Transferuri Campionate Externe

Meite joins West Bromwich

Defender Abdoulaye Meite of Ivory Coast has been snapped up by West Bromwich from Bolton for £2 million on a three-year contract.

The Baggies also have an option for a further year for 27-year-old Meite and the fee could rise to £2.5 million based on performance-related conditions.

Meite, who was also wanted by Hull, becomes Albion manager Tony Mowbray's eighth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Gianni Zuiverloon, Marek Cech, Scott Carson, Roman Bednar, Luke Moore, Do-heon Kim and Graham Dorrans.

He was a regular for the Trotters for a season and a half after joining from Marseille 2 years ago, but the arrival of Gary Cahill from Aston Villa in January limited his opportunities in the first team.

In all he made 56 league appearances for Bolton without ever finding the net.

Manchester United



Dupa ce a castigat razboiul cu Real Madrid pentru Cristiano Ronaldo, Sir Alex Ferguson vrea sa mai dea o lovitura si sa-l ia de la Barcelona pe Thierry Henry.


Manchester United pregateste o super oferta de 25 de milioane de euro pentru francezul Barcelonei, Thierry Henry, pe care vrea sa-l aduca alaturi de Cristiano Ronaldo pentru inca un sezon de vis cu titlul in Premier League si Champions League.

Dupa ce a esuat in a-l aduce pe Dimitri Berbatov de la Tottenham, antrenorul "diavolilor rosii" il vrea pe Old Trafford pe fostul atacant al lui Arsenal, Henry, care l-a dezamagit pe Pep Guardiola in perioada de pregatire.

Francezul a foat alaturi de Eto'o pe lista neagra a lui Guardiola, insa daca atacantul camerunez si-a revenit dupa ce a facut spectacol in turneul din USA, antrenorul Barcelonei este in continuare nemultumit de jucatorul francez.

Marcelinho Set To Leave Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg captain Marcelinho looks poised to leave the club after revealing his desire to return to Brazil to join Flamengo.

“There is no concrete offer as yet, but it could be that I need to find someone in the week” he added.

Wolfsburg already appear to have a ready-made replacement following the summer signing of Zvejezdan Misimovic from Nürnberg.

Marcelinho spent the entire 90 minutes of Wolfsburg’s weekend German Cup win over Heidenheim on the bench; although Magath insisted that he was just resting the player.

Portsmouth sign Kaboul from Tottenham

Tottenham defender Younes Kaboul signed for FA Cup winners Portsmouth on a four-year contract, the south coast club said.

The 22-year-old passed the medical and wearing the number 3 shirt, could make his debut on Sunday in the first Premiership match of the season against Chelsea. No transfer fee was disclosed.

The former Auxerre player, who arrived in North London in the summer of 2007, never imposed himself at Spurs and chose Portsmouth ahead of other clubs chasing him, Sunderland and Aston Villa.

Hull make Pizarro approach



Hull have confirmed they have made contact with Chelsea for the possible capture of Claudio Pizarro.

Tigers boss Phil Brown is desperate to add a quality forward to his strike force, which has been depleted by Fraizer Campbell's return to Manchester United.

Pizarro is well down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, and Brown is offering the Peruvian international an escape route in what is believed to be a loan arrangement.

Pizarro is also believed to be the target of River Plate, but his agent has revealed the former Bayern Munich man wants to remain in Europe.

Hull's approach could prompt rivals Stoke into action, who are also reported to be considering a bid for the 29-year-old.

Silva Rejected United Move, Reveals Agent

David Silva rejected the chance to move to Manchester United, has confirmed he will never move to the Premier League and will start the season with Valencia, according to his agent...

News has recently emerged that the Euro 2008 winner is not keen on a move to the Premier League, as reported by the Daily Mail.

His agent, Julio Llorente, has confirmed this exclusively to Sky Sports News that Manchester United made a formal approach for the player and were rebuffed, with the young midfielder thought to be certain to start the season with Valencia.

"Manchester United have made an offer for David Silva, but Valencia have turned it down and that is because of the players wishes," Llorente said.

"He wants to stay in Spain. We can confirm he will be starting the season in Valencia, and if does ever make a move, it won't be to the Premier League."

Spurs sign Zaragoza keeper Sanchez

Tottenham's radical overhaul continued on Tuesday with Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez signed up to act as understudy to new first choice keeper Heurelho Gomes.

Gomes arrived from PSV Eindhoven to replace Paul Robinson, one of seven players who have left White Hart Lane over the summer.

The 36-year-old Sanchez, who earned a Spanish cap earlier in his career, arrives in London on a year-long loan.

The veteran played in the Champions League final for Real Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.

Dimitar Berbatov also played in that Hampden Park final, for Bayer Leverkusen, but a reunion is unlikely as the Bulgaria striker has told club officials he wants to leave for Manchester United.

