Arsenal signed South Korea Captain and move for Werder Bremen's Captain.

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of South Korea international Park Chu-Young from Ligue 2 club Monaco.

Chu-Young, 26, looked set to leave Monaco for Lille this summer only for Arsenal to swoop late for the striker's services. He has now agreed personal terms with the club and completed a medical.

Arsene Wenger said: "We are delighted to have signed Chu. He will add true quality to our attacking forces and will be a valuable addition to the squad."

Chu-Young said: "I am very honoured and I feel very happy to be at Arsenal. It is a dream to be here and I am really proud to be an Arsenal player. Now I just want to show how good I am and prove myself.

Arsenal are also in talks to sign Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker, with the Germany international's move to Emirates Stadium expected to be confirmed on Wednesday.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has come under pressure to bolster his squad before Wednesday's transfer deadline in the wake of his side's 8-2 Premier League loss at Manchester United on Sunday.

Wenger indicated he is in the market for a centre-back, and several names have been linked, including Mertesacker, who will also provide much-needed height and experience at the back, standing at 6' 6'' and boasting 75 international caps.

Mertesacker, 26, is the captain of the Bundesliga club and it is reported a fee of around £10 million has been agreed to bring the centre-half to Emirates Stadium as he has entered the final 12 months of his contract.

Germany boss Joachim Low said: ''Per contacted me last night and informed me (about Arsenal's interest). I told the player that I would release him for the day.''

Metesacker is now believed to have passed a medical and agreed personal terms with the Gunners.

Fenerbahce left-back Andre Santos is closing on a move, with South Korea captain Park Chu-Young signed with Arsenal, the Gunners have been linked with a host of other names ahead of Wednesday's transfer deadline, including Chelsea trio Florent Malouda, Alex and Yossi Benayoun.

Red Devils rout Gunners 8-2

Manchester United utterly eviscerated Arsenal in a one-sided encounter at Old Trafford, eventually running up an 8-2 scoreline that saw Wayne Rooney claim a hat-trick and Ashley Young run riot.

Young scored twice and Danny Welbeck, Nani and Park Ji-Sung all got themselves on the scoresheet as Arsene Wenger's side were utterly humiliated on Sunday afternoon, with Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie - who earlier missed a penalty - scoring the Gunners' two consolations.

It always looked like Arsenal would be up against it, after Wenger was forced to name youngster Francis Coquelin in an inexperienced lineup, while Sir Alex Ferguson was able to name the same lineup that comfortably beat Tottenham Hotspur last Monday.

It took just 22 minutes for United to begin their assault on the scoreboard, as Danny Welbeck opened the scoring for the hosts after taking advantage of some shocking communication between Johan Djourou and Wojciech Szczesny. Just four minutes later, the visitors had a chance to get back on level terms, however, after Theo Walcott went down under pressure from Jonny Evans - but Van Persie saw his penalty saved by David de Gea in a passage of play that changed the course of the game. Young almost immediately doubled United's lead with a beautiful curling shot from 25 yards before Wayne Rooney beat Szczesny's outstretched hand from a well-worked free-kick to make it three.

During all that action, United even had to absorb a set-back, as Welbeck was forced off after pulling up with a hamstring injury. Just before half-time, Walcott fired through De Gea's legs to give Arsene Wenger's men a glimmer of hope, but that was to prove short-lived as United came out still firing on all cylinders in the second half. In the 64th minute, Rooney got his second in almost identical circumstances to his first - this time wrong-footing Szczesny at his far post - before three minutes later Nani dinked an effort over the Poland goalkeeper while one-on-one to make it five.

Substitute Park Ji-sung then added a sixth before Van Persie finally got the better of De Gea to reduce the deficit to a mere four - although the action showed no signs of abating. Full-back Carl Jenkinson was then sent off for his second bookable offence after bringing down another substitute, Javier Hernandez, as the Mexican bore down on goal, before Rooney completed his hat-trick from 12 yards after Walcott had given away a silly penalty.

At this point Wenger had his head in his hands, but the humiliation was not quite over, with Young getting his second goal of the game in similar fashion as the 90 minutes came to a close.

Cesc seals Super Cup for Barca with 2-0 win

Cesc Fabregas scored a brilliant volley to keep Barcelona's non-stop victory parade going with a UEFA Super Cup triumph over Porto.

Fabregas, on the bench until the last 10 minutes, took Lionel Messi's pass on his chest before rifling home to spark scenes of wild celebration from his team-mates.

It means two trophies in 10 days for the former Arsenal man - who won just the FA Cup and a Charity Shield in all his years with the Gunners - with the European and Spanish champions already having the Spanish Super Cup in the bag this season and thanks to Fabregas and Messi's first-half goal, added the UEFA trophy to their cabinet.

The presence of Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez on the bench served to highlight that the best team in the world are now, frighteningly, even stronger than last season.
Yet it had been an uncomfortable start as Barca initially struggled to reach their own high standards. The often-criticised pitch in Monaco's Stade Louis II did not help Barcelona, cutting up almost immediately having been heavily watered and for the first half hour it was Porto who enjoyed the best chances.

A handball by Eric Abidal handed Porto a free-kick in a promising position on the edge of the 'D' but Hulk drifted it over, and Joao Moutinho threatened Barca's goal again with a wicked shot that Victor Valdes turned past the post at full stretch.
Some extravagant step-overs by Hulk took him past Adriano but the Brazilian bent his shot wide.
Barca had only an effort by Pedro lobbed onto the roof of the net to boast of after half an hour, but they slowly started to warm up with Andres Iniesta in particular making light of the pitch with some awesome dribbling.
Xavi had seen a 25-yard shot tipped over before Messi's goal came six minutes before half-time when Fredy Guarin ruined all his side's good work with an awful attempted backpass.
Messi had been slow to get back and he could hardly believe his luck when the ball landed at his feet, and he strolled around Porto keeper Helton for a simple finish.
Porto appeared determined not to waste their good work of the first half with two cracking efforts early in the second. First Moutinho brought another good stop from Valdes and then Guarin fired in a 30-yard thunderbolt that the Barcelona keeper tipped aside.
David Villa, earlier denied by a hasty whistle from Dutch ref Bjorn Kuipers when he should have played advantage, was put free on goal by Iniesta but for once he snatched at the shot and it was easy for Helton.
A stunning length-of-the-field run involving Pedro and Messi so nearly led to a second goal but Helton came off his line to prod the ball away.
Villa made way for Alexis Sanchez, the Chilean winger who joined from Udinese this summer, with Sergio Busquets for Adriano leaving Fabregas sweating as to whether he would get a run-out.
Busquets' misguided header over the oncoming Valdes nearly played Barcelona into trouble but Abidal stretched to clear the loose ball ahead of Kleber.
Fabregas was given 10 minutes to shine by Pep Guardiola, coming on for Pedro, almost immediately to be hacked down by Guarin who earned himself a yellow card.
Porto's hopes were all but extinguished when Rolando was given his marching orders for hauling down Messi and earning a second bookable offence.
Then came Fabregas' moment, Messi's clip over the defence, the former Arsenal skipper controlling the ball on his chest and then volleying high into the roof of net.
Guarin ended a miserable night for him personally and Porto with a straight red for a nasty lunge on Javier Mascherano.

City in the UCL group of death

Roberto Mancini's side may not have to face any domestic champions, but theirs is the standout group - with four-time champions Bayern determined to get to the final at their own Allianz Arena, Villarreal able to boast plenty of Champions League experience in recent years and Napoli emerging as one of the most exciting sides in Europe over the past 12 months, led by Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani.

Elsewhere, holders Barcelona will meet Italian champions AC Milan in one of the more enticing group stage match-ups, though those two will be comfortable favourites to progress from Group H, which also includes BATE Borisov and Viktoria Plzen.

Manchester United will have the chance to avenge the hurt of their 2005-06 Champions League campaign when they take on Benfica in Group C - the Red Devils finished bottom of their group six years ago after losing to the Portuguese giants in their final group game. FC Basel and Romanian minnows Otelul Galati make up what appears to be a fairly straightforward group for United, who were beaten by Barcelona at Wembley in May.

