New Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland: I felt unwanted at Manchester City

Aston Villa's new signing Stephen Ireland has admitted that he didn’t feel valued at former club Manchester City and believes that James Milner will have to fight for a regular starting position at Eastlands.

The Irish midfielder joined the midlands club as part of a deal that allowed Milner to be yet another addition to Manchester City this summer.

Ireland believes he got the better end of the deal after he revealed that Roberto Mancini didn’t give him a fair chance.

"I did feel unwanted at Manchester City” he told reporters.

"I was banging my head against a brick wall despite what I had done in training.

"I just went with the reserves, worked hard in the gym and kept as active as possible."

The City Player of the Season in 2009 added: "Without a shadow of doubt the situation I found myself in will happen a lot at Manchester City with all the high-profile players they have at the club.

"At Manchester City sitting on the bench I didn't feel part of the team. I was neither happy nor sad if we lost.

"I'm still young and hopefully Villa will get the best of me and I am now looking forward to the season."

"I can see why he wanted to go to Manchester City."

The 23-year-old midfielder thinks that Milner may struggle to become an established member of the City team but he admits he understands why he made the move.

"I can see why he wanted to go to Manchester Citym" he added.

"He can see the attraction of the move and the opportunity to become more established and become a superstar.

"But he faces a challenge of holding down a regular first-team place.

"I may have been forced out but I couldn't be more happy to be at Aston Villa.

"Richard Dunne is a good example of what can happen after leaving Manchester City to join Villa.

"A year on I can see how happy he is at Villa and I'm hoping that I will be as happy in a year's time.

"Richard was a huge part of Manchester City and it was a great shock to see him leave.

"It was as big a shock to him as everyone else but he could not have come to a better club as he proved with his performances last season.

"For me this is a positive, as this is exactly I want it to be."

Villa's caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald has already had experience working alongside the midfielder, during his stint as assistant coach to the then Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton.

MacDonald believes Ireland, who is due to make his first appearance against Newcastle on Sunday, is a positive addition to the squad.

"Stephen Ireland is a very talented player," he said.

"He is different from James Milner who is a power player.

"James has the drive to break the game up. He probably doesn't get into the box as much as Stephen Ireland. I think he glides across the pitch.

"I remember the first time I saw him training with the Republic of Ireland.

"I just thought I hadn't seen the kid before. He glides past people and rides tackles easily.

"His awareness of where his team-mates are on the pitch is fantastic and his choice on the weight of pass is one of his real plusses."

The Scotsman, who is still unsure whether his future as Aston Villa manager remains for the long term, is willing to wait for club owner Randy Lerner’s decision.

"It's been nice so far but I am a reasonably intelligent man that I would know whether to accept or decline the job.

"I have no problem with the timescale as Mr Lerner will be looking seriously at what he wants to do."

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirms move for Sevilla centre-back Sebastien Squillaci

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed his interest in Sevilla centre-back Sebastien Squillaci but has dampened rumours of an impending move.

Squillaci, 30, was pulled out of the Champions League play-off, first leg defeat to Braga this week to prevent him being cup-tied. The Spanish side soon announced they had rejected an offer for the France World Cup 2010 star worth about £4.5 million.

Wenger revealed he had made a bid for the ex-Monaco defender and was studying other options.

He said: "He is one of the players we look at.

"With central defenders we are short number-wise, so we look at him, but we are far from being close to signing him."

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Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder eager to welcome Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt to Inter

Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder is keen to see Netherlands team-mate Dirk Kuyt signed up from Liverpool.

The 30-year-old is believed to be on the verge of a £13 million move to reunite with ex-manager Rafael Benitez at the San Siro. After Sneijder and Kuyt helped propel their nation to the World Cup 2010 final, the ex-Ajax and Real Madrid player was eager for them to join forces at club level.

Speaking to Corriere Dello Sport, he said: "With him it's like playing with 12 and not 11 players.

"Kuyt is always running for two and with the work that he does he's always vital, whether for the national team or Liverpool."

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Barcelona set to move for Liverpool's Javier Mascherano as Pep Guardiola seeks new additions

Barcelona are set to once again express their interest in luring Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano to the Nou Camp, after coach Pep Guardiola stated his desire to bolster his squad ahead of the new season.

Guardiola, in a press conference earlier today, admitted that he would not rule out any new additions ahead of the closing of the transfer window, and according to television channel TV3, the club are looking to complete a deal for the Liverpool enforcer before the deadline on August 31.

Barcelona are in the hunt for a defensive midfielder following the departure of Yaya Toure to Manchester City, and the collapse of the proposed deal for Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal, with the 26-year-old Mascherano now their number one priority.

Mascherano has publicly stated his intention to leave Anfield to further his career, and following discussions with international colleague Lionel Messi, the player believes that Barcelona would fulfill his requirements.

Last week, Blaugrana sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta passed comment on Mascherano, insisting that the player does not feature in the clubs’ plans for the season, but they have also been linked with an offer of €15 million (£12.2m) plus Aleksander Hleb to land the former West Ham United and River Plate star.

