Latest Transfer News

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Foxes complete Whitbread deal

Former Reds youngster signs two-year contract
Last Updated: July 24, 2012 11:59am

Zak Whitbread: Has signed a two-year deal with Leicester after leaving Norwich at the end of last season


Leicester City have confirmed the signing of defender Zak Whitbread on a two-year deal.
The 28-year-old was available on a free transfer after leaving Norwich at the end of last season following the expiration of his contract.
The Texas-born defender began his career at Liverpool

in 2003 before spending four years at Millwall

prior to a move to Carrow Road in 2010.
He was part of the Canaries side that won promotion to the Premier League in 2011 but struggled for first-team opportunities in the top flight last season.


He becomes Foxes boss Nigel Pearson's fifth signing of the summer, following Marko Futacs, Jamie Vardy, Matty James and Ritchie De Laet into the King Power Stadium.
"Zak is a player of great quality that will add a huge amount of experience to the squad; I'm delighted we've been able to bring him here," Pearson told the club's official website.


"He will be a great character to have as part of the group and, having only won promotion from the Championship a little over a year ago with Norwich, he knows exactly what it takes to get out of this division.
"We're really pleased with the business we have been able to do so far this summer, we have made some valuable additions to the squad and Zak certainly falls into that category."

 

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Kelly signs new Fulham deal

Ireland international delighted to extend stay with Cottagers
Last Updated: July 24, 2012 5:12pm

Stephen Kelly: Fulham defender has established himself as first choice right-back for Martin Jol


Stephen Kelly has signed a two-year contract extension with Fulham after establishing himself under Martin Jol at Craven Cottage.

The full-back was a peripheral figure under Roy Hodgson

and Mark Hughes

after moving to the West London club in 2009, but he was a regular selection for the Dutchman in his first season in charge.


The 28-year-old was keen to stay by the Thames, and after an extended break following his involvement with Republic of Ireland

at Euro 2012, he has inked in the deal that sees him commit to Fulham

until 2014.
"I'm delighted that it's sorted now and I can hopefully continue on from last year," Kelly

told the club's official website.
Fantastic

"It was a really good end to the season with the way we finished off, the way we were playing and I just hope we can continue on with that again.
"Last season was fantastic for me, playing pretty much every game from Christmas onwards and to cement myself as the number one right-back was great and hopefully I can continue on with that this season.
"To sign another contract here is fantastic.
"I'm delighted to be staying at the club and I just want to carry on with the progression I've made over the last year or so."

 

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Lampard keen to continue

Midfielder wants new Chelsea deal and still has England ambitions
Last Updated: July 26, 2012 8:55am

Frank Lampard: Wants to sign a new deal at Chelsea


Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard wants to keep playing for club and country as long as he can contribute.
After 11 years with the Blues,

the 34-year-old has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge with his contract due to expire next summer.
But the midfielder is hoping to secure a new deal at Chelsea

- even though he accepts his situation at the club has changed now he is coming towards the end of his career.


"I've had a great time playing for Chelsea and I hope I can prolong it," said Lampard.

"In an ideal world I'd finish here and keep giving what I have given over the past 10 years.
"I'm ready to sit down and talk to Chelsea whenever they want to but it's not the same as when you are 25.
"Then they come to you or you knock the door down with a couple of years to go to extend it. When you get into your thirties you accept it's not that way any more.
Experience

"Chelsea will always be my club regardless of what happens now in terms of my playing days. I'd love to be able to offer the hand of experience and just be a presence there.
"I'm ready to sit down and talk to Chelsea whenever they want to but it's not the same as when you are 25. Then they come to you or you knock the door down with a couple of years to go to extend it. When you get into your thirties you accept it's not that way any more."
Frank Lampard Quotes of the week
"But, in playing terms, I do need to feel I can do it. I wouldn't be fulfilled if I wasn't."
Lampard missed England's Euro 2012 campaign through injury and will turn 36 during the next major tournament, but he has no plans to retire from international football just yet.