Group E provides a renewal of old acquaintances as Juan Mata makes an immediate return to Valencia with Chelsea, while former Blues midfielder Michael Ballack will be back at Stamford Bridge with Bayer Leverkusen. Belgian champions Racing Genk will face an uphill task to qualify as the group's fourth team.

Real Madrid and Lyon meet again, in Group D, as Jose Mourinho attempts to repeat the success he enjoyed against Les Gones in last season's second round, when the Spanish side won 4-2 on aggregate. Real will also be reunited with Dutch champions Ajax, whom they beat home and away in the 2010-11 group stage. Dinamo Zagreb make up the numbers.

In Group B, Inter Milan were drawn with CSKA Moscow, whom they beat in the quarter-finals on their way to glory in the competition in 2010, as well as French champions Lille and Trabzonspor.

After beating Udinese in Wednesday's play-off to progress, Arsenal will take on Marseille, Olympiakos and Borussia Dortmund in Group F, while Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit St Petersburg and APOEL will collide in Group G.

After the group stage draw, Lionel Messi was named the winner of inaugural UEFA Best Player in Europe Award for 2010-2011. Messi's team-mate Xavi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo were the other nominees.

Messi named Best Player in Europe

Lionel Messi starred again for Barca in 2010-11 and was named man of the match in the Champions League final
Messi claimed 38 votes for the newly-created award, putting him some distance ahead of Barcelona team-mate Xavi, in second place with 11 votes, and third-placed Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who received just three votes.

The UEFA Best Player in Europe Award is given to players on the basis of their performances for club and country. The award is designed to replace the old Ballon d'Or award for the best player in Europe, which has been supplanted by the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for the best player in the world.

Messi enjoyed a hugely successful season with his club, scoring 31 goals in the league to help clinch the league title and putting in a man-of-the-match performance in the Champions League final victory over Manchester United.

"I'd like to thank all the people that voted for me, and all my team-mates," Messi said. "I keep all these awards at home and I still have some space for more. It's an honour to be so successful and to come up with the goods at the right time - thanks to my team-mates for helping me achieve this.

"[My motivation] comes from being at a club that's so successful and having a structure that allows us to be so successful. That was taught to me when I moved over and I've tried my best to keep it up."

UEFA Best Player in Europe 2010-11 top ten

1 Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
2 Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona)
3 Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
4 Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
5 Falcao (FC Porto)
6 Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
7 Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
8 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan)
9 Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
10 Manuel Neuer (FC Schalke)

Fenerbahce ban from playing in the Champions League

ISTANBUL Turkish champion Fenerbahce has been removed from the Champions League because of an ongoing match-fixing investigation.

Turkey's Football Federation says it has withdrawn Fenerbahce after meetings on Wednesday.

Fenerbahce's removal comes 24 hours before it was to take its place among 32 elite European clubs in the group stage draw being conducted in Monaco.

It is unclear how UEFA will choose a team to replace Fenerbahce, which is suspected of fixing matches to win the title last season.

Runner-up Trabzonspor was eliminated in the Champions League qualifying rounds but has also been implicated in the match-fixing probe.

Chelsea finalise Juan Mata signing

Chelsea have completed the signing of former Valencia attacker Juan Mata on a five-year deal.

The Spain international joined with his new team-mates at the club's Cobham training ground on Wednesday, and will be available for selection for the weekend's Premier League fixture against Norwich.

"Right from the first moment there have been good feelings all around me," Mata said. "Training has been great and the players are a great group to train with.

"Valencia was a big club anyway but I have left to join a bigger club and it is all about the opportunity to win trophies and I have that here."

Having spoken with Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas before completing his switch to Stamford Bridge, Mata - who is predominantly left-sided but can play across the attack, usually off a main striker - expects to be deployed in many positions to try and increase the side's attacking threat.

"He said he wanted Chelsea this season to play more attacking football, and that I would be a big part of that," he said. "Villas-Boas is someone who won almost everything last year and we are both here with the idea of winning lots this season.

"The plan is that I can play on either flank or even in the middle playing in between the lines of midfield and attack. I like to keep the ball and use it well, I am an attacking player and above all I like to set up goals and score them also."

Mata also revealed he spoke to fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres, who encouraged him to make the move to London. However, while Torres has struggled to settle in Chelsea colours, Mata hopes he can fit in immediately and bring success to the club in his first season.

"I want to adapt as quickly as possible to my new surroundings, my colleagues and this league, and I would love to win a trophy in my first season," he said. "If it can be the Premier League then great."

Mata spent four years at the Mestalla, scoring 43 times in 179 appearances.

Ferguson tells snipers to lay off Wenger

Sir Alex Ferguson has leapt to the defence of under-fire Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, claiming it is "ridiculous" that there are calls for the Frenchman to be axed.

Wenger and Manchester United boss Ferguson have had tremendous battles down the years and have often had verbal spats in the heat of battle. But there is huge respect between the pair and Ferguson has hit out at the criticism of Wenger.

With Arsenal having gone six years without winning a trophy and lost arguably their best player in Cesc Fabregas this summer, the knives are out for Wenger following a poor start to the new season.

And with the sale of Samir Nasri to Manchester City completed,the Gunners will also face a crunch Champions League play-off second leg at Udinese with a depleted squad, there have been some questioning how much longer Wenger's 15-year tenure at the club will last.

But Ferguson believes Arsenal will not find a better manager than his old rival and has urged Wenger to reach for a set of earplugs.

"It's a crazy world we're in," Ferguson said. "It's a critical world and you only need to lose a couple of games to have critics howling down at you.

"All the talk is about Arsenal and Arsene leaving. But who can replace him? It's the most ridiculous situation. The man has been simply unbelievable. He has given Arsenal platforms they never thought they'd get to.

"He should carry on. He shouldn't listen to the critics. The one thing you need in this game is earplugs."

Despite Ferguson's sympathy for Wenger, he will be looking to pile on the misery for Arsenal, who only have one point after two Premier League games this season, when his United side host the Gunners at Old Trafford this Sunday.

Liverpool plan shock return for Craig Bellamy and eye Sebastián Coates

Liverpool have moved ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City in pursuit of the towering young Uruguay defender Sebastián Coates and are ready to offer Craig Bellamy a sensational return to Anfield.

The Wales international has been frozen out completely by Roberto Mancini at City but remains at the club on a £95,000- a-week contract. Bellamy's wage has surprisingly not deterred several Premier League clubs and Celtic from trying to prise the 32-year-old from the Etihad Stadium but Liverpool are willing to offer the striker a lucrative contract providing no transfer fee is involved.

Bellamy, a boyhood Liverpool fan, spent one season at Anfield in 2006-07 but struggled to make an impact under Rafael Benítez and was sold to West Ham United for £7.5m after 27 appearances and seven goals. He was an unused substitute in the 2007 Champions League final defeat by Milan and was destined for the Anfield exit from the moment he attacked his then team-mate John Arne Riise with a golf club during a supposed team bonding exercise in Portugal.

The striker could be joined at Anfield by Coates, the 20-year-old centre-half who was named best young player at this summer's Copa América where his performances for the tournament winners Uruguay – in the same team as Liverpool's Luis Suárez – increased interest from several Premier League clubs.

As the Guardian revealed last month, scouts from Arsenal, City and Liverpool all monitored the 6ft 6in Coates in Argentina, with Arsenal also believed to have watched the defender playing for his club side Nacional, the champions of Uruguay, a dozen times last season.

Liverpool, however, with the advantage of the Suárez connection, have emerged as Coates's most likely destination in the Premier League and could cost Fenway Sports Group, the club's owners who have already sanctioned a £110m recruitment drive this year, a fee of around £12m.

Man City agree terms for Nasri

Arsenal have agreed terms with Manchester City over the transfer of midfielder Samir Nasri and he is set to undergo a medical at the club on Tuesday afternoon.

Nasri had asked to be left out of the squad to face Udinese in the Champions League play-offs as talk of a £25 million move increased and now the Gunners have revealed that a deal is almost done.

A statement read: ''Arsenal can confirm that they have agreed terms for Samir Nasri to move to Manchester City. The 24-year-old midfielder, who has spent three years with the Gunners, has been omitted from Arsenal's squad which flies to Udinese this afternoon and instead will travel north for a medical. The move will be subject to Nasri passing a medical and formal registration processes.''