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Milan turn down Bologna offer for Tottenham target Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Italian powerhouse Milan have rejected an offer from fellow Serie A club Bologna for the services of striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, according to latest reports.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Bologna made a bid on Thursday for the former Real Madrid striker but Milan's director of sport Ariedo Braida turned it down. Apparently, the Felsinei wanted the Dutch international striker on loan for the 2010-11 season but the former Italian and European champions want to sell him outright for a sum between €10 million (£8.2m) and €12m (£9.8m).

Milan, who finished third in the Italian top flight last campaign, have expressed a willingness to offload the 27-year-old, who has struggled to fulfill his potential at the San Siro. Huntelaar had previously been linked with moves to Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool but nothing concrete has emerged.

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Marseille president confirms Nice striker Loic Remy has heart problem after complications with medical

Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier and club doctor Christophe Baudot have confirmed that the club have found a cardiac problem with Loic Remy.

The young striker was due to complete his move from Nice pending a medical, but the transfer ground to a shuddering halt earlier on Friday when the news broke that the press conference scheduled to announce his signing had been cancelled because of a hiccup in the tests on the player.

Rumours quickly spread that the France international had a cardiac defect, which was confirmed by the Ligue 1 champions on Friday afternoon.

“It's a mechanical problem,” club doctor Baudot explained via the club's official website. “On Monday, further investigations are programmed to be able to give clear answers to Loïc. He asked us to continue our investigations. He will not play until all doubts have been lifted.

“We’ve decided not to convene Loic Remy tomorrow [Saturday] because late last night a small problem occurred regarding his MRIs,” Dassier added. “The news this morning is reassuring, but we took this decision because what matters most is the health of player.”

It will therefore be next week that this issue is cleared up.

In recent years veteran players such as Lilian Thuram and Steve Savidan have been found to have heart defects, and both France internationals were forced to quit the game.

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Lyon star Michel Bastos insists he has had no contact with Real Madrid

Lyon star Michel Bastos has ensured his club that he has received no contact from Real Madrid regarding a proposed transfer, but added that the Spanish giants are a ‘great club’.

Bastos, who represented Brazil during this summer’s World Cup in South Africa, was today the subject of speculation linking him with a move to the Bernabeu, with Royston Drenthe plus €12 million (£9.8m) exchanging hands.

However, L’Equipe reports that although Bastos is flattered by the interest, he has not been informed of any bids from Jose Mourinho’s side.

He stated: “People are saying things right and left, I try not to pay too much attention and it does not bother me, the only thing I want is to return to action soon.

“I do not want to know anything about this story until there is something official, and I have acknowledged it. Real Madrid would be a great club for me but they have not made any offer, and no one has called the club.”

However, Bastos made sure that he left the door open for the Spanish giants to potentially swoop for his services, adding: “I know that the leaders of Real Madrid have said that their signings are over, but you never know.

“If I leave today, tomorrow, or next year it will be because the club believes it is a good deal for them and for me. Otherwise, I will stay.”

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Juventus in talks to sign Alberto Aquilani from Liverpool

Juventus are in talks with Liverpool to sign midfielder Alberto Aquilani, according to the player's agent.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has earlier admitted that Aquilani, who was signed from Roma last summer, could be let go to Italy on loan for a year. Juventus have been looking to strengthen their midfield and it appears that are set to make a move for the Italian.

Aquilani's agent, Franco Zavaglia, says that although negotiations are underway, a deal is not yet in place for the Italian, contrary to reports.

“The negotiations between Juventus and Liverpool have not yet concluded. We are working on the details,” he told Sky Italia.

However, according to Il Corriere dello Sport, Aquilani is already a Juventus player. The report claims contracts have been signed and the Liverpool midfielder will move to the club on loan with an option to buy for €17 million (£13.9m).

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Real Madrid star Rafael van der Vaart admits it would be hard to turn down Manchester United

Rafael van der Vaart has admitted that the only club he can see himself leaving Real Madrid for is Manchester United.

United have reportedly made enquiries regarding the 27-year-old midfielder, and the Dutch international acknowledges that a switch to Old Trafford would be a logical step for him at this stage of his career.

“I could never play for another club in Spain and the truth is that if you are leaving Real Madrid, there is only one club you can join that is not a step down – and that’s Manchester United," he said, according to The Daily Express.

“They are a huge club and if the reported interest they have in me turns out to be true, then I would really have to sit down and listen.

“If Manchester United could offer me first-team football with the situation as it is at Madrid, it would be very hard to turn down. Alex Ferguson is a great coach and I would never think about joining a team where I didn’t believe I could win things, so all of a sudden that limits your choices.

“At Manchester United you know success is likely and that’s a big factor for me at this stage of my career."

And Van der Vaart seems to be eyeing the Premier League if he does not see much action on La Liga over the coming campaign.

He added: "If [Real boss] Jose Mourinho makes it clear I won’t play much, I see my future in English football."

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Chelsea target Neymar signs new deal with Brazilian club Santos

Teenage prodigy Neymar will stay in Santos and ignore a multi-million pound move to Chelsea, after the player and his representatives agreed a lucrative new contract with the Sao Paulo club.

The deal was confirmed on Thursday in a meeting held at the club headquarters, with Neymar, agent Wagner Ribeiro and the Santos President Luis Alvaro Oliveira the only parties present.

There the 18-year-old signed the new deal; lasting five years and earning the youngster a reportedly staggering £36 million.

Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro told reporters: "Football is not only driven by money. It's part of an entertainment industry, but also driven by passion. This decision proves that a 18-year-old boy can take a balanced attitude of a man that loves what he does."

The striker added: "It was a complicated and difficult decision. I'm staying at Santos and I'm very happy here and now I'm focused to win more titles.

"Money doesn't just bring us happiness."

The player's representative Ribeiro, earlier strongly in favour of a European move, praised the superhuman efforts of the Peixe to keep their brightest star in Brazil.

"The deal offered by Santos for Neymar is incredible. Viewed outside of Brazil, how it was arranged here with half the training and including all the assistance to the family. I've never seen anything like it", the agent affirmed.

The new agreement means that Chelsea and other European clubs will have to wait until the end of the 2011 Copa Libertadores if they wish to tempt Neymar once more.

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AC Milan Sign Kevin-Prince Boateng from Genoa

Italian giants AC Milan have announced the signing of midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng from Genoa on a season-long loan deal with an option to sign him on a permanent contract at the end of the 2010-11 campaign.

Boateng has joined Genoa from Portsmouth for a reported fee of around £5 million after his impressive performances for the Ghana at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Portsmouth chief executive David Lampitt was grateful to Boateng for his spell at Fratton Park and wished him well for the future.

He told the club's official website: "We wish Kevin all the best. He played an important role last season and we thank him for that."

On Tuesday, though, Grifone president Enrico Preziosi had made it clear that he was on the verge on farming out the player on loan to Milan and would be looking to make a profit on any future dealings involving the player.

The Rosseneri are struggling for funds to sign reinforcements and a loan signing is beneficial for the former Italian and European champions.

The 23-year-old central midfielder was an important player for Ghana at the World Cup in which the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals.

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Mesut Oezil has agreed to join Real Madrid either this summer or next, claims player's father

Mesut Oezil's father has confirmed a deal between Real Madrid and Werder Bremen, according to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.

Mustafa Oezil declared that his son will be playing at the Bernabeu, either this season or next. The clubs are still negotiating over a fee to engineer a switch during the current transfer window, but if that breaks down the player has pledged to move to the club next summer when his current contract expires.

"We promised that if Bremen keep Mesut for now, next year year he will join a free," Mr. Oezil said.

He also confirmed a better offer was on the table for the Werder star from Inter, but the young playmaker decided to reject the offer in favour of Los Blancos.

"Mesut and I stayed at the chalet of Florentino Perez in Madrid, he invited us there and everything was resolved quickly. We were impressed by his willingness to help my child play for his club," said Oezil Senior.

He continued to say that Werder are reluctant to let their big stars leave this year but "our word is sacred."

Marca revealed that the deal between to the two parties was made shortly after the Bundesliga club had given the green light on a move to Inter, as on offer of almost €30m (£25m) had been tabled by the Italian giants.

"My son has always said that the only club he wanted to go to was Real Madrid."

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Inter interested in signing Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos

Inter are believed to be pondering a move to acquire the services of Tottenham Hotspur striker Giovani dos Santos.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport

reports that the European champions are monitoring the situation at White Hart Lane, following the cash influx they have received from the sale of young forward Mario Balotelli to Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Dos Santos spent a portion of last season on loan with Galatasaray, having failed to break into the first-team at the north London club. Following an impressive World Cup showing with Mexico, Dos Santos started Spurs' Champions League qualifying first leg against Young Boys on Tuesday night.

It had recently been thought that the Barcelona youth product would be willing to consider a move away from his current club, if a concrete offer should be forthcoming from a club in the Serie A.

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Bebe youngster Manchaster United

Manchester United youngster Bebe wants to make a similar mark on Old Trafford history to that of his illustrious compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese joined the Red Devils from Vitoria Guimaraes in a deal worth £7 million last week.
Now he is seeking to make a glittering impression at Old Trafford after rising literally from the streets to sign for the English giants, having in the past played for a club in a league organised for homeless people.

"To come to a team like Manchester United is a dream come true for any player," the 20-year-old told reporters.
"The Portuguese factor at Old Trafford was a motivation for me.
"You have very big names like Cristiano Ronaldo who has played here and is a very big player now. Nani and Anderson are still at the club.
"I want to become like then and I will work hard to become a top quality player."

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Nemanja Vidic Signs New Contract With Manchaster United

Nemanja Vidic has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester United, drawing a line under speculation he could leave the club.
The 28-year-old centre-back was consistently linked with AC Milan and Real Madrid this summer.
But United chief executive David Gill revealed Vidic had agreed terms on a new long-term contract in July.
"This kills all the silly speculation over the past months," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Nemanja has developed into one of the best centre-halves in Europe and we are pleased he will be here for many years to come."
Vidic arrived from Spartak Moscow in January 2006, going on to establish himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and, many observers argued, the world.

