Confirmed Summer Transfers (2013/14)

[Whirly]

Former Fulham defender Carlos Bocanegra has sealed a return to the MLS, joining Chivas USA after being released from Scottish club Rangers.

Bocanegra, 34, began his career with Chicago Fire and will play in the United States for the first time since he moved to Fulham in 2004.

The United States international was freed from his contract with Rangers over the weekend and Chivas were required to trade a first-round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft and an international roster slot through 2014 to Toronto FC in order to secure the centre-back.

Spanish side Celta Vigo have boosted their attacking options after signing forward Nolito from Portuguese giants Benfica.

New Celta coach Luis Enrique signed the 26-year-old Nolito to a four-year contract after first encountering the striker during their time together at Barcelona.

Nolito, who spent three years at the Nou Camp, was loaned out Celta’s La Liga rivals, Granada, last season, scoring three goals in 17 appearances.

And according to Eurosport, Nolito said that he would be doing his best to help Celta avoid another relegation battle which almost claimed the club last season.

"The goal for the club is to maintain top-flight status and I am not setting myself a target for goals."

 

[LeTallecWiz]

Dynamo Kiev sign Belhanda

30 June 2013, 23:23

Dynamo Kiev signed Morocco midfielder Younes Belhanda from French side Montpellier for an undisclosed fee on Sunday, the Ukrainian club said.
"Welcome to Kiev, Younes," Dynamo wrote in French on their website (www.fcdynamo.kiev.ua) to greet the player who was presented during a pre-season match against Russian side Zenit St Petersburg along with other new signings Jeremain Lens and Dieumerci Mbokani.
The 23-year-old played a key role when Montpellier clinched their first French league title in 2012, scoring 12 goals and setting up four others in 28 matches. He was named Ligue 1 best young player at the end of that season.
Belhanda, who has 21 Morocco caps and can play in all midfield positions, has played 127 league games and found the net 26 times in four seasons with Montpellier.

he's refusing to sign his contract.

 

[King Binny]

Allan McGregor - Hull City (undisclosed fee, reportedly £1.8m)

Hull City have today completed the signing of goalkeeper Allan McGregor for an undisclosed fee from Besiktas, subject to international clearance. The 31-year-old joins the Tigers on a three-year deal following a 12-month stay in Turkey.

Having been capped 29 times by Scotland, McGregor has also made over 200 appearances for Glasgow Rangers and he is now looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Barclays Premier League with the Tigers.

“I’m really excited to be here and I’m happy that everything is done now,” said McGregor.

“I can’t wait to get started here. This is a great chance for me to play in the Premier League and I’m looking forward to the season ahead.”

McGregor will meet up with his new team-mates for the first time later this week when pre-season training gets underway.

 

[King Binny]

Ricky van Wolfswinkel - Norwich (undisclosed, reportedly £8.5m)

 

[King Binny]

Steve McClaren - QPR (Coach)

HARRY Redknapp has moved to strengthen his backroom team with the appointment of Steve McClaren.

McClaren has carved out an excellent reputation as a coach, beginning with Oxford United and Derby County before enjoying similar roles with Manchester United and England.

R’s boss Redknapp told www.qpr.co.uk: “I am delighted to have been able to bring Steve in.

“Everyone in the game knows what a top coach he is and he’ll add something different to the group, regardless of how long he is with us for.

“This is a very important season for us and I wanted to look at freshening up the whole place, not just the playing side.

“I want new ideas, different opinions and another experienced head to speak to. That’s what Steve brings. Along with Kevin (Bond) and Joe (Jordan) I’ve got a brilliant backroom team and their input is going to be so important for me this season. Steve adds to the excellent staff I already have here.”

McClaren said: “I'm delighted to take up this position offered to me by Harry and QPR.

“Whilst it still remains my ambition to manage again this gives me an ideal opportunity to stay involved and work on the field with one of the top managers in this country and a very ambitious club.

“Rest assured, I'll be doing all I can for Harry, the club and the fans to help QPR return to the Premier League.”

After a spell as a youth and reserve team coach at Oxford United, McClaren teamed up with Jim Smith at Pride Park in 1995 where he helped the Rams win promotion to the Premier League in his first season at the club.

This was followed by three hugely impressive campaigns for Derby, as they finished 12th in their first season back in the top flight before cementing ninth spot in 1997/98.