Arsene Wenger said: "The summer was very difficult because we had Cesc Fabregas and Nasri on permanent transfer negotiations and that is draining in the end. We lost two great players and that's a sad side of the story but at some stage it has to be over, because you want to focus on the future.

"The decision had a logic but it is of course, as well, a business interest. But, overall, what you want is that you have players who do not play and think they go the next morning. It's not ideal as well.

"So you want players who are completely committed to the long-term, to defend our chances. We wanted to sort all these cases out very early after the summer, but it wasn't possible. And the pace is not only dictated by us, unfortunately."

Nasri, who signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2008 from Marseille for a fee of £15.8 million, had previously rejected a new £90,000-a-week contract to stay at the club and only had one year left on his current deal.

Arsenal agree Cesc deal with Barca

Despite Arsenal insisting throughout the summer that they would not sell Fabregas for less than £40 million, it is thought that a £35 million fee has finally been agreed.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: "We have been clear that we didn't want Cesc to leave and that remains the case. However, we understand Cesc's desire to move to his home town club and have now accepted an offer from Barcelona. We thank Cesc for his contribution at Arsenal and wish him future success."

Fabregas, who joined the Gunners from Barca as a 16-year-old in 2003, will now agree personal terms and undergo a medical on Monday before sealing his return to the Nou Camp.

The midfielder's move will bring an end to a saga that sparked into life last summer when Fabregas told Wenger that he wanted to return to his boyhood club. Wenger stubbornly refused to let the Spain international leave at that time, but just over 12 months later he has given up on the battle to keep the wantaway star.

It has been suggested that Fabregas is willing to take a pay cut in order to force through the move, underlining his desperation to join the Champions League winners.

He played no part in Arsenal's pre-season campaign or their Premier League opener at Newcastle, with Wenger citing a lack of focus and a niggling injury.

Fabregas, who has won 58 caps for Spain, winning Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, made 303 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 57 goals in all competitions and claimed the record for youngest first-team player and goalscorer.

His departure will increase the pressure from fans on Wenger to use some of the transfer fee to bring in a big-name signing before the end of the transfer window. Shakhtar Donetsk claim that Arsenal have shown an interest in Brazil international midfielder Jadson, while Wenger is known to be keen to add a central defender.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to hold on to France international Samir Nasri, a target for Manchester City and a player who the Londoners could lose on a free transfer next summer when his contract expires.

Ordinarily Nasri would have been earmarked as the natural successor to Fabregas in a central role but, with his future up the air, Wenger may be forced into the transfer market.

Chelsea fire blank.

New Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas' introduction to the Barclays Premier League proved to be a testing and frustrating affair as his side were held to a goalless draw at Stoke.

The Portuguese may have raced to the league title with Porto and also won the Europa League last season but nothing could have prepared him for the challenge he met at the Britannia Stadium.

Having withstood considerable pressure in the first half Chelsea dominated after the break but the closest they came was when goalkeeper Asmir Begovic tipped Nicolas Anelka's shot onto the crossbar.

If Villas-Boas was under any illusion about how tough English football was then he was given a typical example by Tony Pulis' terrier-like Potters.

It was not necessarily the physicality of the challenge Stoke presented but more the incessant pressure which they put their opponents under.

There was no respite, no time for players to linger on the ball and certainly no way anyone could switch off for a second as the Potters were relentless from the first whistle.

A Rory Delap throw and a couple of Jermaine Pennant corners caused some early consternation in Petr Cech's penalty area and set-pieces continued to cause problems throughout.

Late in the first half Jose Bosingwa and Cech managed to keep out Matt Etherington's inswinging free-kick under the crossbar at the near post after John Terry had stopped Kenwyne Jones in his tracks.

Terry appeared to be the centre of everything, the ball bouncing off his shoulder after Jon Walters had flicked it over him and ending in a heap with Ryan Shawcross in the six-yard box as they tussled for a corner.

But for all their endeavours Stoke's attack could not match the quality of their opponents.

Villas-Boas firmly pinned his colours to the mast by naming Fernando Torres ahead of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka and he would have been encouraged to see the Spain international starting to show glimpses of the form he enjoyed at Liverpool.

One surging first-half run from the Spaniard, who has scored just once in 19 appearances since his £50million January transfer, was reminiscent of his Anfield heyday.

His body language looked more positive and after a full pre-season his fitness worries appear to be behind him.

He was the target for some close attention, with Stoke captain Shawcross booked in only the 10th minute for clattering the striker having missed with his first attempt.

Torres responded by dragging a low shot just wide and, in first-half injury time, bundling another off target under pressure from Shawcross.

But threats came from other areas and Salomon Kalou went down in the penalty area under a challenge from Glenn Whelan only for referee Mark Halsey to wave play on.

Bosingwa's cross-cum-shot was tipped behind by Begovic while Ramires' run and cross into the six-yard box failed to pick out a team-mate.

The tide turned after the break and Jonathan Woodgate, making his Premier League debut having left Tottenham in the summer, was a key figure in keeping Chelsea at bay.

First his slide diverted Frank Lampard's shot behind and then he blocked Torres six yards out as he swivelled to shoot from Terry's downward header.

Lampard was convinced he should have had a penalty when he went down under a challenge from Marc Wilson but the England midfielder looked to be heading to ground anyway.

Begovic was then called into action, tipping over a John Obi Mikel dipping volley and touching substitute Anelka's curling shot onto the woodwork before Kalou headed straight at the goalkeeper from eight yards as Chelsea continued to threaten.

It was Kalou's last involvement as he was replaced by Drogba with 15 minutes to go.

But even with their three front-line strikers on the pitch the visitors found their opponents as obdurate as ever and Torres eventually made way for Yossi Benayoun late on.

The result secured only Stoke's second point in seven league meetings.

At the age of 33 Villas-Boas has proved he is a quick learner. What he will have discovered after an afternoon at the Britannia is that the curve gets steeper from here on in.

Arsene Wenger reveals to close friends that he is preparing for his final season as Arsenal manager

The Frenchman has three years remaining on the new contract that he signed last summer but has privately conceded that his tenure at the club is coming to an end.

The longest-serving manager in Arsenal’s history has already begun considering other options in football because he fears his powerbase will eventually be diminished by new owner Stan Kroenke and has been shocked by the growing criticism he has received from supporters over the last 12 months.

Wenger met a Manchester City delegation led by chief executive Garry Cook and football administrator Brian Marwood at a hotel in Kensington, west London, in May although there is no confirmation that the Frenchman either sought to or was asked to replace Roberto Mancini at Etihad Stadium.

Nevertheless, the Arsenal manager held informal talks with the new owners of Qatari-owned Paris Saint-Germain this summer to discuss the prospect of him taking over as manager at the French club.

PSG - who have spent heavily on new players, including €43 million on Javier Pastore, over the last two months - targeted Wenger as their No.1 choice to use the club’s financial muscle to restore their place at the summit of French football and establish them among the Champions League elite. The club has not won Ligue 1 since 1994.

Wenger, who owns an apartment close to PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium, rejected the opportunity although he admitted in an interview with a Strasbourg TV station in June that he has long-standing friendships with senior officials at the club. It is believed that the Arsenal manager has had a loose arrangement for many years to advise PSG on transfers and recruitment strategy.

One source said that Wenger has established a “great relationship” with the French club’s Qatari investors, who could make another move for him if PSG underachieve this season under new sporting director Leonardo and coach Antoine Kombouare.

His relationship with Arsenal supporters has become increasingly tense over the last year, particularly after the club extended their trophy drought to six years following a disastrous finish to last season.

Wenger promised that he would be “very active” in the transfer market in the summer as he pledged to rebuild a team that has faded badly in recent campaigns and, while he has spent relatively large sums on two attacking midfielders, Gervinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the new Premier League season about to kick off, he has yet to address the club’s chronic defensive frailties.

Gervinho and Barton both start and got into trouble with each other.

Summer signing Gervinho goes straight into Arsene Wenger's starting eleven as Arsenal take on Newcastle, with Joey Barton a surprise selection from Alan Pardew.

The Ivorian winger will play just off Robin van Persie alongside Andrey Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky. With Cesc Fabregas' departure to Barcelona imminent, Aaron Ramsey will be tasked with dictating the game in midfield alongside Alex Song.

