Confirmed Summer Transfers (2013/14)

[Whirly]

What are you all talking about?

City have a great record when it comes to signing Brazilians.

Jo
Elano
Robinho



Stands back and does the Nelson haha!

Maicon

 

[King Binny]

Adrian - West Ham (free transfer)

West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Spanish goalkeeper Adrian on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old will join the Hammers on 1 July after his contract with Primera Division side Real Betis Balompie expires. He has signed an initial three-year deal, with the Club having an option to extend this for a further two seasons.

An imposing 6'3 stopper, Seville-born Adrian - full name Adrian San Miguel del Castillo - has spent virtually his entire career with his hometown club, enjoying an outstanding 2012/13 season in the Spanish top flight.

After 16 years with his childhood club, Adrian is relishing the prospect of a new life and a new challenge in England.

"I am extremely happy and ecstatic to have joined such a legendary and historical club in both London and in England," he said. "I am really looking forward to being able to kick-off my career in the best league in the world with West Ham.

"I started off my career as a ten-year-old and have been there all of my life. I came through the ranks and I made my first-team debut in the sixth league game of last season against Malaga and was an ever-present since.

"For me, the icing on the cake was helping the team to qualify for the Europa League in, like West Ham, our first season back in the top flight after we had spent three years in the Second Division. Achieving this qualification was a massive farewell gift for the Betis fans."

After joining Betis at the age of ten, Adrian started his professional career with the club's C team in the Andalusia Premier Division. He then made more than 70 appearances for Betis B in the Segunda Division B Group 4, the regional third tier of Spanish football.
Adrian was also loaned to Segunda Division B clubs CD Alcala in 2008 and Andalusia Premier Division club CD Utrera in 2009 before being promoted to the Betis senior squad in 2011/12 as third-choice behind the experienced Casto and Fabri.

When Casto was sent-off at Malaga in September 2012, Adrian stepped off the bench and never looked back, starting each of Betis' next 31 league matches and producing a succession of impressive performances.

A tally of eleven clean sheets in 31 league starts helped Betis to finish the 2012/13 season in seventh place in the Primera Division table and to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.

Adrian's athleticism helped Betis to achieve a number of superb victories, including clean sheets in home wins over Real Madrid, Malaga, Valencia and Real Sociedad.

He is now targeting similar success with West Ham and is looking forward greatly to working with manager Sam Allardyce, goalkeeper coach Martyn Margetson and experienced stopper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

"I am very fortunate to be able to work with such an experienced goalkeeper with such a long track record in the Premier League as Jussi Jaaskelainen. I'm really looking forward to working with him on a daily basis and being able to receive tips from him which I'm certain will make me an even better goalkeeper.

"The same goes for the Gaffer. It's going to be an honour to be under the wing of such an experienced manager and that can only serve to make me a much better player.

"There is a very competitive squad at West Ham and, in my opinion, competition is what makes the group stronger and helps the Club to go further in the competition.

"West Ham had a great season after being promoted and, as a group, we should set our sights even higher because that is the only way we are going to improve our performances. We should be setting our sights on improving our league position this season.

"I am looking forward to joining the squad and becoming one of the group and trying to improve myself and the team's performance on the pitch."

He is also eager to prove himself to the West Ham supporters as soon as possible and, while his English is not yet fluent, he has already learnt one familiar Boleyn Ground chant.

"I am really looking forward to starting my relationship with the West Ham fans. From what I have seen, the fans are very similar to those at Betis because they are very passionate.

"If I can replicate the same relationship that I had with the Betis fans, I'll be a very happy person. Come on you Irons!"

Adrian becomes just the fourth Spaniard to join West Ham following strikers Kepa Blanco and Diego Tristan and fellow goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.

 

[King Binny]

Aleksandar Tonev - Aston Villa (reportedly £2.5million)

Aleksandar Tonev is looking forward to becoming an important part of Paul Lambert's young and hungry Aston Villa team as the 23-year-old attacking midfield player completed a medical and agreed terms today at Bodymoor Heath.

With a deal agreed between Villa and Polish club Lech Poznan, the final paperwork will be completed next week to rubberstamp Tonev's move.