"I'm very keen to continue playing for England," he added. "I'm not a person who wants to retire at an early age.
"If I don't play for my country any more, it will only be because they don't pick me or I can no longer give what I want to give in an England shirt. And I don't feel that yet.
"The minute I feel I can't contribute I will go. There will be no ego thing of trying to hang around for more caps.
Milestone

"At the moment I have 90 and I would love to go on and make it to 100. But I wouldn't want to be there as a charity case and they're rolling me out just to get to some milestone.
"I only want 100 if I deserve it. That's an amazing achievement for anyone, as it means you've played at the highest level for a very long time.
"I'd be very proud if I got there and my dad and my family would be even prouder. That would be the nicest thing for me.
"But I'm already very proud of what I've done for England. I've played 90 games and if I didn't play another I'd still be happy with that.
"Missing the Euros was a huge disappointment at the time. I came into the squad off the back of our Champions League final win and was really bouncing with excitement.


"But I suffered a thigh injury on the second day of training and was devastated when I knew I was going to miss the Championships.
"It was frustrating to watch the tournament and see us get knocked out by Italy.
"Yet maybe it has put something in the bank for me in terms of resting my legs through the summer, something I don't normally get."

 

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Arteta praises Cazorla quality

Arsenal boss agrees and Wenger vows to keep on spending
Last Updated: July 26, 2012 8:30am

Mikel Arteta: A big fan of Arsenal target Santi Cazorla


Mike Arteta has hailed the 'unbelievable quality' of Santi Cazorla amid speculation linking the Malaga midfielder with an Arsenal move.
The Gunners are believed to be close to securing a £16million deal for the Spain international,who has been part of La Furia Roja's European Championship successes of 2008 and 2012.
"I know him as a player really well and he's a top, top player. He has got unbelievable quality and talent."
Mikel Arteta on Santi Cazorla Quotes of the week

And his compatriot Arteta cannot hide his excitement at the prospect of linking up with the 27-year-old star.
The former Everton midfielder said: "I cannot talk about the actual situation but I can say that I know him as a player really well.
"And he's a top, top player. He has got unbelievable quality and talent and that is all I can say."
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger agreed with that assessment and confirmed his intention to continue spending this summer.
"I share the opinion of Mikel Arteta. Cazorla is a great player," said Wenger.
"We bought Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski but we are not at the end of the transfers. We will still bring players in."

 

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Kompany signs long-term deal

Six-year deal for City skipper and he is looking for more titles
Last Updated: July 26, 2012 8:21am

Vincent Kompany: Believes he thrives on the responsibility of leading City and has committed his long-term future to the club


Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has signed a new six-year contract with the Premier League champions.
The Belgium international defender helped guide the club to their first title in 44 years and has been rewarded with the longest deal in the club's recent history.
The 26-year-old was signed by Mark Hughes

from Hamburg

in August 2008 and has seen the transformation of City into one of the most high-profile clubs in European football.


And Kompany

sees no reason to end the adventure now.
"For me if you are good somewhere then there is no reason to look elsewhere," he told the club's official website.

"Man City as a project is not just a project of the owners or the people employed by the club; it is also my project.
"I have been here since the beginning and I have seen everything at the club change inside and out.
"I have the feeling that I have contributed to it too. It is good to know that I can be at City for another six years. It is a compliment that the club feels so highly of me.


"Hopefully in the future I will have a bigger impact than I already have. I am good here. The fans have given me an incredible reception which is one of the main reasons that I signed this new deal.
"My family is happy and there are so many more trophies to win at this club that is why it makes it so special.
"I take it with great pride that I have been chosen to be captain and lead this team. Especially in England, more than other competitions, being the captain has got a lot more responsibility involved with it.
Responsibility

"I thrive on responsibility the more I get the more I perform. I am at the right club because I have built something here already.
"I have never denied that this can sometimes be the hardest team in the league of which to be captain, but like I said I am all about responsibility and challenge.
"This Man City project was probably one of the most difficult projects in Europe to be part of and so far we have all done a good job even though a lot of people said it wasn't going to happen so quickly.