New signings Carl Jenkinson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both receive bench places for the Gunners, as do forwards Marouane Chamakh and Theo Walcott.

Barton had been made available on a free transfer after making a string of remarks regarding the running of the club on his Twitter account, but will start in midfield alongside new signing Yohan Cabaye as well as Cheick Tiote and Jonas Gutierrez.

Newcastle also hand a starting place to new striker Demba Ba, who will lead the attack with Shola Ameobi. Shola's brother Sammy could appear from the bench; the 19-year-old made his professional debut at the back end of last season.

The goal less game where the highlight was During 76th min where Gervinho is sent off for his rather embarrassing dive in the Newcastle box. Before that, however, the incident brought the very worst out of Barton, who goes at indulges in a bit of slap and tickle with Gervinho, before himself going down like a sack of spuds after Gervinho appears to hit him. Barton was cautioned too.
 

Newly promoted QPR trashed at home 0-4.

QPR's first top-flight game at Loftus Road since 1996 ended with a disappointing defeat by Bolton - and what appeared to be a serious injury for Kieron Dyer.

Last season's Championship winners had started brightly, summer signing DJ Campbell seeing an effort ruled out for offside, before Dyer, signed on a free transfer from West Ham, fell awkwardly and had to be carried off with a reported broken metatarsal.

Bolton took the lead on the stroke of half-time with a fine curling effort from centre-back Gary Cahill.

An own goal from Danny Gabbidon, making his debut, and Kevin Davies' deflected strike effectively had settled matters ahead of a fourth for Fabrice Muamba following a swift counter-attack with 11 minutes left.

QPR defender Clint Hill was shown a red card in stoppage time.

Some of the 15,000 home support headed for an early exit, venting their frustrations at shareholder Flavio Briatore, who could soon sell up to Lotus Formula One boss Tony Fernandes, watching from the director's box.

Things could have been so different had Campbell, who impressed for Blackpool last season, not seen his early close-range effort disallowed.

Then, on five minutes, Dyer, who has completed 90 minutes only once in his last 29 Premier League matches, stretched for a 50/50 challenge and landed awkwardly, leading to extensive treatment before the former England midfielder had to be carried off on a stretcher, his foot already in a protective boot.

Bolton, who faded badly after their FA Cup semi-final defeat last season, soon settled, with new arrivals Nigel Reo-Coker and Chris Eagles both playing well in midfield.

On the stroke of half-time, they were ahead when Eagles fed Cahill, who had stayed up from a corner.

The centre-back, a target for Arsenal, took one touch before curling a sublime effort into the top left corner.

After 56 minutes, QPR captain Adel Taarabt, who has been linked with a big-money move away during the summer, finally found some space on the edge of the Bolton area, but his shot flew wide.

Bolton, though, were 2-0 up after 68 minutes.

Davies won a free-kick when bundled over by Alejandro Faurlin just outside the area on the left.

Eagles low delivery was deflected off the wall and across the six-yard box towards the far post, where Gabbidon put the ball into his own net.

Before QPR could mount a recovery, Ivan Klasnic made it 3-0 when he drilled home via a deflected effort off Bradley Orr after a knockdown from Davies.

Warnock made a double change on 72 minutes, replacing Tommy Smith and the disappointing Taarabt with Heidar Helguson and Akos Buzsaky.

Cahill was booked for tripping Shaun Derry on the edge of the Bolton penalty area, but Buzsaky hit the free-kick into the wall, which just about summed up Rangers' afternoon.

Fabrice Muamba swept in number four after a flowing counter-attack and QPR's miserable day was compounded when Hill was shown a straight red card for pushing his head into Petrov's chest as the pair tussled on the near touchline during stoppage time.

Dalglish believe that nervousness cost them 2 points.

Kenny Dalglish believes that nerves may have affected Liverpool's new signings in their 1-1 draw with Sunderland on the opening day of the season.

Four summer signings - Jose Enrique, Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing - made their Liverpool debuts at Anfield on Saturday.

On a frustrating afternoon for Dalglish's side, the Liverpool players appeared to tire in the second-half and the Scot believes that his troops may have felt drained because of the occasion.

He said: "The four boys who came in would have had nerves. It's a big ordeal coming out to play your first game at Anfield, especially for Jose Enrique who only signed yesterday.

"I thought they all did something in the game that you will remember them for. We are happy with them and they will improve.

"I think the players were a little bit nervous. Like I said, it's a big deal making your debut at Anfield."

Liverpool took the lead in the 11th minute through Luis Suarez's glancing header but were pegged back by a fierce volley from Sebastian Larsson 12 minutes after the restart.

But Dalglish felt the key moment of the game was the award of a sixth minute penalty for the hosts after Kieran Richardson brought down Luis Suarez in the box.

The Uruguayan subsequently missed the spot-kick but Bruce felt referee Phil Dowd should have shown Richardson a red card as Suarez was through on goal.

"I suppose nine-and-a-half out of 10 referees would have sent Kieran [Richardson] off," said Bruce.

"You don't want to see people sent off. I don't know what the rulebook says but it was a clear goalscoring opportunity. Luis Suarez was one-on-one with the goalkeeper - you can't get any clearer than that.

"I think over the game, for their effort and commitment, a draw was probably about right. They worked really hard."

Schalke thrash Koln

Schalke thrashed Koln 5-1 to pick up their first points of the Bundesliga season after a 0-3 reverse to Stuttgart on the opening matchday. It was the visitors who took a surprise lead, when Lukas Podolski finished off Slawomir Peszko’s pass following a fast break. However, Schalke were level just before half-time, when Klass Jan Huntelaar stroked home a spot-kick after Kevin McKenna handled inside the area.

Within three minutes of the restart, Schalke were 3-1 up after Marco Holger set up both Huntelaar and Lewis Holtby. The scoring continued on the hour mark, when Jan Movarek found Raul inside the area, and the veteran striker made no mistake from 10 yards out. Huntelaar completed the rout five minutes from the end with a simple finish to Jose Jurardo’s cross to round off his personal treble.

Schalke starts this campaign positively compared the last season when they found themselves bottom of the league for a nearly a month.

Philadelphia Union are set to announce the signing of Freddy Adu

Freddy Adu is set to return to the MLS with Philadelphia Union
USA international Adu, 22, has endured a difficult time in Europe since leaving Real Salt Lake for Benfica in 2007, spending time out on loan with Monaco in France, Belenenses in Portugal, Aris in Greece and Caykur Rizespor in Turkey.

He is now said to have agreed a return to the MLS with the Union, and the club have confirmed on their website that "a player introduction is scheduled to take place Friday at PPL Park".

Asked about the club's efforts in the transfer market, head coach Piotr Nowak said: "We're working on it. We're working very hard to make it happen."

Tuncay announces Bolton move via Twitter

Tuncay Sanli has announced on Twitter that he has signed a contract with Bolton Wanderers.

Turkey international Tuncay, 29, left Stoke to join Wolfsburg in January but he has now announced that he is making a return to the Premier League in what is believed to be a season-long loan move.

He tweeted: "Medical passed, contracts signed...Officially a Trotter!!!"

Bolton begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to newly-promoted QPR on Saturday but Tuncay will not be available for the game.

He added: "My work permit needs updating and it cant be done b4 next week Tuesday:( Will be in LDN on Sat but only 2 watch the game from the stands:(("

Player strike to disrupt Spanish season

The Spanish professional footballers' union (AFE) has announced they will go on strike and delay the start of the new La Liga season in a row over a wage guarantee fund.

AFE said on Thursday that Spanish first and second division fixtures will be affected for the first two weekend's of the 2011-12 league season.

"We are unanimous and firm in our decision to call a strike," AFE president Luis Rubiales said. "The league will not start until a new agreement (between the league and the players) has been signed."

Rubiales is demanding the introduction of a fund to protect players' wages if clubs become insolvent.

Last season a mid-season strike by AFE, over the non-payment of around €4 million in players' wages owed to various footballers in the Segunda Division, was called off after a late agreement was reached.

The La Liga season is scheduled to start on the weekend of August 20-21.

