Confirmed transfers 2012/13

[Pesam]

For 3m they can replace him fairly easily, Leeds could get automatic promotion this year i think.

Yeah they're certainly shaping up for a top 6 finish and with the league being very open this season Warnock's experience at the top of the division could be crucial.

If they lose McCormack it will be a blow but I think Warnock will get in a few EPL loanee's (he usually does) and will certainly challenge. I still reckon Bolton are the best team/squad and if they hold onto Holden and Lee then I can't see them being outside the top 2.

 

[Judge Jules]

Agree with all of that. I can't abide Worncock as an individual but he's good at bringing teams up from the Championship, and I expect Bolton to get back up at the first attempt, though they'll then have to find a way to strengthen their squad if they want to stick around in the Prem.

 

[Frogfish]

Chelsea have signed Oscar.
Hazard
Marin
Oscar.
Quite surprised they havnt signed a striker.
Either Lakuku or Sturridge need to step up. Or.....ya know.......Torres.
Theyve lost Anelka, Kalou and Drogba and signed 3 x Midfielders.

The real question is ....... will Torres be frozen out again as Chelsea go strikerless a la Spain 😱

 

[keniget]

Kalou has gone, Malouda will probably go, Lampard needs replacing... so it makes sense that they're signing attacking midfielders.

 

[King Binny]

Snodgrass from Leeds to Norwich for an undisclosed fee but rumoured to be £2.5m-£3m. He was in the final year of his contract so Leeds were never going to get the £5m asking price.

He's this years David Bentley i.e. he's got decent delivery and might have the odd decent spell of form but wide-men with no pace rarely last long in the EPL.

The majority of Leeds fans are upset about him leaving but the few more sensible ones are quite pleased because they know he's overrated.

NORWICH City Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Robert Snodgrass from Leeds United on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old Scottish international becomes Manager Chris Hughton's third summer signing, joining Jacob Butterfield and Steven Whittaker among City's ranks ahead of the new Barclays Premier League season.

Former Leeds captain Snodgrass will link-up with ex-team-mates Jonny Howson and Bradley Johnson at Carrow Road, who also joined the Canaries from Leeds in the previous two transfer windows.

City Manager Hughton told Canaries.co.uk: "Robert is an excellent addition to the squad and I'm delighted to add a player of his calibre to the team.

"He is a player I have admired for a number of years now and he's at a good age at 24, with some excellent experience from his time with Leeds. He's also got that international experience with Scotland and is used to playing in big matches both with his country and at Elland Road.

"He had a good goal scoring record with Leeds and obviously knows a few of the lads already with the squad well from his time at Elland Road and with Scotland.

"I'm sure, like Jacob Butterfield and Steven Whittaker, it won't take him long to settle in with the squad."

Fresh from putting pen-to-paper, Snodgrass added: "I'm delighted to get it done and dusted and now I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and starting the season.

"I firmly believe that the Premier League is the best league in the world, and when Norwich came in for me, I made the step because I believe that Norwich can kick on again.

"Sometimes this window of opportunity doesn't come about too often, and I jumped at the chance.

"What Norwich did in the Premier League last season speaks for itself. Bradley Johnson and Jonny Howson kicked on from Leeds, and when you look at that, you think 'I want to be part of it' and try to get Norwich as far up the table as they can possibly go."

With five caps and one goal for Scotland at senior international level, Snodgrass brings a wealth of experience and added attacking edge to Hughton's side, having netted 35 goals in 168 league games for Leeds United before making the step-up to the top-flight with Norwich.

Snodgrass began his career with Scottish side Livingston, where he played with current City star Wes Hoolahan in the 2006-07 season.

His form for Livingston, and a subsequent loan spell to Stirling Albion, won him many admirers, and after 17 goals for the Lions, a move to Yorkshire side Leeds United materialised in 2008, where he soon became Yorkshire side Leeds United materialised in 2008, where he soon became a fan favourite under Gary McAllister.

The Scot went on to play 193 games for Leeds, scoring 41 times during a successful spell, where he was named the 2011-12 Player of the Year and Player's Player of the Year winner, as well as being given the captain's armband upon Neil Warnock's arrival at the helm in February 2012.

On Manager Chris Hughton, Snodgrass added: "He's different class. His managerial record speaks for itself, with how well he did at Newcastle and Birmingham, and he's another manager in my career that I can learn from.