He won three successive league titles and his solid central partnership with England international Rio Ferdinand was considered one of the vital components of United's 2008 Champions League triumph.
"I came to this club when I was young and have developed enormously with the help of the manager, coaching staff and my team-mates," added Vidic.
"During my time here we have had a lot of success and I look forward to continuing that success in the coming seasons."
Reports early this year had suggested that he, and specifically his wife, Ana, were unhappy with life in the North West.
And that speculation again gathered momentum during a summer in which Vidic captained his country to group-stage elimination at the World Cup in South Africa.
Ferguson expects to be without knee-injury victim Ferdinand until the end of September so John O'Shea, Wes Brown and Chris Smalling will aim to partner Vidic in the centre of defence.

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Inter sign Ranocchia, Genoa get Destro

FC Internazionale Milano have signed Andrea Ranocchia in a co-ownership deal with Genoa CFC, with the Italy Under-21 defender being scheduled to switch clubs in summer 2011.

FC Internazionale Milano have reached an agreement with Genoa CFC to sign Andrea Ranocchia for an undisclosed fee, with the 1.95m-tall defender to switch clubs in summer 2011. In a separate arrangement, Internazionale's Italy Under-19 striker Mattia Destro has been loaned to Genoa for one season.

The 22-year-old Ranocchia's playing licence will be held jointly between the two Serie A teams, and he will remain at Genoa for one more campaign while having an Inter contract until 2015. Ranocchia was a Perugia Calcio trainee before making his professional bow with AC Arezzo in Serie B in 2006/07 and then transferring to Genoa in 2008. The centre-back has spent the last two seasons on loan at AS Bari, winning promotion in his first campaign and becoming a Serie A regular last term until a knee injury in January ended his involvement. Part of Italy's squad at the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, he was involved in their current qualifying campaign prior to his injury. Destro, who has trained with Inter's senior side, is leading Italy's line at the UEFA European U19 Championship finals in France, having top-scored in qualifying with eight goals. Italian and European titleholders Inter enter the UEFA Champions League in the group stage.

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Liverpool sign Wilson from Rangers

Scottish Young Player of the Year Danny Wilson has joined Liverpool FC from Rangers FC, becoming the club's third summer signing following the arrivals of Joe Cole and Milan Jovanović.

Liverpool FC have completed their second transfer in as many days with the signing of 18-year-old Scottish Young Player of the Year Danny Wilson from Rangers FC. The centre-back follows Joe Cole to Anfield and has joined on a three-year contract for a reported €2.3m which could rise to €6m depending on appearances. The Scottish Under-19 international makes the move after an impressive breakthrough season for Rangers in which he scored once in 24 appearances following his debut in a League Cup quarter-final against Dundee FC on 27 October.

He also claims the distinction of being the youngest player to represent Rangers in a UEFA Champions League match – having featured against FC Unirea Urziceni a week later in only his second game for the Glasgow side. "This is a massive challenge for me," said Wilson. "I will be playing for one of the biggest teams in the world. It wasn't a difficult decision to come here as Liverpool are not a team who come in for you every day." Wilson is the fourth new face at Anfield after Cole, striker Milan Jovanović and manager Roy Hodgson who succeeded Rafael Benítez on 1 July. Liverpool will learn their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round opponents on Thursday when FK Rabotnicki, of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Armenia's FC Mika conclude their second qualifying round tie.

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Mario Balotelli and Maicon "NOT FOR SALE"

Champions League holders Inter Milan are not looking to sell Mario Balotelli and Maicon, the club's technical director Marco Branca has said.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have been linked with bids for striker Balotelli, 19, with Real Madrid reportedly keen on right-back Maicon. "We will consider offers, but they are not transfer listed," Branca told the club's website. "How much is Balotelli worth? He doesn't have a price." Inter won the Serie A title and Copa Italia last season to complete a treble under former manager Jose Mourinho, but while Maicon was a key player Balotelli fell out with the manager and was an unused substitute as the Italian side beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

But with former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez now in charge at the San Siro, Branca insisted the club have no need to sell key players. "We are in a privileged situation, having won so much," he said. "It's true that we receive calls each day because everyone wants at least six or seven of our champions." Balotelli had a temperamental relationship with Mourinho, but is considered one of Italy's brightest prospects and is likely to get his chance in the national team after Italy crashed out of the World Cup in the group stages. Maicon, 28, is an established member of the Brazilian national team and his form over the past season has seen him shortlisted for the 2010 Ballon d'Or - given to the player voted the best in Europe.

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Eduardo da Silva quits Arsenal for Shakhtar Donetsk

Croatian striker Eduardo has joined Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk on a four-year deal from Arsenal.

The fee for the 27-year-old Brazilian-born player is reportedly around £6m. Eduardo joined Arsenal from Dinamo Zagreb in July 2007 but struggled to regain his best form after a year out with a broken leg and dislocated ankle. Despite that he signed a new contract at the club in November, but Wenger has decided to cash in as he rebuilds his squad ahead of the new season.

"FC Shakhtar have signed Eduardo da Silva from Arsenal. All the details were agreed at Donbas Arena in Donetsk," read a statement on the official Shakhtar Donetsk website. Eduardo's horror injury was sustained in a challenge with Birmingham defender Martin Taylor in February 2008, but he marked his return almost exactly a year later with a brace in a 4-0 FA Cup win over Cardiff. He went on to play three more games that season, and 32 in 2009-10 as Arsenal finished third in the Premier League. He ends his spell at the Emirates with a record of 20 goals in 67 appearances for the Gunners. Shakhtar's Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu said: "We wanted to buy Eduardo before he moved to Arsenal. "Not everything went his way last season, but he is still a player of very high quality, a real marksman. "Yes, he had a serious injury, we are aware of the risk, but at the same time we realise he can give a lot to Shakhtar. We expect a lot from Eduardo."