London weekend games in doubt

The Premier League and Football League have said they will make a further statement on Thursday over whether more fixtures will be postponed after the rioting in London and other major UK cities.

London in particular has been hit hard by the violence which has already seen Carling Cup fixtures postponed and two international friendlies - England v Netherlands at Wembley and Ghana v Nigeria at Watford's Vicarage Road - called off.

With unrest continuing around the country, many expect the opening weekend of the Premier League to be disrupted, but both leagues maintain that they will consider all the options and make a decision within 24 hours.

''The Premier League and Football League are saddened by the recent incidents of civil unrest and the effect it is having on local communities,'' a joint statement read. ''We are in on-going discussions with our London-based clubs, the Metropolitan Police and statutory authorities in regard to the staging of the coming weekend's fixtures in the capital.

''The Metropolitan Police has conveyed to us the dynamic nature of the current situation and with that in mind all parties will review the situation on Thursday and make a further public statement at that time.

''With the information currently available to us there is no reason to think any matches outside of London will be affected. We are conscious of the need to keep fans informed of any developments and will, of course, keep them as up-to-date as possible through club, league and media channels.''

Anzhi Makhachkala ready to spend 115 million euros to get Samuel Eto'o

Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala is ready to offer Inter 35 million euros for Samuel Eto'o, offering the player a four-year deal worth €20m per annum in a spending spree that will cost them 115 million euros in total, Goal.com Italy understands.

Inter is reportedly trying to offload some of its highest earners this summer and Eto'o is being eyed by Anzhi, who are looking to flex its financial muscle.

Negotiators for the Russian outfit are expected in Milan on Tuesday night to make its offer directly to Inter president Massimo Moratti as it joins the race for the Cameroon star.

No expenses will be spared as the first offer will be worth 35 million euros to the Italian club, in an attempt from the Russians to convince Moratti to part company with the man he signed from Barcelona in 2009.

The player will be enticed with a four-year contract offer which pays 20 million euros a year, more than double his current €8m terms at San Siro.

Part of the income will then be used to spend on Genoa's Juraj Kucka, who coach Gian Piero Gasperini wants in his midfield.

Kucka has been booked in by Inter as a target for next summer, but director Marco Branca is working on a deal to bring him during this transfer window.

Obertan to join French revolution at Blackburn

Obertan, 22, moved to Old Trafford from Bordeaux in 2009 but he made just four Premier League starts for the club and has now been allowed to move on.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew told the club's official website: "Gabriel is a player I've watched for the last couple of seasons since he arrived at Manchester United. He has great pace and excellent technique and he has improved his power in the last 12 months and is ready now to make a real impact in the Premier League.

"I contacted Sir Alex about him early, at the start of the summer, to see if there was an opportunity to bring him to Newcastle, but it wasn't until Wayne Routledge joined Swansea that we were able to bring him in.

Obertan joins fellow Frenchmen Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye, Sylvain Marveaux and Mehdi Abeid at St James' Park.

Radosav Petrovic has now completed his move to Ewood Park

Blackburn have completed the signing of Partizan Belgrade midfielder Radosav Petrovic.

Petrovic, 22, has signed a four-year contract with Blackburn after having received a work permit. The 6ft 4in defensive midfielder has made 19 appearances for Serbia, having made his debut for the country in August 2009.

Petrovic started his career at hometown club FK Jedinstvo Ub. A move to Radnicki Obrenovac followed, before he moved to Partizan in the summer of 2008.

He was named in the Serbian league team of the year for the last two seasons and is currently with his international colleagues ahead of Serbia's international match against Russia in Moscow on .

Blackburn face a race against time to make sure Petrovic is eligible for Saturday's Premier League opener against Wolves at home.

He is the club's second signing this summer, following Dundee United striker David Goodwillie to Ewood Park.

Japan to honour Matsuda

The Japan national team have vowed to use their upcoming friendly against South Korea to honour the memory of Naoki Matsuda, who died from a heart attack last week.

Keisuke Honda said the current Japan team was influenced by Naoki Matsuda
Matsuda, 34, suffered a heart attack during a 15-minute warm-up run before training with his club Matsumoto Yamaga last Tuesday. He was taken to hospital unconscious and slipped into a coma. He was placed on life support but did not regain conciousness.

Alberto Zaccheroni's squad gathered on the pitch at Atsubetsu Stadium on Monday before training to observe a moment's silence for 2002 World Cup defender. Following the session, Japan and CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda said Matsuda would be in the team's thoughts throughout the match.

"I'm sure there were so many things he still wanted to achieve. Everyone is devastated," Honda told Kyodo.

"All of us here watched the World Cup in Japan and South Korea, and have been influenced by the way he played. In fact it is because of how well Matsuda played that we are all here today. I'm so grateful for that."

Cleverley called into England squad

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has been drafted into the England squad to face Netherlands.

Cleverley, 21, put in a fine attacking performance against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday bringing comparisons with the now-retired Paul Scholes and, with news that Jack Wilshere and Michael Carrick have been withdrawn from the squad to face Holland at Wembley on Wednesday, has been given a chance to shine.

An England insider told ESPNsoccernet: ''Fabio has been impressed with this player for a while, but has seen him played on the wing. He was very impressed when he saw him in central midfield at Wembley against Manchester City."

Wilshere's ankle injury has been described as "not a big problem", but it is too much to keep him with the England party, as ESPNsoccernet was told "we don't wish to jeopordise the player with the new season approaching".

The same goes for Carrick whose Achilles injury is described as worse than it was on Sunday, while Frank Lampard is also running a high temperature with a touch of flu and will be assessed on Tuesday whether he too will be forced to withdrawn.

Cleverley spent last season on loan at Wigan Athletic, making 25 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists. Now back at United, he is expected to be part of Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.

An integral member of the England Under-21 side at the European Championships in Denmark in June, Cleverley could now make the step up into the senior side despite never having made a competitive appearance for United.

And Ashley Young has backed his new Manchester United team-mate to grasp his England opportunity with both hands.

''Tom is worthy of his place in the squad,'' said Young. ''I actually thought he might have been in it earlier. It is a massive achievement but I have worked with him for a few weeks now.

''He did really well on tour and his performance yesterday, for such a youngster, was excellent. He is a confident person and controlled the game.''

Oxlade-Chamberlain close to Arsenal

Southampton winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is undergoing a medical at Arsenal ahead of a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Chamberlain, 17, was the subject of a £10 million bid - made up of a £5 million down payment and a number of performance-related add-ons - which was rejected last week, but Arsenal have returned with a higher offer.

According to reports the Gunners have now agreed to pay £15 million for the England Under-21 international, with an up-front fee of £12million plus a possible further £3 million through add-ons.

Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong appeared to confirm the move, saying on his Twitter account: ''new player young and british.''

Oxlade-Chamberlain, contracted at Southampton until 2013, is regarded as one of England's most promising young footballers. The teenager played a key role in helping Southampton secure promotion to the Championship last season, firing nine goals in 34 appearances.

Known for his pace and ability to beat defenders, he can operate on either side of the pitch. His style has invited comparisons with Theo Walcott, who also left Saints for Arsenal, though Oxlade-Chamberlain is a better defender who is comfortable in central midfield as well as out wide.

Manager Arsene Wenger is also rumoured to be close to signing Costa Rican striker Joel Campbell as a replacement for Nicklas Bendtner, who is expected to leave the club this summer.

Arsenal are also keen to bring in at least one experienced Premier League defender as Thomas Vermaelen limped off against Benfica at the weekend, with Birmingham's Scott Dann, Everton's Phil Jagielka and Bolton's Gary Cahill all possible targets.

United's the best of Manchester in Community Shield

The English Premier League season could not have had more of an exciting start as Nani scored twice and Manchester United rallied from a two-goal deficit for a 3-2 victory over rival Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on Sunday afternoon at Wembley.

The Portugal winger had already netted with a jaw-dropping leveller in what turned out to be the highest-scoring of these encounters since 1992.

He then capitalised on Vincent Kompany's blunder to win a game that seemed City's for the taking after Joleon Lescott and Edin Dzeko had taken advantage of David de Gea's hesitancy.

