier Kemen (Metz, undisc)
Out: Steve Harper, Yven Moyo, Danny Simpson (All released), James Perch (Wigan, undisc)

Norwich City
In: Javi Garrido (Lazio, undisc.), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Sporting Lisbon, undisc), Nathan Redmond (Birmingham, undisc)
Out: Marc Tierney (Bolton, free), Chris Martin (Derby, free), Tom Adeyemi, Lee Camp, Olumide Durojaiye, George Francomb, Simeon Jackson, Ramil Sheriff, Korey Smith, Elliott Ward (All released), Jed Steer (Aston Villa, free)
 
Southampton
In: Dejan Lovren (Lyon, undisc.)
Out: Frazer Richardson, Danny Butterfield, Dan Seabourne, Ryan Dickson, Ben Reeves, Sam Hoskins, Tommy Forecast, Alberto Seidi (All released)

Stoke
In: Erik Peters (PSV, £3.6m), Marc Muniesa (Barcelona, free)
Out: Michael Clarkson, Rory Delap, Matthew Gledhill, Jadan Hall, Matthew Lund, Andrew Musungu, Carlo Nash, George Rigg, Mamady Sidibe, Matthew Upson, Dean Whitehead (All released), Michael Owen (Retired)

Sunderland
In: Valentin Roberge (Maritimo, free), Cabral (Basel, free), Modibo Diakite (Lazio, free), Duncan Whatmore (Altrincham, undisc.), David Moberg Karlsson (Gothenburg, £1.7m), Vito Mannone (Arsenal, undisc)
Out: Titus Bramble, Anthony Callaghan, Wade Joyce, Matt Kilgallon, Ryan Noble, Adam Reed, Ben Wilson (All released), Simon MIgnolet (Liverpool, undisc), Ahmed Elmohamady (Hull, undisc)

Swansea
In: Jose Canas (Real Betis, free), Jordi Amat (Espanyol, £2.5m), Jonathan De Guzman (Villarreal, loan), Jonjo Shelvey (Liverpool, £5m), Alejandro Pozuelo (Real Betis, undisc)
Out: Mark Gower (Charlton, free)

Tottenham
In: Paulinho (Corinthians, undisc)
Out: Jack Barthram, David Bentley, John Bostock, William Gallas, Jack Munns, Jake Nicholson (All released), Massimo Luongo (Swindon, loan), Grant Hall (Swindon, loan)

West Brom
In: Nicolas Anelka (unattached, free)
Out: Marc-Antoine Fortune, Zoltan Gera, Gonzalo Jara, Romaine Sawyers, Jerome Thomas (All released)

West Ham
In: Adrian (Real Betis, free), Razvan Rat (Shakthar Donetsk, free), Andy Carroll (Liverpool, £15m)
Out: Carlton Cole, Jake Larkins, Gary O'Neil, Jack Powell, Jami Rafati, Eoin Wearen (All released), Robert Hall (Bolton, fee to be agreed)

POLICE ARREST EX-ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL

Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has been arrested after an alleged drunken assault at a railway station.
The 46-year-old ex-Newcastle and Tottenham player, who left rehab in the United States earlier this year, was held after an incident in Hertfordshire.

A Hertfordshire Police spokeswoman said: "Police were called to a report of a man allegedly being drunk and disorderly at Stevenage railway station at 10.30pm on Thursday July 4.
"Officers attended the location and arrested a 46-year-old male on suspicion of common assault and being drunk and disorderly."
He was taken into custody but was not charged, police added.
According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, Gascoigne was bailed after being held in a police cell for 12 hours overnight.
Earlier this year, Gascoigne said he wanted to "get back to reality" after the latest health scare in his battle with alcohol addiction.
He told ITV's Daybreak in March: "'I didn't ask to be an alcoholic, but I must admit I worked on it. I went to any lengths to get my drink, I'll go even further to stay sober.''

AJAX LOAN BARCELONA FORWARD

Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic will spend the 2013-14 season on loan at Dutch club Ajax, the Primera Division club have confirmed.

Bojan, 22, spent two consecutive years on loan in Italy with Roma and AC Milan but after scoring seven goals for the capital club he struggled for game time at San Siro and managed only three league goals.

MARTIN KELLY: I'LL BE DELIGHTED TO PLAY CENTER BACK

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly says he would be delighted to play centre-back if asked by manager Brendan Rodgers.

