Confirmed Transfers (2016/17)

[King Binny]

Kevin Wilson - Rotherham United (free transfer)

[article]Rotherham United have completed the signing of experienced defender Kelvin Wilson, subject to EFL and FA ratification.

The 30-year-old former Nottingham Forest defender has signed a one-year contract with the club after successfully undergoing a medical this morning.

Wilson becomes Alan Stubbs’ fifth summer signing, and he will join up with the Millers squad tomorrow morning ahead of the big kick off against Wolverhampton Wanderers this Saturday.

The Nottingham-born central defender boasts a wealth of experience in the Championship following two successful stints with Forest.

He started his career with neighbours Notts County which earned him his first break in English football’s second tier at Preston North End.

He joined Forest, then in League One, for £300,000 helping them to promotion to The Championship in 2008.

After representing Forest successfully in the second tier, his next move was north of the border to Celtic in 2011.

After two years at Parkhead he was back at the City Ground after Forest paid a reported £2.5 million fee for his signature in 2013.

Last season he played 14 times in all competitions before moving to AESSEAL New York Stadium.[/article]

Pablo Hernandez - Leeds United (6 months loan with option to buy)

[article]We are delighted to announce the signing of Spanish winger Pablo Hernandez on a six-month loan with a view to a permanent deal from Qatari side Al-Arabi. Hernandez, who becomes Garry Monk’s seventh addition of the summer, could join United permanently during the January transfer window.

The 31-year-old, a Spain international and a graduate of Valencia’s famed youth system, played alongside and worked under Monk during his recent two-year stint in the Premier League with Swansea City, who he joined for a then club-record fee in summer 2012.

The vastly-experienced Hernandez arrives at Elland Road with over 130 La Liga appearances to his name and four full international caps. His career to date has included two spells with Valencia, sandwiching a season with fellow Spanish outfit Getafe, and his two years with Al-Arabi also included a return to his homeland, spending the last campaign in the top-flight with Rayo Vallecano.

“It feels very good to be here,” Hernandez told leedsunited.com. “After knowing about the possibility of this move for a few days, I am very happy to get started. “Coming to a big club in England is an unbelievable feeling for me – I’m just impatient to play the first game now! “Garry and Pep know me because I played at Swansea for two years. In my first year, Garry was my team-mate and Pep worked in the club. In the second year, they were the coaches and they know me very well. “When Pep called me about coming here, I said ‘yes’ straightaway because I know that Leeds are a big team in England with good fans. “I knew I wanted to come here and I can’t wait for the first game with the team and the first game at Elland Road. “As soon as I knew about the possibility of coming here, that was the only thing in my head. I spoke with my family and they all know that this is a good move for me – they’re very happy for me to get this chance.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Francisco Arce - Paraguay (National Coach)

[article]Paraguay have named Francisco Arce as their new coach, giving a second chance to the 45-year-old who failed to set them on course for a place at the 2014 World Cup.

“Francisco Arce, new coach of the Paraguayan national football team, welcome Chiqui,” the team announced on its official Twitter account.

Arce replaces Argentine Ramon Diaz, who resigned after Paraguay’s group stage elimination at the Copa America Centenario in the United States in June.

The former Paraguay right back, who played at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, will be looking to see the team through to the 2018 finals in Russia.

Paraguay, who reached four successive World Cups between 1998 and 2010 where they progressed to the quarter-finals for the first time, are a lowly seventh in the South American qualifying group after six matches.

They picked up nine points under Diaz and are four points behind leading pair Uruguay and Ecuador before their next matches at home to Chile and away to Uruguay in the first week of September.

The top four teams after 18 matches qualify for the finals while the fifth goes into an intercontinental playoff for one more berth.

“I accept that our first time was not good,” Arce told a local radio station about his first spell in charge. “We have acquired more solidity in the five years that have passed.”

Arce, who had barely hung up his boots when he took the job in 2011, has since being sacked a year later won the Paraguayan league title with Cerro Porteno in 2013 and Olimpia in 2015.

As a player Arce, nicknamed “Chiqui” (little one) for his slight build, won the South American Copa Libertadores with Brazilian sides Gremio in 1995 and Palmeiras in 1999 having won three Paraguayan league crowns with his first club Cerro Porteno.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ciaran Clark - Newcastle United (reportedly £5 million)

[article]Newcastle United have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland international defender Ciaran Clark.

The versatile 26-year-old joins from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee and has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at St. James' Park.

Clark came up through the ranks at Villa Park before making his debut in August 2009, while still a teenager.

It wasn't long before he became a regular in the Villa side and over the following six seasons made a further 158 appearances, scoring ten goals.

The centre-back has also won 19 caps for the Republic of Ireland, representing his nation at Euro 2016 this summer.

"Newcastle is a massive club so I'm really happy to be here," said Clark.

"Importantly, it is a club that is moving in the right direction and pushing for the right things, so I'm really excited to now be a part of that.

"Things seem to have progressed really quickly over the last few days but I'm delighted to have got it all done and be a part of this squad."

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez added: "Ciaran is a very versatile player, as a left-footed centre-back he can also play left-back and also as a defensive midfielder.

"He has a lot of experience of English football and will add good balance and competition to our squad.

"I am sure he will progress with us here at Newcastle, we are very happy for him to join us."[/article]

Bartosz Kapustka - Leicester (reportedly £7.5million)

[article]Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Poland winger Bartosz Kapustka, subject to FA, Premier League and international clearance.

The 19-year-old wideman joins the Premier League champions from Polish club Cracovia, signing a five-year deal to 2021, and has linked up with his new teammates in Stockholm ahead of City's International Champions Cup clash with Barcelona on Wednesday.

Kapustka made more than 60 appearances for Cracovia, with his impressive displays leading to an international debut for Poland in September 2015, as a substitute against Gibraltar.

He was again part of the international setup during Poland's Euro 2016 campaign, putting in an outstanding display in their opening-match victory over Northern Ireland.

Kapustka will wear the no.14 shirt and becomes the Foxes’ fifth signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrivals of Luis Hernandez, Ron-Robert Zieler, Papy Mendy and Ahmed Musa.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Gabriel Jesus - Man City (reportedly £27 million)

[article]Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras.

Gabriel Jesus is recognised as one of South America’s most exciting talents and he was named “best newcomer” in the 2015 Serie A Campeonato.