But Sir Alex Ferguson's introduction of three younger members of his squad at the break triggered a comeback for which United are so famed, Chris Smalling setting the ball rolling six minutes after the restart, triggering a richly-deserved victory charge for the Premier League champions.

It had been some 24 hours for Danny Welbeck.

Selected for England ahead of Jermain Defoe yesterday, he started this afternoon's showpiece was part of a scintillating performance from the Red Devils that lacked only an opening goal.

Between them, Welbeck, Wayne Rooney, Nani and new signing Ashley Young cut City's midfield apart. Had United's final ball been better, they surely would have got their noses in front.

As it was, Lescott got in the way of efforts from Young, Smalling and Welbeck. Rooney curled a free-kick narrowly wide.

City's tackling grew increasingly desperate and after Mario Balotelli and Dzeko had got themselves embroiled with Nemanja Vidic and Anderson respectively, Micah Richards was fortunate to stay on the field for a studs-first lunge on Young that sent the former Aston Villa winger flying.

Referee Phil Dowd felt the need to issue some strict instructions to Blues skipper Kompany after another shuddering lunge from Nigel de Jong, this time on Welbeck.

How quickly circumstances can change.

Ferguson has already admitted to taking a gamble on De Gea, who - at just 20 - is being asked to fill the boots of a man with twice his age in Edwin van der Sar.

It had been accepted by Old Trafford's coaching staff that some work was required in the weights room for De Gea to have the best chance of dealing with the more physical nature of English football.

His lack of bulk may be the reason why he opted against coming for Silva's teasing free-kick seven minutes before the break. Neither Vidic nor Rio Ferdinand got themselves in position to make a challenge and Lescott calmly flicked it into the corner.

It got even worse for United, and De Gea, in stoppage time.

Dzeko was given far too much room in midfield to decide what to do with James Milner's square pass and after advancing 10 yards, lashed a fine shot into the United net.

It was one of those that, on first viewing, appeared to be De Gea's fault. Replays showed there had been some movement as the ball flashed in, which made life harder for the Spain Under-21 international.

However, there was a degree of culpability and clearly, De Gea is on a steep learning curve, not just in his goalkeeping but also United's DNA.

Ferguson's response was to replace three of his most senior players - Vidic, Ferdinand and Michael Carrick - at the break and introduce a trio of youngsters in Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Tom Cleverley.

Within six minutes of the restart, Smalling had dragged the champions back into it, touching home Young's free-kick after Dzeko had completely failed to track his run.

Then came the equaliser, with Rooney, Nani and Cleverley opening City up with a devastating series of short passes before Nani beat Joe Hart with a delicate chip.

De Gea showed his raw talent by beating away a ferocious goalbound effort from Adam Johnson, then palming Richards' powerful header over.

The City duo were two of 14 Englishmen involved. The oldest member of United's second-half side was Young, at 26, during a spell following the departure of Patrice Evra and Dimitar Berbatov's introduction.

It was a taste of the future, with Cleverley in particular electrifying until he hooked an excellent chance over from eight yards.

The pity was it took a blunder to win it, Kompany failing to read Rooney's clearing punt, allowing Nani to rob him and charge forward, rounding Hart before tapping home.

Lukaku set to move to Chelsea

Chelsea have agreed a fee with Anderlect for the transfer of precocious Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku, who will complete a move to Stamford Bridge subject to him passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

Romelu Lukaku is set to become Chelsea's third summer signing
Lukaku, 18, has been linked with the Blues throughout the summer, but appears set to finally seal a switch to the three-time Premier League champions.

"An agreement has been reached with Anderlecht for the transfer to Chelsea of striker Romelu Lukaku," a statement on Chelsea's official website said. "The move is now subject to the player passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.''

Anderlecht also confirmed the news on their official wesbite: "RSC Anderlecht and Chelsea have reached an agreement regarding the transfer of Romelu Lukaku.

"Subject to the results of medical tests and the conclusion of negotiations between the player and the English club, Romelu Lukaku will therefore move into the colours of the London club.''

Anderlecht general manager Herman van Holsbeeck added: "We regret the departure of Romelu...but the agreement is a win-win situation for the player and RSC Anderlecht. The club's management is committed to finding a good replacement in the short term. We wish him every success for the rest of his career.''

The player posted a comment on Twitter which read: "I have an announcement to make...Next week I'm going to London for the medical tests.''

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is now closing in on the third signing of his reign, and admitted after Saturday's friendly against Rangers that a deal was close.

"He is a very interesting young prospect and the situation is now that we have to position ourselves to maybe get this kind of talent," Villas-Boas said. "So I would say that anything can happen.''

Lukaku scored 16 goals in 37 league appearances last season and already has two to his name in two games in the current campaign for the Brussels club.

Gunners trio suffer injury problems

Arsene Wenger is sweating on the fitness of Arsenal trio Robin van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen.

Van Persie sustained a painful-looking injury during Saturday night's 2-1 friendly match loss against Benfica, and received lengthy treatment following the knock. He did not enter the fray for the second half.

Wenger has revealed left-back Gibbs and centre-back Vermaelen have also picked up issues ahead of the club's Premier League opener against Newcastle next weekend. The Gunners then face Udinese in the Champions League before tackling Liverpool.

First asked about Van Persie, Wenger said: "It is an ankle problem, I don't know how bad it is. Gibbs has a muscular [thigh] problem and Vermaelen has a slight back problem."

Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere has been selected in Fabio Capello's England squad for Wednesday's friendly with the Netherlands, despite the youngster suffering an ankle injury at the Emirates Cup.

Wenger said: "They can include him as much as they want, he will not play [because of injury]."

Which part of Manchester is Sneijder heading to?

Inter Milan coach Gian Piero Gasperini was allusive when questioned about Wesley Sneijder's future, following a report that Manchester City are poised to sign the Netherlands international.

On Saturday, Gazzetta dello Sport ran a story claiming Manchester City were set to land Sneijder, 27, for a fee of €36 million despite the playmaker being heavily linked with their rivals Manchester United.

City have since played down the speculation, and now Gasperini has had his say. He said: "Wesley Sneijder? We'll see. I don't know. We'll think about it next week if there is this development."

Gasperini was speaking after Inter's 2-1 Italian Super Cup loss against AC Milan in Beijing. Sneijder had opened the scoring with a terrific free-kick only for goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kevin-Prince Boateng to turn the game on its head.

Barrios injury worse than feared

Borussia Dortmund have suffered a blow as they prepare to start the defence of their Bundesliga title on Friday by learning that striker Lucas Barrios will be sidelined for longer than first feared.

Barrios, a Paraguay international who has scored 35 goals in 65 Bundesliga appearances for the Westphalians, picked up a thigh injury while representing his country at the Copa America last month.

The initial diagnosis indicated a break of two to three weeks, but after returning to Germany at his club's request to undergo further tests, the true extent of the damage to his thigh has emerged.

''It is not a pretty story,'' reported Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp on his club's website. ''The tear to the muscle fibres is a lot larger than we were told. The injury is far worse than Paraguay's team doctor had told us.''

Barrios willingly accepted his club's request for him to return to Germany early since, according to Klopp, the player ''clearly did not feel he was being well looked after over there''.

''He is expected to be out for five to six weeks,'' added Klopp. ''This is very annoying and casts a shadow over our relationship with the Paraguayan Football Association.''

Klopp will now be without his top goalscorer from last season until mid-September, meaning he could also miss the club's first fixture in the Champions League.

Chelsea midfielder Yuri Zhirkov to move to Anzhi

Chelsea midfielder Yuri Zhirkov is set to complete a £13.2 million move to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

The Russian midfielder has already met up with Anzhi coach Gadzhi Gadzhiev as he looks to complete his move to the Russian Premier League outfit.

Russian giants Zenit, Dinamo Dynamo Moscow and Rubin Kazan were also keen, but the club from Makhachkala looks likely to win the race for the 27-year-old.

Anzhi defender Rasim Tagirbekov has revealed that Zhirkov is on the verge of joining the club.

“Yury is a great footballer. The team are very happy that he is coming to our club. It’s a very good signing for Anzhi. Zhirkov already had a chat with the head coach and almost all of the players,” Tagirbekov was quoted as saying.