Mid-way through the 1998/99 campaign, as the Rams worked towards an eventual eighth placed-finish, McClaren took on the role of Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Old Trafford.

He played his part as United recorded an historic Treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

United won two more Premier League titles as McClaren’s reputation as a forward-thinking, innovative coach grew.

In October 2000, McClaren joined caretaker-manager Peter Taylor’s coaching set up with the England national team, and was retained by permanent boss Sven-Goran Eriksson.

He later went on to replace Eriksson as boss and also spent time as manager of Middlesbrough, FC Twente, Vfl Wolfsburg and Nottingham Forest.

 

[King Binny]

Spanish side Celta Vigo have boosted their attacking options after signing forward Nolito from Portuguese giants Benfica.

Nolito has reflected on his happiness to have signed for Celta Vigo this summer, admitting that Luis Enrique’s presence played a part in his decision.

The 26-year-old, who spent last season on loan from Benfica at Granada, has secured a permanent return to La Liga this week with, with Celta understood to have paid €2.5m for 70 per cent of his playing rights.

The Galicians are now coached by Enrique, who worked with Nolito during their time together at Barcelona B.

“I have arrived at a very nice sporting project,” the striker told reporters at his presentation yesterday evening.

“I am happy to be back in the Spanish League and am willing to do everything possible to help the team.

“Enrique’s presence has something to do with the move, but particularly so did the club and the city.”

 

[King Binny]

Michele Fornasier - Sampdoria (free transfer)

Michele Fornasier has expressed his delight at sealing a move to Sampdoria after a 'fantastic' learning experience at Manchester United.

The centre-back made the move from Fiorentina to England shortly after turning 16 in 2009 and has continued to develop in the United ranks over the past few years.

He performed well for the club's Under 21 side last season but has been allowed to move on this summer and on Monday sealed a return to his Italian homeland when he joined Sampdoria on a free transfer.

Fornasier may not have broken into the first team at Old Trafford but he insists he can take a lot of positives from his time in Manchester.

"I'm really happy to have arrived in the city of Genoa and sincerely I'm looking forward to starting this new adventure," he told his new club's official website.

"I wanted to come back to Italy and try to find a space in the first team in an important club.

"It has been a fantastic experience (at Man Utd). I lived in Manchester for four years and I grew as a player but also as a man.

"Playing with United has been a dream. Being close, even if only in training, to champions like Rooney, Giggs and Van Persie, and to see Ferguson watching you, made you feel what a big occasion it was.

"It wasn't an easy decision to leave, but the choice was to play another season with the reserves or go out on loan to a lesser club, so I preferred to change and come back to my country."

 

[King Binny]

Dean Whitehead - Middlesbrough (free transfer)

Dean Whitehead has completed his move to Middlesbrough after signing a two-year deal.

The 31-year-old midfielder was released by Stoke at the end of last season having spent four years at the Britannia Stadium.

He began his career at Oxford, but got his big chance when he was snapped up by Sunderland for an initial £150,000 June 2004.

Whitehead was handed the captain's armband at the Stadium of Light, where he stayed for five years before making a £3million switch to the Potteries during the summer of 2009.

His arrival at the Riverside Stadium came just hours after it was revealed that Moroccan Merouane Zemmama had left the club by mutual consent.

 

[King Binny]

Lee Carsley - Sheffield United (Assistant Manager-Technical)

David Weir has recruited an experienced international to bolster his backroom staff.

Lee Carsley has begun work with the Blades players today (Tuesday) and will take the title of 'Assistant Manager - Technical' with the Club.

The 39-year old is a former team-mate of the Blades boss at Everton. Former midfielder Carsley also played for Derby County, Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City and Birmingham, making over 500 Premier League/Football League starts, as well winning 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Carsley was latterly working in a coaching capacity with Coventry City, fulfilling a number of roles, including development coach, first team coach and interim manager when Mark Robins left the Sky Blues in February.

Weir commented: "Lee is someone I trust immensely and I'm delighted that we've been able to recruit him. His experience at this level will prove invaluable to us and he was successful as boss of Coventry in a short spell last season."

Carsley will work alongside Weir and new 'Assistant Manager - Performance' Adam Owen, as well as existing development coach Chris Morgan and goalkeeping coach Darren Ward.