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Dudu Aouate extends Mallorca stay

UEFA Europa League play-off entrants RCD Mallorca have announced Israel goalkeeper Dudu Aouate has signed a new contract which ties him to the Liga club until 2013.

Israeli international goalkeeper Dudu Aouate has signed a new deal that ties him to UEFA Europa League play-off contenders RCD Mallorca until 2013.

Aouate, 32, started every league game in his first full season with Mallorca having moved to the club from RC Deportivo La Coruña in January 2009. The former Maccabi Haifa FC keeper has now put pen to paper on a two-year extension to his contract ahead of the new Liga campaign. Mallorca, who appointed former Danish international Michael Laudrup as their new coach last month, finished fifth in the Spanish top flight and will therefore compete in the UEFA Europa League play-offs. They will discover their opponents at the 6 August draw, with matches scheduled for 19 and 26 August.

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AC Milan Sign Sokratis Papastathopoulos From Genoa

Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos has joined AC Milan for an undisclosed fee from Genoa CFC, who have taken on co-ownership of three Rossoneri youngsters as part of the deal.

AC Milan have signed Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Serie A rivals Genoa CFC.

The 22-year-old centre-back has moved for an undisclosed fee with Genoa simultaneously taking joint ownership of Milan prospects Nnamdi Oduamadi, Rodney Strasser and Gianmarco Zigoni. An AEK Athens FC youth product, Papastathopoulos captained Greece to the final of the 2007 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, but was suspended for the loss to Spain in the decider. The following year he made his senior international debut and joined Genoa, for whom he made more than 50 Serie A appearances. He played in two of Greece's games at the recent FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Papastathopoulos is the first arrival since former Cagliari Calcio boss Massimiliano Allegri's appointment as Milan coach, though goalkeeper Marco Amelia had previously come in on loan from Genoa. On Monday his fellow custodian Christian Abbiati signed a two-year contract extension. Third in Serie A last season, Milan begin their UEFA Champions League campaign in the group stage.

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Thigh confines Iaquinta to Juventus sidelines

Striker Vincenzo Iaquinta must sit out Juventus's opening UEFA Europa League fixtures after he suffered a recurrence of the thigh problem which plagued him at the FIFA World Cup.

Juventus will be without Vincenzo Iaquinta for their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie against Shamrock Rovers FC or Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv FC, with the striker nursing a thigh problem. Iaquinta was troubled by a painful right thigh during Italy's FIFA World Cup campaign in South Africa, and has continued to struggle since returning to his club. The former Udinese Calcio player will be sidelined for about a month.

Although Juventus coach Luigi Delneri should be able to call on the 30-year-old for the start of the Serie A season, Iaquinta will play no part in the Turin side's European openers, scheduled for 29 July and 5 August. Shamrock Rovers and Bnei Yehuda are level at 1-1 going into Thursday's deciding leg in Israel of their second qualifying round tie.

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Liverpool Sign Joe Cole

Roy Hodgson has made his second signing as the new manager of Liverpool FC by bringing in the former Chelsea FC midfielder Joe Cole on a four-year contract, subject to a medical.

Liverpool FC have announced the signing of English international midfielder Joe Cole on a four-year deal, subject to a medical. The 28-year-old joins Liverpool after his contract with Chelsea FC expired at the end of last season, and becomes new manager Roy Hodgson's second signing. Cole made two substitute appearances for England at the FIFA World Cup to take his caps tally to 56, and arrives at Anfield following an unsettled season at Stamford Bridge during which he made 26 Premier League appearances, 12 of them as a substitute. He came off the bench to make his last appearance for Chelsea in their 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Portsmouth FC.

Cole came up through the ranks at West Ham United FC before joining Chelsea for €9.3m in the summer of 2003. He enjoyed tremendous success in west London, helping Chelsea to three Premier League titles and three FA Cups during his seven years at the club. He also featured for Chelsea as they lost the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League final to Manchester United FC on penalties, the first time the London club had reached the showpiece. Cole replaces Yossi Benayoun, who signed for Chelsea at the start of the month, and becomes Liverpool's second major new arrival of the summer following the capture of striker Milan Jovanović from R. Standard de Liège. Hodgson succeeded Rafael Benítez on 1 July after leading Fulham FC to the UEFA Europa League final last term. He will have another shot at the competition this season with Liverpool, who finished seventh in the Premier League and kick off in the third qualifying round against either FK Rabotnicki, of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or Armenia's FC Mika on 29 July.

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Real Madrid Sign Pedro León from Getafe

Real Madrid CF have completed the signing of right-sided midfielder Pedro León from Getafe CF in a deal reported to be worth €10m, the 23-year-old committing until summer 2016.