"You can see from the way he carries out his business that he brings a lot of enthusiasm to the game, and I firmly believe that I can better my career by playing in the Premier League and learning from a different manager."

 

[King Binny]

David Hoilett - QPR (free transfer)

Mark Hughes has bolstered his attacking options with the signing of highly-rated Canadian starlet David 'Junior' Hoilett.

The 22 year-old, who is out of contract after opting not to sign a new deal with Blackburn Rovers, has penned a four-year contract at Loftus Road, after Rangers beat off stiff competition from a number of Clubs for his prized signature.

Hoilett becomes QPR's seventh signing of a hectic summer at Loftus Road, following in the footsteps of Rob Green, Ryan Nelsen, Fabio Da Silva, Ji-Sung Park, Samba Diakite and Andy Johnson.

Speaking exclusively to www.qpr.co.uk, a delighted Hughes hailed the arrival of the attacking midfielder, commenting: "Junior is a player I know very well.

"He was just a young boy trying to make his way in the game when I had him at Blackburn. It was difficult for him then because of work permit issues, but I had him training with the First Team very early on because his talent was there for all to see.

"We knew then he was going to have a great future and he's certainly showed that talent over the last few seasons at Ewood Park.

"He's shown he's a player of top quality and a player that can makes things happen, both on his own and as a team player.

"He's certainly a player that will enhance what we've got in the group and I am delighted he's chosen to come to us."

Hoilett enjoyed a season to remember on a personal level last term, scoring seven goals and providing five assists for a Rovers side who were eventually relegated to the Championship.

R's fans will also remember his goal against the Hoops back in January 2011, in an FA Cup third round tie at Ewood Park which Rovers won 1-0.

A delighted Hoilett told www.qpr.co.uk: "QPR are a Club that are certainly heading in the right direction. The ambition to take this Club to the next level was something I really wanted to be part of.

"The Manager and the owners have huge ambitions to achieve things here and this is the perfect place for me to further my career."

He added: "The Manager obviously played a big part in my decision to come here. He's someone I know well here having worked with him and his backroom team at Blackburn.

"I signed my first professional contract under him and I will always remember that and be grateful to him. Working under such a great manager will help me to develop my skills and further my career.

"I have not achieved anything yet. I am still at the early stages of my career and have a lot to learn. As a young player it is important to stay humble, and listen to your family and friends.

"I'm really happy to be here and can't wait to pull on the Rangers shirt."

 

[King Binny]

Greg Halford - Nottingham Forest (undisclosed fee)

Greg Halford has become the latest recruit to Sean O'Driscoll's new-look Nottingham Forest defence.

The Reds have paid an undisclosed fee to Portsmouth for the 27 year old, whose arrival follows that of Welsh international defender Danny Collins on Wednesday.

Halford brings vast experience to Sean O'Driscoll's Forest squad as he is comfortable operating at right back or in the centre of defence but has also on occasions lined-up in midfield and even up front.

Forest Chairman Omar Al Hasawi said: "Greg is another important component in the squad that Sean is assembling and we're delighted he chose to join us."

Greg Halford believes his move to The City Ground has come at 'the right time'.

"It's been a tough year but the administrator wanted us all out." he said. "Not knowing whether there was going to be a club was very unsettling.

"It had to come to an end eventually.This is the right time for me to be here. The facilities are great. I know the owners have got big plans to develop here as well."

The ex-Sunderland man was pleasantly surprised with the speed in which the deal was completed.

"I never really heard of any solid interest until three or four days ago." he said. "I had a quick chat with the manager which went well and things progressed very quickly "I can't wait to get started."

The 6ft 4" centre back will be in familiar company in the Forest dressing room, having previously played alongside Danny Collins and Adlene Guedioura.

"I know Danny quite well, as well as Adlene from Wolves." he revealed.

"I've played with Dexter a couple of times in the Under 21's as well, so I know a few players here and that will help me settle in. I'm sure all of the lads are top class."

 

[King Binny]

Michael Turner - Norwich City (undisclosed fee, reportedly £1.5 million)

NORWICH City have completed the signing of 28-year-old defender Michael Turner from Sunderland on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The former Hull City man becomes Manager Chris Hughton's fourth summer signing, joining Jacob Butterfield, Steven Whittaker, and Robert Snodgrass in the City ranks.

Turner is a central defender with bags of Premier League experience, having represented both Hull City and the Black Cats with distinction at the highest level.