His arrival in England has been made easy by the presence of former Villa and Bulgarian international captain Stiliyan Petrov who welcomed his compatriot to the Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.

Tonev lined up alongside Petrov when he made his international debut against Wales in October 2011 in Sofia and he is determined to make his own mark in the Barclays Premier League.

"I am really happy to be part of Aston Villa and I am really proud to be able to pull the shirt on," Tonev said. "Aston Villa is a big club and the manager and club have a belief in young players and in the team ethic. Football is not about the individuals. It's a team sport and all successful teams play well together. That's what you can see at Villa, the team is playing together.

"I am part of the team now and I am hungry for success. I want to show everybody what I can really do. I have played in front of big crowds before but the atmosphere here in England is unique. The crowd is like a 12th player for the team and I am looking forward to playing in front of the fans.

"I can't wait to start and to meet my team-mates and the manager. When I heard about Aston Villa, I thought about playing in the Premier League for such a big club. I wasn't thinking about anything else.

"Stiliyan being here wasn't a massive influence on me coming here. Stiliyan and Dimitar Berbatov have done really well in this league and I hope I can do the same. They are both great Bulgarian players and hopefully I can do the same and make my mark on the Premier League.

"I have been watching Villa and I know there are some very good players here. I am really looking forward to being part of the team."

Petrov, now assistant development coach at Villa, added: "I played alongside Aleks, so I know a little bit about what kind of a player he is. The main thing is that the manager likes him as well and the way he plays.

"I think Villa fans have one exciting player on their hands. I think the Club has been monitoring Aleksandar for a few months, they have watched some games and some DVDs.

"He doesn't have a dominant foot which is really interesting and the main thing about him. He is quick, he is an exciting player and I think Villa fans will see he is a good player. He is the kind of player who can really make an impact in this young, exciting team. We spoke last night and he is really looking forward to it. He knows that it will be a challenge but he is ready for it."

Tonev began his career at CSKA Sofia. He made his debut as an 18-year-old, coming on as a substitute against Belasitsa Petrich in March 2008, playing twice that season as CSKA won the league. He went out on loan in 2008-09 to Sliven 2000 but returned to Sofia in 2010-11. He played 23 games in the league that season, as well as eight times his club's Europa League campaign and three times in the Bulgarian Cup-winning campaign.

Tonev's performances in 2010-11 were recognised by his fellow professionals when he won the Bulgarian Footballers' Young Player of the Year 2010-11 aged 21, after being voted into third place in 2008-09 aged 19.

His performances for CSKA earned him a move to Polish club Lech Poznan following the 2010-11 season. Tonev played 27 times for Lech in 2011-12, starting 17 games and scoring three goals. He started 22 games the following season, coming on in another four, and scored four goals as Lech finished second in the league. He played in all of the Europa League qualifying games for Lech in 2012-13 and scored once, in the home leg against Xäzär Länkäran of Azerbaijan.

Tonev has also played 11 times for the Bulgarian national team, after playing 15 times for the U21s. Lining up alongside former Villa and Bulgaria captain Stiliyan Petrov, he made his debut against Wales in October 2011 in Sofia. Tonev scored his first goals for his country against Malta in March 2013, going on to complete his first professional hat-trick.

 

[King Binny]

Wayne Bridge - Reading (free transfer)

Reading Football Club are delighted to announce that highly sought after left-back Wayne Bridge is to sign for the Royals.

The vastly experienced former Southampton, Chelsea and Manchester City defender has agreed on a one-year contract at Madejski Stadium and becomes Nigel Adkins’ first signing as Royals boss.

“I’m delighted to be signing for Reading and excited to be joining a team that is going to be looking for promotion next season,” Bridge said.

“I spoke to the manager and he told me about the direction he wants the team to go in. Everything we talked about was positive - and he was really positive about signing me which means a lot.

“And, from the outside, Reading look like a team who are capable of getting back into the Premier League, a team that works hard for each other. That is something I want to be a part of and I’m really looking forward to next season.”

Bridge joins the club with more than 300 Premier League appearances and 36 England caps to his name. During six successful years at Chelsea, he won all three domestic trophies whilst, on the international scene, he featured in two World Cup squads and went to one European Championships tournament with Sven-Göran Eriksson’s England.