The 19-year old has signed for Manchester City FC despite strong interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world. He will join the team in January 2017, with a contract that runs until the end of the 2020/21 season. He will remain at Palmeiras until December 2016.

Jesus said: "Manchester City is one of the best clubs in the world so I'm really pleased to sign.

"We have many great talents in the team and a fantastic manager in Pep Guardiola that I can learn so much from.

"I'm looking forward to showing the City fans what I can do and I think we'll have a great future together!"

City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: "We are delighted that Gabriel has chosen to join us. He is one of the most exciting young prospects in world football and plays the game in a spectacular way. We look forward to him making a big impact at Manchester City in January."

Jesus is a versatile forward who can play anywhere across the front three – he possesses a low centre of gravity, an explosive turn of pace and fleet tricky feet making him a master of one-on-one situations as well as perfectly cast in the mould of the quintessential Brazilian striker.

Kicking off his amateur career at Associação Atlética Anhanguera six years ago, Gabriel went on to join Palmeiras in 2012 where he made a name for himself with a phenomenal 54 goals in 48 matches at youth level.

Unsurprisingly, a senior call-up wasn’t far away with Gabriel appearing for the first time on 7 March 2015 in the Campeonato Paulista, coming on in the 73rd minute of a 1–0 win over CA Bragantino at Allianz Parque.

His first professional goal soon followed away to Agremiação Sportiva Arapiraquense on 15 July 2015, the only goal of the two-legged tie.

Since, Jesus has netted 26 goals in 67 first team games for Palmeiras, his goalscoring ratio improving with each passing month of his fledgling career.

Gabriel has represented the Seleção at u20 and u23 level, scoring eight goals in ten games at international youth level. He is currently preparing for the summer Olympics on home soil where, together with Neymar, it’s hoped he will fire the team to the only major honour missing from Brazil’s collection.

Legendary striker Ronaldo is a fan, declaring: “I am betting on two great talents that are still developing but already show a lot of skill: Santos’ Gabigol and Palmeiras’ Gabriel Jesus. And they haven’t even turned 20 yet.”

City reportedly beat off competition from some of the continent’s biggest clubs to land his signature and so supporters will be eagerly awaiting his touchdown in Manchester in January.

One thing is for sure… City fans will now be keeping an especially close eye on Brazil’s progress in Rio this summer.

Jesus becomes City’s sixth signing of summer 2016, joining Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Aaron Mooy at the club.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Antonio Candreva - Inter Milan (reportedly €22 million plus add ons up to €3 million)

[article]F.C. Internazionale is delighted to announce the signing of Antonio Candreva from Lazio.

The Italian winger has agreed a contract that will keep him at the club until 30 June 2020.

"I am really happy and proud to be here," Candreva declared. "I always wanted Inter and I'm really excited to become a Nerazzurri player at last.

"I'd like to thank Lazio for the seasons we spent together and for giving me the chance to realise this dream.

"I can't wait to play at San Siro and feel the passion of the Inter fans."

This is the first major signing made under the new majority ownership of Suning and reinforces the strategy of bringing Italian players to the club to strengthen the team.

“I am very happy to welcome Antonio to Inter,” said President Erick Thohir. “I am sure he will prove a great addition to what is already a very strong squad."

Candreva actually began his Serie A career against Inter while playing for Udinese, in a goalless draw on 27 January 2008.

Since then, the 29-year-old Rome native has picked up 238 appearances and 48 goals in the top flight.

He has also represented his country on 40 occasions, scoring four goals.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Mohamed Diame - Newcastle United (reportedly £4.5 million)

[article]Midfielder Mohamed Diame has become Newcastle United's latest arrival, after signing from Hull City for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old Senegal international has agreed a three-year deal at the Club and becomes the eighth player to join the Magpies' first team squad this summer.

Diame began his career with French side Lens, before moving to Spain, where he turned out for Linares and Rayo Vallecano.

He joined Wigan Athletic in August 2009 and has spent the last seven years in England, turning out for the Latics, West Ham United and Hull City.

Last season he scored the only goal in the Championship play-off final at Wembley, as the Tigers booked their place back in the Premier League.

At international level, Diame has won 28 caps since making his senior debut in March 2011, and featured for his country at the 2012 Olympics.

"It is a great feeling to be a Newcastle player," he said.

"Everybody close to me knows how desperate I am to play in the Premier League again, but when Newcastle comes in for you it makes you think.

"I am looking to the future. Newcastle is a big name, a massive club and will be back in the Premier League, for sure."

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez added: "Mohamed is a strong, attack-minded player with a lot of fight and determination to his game.

"He is also someone who will provide the team with goals and assists from midfield.

"He has good experience of the Championship and the fight needed to win promotion, which will be important for us."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Roberto Martinez - Belgium (National Coach)

 

[King Binny]

David Wheater - Bolton (free transfer)

[article]Bolton Wanderers have re-signed David Wheater after the defender put pen to paper on a new one-year contract with the club.

The 29-year-old had previously not been retained following the expiration of his former deal earlier this summer, before being invited back in by manager Phil Parkinson during pre-season.

The former England youth international has made 118 appearances, including 29 last season, during his time with the Whites, having initially joined Bolton from Middlesbrough in January 2011.

And after impressing for the Trotters in pre-season, he now returns to the club on a permanent basis.

Wheater will retain the number 31 shirt as was worn by the defender during his previous stint at Macron Stadium.

Phil Parkinson said: "We're delighted to agree a deal to bring David back to the club.

"His attitude and application in training has been first class and he has shown a real desire to help get the club going again.

"David joins the squad on a performance-based contract and we're looking forward to working with him throughout the course of the season."[/article]

Oliver Norwood - Brighton (undisclosed fee)

[article]Brighton & Hove Albion have signed Northern Ireland international Oliver Norwood from Reading for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old defensive midfielder completed his paperwork today and joins the club on a three-year deal.

Albion manager Chris Hughton said, “Oliver is another excellent addition to our squad.

“He has a good grounding coming from Manchester United, and has a wealth of experience playing in the Championship and at international level.

“He’s a box-to-box midfielder and an excellent passer of the ball, so he gives us extra options in midfield and adds further depth to our squad.”

Norwood began his career at Old Trafford, and following loan spells with Carlisle, Scunthorpe and Coventry, he eventually moved to Huddersfield in the summer of 2012 on a free transfer.

