NORWICH SIGN DUTCH INTERNATIONAL

Norwich City have confirmed the signing of Dutch international midfielder Leroy Fer from FC Twente on a four-year deal.

The 23-year-old, who is Chris Hughton's sixth summer signing, scored 21 goals in 71 appearances for FC Twente after starting his career with Feyenoord.

Fer, who has two full caps, captained Holland at Under-17 and Under-19 levels and he was a key part of their European Under-21 Championship team which made it to the semi-finals.
He joins Javier Garrido, Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, Nathan Redmond, Martin Olsson and Carlo Nash in boosting Hughton's options for the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season.
Hughton said: "We are really pleased to have acquired the signature of a player with the qualities that Leroy has.
"He's a very versatile Dutch international and at 23 he has that pleasing balance of having acquired experience playing over 100 games in the Dutch League - but still having plenty of time ahead of him to continue his development as a player here with us at Norwich City."

PSV SIGN CHELSEA DEFENDER AND TWO OTHER PLAYERS

PSV have completed the signings of Jeffrey Bruma, Stijn Schaars and Santiago Arias.
Bruma, 21, joins on a four-year deal from Chelsea, while Schaars, 29, and Arias, 21, have signed three and four-year-deals respectively after arriving from Sporting Lisbon.
The trio continue the Eindhoven club's rebuilding process following the signing of AZ midfielder Adam Maher on the back of losing Dries Mertens, Jeremain Lens and Erik Pieters earlier this summer.

Bruma, who is thought to have cost in the region of €3 million, has impressed in his last two seasons spent on loan at Bundesliga outfit Hamburg, and PSV will be hoping he can further his growing reputation in Eindhoven.
"[Bruma is] a defender that we would have wanted sooner," PSV technical director Marcel Brands told the club's official website.
"Unfortunately, it took a little longer than we had hoped for, but we are pleased that he is here."
Schaars, who played for Vitesse and AZ earlier in his career, returns to the Netherlands after a two-year spell in Portugal as part of a double €1.6 million deal with Colombia right-back Arias.
"It was a difficult operation with Sporting, but we can add a chunk of experience in the team with him," Brands added about the midfielder.
"From the first day we approached Stijn, he could not wait to start."

SAVICEVIC MAKES MATCH FIXING CLAIM

Dejan Savicevic claims members of Red Star Belgrade's 1991 European Cup-winning side were offered €254,000 by football coaches to lose their final against Olympique de Marseille.

The Serbian club went on to triumph 5-3 on penalties in Bari 22 years ago, but, according to Savicevic, only after several players had been approached by unnamed figures in their hotel rooms on the eve of the clash.

"It's not a secret," he said in a telephone interview with Associated Press. "I have been saying this for a while and I have never denied it: 500,000 marks was offered to us.

"We refused it because it is not in our character. Everyone knows it ... ask [goalkeeper Stevan] Stojanovic, or [midfielder] Robert Prosinecki."

The former midfielder, who is now head of Montenegro's football association, went on to lift the Champions League for a second time with AC Milan in 1994.

Marseille, meanwhile, won the Champions League in its inaugural season in 1992-93, but had their Ligue 1 title stripped from them amid a match-fixing scandal.

KLOPP STUNNED BY DORTMUND'S FITNESS

Jurgen Klopp has revealed he has been left stunned by the fitness levels of his Borussia Dortmund squad in pre-season.

The Signal Iduna Park club ended last season on a disappointing note with defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, but Klopp's squad have refused to rest on their laurels during their summer break.

Klopp has taken his side to Austria for a pre-season training camp, where he and the club's fitness coaches have been able to assess the physical condition of the players before embarking on a gruelling schedule, but the former Mainz boss admits he has been taken aback by their efforts.

He told the club's official site: "The fitness levels the players are showing are extraordinary and have allowed us to broaden training plans.

"We sent the new players training plans which they have been following after their holidays and their levels are good, too."

The 46-year-old was also quick to stress the importance of the next seven days of pre-season training, particularly with the new season looming large on the horizon.

"It´s the most important week of pre-season. In Bad Ragaz we need to set the fitness levels and tactical disciplines for the coming season because we have some huge challenges ahead of us."

Dortmund have been quick to bolster their squad following the loss of Mario Gotze to Bayern Munich, signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan and from Shakhtar Donetsk and Saint-Etienne striker Pierre-Emeric Aubameyang.

ILLARRAMENDI: I'LL JUSTIFY MY €32M TRANSFER PRICE

Asier Illarramendi has vowed to justify his €32 million transfer fee after being unveiled as a Real Madrid player on Saturday.
The midfielder signed a six-year deal at Santiago Bernabeu on Friday after Madrid met the sizeable release clause in his contract, with the player joining from Real Sociedad.

"Today is a very special day for me," he said. "Getting the chance to play here is a very unique opportunity. I will give everything for this crest.
"I would like to show my appreciation to Real Sociedad and their fans for everything they've done for me."
Los Blancos president Florentino Perez also credited Sociedad, and said Illarramendi would be well supported by the Madrid faithful.
"We are happy to welcome Asier Illarramendi to Real Madrid," Perez said. "I would like to show my appreciation to Real Sociedad and their president for making this possible.
"The fans will support you in the good and bad times."
Illarramendi starred for Spain's Under-21 side in their European Championship-winning campaign earlier this summer and has been likened to team-mate Xabi Alonso for his passing-based game.

WENGER: I WANT TO COMMIT MY LONG TERM FUTURE TO ARSENAL

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he is ready to commit his long-term future to the club.

Wenger's current deal with the Gunners expires next season, and he has held preliminary contract talks with chief executive Ivan Gazidis.
The Frenchman was linked earlier this summer with Paris Saint-Germain, who eventually appointed Laurent Blanc as Carlo Ancelotti's successor.

"I am committed to staying longer at this club. I've already had a chat with Ivan. It went very well, not a problem," Wenger said.
"The link with PSG is there because I'm French and I know the owners. But if that was the case then I would be there already. I'm not at PSG because my heart is with Arsenal."
Meanwhile, Wenger has hinted the club are in a better position to spend some money in the current transfer window.
Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney and Liverpool strikerLuis Suarez have been mentioned as possible attacking targets along with Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain.
"They are all realistic targets quality-wise, but not all of them are available to join us," Wenger added.
"We have better financial resources than the years before and it is resources we have created ourselves. That is massively important to us.
"For years we were out of the race for the top-level transfers but we are coming back now because we are in a better financial situation and also because of Financial Fair Play."

PEREZ: EXPECT MORE SIGNINGS AT MADRID

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hinted at making further signings this summer following the unveiling of Asier Illarramendi on a six-year-deal.

The 23-year-old was presented to the media at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday following his €32 million move from Real Sociedad, but Perez suggested his would not be the last arrival of the summer as they strive to build a team to match Carlo Ancelotti's vision of "spectacular" football.

"We continue to work and look for the spectacular football that Carlo Ancelotti wants," Perez told reporters. "We have an exceptional squad and a team of immense quality, but we are convinced we must keep working to continue being the best club in history.