City Manager Hughton told Canaries.co.uk: “I’m delighted to be able to bring Michael into the squad as he is a player with a wealth of Premier League experience.

“At 28 years old he is joining us at a good age, and I’m happy to have been able to welcome him to Norwich City.

“Like with Snodgrass, Butterfield, and Whittaker, it’s nice to bring players in with a good amount of time left in pre-season so they are able to gel with the squad ahead of the first game of the season.”

A thrilled Turner added: “I’m delighted. The deal is all signed now and I’m happy to be here.

“The manager needs to want you first and foremost to get the ball rolling, and that was the key with Chris Hughton.

“I’ve heard a lot of people say good things about what he does and has done in the game, so I’m just pleased to be a part of his team.

“I was really impressed with Norwich last season. I was on the bench for the game at Carrow Road, and I got to see them play, so I was impressed with the players, the stadium, and the whole set up of the Club.

“I’ve picked up a lot of experience throughout my career, and hopefully I can add a bit to the squad here.

“I feel good. Last year I played just shy of 30 games, and now that I’ve come back to pre-season I feel stronger than ever.”

After beginning his career with Charlton Athletic, the Lewisham-born centre-half soon made a name for himself, and was awarded the Addicks’ Young Player of the Year in 2003-04.

A seven-game loan spell from Charlton to Leyton Orient in 2003 was followed by an initial one-month loan to Brentford, which led to Turner being signed permanently at Griffin Park for a nominal fee in November 2004.

His time at Brentford proved to be a huge success and after 110 appearances at Griffin Park, in which he scored three goals, the 6ft 4ins defender was signed to Phil Parkinson's Hull City in the summer of 2006.

Turner's performances were key for the Tigers in their 2007-08 campaign, in which they won promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, and the rising star was named Player of the Season.

After his ever-present campaign for Hull City in their successful first stint in the Premier League in 2008-09, the defender secured a £4M move to north-east side Sunderland, amid calls from some quarters for an England call-up.

He played 77 times for the Black Cats, scoring one goal, which came in the 5-2 demolition of Wolves at the Stadium of Light in September 2009.

 

[King Binny]

Allan McGregor - Besiktas (free transfer)

Besiktas have completed the signing of former Rangers goalkeeper and Scotland international Allan McGregor on a two-year deal.

The 30-year-old was one of nine players who rejected their contracts being transferred to the Rangers Newco this summer, bringing an end to an 11-year affiliation with the club.

McGregor, though, is excited about the prospect of testing himself in another country.

"I became free agent after Rangers were relegated. Besiktas showed interest in me and I came to Turkey," McGregor told BJK TV.

"I realise I came to a big club with traditions. This club's supporters give enormous support to their club. This will be a new challenge and goal for me, I feel I'm ready for it."

"I give everything for my team on the pitch. I cannot stand to lose. I will do my best for Besiktas.

"I took an opportunity to watch our supporters from videos, I know how enthusiastic the Turkish fans are."

The Scotland international enjoyed a successful time with his former club, winning three league titles and three Scottish Cups, also racking up 20 caps for the national side.

 

[King Binny]

Kim Bo-Kyung - Cardiff (£2 million)

Cardiff City Football Club is pleased to confirm that South Korean International midfielder Kim Bo-Kyung has joined the Club on a three year contract from J. League Division 1 side Cerezo Osaka in Japan.

Subject to the Club completing necessary work permit processes, Kim will finalise his move after his London 2012 Olympic commitments with the South Korea national side. He will then link up with the Cardiff City squad in preparation for the start of the 2012/13 season.

Cardiff City would like to place on record its gratitude to Cerezo Osaka and Bo-Kyung's representatives for their professionalism and candour during negotiations.

South Korean international Kim Bo-Kyung spoke exclusively to Cardiff City Player after completing his move to Cardiff City from J.League Division One side Cerezo Osaka.

"Cardiff City was always my preferred choice, despite interest from other clubs," said Bo-Kyung. "I think the tactics and the vision here will suit me and that is why I wanted to come to the Club.

"I enjoy playing with confidence; when I'm confident I score goals and I hope to score a lot of goals here at Cardiff City. I still have a lot to learn, but feel I can offer my technique and passing ability to the team.

"Playing in the Championship will be very different to the J-League. I will learn a lot from playing in such a division but also feel I can use what I've learned from Japan and bring that to the team too."