Spurs are waiting for an improved offer from the Premier League and European champions.

Spurs coach Juande Ramos has a list of targets he has handed to chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Damien Comolli in anticipation of Berbatov's departure.

He's transfer would follow those of fellow striker Robbie Keane to Liverpool, Steed Malbranque, Pascal Chimbonda and Teemu Tainio to Sunderland and defender Younes Kaboul to Portsmouth.

Aside from Sanchez and Gomes, Spurs have also recruited David Bentley for an initial £15 million from Blackburn, Croatian playmaker Luka Modric and Mexican youngster Giovani dos Santos.

Boro bid for Hoyte

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has confirmed that he has submitted a bid for Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte.

Gareth Southgate is seeking reinforcements at Boro following full-back Luke Young's move to Aston Villa and Hoyte could prove a perfect replacement.

Boro scouts watched Hoyte, 23, in action as Arsenal participated in the Amsterdam Tournament over the weekend.

And Gibson has now revealed that Boro have made an offer for Hoyte and that they are awaiting a response from the Gunners.

"We have submitted a bid and that's with Arsenal," Gibson told Sky Sports News. "We are waiting for Arsenal to respond.

"We have a fantastic relationship with Arsenal. They are good people there and we would never fall out with them.

"But we have given it our best offer and we hope that it happens. If it doesn't we move on."

Blackburn stand firm over Santa Cruz bid

Manchester City have been very much in the news recently, unfortunately mostly for the wrong reasons. To make matters even worse, Mark Hughes' bid for his ex Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz has been turned down by his former club.

In a strongly worded statement issued by Blackburn officials he was told in no uncertain terms that the Paraguayan international star was definitely not for sale.

Whilst at Blackburn it was Mark Hughes who had brought the striker to Blackburn Rovers from Bayern Munich for a mere £3.5 million.

The striker, despite his bargain price purchase netted an impressive 19 goals during the 2007/2008 season.

With David Bentley already having been sold by Paul Ince to Tottenham it is highly unlikely that he is going to want to sell anyone else from his strike force.

Tiago closes on Premier League return

Juventus are believed to be willing to allow Tiago to move to England on loan with Newcastle bidding to fend off rival interest from Everton to land the ex-Chelsea midfielder.

Newcastle's bid is further complicated by the fact that Atletico Madrid and Fenerbahce are also in the running and the player is thought to favour Spain as his next destination.

However, sources in Turin claim a deal has already been agreed in principle between Juve and Kevin Keegan's side with the final decision down to Tiago himself.

The 27-year-old left Chelsea for Lyon in 2005 but has failed to impress at Juventus since joining the club last year.

Newcastle are still trying to strengthen their squad ahead of Sunday's opener at Manchester United while Everton have lost Lee Carsley and Thomas Gravesen this summer.

Atletico could yet have the final say if they can come to an agreement with Juventus but the signs are that they will have to move quickly to head off the interest from England.

Berba To United In 48 Hours

The Sun claims that Berbatov has effectively parted company with Spurs and that only routine paperwork stands between he and Old Trafford.

Pirin Blagoevgrad's most famous product has reportedly told his Lilywhites team-mates that the move is all but complete. He is expected to join Sir Alex Ferguson's squad within the next two days, and could feature in the Red Devils' Premier League opener against Newcastle.

The Bulgarian striker has been yearning for the deal to go through all summer, as he is desperate to play Champions League football this season. Spurs can only offer the UEFA Cup.

Exactly how much the Red Devils will pay for the 27-year-old remains unknown, but the fee is believed to be somewhere between £25million and £28million.

Berbatov's departure will mean Juande Ramos has lost three international-class forwards since January, as Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane have already left White Hart Lane.

This latest development may be a sign that Darren Bent has earned himself a place in the first team with his excellent pre-season form.

It could also mean the North London club are close to landing Zenit St Petersburg star Andrei Arshavin.

Official: Digao Joins Standard Liege

The 22-year-old is best known as the younger brother of European and World Footballer of the Year Kaka, but since joining the Rossoneri from Sao Paulo in 2004 he has failed to get anywhere near the levels of his sibling.

The centre back spent 2005 until 2007 on loan at Serie B side Rimini, but returned to Milan last season. He made just one Serie A appearance all campaign in the 1-1 draw against Lazio, and has not been particularly impressive during the current pre-season.

Milan have now announced on their official website that Digao has joined Belgian club Standard Liege on a one-year loan deal.

The Brazilian is the second defender to leave the Diavoli in a matter of days, following the sale of Dario Simic to Monaco.

It now seems even more inevitable that Milan will go into the market for a replacement centre half, with Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic the hot favourite to arrive at San Siro.