"Today, a fantastic player arrives at Real Madrid, one who has become one of the great pearls of our game. Asier has been hailed as one of the best players of the [Spain] Under-21 side and he shares the dressing room with many players who are part of that team."

Illarramendi will hold a press conference later on Saturday after being presented to supporters on the Santiago Bernabeu pitch.

VALBUENA: PSG AND MONACO UNDER PRESSURE

Olympique de Marseille midfielder Mathieu Valbuena believes Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco will be under significant pressure in the 2013-14 campaign.

PSG are favourites to complete the capture of Edinson Cavani from Napoli having invested heavily in their squad last season, while newly promoted Monaco have splashed the cash to land the likes of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho this summer.

Valbuena, who helped Marseille clinch second spot behind PSG in Ligue 1 last season, feels the huge investment at each club will lead to a huge amount of expectation heading into the new season.

"The pressure will be mainly on their shoulders [PSG and Monaco]," he told La Provence. "Plenty is expected of them in relation to their spending and their recruitment."

Marseille have likewise invested in the market so far this summer, securing the signing of Dimitri Payet from Lille and agreeing a deal for Le Havre youngster Benjamin Mendy, and Valbuena is confident his side can compete for trophies next season.

"I'm still pumped," the 28-year-old added. "This season is super important. I want to be better, to be more decisive, to win titles, because it is magic to achieve things with l'OM."

INTER MILAN IN TALKS WITH PSG DEFENDER

Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio has confirmed they are in talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Gregory van der Wiel.

Inter are hoping to bring in van der Wiel on a loan deal as they look to bring in a new right-back this sumer.
Dutch defender van der Wiel refused to rule out a move to Inter earlier this week and Ausilio has admitted talks are ongoing for the former Ajax man.

"We have an open discussion with PSG over van der Wiel. We are talking about a loan, so we'll see," said Ausilio
However, Ausilio has admitted that Juventus have so far rejected their overtures for Mauricio Isla.
"We are talking to Juve, but everyone sticks to their guns," added Ausilio. "They have one evaluation of the player, we have another."
Inter have also ended their interest in Basel defender Aleksandar Dragovic, feeling they have enough cover at the back.
"We like Dragovic, but we are covered in that area of the team there are seven players," concluded Ausilio.

COUTINHO INSISTS LIVERPOOL WANT TOP FOUR FINISH

Coutinho insists last season's impressive finish to the Premier League season has left Liverpool feeling confident of mounting a top-four challenge this term.

Brendan Rodgers' men lost just one of their last 16 matches in the league campaign, with the Brazilian No.10 and fellow January signing Daniel Sturridge at the heart of the revival.


And Coutinho is adamant this form means the Merseysiders will head into the new season full of belief in their ability to return Champions League football to Anfield.

"Some new players have arrived to help us and the team finished well last year, so we hope to be able to finish within the top four," he told the club's official website.

"That's what we have always fought for, but we should think on a game-by-game basis because the competition is very long and we have to sustain good performances throughout the whole season."

Coutinho wowed the Anfield faithful with some dazzling trickery and vision last season, and the 21-year-old revealed the secret of his success is his laid back nature on the pitch.

"I always try to be relaxed, always play football and enjoy myself because what I like doing most is to play football, so I'm not concerned with pressure or such things," he added.

"I just try to enjoy myself on the field and always do my best to help the team.

"I'll work as hard as I've always done, always trying to improve each day as much as I can and always trying to learn from the more experienced players and the manager. Always working hard is what is most important."

ADAN: I HAVE NO HARD FEELINGS FOR MOURINHO

Real Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Adan insists he has no hard feelings for former coach Jose Mourinho after he was dropped last season in favour of new signing Diego Lopez.

The 26-year-old was handed the No.1 spot last season after Iker Casillas' hand injury in January, but the acquisition of Lopez promptly saw him demoted back to a role amongst the substitutes despite the coach's public declaration of support for his abilities.

While he admits he is unsure why Mourinho lost faith in him as Casillas' replacement, he maintains he respects the decision made by his former boss and stresses he enjoys a good relationship with his fellow shot-stoppers in the Spanish capital.

“These things happen in football and you have no control over them," he told AS when asked about why he was dropped. "I tried to work even harder and give my best for the team but the club decided to sign another goalkeeper. The coach’s job is to select his team every Sunday and all I can do is keep working hard and accept what decisions he makes.

“The declarations which Mourinho made in public are there for everyone to listen to and that question would be better directed to him than to me.

"I am not able to say why he suddenly lost confidence in me. But I have no hard feelings towards Mou and I respect his decisions.

“I think I am very lucky to be able to say that Iker and Diego Lopez are my friends and they have always treated me well. All three of us have come up from the youth teams.

"Diego coached me when I was younger and I have spent four or five seasons training with Iker and he is a very good friend of mine. So whatever the coach decides won’t change anything between us."

Adan went on to admit he may be forced to look elsewhere for first-team football in future if he is unable to secure more regular action in future.

“I will think about what’s best for me. In terms of my career, I want to be at a club where I will get to play regularly," he said.

"I am still under contract and if nothing changes, I will remain a Real Madrid player. Under that premise, I have to look at what is the best solution for me. I’ll wait until I receive an interesting offer but I am just looking for what is best for me."

LIVERPOOL TARGET TURNS DOWN NORWICH OFFER

Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld has turned down a move to Norwich City, according to the player's agent.

Alderweireld has been linked with a move away from Ajax all summer, with the likes of Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen credited with an interest in his services.

However, Norwich agreed a fee with Ajax to bring Alderweireld to Carrow Road, but were unable to agree personal terms with the Belgian international.
Alderweireld's agent, Soren Lerby, rejected suggestions that it was Norwich's standing in the game that persuaded the 24-year-old to reject their overtures.
"The problem was not that Norwich didn't fit Toby's ambitions, but we simply failed to agree terms," Lerby told Algemeen Dagblad.
Alderweireld, who is entering the final year of his contract at the Amsterdam ArenA, has admitted that if a move does not materialise this summer he is happy to stay Ajax.
"There is still other interest and a transfer takes a long time," Alderweireld told voetbal.nl. "We're only in mid-July it can still be done. If a nice club comes, it can go fast.
"If there is nothing, then I'll just stay at Ajax."

PSG CONFIDENT OF SIGNING CAVANI

Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc has admitted he is "confident" a deal for Edinson Cavani will soon be completed.

Club sporting director Leonardo confirmed last week the Ligue 1 champions had tabled a bid for the Uruguay star, with reports suggesting they had agreed to match his €63 million release clause.

Although the Brazilian is set to stand down from his post at PSG, Blanc remains optimistic that a deal to bring the coveted striker to Parc des Princes will be completed.

"I am confident," he told reporters after PSG's 2-1 friendly win over Rapid Vienna on Friday. "But as the player is not yet officially at the club, it would be useless to work on projected ideas. It's best to wait until the player is officially with the club."