The 23-year-old has mostly featured at right-back for the Merseyside club since making his debut in a UEFA Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven in December 2008.
But, having noticeably bulked up during his time out with a cruciate knee ligament injury, the defender has underlined his desire to take on a central role.
Kelly happy to play centre-back for Liverpool
"It’s always ideal being able to play in two positions," he told The Liverpool Echo. "I love playing right-back but if it came to it I could definitely be a centre-back.
"I feel like I’ve got all the attributes. All the positional sense was drummed into me when I played there when I was a kid.
"The last time I played in the middle was for England Under-21s but that’s not the same as playing there at club level where it’s much faster. Before that it was just with the academy.
"It would take time for me to become a Premier League centre-back but I can learn from the experienced defenders we’ve got here."
Kelly went on thank his team-mates for their support during his nine-month lay-off, which began when he ruptured the knee ligament during a clash with Manchester United at Anfield.
"Even when I was out, all the  lads made sure I still felt part of the team," he continued.
"I came in to do my work at the  same time as them so I was with them before they went out to train. I was still involved in all the meetings and that was good mentally for me.
"It was great to have Lucas around to talk to. When I’d say my tendon was aching he would reassure me that was normal.
"He was a big support but his rehab was different to mine. His cruciate was done by a tackle, mine was done by being off balance. He was back within six months but my rehab took longer because I’m a different type of player to Lucas.
"The surgeon made it clear that I could only go back into training when I felt like I not only had the strength but also the balance work to go with it otherwise I could go over on it again.
"I’m the type of person who takes that bit longer to heal. I did a lot of work in the gym on my strength, core and balance.
"Then I stepped things up gradually by doing a few sessions with the Under-18s and then the Under-21s before training with the lads at Melwood."
Kelly has made 54 appearances for Liverpool in total and has one senior England cap.

LAZIO PLAYER DISMISSES ARSENAL APPROACH

Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti has brushed off speculation linking him with a summer move to Premier League side Arsenal.
Reports have claimed that Arsene Wenger is in the market for a new keeper and he has been linked with a bid for Queens Park Rangers' Brazil international Julio Cesar.
Federico Marchetti: Lazio keeper has denied Arsenal speculation
However, reports in Italy have claimed that the Gunners have made an enquiry for Marchetti, who has recently been on Confederations Cup duty with the Azzurri.
The 30-year-old is unaware of the rumours concerning his future and is heading off on holiday before returning for pre-season training.
"I know nothing about Arsenal," Marchetti told Sky Sport Italia.
"I'm having a holiday and only thinking about relaxing. And then there is the president, who knows what to do."
Arsenal were linked with a £5.5million bid for Marchetti three years ago when the keeper was still on the books of Cagliari.
He joined Lazio in 2011 and he has established himself as one of the most consistent keepers in Serie A during his two seasons at the Stadio Olimpico.

NIGERIAN INTERNATIONAL SIGNS FOR BURSASPOR

Bursaspor have announced on their official website that they have secured the services of Taye Taiwo from AC Milan for an undisclosed fee.

The Nigeria international was deemed surplus to requirements at the Serie A giants and will continue his career in Turkey after signing a three-year deal with his new club.
Official: Taiwo leaves Milan for Bursaspor
Taiwo had joined Milan from Olympique de Marseille on a free transfer in the summer of 2011, but failed to secure regular first team action at the San Siro side.

He was farmed out on loan to QPR only six months after his arrival, before leaving Milan for Dynamo Kiev on a one-year loan deal in the summer of 2012.

The 28-year-old returned to Milan ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, but was quickly told that he was no longer needed and has now left the club on a permanent basis.

ASSOU-EKOTTO: I'VE NEVER HEARD OF PAULINHO

Tottenham defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto admits he has never heard of new team-mate Paulinho as the club prepare to announce the €20 million signing of the Brazilian midfielder.

Paulinho, who starred for his country at the Confederations Cup, flew to London on Friday to undergo a medical and sign a contract to complete his transfer from Corinthians.

Assou-Ekotto: I've never heard of Paulinho


But the 24-year-old’s arrival is news to Assou-Ekotto, who is notorious for having little interest in football away from playing the game.