 

[King Binny]

David Goodwillie - Dundee United (6 mth loan)

Dundee United are delighted to announce a deal has been agreed in respect of the loan signing of Blackburn striker David Goodwillie. The deal will see 'Goodie' wear the tangerine jersey once more for an initial six month period.

The 24-year-old Scotland internationalist joined Blackburn in the summer of 2012 after playing 136 games for the Terrors, scoring 40 goals. One of those goals was the first goal in the 2010 Scottish Cup Final which United went on to win 3-0 and which secured his place in Dundee United folklore.

Manager Jackie McNamara said, "I am very excited by this signing. We are not only getting an experienced international player but we are also getting someone who has a special affinity with the United fans.

"I am striving to improve Dundee United in both the short and long term and adding a player of David's quality will help achieve that. He has all the attributes needed by a striker and it will be a major boost to the Club to have him here.

"This signing will also excite our supporters. We have asked them to be patient and trust us this summer and they have. A lot of hard work was done behind the scenes to ensure this deal went through and I have to praise the Board who gave the financial backing to this deal."

Director Derek Robertson said, "In working on this deal for several weeks we have listened to what the fans have said. After contacting a large number of fans who have still to renew their season ticket it was apparent that many were awaiting some exciting transfer news. It doesn't get much more exciting than this and I hope these fans will now come out and support the Club's efforts.

"The Chairman has taken a bold financial decision and we need the fans to back the Club accordingly. This signing shows the calibre of player the Manager is looking to further add to the squad but in order to do so, we need to encourage more season ticket sales."

 

[Oncy]

Dean Whitehead - Middlesbrough (free transfer)

What a massively weird head he has.
Should be Dean Weirdhead.

 

[King Binny]

Stephen Dobbie - Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace Football Club have today completed the signing of Scottish striker Stephen Dobbie.

The 30-year-old spent the last four months of the 2012/13 campaign on loan at Selhurst Park from Championship rivals Brighton and Hove Albion, after joining the club in January on transfer deadline day.

Now the club are delighted to confirm that Dobbie has signed a permanent deal, ahead of the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season.

Dobbie, who previously worked with Palace boss Ian Holloway at Blackpool, has penned a two-year contract with the Eagles, after the club agreed an undisclosed fee for his services.

The former Hibernian, St Johnstone and Queen of the South man helped Palace secure promotion to the Premier League last season, having previously achieved that feat with the Tangerines in 2010 and Swansea a year later.

He made eight top flight appearances for the Swans at the start of the 2011/12 season, before Holloway took him back to Blackpool for a second loan spell.

He joined Brighton on a free transfer in August 2012, before being re-united once again with Holloway, who brought him to Palace on loan in January this year.

And Dobbie, who scored three goals in 15 appearances between then and the end of the season, is looking forward to working with the gaffer again, in English football’s top flight.

Speaking exclusively to Palace Player, Dobbie said: “I’m delighted. It was all agreed in principle coming on loan. Obviously I’ve worked with the gaffer a number of times and there was no problem with that.

“A lot of people don’t see the side to the gaffer that we do – on the pitch, on the training field, on the bus and in the changing room.

“We know what he’s like and we know how good he is tactically. You just have to look at the play-off semi-finals and the final, how the boys played the way he wanted and we got the right result. I’m sure he’ll be buzzing and raring to go.

“I enjoyed my football last season here and I like to think I had a part in helping the team getting promoted. But it’s a new season now, that’s in the past. We’ve just got to get ready in pre-season and get ready for that first game.

“It’s every player’s dream, especially in the Championship – they want to be playing in the Premier League. You go away and have a nice holiday, but still in the back of your mind, you’ve only got four weeks off, so maybe in a week and a half, you’re going to know who you’re playing in that first game.

“Then you start to look through all the other fixtures. I think we’ve got Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea all away in our first games against them, so the second part of the season will be exciting, especially for the fans.”

Dobbie is Palace’s first permanent signing of the summer and he is keen to see the nucleus of last season’s squad retained ahead of the club’s Premier League return.

He added: “When I went up with Swansea, we made maybe, no more than five changes to the squad and that was key to that season under Brendan [Rodgers]. The players all knew each other and knew how Brendan worked and we were all in it together.

“I think that will be key – we all know each other and know how the gaffer works.”

 

[Oncy]

Stephen Dobbie - Crystal Palace

He looks different without his rags on.