PSG are also in the hunt for Roma defender Marquinhos, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona, and Blanc admits the interest in the 19-year-old will complicate any potential deal.

"I know the player very well from Serie A," he said of the Brazilian. "It's a difficult issue since, from what I know, we're not the only ones after this player. It proves his value.

"Our priorities in the market, as I said a few days ago, are to find a striker and a left-back."

Blanc is dismayed at Leonardo's impending departure, stressing that he would have loved to work with the former AC Milan star far beyond this summer.

"I would have liked to continue working with him," Blanc added. "We worked together for two weeks and had a truly good understanding.

"When I signed for PSG, I didn't know he was leaving. I understood he wanted to take a step back, but to then think he would not be there at all? No."

FULHAM OWNER SELLS CLUB

Mohamed Al Fayed's 16-year association with Fulham has come to an end after the Egyptian agreed a deal for the sale of the club to Shahid Khan.
The 84-year-old former Harrods owner has transformed the west Londoners from a third-tier outfit to an established Premier League side since taking over in 1997.
Sustained reports this week had suggested Al Fayed would now sell the club and the Cottagers last night confirmed a deal has been struck with Khan, billionaire owner of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.

"My time of serving as the custodian of Fulham Football Club would one day come to an end, and I feel that time has now arrived," Al Fayed said in a statement released to Press Association Sport.
"The time is right because I have found a very good man in Shahid Khan to accept the responsibility and privilege that I have enjoyed at Fulham since 1997.
"Fulham will be in very good hands with Shahid, whose success in business and passion for sport is very evident.
"I ask everyone who loves Fulham and our Craven Cottage home to welcome Shahid as he begins his journey as the next guardian of Fulham Football Club."
Khan is worth £1.9billion, according to Forbes, making him the 490th richest man in the world.
Born in Pakistan, the 62-year-old moved to the United States aged 16 for college and secured an engineering degree from the University of Illinois.
Khan went on to create an auto parts empire and such riches allowed him to buy NFL franchise the Jaguars, who will play one regular season game a season at Wembley for the next four years.
He said: "I was recently very fortunate to have been introduced to Mohamed Al Fayed, a man I respect and admire immensely for what he has accomplished in his life and - above all - what he has given others.
"Today, he is giving me the privilege and responsibility of serving as the next custodian of Fulham Football Club.
"I am extremely honoured to accept and want to thank him, on behalf of everyone who loves Fulham, for 16 years of exceptional service to the club.
"Mr Al Fayed rescued the club in its hour of need and has led it to a sustained place within the Premier League.
"Fulham is the perfect club at the perfect time for me.
"I want to be clear, I do not view myself so much as the owner of Fulham, but a custodian of the club on behalf of its fans.
"My priority is to ensure the club and Craven Cottage each have a viable and sustainable Premier League future that fans of present and future generations can be proud of.
"We will manage the club's financial and operational affairs with prudence and care, with youth development and community programmes as fundamentally important elements of Fulham's future."

MOYES: WE ARE CLOSING IN ON OUR TRANSFER TARGETS

New Manchester United manager David Moyes insists the club are closing in on their transfer targets.

The English champions were linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, but the player looks likely to join his old boss Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.

Moyes was guarded over that development, when asked if the Spain U-21 international remained on United's radar.
"I never said at any time he was," said Moyes.
"There are people we are actively chasing and we are happy with the way things are going."
Speculation mounts on Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay moving to Old Trafford, although there has been no official word from either club.
Meanwhile, Moyes is preparing for his first match in charge of United when his team play Singha All Stars later today.

MOYES FALLS TO SHOCK DEBUT DEFEAT

David Moyes' tenure as Manchester United manager started on a sour note as the Premier League champions fell to a shock friendly defeat to Thailand All-Stars.
In a game lacking real flow and multiple missed chances, it was the Thai outfit who looked the more dangerous throughout and a sole 49th-minute strike from the impressive Teeratep Winothai secured the victory.

Moyes opted for a mix of youth and experience in his first selection, teaming the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs with young Belgian Adnan Januzaj.
Perhaps understandably, United started rustily and after four minutes were in debt to a wonderful recovery challenge from Jonny Evans to deny the hosts the lead after United’s offside trap was broken by Winothai.

Indeed, it took 22 minutes for United to carve out their first real opportunity; Fabio’s cross from the right-hand side was inch-perfect for the onrushing Januzaj to prod home but somehow, the youngster tapped it over the bar.

Slowly, the visitors began to take control and on the half-hour mark, Danny Welbeck finally escaped the attentions of his marker to race clear onto a Tom Cleverley through-ball, only for poor ball control to let him down when attempting to round the keeper.

Januzaj was proving to be a prominent player of the first half and, after the Belgian negotiated his way past a defender with a fine piece of skill, his cross-cum-shot flashed wide of the post.

However, United continued to be troubled by the ball over the top and another one on 35 minutes set Winothai clear but his fierce half-volley was tipped round the post by Amos.

The Thai outfit seemed to be relishing the occasion and after going close on two previous occasions, Winothai finally found the net just four minutes after half-time.

Some shoddy defending from United suddenly saw the hosts gifted a three-on-two attack and, after a quick exchange of passes, Winothai beat Ben Amos at his near post with a close-range strike.

United tried to hit back quickly but Welbeck, who looked lively but clumsy throughout, could only find the keeper’s midriff from a tight angle.

The goal certainly did seem to spark Moyes’ men into life and on the hour mark it was Fabio who was next to threaten with a curling effort that was comfortably beaten away by the goalkeeper.

The visitors handed a United debut to Wilfried Zaha as a raft of substitutions began to affect the pattern of the second 45 minutes.

With 10 minutes to play, the former Crystal Palace starlet almost stole the show when, moments after Welbeck had scuffed wide when clean through, the winger unleashed a rasping left-footed effort that curled against the post.

But an equaliser failed to materalise and Moyes was left with an unwelcome start as he begins life at United. 

WENGER: ARSENAL HAVE ADAVANTAGE OVER TITLE RIVALS

Arsene Wenger hopes Arsenal's stability can help them break an eight-year trophy drought this season.

With Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all entering the 2013-14 season under new management, the Frenchman is the only boss from last term's top-four clubs to retain his position for the coming campaign.


And Wenger, speaking from Indonesia where Arsenal are about to begin a pre-season tour of Asia, believes that could give his team a head start on their rivals this season.

"Nobody knows what effect the changes will have but we hope to take advantage of our greater stability," Wenger told reporters.

"What has been frustrating for me is that in recent years we couldn't give our fans what they expected of us.

"But now we are in a position where we want to compete for the title again. Our challenge is to close the gap on Manchester United, City and Chelsea."