He went on to make 90 appearances for the Terriers, scoring nine times, before signing for Reading in August 2014. He has played 92 times for the Royals, finding the net five times.

Born in Burnley, Norwood represented England at under-16 and under-17 level, but switched to the Northern Ireland B squad in 2009.

He has since represented the Irish at under-19 and under-21 level, before winning his first senior cap in August 2010. He now has 38 caps for his country, and was part of the squad that progressed into the knockout stages of the Euro 2016 this summer. [/article]

Federico Fazio - Roma (loan €1.2 million with option to buy at €3.2 million)

[article]AS Roma is pleased to confirm that the club has agreed a deal to sign defender Federico Fazio on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

The loan, which ends on 30 June 2017, is for a fixed fee of €1.2 million. The agreement also includes the option to make the transfer permanent, depending on the completion of certain sporting targets, for a fee of €3.2m.

The 29-year-old signed a contract with the Giallorossi on Wednesday, after arriving in the Italian capital on Tuesday evening.

“I am very happy to join a great team like Roma,” Fazio said. “I really want to start training and get to know my new teammates and coach.”

The centre-back, who has three caps for Argentina, joins after spending the second half of the 2015-16 season on loan at one of his former clubs, Sevilla.

He joined the Spanish side in 2007 from Ferro Carril Oeste, going on to make 192 appearances for the club in his first spell as he lifted the Europa League and Copa del Rey.

He moved to Spurs in 2014, before being loaned back to Sevilla in January - where he picked up another Europa League winners' medal at the end of last season.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Gabriel Mercado - Sevilla (€2.5 million)

[article]River Plate football club's Argentine defender Gabriel Mercado arrived here on Thursday to formalise his contract with Sevilla after passing the medical test.

The Argentine international will join the Spanish team for two seasons for 2.5 million euros ($2.7 million), officials close to the deal told EFE.

Mercado told journalists at the airport that the move to Sevilla "is a great challenge" for him and he "feels ready."

The defender, born in the Argentine southern province of Chubut, started at Racing and then moved to Estudiantes in 2010, while he joined River Plate two years later.[/article]

Replacement for Coke?

 

[King Binny]

Alex Pritchard - Norwich (undisclosed fee)

[article]NORWICH City are delighted to announce the signing of Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Alex Pritchard on a four-year-deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old moves to Carrow Road having progressed through the Academy system at Spurs, where he made two Barclays Premier League appearances.

After spells on loan to Peterborough United and Swindon Town in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons respectively, Pritchard excelled during a similar stint at Brentford during the 2014-15 campaign.

Featuring 47 times for the Bees, Pritchard scored 12 Sky Bet Championship goals to help guide his side to the play-offs, earning himself a place in the division’s Team of the Year in the process.

Such form also saw him named as Brentford’s Players’ Player of the Year, with the creative midfielder going on to spend the second half of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion.

Having completed a permanent switch to City, Pritchard told canaries.uk: "I'm ready to come here, fight for my place and hopefully play well.

"I feel I need to go out and prove myself again in football. I'm 23 now so it's about time I had my own path really.

"I've had a full pre-season and with our first game at the weekend I'm looking forward to hopefully bedding myself in quickly."

Reflecting on adding the former England Under-21 international to his squad, manager Alex Neil said: "Alex is an exciting player who is capable of both scoring and creating goals.

"He is proven at this level having excelled at Brentford two seasons ago, and adds to our attacking options. I’m really looking forward to working with him on a day-to-day basis." [/article]

Ross McCormack - Aston Villa (£12 million)

[article]Aston Villa Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of striker Ross McCormack.

McCormack, 29, arrives from Fulham in a £12m deal which equals the second highest transfer fee in the Club's history.

The highly-rated forward has penned a four-year deal will now link up with Roberto Di Matteo’s squad ahead of the Sheffield Wednesday game on Sunday.

Boss Di Matteo said: “I'm delighted to bring Ross on board. He's a player with proven track record and plenty of experience in the division.

"He is a player whose goalscoring record has been excellent everywhere he has been and we feel he can be an important addition."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Wojciech Szczesny - AS Roma (loan)

[article]The club can confirm Wojciech Szczesny will be a Roma player in 2016-17 after an agreement was reached with Arsenal FC to extend the Polish goalkeeper's loan deal until 30 June 2017.

It will be Szczesny's second season in the Italian capital following his arrival last summer on loan from the Gunners. He played 42 matches for Roma in 2015-16: 34 in the league and eight in the Champions League.

“I'm very happy,” the Polish keeper declared to Roma TV. “After a good season last year I had possibility of coming back and I was very happy that the coach wanted me. I’m delighted to be back and I hope that we can improve on what we did last season.”[/article]

Florian Thauvin - Marseille (loan with obligation to buy)

[article]Florian Thauvin has returned to Marseille on a season-long loan, with the French club having an obligation to make the move permanent.

The 23-year-old arrived on Tyneside from Marseille 12 months ago, but headed back to the Stade Velodrome in January on loan for the remainder of the 2015/16 campaign.

Returning to the North-East this summer, Thauvin featured in four of United's five pre-season friendlies but will now ply his trade for L'OM again in Ligue 1.

The winger made 16 competitive appearances for Newcastle, five of which were starts, and scored one goal.

Everyone at St. James' Park wishes Florian well for the future.[/article]

Lamine Sane - Werder Bremen (undisclosed fee)

[article]Senegalese centre-back Lamine Sané has joined SV Werder. The 29-year-old has moved from French first-division side FC Girondins Bordeaux. Both clubs announced the news on Wednesday afternoon. The fees involved are being kept under wraps.

“We have been looking for a centre-back for a while now and wanted to react quickly to the departure of Alejandro Gálvez. In Lamine, we have signed a very interesting player. He is a very big defender with a lot of experience. He has the potential to further stabilise our defence”, says Baumann.

After signing his contract, Lamine Sané said: “I am very pleased that the deal has gone through. I would like to thank Bordeaux for allowing me to make the move and SV Werder for having faith in me. I am excited to play in the Bundesliga, because I have followed it for many years. To play in these stadiums and with this atmosphere, especially at Werder, is something I am really relishing. I want to make my contribution to a successful season as quickly as possible”, says Sané.