Backed by the billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov, Anzhi have already signed Roberto Carlos, Mbark Boussoufa and Balasz Dzsudzsak among others, while the club also made formal bids for Santos star duo Neymar and Ganso.

Javier Pastore: I will be joining PSG

Javier Pastore has said he will be leaving Palermo to join Paris Saint-Germain once he has his medical with the French club.

Last week Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini revealed he had agreed to sell the 22-year-old Argentina international for a €43 million transfer fee.

And, speaking through his agent's official website, Dodici Corporation, Pastore said he is in the process of finalising his move to the Parc des Princes.

"You can say I am officially a PSG player, but I just need to have my medical and sort out other details. I am anxious to try this new adventure, PSG are a great club with great history," Pastore said.

Pastore is already eyeing trophies with his new club who recently signed former Palermo goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu as they reunite in Ligue 1.

And, speaking of Palermo and his Sicilian memoirs, Pastore said: "I have the best memories and I want to thank my former team-mates, the directors and the fans.

"I leave with happiness, but inside my heart there is a little sadness."

Pastore joined Palermo in 2009 from Huracan and he played 69 Serie A games during his time in Italy.

Sergio replaces Jefferies at Hearts

Hearts have appointed former Sporting Lisbon coach Paulo Sergio as their new manager.

Jim Jefferies was sacked on Monday with reports quickly emerging that Sergio was being lined up to take over at Tynecastle.

And the 43-year-old Portuguese who managed Sporting for six months last season, was duly appointed on Tuesday morning with the club confirming Jefferies has rejected an offer to become director of football.

Jefferies told the club's official website: "Even though I'm disappointed at leaving the club and everyone knows my strong connection to Hearts, I'd like to thank the club for the opportunity myself and Billy have had in the last 18 months.

"I also appreciate the offer to develop in a new role at Hearts, however it has perhaps come too soon and it might be something that I would consider at a later date.

"I want to wish the players and staff all the best for the forthcoming season and I'll certainly be hoping the boys can do the business on Thursday night.''

The Hearts players were reportedly told by much-maligned owner Vladimir Romanov on Monday that a manager "with European experience'' was needed at the club and they were due to report to Tynecastle on Tuesday to meet their new boss - whose Sporting side were knocked out of the Europa League in the last 32 by Rangers in February.

Romanov, whose seven-year tenure at Tynecastle is littered with managerial casualties including John Robertson, George Burley, Graham Rix, Valdas Ivanauskas and Anatoliy Korobochka, was at Tynecastle on Sunday to see Hearts lose 1-0 to Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League.

The Jambos are without a win since the 3-2 defeat of St Mirren on March 19 - a run of form which is reported to have influenced Romanov's decision.

However, Hearts started the season with a 1-1 draw against Rangers at Ibrox in the SPL and followed it up with a 1-1 draw against Paks in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier in Hungary.

Director Sergejus Fedotovas said: "We would like to thank Jim for his service to the club. He has supported us in our efforts to develop the team and the wider squad and we have enjoyed a good working relationship.

"The club did offer Jim another senior position but we understand his reasons for not accepting this and we wish him well for his future career beyond Hearts.''

Tottenham find Modric replacement

Tottenham are weighing up a move for Lyon midfielder Miralem Pjanic, as they prepare for life without Luka Modric.

The Croatian midfielder has already expressed his desire to leave the club and could do so by the end of the transfer window, but Harry Redknapp has already identified his replacement.

The experienced boss is pondering a £10 million move for Lyon playmaker Miralem Pjanic, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The Bosnian midfielder has failed to earn a regular starting place at Lyon and is widely looking to leave Gerland this summer.

The 21-year-old is, nevertheless, considered a great prospect for the future and already has a lot of experience for a player of his age.

Pjanic not only has a similar playing style to Luka Modric but is also of the same stature as the Croat, which is another reason why Redknapp believes he would be the perfect replacement for the 25-year-old.

Swansea agree Routledge fee

Swansea City are poised to clinch a £2 million move for Newcastle winger Wayne Routledge, while they are also closing on Middlesbrough frontman Leroy Lita.


Both players are expected to undergo medicals early next week and could feature in Wednesday's night's friendly with Celtic.

"The bottom line is that we need to have a good squad, and these two are players who are going to help us stay in the league," boss Brendan Rodgers said at Swansea's pre-season training camp in Austria. "They have both played in the Premier League before, they are both hungry to push on and they both have pace."

Lita, 26, made his name with Reading in the Premier League, while former England Under-21 man Routledge's career stalled after he was tipped for the top at Crystal Palace, when he failed to make the breakthrough at Spurs or Aston Villa.

Most recently he impressed on loan at QPR, but Newcastle have decided to cash in and spend the money elsewhere in their squad.

Sneijder snub City interest - await for a possible move to Old Trafford

Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder has reportedly snubbed Manchester City's interest in his services in favour of rivals United.

The Dutch playmaker has been linked with a move to Old Trafford throughout the transfer window with the clubs reportedly set to agree to a 27.5 million euros fee.

But rivals Manchester City also enquired about the midfielder, only to be told he was more interested in joining English Premier League champions United.

"City were also put off by Inter's asking price, which is also a problem for United because of his salary expectations."

"United have told Inter they will pay 27.5 million euros for Sneijder. Inter have said they want 40 million euros, although they could be willing to sell for 35 million euros."

Talks have stalled between the parties but it is likely a deal will be reached with new Inter coach Gian Piero Gasperini no longer considering Sneijder indispensable.

If Sneijder makes the move, Inter are likely to make a bid for want-away Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez.

The Argentine's representative, Kia Joorabchian, was reportedly in Milan on Thursday to speak with Inter officials.

Sporting Lisbon signs Grenoble's Atila Turan

Sporting Lisbon has completed the signing of Grenoble left-back Atila Turan, the Portuguese club has announced.

The France Under-19 international reportedly joins Sporting on a free transfer following a wage dispute with Grenoble.

Turan has penned a five-year contract which will keep him at the Estadio de Alvalade until the summer of 2016, with a 30 million euro buy-out clause inserted into the deal.

At his official presentation, Turan praised Sporting's project and the products of the club's youth ranks.

"I know that [Luis] Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo played here. I know [coach] Domingos, who was the coach of Sporting Braga and he is very competent," Turan said. "I had other offers, but I was enthusiastic with Sporting's proposal from the start."

Turan has now become the 13th summer signing made by Sporting.

Sabella named new Argentina coach

Alejandro Sabella was appointed Argentina coach following the removal of Sergio Batista
Sabella, 56, coached Estudiantes to the Copa Libertadores and had been due to take charge of Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates before Batista's exit, which was prompted by a disappointing Copa America showing.

Jose Luis Meiszner, the general secretary of the Argentine Football Association, told Telam: "The decision has been taken. Sabella is the choice."

Sabella will be instructed to make a success of one of world football's most talented squads, where he will be able to pick from the likes of Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Aguero, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria, amongst others.

Eagles and Mears join Bolton

Bolton have completed the signings of Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears from Burnley.
Owen Coyle worked with Chris Eagles and Tyrone Mears at Turf Moor

Midfielder Eagles, 25, and defender Mears, 28, have both agreed three-year contracts.

"Both Chris and Tyrone are top players and have shown that they have the ability to compete successfully at the highest level," Owen Coyle said. "I have worked with them both before and know what they will bring to the club in terms of character and commitment and along with Nigel Reo-Coker, we have added real quality to the squad."

The pair become Coyle's third and fourth signings of the summer after the arrivals of Darren Pratley and Reo-Coker.

"I know that it is a good squad so the challenge for me will be to work hard and then look to contribute," Eagles said. "I am an attacking midfielder and I will certainly be looking to chip in with some goals."

Mears added: "I'm really looking forward to working with a manager I've worked with before and playing in the Premier League. From the outside looking in, this has seemed like it is a club going in the right direction.

"It wasn't a difficult decision at all. I know exactly what the manager expects from his players and I'm more than ready for it."

Jurgen Klinsmann replace Bob Bradley as the US coach

Jurgen Klinsmann was hired by the United States Soccer Federation to be the next coach of the men’s national team on Friday. Goal.com reported yesterday that the former Germany boss was the favorite for the position and Gulati was finally able to reach an agreement with the 46-year-old coach.