Wenger recently revealed his desire to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium beyond the end of next season, with his contract set to expire in 12 months' time, and positive talks regarding an extension have taken place with Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

ASPAS SCORES ON DEBUT AS LIVERPOOL WIN EMPHATICALLY

Liverpool's new forward Iago Aspas marked his debut with a goal but he will have to score plenty more if Reds fans are to celebrate a new hero to replace wantaway striker Luis Suarez.
The Spaniard, signed from Celta Vigo for £7.7million, curled home his side's final effort as they eased their way back into action to comfortably win the specially-commissioned Shankly Shield, in honour of Reds' iconic manager and former Lilywhites player Bill Shankly at Deepdale.
In reality the game had already been settled with goals from Philippe Coutinho, Jordon Ibe and Raheem Sterling in little more than a gentle run-out, - even if temperatures on the pitch touched 30 degrees.

It provided no proper gauge for an assessment on the work manager Brendan Rodgers has done over the summer or his four new signings, who all featured.
Aside from one first-half save from Scott Laird's shot, goalkeeper Simon Mignolet had nothing to do, while centre-back Kolo Toure may have had a more testing afternoon had new Preston signing Kevin Davies been ready to play.
Rodgers' two Spanish imports, Aspas and Luis Alberto, played the second half with Aspas' 20-yard left-foot curler for Liverpool's fourth in the 75th minute the highlight.
The elephant in the room - and not on the pitch - was Suarez, the Uruguay international currently on extended leave because of Confederations Cup duty who seemingly wants out of Anfield.
Rodgers did not speak to the media after the match, wanting to avoid an inquisition over the 26-year-old for whom the club have already turned down a £30million bid from Arsenal.
Fellow forward Daniel Sturridge was absent, still making his way back from an ankle injury, and while captain Steven Gerrard was fit after missing the last two matches of the season to have a shoulder operation, he watched from the sidelines.
Who will provide the goals without that trio remains to be seen, with Rodgers still looking to add attacking options after missing out on Shakhtar Donetsk's Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
Aspas showed he has the potential to contribute but while forward Fabio Borini, who missed plenty of last season with injuries, was a willing runner he spurned his one chance with only goalkeeper Declan Rudd to beat.
Coutinho, inventive in the opening 45 minutes, won and converted a spot-kick after a 13th-minute foul by John Welsh.
Ibe, 17, cut in from the left to drill a low right-foot shot just inside the post, Sterling raced on to Aspas' pass to round replacement goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann before the new Spanish signing wrapped things up.

AJAX BOSS WARNS ERIKSEN AGAINST LIVERPOOL MOVE

Ajax coach Frank de Boer has warned Christian Eriksen against a move to Liverpool.
The Denmark international has been linked with a switch to Anfield, as well as other clubs such as Roma and Borussia Dortmund, in recent months.

However, since the Bundesliga side signed attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan last week, Eriksen's most likely destination looks set to be Liverpool - a move De Boer feels would be unwise.
"If they play as they do now, I would not go", the former Netherlands international told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.
"The playing style would not suit his own but, ultimately, it is for Chris himself to decide."
Eriksen, 21, has just one year remaining on his current contract at the Amsterdam ArenA and looks set to leave before the end of the transfer window.
Should he move to Anfield, he would join an impressive array of attacking talent, with Brendan Rodgers having added signings such as Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto to his squad in the close-season.
Rodgers also has the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez to call on as he attempts to improve his side's seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season.

NAPOLI SIGN SANTOS GOALKEEPER

Napoli have completed the signing of Santos goalkeeper Rafael Cabral for a reported €5 million.

The Partenopei had been heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old in recent weeks, and the Brazilian giants confirmed a deal has been struck which will see the youngster join the Naples-based outfit on a five-year-deal.

Serie A rivals Roma had reportedly entered the race to sign the stopper but, speaking to Santos' official website, Rafael confirmed the promise of Champions League football available at Stadio San Paolo heavily influenced his decision.

He said: "I have the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, with one of the five best coaches in the world who has won the Champions League [Rafael Benitez]. All of this weighed heavily in my decision."

Rafael, who initially joined the Peixe as a 13-year-old, had previously expressed a desire to retire at the Vila Belmiro - a promise he intends to keep despite opting for a move to Europe.

"I've always had a desire to end my career here," he added.

"However, I have a dream of playing in the Champions League and becoming a champion of Europe, but I still wish to end my career at Santos."

The Brazil international conceded just 208 times in 194 games, at an average of just 1.07 per game, in his three years as first choice goalkeeper.

BASEL: INTER MILAN ARE DISRESPECTFUL TOWARDS DRAGOVIC

Basel sporting director Georg Heitz has accused Inter of disrespecting the club following prolonged negotiations for defender Aleksandar Dragovic.

Both parties are believed to have thrashed out an €8 million deal in principle for the 22-year-old, but the Nerazzurri are yet to finalise proceedings.

And, speaking to Basler Zeitung, Heitz believes the switch may have been completed by now if the Swiss club were of a larger stature within the game.

He said: "We have reached an agreement with Inter, now we just wait for them to finalise the deal.

"We have been waiting for days to complete the deal and we do not understand why they are behaving this way. Maybe because Basel is a small club?"

The Austria international, whose deal at St. Jakob Park runs until 2015, has made 66 appearances for the club throughout his three-year stay in Switzerland.

REAL MADRID COUGH OUT €32.19M FOR ILLARRAMENDI

Real Madrid have announced they have secured the services of Asier Illarramendi from Real Sociedad for a fee believed to be in the region of €32.19 million.
Both clubs had been in talks over a transfer for a number of weeks, with la Real's insistence that Madrid met the 23-year-old's buy-out clause initially holding up the deal.

However, los Blancos have confirmed on their official website that  the deal has been brokered and Illarramendi will sign a six-year deal with the Santiago Bernabeu side upon completion of his medical on Saturday.

"Real Madrid C. F. has hired Asier Illarramendi, who will now be with the club for the next six seasons. The player will be presented tomorrow - Saturday, July 13, at 13:00pm in the Royal Box at Santiago Bernabeu stadium, after undergoing the relevant medical examination.

"On this day, Real Madrid C. F. paid Real Sociedad an amount of €32.19 million for the acquisition of the federal rights of Asier Illarramendi. This operation, as in all transfers of players between Spanish clubs, is subject to current VAT of 21%, which means no cost to Real Madrid C. F, since this amount is deductible from the club's VAT settlements."

Illarramendi is a product of the Sociedad youth academy and had developed into a key player at the Basque side since making his official first-team debut in June 2010.

The midfielder was an integral part of the Spain Under-21 squad that were crowned European champions in Israel this summer.

Illarramendi becomes Real Madrid's fourth signing of the summer transfer window after the previous capture of Casemiro, Isco and Daniel Carvajal.

MATHIEU: I SNUBBED GUARDIOLA'S ADVANCES FOR ME

Valencia defender Jeremy Mathieu has revealed he snubbed Pep Guardiola's advances to join him at Bayern Munich this summer in order to remain at the Mestalla.

The 29-year-old, who recently inked a contract extension until 2017 with los Che, had been linked with a move away from the club in recent weeks following an impressive individual season last term.

And the France international claims to have caught the eye of the newly-appointed Bavarians boss, but believes a move to the Allianz Arena would have had a negative impact on his international career.

He told reporters: "Pep sent me a message but I told him I would rather stay with Valencia.