"I like the kind of characters that we have in our team. I like the challenges we have ahead of us. Now is the time to build the culture of winning we are in the right time; we are in the right moment.
"We have laid the foundations and now we want to win more. If we do that then we can be one of the most successful clubs for a long time to come and that is the aim.
"I can't wait to get started again. I am really excited about the season ahead."

 

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Lille sign full-back Sidibe

New arrival could push through Toon deal for Debuchy

Djibril Sidibe: Has penned a five-year deal with Lille


Lille have completed the signing of Troyes full-back Djibril Sidibe, which could pave the way for Mathieu Debuchy to join Newcastle.
The 19-year-old has been at Troyes

his entire career, having joined as an eight-year old in 2000.
Since making his first-team debut in 2010, the full-back has earned France Under-20 recognition and played his part in the club's promotion from Ligue 2 last season.
Lille

have acted quickly to snap up the highly-rated full-back on a five-year contract, which places the future of fellow full-back Debuchy in doubt.


Newcastle

have been tracking the 26-year-old all summer but Lille have been reluctant to do a deal until a replacement had been found.
Despite the arrival of Sidibe,

it remains to be seen whether Les Dogues view him as a sufficient replacement for Debuchy or one for the future.
"I'm very happy to join Lille, who are one of the biggest teams in France," Sidibe told the club's official website.
"The ambition and the project of the club but also the style of play developed by Rudi Garcia, convinced me.
"It is obviously a big step in my career. Up to now, I have only played in Ligue 2 with Troyes.


"I have had unforgettable moments with the club but with Lille, I will get to play in Ligue 1 and in Europe.
"It really is a great opportunity for me to be part of this adventure. The bar is set high but it is terribly exciting."

 

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El Shaarawy signs new deal

Striker also talks up possible Kaka return

Stephan El Shaarawy: Has pledged his future to AC Milan by signing a new extended contract


Teenage AC Milan striker Stephan El Shaarawy has signed a new five-year contract with the San Siro giants.
The 19-year-old only moved to the Serie A club from Genoa last summer but has been rewarded for his early displays with a new extended deal.
A statement on the club's official website said: "AC Milan can announce that Stephan El Shaarawy's contract has been extended until June 30 2017."


The young striker has expressed his delight at signing the new deal and has already set his sights on the upcoming campaign.
He also reacted to reports linking Milan with a bid to bring Kaka back from Real Madrid, revealing it would be a dream to play with Brazil star.
"I'm happy to have re-signed," he told gazzetta.it.
"Next year I hope to do well, to do better. I hope to have the chance to play in more space.
"Becoming a team-mate of Kaka would be a dream, he's always been my idol."

 

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Arsenal 'ready to sell' Walcott

Gunners yet to agree new contract with England winger
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 8:03am

Theo Walcott: Arsenal are ready to sell the England winger if no new contract is agreed by Friday




Arsenal are understood to be willing to sell Theo Walcott before the close of the transfer window after talks over a new five-year contract broke down.
Walcott

is in the final season of his current deal at Emirates Stadium and discussions regarding an extension have been ongoing for some time.
Arsene Wenger

confirmed before the Gunners' opening game of the season against Sunderland

earlier this month that the club are still trying to extend Walcott's deal.


However, the Arsenal

manager also warned that 'when a player doesn't want to stay, you either force him or you let him go', with the club having already sold Robin van Persie and Alex Song this summer.
The future of Walcott is now set to be decided by Friday's deadline, with reports suggesting Arsenal will sell the England international for a fee between £12million and £15m if no new contract is agreed.


Manchester City

are believed to be favourites to snap up the 23-year-old as Roberto Mancini tries to add to the solitary signing of Jack Rodwell.
Mancini is in the market for a new winger after Adam Johnson's sale to Sunderland and the failure to agree a fee with Swansea City

for Scott Sinclair.

Liverpool,

though, are also reported to be interested in Walcott, who has made over 220 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Southampton

in January 2006.