Real Madrid CF have completed the signing of Spanish Under-21 international midfielder Pedro León from Getafe CF in a deal reported to be worth €10m. The right-sided 23-year-old committed to the club until summer 2016 following a medical today, and becomes José Mourinho's second signing after the arrival of Ángel di María. With eight goals in 35 Liga appearances last term, Pedro León played a crucial role in helping Getafe earn a UEFA Europa League play-off spot yet it will be in the UEFA Champions League group stage that the former UD Levante and Real Valladolid man will now be tested.

Meanwhile, reserve goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, a UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool FC, has penned a one-year contract with Los Merengues, tying the 37-year-old to the club until June 2011.

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Wolfsburg make their move for Mandžukić

VfL Wolfsburg general manager Dieter Hoeness is backing Mario Mandžukić to "add lots of power to our attack" after the Bundesliga outfit signed the Croatia forward from NK Dinamo Zagreb.

VfL Wolfsburg have strengthened their attacking options by signing Croatian international striker Mario Mandžukić from NK Dinamo Zagreb for a fee reported to be in the region of €7-8m. Mandžukić, 24, has agreed a four-year contract with the Bundesliga club and will compete for a place in the Wolves' forward line with prolific duo Edin Džeko and Grafite. "We're very happy to have signed Mario and are convinced that he'll add lots of power to our attack," said Dieter Hoeness, the Wolfsburg general manager. "It is also an advantage that he speaks German."

Mandžukić scored 14 goals in 24 league appearances last term as Dinamo won the Croatian title for the fifth successive season. In total, Mandžukić averaged better than a goal every two games for his former club, striking 42 times in 81 matches. He signed off as a Dinamo player with two goals in a 5-1 defeat of FC Koper in the first leg of a UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie on Tuesday. Naturally, Wolsfburg coach Steve McClaren is delighted to have acquired the forward who moved to Germany in 1992 with his parents, starting his youth career with TSF Ditzingen. "In our system it is important that the strikers are flexible," said McClaren. "I have followed Mandžukić for a while and I'm happy that he's with us now."

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Barcelona Sign Adriano from Sevilla after getting David Villa

Adriano (left) against his new Team, Barcelona

Spanish Liga titleholders FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Sevilla FC for the signature of Brazilian international full-back Adriano for a fee that could rise to €13.5m.

Sevilla FC full-back Adriano is set to move to FC Barcelona after the two clubs agreed a fee that could rise to €13.5m for the 25-year-old. Adriano will make the move to the Liga champions subject to passing a medical at the Camp Nou, making him Barça's second signing of the summer after the arrival of striker David Villa. A former FIFA U-20 World Cup winner, Adriano scored 11 times in 157 league appearances for Sevilla following his transfer from Coritiba FC in 2004/05.

A winner of two UEFA Cups, a UEFA Super Cup, two Copa del Rey titles and a Spanish Super Cup during his time at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, the Brazilian international will now be looking to achieve UEFA Champions League success with Josep Guardiola's side, who enter the tournament at the group stage. Sevilla, meanwhile, will look to join their Liga rivals in the competition via a play-off.

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Edinson Cavani joined Napoli from Palermo

Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani has joined SSC Napoli from fellow UEFA Europa League play-off entrants US Città di Palermo for a reported fee that is expected to reach €17m.

SSC Napoli have signed Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani from US Città di Palermo for a reported fee that is expected to reach €17m.
The 23-year-old has signed a contract running until 2015. "Cavani is a great player," said Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentis. "We've been following him for a month and, although several other clubs tried to sign him, we've moved faster. We're proud to give another big players to our fans." Cavani began his career with Danubio FC before joining Palermo in January 2007 and immediately establishing himself as a regular, scoring 35 goals in 114 appearances, including 15 in each of the last two seasons.

The striker, who only signed a new four-year Palermo deal in April, further impressed in the recent FIFA World Cup where he helped Uruguay to the semi-finals, scoring in the 3-2 third-place play-off defeat by Germany. Overall he has 23 caps and joins a team who, like Palermo, begin their UEFA Europa League campaign in the play-off round, with the draw on 6 August and the matches on the last two Thursdays of next month. Earlier on Saturday, Palermo signed left-back Santiago García from CA Rosario Central and made goalkeeper Giacomo Brichetto's loan move permanent on a three-year deal.

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Thomas Muller Win Golden Boot before World Cup

Thomas Muller admits he never believed he would win the adidas Golden Boot before the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ began.

The 20-year-old forward, who only made his international debut in March, scored five times in South Africa to clinch the award. David Villa, Wesley Sneijder and Diego Forlan also scored five goals, but the Bayern Munich man's three assists saw him edge out the trio.

"This is just incredible for a newcomer to the World Cup. If anyone had told me I'd end on eight scorer points, I'd have said they were kidding me," Muller said on Bayern's official website. "It's an honour of course, but at the end of the day, I'd rather have had the World Cup itself."

Muller's performances in helping Germany reach the semi-finals in South Africa also won him the Hyundai Best Young Player award.

"It's a huge honour to be part of a group including the likes of Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Michael Owen and the most recent winner, Lukas Podolski," added Muller. "For me personally, it's terrific confirmation of the work I've put in over the last year. I'm delighted my great run has continued here, and I've really enjoyed it too. The honour will be with me for all time, and it's a wonderful memento too."

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The New World Cup Champion Spain

Andres Iniesta struck a dramatic winner late in extra time to give Spain World Cup glory for the first time but condemned the Netherlands to their third defeat in a final.