 

[King Binny]

Marc Muniesa - Stoke City (free transfer)

STOKE CITY are delighted to announce the signing of highly-rated defender Marc Muniesa from Barcelona on a free transfer.

Muniesa, who was a member of the Spain squad that recently won the European Under-21 Championship, has signed a four-year contract.

He becomes manager Mark Hughes’ second new signing of the summer following the arrival of Dutch international Erik Pieters from PSV Eindhoven last week.

The 21-year-old told www.stokecityfc.com: “I’m very excited about moving to England to play for Stoke City and will do everything I can to help the Club.

“It wasn’t a big decision for me to make. I came to England yesterday to meet the people at the club and look around the training ground, which is very impressive.

“My season only finished a fortnight ago when the European Championships ended, but I can’t wait to get started for Stoke. I would start tomorrow if the club asked me to.”

Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: “Marc has an excellent pedigree, as you would expect from someone who has come through the ranks at a club like Barcelona, and we’re delighted to have secured his signature.

“We were alerted to his availability and moved quickly to make him a Stoke City player. The whole process was greatly helped by Mark Hughes’ links with Barcelona and it’s clear to see he’s very excited by the challenge of making an impact in the Premier League with us.”

Hughes, who served Barcelona as a player himself in the 1980s, revealed: “Marc has been well-schooled by Barca. Technically, he’s a very good player and I’ve no doubts he will be an excellent addition to our squad.

“I know he’s very highly-regarded in Spain and was attracting interest from clubs in La Liga, but he’s an ambitious young man and wants to test himself in English football.”

Muniesa, who can operate in the centre of defence or at left back, made his debut for Barcelona in La Liga as a 17-year-old and in the process became the second youngest player to make a first team appearance for the Catalan club.

He was named among the substitutes for the 2009 Champions League Final against Manchester United and has been a regular starter for Barcelona B, who play in the Second Division of Spanish football.

Muniesa, who is reported to have attracted interest from Chelsea in the past, has been capped five times by the Under-21s and has also represented his country at Under-16, 17 and 19 levels.

 

[King Binny]

Gly Hodges - Stoke City (U21 Coach)

STOKE CITY have today confirmed the appointment of Glyn Hodges to a key position within their Academy set-up.

Hodges will be responsible for running the Club’s Elite Development Squad at Under-21 level and brings considerable experience of operating under the recently-introduced Elite Player Performance Plan to the role.

The former Welsh international midfielder has moved to the Britannia Stadium from Queens Park Rangers where he had been responsible for helping the Club achieve EPPP Category 2 status as their Head of Coaching.

While he will focus on the development of the Club’s young players within the Academy set-up, Hodges also benefits from the fact that he has worked alongside manager Mark Hughes and other members of his backroom team in previous roles with Wales, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham and QPR.

Academy Manager Dave Wright commented: “The most important thing from our point of view is that Glyn has been such an influential figure in the development of QPR’s Academy in gaining Category 2 status.

“He is a vastly experienced coach with an outstanding reputation, so I am sure he will be an excellent addition to our team.

“The development of home grown talent can only be helped by the Academy and first team squad working closely together. So the fact that Glyn has considerable experience of operating alongside Mark Hughes, Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki at other clubs can only help us in working towards that goal in the future.”

As a player, Hodges launched his career with Wimbledon and clocked up more than 200 appearances for the London club under the management of Dave Bassett.

After a brief spell with Newcastle, he linked-up again with Bassett at Watford and the pair were also reunited at Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest.

Hodges also played in Finland and Hong Kong and won 18 Welsh caps before taking the plunge into the world of coaching as part of Bassett’s backroom team at Barnsley.

He had two spells as caretaker manager of the South Yorkshire club before linking-up with Hughes for the first time in 2004 as coach of the Wales Under-21 side.

Hodges was reserve team coach under Hughes at Blackburn and Manchester City, and after a spell on the coaching team at Leeds, joined him at Fulham, where he operated as first team coach. He joined QPR as their Head of Coaching in July of last year.

 

[Whirly]

Marc Muniesa - Stoke City (free transfer)

From Barcelona to Stoke? Wow.

 

[localny]

Llorente (sigh) on a freeeeee!

Nooooooo!