 

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Round - Baines won't leave

Everton assistant praises the attitude of left-back
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 6:51am

Leighton Baines: Everton full-back is not expected to leave before the transfer window closes




Everton assistant manager Steve Round is not expecting any late departure for Leighton Baines and is confident the full-back is happy at Goodison Park.
Baines

has established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League in recent seasons and had been linked with a move to Manchester United.

The England international admitted earlier in the summer that he was aware of interest from United, although no formal offer has been forthcoming.
The Red Devils have subsequently signed Alexander Buttner to provide competition for Patrice Evra,

while the Toffees have not received any bids from other clubs.
Everton

lost Mikel Arteta

to Arsenal

on transfer deadline day 12 months ago, but Round is not anticipating lightning to strike twice regarding Baines.
Impressive

"There are only a few days to go and I don't think anyone is leaving now that's for sure," said Round. "We have quite a strong 16 players.
"His heart is here definitely, he is a local boy. He loves the club, loves his team-mates and loves to go out there to play and perform."
Steve Round Quotes of the week
"His heart is here definitely, he is a local boy. He loves the club, loves his team-mates and loves to go out there to play and perform.
"He has never mooted anything else. Fortunately we have not had any bids. Leighton is here so long may it continue.


"Leighton is a top player, arguably the best or one of the best left-backs in the Premier League and Europe. I think he has shown that on a regular basis over the past two or three seasons.

"He is consistent and his assist making is always in the top 10 of the Premier League and for a left-back that is very impressive."
Baines' attitude as well as his performances on the pitch have caught Round's eye, and David Moyes' No.2 added: "He has really matured into a top-class player who is a very good professional as well.


"What you don't see is the amount of effort and time he puts in to keep in peak condition.
"And he is a very humble guy who is always willing to learn and wants to know that bit extra, always asking coaches what he can do to do that bit extra to improve, which is why he is where he is."

 

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Ipswich agree double Posh deal

Jewell also hoping to bring Murphy back to Portman Road
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 7:41am

Paul Taylor: Peterborough striker is set to hold talks with Ipswich Town, along with George Boyd




Ipswich Town manager Paul Jewell has confirmed Peterborough United have accepted a double offer for George Boyd and Paul Taylor.
Boyd

and Taylor

were placed on the transfer list by Peterborough at the end of last season after failing to agree new contracts at London Road.
Taylor was the subject of a failed bid from an unnamed club at the start of August, and the striker has regularly been linked with a move to the Premier League.


However, Taylor and winger Boyd now look set to remain in the Championship after Ipswich agreed a deal with Posh for a reported £1.75million.
Speaking after Ipswich's Capital One Cup defeat by Carlisle United

on Tuesday, Jewell said in the East Anglian Daily Times: "They (Peterborough) have accepted an offer from us, we're meeting them tomorrow and hopefully we can move forward with that."
Jewell is anxious to improve his squad before Friday's deadline and is also hoping to sign Daryl Murphy,

who had a loan spell at Ipswich from Celtic

last season.


He added: "We need some height in the team and we're hoping that could happen too.
"We're hoping it will be a busy few days because we certainly need them to be."

 

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Coyle admits Spearing battle

Bolton boss says deal for Liverpool midfielder is 'complicated'
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 7:59am

Jay Spearing: Liverpool midfielder is a target for Bolton Wanderers and other clubs




Owen Coyle has confirmed Bolton Wanderers are facing competition from 'bigger' clubs in the battle to sign Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing.
Sky Sports revealed on Tuesday that Bolton are one of five clubs keen on signing Spearing, who is considering his future at Liverpool

following the recent captures of Joe Allen

and Nuri Sahin.