Iniesta drilled his left-foot strike across goal - but the Dutch were incensed after referee Howard Webb had failed to award their side a corner moments earlier when a free-kick took a sizeable deflection off Cesc Fabregas.
However, Euro 2008 champions Spain, who conceded only two goals during the tournament, deserved their victory after gradually taking a grip on a tense and bad-tempered contest that produced 14 yellow cards with Johnny Heitinga sent off on 109 minutes after picking up a second yellow card.

The Dutch, who lost in the 1974 and 1978 finals, were bidding to become the first side since Brazil in 1970 to go through World Cup qualifying and the finals unbeaten.
They had a glorious chance to take the lead in the second half but Arjen Robben, comfortably his team's most potent attacking weapon, could find no way past Spain captain Iker Casillas, who slumped to the floor and cried tears of joy after the final whistle.
Sergio Ramos was equally culpable of a glaring miss for Spain when he headed over and substitute Fabregas, as with Robben before him, also failed to convert a one-on-one chance.
But it was from a through ball by the influential Fabregas that midfielder Iniesta struck making Spain the first team to win a World Cup after losing their opening game of the tournament.
Spain also become the team to win to World Cup having scored the fewest number of goals - finding the net eight times in their seven matches. The previous mark was held by three teams including England in 1996.
The dramatic finale at Soccer City was in stark contrast to a hugely underwhelming opening 45 minutes, which was a brutal disappointment after the spectacular opening ceremony and moving appearance by former president Nelson Mandela that had preceded it.
Spain dominated possession in the opening minutes and looked to have the measure of an uncertain Dutch backline. Ramos almost put them ahead after just four minutes but his thunderous header was brilliantly saved by Maarten Stekelenburg.
The Netherlands could not get a grip on the game but were helped by a spate of yellow cards from referee Webb that disturbed the rhythm of the match.
Webb booked five players in the opening 28 minutes, although several crude challenges left him with little option.
Dutch enforcer Mark van Bommel was booked after going through the back of Iniesta, while Nigel de Jong was lucky to escape red after planting his foot in the chest of Xabi Alonso.
Robben did force a decent save from Casillas with a low left-foot strike after cutting inside during stoppage time.
But the match had degenerated to the extent that Alonso opted to shoot with a free-kick on the wrong side of 40 yards instead of a seeking out a team-mate.
Spain defender Joan Capdevila wasted a good chance shortly after the restart, failing to make contact with a Carles Puyol flick-on.
The bookings continued after the break and the contest occasionally threatened to boil over as the tension appeared to affect the players.
But there were also a few moments of real quality, none more so than a sumptuous through ball from the largely anonymous Wesley Sneijder that played Robben clean through on goal.
Robben delayed his shot but, equally, Casillas stood his ground as long as possible and brilliantly saved with his legs.
It was a head-in-hands moment for Robben, but one quickly followed for Spain when a completely unmarked Ramos headed a corner over the crossbar.
Robben's pace troubled the Spanish defence throughout and another burst from the Bayern Munich man unsettled Puyol, who appeared to impinge his opponent. Robben, just outside the penalty area, chose to stay on his feet and Casillas again denied him.
Spain had moved into the ascendancy as the match wore on, with Xavi increasingly influential.
Fabregas replaced Alonso in the 87th minute and quickly made an impression by collecting a superb Iniesta pass, but the Arsenal man could find no way beyond Stekelenberg, who saved brilliantly with his legs.
The complement was returned shortly afterwards but Iniesta opted not to strike from 18 yards and was eventually dispossessed by the excellent Gregory van der Wiel.
Heitinger became the fifth man to be sent off in a World Cup final when he pulled back Iniesta on the edge of the area, giving Webb little choice but to hand him a second caution, and that seemed to spur Spain on for a final effort.
Joris Mathijsen headed over for the Netherlands in what was their only good chance of the extra-time period before Iniesta struck his late and decisive blow.

Netherlands	0-1	Spain	FT
	(HT 0-0) (aet)	Iniesta, 116
Team
Netherlands 01 Stekelenburg 02 Van Der Wiel 03 Heitinga 04 Mathijsen 05 Van Bronckhorst (15 Braafheid, 105) 06 Van Bommel 08 De Jong (23 Van der Vaart, 99 ) 10 Sneijder 07 Kuyt (17 Elia, 70) 09 Van Persie 11 Robben		Spain 01 Casillas 03 Pique 05 Puyol 11 Capdevila 15 Sergio Ramos 06 Iniesta 08 Xavi 14 Alonso (10 Fabregas, 86) 16 Busquets 07 Villa (09 Torres, 106) 18 Pedrito (22 G Jesus Navas, 60)
Substitutes: 16 Vorm, 22 Boschker, 12 Boulahrouz, 13 Ooijer, 15 Braafheid, 14 De Zeeuw, 18 Schaars, 20 Afellay, 23 Van der Vaart, 17 Elia, 19 Babel, 21 Huntelaar		Substitutes: 12 Valdes, 23 Reina, 02 Albiol, 04 Marchena, 17 Arbeloa, 10 Fabregas, 20 Javi Martinez, 21 Silva, 22 G Jesus Navas, 09 Torres, 13 Mata, 19 Llorente
Venue: Soccer City Referee: Howard Webb

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Germany finished third at the World Cup 2010 South Africa

Sami Khedira nodded in a late winner as Germany saw off the spirited challenge of Uruguay in Port Elizabeth to finish in third place for the second World Cup running.