 

[King Binny]

Alejandro Pozuelo - Swansea (undisclosed fee)

Alejandro Pozuelo (middle)

Swansea City have today completed the signing of promising Real Betis midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo on a three-year deal.

Pozuelo saw his contract expire with the La Liga club, but the Swans have agreed an undisclosed transfer fee which means he becomes the third Spaniard to join the club this week following the arrivals of his former Betis team-mate Jose Canas and Espanyol defender Jordi Amat.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who made 11 league appearances in La Liga last season, will add further flair to Michael Laudrup’s squad.

After meeting his new team-mates for the first time today ahead of the pre-season tour of Holland, he can’t wait to get started.

“I am very happy to have joined Swansea City. Since I’ve been a little boy it has been my dream to play in the Premier League,” said Pozuelo, who takes the club’s tally of Spaniards up to seven.

“From the moment I heard of the interest from Swansea I have watched their games and followed the news at the club.

“The style of the team suits me, and so too does the style of the manager.

“Of course, there are a lot of Spanish players here including my old Betis team-mate Jose Canas, and that will help me to settle quickly.

“I am looking to improve my English immediately as I want to communicate better with my team-mates. On the pitch I just want to give everything I have to the club in order to help the team this season.”

Gregor Zabret - Swansea (undisclosed fee)

Alex Gogic - Swansea (free transfer)

Swansea City have completed the signing of promising youngsters Gregor Zabret and Alex Gogic.

Slovenian goalkeeper Zabret, 17, has arrived at the Liberty Stadium from NK Domzale after making his senior debut in last season’s Slovenian Premier League at the age of just 16.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old midfielder Gogic has signed from Greek side Olympiakos and is a Cyprus Under-19 international.

Gogic put pen to paper on a one-year contract (free) while Zabret has signed a two-year deal (undisclosed) and will travel with Michael Laudrup’s squad on their pre-season tour to Holland on Wednesday.

Both players spent time on trial at the Swans during the course of last season and are relishing the chance to get started at the Liberty.

“I’m very happy to be here,” said Zabret. “It is a great environment for me to develop and I’m looking forward to starting work.

“There are some great people at the club and I hope to get as much training with the first-team as possible to help my development.”

Gogic added: “I was very impressed with what I saw when I came here on trial and I’m delighted to have signed for Swansea.

“The aim is to win games for the Under-21’s and test myself against some great players from other clubs.”

 

[King Binny]

Kyle Bartley - Birmingham City (loan)

Blues have swooped to sign Swansea City’s highly-rated defender Kyle Bartley on a season-long loan deal.

The addition of the former Arsenal trainee strengthens manager Lee Clark’s defensive options ahead of the 2013/14 Championship season.

Born in Stockport, Bartley began his career with Bolton Wanderers before joining Arsenal’s Academy in 2007.

He captained the Gunners’ reserve side and made his first-team debut in a UEFA Champions League tie against Olympiakos in 2009.

Successful loan spells at Sheffield United and Glasgow Rangers followed before the youngster made a permanent switch to Swansea in the summer of 2012.

An early-season thigh injury halted his progress last season although he showed promise during five first-team appearances.

The 6ft 4in star has also represented England at youth level.

After completing his move, Bartley told bcfc.com: "It's great news. As soon as my agent mentioned the move then I was all for it because this is a massive club with a massive fan base. I know the manager well and he's a really good young manager who matches the club's ambition."

 

[King Binny]

Mario Götze - Bayern Munich (£32m)

Mario Götze was a model of calm composure when he faced the media on Tuesday lunchtime, quietly but clearly answering the barrage of questions put to him by some 35 reporters and ten TV crews. But it was a good thing his lower body was hidden behind the speaker's lectern, or the media representatives would have noticed his itchy feet. “Obviously, where I want to be is out on the pitch training," said the club's new number 19, currently restricted to sports rehab due to a ruptured muscle. “My priority is simply to get fit and play football again," the summer signing continued.

The gifted player has been closely monitoring the training sessions under Pep Guardiola so far. “You see he does a great deal of work with the ball, with lots of short, quick passing," Mario noted, “it gives me a very, very good feeling." Matthias Sammer understands why: “It's a style made for Mario."

“I'm just delighted to be here," the 21-year-old had said when he first entered the Säbener Strasse media centre. “It's a great moment," commented board director for sport Sammer, “this is a good day for Bayern. As a club, we’re delighted to welcome one of the most outstanding players in the world."