A loan move or £3million permanent exit for Spearing has been mooted, with Premier League trio Aston Villa,

Queens Park Rangers

and Southampton

also thought to be considering a bid for the 23-year-old.
Coyle remains hopeful of bringing the midfielder to the Reebok Stadium and is waiting to see if the Trotters will win the race before Friday's transfer deadline.
Huge interest

"It's more complicated than people think," said Coyle after Bolton's Capital One Cup defeat at Crawley. "It isn't just a case of going out and bringing him in.
"Jay Spearing is a very good player and there's a lot of competition for that lad's signature.
"All we can do is our very best, and we'll continue to do that.
"I can't say right now that he's going to sign tomorrow morning because there is huge interest in him from clubs much bigger than ourselves. We'll see what transpires."

 

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Rennes set to keep M'Vila

French club say there have been no bids for midfielder
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 8:20am

Yann M¿Vila: Linked with a move to the Premier League but Rennes do not want to lose midfielder




Rennes have insisted there has been no great interest in Yann M'Vila and they are under no pressure to sell at such a late stage of the transfer window.
France international M'Vila has been linked with a move away from Rennes for much of the summer and a number of Premier League clubs are understood to have been keeping tabs on his progress.


Arsenal and Tottenham are among those to have been connected with the midfielder and Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi admits there have been enquiries.
However, Dreossi says no bids have been received and he does not expect the 22-year-old to go anywhere before Friday's deadline.
Stronger

"We have had some contact, but not much more than that," Dreossi is quoted as saying in The Guardian.
"The longer it drags on, the more we think he will (stay at the club).
"We are lucky to have a financial backer who has the means to wait another six months or a year (before selling).
"So if Yann has to stay, then good. We will be stronger with him."

 

[wased]

Everton in Kennedy talks

Shiels suggests teenage striker should stay at Kilmarnock
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 8:35am

Matthew Kennedy: Kilmarnock striker is a target for Everton




Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels has confirmed talks are taking place with Everton regarding a deal for teenage forward Matthew Kennedy.
Everton

have reportedly made a £250,000 bid for Kennedy, who has impressed during the opening games of the SPL season.
Shiels says the 17-year-old's head has been 'pickled' by the prospect of moving to Goodison Park,

but has suggested Kennedy would be better off staying at Kilmarnock.

"The boy's head has been pickled with talk of Everton," said Shiels in the Daily Record.
"There are negotiations taking place at the top end of each club.
"I have spoken to Matty's father and told him what I think is the best thing for his son's career. A young lad's career is the most important thing here, not finances."

 

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Henriksen opts for AZ

Norway international on his way to Holland
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 12:41pm

Markus Henriksen: Has decided to test himself in the Eredivisie




Markus Henriksen, who was a target for Celtic boss Neil Lennon, has left Rosenborg to sign for Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar.
The highly-rated midfielder was among those under consideration by Celtic's

management as they look to strike before the summer transfer window slams shut.
They will, however, be forced to turn their attention elsewhere after seeing the 20-year-old opt to make a fresh start in Holland.
Henriksen will undergo a medical at AZ on Wednesday before putting the finishing touches to a switch.
He believes he has taken the best decision at this stage of his career and is looking forward to testing himself in the Eredivisie.
"It was not an easy decision to move," Henriksen told Adresseavisen.
Progress

"I am a homebody and, additionally, I have strong connections with Rosenborg.
"At the same time, I feel it is the right club for me and I have the chance to progress in my football career."
Rosenborg have also offered their take on the deal, with it the opinion of the Norwegian outfit that the agreement reached with AZ will be beneficial to all concerned.
"We would not have sold him if we were not happy with the offer," said sporting director Erik Hoftun.
"AZ is one of the top clubs in the Netherlands and play regularly in Europe. The league is good and it's a good step for Markus."

 

[wased]

Porto reject Zenit bid for Hulk

Portuguese club claim to have received €50million offer for forward
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 1:30pm

Hulk: Still waiting to hear what club he will be playing for by the time the transfer window shuts




Porto president Pinto da Costa has revealed that he has turned down a €50million (£39.5m) offer for Hulk from Zenit St Petersburg.
The Brazil international's agent has made no secret that he believes the time has come for the player to move on after spending the last four years of his career at the Estadio do Dragao.
Premier League duo Chelsea

and Tottenham and Russian giants Zenit have all been linked with the 26-year-old forward.