The 32-year-old full back spent last season on loan from Manchester City, making 42 starts for Gus Poyet’s Brighton - achieving a play-off place with the Seagulls as well as the left-back position in the Football League Championship Team of the Year 2012/13.

Director of Football Nick Hammond said, “I’m delighted to have secured this agreement so early in the summer window. Both Wayne and his representatives have been very straightforward and professional to deal with and the player will add great experience and quality to our squad.”

Wayne is due to meet up with his new Royals teammates for the first time when the squad return for pre-season training at the end of this month.

 

[hamstrung_pigeon]

David Moyes signs first Manchester United player, a Uruguayan full-back

Guillermo Varela joins from Atlético Peñarol for undisclosed fee
20-year-old right-back has trained with United squad recently

David Moyes has completed his first signing as Manchester United's manager after the Premier League champions announced the arrival of the right-back Guillermo Varela.

The 20-year-old Uruguayan is joining from Atlético Peñarol after a successful trial. United's website did not disclose the fee but Peñarol's treasurer, Rodolfo Catino, has said the deal is worth up to €2.8m (£2.4m).

Moyes, who has replaced the retired Sir Alex Ferguson, will be able to view Varela in action immediately at the Under-20 world championships, which take place in Turkey from 21 June to 13 July.

Varela has nine Under-20 caps but has played only one senior game for Peñarol, whose coach, Jorge da Silva, has said: "This is what he deserves. It is a shame to see him go but you can't deny him the opportunity to join a club like this."

 

[King Binny]

Jagoba Arrasate - Real Sociedad (First Team Coach)

Real Sociedad have announced the appointment of Jagoba Arrasate as first team Coach to replace Philippe Montanier.

The club called a Press conference for Friday afternoon, with speculation mounting that former France head Coach Laurent Blanc may have agreed to step in to the position.

However, President Jokin Aperribay has presented Arrasate as the team’s new Coach, in what will be his debut role at senior level.

“Jagoba Arrasate will be the next Coach, he is right to continue the strategic line marked out for many years,” began Aperribay to reporters today.

“When Montanier closed the door [on staying], we thought of two names - [Newell’s Old Boys Coach Gerardo] ‘Tata’ Martino and Jagoba Arrasate.

“We believe that we will begin next season without doubts and with a perfect understanding of what we have.

“It is not a gamble, we want to continue with the same sporting line. It is the right moment for him to take on that responsibility.

“Jagoba has the absolute inner knowledge of La Real and he meets the characteristics that we were looking for.

“The players have known for two or three week that we were talking with Jagoba.”

Having impressed coaching the juvenil A and then B teams in consecutive single seasons, Arrasate joined La Real’s first-team set-up last summer to become a member of Montanier’s backroom staff and to assist in all aspects of his management.

Reports are that the club see the 35-year-old as having offered a crucial contribution to last season’s midseason turnaround that eventually earned the team a fourth place finish in La Liga.

 

[King Binny]

Sebastian Eduardo Leto - Catania (free transfer)

Catania presented new forward Sebastian Leto to the fans today. “This is an important step for my career.”

The Argentine forward joined on a free transfer after he terminated his contract with Panathinaikos in January.

“This new adventure is very important for me and I don’t want to get it wrong,” said the 26-year-old in a Press conference.

“I am feeling much better now after my knee injury and hope to be training with the team as soon as possible. This is an important step for my career, as Serie A is very tough.

“I’ve always liked Catania, as they play excellent football here, and admittedly the fact there were already so many Argentines in the side pushed me towards them.

“I hope to bring my experience to this team and even take them into Europe. I can play on the right or the left of attack, so I am at the complete disposal of the Coach. I can also play centre-forward, although it is not my ideal position.”

Leto will wear the Number 11 jersey. He was brought to Europe by Liverpool in 2007, albeit loaned immediately to Olympiakos due to work permit issues.

He was then sold to Panathinaikos in 2009.

 

[King Binny]

Alexander Baumjohann - Hertha Berlin (free transfer)

Bundesliga newcomer Hertha Berlin has captured the signature of former Kaiserslautern midfielder Alexander Baumjohann.

The 26-year-old lists Schalke, Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach among his former clubs and moves to the German capital on a three-year-deal.