"Bayern are very good, but I am thinking about the World Cup and with Valencia I have more opportunities to play."

Mathieu, who has been previously linked with Liga champions Barcelona, has made 131 appearances for Valencia since joining on a bosman from Toulouse in 2009.

INCE REJECTS CARDIFF OFFER

Tom Ince has declined the chance to join Cardiff City from Blackpool
Ince had asked to have until Friday to consider Cardiff's offer after the two clubs agreed an £8m fee earlier in the week.

But the England U21 midfielder has opted to remain at Bloomfield Road - for the time being at least - where his father Paul is manager.
Speaking on Thursday, Cardiff manager Malky Mackay had remained hopeful of landing the 21-year-old.
"I can only say from the chat we had, we had a very amicable, friendly chat and they asked me a lot of questions about where his career could go forward, where I see him in terms of the type of player he is and what's going on here," he said.
"He was certainly very impressed by the stadium, training ground and the city in general during our conversation and the plans for Cardiff City going forward."

MADRID SIGN REAL SOCIEDAD MIDFIELDER

Real Madrid have signed Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi after agreeing to meet the Spain Under-21 international's buy-out clause.
Sociedad announced Friday that Madrid had informed the Liga de Futbol Profesional (Spanish Football League) they would pay the clause, reported to be 39million euros ($50.85m), to bring the 23-year-old to the Bernabeu.

The two clubs had been in negotiations regarding a fee for a player Madrid believe to be the long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso in a defensive midfield role, but had failed to find a resolution.
A Madrid statement read: "Real Madrid have signed Asier Illarramendi, who is now tied to the club for the next six seasons.
"The player will be presented tomorrow after undergoing the relevant medical tests."

Illarramendi rose to prominence as a key man at Sociedad last season, playing an important part as the San Sebastian club finished fourth in the Primera Division, securing a place in the Champions League in the process.
He then played every game as Spain Under-21s won the European Under-21 Championship in Israel earlier this summer.
He becomes Madrid's fourth signing of the summer, after fellow Spaniards Isco and Dani Carvajal joined from Malaga and Bayer Leverkusen respectively, and the club made their loan move for Brazilian midfielder Casemiro permanent.

PELLEGRINI HINTS AT IMMINENT SIGNING

New Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has hinted the club may be about to announce a new signing in the next 24 hours.
Pellegrini is with the City squad in South Africa for a mini pre-season tour ahead of the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong.

The Chilean's first match in charge in charge of the Citizens will be against Supersport United in Pretoria on Sunday, followed by another in Durban next Thursday.
Pellegrini is also looking to strengthen his squad and has suggested there may be transfer news imminent, although he is not certain and did not discuss specific targets.
He said: "We don't know at this moment who is going to come here.
"We are trying to bring the best players into our squad. I am always open to young players, and to good players.
"I don't know if anything will happen before we leave South Africa, but maybe the next day we will have fresh news."

VALENCIA SIGN CHELSEA MIDFIELDER

Chelsea midfielder Oriel Romeu has joined La Liga outfit Valencia on a season-long loan.
More details to follow;

RODGERS: REINA MUST ACCEPT MIGNOLET RIVALRY

Brendan Rodgers says creating competition for places is key to Liverpool’s summer plans and feels Simon Mignolet's arrivals will improve Pepe Reina’s performances.

Mignolet moved to Anfield from Sunderland for a reported £9 million fee in June before outlining his ambition to usurp the current No.1 - who has missed just 20 league games in eight seasons.

"That was the idea for the summer [competition for places]," Rodgers told talkSPORT.


"Our recruitment team did a brilliant job when we sat down at the end of the last season on where we can strengthen the squad and build that competition in the group. We were very thin in the group last year.”

"Simon Mignolet's been a top keeper for the last few seasons now in the Premier League and Pepe Reina's been here for a number of years and been an outstanding keeper but in every position on the field there has to be competition to push people's performances."

Rodgers, although, has no regrets regarding the departure of Andy Carroll to West Ham, insisting his now-permanent departure has aided Luis Suarez's attacking output.

"That was a decision that needed to be made,” he said. "Luis benefited from that and went on to have a terrific season.

"Andy went out and did really well on loan and obviously [West Ham manager Sam Allardyce] came in and wanted to buy him.

“He's a good, big guy, he'll go away and do really well for West Ham. As a manager you have to make a decision and that's what I did."

AC MILAN ANNNOUCE POLI SIGNING

AC Milan have announced they have secured the signing of Andrea Poli from Sampdoria on a co-ownership deal for an undisclosed fee, with Bartosz Salamon moving in the opposite direction.

The 23-year-old had already been training with Milan since the start of the week, but the transfer had yet to be finalised as both clubs were still in talks over Poland international Salamon.

However, after an agreement was finally reached, Poli has signed a four-year deal with the Rossoneri to wrap up the deal, with the club confirming the news on their official website.

Poli is a product of the Treviso youth academy, but joined Sampdoria at the age of 18. He had since developed into a key player at the Genoa side, making close to 100 official appearances in the past few years.

The Italy international previously wore the jersey of Milan's arch-rivals Inter in 2011-12, but the Nerazzurri opted not to use their option to buy the midfielder after his loan spell.

RODGERS FIGHTING TO KEEP SUAREZ

Brendan Rodgers has revealed he is in regular contact with wantaway Luis Suarez as he steps up his bid to persuade the controversial striker to remain at Liverpool.

The Uruguay international informed the Reds of his desire to leave Anfield this summer, with Arsenal preparing a €40 million bid.

However, Rodgers does not want to sell the 26-year-old and is determined to keep him at Anfield ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

"At the moment he’s on a break, we’re in constant communication," Rodgers told talkSPORT. "He’s got three years left on his contract, we don’t want to sell him. We think we can put up a real fight next season.

"I spoke to Luis, of course over the last few months, there have been a lot of speculation over his situation, the fact remains the same we value the player, he had a terrific season for us last year, and showed us his quality."

Suarez received a 10-match domestic ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic towards the end of last season, while the previous campaign he received an eight-game suspension for racial abuse.

But Rodgers has insisted that despite his various controversies, Suarez is a top player and is committed to Liverpool.

"That’s something we’ve stressed, what he did was wrong at the end of last season," he added. "That’s the bottom line you can’t do that on the football pitch, but we’ve moved on from that.

"He’s a real competitor, he’s a winner, he wants Liverpool to do well, he wants to be working at the real high level."

JUVENTUS BOSS: NAPOLI BETTER WITHOUT CAVANI

Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes that Napoli will be a stronger team without Edinson Cavani amid reports that the Uruguay international is on his way to Paris Saint-Germain.

The 26-year-old netted 29 goals in 34 Serie A appearances to help Napoli to second place in the table last term, yet Conte feels the Partenopei will only benefit from a potential summer transfer.

"I think PSG paying €63million for Cavani is a gift to Napoli," Conte said at a press conference.

"I would have preferred the 'Matador' to stay at Napoli. With him, we normally always beat them. Napoli will reinvest that €63m.