Earlier in the week, a spokesman for Hulk admitted that the player's future will be decided in the next few days.

But with Zenit claiming to have withdrawn their offer, it appears Porto are taking a tough stance over the player in a bid to drive the price closer to the huge €100m (£79m) release clause in his contract.
"It was Porto who rejected €50million for Hulk from Zenit," Pinto da Costa told reporters.
"I think it is ridiculous to hear that Zenit's board did not sanction such an offer, when two of their chiefs

were here to present that exact bid for the player."

 

[wased]

Whites improve Diouf offer

Warnock hoping Senegalese forward will agree Elland Road stay
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 1:51pm

El Hadji Diouf: Turning out for Leeds on a non-contract basis




Neil Warnock has revealed that Leeds are waiting to hear back from El Hadji Diouf's representative after putting an improved offer to the much-travelled 31-year-old.
The club increased their terms before Tuesday's Capital One Cup tie against Oxford as outside interest in the Senegalese forward continues to grow.


Diouf has been with the Whites on non-contract terms for more than two weeks now but their move to offer a fresh proposal could see an agreement reached in the next 24 hours.
"We've spoken to his man again and offered him an increased contract. Whether it's sufficient or not we'll find out," Warnock told the Yorkshire Evening Post.


"But that's why I brought him off. The crowd were fabulous when he left the pitch and I hoped that might just push him into signing.
"I've said to him, it's not about money. He's got enough of that. It's about playing in this stadium for a team like this. It's about realising what he can do for us."

 

[wased]

Barton hopes for Marseille move

Midfielder keen to link up with French side as talks are reopened
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 2:08pm

Joey Barton: Holding a second round of discussions with Marseille




Joey Barton is back in Marseille for further transfer talks with the Ligue 1 club and is hopeful that an agreement can be reached.
It appeared at one stage as if the midfielder, who has been frozen out at Queens Park Rangers,

would be forced to look elsewhere for a summer switch, with discussions in France breaking down.


Barton

has, however, returned to Stade Velodrome on Wednesday and is looking forward to hearing what Marseille

have to offer.
The 29-year-old appears to have no future at Loftus Road, with QPR having turned their back on him after seeing the one-cap England international stung with a 12-match suspension.


Mark Hughes

is open to the idea of moving Barton on, and the player is keen to make a fresh start following a disappointing 12 months in London.
He believes a switch to Marseille would be ideal and is hoping the latest round of discussions will produce a positive outcome.
Compromise

"It's not going exactly to plan at QPR, there is a difference of opinion. Hopefully we can find a compromise. "
Joey Barton Quotes of the week
"I'm going there with an open mind," Barton told Sky Sports News HD.


"I'll speak to Marseille and see what it's about. I would really like to join them, I've told people that before. It's a club that will suit me, that appeals to me for the sheer size of it.
"It's not going exactly to plan at QPR, there is a difference of opinion. Hopefully we can find a compromise.


"The alternative, which I have expressed to QPR, is that I go.
"I'm not really part of it and I've got the best union in the world protecting me. I would be well within my rights to sit for the next three years and pick my money up, but that isn't me."

 

[wased]

Wednesday's Regional Paper Talk
Last Updated: August 29 2012, 15:19 BST



LONDON EVENING STANDARD

Owen: Unlikely to join Everton


Tottenham have begun negotiations with Hamburg over the sale of Rafael van der Vaart as they close on signing Barcelona star Ibrahim Afellay on loan.
Liverpool are the favourites to sign Arsenal winger Theo Walcott if Arsene Wenger decides he won't back down over the star's demands.
Chelsea are considering increasing their bid for Bayer Leverkusen striker Andre Schurrle.
West Ham are looking to strengthen their attacking options still further before the transfer window closes.
Djibril Cisse admits the signing of goalkeeper Julio Cesar from Inter Milan has got every QPR player fearing for their place.
England have been handed a boost with the news that John Terry has returned to training at Chelsea and should be fit for the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS
Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov looks set for a move to Serie A after he jetted out to Italy on Wednesday morning.
Manchester City could turn to Theo Walcott after their move for winger Scott Sinclair stalled.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has promised to attack the Premier League's top teams to help win back-to-back titles this season.