The midfielder - who is comfortable playing anywhere across the middle of the park - is currently competing in the Olympic Games, featuring prominently in South Korea's 0-0 draw with Mexico at St. James' Park on Thursday.

"I'm very happy to have signed for Cardiff City before I play more games in the Olympics with my country," Bo-Kyung continued. "It will have a positive impact on my play for South Korea, I am sure. If we play to the best of our abilities then I'm sure we can achieve things this summer."

And as for heroes, there was one man in particular that he hopes to emulate, saying: "I admire Park Ji-Sung who has been my teacher and role-model as a young South Korean footballer.

"I know he has said some nice things about me and my potential; I don't know if I'll become as good a player as he says he thinks I could, but I will certainly try my very best to meet expectations. I'm also a fan of David Silva of Manchester City and enjoy his style of play."

Malky Mackay said of his latest recruit: "We're delighted to have completed the deal to bring Bo-Kyung to Cardiff City - I'm sure he's going to be an excellent acquisition.

"He is comfortable playing anywhere across the midfield and can score goals. We look forward to welcoming him into our training setup after his involvement in the Olympics.

"I'd like to thank Bo-Kyung's representatives and also his former club Cerezo Osaka for the professional way in which they've done business with us to complete the transfer."

 

[King Binny]

Everton have agreed with Major League Soccer (MLS) that Tim Cahill can be transferred to the New York Red Bulls,’ a statement on the Toffees website read. ​

​

​

£1mill Apparently​

The New York Red Bulls announced today that it has signed midfielder Tim Cahill as a Designated Player. Cahill will join the Red Bulls’ roster pending receipt of his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Per MLS and club regulations, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The club will officially introduce Cahill to members of the media in a press conference on Monday at Red Bull Arena. Further details will be provided later today.

“We are absolutely thrilled to bring in a player of Tim’s caliber to the Red Bulls,” said New York Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. “He is the technical, physical presence we have been looking to add in our team and he brings a wealth of experience to our club having played in some of the highest levels of international soccer. Tim is a proven leader both on and off the field and we believe that he can help us immediately in our quest to win the MLS Cup this season.”

“I am very happy to start a new chapter of my career with the New York Red Bulls,” Cahill said. “As we have seen over the past few years, MLS has developed into a very competitive league with many talented players. I am impressed with what the Red Bulls are trying to accomplish in MLS and within American soccer and I am looking forward to this new challenge. I will do everything I can to help bring New York its first MLS Cup.”

“I also want to thank everyone at Everton, from the club to tremendous supporters. It has been a privilege to be an Everton player for the past eight years and it was a very difficult decision to leave. I will always support Everton and I wish the club the best of luck in the future.”

Cahill, a player who has featured as an attacking midfielder and forward during his career, comes to New York after an illustrious career with English Premier League side, Everton FC, where he had played since 2004. He had made 278 appearances for the Toffees, scoring 68 goals over eight seasons with the club. The Australian was Everton’s leading scorer in his first year with the team and was named Player of the Season. Cahill was also the club’s leading scorer with nine goals in the 2008/09 campaign and served as team captain for part of the 2009/10 season. The 32-year-old became the 71st player in Premier League history to reach the 50 goal milestone when he scored against Blackpool in Nov. 6 2010. Last season, Cahill featured in 41 games, tallying three goals in all competitions. In October 2006, Cahill was named as one of 50 nominees for the Ballon D’Or, given to the European Footballer of the Year.

Prior to joining Everton, Cahill featured for English side, Millwall, where he made a total of 249 appearances and scored 56 goals. Cahill was part of the side that went the FA Cup Final for the first time in club history in the 2003-04 season and earned a spot in the UEFA Cup. He helped his side earn promotion to the English First Division after it finished first in the 2000-01 campaign. Cahill joined MIllwall from Sydney United.

On the international level, Cahill featured in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups as a member of the Australian National Team. He was the first Australian to score a World Cup goal in 2006, when he found the back of the net against Japan, and helped his country earn a spot in the Round of 16. He has earned a total of 55 caps for Australia, amassing 24 goals – three of which came in the two World Cups he played in.

 

[King Binny]

Luc Castaignos - FC Twente (€6m)

Luc Castaignos has confirmed he “signed a four-year contract” with FC Twente, handing Inter €6m.