“We are excited to have Jürgen as the head coach of our Men’s National Team,” said Gulati. “He is a highly accomplished player and coach with the experience and knowledge to advance the program. Jürgen has had success in many different areas of the game and we look forward to the leadership he will provide on and off the field.” 

A resident of the United States, Klinsmann has been passionate about the growth of soccer within the country. He has a good relationship with U.S. star Landon Donovan and has been working as a consultant for Major League Soccer club Toronto FC. He is excited to finally have the opportunity.

“I am proud and honored to be named the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team,” said Klinsmann. “I would like to thank the U.S. Soccer Federation for the opportunity, and I’m excited about the challenge ahead. I am looking forward to bringing the team together for our upcoming match against Mexico and starting on the road toward qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.”

The USSF announced that Klinsmann will have his first press conference as head coach on Aug. 1 in New York. His first game will be against Mexico in a friendly in Philadelphia on Aug. 10.

Sporting move for £9m Bendtner

Nicklas Bendtner is set for a fresh start away from Arsenal as the Denmark striker closes in on a £9million move to Sporting Lisbon.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger last week revealed the 23-year-old had been given permission to miss the friendly against Cologne and training camp in Germany "to sort out his future".

Bendtner, pushed further down the pecking order following the £11million arrival of Ivory Coast forward Gervinho, was photographed in Portugal and is expected to push through the formalities of his move over the weekend.

Two other Arsenal players who look set to miss the Emirates Cup - which will see former Gunners striker Thierry Henry return to the club with New York Red Bulls - are captain Cesc Fabregas and England winger Theo Walcott who is injured.

Fabregas, who remains the subject of a £30million transfer bid by Barcelona, has not featured at all during pre-season, training with the youth squad this week as he works on a hamstring injury, which, officially at least, has been the reason for his extended absence.

With Bendtner's departure set to follow that of long-serving defender Gael Clichy, Wenger is likely to quickly reinvest those transfer funds, which could be boosted by a further £4million should Emmanuel Eboue join Galatasaray.

Valencia's Juan Mata has long been on the Arsenal manager's radar, and his £15million signature would go some way to offsetting the impending departure of Fabregas, as well as guarding against the uncertain future of contract rebel Samir Nasri.

But Valencia claim they do not intend to sell and say the player is happy at Mestalla.

Lita: Boro striker set for Swansea switch

Leroy Lita is set to complete a move to Swansea after they agreed a fee of around £1.75million with Middlesbrough for his services.

The two clubs have agreed a deal for the former Reading striker, who will meet Swans' officials on Wednesday to discuss personal terms.

The 26-year-old has just 12 months remaining on his contract at the Riverside Stadium, where he's scored 20 goals in almost 80 appearances.

But, speaking to The Northern Echo, Boro manager Tony Mowbray said there's a long way to go before the move is finalised.

He said: "Leroy was going to see what was on offer. It's not cut and dried, not at all. We have agreed a fee with Swansea. It doesn't mean much

"I've had a good chat with him. He has a chance to play in the Premier League and good on him. His talent has earned him that chance. If he comes back then I'm sure he will work hard to get in this team."

£70million bid for Brazilian striker Hulk Rejected

Porto have rejected a staggering £70million bid for Brazilian striker Hulk from an undisclosed club, according to his agent.

Several European giants are thought to be in the market for the 24-year-old, with Manchester City, Chelsea and AC Milan among the teams to be linked.

However Hulk, who signed a five-year extension on his deal with treble-winning Porto in May, has a £89.5million release clause.

The player has continually stressed his intention to remain at the Estadio do Dragao and his agent, Teodoro Fonseca, claims Porto snubbed the offer without leaving room for any negotiation.

Fonseca refused to be drawn on which club had tried to lure Hulk away.

He added: "I cannot reveal that. But it is not hard to see because there are only three or four clubs who are able to present those kind of numbers for a player."

The appointment of former Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas as manager at Chelsea has fuelled speculation that Hulk is poised for a move to Stamford Bridge.

Partizan Belgrade midfielder Radosav Petrovic to move to Blackburn

The 22-year-old looked destined to join the Eredivisie side this summer having passed a medical in Arnhem, while a reported £2.7million transfer fee had been agreed.

However, negotiations over a potential five-year contract collapsed, opening the door for Rovers to make their move.

Vitesse technical director Ted van Leeuwen admits the Dutch club now look likely to miss out on the youngster's signature, with Steve Kean's side close to completing a deal after reportedly tabling an offer.

He told Omroep Gelderland: "It looks like a deal will be made (with Blackburn), so it will be hard for us."

Petrovic, capped 18 times for Serbia, has established himself as a key player in Belgrade since his 2008 arrival.

He would mark Rovers' first signing of the summer, with the Lancashire side having failed to strike in the transfer market so far.

Udinese signs Brazilian defender Neuton from Gremio

Udinese has announced the signing of Brazilian defender Neuton, who joins from Gremio on a five-year contract.

The 21-year-old has impressed in his homeland in the past two seasons, and the Italian side has been keeping tabs on his progress.

The news was revealed on the club's official website, but no transfer fee has been disclosed as yet.

"Udinese can announce that it has acquired outright the rights of the defender Sergio Piccoli Neuton from Brazilian [side] Gremio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense. The player has signed an agreement with I Bianconeri for five years," the statement read.

The Erechim born man will add versatility and strength in depth to Francesco Guidolin's backline, as he can play at either center back or on the left, and he does not qualify as one of the outfit's non-EU players, as he holds an Italian passport.

The new addition to the team will be unveiled in a press conference later on Wednesday.

Emmanuel-Thomas has signed for Ipswich Town from Arsenal

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has signed for Ipswich Town from Arsenal for a fee thought to be worth around £1 million.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas spent time on loan at Cardiff last season
Emmanuel-Thomas was the captain of Arsenal's 2009 FA Youth Cup-winning side, but he only featured for the first team on five occasions and decided it was time to start playing first-team football.

"Obviously it came to the stage in my career at Arsenal where I needed to be playing games," he said. "I had a good time at Arsenal and I'm going to miss all the boys but my future is about me and I needed to move on.

"I was impressed with what Paul Jewell had to say. My goal is to play in the Premier League with Ipswich."

Emmanuel-Thomas, who tends to play either as a striker or on the wing, already has experience of Championship football, having previously featured on loan for Cardiff City.

Atalanta, Chievo Verona face match fixing probe

Chievo Verona and Atalanta of the Serie A are among 18 clubs named on suspicion of match-fixing, the Italian football federation FIGC said on Tuesday.

Twenty-six players and officials, including former Italy player Giuseppe Signori and Atalanta captain Cristiano Doni, have also been mentioned in a report by FIGC prosecutor Stefano Palazzi.

Three Serie B teams - Ascoli, Hellas Verona and Sassuolo - 11 Pro League teams - Alexandria, Cremonese, Benevento, Ravenna, Virtus Entella, Piacenza, Esperia Viareggio, Portogruaro, Taranto, Spezia and Reggiana - and two amateur sides - Cus Chieti and Pino Di Matteo - will also be called before the prosecutor at the hearings starting early next month.

The FIGC probe is related to a criminal investigation into match-fixing/betting which at first centred on the lower leagues but now concerns 60 games in the top three divisions.

Sixteen people, including Signori, who protests in innocence, were arrested two months ago. They are suspected to have formed an organised system featuring former and current players, sports betting operators and others which manipulated games to rake in large sums from betting on the games.

The Italian authorities are so far believed to have identified 18 suspicious matches, including one Serie A encounter between Inter Milan and Lecce, and made a total of 16 arrests.

Last season's Serie B clash between Piacenza and Atalanta - who subsequently secured promotion to the top flight - has also come under scrutiny following reports of irregular betting patterns.

According to the Italian news agency ANSA, Atalanta risks demotion and club captain Doni faces a three-year ban if the allegations are proven.

Signori, 43, was among those arrested on June 1 amid claims by prosecutors that the 16 had been involved in manipulating results of matches in Serie B and lower leagues.

Italian football was last gripped by match-fixing allegations in 2006, when the Calciopoli affair saw Juventus stripped of two Scudettos and relegated to Serie B after being found guilty of trying to influence referee selection.