In squad planning talks with Guardiola well ahead of the new season, the name Götze entered the conversation at an early stage, Sammer revealed: “And he was immediately enthusiastic." The former Dortmund star and his new coach have already held face-to-face talks, the player explained: “He wanted to know how I was doing, if I'm being looked after well, and when I think I might be fit again."

Being looked after well is probably the least of Mario's problems, because although he is still in a hotel, he has already found the apartment he wants. He hopes to move in at the end of the month, “probably" with his older brother Fabian, who plays for third division Unterhaching and is currently in the hotel with Mario. The new FCB man has been assigned the locker next to Franck Ribéry in the home dressing room, and is already familiar with many of the squad from his time with the Germany national team, Toni Kroos being a long-standing friend.

Just like Holger Badstuber, Götze was born in Memmingen and is thus a native Bavarian, although he moved to Dortmund with his family at the age of six. However, his roots in the state mean settling in Munich is a little easier, as his grandparents have stayed put: “I'm in very close contact with them, so I don't think it'll be a problem feeling at home in Munich."

Sammer is more than confident that the new arrival will recover peak physical fitness. “We have the best doctor in the world," declared the sporting director, “and in any case, Mario has all the time he needs." Götze himself is hoping to begin squad training at the end of the month, “and my target after that is to win lots of things with the club and play good, attractive football." Which is when we'll actually see his gifted feet in action.

 

[King Binny]

Jan Kirchhoff - Bayern Munich (free transfer)

[/quote]

 

[King Binny]

James Perch - Wigan (undisclosed fee, reportedly £1 million)

Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of the highly versatile James Perch from Newcastle United for an undisclosed fee.

After completing a medical at the DW Stadium, the 27-year-old put pen-to-paper on a four-year deal with the club, becoming Owen Coyle’s fourth signing of the transfer window and bringing to an end a three-year spell at St. James’ Park.

Pictured above with Chief Executive Jonathan Jackson, Perch said:

“It feels great to be here with a new challenge ahead of me, and I’m very excited at getting that started.

“The prospect of helping to get the team promoted was really appealing and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the boys and get started.

“I think Wigan Athletic is a great club and after speaking with the manager, his ambition and determination to take the club back to the Premier League where it belongs is something I wanted to be a part of.”

Equally as comfortable playing as a full back or as a midfielder, Perch began his career at Nottingham Forest in 2003, ironically in a 1-1 draw at the JJB Stadium. He graduated through the club’s academy to make 190 league appearances before joining Newcastle United in 2010.

Over the next three years, he would again prove his value to his new club, making 65 league appearances, and last term featured 37 times in all competitions, scoring his first goal for the club in a 4-3 defeat against Manchester United.

 

[King Binny]

Emanuel Pogatetz - Nurnberg (part exchange deal)

Nurnberg have confirmed that Emanuel Pogatetz is to join the club from Wolfsburg as part of the deal that took Timm Klose in the opposite direction.

Pogatetz spent time on loan at West Ham United last season but Sam Allardyce decided not to offer him the chance to stay on.

The Austrian defender, formerly of Middlesbrough, will not be returning to Wolfsburg and will instead make the move to Nurnberg.

Nurnberg will receive around £4.7million as well as Pogatetz after agreeing to let the highly-rated Klose join their Bundesliga rivals, and general manager Martin Bader is delighted to have landed such a high-quality replacement.

"After we decided to accept the decision of Timm Klose to join Wolfsburg, we are delighted to be able to sign an experienced Bundesliga defender in Emanuel Pogatetz," Bader told Deutsche Presseagentur.

"He will be strengthening our squad. We will formally sign all necessary papers after he has passed the medical."

 

[King Binny]

Denis Tonucci - Ajaccio (free transfer)

Italian centre-back Denis Tonucci (24), formerly playing for Cesena, has been signed by Ajaccio on a 2 years deal.

 

[King Binny]

Alejandro Domínguez - Olympiakos (free transfer)

Olympiacos F.C. announces the purchase of Argentinean football player Alejandro Damián Domínguez on a two-year (2) contract.

Following signing of his contract, Dominguez stated: “I am really happy to become part of Olympiacos family. I will do everything to help the side attain its goals”.