Baumjohann notched five times in 25 appearances for Kaiserslautern last season as he helped it to finish third, before losing to Hoffenheim in a play-off to reach the top flight, and said he was delighted to secure a move to the Olympic Stadium.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge at Hertha," he told Bundesliga.com

"I want to play my part so that we - the club, the team and the fans - can achieve our objectives."

Michael Preetz, Hertha's sporting director, was equally delighted at being able to bring in a player as versatile as Baumjohann, who can feature on either flank as well as a central midfield role.

"In Alexander Baumjohann we have managed to acquire a player who is experienced but also versatile," Preetz said.

Hertha clinched a return to the German top flight last season, winning Bundesliga.2 by nine points from Eintracht Braunschweig.

 

[King Binny]

Fabrizio Ravanelli - Ajaccio (Manager)

Fabrizio Ravanelli has been appointed as manager of Ligue 1 side Ajaccio.

The former Juventus, Lazio, Marseille and Italy national team striker, 44, makes the move to France for his first senior managerial role after working as a youth coach at Juve.

He will be joined by fellow Italian Giampiero Ventrone who brings with him a wealth of experience after working under Marcelo Lippi at Juve and, most recently, with Antonio Conte at Siena.

Ajaccio's former manager Albert Emon quit on May 28, with club president Alain Orsoni citing 'personal issues' as the reason for his exit.

The club finished 17th in Ligue 1 last season, avoiding relegation by just two points on the final day of the season.

 

[King Binny]

Bruno Alves - Fenerbahce (€5.5m)

Turkish Süper Lig runners-up Fenerbahçe SK have strengthened their defensive options with the signing of Bruno Alves from FC Zenit St Petersburg.

The centre-back has agreed a three-year deal with the Istanbul outfit, who will pay Zenit €5.5m for the Portuguese international's services. In joining the Yellow Canaries, Bruno Alves will link up with compatriot and former FC Porto team-mate Raul Meireles.

Capped 63 times by his country, the big defender is Fenerbahçe's second significant purchase in recent weeks following the arrival of highly rated midfielder Alper Potuk from Eskişehirspor.

A two-time Premier-Liga champion with Zenit, Bruno Alves had moved to Russia from Porto in August 2010 for €22m, registering three goals in 100 appearances for the club.

The 31-year-old was a key man in Porto's three successive title wins between 2006/07 and 2008/09, missing just five Liga games, and was appointed captain after the departure of Lucho González to Olympique de Marseille in summer 2009.

Zenit and Fenerbahçe start their 2013/14 UEFA Champions League campaigns in the third qualifying round.

 

[Stulikesdrums]

The fookin' head on yer man ^^^^^

 

[King Binny]

Luis Enrique - Celta Vigo (Head Coach)

Luis Enrique Martínez García (Gijón, Asturias, 1970) is the new coach of Real Club Celta after the agreement between club and coach for the next two seasons. The former international player has led Barcelona B and Rome in recent seasons and backed up by a enjoyable and offensive game, an unequivocal interest in academy players and by the great competitiveness that he has established on his teams.

 

[King Binny]

Jan Wuytens - AZ Alkmaar (free transfer)

AZ Alkmaar have completed the signing of Utrecht defender Jan Wuytens on a free transfer.

The 27 year old’s contract ran out at the end of the season, and although he had a medical at Club Brugge, he could not agree terms with the Belgian side.

The Belgian international will now link up with last seasons KNVB Cup winners AZ on a four year deal, after also rejecting FC Twente.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Wuytens said, “It’s very important for me that a coach and a club are really going for you.With Gertjan Verbeek and Earnest Stewart, I had a good conversation. I really appreciate that they had enormous patience to wait for me.”

Wuytens will now form a centre back partnership with fellow summer signing Jeffrey Gouweleeuw, as AZ look to improve their league position next season.

Current AZ central defender, and vice-captain Nick Viergever is expecting to leave the club this summer, with Ajax, and PSV said to be interested.

 

[James]

Going to be worth 4-5x that in a couple seasons, mark my words. Looks like real quality

Can we just hijack all of Shakhtar and Porto's signings, then loan them back out?