Pompey fail to sign Argentine

Portsmouth have been forced to shelve plans to sign River Plate attacker Augusto Fernandez after he was unable to gain international clearance.

The Argentinian giants revealed Pompey agreed a £4.4 million fee for the 22-year-old, who plays as an attacking midfielder.

However, his failure to secure international clearance scuppered the deal - although River Plate claim he would have opted for Lazio over Portsmouth anyway.

Harry Redknapp will hope to have better luck with Real Madrid's Jordi Lopez, who is currently on trial at Fratton Park.

Boro succeed with Gunners bid

Arsenal have paved the way for Justin Hoyte to leave North London after accepting a bid from Middlesbrough for the versatile defender.

Hoyte has made 68 appearances for The Gunners since making his debut in the 2002/2003 season but has never enjoyed a regular role in Arsene Wenger's first team.

A spate of injuries allowed him to make 18 starts in the 2006/2007 campaign but the signing of Bacary Sagna saw him relegated to the sidelines once again last year.

The 23-year-old is now expected to complete a £3 million move to Middlesbrough where he will join fellow summer signings Didier Digard and Marvin Emnes and replace the departed Luke Young at The Riverside.

Arshavin in Berbatov out ?

News coming out of St. Petersburg is that Russian top performer from Euro 2008 Andrei Arshavin is almost certain to sign for Tottenham within days.

It is believed that the two clubs have already agreed to the terms.

Arshavin is seen to be the ideal replacement for Robbie Keane who has joined Liverpool as well as Dimitar Berbatov who could be on his way to Old Trafford within days.

Arshavin would probably have made the move earlier had it not been for the asking price of £28 million that Zenit St. Petersburg had been asking for the Russian playmaker.

Portsmouth accept Rangers bid for Mendes

Portsmouth accepted a £3 million bid from Glasgow Rangers for Portugal midfielder Pedro Mendes and signed Charlton winger Jerome Thomas on a season-long loan on Friday.

Mendes, 29-year-old, travelled to Glasgow on Friday to have a medical and discuss personal terms with the Scottish club, who are keen to make a big signing to appease their fans following the departure of Carlos Cuellar to Aston Villa earlier this week.

Former Arsenal trainee Thomas, 25-year-old, arrived at Fratton Park in time to feature in Sunday's Premier League opener at Chelsea.

Harry Redknapp swooped for Thomas after deciding his team needed a wide man with pace to complement new striker Peter Crouch.

Pizarro opts for Bremen

Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro has joined Werder Bremen on a season-long loan deal.

The Peru international only joined the Blues on a free transfer from Bayern Munich last summer, but has made a hasty return to Germany.

He struggled to settle in English football, scoring just two goals in 31 appearances.

The 29-year-old should have little trouble adapting to his new surroundings this time around, though, as he enjoyed a two-year spell with Bremen between 1999 and 2001.

The news of his return to the Bundesliga will come as a blow to Stoke, as the Premier League new-boys had hoped to launch an audacious bid for his services.

Stoke land Newcastle defender Faye



Stoke signed Senegal defender Abdoulaye Faye from Newcastle for £2.25 million on Friday.

Faye agreed a three-year contract with the Premier newboys and could make his debut at former club Bolton on Saturday.

The 30-year-old made 22 appearances in his only season with Newcastle after joining from Bolton last year.

Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes confirmed the deal on his club's website: "Abdoulaye is a fantastic player with top flight experience in abundance."

"We have worked extremely hard to conclude the deal, and we are absolutely delighted to have signed a player of his quality."

Faye will line up alongside fellow Senegal international Amdy Faye, who joined Stoke on a one-year deal from Charlton earlier this week.

Appiah set for Premier League ?

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah could be heading for Premier League after parting company with Fenerbahce.

Appiah says he is now 'a free agent' following a long-running dispute at the Turkish club.

Fenerbahce and the player fell out over a long-term knee injury which ruled the Ghanaian out of the African Nations Cup.

Portsmouth have been heavily linked with the 27-year-old who they see as a readymade replacement for Sulley Muntari.

Appiah has also been on West Ham's radar and a move to England is a step closer, after he dismissed reports of a move back to Brescia.

Mikael Silvestre could be on his way to Arsenal

Manchester United's defender has been involved in talks with Sunderland and neighbours Manchester City.

However, once Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager heard that the French international defender was interested in a move away from Old Trafford, he has expressed an interest in the 31-year-old.

Silvestre has also expressed a desire to work for the Frenchman at The Emirates Stadium.

If any sort of deal is struck between United and Arsenal he would be the first Manchester United player to move to Arsenal in 34 years.

He is expected to cost The Gunners £750 000. The deal could go through within the next few days, in time for Saturday's clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage.