Transfer Updates

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All the latest transfer news....updates

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Manchester City have agreed a deal with Blackburn to buy striker Roque Santa Cruz, BBC Sport understands.

The Paraguay international was the subject of a number of bids from City in January but Rovers boss Sam Allardyce refused to sell Santa Cruz.

The 27-year-old's buy-out clause in his contract is as high as £18m.

Santa Cruz, who was under contract with Blackburn until 2012, missed the end of the season with a knee injury and has made no secret of his desire to leave.

If the deal goes through, it would be City's second signing of the summer, following Gareth Barry's £18m move from Aston Villa.

After joining from Bundesliga side Bayern Munich for £3.8m in 2007, Santa Cruz went on to make 70 appearances for Rovers, scoring 29 goals.

But he scored just six goals last season in a disjointed campaign, with the knee keeping him on the sidelines for the last two months.

The transfer allows Santa Cruz to link up again with City boss Mark Hughes, who bought the Paraguayan from Bayern when he was Blackburn manager before his switch to Eastlands.

However, the pair are set to make a swift return to Ewood Park - with City's first game of the new season away at Blackburn.

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Arsenal have completed the signing of Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax in a deal worth up to £10m.

The 23-year-old centre-back is a regular at international level and made his debut for Belgium in March 2006.

"Thomas is a great signing for Arsenal and we are all delighted that he is joining us," Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told the club's website.

"He is a solid performer with good experience of Champions League and Uefa Cup football."

Vermaelen made his debut for Ajax at the age of 18 and made 143 appearances for the side as he worked his way up to become club captain.

"Firstly, I have to say that I'm sad to be leaving Ajax and I would just like to thank everyone for their help and friendship towards me over the past eight years," he said.

"I'm just so happy to be joining Arsenal. This is a great club with a world-class manager, high-quality players and a fantastic stadium.

"Everything is set up for Arsenal to be very successful for years to come.

"I have had a good taste of the Champions League during my time with Ajax and this is something I am looking forward to experiencing again with Arsenal.

"I'm also looking forward to playing in the English Premier League, which for me, is the best league in the world. Also, I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season."

The defender won the Dutch league in 2004 but leaves Ajax after a disappointing campaign that saw his side finish third in the Eredivisie and out of the Champions League qualifying places.

Since making his international debut in a 2-0 win away to Luxembourg in March 2006, Vermaelen has made 21 appearances for Belgium.

His signing comes after manager Arsene Wenger admitted in a shareholders meeting in May that his side must shore up their defence if they are to close an 18-point gap between themselves and the top of the league.

"In the passing quality in the final third and in the opposition half, we are as good as Manchester United," he said.

"We have conceded more goals and that is where the difference lies; we have conceded 36, they have conceded 24."

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Manchester United have confirmed that Carlos Tevez is leaving the club.

United were willing to pay the £25.5m to turn the striker's two-year loan move into a permanent five-year deal but Tevez, 25, has decided to move on.

"Disappointingly, his advisors informed the club that he does not wish to continue playing for Manchester United," read a United statement.

"The club thanks Carlos for his services over the last two seasons and wishes him good luck for the future."

Tevez became a crowd favourite during his time at the Old Trafford club and helped the side win the last two Premier League titles as well as the 2008 Champions League trophy.

But he has joined Cristiano Ronaldo in wanting to exit the club, with his final appearance being as a substitute in United's loss to Barcelona in the 2009 Champions League final.

United said they were willing to make Tevez "one of its highest paid players" but were told by the Argentine's advisors, who own the player's economic rights, that he would not be accepting the offer of their deal.

Manchester City are now favourites to sign him but he has also been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool.

City's financial clout makes them the frontrunners as their manager Mark Hughes tries to put together a squad capable of challenging the top four of United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Tevez scored 15 goals last season but was frustrated at continually finding himself on the bench for key games and was wary of the issue ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Despite the affection of United's fans, he has reportedly complained of a lack of respect from the club and his treatment at their hands.

Tevez's adviser Kia Joorabchian recently explained that United's failure to sign his client up permanently last summer and in January 2009 were behind Tevez's complaints.

His departure now leaves United manager Sir Alex Ferguson without two of his most influential players of recent seasons.

Wigan midfielder Antonio Valencia has been linked with a move to United as the club try to replace the duo.

[TWINKSIE]

Nice thread......tevez leaving....i think tevez is a talented player...

[skhan]

Manchester City have signed Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn on a four-year deal after the striker passed a medical.

The 27-year-old was under contract with Blackburn until 2012 but had a buy-out clause in his contract for £18m.

Santa Cruz will link up once more with manager Mark Hughes, who bought him from Bayern Munich when he was in charge at Blackburn two years ago.

The Paraguayan said: "It's been close to happening for a while. Now I can focus on doing my best for the club."

He scored 23 goals in his first season at Blackburn, but injury stalled his progress in the 2008-09 campaign.

Santa Cruz, who scored just six goals last season, signed a four-year contract extension at Ewood Park last summer.

But he became a target for City after their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United group, with a series of offers rejected in the January transfer window.

Santa Cruz told the club's website: "The owners want the club to be more successful. They want to break into the top four, and the fact that the fans are so passionate about everything to do with City was also a factor. I am very motivated to play for these fans.

"I know the kind of football Mark Hughes wants to play and the kind of character he is - he's a winner, he wants to make things happen and be successful.

"Those are always my thoughts as well, so knowing what he wants was a big factor in coming here, because I know the club is going in the right direction."

Hughes said that Santa Cruz would be a key addition to his squad. He added: "His ability in the air and his physical presence are qualities we've been missing, but he also has technical ability and good pace for a big man.

"He's a very good player and one I know well from our time at Blackburn."

The deal is City's second signing of the summer, following Gareth Barry's £12m move from Aston Villa.

After joining from Bundesliga side Bayern Munich for £3.8m in 2007, Santa Cruz went on to make 70 appearances for Rovers.

But he only played 16 times last season in a disjointed campaign, with a knee problem keeping him on the sidelines for the last two months.

Santa Cruz could make a swift return to Ewood Park, with City's first game of the new season at Blackburn.

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West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has made Inter Milan striker Luis Jimenez his first signing of the summer.

The Chilean, 25, joins the Hammers on a season-long loan with a view to a possible permanent move.

Jimenez, nicknamed the Wizard, will officially join the Premier League club on 1 July pending a successful medical.

"I can't promise anything but I am going to everything possible to do a good job for the club," Jimenez told West Ham's website.

Jimenez has won 20 international caps, but last played for his country in March 2008 as he concentrated on winning a place in Inter's attack.

Although this meant he failed to meet the necessary quota of international appearances to pass work permit rules, the case put forward by the Hammers - with the support of Inter manager Jose Mourinho - to the Football Association secured his switch.

Jimenez made his name in Italy at Serie B side Ternana, where he scored 25 goals in 88 league appearances between 2002 and 2007.

Short spells at Fiorentina and Lazio followed before a loan spell at the Nerazzurri was made permanent in the summer of 2008.

Jimenez will have to prove himself in a Hammers front line that already includes Carlton Cole, Dean Ashton, Savio Nsereko and Diego Tristan if he is to extend his stay at Upton Park.

Manager Gianfranco Zola has converted last season's loan signings of defender Herita Ilunga and goalkeeper Peter Kurucz into permanent deals.

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England right-back Glen Johnson has signed a four-year deal with Liverpool after completing a reported £17.5m move from Portsmouth.

The 24-year-old becomes manager Rafael Benitez's first summer signing after the Reds boss beat off competition from Chelsea and Manchester City.

Benitez said: "Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more.

"You can't compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money."

It is understood Pompey still owe Liverpool £7m from the deal that saw them buy striker Peter Crouch last summer, and that is believed to have helped finance Johnson's transfer.

Johnson had limited first-team chances at Chelsea in his spell there, but established himself in the England team after his move to Portsmouth in 2007.

Portsmouth paid £4m for Johnson, who emerged as Benitez's prime target after having an outstanding season at Fratton Park last season.

"It was down to the player whether he chose us or City or Chelsea and he chose us," Benitez told the Liverpool website. "It was very clear from talking to him that he wanted to play for Liverpool.

"He was important at Chelsea and in the last year at Portsmouth he has improved and is much better.

"One of the main things is his mentality - it's really good. He is a winner. I was impressed with the conversations I had with him. He wants to improve."

Johnson signed a new four-year deal at Portsmouth in January, but club officials accepted they could not stand in his way if he was offered the opportunity to move to a club playing in the Champions League.

"We were thinking about bringing in players with quality - that's the first thing," added Benitez.

"He is also English and that is important for the Champions League list. We were thinking about improving the team and Johnson is a very good player who will do that."

Johnson's arrival could now signal the departure of Spanish right-back Alvaro Arbeloa, with Real Madrid being linked with an £8m bid for the 26-year-old.

"Arbeloa was a good player for us last year," said Benitez.

"The thing is, he has one year left on his contract. We have offered him an extension and we're talking.

"He is our player but if there is a good offer we have to consider it. We have two or three clubs asking about him. He would like to stay but he knows the competition will be hard."

He added: "We could buy one more player without selling anyone. We now have to wait."

Italian left-back Andrea Dossena could also leave Anfield, while Reds midfielder Sebastien Leto is on the verge of a move to Greek side Panathinaikos.

The Argentine, who joined Liverpool from Lanus for around £2m in 2007, was on loan at Olympiacos last season, but he has grown impatient waiting for them to make their move.

"I think that the possibilities to play at Panathinaikos next season right now are more than 90%," said the winger.

"I have been waiting for something from Olympiacos all these weeks but they didn't make a move to buy me so far."

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Cristiano Ronaldo will complete his world record £80m move from Manchester United to Real Madrid on 1 July after agreeing a six-year deal.

United, who accepted Real's offer for the 24-year-old winger on 11 June, confirmed on their website that the transfer had been finalised.

A statement on Real's website read: "The player will be tied to Real Madrid for the next six seasons.

"He will be presented on 6 July at the Santiago Bernabeu."

Ronaldo was on holiday in the United States at the time the offer was made by Real, on 10 June.

During that time, United stated that the decision came at the Portugal international's request after he "again expressed his desire to leave".

The Old Trafford club said the offer was unconditional and wanted the matter to be concluded by 30 June.

The addition of Ronaldo to the Real ranks is part of a remarkable spending spree by the Spanish giants since Florentino Perez returned as club president on 1 June.

He brought in Brazil playmaker Kaka for a then-world record £56m, then Ronaldo for £80m before signing centre-back Raul Albiol from Valencia for £12m, to bring Real's total summer spend, so far, to £148m.

Perez appointed Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini as Real's new coach, and had previously made it clear he would do "everything possible" to sign Ronaldo.

Reports have suggested that the midfielder will earn about £11m per year, which will make him the highest paid footballer in the world. He was on about £6.38m at Old Trafford.

The current top earner is understood to be Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is on about £10m per year.Ronaldo joined United in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon for £12.2m, but was strongly linked with a move to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2008.

United lodged a complaint with world governing body Fifa last June over what they believed was a deliberate attempt by Real to unsettle the winger.

After a long, drawn-out saga that ran through the summer months, the Portugal international insisted he was happy at Old Trafford and remained at United for the 2008-2009 season.

And despite Ronaldo's claim that he wanted to remain at Old Trafford, he was the subject of constant speculation during the 2008-2009 season and often issued mixed messages about his future.

It took time for Ronaldo to find his best form after arriving in England but he became a pivotal player for United, who have won the last three Premier League titles.

In 2007-08, he scored 42 goals, which topped the previous club record for a midfielder held by George Best, and was on the score sheet as United defeated Chelsea in the Champions League final.

His form through 2008 saw him named Fifa World Player of the Year in January, just a month after he won the Ballon d'Or as the European Player of the Year.

Ronaldo was the top scorer for his club last season, with 26 goals, taking his total for United to 118 in 292 appearances.

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Manchester United have signed Wigan Athletic winger Antonio Valencia on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old Ecuador international is manager Sir Alex Ferguson's first signing since Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in a £80m transfer.

"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan," said Ferguson.

Valencia's transfer is reported to have cost United as much as £16m.

"I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team," added Ferguson.

United have been in contact with Wigan over a deal for Valencia over the last "two to three months", according to Latics chairman Dave Whelan.

"I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here," said Valencia, who scored three goals for Wigan last season.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started."

Valencia has played 34 times for Ecuador, scoring four goals.

"I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me," said Valencia, who will be 24 next month.

"I am happy that the club has benefited from the move financially because I owe them such a lot. I have had a great time here."

Valencia's transfer is a club record for Wigan, but his departure leaves new Latics manager Roberto Martinez with the task of finding a suitable replacement.

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Michael Owen has completed his surprise move to Manchester United after the free agent signed a two-year deal with the Premier League champions.

The 29-year-old ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker's contract with Newcastle ended earlier this week.

"Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level," said United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Owen had also been linked with Everton, Aston Villa, Stoke and Hull.

But instead he becomes United's second summer signing after the recent addition of Antonio Valencia from Wigan.

"Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish," added Ferguson.

Owen said United's interest in him came as a surprise, adding: "I had just begun to talk to other clubs when out of the blue Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon, invited me to have breakfast with him next morning during which he told me that he wanted to sign me.

"I agreed without a moment's thought. This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands.

"I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here.

"I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I will be starting from day one.

"I'd like to think that everyone was quite surprised with my medical.

"I've obviously passed them before, and my fitness is high. A lot is made out of it but I certainly don't feel like I'm injury prone.

"I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances."

Owen had checks on an old knee injury in London on Thursday before undergoing a full medical at the private Bridgewater Hospital in Manchester on Friday.

He has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, suffering with groin, ankle, thigh, hernia, metatarsal and knee ligament problems.

The 2001 European footballer of the year has dropped out of the England squad, but a move to United gives Owen the chance to revitalise his career, even if it involved accepting a lower basic salary.


It was reported by the Press Association that Ferguson has struck a pay-as-you-play deal, with the player also taking a significant salary cut from the £110,000-a-week wages he was said to be on at St James' Park.

Ferguson has been a long time admirer of Michael Owen and has decided to gamble on the striker who has proven himself a prolific scorer at both club and international level when fit.

Since losing the Champions League final to Barcelona at the end of May, Manchester United have sold forward Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80m and failed to persuade striker Carlos Tevez to stay at Old Trafford.

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Manchester City have completed the signing of ex-Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez on a five-year deal.

The Argentine, 25, left Old Trafford last month after rejecting their offer of turning his loan spell with them into a permanent switch.

City are believed to have paid Tevez's advisors, who owned his economic rights, £25.5m to sign him.

"City showed me their ambition to be one of the biggest clubs in the world and I was happy to join," said Tevez.

Tevez was mobbed by joyous City fans on his arrival at Eastlands.

"It's terrific news," said City boss Mark Hughes. "He's an international of the highest class who possesses all the attributes to help drive us forward.

"This is yet another deal that shows the commitment of the owner to make this club the very best it can be.

Tevez, who will wear the number 32 shirt at Eastlands, spent a season with West Ham before joining Manchester United on an extended loan deal in 2007.

His move to Old Trafford ended a long-running saga following complications with West Ham's registration of the player.

The Premier League has ratified all the paperwork regarding his move to Eastlands having been assured City have sole registration of the striker.

"Money was not the most important thing about my move," continued Tevez.

"I have a coach who wants me and a good fan-base and environment around me. I'm excited about working with Mark Hughes and building a good relationship with him."

Tevez, the only player to win the South American player of the year award three seasons running, won the Olympic gold medal with Argentina in Athens in 2004.

He helped United win successive Premier League titles, becoming a crowd favourite as he scored 34 goals in 99 league and cup starts, and has now targeted helping bring the title to Eastlands.

"The objective is to win the league, that is what we have talked about and I'm here to make my contribution to the cause on a daily basis," he said.

"I'm here to win things and I make that pledge now to my team-mates and our fans.

"I will give everything to help City become one of the biggest and most important clubs in England - and win some trophies.

"But it is very important to remember that I am just one more player to add to the strength of the squad, one more player working with the coach and my new team-mates to help us win trophies for City."

Tevez will become one of a select band to have joined both Manchester clubs and he could re-visit his former club at the Old Trafford derby on 19 September.

"He is not only outstanding technically but he is a reliable goal scorer and someone who will contribute fully to the team ethic," Hughes added.
"He gives us another exciting, attacking dimension."

Tevez scored 15 goals last season but was often on the bench for key games and was wary of not getting enough first-team football ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

However, he rejected suggestions that he had been given guarantees of first-team football at City.

"This will be a very challenging season for me," he said. "I have no assurances about my place and must win the respect of my team-mates as I fight to be first choice.

"Then it is the World Cup next summer. I will work hard to achieve these goals."

Manchester City's summer spending so far has seen them sign striker Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn for £18m and Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry for £12m.

[TWINKSIE]

why barca is not signing villaaaaaaaa????????????????????......and they r leaving eto.. :((((((....wat a pity!

[skhan]

why barca is not signing villaaaaaaaa????????????????????......and they r leaving eto.. :((((((....wat a pity!

i don't think they will sign villa now, becuause they have signed ibrahimovic
and etoo has joined inter milan