Yep. Keep an eye out for him. He's going to be a star.

 

[King Binny]

Andreas Ivanschitz - Levante (free transfer)

Levante have reached an agreement to sign Austrian international midfielder Andreas Ivanschitz from Mainz 05.

According to a statement released by the club, the 29-year-old is due to sign a three-year deal at the Ciutat de Valencia once he has passed the necessary medical.

Ivanschitz began his career with Rapid Vienna, where he was voted the Austrian Footballer of the Year in 2003 before a move to Red Bull Salzburg three years later.

However, after just six months he went on a two-year loan to Panathinaikos, an arrangement that was made permanent in June 2008. After three years in Greece he agreed another two-year loan spell, this time with Mainz 05, and he was offered a contract in January 2011.

Last season he notched seven goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances and will join Los Granotes on a free transfer.

 

[King Binny]

Vitor Pereira - Al-Ahli (Head Coach)

Porto coach Vitor Pereira has signed a two-year deal to take charge of Al-Ahli, the Saudi club said on Sunday.

"Al-Ahli club signed a contract with Vitor Pereira for the next two seasons, and he will come to Jeddah with his assistants on June 27, and he will start his job on June 29," the club said in a statement on their website (http://www.alahlisc.com/ar/).

Pereira, who helped Porto retain their Portuguese league crown after beating his arch-rivals Benfica in a riveting title race, will take over from Serbian Aleksandar Ilic.

Al-Ahli reached the Asian Champions league quarter-finals this season but will not participate in next season's competition after finishing fifth in the Saudi League.

 

[King Binny]

Paulo Fonseca - Porto (Main Team Coach)

Pacos de Ferreira coach Paulo Fonseca has signed a two-year contract to take charge of Portuguese champions Porto.

Fonseca, 40, moves to one of Portugal's top clubs after leading unfashionable Pacos to third in the championship last season, their best ever finish which earned them a Champions League qualifying play-off spot.

"We have reached an agreement with Fonseca, who will become the main team coach," Porto said in a statement to market regulator CMVM.

Fonseca will have a tough task to live up to the demands of a club used to winning as much as Porto, who have claimed 14 of the last 20 Portuguese titles.

He replaces Vitor Pereira who on Sunday joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli after winning the championship in his two seasons at Porto.

Pereira's achievements were not always enough to win over Porto's demanding fans and he was often criticised for the team's failings in the Champions League and domestic cup competitions.

Just like his predecessor Pereira, who was an assistant coach at Porto before getting the top job, Fonseca has little high-level experience before taking on the high-pressure role.

He only started coaching at a professional level two years ago, making it another bold move by Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa.

A former centre back, Fonseca won over pundits in Portugal by moulding Pacos, a club from a tiny town north of Porto, into a very tactically organised side who conceded few goals.

Seen as a demanding and rigorous coach, he is a self-professed admirer of Arsenal's French manager Arsene Wenger and Benfica's Jorge Jesus.

His buy out clause is apparently 15m euros.

 

[BlitzAce]

Paulo Fonseca - Porto (Main Team Coach)

Wow fair play that's a good achievement, they obviously rate him highly to give him a 15m buy out clause, Porto are such a well run club we could learn a thing or 2 from them.


His buy out clause is apparently 15m euros.

 

[King Binny]

Here are 2 articles on him

http://www.footballradar.co.uk/blog...e-of-pacos-de-ferreira-portugals-rising-club/

http://convertocurrency.com/news/pa...of-wenger-waving-with-the-euro-pacos-portugal

Pacos were 10th the previous season and he was brought in to help them fight relegation. Ended up 3rd and qualifying for CL qualifiers. Club budget was €3.5 million and their top earners were earning only €5k/wk. "Favour of an offensive football and tactically very disciplined". Current Benfica manager Jorge Jesus used to be his coach at Estrela de Amadora.

 

[King Binny]

Lazar Markovic - Benfica (reportedly €10 million)

Benfica claim they have signed the 19-year-old on a five-year deal and that Chelsea have no involvement in the transfer at all

"Serbian winger Markovic signed with Benfica for five seasons," read a Benfica statement.

Highly-rated attacker Markovic is relishing joining Benfica feeling they will suit his style of football.

"Benfica play very attacking football that fits nicely with my characteristics," said Markovic.

"I come from a winning team and this style of play, always looking for goals and victories, fits me."

"I know we will play in the Champions League so I am very motivated."

 

[King Binny]

Riccardo Saponara - AC Milan (€4 million)

Empoli youngster Riccardo Saponara will join AC Milan at the end of the season.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani and head coach Massimiliano Allegri are currently in the process of bringing down the age of the squad, which the club seem highly satisfied with.

Saponara told reporters: “I can’t believe it that I’m actually joining Milan. I had just finished training and then my team-mates congratulated me.

“I read the news about Milan having signed me and I couldn’t believe it. I immediately started crying out of joy.

“Joining Milan is a great dream come true for me. It means that all the sacrifices have been worth it.

“I feel a great sense of responsibility after this transfer. Now I just want to finish the season with Empoli in the best way.”

Could be an inspired signing. 11 goals and 14 assists in 36 app for Empoli in Serie B. Also scored against Israel U21.

 

[King Binny]

Pedro Morales - Malaga

Malaga have signed Chile midfielder Pedro Morales on a two-year contract, turning a six-month loan deal into a permanent move, the Spanish club said on Monday.

"I am delighted. It was what I wanted," Morales was quoted as saying on the Malaga website (www.malagaacf.com). "Now I need to prepare for a good pre-season to be able to make the most of the opportunities I get."

The 28-year-old former Dinamo Zagreb player, who has won 14 caps for Chile, made seven appearances in La Liga and scored three goals.

Malaga finished sixth in the standings but their place in the Europa League next season depends on them winning an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against a one-year European competition ban from UEFA for delayed payments to creditors.

 

[King Binny]

Roberto De Fanti - Sunderland (Director of Football)

Valentino Angeloni - Sunderland (Chief Scout)

Sunderland AFC has begun the process of restructuring its player recruitment operation, with the appointment of a Director of Football and new Chief Scout.

Roberto De Fanti joins the club in the newly-created Director of Football role and Chief Scout Valentino Angeloni is welcomed to the Black Cats from Italian giants Inter Milan.

De Fanti, who has many years of experience in football, has worked closely with Angeloni on player recruitment at both Udinese and Inter Milan and has an extensive network of contacts throughout the game. He also assisted with the appointment of the Club’s Head Coach.

Angeloni took up a scouting role with Torino in 2007, following the end of his playing career, which saw him make over 350 appearances in professional football. He then went on to spend four years with Udinese as part of their technical set up.

During his time at the Italian club he discovered players such as Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez, who he signed as a 17 year old.

He was appointed as FC Internazionale’s Head of Scouting in March 2012.

Work on the summer recruitment process has already commenced, with players Valentin Roberge, Adilson Tavares Varela (Cabral) and Modibo Diakité set to join the club in July.

Sunderland AFC CEO, Margaret Byrne, said: “Roberto and Valentino bring with them a wealth of experience, knowledge and football contacts from across Europe and indeed the world and we are delighted to welcome them to Sunderland.

“The recruitment of players is of course key for any football club and Roberto and Valentino will work closely with the Head Coach and the Board to identify targets as we look to strengthen our squad for next season and beyond.

“I would also like to extend our thanks to the President of Inter Milan, Massimo Moratti, who graciously agreed to allow Valentino to make the move to Sunderland.”

Angeloni made more than 350 league appearances in Italy for Sampdoria and Lazio.

He began his scouting career at Torino before moving on to Udinese where he proved himself adept at identifying talented youngsters who were later sold on for big money.

He devised a system known as the ‘Udinese model’ which was adopted by clubs across Europe.

The system saw him source talented youngsters for modest fees, develop them while they played for the club and then sell them on and replace them.

Angeloni can claim credit for bringing on ex-Sunderland men Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan, along with Alexis Sanchez, who is now at Barcelona, David Pizarro, now of Fiorentina, and Vicenzo Iaquinta, who was sold to Juventus.

Udinese made a £7m profit with their policy in the 2011-12 campaign and that led to Angeloni moving to Inter Milan. The Udinese model would appeal to Short, who has become disillusioned by the lack of progress made despite spending tens of millions on new players – and in any case, the financial fair play rules now in force in the Premier League restrict the amount of money that owners can put into their club.