The Dutch striker spent only a year in Serie A and failed to make an impact, so is returning to Holland.

“I am going from Inter to Twente for €6m,” he told FCInterNews. “I signed a four-year contract, but I would prefer for the financial details to remain private.

“I came to Inter in order to show who Luc Castaignos really was and what I am capable of on a football field, but had very few opportunities to do that.

“In any case, I hope this year can be better for the Nerazzurri, because they do not deserve to experience another season like that.

“I chose Twente because I wanted to join a team where I knew I’d have a better chance of playing and improving.”

Twente boss Steve McClaren feels the Netherlands Under-19 international can make a big impact back in his home country.

"The important thing is that we have a goalscorer, and that is what Castaignos is," McClaren told Voetbal International. "It says something that the boy could score 15 goals in his first season at Feyenoord.

"In recent months we were trying to build a team around De Jong, but the players we've attracted will be very good alongside Castaignos."

 

[King Binny]

Dan Harding - Nottingham Forest (undisclosed fee)

Dan Harding has revealed his excitement at completing his move to The City Ground.

The 28-year-old left back signed for The Reds this morning to complete his move from Southampton.

"It's brilliant, I'm really pleased." he said. "I spoke to the gaffer and liked what he had to say. "I'm really excited."

The former Brighton man was part of The Saints' promotion-winning side last season and admitted that it was a wrench to move.

"It was a big decision for me to leave but it's one that I feel is going to be really good for me." he said.

"There aren't many clubs I'd have left them for but Forest was definitely one of them. It's a great stadium, fantastic facilities here at the Academy and it's a club going places."

Dan Harding has become the fourth player to check-in at Nottingham Forest this week.

The 28 year old has signed a three-year contract after Forest paid Southampton an undisclosed fee for his services.

He follows in the footsteps of Adlene Guedioua, Danny Collins and Greg Halford, who also completed moves to The City Ground in a busy six days for the Club.

Forest Chairman Omar Al Hasawi said: "We are delighted with the way things are taking shape. Like Adlene, Danny and Greg, Dan is an experienced performer and he knows what it takes to gain promotion from the Championship."

Harding made 25 league and cup appearances for The Saints last season as they clinched promotion to the Premier League.

Harding started his career as a trainee with Brighton and made more than 70 appearances for them before joining Leeds in 2005.

He spent a year at Elland Road, making 20 Championship appearances, before moving to Ipswich in a swop deal involving Ian Westlake moving in the opposite direction.

He clocked up more than 70 appearances for Ipswich and also had loan spells with Southend and Reading before moving to Southampton three years ago.

Harding played a key role as The Saints won promotion from League One in 2011 and maintained their momentum to secure a top flight place last season.

He has also been capped four times by England at Under 21 level.

 

[King Binny]

Matias Fernandez - Fiorentina (€4 million)

Fiorentina have officially signed Matias Fernandez from Sporting Lisbon after he put pen to paper on a four-year contract.

“ACF Fiorentina announce the permanent signing of Matias Ariel Fernandez from Sporting Clube de Portugal,” read a statement.

“The player, born in Buenos Aires on May 15 1986, has played 46 games for Chile and scored 11 goals.”

The 26-year-old midfielder underwent his medical on Friday and is believed to be worth €3m, although Fiorentina will add more to that fee if they qualify for European competition.

 

[Hansern]

Forest have signed 4 shite players after being bought by new owners. Jesus H Christ

 

[King Binny]

Raffael - Dynamo Kiev (initial fee of €10 million rising to €14 million)

FC Dynamo Kyiv has signed a four-year contract with Brazilian attacking midfielder Raffael (full name - Raffael Caetano de Araújo), according to a statement posted on the club's official Web site on Friday, July 27.

The transfer will end a five-year spell with the Berlin side after signing in 2007/08 from Swiss side FC Zurich for a fee of around €4.3 million.

Hertha BSC fans will lament the loss of the talented playmaker who has an impressive Bundesliga record; in 110 league appearances he netted 23 goals and assisted a further 23.

The footballer will watch his new club play Hoverla in the third round of the Ukrainian Premier League, and in the next few days he will join his new teammates for training. The player will be introduced at a press conference after the match.

The 27-year-old Raffael started his career at Juventus-SP (Sao Paolo). He also played for Switzerland's Chiasso (2003-2005) and Zurich (2005-2008) and Germany's Hertha (2008-2012).