"Moreover, now they have Rafa Benitez. He has won everything as a coach and for me is underrated."

Assessing the Bianconeri's other rivals ahead of the new season, Conte highlighted Inter, AC Milan and Fiorentina as the other major threats to his side's Scudetto crown.

"Inter have a great coach and Milan only lost once in the second half of last season," Conte continued.

"Fiorentina are also becoming a great side with Mario Gomez coming in.

"The arrival of Rudi Garcia will help Roma. He did very well in France."

Juventus will be gunning for their third consecutive Serie A title this season after clinching the Scudetto both in 2012 and 2013.

BARCELONA ISSUE STATEMENT OVER GAURDIOLA RAGE

Barcelona have insisted that they never used Tito Vilanova's illness to attack Pep Guardiola in the wake of the Bayern Munich coach's outburst on Thursday.

The 42-year-old launched a scathing attack on Barca president Sandro Rosell at a press conference this week, accusing him of using Vilanova's health problems as a means of painting him "in a negative light."

Nevertheless, the Catalans have quickly hit back at the current Bayern coach via Jordi Cardoner, vice-president of the club’s Area Social.

"We have never used Tito's illness for anything," Cardoner was quoted as saying by Sport.

The relationship between Guardiola and Barcelona could turn even more sour if the Bayern coach succeeds in luring Thiago Alcantara away from his former club.

Guardiola admitted on Thursday that he is keen to bring the 22-year-old to the Bundesliga and Bayern are ready to meet the Spain international's €18 million buy-out clause, although they face stiff competition for his signature from Manchester United.

Thiago has a contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2015, but the failure to participate for a stipulated amount of minutes in 2012-13 has seen his exit clause plummet from €90 million to an attractive €18m.

However, his minimum fee release clause returns to €90m on August 1.

BOLOGNA WARN JUVENTUS OVER DIAMANTI DEAL

Bologna president Albano Guaraldi has warned Juventus that a deal for Alessandro Diamanti will have to be completed by Monday or the Italy international will be taken off the market.

The Serie A champions have long been linked with a move for the attacking midfielder as they look to bolster their squad for the 2013-14 campaign.

However, they have yet to reach an agreement with Bologna about a summer move and his current club have now set Juventus an ultimatum to wrap up the transfer.

"Juventus have until Monday to complete the signing of Diamanti. If the deal's not done by then, he will stay with Bologna," Guaraldi was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"We will not let last year's situation with Gaston Ramirez repeat itself this season. Once our training camp begins, Diamanti will be off the market."

Bologna lost Ramirez to Southampton in the closing stages of last year's summer transfer window.

Diamanti, 30, has a contract with Bologna until June 2017.

MAZZARRI: I MADE CAVANI A STAR

Walter Mazzarri believes that Edinson Cavani would not have become the star he is today were it not for his guidance at Napoli.

The Uruguay international, 26, joined the Partenopei from Palermo in the summer of 2010 and has since developed into one of the most sought-after players in Europe, with Paris Saint-Germain ready to pay €63 million for his services.

Nevertheless, Mazzarri has insisted that Cavani was nowhere near his current level some three years ago and has the new Inter coach and his staff to thank for his rise to prominence.

"The young players I had at Napoli became top players thanks to the work we did," Mazzarri said at a press conference.

"Cavani too, he was an average player when he arrived and at Napoli he turned into the Cavani he is today."

The 51-year-old voiced his confidence that his spell at Inter will be a success, insisting he has never before failed to meet the demands of a club.

"I've always achieved the targets I've been set," he continued. "I think the players should trust me and we can try to fulfil our potential on the pitch. My focus is always on the next game and the next three points."

Inter finished a lowly ninth in last season's Serie A, leading to the dismissal of Mazzarri's predecessor Andrea Stramaccioni.

SOUTHAMPTON SIGN WANYAMA

Southampton have completed the signing of Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, reported to be a club-record £12.5million.

Kenya international Wanyama leaves the SPL champions after two seasons in which he made a big impression and won two titles.
The 22-year-old, who had been linked with other Premier League teams, scored 10 goals in his 61 league outings for Celtic, who spent £900,000 to sign him from Belgian side Beerschot.

"It feels great and I am happy to be here, Finally it has happened and we've come to the end [of negotiations], so I am delighted. There were other options, but Southampton is a club with ambitions so I chose to came here," said Wanyama, who was the SPL Young Player of the Year for 2012-13.
"Southampton is a good club and it has good players, so I just want to train hard and work hard to be a part of the starting XI. We'll see where that will take me.
"I'm very grateful to be here and I'm looking forward to playing in the Premier League.
"I've seen that the stadium is great and the dressing room is looking good, and I know some of the players. I hope they will help me and I think I will get along with the others, so it will be good.
"I am happy to be a part of Southampton's squad. It means a lot because because it has been my dream to play in the Premier League and now I am here."
Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino said: "I am very pleased to have secured the signing of Victor because we are a big admirer of his talents and he will fit in well to the team here at Southampton.
"I want to stress that the deal could have been done sooner, but this shows that we do business on our terms. The most important thing that ourselves, Celtic and the player are all happy with the way it has all gone.
"The fact that a lot of top European clubs were also keen to sign him shows what an attractive prospect Southampton Football Club is to a player who had his pick of the teams in England and abroad."

ROONEY SENT HOME FROM PRE-SEASON TOUR

Manchester United have sent Wayne Rooney home from their pre-season tour of Asia after the striker suffered a hamstring injury in training.

The want-away United striker had flown out to Thailand with the rest of the squad where he was expected to feature in David Moyes' first game in charge against Singha All-Star XI.


However, the 27-year-old has become the latest injury concern to hit the Premier League winners following a back problem picked up by Nemanja Vidic, and Rooney will now fly back to England for treatment.

“Following a scan this evening on a hamstring injury sustained in training, it has been decided that Wayne Rooney should return home immediately for further assessment and rehabilitation,” read a statement on the club's website.

United's medical team expect Rooney to be unavailable for selection for a month, which puts his participation in the club's opening game of the Premier League season in do

JUVENTUS CONFIRM OGBONNA SIGNING

Juventus have confirmed they have completed the signing of Angelo Ogbonna from Torino, for a fee believed to be in the region of €14 million.

The 25-year-old is one of the most highly-rated defenders in Italy and was linked with Premier League champions Manchester United before the Bianconeri firmed up their interest.

Ogbonna grew up in Turin and made his Torino against Calcio back in February 2007, before spending the following campaign on loan at Crotone.

Since then he has blossomed into one of the Granata's star men and has built a reputation as an athletically-blessed performer, who can cover both the centre-back and left-back slots.

That versatility is sure to have swayed Juve boss Antonio Conte into securing his signature given his preference for a 5-3-2 formation.

Ogbonna made 10 appearances for Italy's Under-21 side before progressing to the senior ranks and he was included in the Azzurri's Euro 2012 squad, though he did not feature in the tournament.

His arrival comes on the same afternoon it was revealed Emanuele Giaccherini will leave Juventus Stadium for Sunderland, as the Serie A champions look to claw back some of their transfer outlay.