Angeloni had a £10m budget at Udinese, and Short may well feel that he would get a better return by handing a similar figure to the Italian to work with than by throwing money at the transfer market.

Roberto De Fanti is apparently John Guidetti's agent too.

 

[King Binny]

Oleksandr Volovyk - Shakhtar Donetsk

On 10 June, FC Shakhtar signed a 4-year contract with a Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Volovyk, who previously played for Metalurh Donetsk.

Profile

Oleksandr Volovyk
Born on 28 October 1985, Krasilov, Khmelnitskiy Oblast
Position – defender
Previous club – Metalurh Donetsk
Played 134 Ukrainian league matches, scoring 8 goals

Ukrainian title holders FC Shakhtar Donetsk have bolstered their defensive options with the acquisition of centre-back Oleksandr Volovyk from city rivals FC Metalurh Donetsk.

The 27-year-old, who made 134 league appearances for Metalurh after joining the Premier-Liha club in 2006, has put pen to paper on a four-year deal. "This offer came as a huge surprise for me and all I can say is that I am very happy," said Volovyk, labelled "one of the country's leading defenders" by Metalurh sporting director Vardan Israelyan.

"He is a role model with a fantastic attitude. We would like to thank him for all he did for our club and wish him all the best with the reigning champions," added Israelyan. Mircea Lucescu's Shakhtar tackle FC Chornomorets Odesa in the Ukrainian Super Cup on 9 July and enter the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League at the group stage.

 

[King Binny]

David Weir - Sheff United (Manager)

Sheffield United FC is delighted to announce the appointment of David Weir as new manager.

The 43-year-old Scot has signed a three-year contract and will begin work immediately with the primary aim of securing promotion from League One.

After an illustrious playing career which has included lengthy spells with Everton and Glasgow Rangers, plus 69 caps for Scotland, Weir has recently built a glowing reputation as a coach at Premier League Everton.

On his new role, Weir said: "My first thoughts about the job are of excitement, I understand how privileged I am to be named manager of a fantastic football club like Sheffield United.

"I realise what a great opportunity is in front of me now and my message to the supporters is that I will work hard and give everything to be successful at Bramall Lane.

"I honestly can't wait to get started and get a real feel for the club, then obviously I am eager to get organised for when the players return for pre-season training later this month."

Julian Winter, United's Chief Executive, commented: "We are thrilled to appoint David and the three-year contract emphasises the fact that he will assist in a change in club culture. I have stated before that the club needs to act differently and David is young, has a great pedigree and will bring a new vision and leadership to the club.

"The process of appointing a new manager has taken slightly longer than we envisaged but by taking our time we believe we have the attracted the right man to take Sheffield United forward."

David Green, United's Football Club Chairman, added: "It is sincerely hoped that the appointment of David will re-invigorate the club, including the supporters, and he can be assured that he has the full backing of the Board.

"We have had the opportunity to rejuvenate Bramall Lane and believe David was the best of the candidates to take us forward in a positive manner."

Chris Morgan, who acted as caretaker manager following the departure of Danny Wilson in April, will revert to his original role as coach.

 

[King Binny]

Matt Smith - Leeds (free transfer)

The club has agreed a deal to sign Oldham Athletic striker Matt Smith.

The 24-year-old is out of contract at Boundary Park and will officially join United on July 1 on a two year deal.

Brian McDermott has beaten a host of clubs to secure the signature of the striker, who scored 14 goals for Oldham after joining them from Solihull Moors in 2011.

Matt's name shot to prominence during Athletic's impressive run in the FA Cup last season when they reached the fifth round.

He scored goals against both Merseyside clubs as Oldham beat Liverpool and forced Everton into a replay at Goodison Park.

The Birmingham-born marksman started his career as a trainee at Cheltenham Town. He gained experience of non-league football with Solihull while gaining a degree in International Management at the University of Manchester.

His impressive form with Solihull earned him a move back into the league in 2011 when he signed for Oldham.

 

[King Binny]

Steve Lomas - Millwall (Manager)

Millwall Football Club are set to appoint Steve Lomas as manager next week when he returns from holiday, after agreeing terms with the St Johnstone boss and compensation with his club.