It is no wonder that Sané is familiar with the Bundesliga: his younger brother Salif Sané is under contract with Hannover 96. The 1.90 metre tall centre-back has played for Bordeaux since the 2009/10 season. In this time, Sané made 188 appearances in Ligue 1 (seven goals), as well as playing in 17 Europa League and six Champions League matches.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Diego Capel - Anderlecht (undisclosed fee)

[article]Anderlecht have confirmed that Diego Capel has completed a transfer from Genoa.

The 28-year-old only spent one season in Serie A after previously having spells at Sporting and Sevilla.

Now, the winger has once again headed for pastures new and will ply his trade in the Belgian Pro League.

“RSC Anderlecht has concluded the transfer of the Spaniard Diego Capel on a permanent basis, previously of Genoa CFC,” reads a statement on the club’s website.

“The player has signed a two-year contract.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Will Buckley - Sheff Wed (loan)

[article]Will Buckley has joined the Owls on a season-long loan from Sunderland.

The Premier League winger is eligible to feature on Sunday as Wednesday host Aston Villa in their Championship curtain raiser.

The 26-year-old began his career at Rochdale, rising through the youth system at Spotland before making his senior bow in February 2008.

Buckley scored 13 goals from 42 appearances for the League Two outfit and his impressive form earned him a move to the Championship with Watford in January 2010.

After spending 18 months at Vicarage Road, making 39 Championship appearances and chipping in with five goals, Buckley was back on the move and joined Brighton in summer 2011, who had been promoted as champions from League 1 the previous season.

During the midfielder’s three-year spell on the South Coast, where Buckley scored 19 goals in 64 league starts for Brighton, he moved to the Premier League with Sunderland for a reported fee in the region of £2.5m.

Buckley has made 24 appearances for the Black Cats in all competitions, during which time he has enjoyed loan spells with Leeds and Birmingham.

He will wear squad number 38 at Hillsborough. [/article]

Tammy Abraham - Bristol City (loan)

[article]City have completed the season-long loan signing of Chelsea and England Under-19 international striker Tammy Abraham.

The 18-year-old has agreed terms on the deal, which sees him go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s season opener with Wigan Athletic at Ashton Gate (3pm).

Abraham, who has twice played for Chelsea’s first team, takes squad number nine after City beat off competition from several other Sky Bet Championship clubs for his signature.

Head coach Lee Johnson told bcfc.co.uk: “Tammy is a top class player who I believe has a very bright future in the game.

“We’re delighted that all of the club’s hard work has paid off. He’s one we’ve been chasing for a long time and we’ve remained patient to get this deal over the line in time for the new season.

“We’re very grateful to Chelsea and (manager) Antonio Conte for allowing one of England’s bright young talents to join us and we’re now able to give him the chance to showcase himself in the Championship.”

Mark Ashton, chief operating officer, told bcfc.co.uk: “This has been a team effort and a deal we’ve been working on since the end of last season.

“After a number of meetings with Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo and his Board members, we’re delighted to have secured the 12-month loan of Tammy.

“I’d like to thank Chelsea for their support in this deal. Lee Johnson has played a major part, along with (head of scouting) Des Taylor and (head of football operations) Luke Werhun.”

Londoner Abraham joined Chelsea’s Academy at the age of eight, progressing through the ranks to play a key role in the club’s UEFA Youth League and FA Youth Cup successes in 2015 and 2016.

After scoring 74 goals in 98 matches across all competitions for Chelsea’s various youth teams, interim Blues boss Guus Hiddink promoted Abraham into the first team setup.

The striker made his senior debut as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League on May 11th, following it up a week later with another appearance against champions Leicester City.

On the international scene Abraham has caps at Under-18 and Under-19 level for England. This summer he featured for England at the Under-19 European Championships, where the Young Lions reached the semi-finals, eventually exiting at the hands of Italy.

Now the 6ft 3in goal-getter brings his talents to Ashton Gate in a 12-month loan deal, with no standard recall. [/article]

Callum Harriott - Reading (undisclosed fee)

[article]Jaap Stam’s squad has this morning welcomed its eighth new signing of the summer as 22-year-old winger Callum Harriott put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Madejski Stadium.

The pacy former England Under-19 international completed his medical yesterday evening and finalised a move to join the Royals ranks from Charlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee this morning.

Manager Jaap Stam said, “I think Callum is a player the fans will love if they like attractive, attacking football. He is the type of winger who is difficult for opponents to predict – he has a lot of pace, he’s good on the ball, very strong in 1v1 situations and he has goalscoring capabilities as well. I’m sure he will be a great asset to the team.”

A talented left-sided forward, Harriott first joined the Addicks at Under-9 level and the South London-born starlet came through the Academy ranks at The Valley to make his first team debut at the age of 17.

His first professional goal came in the Championship only five days after his 19th birthday, Harriott scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory at Huddersfield in March 2013.

The following year he scored five goals in the final two league fixtures of Athletic’s second tier campaign – a brace against Watford to ensure Charlton’s second tier safety, then a hat-trick at Blackpool on the final day of the 2013-14 season.

In 2015-16, Harriott enjoyed a loan spell at Colchester – scoring seven goals in 22(+1) appearances for United before returning to Charlton to find the net twice in a win at Brentford and then score the second in victory against high-flying Middlesbrough in March.

“I am really pleased to welcome another young, talented, attack-minded player to Madejski Stadium,” said Chief Executive Nigel Howe. “Callum was a name on a lot of other clubs’ wish lists and we are delighted he has decided to join us here at Reading.”

Harriott’s signature becomes our eighth acquisition of the summer, following the arrivals of Danzell Gravenberch, Joey van den Berg, Anssi Jaakkola, Joseph Mendes, John Swift, Roy Beerens and Yakou Meite to date.

He will train with his new teammates for the first time this morning and Callum will take squad number 15 at Reading. [/article]

 

[King Binny]

Ezequiel Ponce - Granada (loan)

 

[King Binny]

Jon Flanagan - Burnley (loan)

[article]Burnley Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan on a season-long loan.

The versatile full-back, 23, is one of the most promising talents to emerge from the Reds’ Academy in recent years.

He made his Liverpool debut aged just 18, and by the age of 2011 had earned call-ups to the England U19s and U21s.

By the end of the 2013-14 campaign, following more eye-catching appearances, Flanagan was named a standby for England's World Cup squad, and earned a first international cap in a friendly against Ecuador.