It seemed the three-time champions were set for a comfortable evening when Thomas Mueller capped a period of dominance with a straightforward finish after Fernando Muslera spilled a long-range drive from Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Uruguay forced their way back into proceedings through Edinson Cavani before Diego Forlan put them ahead with an acrobatic volley shortly after half-time.

But more poor goalkeeping from Muslera allowed Marcell Jansen to equalise and Khedira then capitalised on Uruguay's failure to clear a Mesut Ozil corner to ensure Germany would end their tournament on a happy note.
The third-place play-off is often billed as a match that no team wants to play - but this encounter made a mockery of any such suggestion.
Uruguay exceeded all expectations in reaching the last four and, with a parade through the streets of Montevideo and a date with President Jose Mujica planned for Monday, they were desperate to finish their campaign on a high.
Germany, meanwhile, are a hugely talented young squad who will be together for some years and viewed the meeting with La Celeste as another stepping stone in their development.
Oscar Tabarez's men signalled their intent by restoring fit-again captain Diego Lugano and star striker Luis Suarez, suspended for the last-four defeat by the Netherlands, to the starting line-up.
Although Germany made five changes from the side beaten by Spain, Philipp Lahm and Lukas Podolski were suffering from a virus, Miroslav Klose had a bad back and coach Joachim Loew was still able to name an enviable line-up.
And it was clear from the opening exchanges that this was no friendly as Mueller saw a strike ruled out for handball, Dennis Aogo escaped with a caution for a terrible studs-up challenge on Diego Perez and Forlan curled a free-kick just over.
It was Germany, though, who dominated the early possession and, after Arne Friedrich had nodded a Ozil corner against the crossbar, they opened the scoring.
Schweinsteiger unleashed a swerving drive from about 35 yards that was spilled by Muslera, offering Mueller a simple finish to draw level with David Villa and Wesley Sneijder on five goals.
Germany might have been expected to kick on from there but instead they sat back on their lead and invited Uruguay forward, while looking to launch the occasional counter-attack of their own.
The two-time champions duly settled into a tidy rhythm, showcasing their ability to turn defence into attack at frightening pace, and were soon back on level terms.
Schweinsteiger, captaining Germany in the absence of Lahm, was robbed of possession by Perez before Forlan fed Cavani and the 23-year-old Palermo striker calmly slotted past Hans Joerg Butt.
Despite persistent rainfall at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Uruguay were passing and moving beautifully and they should have gone ahead before the break when Forlan released Suarez, only for the Ajax frontman to drag a shot wide.
Germany, making a record fifth appearance in the third-place play-off, seemed to have lost their earlier intensity and that allowed the South Americans, full of desire and no shortage of quality, to pick up where they left off in the second period.
Forlan, Suarez and Cavani caused their opponents all manner of problems and, after Cavani and Suarez were denied by Butt, Forlan met Egidio Arevalo's cross with a superb volley to notch his fifth goal of the finals.
Uruguay deserved their advantage and, with Germany showing little potency in the final third, they looked set fair for a fine victory.
But Muslera's unconvincing attempt at claiming a Jerome Boateng cross allowed Jansen to divert the ball into an unguarded net and suddenly the momentum had shifted.
Uruguay, who have still not beaten a European team at the World Cup since 1970, rapidly began to tire and Germany substitute Stefan Kiessling twice squandered opportunities to grab the winner before Khedira made no mistake.
Tabarez's players refused to accept defeat and almost forced extra time, Forlan curled a 92nd-minute free-kick on to the bar.
But Germany held on and their celebrations at full-time showed exactly what this result meant to them.

Uruguay	2-3	Germany	FT
Cavani, 28 Forlan, 51	(HT 1-1)	Muller, 18 Jansen, 56 Khedira, 82
Team
Uruguay 01 Muslera 02 Lugano 03 Godin 04 Fucile 16 Pereira 22 Caceres 15 Perez (05 Gargano, 77) 17 Arevalo Rios 07 Cavani (13 Abreu, 89) 09 Suarez 10 Forlan		Germany 22 Butt 02 Jansen (18 Kroos, 81) 03 Friedrich 17 Mertesacker 20 Boateng 04 Aogo 06 Khedira 07 Schweinsteiger 08 Ozil (05 Tasci, 90+1) 13 Muller 19 Cacau (09 Kiessling, 73)
Substitutes: 12 Castillo, 23 Silva, 06 Victorino, 19 Scotti, 05 Gargano, 08 Eguren, 11 Pereira, 14 Lodeiro, 18 Gonzalez, 20 A Fernandez , 13 Abreu, 21 S Fernandez		Substitutes: 01 Neuer, 12 Wiese, 05 Tasci, 14 Badstuber, 16 Lahm, 15 Trochowski, 18 Kroos, 21 Marin, 09 Kiessling, 10 Podolski, 11 Klose, 23 Gomez
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Referee: B Archundia Attendance: 36,007

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