 

[King Binny]

Lewis McGugan - Watford (free transfer)

LEWIS McGUGAN has become Watford’s second signing of the summer after sealing a Bosman free transfer move.

The 24-year-old midfielder has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Vicarage Road, with the club having the option on an additional fourth year, and he will head out to Italy to join the Hornets’ pre-season training camp.

The gifted playmaker was out of contract at Nottingham Forest and Watford have secured his signature, subject to final medical clearance, despite significant competition from other clubs.

A product of Forest’s youth system, McGugan made his debut in 2006 and went on to play 230 times for the East Midlands side, scoring 44 goals.

With a hard-earned reputation for the spectacular, McGugan will be remembered by Hornets fans for his stunning strike at Vicarage Road during a 1-1 draw with Forest in November 2010 – a trademark 30-yard effort which arrowed into the far top corner.

Watford Head Coach Gianfranco Zola said: “Lewis is a very talented player and an excellent signing for this football club.

“He will give strength to our squad and I’m sure our supporters will be excited to see what he can do in a Watford shirt.”

 

[King Binny]

Matt Green - Birmingham (free transfer)

Blues have snapped up the services of striker Matt Green on a two-year contract.

Lee Clark moved quickly to sign the hottest property out of non-league football following the 26-year-old’s impressive scoring record for Mansfield Town.

The ex-England schoolboy international hit 56 goals over the last two campaigns for The Stags, who were promoted to League Two last season having been crowned Blue Square Bet Premier champions.

Born in Bath, Green began his senior career at Newport County before signing for Cardiff City in 2007. With first-team opportunities limited and following loan spells at Darlington and Oxford United, the former Bristol City trainee moved to Torquay United a year later.

Having again linked up with Oxford on loan in 2009, Green scored the opening goal at Wembley in the Blue Square Bet Premier play-off final as The Us gained promotion to the Football League before the move was made permanent.

After finishing the 2010/11 season on-loan at Cheltenham Town, the one-time England C international went on to hit his red-hot scoring streak with Mansfield and will now be aiming to make an impact for Blues in the Championship.

Dan Burn - Birmingham (loan)

Lee Clark has bolstered his defensive ranks further by signing promising Fulham centre-back Dan Burn on a season-long loan.

The 21-year-old spent the majority of last season out on loan with Yeovil Town, where he made 41 appearances and scored three goals.

The towering defender's spell with The Glovers culminated in them winning promotion to the Championship by beating Brentford 2-1 in the League One play-off final at Wembley with Burn scoring what turned out to be the winning goal.

Standing 6ft 7in tall, Burn was born in Northumberland and began his professional career with Darlington in 2009.

His performances for The Quakers brought him to attention of Barclays Premier League outfit Fulham and he joined the Londoners at the end of the 2010/11 campaign before recently extending his stay at Craven Cottage with a new two-year deal.

Burn told bcfc.com: "I'm really happy to have joined and I'm just looking to get back to pre-season training now. The history of this club was something that convinced me to join. Lee Clark, having played for Newcastle, is also somebody that I knew a lot about too and there's a lot of good players here. Now it's up to me to go and prove myself."

Burn's acquisition comes hot on the heels of the loan signing of fellow giant defender Kyle Bartley from Swansea City and the permanent capture of striker Matt Green.

 

[King Binny]

From Barcelona to Stoke? Wow.

Ricky Gee ‏@GeezyPeas

20h​

Muniesa on the way to the airport pic.twitter.com/jwIzZPfPN6

😛

 

[King Binny]

Vito Mannone - Sunderland (undisclosed fee, reportedly £2.8 million)

Sunderland have signed Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone.

The 25-year-old Italian has penned a two-year deal on Wearside and has joined up with his new team-mates ahead of this weekend’s trip to Italy.

The news follows Monday’s triple arrival of Cabral, Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite.

Mannone initially joined Arsenal as a 17-year-old from Italian side Atalanta in 2005.

He made his debut at the age of 21 and represented the Gunners in the Barclays Premier League and UEFA Champions League, making 15 appearances in all.

The former Italian U21 international also spent time on loan at Barnsley in 2006, making four appearances for the Tykes.

He also had two spells at Hull, playing 11 games in the 2010-11 season plus a further 23 during the following campaign.

 

[DHSC]

James Perch - Wigan (undisclosed fee, reportedly £1 million)

Fuck off Perch!