Lomas (39) has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young managers in the game after guiding Saints to European qualification for two consecutive seasons, including their highest ever finish in the SPL, where they finished third in 2012/13.

The former Northern Ireland international midfielder began his managerial career at St Neots Town and took over the St Johnstone hotseat in November 2011 from former Lion Derek McInnes after a brief spell as reserve team coach at former club West Ham.

Millwall chairman John Berylson says he is looking forward to working with Lomas and to an exciting future under his management at The Den.

"I was tremendously impressed with Steve," he said. "He has great passion and energy, knows a lot about Millwall as a club already, and this is a job he is genuinely hungry for.

In some respects, following Kenny Jackett is a tall order, but Steve is very different from his predecessor, younger and with a fresh approach.

I believe our fans will take to him, and to those who say we shouldn't have appointed a former captain of our biggest rivals, my response is, he has the desire to become a great Millwall manager. He understands the rivalry and is keen to be judged over time on his commitment to our club and what he can help us achieve.

From our point of view, we want the best man for the job, and we believe that man is Steve Lomas.

I would like to thank the chairman of St Johnstone for allowing us to appoint Steve and for the courteous and professional way in which our business has been conducted."

 

[King Binny]

Carlos Henrique Casemiro - Real Madrid (€6 million)

Real Madrid C.F. have used their purchase option to buy Carlos Henrique 'Casemiro' and as a result he will be a first team player at the club for the next four seasons.

 

[King Binny]

Marco Estrada - Al Wahda (€1.5 million)

Al Wahda have brought new signing Marco Estrada to the UAE for his leadership skills.

Estrada has been convinced to swap Ligue 1 for the Pro League signing a three-year contract with the Abu Dhabi club after they agreed an undisclosed fee with Montpellier, believed to be in the region of €1.5 million (Dh7.3m).

The Chile international was a midfield mainstay as Montpellier won their first ever French title in 2012 and will arrive in the Emirates with UEFA Champions League experience having played five times in the competition last season.

Estrada has won 33 caps for his country, although he has played only once for La Roja since he moved to France three years ago.

The 30-year-old’s acquisition is the first step of a summer transfer policy that Wahda hope will see them challenging again for the title following three consecutive mid-table finishes.

“The technical committee at the club were very interested in having Marco Estrada because he has captained his team and he was always stable with the three teams he had played for, Universidad, the biggest team in Chile, Everton in Chile and Montpellier,” Wahda board member Areef Hamad Al Awani told Sport360°.

“During his time in Montpellier he was always the leader and he has a very tactical role in the team. So that’s why we approached him from the beginning to have him as a leader in our club.”

Wahda had been watching the Chilean for three months before they made their move, meaning incoming coach Karel Jarolim was not involved in the initial negotiations with the player.

Al Awani added: “We had already reached the confirmation and agreement before the coach signed with us. But we did discuss with the coach later on and the coach knew him. He is known to most European coaches.”

 

[King Binny]

Stephan Andersen - Real Betis (free transfer)

Real Betis have completed the signing of Evian goalkeeper Stephan Andersen, who moves from the French Ligue 1 to Spain on a free transfer.

Pepe Mel’s side have been on the lookout for a new keeper since first choice Adrian left on a free transfer for Premier League side West Ham, with several targets thought to be in the pipeline.

The Beticos have finally decided on the Danish keeper now however, and were keen to tie up a deal for him early and in time for pre-season training with the club, with the former Brondby keeper signing a two-year deal at the Benito Villamarin with the option of a third year.

The Denmark international will now battle with club captain Casto for the No.1 jersey going into the Andalusian side’s Europa League campaign.

The 31-year-old revealed that it was a too good an opportunity to turn down, and feels that it is a privilege to move to Spain’s La Liga.

Speaking to the official Real Betis website, Andersen said, “It’s a great opportunity to join this club and to play for the first time in the Spanish league.

“They have had a very good season and have qualified for the Europa League. I know they have fantastic supporters and a great tradition.”

The former Charlton Athletic goalkeeper managed just nine appearances for the French side this season, with veteran Bertrand Laquait keeping him out of the team.