Raffael is the fifth player signed by the Ukrainian club in the current offseason. Dynamo earlier signed Portuguese player Miguel Veloso, Croat Niko Kranjcar, Spaniard Marco Ruben and Andriy Bohdanov from FC Arsenal Kyiv.

 

[RedZeppelin III]

Is that you in your avatar pic Binny ?

 

[King Binny]

Is that you in your avatar pic Binny ?

Ha, no mate.

 

[King Binny]

Rasmus Elm - CSKA Moscow (€6m)

The Sweden international, who has been capped 26 times by his country and played at Euro 2012, has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Krasno-sinie , with the option of a further year written into the contract.

The reported €6 million fee will bring Elm to the Russian capital after three years in Netherlands with AZ.

The 24-year-old played a total of 83 league games for the Eredivisie side, scoring 18 goals in the process.

Elm had previously been linked with the likes of Lazio and Tottenham, but has joined a CSKA side that currently lie in 10th place in the Russian Premier League after just two games of the new season.

 

[King Binny]

Alex Bruce - Hull City (free transfer)

The club can now confirm that Alex Bruce has signed a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old versatile defender has been training with the Tigers for the past three weeks and joins the club as a free agent having parted company with Leeds United at the end of the previous campaign.

Speaking about the deal, Tigers boss Steve Bruce said: "When you look at what's going around on the Bosman market, he makes a very good free transfer.

"He's 27 and he'll handle this division. He's at the peak of his career and looks in good shape. I'm sure he'll be a decent acquisition.

"Defensively, in terms of numbers, we're a bit thin with the injury to Liam Rosenior and Jack Hobbs out until Christmas.

"It's imperative that you have cover in the right areas and Alex can fill in anywhere along the back line."

 

[Jürgen4PM]

Is that the lad we were linked to?

 

[King Binny]

Is that the lad we were linked to?

Yeah, Rasmus Elm. Before Rodgers was appointed.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

Cheers mate.

 

[King Binny]

Tongo Doumbia - Wolves (loan with option to buy)

Wolves have made their third senior signing of the summer with the capture of highly-rated midfielder Tongo Doumbia.

The 22-year-old Mali international has moved from Rennes on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent deal.

He completed a medical on Friday and Saturday and trained with the squad for the first time at Compton yesterday.

“I am delighted we have managed to sign Tongo who will bring some more quality to the squad,” says boss Ståle Solbakken.

“He also has good experience for a young player and made 26 appearances last season for a top six club in France.

“He is a box-to-box player who can operate in that central role defensively and offensively and as well as being physically strong he is also good in possession.

“We’ll have another look at him tomorrow but there is a chance he will be involved in the game against Shrewsbury.”

At 6ft 3in, Doumbia, who has previously interested several Premier League clubs, is known as a powerhouse midfielder with the ability to get from box to box.

Tongo’s first senior football came with French Second Division club LB Chateauroux where, having turned out for the reserve team, he made one appearance in February of 2009.

He then joined Rennes in the summer of 2009 where he has spent the last three years, making almost 50 appearances and scoring two goals.

This has included experience in the Europa League last season as Rennes made it through to the group stages where they took on Atletico Madrid, Udinese and Celtic.

Born in France, he qualifies for Mali through his parents and has made two full appearances for the country.

Tongo Doumbia today revealed how a call from Wolves boss Ståle Solbakken helped him convince him that Wolves was the right move as he signed a season-long loan deal at Molineux.

The powerful 22-year-old midfielder has joined from Rennes with a view to a permanent deal and is set to play some part of Tuesday’s friendly at Shrewsbury.

The Mali international has vowed to give everything to the cause as he prepares to make a success of life in English football.

“I am really looking forward to playing for the fans and the manager,” he said.

“I want to help the team as much as I can as we aim for promotion.

“There were other clubs interested I had a good feeling about Wolves as soon as I spoke to the manager.

“He told me personally about his plans and showed that interest in me which was good to hear.

“I have a lot of friends playing in Europe who knew about the manager and one of my team-mates at Rennes - Alexander Tettey - is a Norwegian international.

“They all spoke highly of him and when you have that good feeling about a manager it is important.

“I also know Steven Mouyokolo very well and I am sure he will help me settle in.

“I hope I can do well and make the fans happy and also carry on to improve as well.”

Doumbia has said he is ready to adapt to the npower Championship and make his mark in the Wolves engine room ahead of a tough season.

He added: “I like to get from box to box but I also like to move forward with the ball and try and score goals.

“I am also a strong player and like to battle as well and will give everything I have for the Wolves shirt and for the club.

“It’s up to the manager but I think I am ready to play tomorrow night even if it’s just a short time.

“It will be good to start learning to play alongside my team-mates and start playing.”

 

[King Binny]

George Friend - Middlesbrough (£250k)

BORO have today completed the signing of Doncaster Rovers defender George Friend for an undisclosed fee.

The 24-year-old left-back or centre-back completed his medical at Rockliffe Park after agreeing a three-year contract.

Friend becomes Tony Mowbray's sixth summer signing following the arrival of Grant Leadbitter, Stuart Parnaby, Christian Burgess, Jonathan Woodgate and Emmanuel Ledesma.

Boro beat off competition from two other Championship clubs to secure the highly-rated Doncaster captain, who was named Player of the Year and Player's Player of the Year at The Keepmoat Stadium last season.

"I think George will be a good signing for us," says Mowbray. "He's a versatile player who can play at centre-half and left-back. He's very athletic and very mobile and has all the attributes you look for in a player.

"He's going to create really good competition to get into our side."

Friend believes his move to Boro will boost his chances of playing in the Premier League again. He savoured a brief taste of the top flight with Wolves as a youngster and is anxious for more.

"Middlesbrough finished just outside the play-off places last season and Tony Mowbray is building a really strong squad here," he says.

"I took that into account when deciding to move here because my ambition is to help this club achieve promotion.

"It has been fairly crucial to make then right choice, and a big attraction was how the manager (Mowbray) likes to play football. I've seen what he has done at previous clubs and his teams like to pass the ball. "I hope I fit into that category and I can't wait for the season to start.

"The manager has made some quality signings this summer and these are exciting times for Middlesbrough."

Barnstaple-born Friend started his career at Exeter City and helped the West Country side regain their Football League status with a Conference play-off triumph over Cambridge United at Wembley in 2008.

 

[King Binny]

Luc Castaignos - FC Twente (€6m)

After just one year together, Inter have officially sold young Dutch striker Luc Castaignos to FC Twente today.

Castaignos’ revealed the completion of his move back to his native country over the weekend, which has now been confirmed by Twente, who presented him to the media today.

The 19-year-old, who scored once in Serie A for Inter last term, moves on an initial €6m deal that is expected to rise depending on future bonuses.

The former Feyenoord forward had been on the look-out for a new club since the beginning of the summer, when he revealed that his stay in Italy was coming to an end.

“I’m proud to be here, I want to give my best to win,” the youngster said today.

“At Inter, in Italy, I missed that feeling of joy for playing football. I had did not have fun at the club. After one year there was no more confidence from Inter in my ability, even previously after wanting me.

“When I spoke to the directors I realised that the belief was over. But I still learned a lot at Inter.”

 

[King Binny]

Andriy Voronin - Fortuna Dusseldorf (loan)

Former Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin turned down offers from Russian clubs to go on a year's loan to newly-promoted German Bundesliga side Fortuna Dusseldorf, the player's agent told R-Sport on Monday.

Dynamo Moscow said they had loaned out Voronin until the end of the season in a website statement Monday.

"There were options in Russia, but Andriy wanted to continue his career in the Bundesliga and the offer from Fortuna was the most optimal for us," Voronin's agent Andrei Golovash said.

Voronin is under contract at Dynamo until summer 2014 but his relationship with the club has degenerated sharply in recent months, reportedly following a feud between Voronin and coach Sergei Silkin.

Last month, the club said Voronin was transfer listed by request but no offers had been received.

Voronin, 32, moved to Dynamo in 2010 after failing to hold down a first-team place during his two-season stay at Liverpool.

He scored 11 goals in 37 Russian league appearances last season as Dynamo finished fourth, but spent most of his time on the bench towards the end of the season and has not scored since October.

As the season reached its climax in May, Voronin asked to play with Dynamo's reserves to boost his match fitness for Euro 2012, where he played in two of Ukraine's three group stage games but was an unused substitute against England.

Fortuna returned to the Bundesliga last season for the first time since 1997.