“I don’t know what he looks like,” Assou-Ekotto told Goal. “I don’t know him, I don’t follow this kind of news.

“It’s like two or three years ago, Rafael van der Vaart was there in training one day. I said hello to him but I didn’t know he was Rafael van der Vaart.

“I don’t understand people who don’t understand me [not showing an interest in football]. Most people don’t go back home with their job and it’s the same for me.”

Assou-Ekotto will fly to Africa on Saturday to help the fight against the disease known as ‘river blindness’ in his homeland of Cameroon caused by black flies.

The 29-year-old will return to pre-season training later this month and believes Andre Villas-Boas’ side must get off to a better start than last year as they target a top four finish.

“The target is the Champions League because it’s the best competition in the world,” Assou-Ekotto added.

“I hope this season we will start the season from the first minute because last year we had a poor start and when you see the results at the end of the season, we missed out by one point.

“This season we will have to be at 200 per cent focus.”

BAYERN FINE GOMEZ, GOTZE AND KIRCHHOFF

Bayern Munich have fined Mario Gomez, Mario Gotze and Jan Kirchhoff for wearing Nike clothes at official FCB events rather than kit from club sponsor Adidas, press officer Markus Horwick has confirmed.

The Bundesliga side's players are contractually obliged to wear Adidas clothes at official club activities - football shoes being the only exception to the rule.
Bayern fine Gotze, Gomez & Kirchhoff
However, both Gotze and Kirchhoff appeared at their official presentation on Tuesday wearing a t-shirt with a big Nike logo, leading to complaints from Adidas.

Bayern consequently offered their apologies to the company, only for Mario Gomez then to be photographed wearing a Nike hat at the club's training camp in Trentino.

The Champions League winners therefore opted to take action against the trio and have handed them fines, which will be donated to the victims of the recent floods in Germany.

No details have been disclosed about the amount of the fines, but all three players have accepted their punishment without further comment.

TOTTENHAM COMPLETE PAULINHO SIGNING

Tottenham have signed Brazil midfielder Paulinho from Corinthians for a fee believed to be just under £17m.
Paulinho has become Andre Villas-Boas' first summer recruit as he looks to reshape his squad ahead of a push for a top-four place in the Premier League next season.
The player revealed during the Confederations Cup tournament in his native country that a bid from Spurs to seal his signature had been lodged and that north London was his most likely destination.
Paulinho: Brazil midfielder has signed for Tottenham
Inter Milan and Real Madrid were also believed to be interested in a move for the former Bragantino midfielder, who scored twice during the tournament, following on from his equalising goal in Brazil's 2-2 draw with England last month.
"I am very happy and excited to have joined Spurs," said Paulinho. "It's a huge pleasure for my career to be at a club as big as Tottenham."
"I am very happy and excited to have joined Spurs. It's a huge pleasure for my career to be at a club as big as Tottenham."
Paulinho
Paulinho confirmed earlier this week that he had no regrets about his decision to move to White Hart Lane, telling ESPN Brasil: "They (Tottenham) made an offer to my agent and to Corinthians, I sat down, analysed the proposal and chose Tottenham. We think it was the best path, the best option.
"I am moving from one big club to Tottenham, another club in a big league. I am sure I will perform my job to the best of my ability. I don't regret and I won't regret [this decision]."
His compatriot, and new team-mate Sandro, is confident that Paulinho has the ability to make an impact in the Premier League.
Sandro told Globo Esporte: "I think he has what it takes to do well here.
"This is a club with a great structure. It has been fighting for the top positions in the last few years and playing in European competitions.
"Paulinho will certainly help us become even stronger.
"I can only say 'welcome to Tottenham, Paulinho'. I am very happy, I will try to do the same thing Gomes did when I arrived. He was very important when I came and helped me adapt. If Paulinho needs me, I will help. I welcome him."
Paulinho has been likened to Frank Lampard, and he acknowledged he is happy to take on board any comparisons with the veteran Chelsea and England midfielder.
"This comparison is a responsibility that I will take," said Paulinho. "I will not run away from it.
"Lampard is a great player, not only for Chelsea but in world football.
"I intend to follow in his footsteps as he is a very professional guy. David Luiz always speaks of him on international duty.
"I've always looked at what Lampard does and to me he is a huge phenomenon. The way he hits the ball, what positions he takes up, he really is incredible."