Flanagan's incredible rise was halted when he suffered a knee injury the following season.

And after penning a contract extension at Anfield in May 2015, he returned to the Reds’ side for the second half of the 2015/16 season.

Flanagan becomes the Clarets third summer signing and adds strength to the defensive positions ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Vadis Odjidja - Legia Warsaw (free transfer)

[article]Norwich City midfielder Vadis Ofoe has completed his move to Champions League hopefuls Legia Warsaw.

Ofoe has signed a two-year deal after terminating his contract with the Canaries. The Belgian international travelled to Poland on Wednesday for talks and to undergo a medical, and the midfielder watched Legia’s 0-0 draw against Trencin which sealed a 1-0 aggregate win to progress to the final pre-qualifying stage of the Champions League.

Ofoe clocked up 19 senior appearances in an injury-hit spell in Norfolk following his move from Club Bruges. The 27-year-old spent a month on-loan last season at Rotherham and was set to be way down the pecking order for the club’s Championship fightback following the summer arrivals of midfield duo Alex Pritchard and Sergi Canos.

Legia, who won the Polish title last season by four points, were drawn against Irish side Dundalk in Friday’s final play-off round draw with the winners progressing to the group stages of this season’s competition.[/article]

Piotr Zielinski - Napoli (reportedly €15 million)

[article]Zieliński is the latest in a line of Poles to be snapped up by top teams abroad and joins his countryman Arkadiusz Milik at Napoli.

The Italian club has not officially revealed how much it paid for Zieliński but Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport reported the sum was EUR 15 million, with the Pole signing up for five years.

Zieliński joins Napoli from Udinese, although he has spent the previous two seasons on loan to Empoli.

The 22-year-old has played 16 matches for the Polish national team, scoring three goals.

Ajax Amsterdam confirmed earlier this week that it had sold Poland player Milik to Napoli for EUR 32 million.[/article]

OptaPaolo ‏@OptaPaolo Aug 3
89 - Piotr Zielinski had the most dribbles completed (89) and chances created (52) in Serie A 2015/16 among players born since 1994. Talent.

Gustavo Gomez - AC Milan (reportedly €8.5 million)

[article]Milan have announced they have completed the signing of Paraguayan Gustavo Gomez.

The defender arrives at San Siro on an initial year-long loan deal, with the Rossoneri reserving the right to sign him permanently for a suspected €8.5m.

The 23-year-old moves to Italy from Argentine club Atletico Lanus, with the San Siro club breaking the news via their official Twitter account.

“New arrival with the Rossoneri: welcome Gomez,” the short announcement reads.

Gomez joins Milan on the same day it was confirmed that Silvio Berlusconi is selling the club to Chinese investors.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Eren Derdiyok - Galatasaray

OptaCan ‏@OptaCan 4h4 hours ago
2 - Eren Derdiyok has been involved in more goals than Burak and Umut combined in last season's Super Lig. Striker.

Panagiotis Tachtsidis - Torino (reportedly €1.3 million)

[article]Torino have announced the signing of midfielder Panagiotis Tachtsidis from Serie A rivals Genoa.

The Greek international is experienced in Italian football, having also previously played for Roma, Catania, Verona and Toro themselves.

“Torino Football Club is happy to announce it has acquired the sporting rights of Panagiotis Tachtsidis from Genoa CFC,” a statement on the Granata’s website reads.

25-year-old Tachtsidis also passed comment after returning to a club he played for on loan in 2014.

“I want to be back in contention and get back to being a starter. As soon as I found out about Torino’s interest I hoped the deal would be finalised as soon as possible.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Scott Allan - Rotherdam United (loan)

[article]Rotherham United have completed the loan signing of Scott Allan from Celtic, subject to EFL, FA and International clearances.

The midfielder has agreed a loan deal until the end of the season after successfully passing a medical this morning.

The former Hibernian midfielder is reunited with boss Alan Stubbs following their time together at Easter Road.

The 24-year-old Glaswegian started his career at Dundee United before earning his big move to West Bromwich Albion in 2012.

He had a number of loan spells during his time at The Hawthorns with the likes of Portsmouth, MK Dons and Birmingham City before moving back to Scotland to sign for Hibs in 2014.

He starred under Stubbs which earned him a big move once again to Scottish giants Celtic in 2015.

After limited game time at Parkhead, he has taken the opportunity to try his hand in England once again after agreeing terms with the Millers.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Fernando Llorente - Swansea (undisclosed fee)

[article]Swansea City today clinched the signing of World Cup winner Fernando Llorente from Sevilla for an undisclosed fee.

The striker, who will wear squad number nine, has signed a two-year contract at the Liberty Stadium after undergoing a successful medical.

Llorente arrives in SA1 with a hugely impressive CV, having won both the World Cup and European Championships with Spain, for whom he has 24 caps.

At club level, he’s lifted two Serie A titles with Juventus, along with the Coppa Italia, while he reached the Champions League final in 2015.

In Spain, the 31-year-old helped his first club Athletic Bilbao to the finals of the Copa del Rey and Europa League on three occasions.

And, in May, he lifted silverware after Sevilla beat Liverpool in the Europa League final.

His arrival bolsters Francesco Guidolin’s options up front as the Swans gear up for the new Premier League campaign.

Swans fans could get a first glimpse of their new signing as early as tomorrow (Saturday), with Llorente available to face French side Stade Rennais in a friendly at the Liberty.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Scott Sinclair - Celtic (reportedly £3.5 million)

[article]CELTIC are delighted to announce the signing of Scott Sinclair, who has joined the club from Aston Villa on a four-year deal.

The 27-year-old attacker is the latest addition to Brendan Rodgers squad and he teams up again with the Hoops boss, having previously worked with him at Swansea City when, by his own admission, he played his best football.

Scott, who could be in line for a place in Celtic’s squad for the Premiership opener this afternoon (Sunday) against Hearts at Tynecastle, has a wealth of experience behind him, including spells with Chelsea and Manchester City.

Now he’s joined the Scottish champions and the player is eager to play his part in the forthcoming campaign, both domestically and in Europe, as he told the official Celtic website in an exclusive interview.

“It feels amazing to have joined Celtic,” Scott said. “It’s a massive club and I’m looking forward to it. I’m here now and I’m happy to be here.