 

[King Binny]

Wakaso Mubarak - Espanyol

Wakaso Mubarak, Espanyol's third signing for next season, was officially unveiled as a new player this afternoon at the Peralada’s hotel. The event, which was attended by the responsible of the sports area, Germán de la Cruz, and sporting director, Ramon Planes, has confirmed the interest of the player for wearing blue and white colors.

The ex-footballer of Villarreal has been welcomed by Germán de la Cruz, who has acknowledged that "this is a signing that has matured for a long time. We wish here you can confirm all your quality as a player and give it all for the team”.

Wakaso noted that "I am a new player of Espanyol and that makes me very happy. Tonight I could not sleep. I want to thank you for the welcome they have given me", he said. "I have a mind to fight and help the team to challenge for Europe or the Champions League. I will help in everything", he insisted.

The new blue and white player has revealed that the interest of Espanyol was known "since I played for Elche" and explained that he can play, as said Pochettino, "on the side or in central midfield."

Joan Capdevila - Espanyol (€350k)

Former Villarreal left-back Joan Capdevila has joined Espanyol from Benfica, for a fee in the region of 350,000 euros.

Capdevila, who was part of the Spain squad that won the 2008 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup, joined the Portuguese club last summer after four years with the Yellow Submarine but failed to secure a regular place in the side and was keen to head back to his homeland.

Espanyol confirmed the signing on their official website.

The 34-year-old returns to the club where he started his career back in 1997 and is Mauricio Pochettino's fourth acquisition of the summer after the arrivals of Diego Colotto, Sergio Tejera and Mubarak Wakaso.

Capdevila told Espanyol's website: "This is the most important challenge of my career. Right now I am only thinking of giving everything in work every day.

"At 34 I have more responsibility I have to demand more of myself. I hope to be at this level.

"I feel very strong and I have an excitement to play that I haven't had for a long time."

 

[King Binny]

Mattia Destro - Roma (loan with option to buy)

Wow @ the fee. Interesting to see how good he turns out to be, given Roma were seemingly happen to offload Borini to land him.

Mattia Destro’s transfer from Genoa to Roma has now been confirmed, as has the total amount he could cost the Giallorossi.

The move has been considered as all-but-complete for the past week, but tonight is official after the capital club’s move to confirm it, as well as the details of the deal reached with the Grifone.

Enrico Preziosi’s club will receive a fee of €11.5m for Destro’s initial 12-month loan, a further €4.5m if Roma want to make the switch permanent next year and co-ownership of promising duo Giammario Piscitella and Valerio Verre.

With the two Giallorossi men rated at €1.5m each, the total value of the deal comes to €19m. Destro arrives at Roma after 12 goals scored last term for Siena.

“Roma announces that it has signed with Genoa an agreement to acquire the temporary playing rights of Mattia Destro, for a fee of €11.5m,” read an official statement published on Roma’s website tonight.

“The agreement, filed today at the offices of the Lega Serie A, also includes the right of option to purchase the player outright, from the 2013-14 season, for a fee of €4.5m.

“With the club, Destro has signed a contract for five years, expiring on June 30, 2017. In the same operation there has also been signed with Genoa the agreement to sell outright, with a co-ownership agreement, the rights to Giammario Piscitella and Valerio Verre, with a net consideration of €1.5m for each player, for a total equity of €3m.”

 

[King Binny]

Ben Amos - Hull City (loan)

The club can now confirm that Ben Amos has officially joined the Tigers on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United.

Amos is a talented, young goalkeeper who has been capped by England at youth and Under-21 level.

The tall, Macclesfield-born custodian has worked his way through the Old Trafford ranks since the age of 11, and joined the club's Academy in July 2006. He quickly established himself in Paul McGuinness' Under-18s side in the 2006/07 campaign, and made his Reserves debut in November 2007.

His stature within the United ranks was underlined when he made two impressive appearances in the first team's 2008/09 pre-season campaign, and a full debut wasn't long in coming. Amos turned in a commanding display as United overcame Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup in September 2008.

Having convinced United's coaching staff that he has the skill and temperament for first team football, Amos was picked as a late replacement for the injured Ben Foster to travel as part of the successful Club World Cup campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson has shown faith in Amos, promoting him to the third-choice position when Ben Foster joined Birmingham City and, in the 2011/2012 campaign, he appeared in the Carling Cup victories over Leeds and Aldershot, underlining his obvious potential and the trust placed in him by the boss. A Premier League debut, against Stoke, followed and he also made 14 appearances for the Reserves.