Strikers Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez have already joined the club in what has been a busy summer transfer window for the Bianconeri so far.

CHELSEA MAKE BID FOR YOUNGSTER

Bruma's agent has confirmed that both Chelsea and Galatasaray have tabled bids worth an initial €8 million for the Sporting Lisbon attacker.
Newspaper speculation has repeatedly linked the 18-year-old, who previously declared that he would hold discussions over his future after the Under-20s World Cup, with a move away from the Portuguese Liga side this summer.

Bruma was part of the Portugal team that topped their group before exiting at the hands of Ghana in the last 16 and scored five goals in his four appearances at the tournament.

The youngster's agent, Catio Balde, told Antena 1: "I was in charge or presenting offers to Sporting.

"There are offers from foreign clubs, from Chelsea and from Galatasaray, worth €8m, that could reach €12m.

"From this moment on, considering that he is a highly coveted player, it is possible that more offers will arrive, because I know that several clubs were waiting for the best moment to make a move.

"Right now, Bruma's mind is not on Sporting."

AGENT: BARCELONA TARGET WILL REMAIN AT ROMA

Marquinhos is likely to stay at Roma this summer, despite reported interest from Barcelona, according to his agent.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a stellar first season in the Italian capital and has since been heavily linked with a move to Camp Nou.

However, the former Corinthians youngster's representative, Roberto Calenda, has insisted that there have been no talks with any club, with the Giallorossi eager to keep the Brazilian.

"The player has a contract for four season with Roma and he will surely stay," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"There are no negotiations ongoing. It's normal that there are lots of teams interested in him because we're talking about a very talented guy.

"But Roma have not allowed us to talk to anyone."

Calenda also slammed the level of press intrusion into his player's private life after he was pictured in a Rome restaurant.

"Marquinhos was sent home this morning because he had a fever. I went to visit him and we went to the restaurant in front of his house because he had nothing to eat at home.

"Roma know everything, but unfortunately there are people who take pictures without knowing things and you cannot have a private life."

OVERMARS: BOJAN KRKIC HAS TO STEP UP

Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars says it is time Bojan Krkic shaked off his "talent" label and began to fulfill his potential after he completed a season-long loan deal from Barcelona on Thursday.

The 22-year-old was tipped for big things after breaking through at Camp Nou as a teenager in 2007, but his career has faltered since then and he has spent the last two seasons on loan at AC Milan and Roma.

But that has not stopped the Eredivisie champions from stepping in and offering him another chance to shine and Overmars expects him to do just that.

He told the club's official website: "I'm very happy with the transfer. We wanted Bojan for the right wing, but he can play more positions up front.

"Bojan is 22 now, so it's time that he shakes of the label 'talent'. He's a team player and can score goals. That is what we expect from him."

The Dutch giants and the Blaugrana have enjoyed a positive relationship when it comes to transfers in recent times, after Isaac Cuenca spent last term on loan at the Amsterdam Arena.

And Overmars, who played for Barcelona between 2000 and 2004, believes the impact of himself and coach Frank de Boer - also formerly of Barca - was key in securing Bojan's signature.

"Ajax plays in the Champions League and he wants to play on the highest possible level," he added.

"Even when he was young, Ajax was a favourite club, I heard. This is an advantage that we have and of course it helps that Frank de Boer and I know a lot of people at Barcelona. The fact that the loan of Isaac Cuenca (last season) was handled well gave us a good image."

The forward revealed his regret at moving to Serie A two years ago after being unveiled as an Ajax player and admitted he may have been better off moving to the club sooner.

"My choices for Roma and AC Milan were wrong. Perhaps I should have already opted for the Eredivisie back in 2011," the attacker told De Telegraaf.

"I am a young player and I need to get regular first team action. I cannot make progress if I only get 18 games or so per season. I will get the chance to take the next step in my development at Ajax."

NAPOLI SIGN REAL MADRID FORWARD

Napoli have confirmed the signing of Jose Callejon from Real Madrid for a fee believed to be in the region of €10 million.

The Spanish attacker has signed a four-year deal with the Serie A club, and brings his second stint with his boyhood club Real Madrid to a close by agreeing to the move.

The 26-year-old made 40 appearances under Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu last term, but will now hope to help his new club build on their second-place finish in the Italian top flight.
Callejon began his career with los Blancos' C and B teams, after graduating from the club's youth academy, but after growing frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities in the Spanish capital, he moved on to Espanyol in 2008.
His time at the Catalan club was the most successful of his career up until that point, as he made 106 appearances over three seasons, scoring 12 goals.
That form convinced Madrid to bring him back to the club for a fee of €5.5m, and the forward would go on to play a prominent role in their 2011-12 title-winning campaign.
He has now opted to take on a new challenge, however, and will link up with Napoli as they begin life under new boss Rafael Benitez.

UPDATED TRANSFERS FOR ALL PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS - 11TH 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), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham, free)
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), Billy Clifford (Yeovil, loan)

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

Everton
In: Arouna Kone (Wigan, undisc), Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona, loan), Joel Robles (Atletico Madrid, undisc), Antolin Alcaraz (Wigan, free)
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), Michael Ngoo (Yeovil, loan)

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), Martin Olsson (Blackburn, free), Carlo Nash (Stoke, free)
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), Grant Holt (Wigan, £2m)

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), El Hadji Ba (Le Havre, free), Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar, £6m)
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), Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem, £12m)
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), Goran Popov (Dynamo Kiev, loan)
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)

SWANSEA COMPLETE BONY SIGNING

Swansea have announced the signing of Cote d'Ivoire striker Wilfried Bony for €14 million.

The 24-year-old scored 31 goals in 30 league games for Dutch side Vitesse last season, and has now moved to the Liberty Stadium in a club record deal which eclipses the £5.55 million paid for Pablo Hernandez last season.

“This move has been talked about for quite some time, so I am delighted it is all completed," Bony told the club's official website.

“Now it is important that I focus my mind on the challenge ahead because I hope to make the Swansea fans very happy.’’


The Cote d'Ivoire international's goal-scoring exploits helped Vitesse to a fourth-place finish in last season's Eredivisie, meaning they could face Swansea in the Europa League's third qualifying round.

Bony admitted the prospect of European football played a big part in his decision to join Michael Laudrup's side, having previously finished as the Europa League's top goalscorer with nine goals for Sparta Prague back in 2010-11.

“The Europa League is my first focus," he added. “I enjoy playing in Europe; I am used to it."

“I am looking forward to joining the training camp out here in Holland as a Swansea player and building up good communications with the team and coaching staff as quickly as possible.’’

The Ivorian is Swansea's sixth major signing of an already busy summer, joining Jonjo Shelvey, Jordi Amat, Jose Canas and Alejandro Pozuelo in linking up with the Capital One Cup winners, while Jonathan de Guzman loan deal has also been made permanent.