“I can’t wait to get on the pitch. When I went back to Aston Villa for pre-season, I heard Celtic were interested, and I just knew I had to come here.

“I had to look at this move and I thought it would be great for me. And because I know the manager and I know what to expect, hopefully I can get off to a flying start.”

Scott was one of Brendan Rodgers’ first signings for Swansea City when he joined the Welsh side in August 2010, just a month after the Irishman had taken over at the Liberty Stadium. And he also left the club just a couple of months after the manager moved to Liverpool, though Scott headed to Manchester City. Last season he was at Aston Villa, having made a loan move to the Midlands club permanent at the start of the campaign.

“The manager had a great influence when I was at Swansea and that’s when I played my best football,” Scott admitted, “and hopefully now I can get the best football out of me and get my form back out there and score goals and perform.

“I’m just hoping to come here, score some goals, create chances and hopefully excite the fans.

“I know Kolo Toure and Dedryck Boyata from Manchester City, but I’m sure it's a great set of lads here and I’ll quickly settle in.”

And Scott also revealed that the prospect of European nights at Paradise is one of the many appealing reasons for joining the Hoops, having watched Celtic’s midweek victory over FC Astana in the UEFA Champions League qualifier.

“I watched the Astana game in midweek and the atmosphere was incredible,” he admited. “To have the possibility of Champions League excites me and I can’t wait to come here and play at Celtic Park and for it to be rocking.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Marlos Moreno - Manchester City (reportedly £4.5 million)
Marlos Moreno - Deportivo (loan)

[article]Manchester City are delighted to announce the signing of Marlos Moreno.

The Colombian international forward joins from Atletico Nacional, signing a five-year deal with the club.

He will now go on loan to La Liga side Deportivo La Coruna until the end of the 2016/17 season.

Born in Medellini, Moreno was one of the breakout stars in last season’s Copa Liberatadores, South America’s Champions League equivalent, scoring three times in his first three games in the competition which his former side went on to win.

Moreno told ManCity.com: “City are one of the best clubs in the world. It will be nice to experience being part of such a big Club. I want to make the most of it.

“Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world. I think he likes young players very much and he can improve young players tactically and technically. It will be great to work with him and to be part of a great team.”

City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain said: "Marlos is an excellent prospect who has already broken into his national team.

"He's a versatile player, still learning, but we believe he has a fantastic future in the game and with City.

"He makes and scores goals and is an intelligent footballer, we're delighted to have signed him."

It was Moreno’s Copa Libertadores performances which led leading South American football journalist Tim Vickery to declare him “the best young talent on the continent.”

Vickery wrote of Marlos: “There are no guarantees but not since the likes of Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez and Neymar have I been so enthusiastic about a young player.”

Making his debut as a second-half substitute against Rionegro Aguilas as recently as July 2014, Moreno has enjoyed a meteoric ascent, going on to score his first professional goal on 10 September 2015.

An international call-up soon followed in February of the following year and he made his senior bow in March 2015, replacing Juan Cuadrado as an 85th minute substitute, setting up a last-minute winner for Edwin Cardona against Uruguay.

Moreno broke through playing on the left wing where he can cut inside and strike shots with power and precision but he was also noted for his work rate, his intelligent interchanges and ability to see the picture when it comes to passing the ball.

The 19-year old can play anywhere across the front positions and has enjoyed comparisons with Colombian legend Faustino Asprillia.

Moreno becomes City’s seventh signing of summer 2016, joining Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus and Aaron Mooy at the club.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Papy Djilobodji - Sunderland (£8 million)

[article]Sunderland AFC have completed the signing of Senegalese international centre-back Papy Djilobodji from Chelsea FC for £8million.

The 27-year-old, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at the Stadium of Light and becomes David Moyes’ first signing as Sunderland manager.

Djilobodji was on loan at Werder Bremen during the second half of last season, playing an integral part in helping the club to Bundesliga safety, including an 88th minute winner on the final day to secure survival.

Having begun his career in Senegal with ASC Saloum, Djilobodji has played the majority of his football in France with Nantes, before heading to Stamford Bridge last summer.

He has been capped 13 times by Senegal and appeared at the 2015 African Cup of Nations.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Bryan Cabezas - Atalanta (reportedly €1.8 million)

[article]Bryan Cabezas is a new Atalanta player. The deal was completed within the last few days, and the player is now in Bergamo to attend the friendly match versus Bundesliga squad Eintracht Frankfurt. This information was also reported by Atalanta's official channels. This deal is official: a new reinforcement arrives for Gasperini, the Ecuadorian striker (class of '97) formerly of Independiente del Valle.[/article]

Balázs Dzsudzsák - Al Wahda (reportedly €3 million)

[article]Balazs Dzsudzsak, who captained Hungary at Euro 2016, has joined Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates, Hungarian press agency MTI reported on Sunday.

MTI confirmed that Al Wahda will pay three million euros to sign Dzsudzsak, 29, from Bursaspor of Turkey.

Dzsudzsak, who has previously starred for PSV Eindhoven, Anzhi Makhachkala and Dynamo Moscow, scored twice in Hungary's 3-3 draw with Portugal during the grpup stage at the Euros.

They reached the last 16 before losing to Belgium.[/article]

Nicola Sansone - Villarreal (€13 million)

[article]Villarreal have officially confirmed the signing of Sassuolo forward Nicola Sansone on a five-year contract.

It emerged in recent days that the Submarino Amarillo were in talks to sign the 24-year-old, and he took a medical in Spain today.

With the Neroverdi man having been given the all-clear, he has now officially completed his move to La Liga.

“Villarreal CF and US Sassuolo have come to an agreement for the transfer of Nicola Sansone, who will wear Yellow for the next five seasons,” a statement on the clubs website confirmed.

“The versatile, attacking player was born in Germany, but like his new teammate Roberto Soriano, he also has an Italian passport. In fact, Sansone has played 16 matches for the Italian youth teams and one match with the Italy senior side.

“The date of Sansone’s presentation as a new Villarreal CF player will be announced shortly.”[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Arthur Masuaku - West Ham (reportedly £6 million)

[article]West Ham United are delighted to confirm the signing of French left-back Arthur Masuaku.

The 22-year-old arrives from Greek Superleague champions Olympiacos on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The Lille-born defender, who has won back-to-back domestic titles with the Piraeus club, has played more than 100 senior games despite his tender age, including 12 in the UEFA Champions League.

“It’s a big honour for me to be part of this Club,” said Masuaku. “I was speaking with my agent about some opportunities, but when he told me about West Ham and also the coach, I didn’t think twice, so in my mind, it was West Ham.

“Now, to be able to play with players like Dimitri Payet, I was thinking on the way here, it’s going to be crazy! I can’t wait to play with him and also all the rest of the team.

“For me, the Premier League is the biggest league in the world. When I was 18, my target was to come here, so now I am here, I have to prove myself to the fans and to the team so that I can play for this big Club.”

Born in Lille in November 1993, Masuaku spent five seasons with nearby RC Lens as a schoolboy before joining Valenciennes at the age of 14 in 2008.

There, the 5’10 full-back continued his development and was rewarded with a first-team debut while still a teenager in a Coupe de France defeat at Istres in January 2013.

The following season, 2013/14, the defender established himself as first-choice left-back in Ligue 1 – France’s top-flight – and he totalled 28 appearances in all competitions.

Then still just 20, Masuaku attracted the attention of a host of top European clubs and was snapped up by Greek giants Olympiacos in July 2014.

The former France U19 international was immediately installed in the starting XI, playing 40 times in his debut season in Greece, including eight times in European competition.

Indeed, Masuaku’s European debut for the club was a notable one, as he scored in a 3-2 UEFA Champions League group stage win over the previous season’s runners-up Atletico Madrid in September 2014.

Masuaku tasted double glory in his first season in Greece as Olympiacos lost just four times to runaway with the Superleague by 12 points, while Skoda Xanthi were beaten 3-1 in the Greek Cup final.

Having again qualified for the Champions League, Masuaku featured against Arsenal and Bayern Munich in last season’s group stage, where Olympiacos were unlucky to be eliminated with nine points.

Domestically, he played 24 times as the Red-Whites romped to the Superleague title by 20 points, losing just one of their 30 league matches, but a final defeat by AEK prevented Masuaku from securing a second straight domestic double.

International football-wise, the Hammers’ new boy was capped by France at both U18 and U19 levels.

Masuaku will not be eligible to play in the UEFA Europa League Play-off round against Astra Giurgiu of Romania after featuring for Olympiacos in their Champions League third qualifying round defeat by Hapoel Be’er Sheva. He would be eligible to feature in the group stage if West Ham beat the Romanian champions.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Jesé Rodriguez - Paris St. Germain (reportedly €25 million)

[article]Paris Saint-Germain is happy to announce the transfer of Jesé Rodriguez Ruiz on a 5-year contract, tying the Spanish forward to the Club until 30 June 2021.

He is the fifth signing for the 2016-17 season after Hatem Ben Arfa, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Thomas Meunier and Giovani Lo Celso.

Jesé, 23, joins Paris Saint-Germain from Real Madrid, the club he joined at 14 years of age and with whom he developed his technical and physical qualities, as well as his ability to play either a wide or central attacking role.

After making his first-team debut in the 2011-12 campaign, it was during the 2013-14 season that Jesé became an integral part of the Real Madrid first team, scoring his first professional goal on 26 October 2013, away to FC Barcelona.

Over the last three seasons, the man from Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands, has grown in experience, playing 62 Liga matches (13 goals) and 15 UEFA Champions League matches (1 goal).

During his time in the Spanish capital, Jesé won two Champions League crowns (2014, 2016), one World Club Cup (2014), one Liga title (2012) and one Copa del Rey (2014). In 2012, he won the European U19 championships in Estonia, finishing top scorer of the competition with five goals and netting the only goal in the final, against Greece.

"I am delighted to join Paris Saint-Germain, who have become one of Europe’s most competitive clubs, declared Jesé after signing his contract on Monday. Like Paris Saint-Germain, I have big ambitions for the coming seasons and it will be a great pleasure to work under the direction of Unai Emery, who has developed an excellent reputation in Spain, and across Europe, for his quality as a coach. I can’t wait to begin this next challenge of my career."

"I am very happy to welcome Jesé to PSG, said Paris Saint-Germain Chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi. Over the past seasons, he has confirmed his status as one of Real Madrid’s, and Spain’s, most promising young footballers. After playing alongside some great forwards, he has chosen to continue his progression with Paris. His speed and creative qualities will complement our excellent attacking players. With Jesé, our squad is now, more than ever, armed to confront the coming challenges and meet the expectations of our fans."[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Thomas Vermaelen - Roma (loan with option to buy)

[article]AS Roma can confirm that the club has reached an agreement with FC Barcelona for the signing of defender Thomas Vermaelen on loan.

The agreement, which runs until 30 June 2017 and includes no initial fee, contains an option to make the signing permanent.

The 30-year-old trained with the first-team squad on Monday, after arriving in the capital on Sunday.

“I feel very happy to be an AS Roma player, and I’m looking forward to the new challenge,” Vermaelen told Roma TV.

“It’s a new start for me, in a new country, and I am looking forward to it.”

After starting out in the Germinal Beershot youth system, in 2000 Vermaelen joined Dutch side Ajax, where he progressed through the academy ranks to the senior squad.

After a year on loan at RKC Waalwijk, in 2005 he returned to Ajax where he quickly earned a starting spot in the team.

In 2009 he moved to Arsenal, going on to make 110 league appearances for the club over the next five seasons. In 2014 he moved to Barcelona, staying at the club for two campaigns.

A Belgian international, since making his debut in 2006 Vermaelen has gone on to earn 58 caps for the Red Devils - including four at the recent European Championship in France.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Tolga Ciğerci - Galatasaray (€3 million)

OptaCan ‏@OptaCan
5-Bundesliga midfielders in recoveries per 90mins last term (min 15 apps)
@Guendogan8 7,1
Højbjerg 7
Serey Dié 7
Fritz 6,7
Tolga Ciğerci 6,6

Laurent Depoitre - Porto (reportedly €12 million)

[article]Laurent Depoitre is the newest reinforcement for FC Porto, having signed a contract valid for four seasons, with a release fee of 40 million euros.

International for the national Belgium team, with one cap and one goal, Depoitre is a 27 years old striker, 1.91m tall, weighing 91kg, and arrives at FC Porto coming from Gent, from the Belgium League.