LIVERPOOL ECHO
Everton have distanced themselves from a move for free agent striker Michael Owen.
Jay Spearing is edging closer to a permanent move away from Liverpool, with Bolton and Wolves keen on securing a £3million move for the midfielder.
Steven Gerrard says he has been impressed by the manner in which new signing Joe Allen has settled in at Liverpool following his big-money move from Swansea.

CHRONICLE
Geordie boy Andy Carroll is still open minded about his future - but it is believed that he is prepared for life at Anfield for the rest of the calendar year at least.
Newcastle's Euro hero Ryan Taylor has earmarked Thursday night's Europa League play-off clash with Atromitos as one of the most important nights of the season at St James' Park.

THE JOURNAL
Fraizer Campbell was on the bench on Tuesday night but has been told he can leave after Sunderland stalled on contract talks. The striker is understood to be assessing his options.

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST
Swansea have told Valencia to give them an answer on Pablo Hernandez as they close in on a deal to bring Marvin Emnes back to the Liberty.
Scott Sinclair's move to Manchester City is looking less certain as Swansea City hold out for the best possible price.

BIRMINGHAM MAIL
Lee Clark has vowed to give Birmingham City supporters a 'team to be proud of' after admitting that he is now battling the biggest test of his managerial career.
West Brom are confident of having Romelu Lukaku and Peter Odemwingie fit for Saturday's visit of Everton.

EXPRESS & STAR
Villa are poised to make a second offer for Genk striker Christian Benteke and bid for Middlesbrough defender Joe Bennett.

THE SENTINEL
Stoke boss Tony Pulis could turn to Blackburn midfielder Steven N'Zonzi to try and liven up his players after the embarrassment of the dramatic 4-3 Capital One Cup defeat to Swindon.

LANCASHIRE TELEGRAPH
Metal fabrication firm WEC's sponsorship of a stand at Ewood Park has ended leaving Blackburn without a commercial sponsor.

EVENING TIMES
Kevin Kyle believes Rangers can show Scottish football they belong at a higher level than the Third Division - despite their latest disappointment on the road.

 

[wased]

Janssen returns to Vitesse

Midfielder leaves Ajax for home-town club and eyes coaching future
Last Updated: August 29, 2012 3:08pm

Theo Janssen: Has signed a three-year deal with Vitesse Arnhem




Vitesse Arnhem have confirmed the signing of Theo Janssen from Ajax on a three-year contract.
The midfielder has already played more than 200 league games for Vitesse and returns with the intention of seeing out his career with his home-town club.


The 31-year-old is believed to have a coaching role tied into his contract at the GelreDome.
The Holland international left Vitesse in 2008 to join Twente, winning the Eredivisie title two years later.
He then joined Ajax

last summer and repeated that title success in his one season with the Amsterdam giants.

 

[wased]

Zaragoza bag Babovic

Serbian midfielder delighted to secure move to Spain

Stefan Babovic: Serbian midfielder has joined Real Zaragoza from Partizan Belgrade




Real Zaragoza have bolstered their squad by signing Serbian midfielder Stefan Babovic on a three-year contract from Partizan Belgrade.
Babovic

started his career at Partizan before leaving for city rivals OFK in 2006, and he subsequently took in spells with Nantes

and Feyenoord.

The 25-year-old returned to Partizan in 2010, but is now on the move again and is looking forward to the chance to play in La Liga.

"I am delighted because I have come to the best league in the world and I will give everything I have to match Zaragoza's standards," Babovic told the club's official website.
"I am physically fit and looking forward to the hard work needed to succeed at this level."
Babovic, who can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing, has been capped by Serbia and had won two successive titles with Partizan.