GUARDIOLA INTERESTED IN BARCELONA MIDFIELDER

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola has confirmed he wants to sign Thiago Alcantara from old club Barcelona.
The highly-rated Spain Under-21 star has apparently decided he needs to quit the Nou Camp in order to increase his chances of making next summer's World Cup.

It seemed Manchester United were in pole position to sign the midfielder, with new manager David Moyes keen for Thiago to bolster an area of the Red Devils squad weakened by the retirement of Paul Scholes.
But United landed in Bangkok for the start of their pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia to reports in Spain that Thiago had opted to link up with his former boss in Munich.
And, speaking in Germany today, Guardiola has confirmed he wants Thiago at the Allianz Arena.
"Yes," Guardiola told reporters, when asked if he was interested in Thiago
"I don't know what's going to happen. We have to wait. But I know him very well. He is a super, super player.
"He can play in three, four or five positions."
And Guardiola has made it clear he is not interested in anyone else.
"It is either Thiago or nothing," he said.

ROMA LEGEND TOTTI, HINTS AT RETIREMENT

Veteran striker Francesco Totti has suggested Roma's new home kit is "the last one" he will ever wear - heightening speculation he will retire next year.
The 36-year-old has scored 227 league goals - the second highest all-time tally in Serie A - over 20 years with the Giallorossi but his contract is set to expire at the end of the 2013-14 season.

And when posing for Gazzetta dello Sport photographers in Roma's latest red and gold jersey today, he responded to the question "How does it feel, Francesco?" by saying: "I've worn a lot of them, but this is the last one."
It is understood the comment was meant to be taken ironically but it has also been reported the former Italy striker is unhappy with the lack of progress over a new contract at the Stadio Olimpico.
Then, perhaps in an attempt to change the subject, Roma's new French head coach Rudi Garcia added: "This shirt is unique because we will win with this one."

RODGERS TARGETS NEW SIGNINGS

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says the club are targeting players who will strengthen their starting line-up.

Rodgers has already captured Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas, Simon Mignolet and Kolo Toure, and he believes those acquisitions have sufficiently improved his squad.

Now the Northern Irishman is focused on bringing in players who will boost his first-choice XI.
"Our recruitment team are doing a great job behind the scenes in compiling lists of players that we can afford and might be available for us," Rodgers, who failed to provide an update on unsettled striker Luis Suarez, told the club's official website.
"What we've done in the early part of the summer is to improve the squad. That's something I feel we've done with the players we've brought in.
"Now what's important over the next three to five weeks is improving the team. That's something the club is working very hard at.
"I'm sure by the time the end of August comes we'll be ready and we'll have a terrific squad ready to challenge."
Liverpool kick off their pre-season programme on Saturday at Preston North End.

NEWCASTLE IN TALKS WITH PSV OVER PLAYER TRANSFER

Newcastle are in talks with PSV over goalkeeper Jeroen Zoet.
The 22-year-old has yet to play a first-team game for the Eindhoven club but has impressed during two seasons on loan with RKC Waalwijk.

Zoet is first-choice keeper for the Netherlands Under-21 side.
If he moves to St James' Park he is likely to provide back-up for Tim Krul and Rob Elliot, with Steve Harper having left the club in the summer.

GAURDIOLA RAGES AT BARCELONA PRESIDENT

Pep Guardiola has launched a scathing attack on Barcelona president Sandro Rosell and accused him of using Tito Vilanova's illness as a malicious weapon against him.

The former Blaugrana boss left Camp Nou last summer and embarked on a 12-month sabbatical from football in New York - the same city in which Vilanova received treatment in his battle against cancer.

But Guardiola has been angered by several stories that have appeared in the press suggesting the pair were not in contact during his illness because of a breakdown in their relationship, an accusation the 42-year-old says is fictitious and instigated by Rosell.

"This year there have been too many times when they [Barcelona & Rosell] crossed the line. Using Tito Vilanova's illness to hurt me, that I will never forget. I saw Tito Vilanova in New York, and if I didn't see him more it's because it was not possible for me to do so.

"Do I have to justify wanting a partner I've had for so long and helped me so much to do well? That was something in very, very bad taste."

Tensions between Rosell and Guardiola appear to stem from the current board's dislike of the regime that appointed the now Bayern Munich boss to the Camp Nou helm, which included former president Joan Laporta and Barca great Johan Cruyff.

And the Bavarians coach has ordered his old club to bring an end to their apparent smear campaign against him and allow him to focus on his new life in Germany.

"Let me enjoy my job and these players that Bayern gives me to do the best I possibly can," he added.

If any of the things I've said is not true, come out and rebut it. But it has to be them (Rosell and his board), not intermediaries or Barcelona messengers, them. They have to focus on making their team work and leave me alone."

Guardiola spent a success-laden four years in charge of Barcelona, working under Rosell in his final season at the club.

ITALY INTERNATIONAL SET FOR SUNDERLAND

Juventus boss Antonio Conte admits the club are set to sell Emanuele Giaccherini to Sunderland in order to raise funds.

Reports in the Italian media suggest the Black Cats have made a bid of around £6.8m for the Italy international, with extra fees to be paid based on appearances and goals.

Conte told reporters the bid has been accepted in order to fund his own transfer plans, with Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna expected to join the Italian champions for €15m, but is disappointed to lose the 28-year-old.

"Giaccherini was valued, they offered him an important contract,” the Bianconeri boss revealed at a press conference. “I'm happy for him but unhappy for me.

“I'm not happy with the sale of Giaccherini but in times of crisis when you buy must also make sacrifices.”

The winger has been in and out of the first team since moving to Turin from Siena two years ago, but featured in every one of his country’s Confederations Cup matches this summer.

Paolo Di Canio’s men are thought to have offered Giaccherini double his current wages in order to tempt him to the Stadium of Light, having already signed seven players in a busy transfer window.

SOUTHAMPTON DEFENDER RETURNS TO NORWAY

Southampton have sold Vegard Forren back to former club Molde just six months after signing him, Press Association Sport understands.

Forren was Southampton's only signing during the January transfer window and penned a three-and-a-half-year deal at St Mary's.
However, the defender underwhelmed manager Mauricio Pochettino and his staff, failing to make a single first-team appearance for the club.

INJURY RULES VERMAELEN OUT OF ARSENAL PRE SEASON TOUR

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen has been ruled out of the club's pre-season tour of Asia because of injury.

Arsene Wenger takes his squad to Jakarta later on Thursday as the squad begin their preparations for the new campaign.

But the Belgium international will be staying behind as he starts his rehabilitation on a back problem.
"Unfortunately, due to a back injury I can't join my team mates on the Asia Tour the next few weeks," Vermaelen wrote on Twitter.
"I will be staying in London to receive the right treatment. Of course I will do my best to return on the pitch soon, and I will keep you posted on my progress."
Youngsters Chuba Akpom, Serge Gnabry, Kris Olsson and Gedion Zelalem have been included in the 24-man group for the matches in Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan.
However, Santi Cazorla and Nacho Monreal will also sit out the tour due to their involvement in the Confederations Cup, while Yaya Sanogo is still with France at the U-20 World Cup.