“FC Porto is a historic club, with a great history and amazing fans. I feel this is a great challenge for me. Estádio do Dragão is magnificent and it will be fantastic to score goals in front of our fans. I am honoured to be here and I will do my best with this jersey”, the new number 9 stated.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

Andre Ayew - West Ham (£20.5 million)

[article]West Ham United are delighted to confirm the transfer of outstanding Ghana forward Andre Ayew for a Club-record £20.5million fee.

The versatile striker, winger or attacking midfielder joins the Hammers on a three-year contract, with an additional two-year option, on the back of an exceptional debut Premier League season with Swansea City.

Boasting an equally impressive spell at Marseille on his CV, where he played alongside Dimitri Payet, along with goals at four major international tournaments for the Black Stars, the 26-year-old is now set to shine on the London Stadium stage.

He said: “I am very proud and happy to be at this magnificent Club. I am happy to be playing for these fans and I hope to make the people very happy here.

“The Club have a lot of ambition and have a great manager. They want to become a bigger Club every year and with the new Stadium and a new training ground, you can feel they are moving onto another level and I want to be part of this project.

“I want to train hard, do my job and show that I deserve to play for West Ham United. I want to give back to the manager and the fans the confidence they are showing me.”

Born in Seclin, northern France, in December 1989, Ayew had spells in Germany and Ghana as a youngster before making his professional breakthrough at Marseille – the same club that his father Abedi Pele starred for in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

He debuted for Marseille in 2007, and after spending time on loan with Lorient and Arles-Avignon, established himself as a regular on the scoresheet at Stade Velodrome from 2010 onwards.

In all, he scored 60 goals in 202 games for L’OM, many of them assisted by Payet, winning the Coupe de la Ligue and the Trophee des Champions twice apiece during his time in France.

An impressive 16 goals in 2011/12 included four in just nine European appearances and he has hit double figures in five of his last six campaigns.

Included in that is his impressive Premier League bow, where he scored at a rate of better than one every three games for the Swans, with his goals steering the Welsh club away from danger and to another year of Premier League safety.

Internationally Ayew has enjoyed great success, featuring for Ghana in four major tournaments – and scoring in all four.

He netted twice at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and followed that with three goals at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations to claim that tournament’s Golden Boot.

A two-time Africa Cup of Nations runner-up and FIFA U20 World Cup winner, Ayew has scored eleven goals in 67 senior caps for the Black Stars.[/article]

Decent profit for Swansea who signed him on a free transfer

 

[King Binny]

Frank de Boer - Inter Milan (Head Coach)

[article]F.C. Internazionale Milano confirms that Dutchman Frank de Boer will be unveiled as the Club's new Head Coach at a press conference today at 14:00 CEST at the Centro Sportivo Angelo Moratti.

De Boer will join the Nerazzurri on a three-year contract and will take charge of first team training this afternoon.

The Dutchman brings with him a wealth of international experience having played at the highest level for both club and country.

Between 1990 and 2004 De Boer played 112 times and scored 13 goals for the Oranje. At club level for AFC Ajax he lifted five Eredivisie titles, the UEFA Champions League trophy, the UEFA Cup, the UEFA Supercup, and the Intercontinental Cup. He also played for FC Barcelona, Galatasaray S.K. and Rangers F.C. amongst others.

As Head Coach of AFC Ajax De Boer won four consecutive Eredivisie titles between 2011 and 2014.[/article]

 

[King Binny]

John Stones - Man City (£47.5 million)

[article]Manchester City are delighted to announce the permanent transfer of John Stones from Everton.

The England international defender has signed a six-year deal which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until at least 2022.

Stones, who will take squad number 24, becomes City’s eighth signing of the 2016 summer transfer window, following in the footsteps of Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Aleksandar Zinchenko, Aaron Mooy, Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus, Marlos Moreno.

The 22-year old told ManCity.com: "I'm absolutely delighted to sign for City and now the deal's done I'm looking forward to the next stage in my career.

"I've obviously seen what's going on here at the Etihad, it's an ambitious Club with a great manager so I can't wait to get stuck in and help achieve the goals.

"I know it will be tough getting a place in this team but I'm determined to become the best player I can be and help us to success.

"I had a wonderful time with Everton and wish them and their fans all the best but now I'll give my all for City."

Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, expressed his delight at securing Stones’ signature. He said: “John is an excellent young English defender and we are all really pleased he is joining us. We have worked hard to bring him to City and we feel we are signing one of the best central defenders in Europe.”

Manager Pep Guardiola echoed that sentiment. He added: “We want to help John show his quality with us and improve on what he has already achieved.

"I like the way he plays the game and I'm looking forward to welcoming him into the squad."

Seen as one of the world’s most promising centre backs, over three years at Everton, Stones has built a reputation as a ball-playing, 21st century defender, equally adept at neutralising opposition attacks as launching the first key pass out of the defensive third.

Stones represented England at u19, u20 and u21 level before making his senior international debut on 30 May 2014 in a 3-0 friendly victory over Peru at Wembley.

He made his competitive debut for the Three Lions in the Euro 2016 qualifying opener against Switzerland where Roy Hodgson’s side got off to the perfect start with a 2-0 away win and John was included in the squad for the finals this summer.

Rising up from the youth ranks at his hometown club Barnsley, Stones went on to make his professional debut for the Tykes against Reading on 17 March 2011, going on to make 28 appearances in total for the South Yorkshire side.

A maturity beyond his years was evident in these first steps up the professional ladder, prompting Everton to snap him up on a five-and-a-half-year deal on the final day of the 2013 January transfer window.

Stones didn’t make his senior debut for the Toffees until the following season when, on 28 August 2013, he appeared in the League Cup win over Stevenage and his Premier League bow followed a month later as a late substitute in their 1-0 victory against Chelsea.

That was one of 26 games he took part in during the 2013/14 season and he made two more than that in 2014/15, scoring his first Premier League goal against Manchester United in April 2015 towards the end of a season in which he earned a nomination for Europe’s “Golden Boy” award – a title that eventually went to his new teammate, Raheem Sterling.

Last season proved to be a real breakthrough campaign for Stones as he made 41 appearances in all competitions for the Goodison Park outfit.

Stones joins fellow England internationals Joe Hart, Fabian Delph and Raheem Sterling at the Etihad Stadium.[/article]