PSG Complete Signing Of Javier Pastore

Paris Saint-Germain sign Argentine international playmaker Javier Pastore from Palermo for £38m.

Paris St Germain boss Antoine Kombouare refused to be drawn on reports the club were on the brink of making Javier Pastore their latest big-money signing.

PSG have embarked on a summer spending spree since the Qatar Investment Authority bought a controlling stake in the club almost two months ago.

Six new players have arrived at the Parc de Princes, with Salvatore Sirigu and Mohamed Sissoko officially unveiled on Friday as the latest of them.

Ajax Confirm Agreement For Maarten Stekelenburg

Roma have an agreement in principle with Ajax for goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, the Dutch club has announced.

A statement issued on Ajax's official website reads that the agreement between the two clubs 'is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions', though it does not specify which.

Meanwhile, according to Corriere dello Sport, Stekelenburg has already landed in Rome and will soon undergo a medical with the club before discussing personal terms.

Reports in Italy and in the Netherlands have suggested that Roma will splash out €6 million to secure the services of the 28-year-old shot stopper.

Stekelenburg, who has 40 international caps for the Netherlands to his name, has made 282 appearances for Ajax.

Vucinic To Join Juve On Monday

Mirko Vucinic is expected to complete his transfer to Juventus on Monday, as Roma receive €15m spread out over three years.

"I'm happy. It's what I wanted," he is quoted as saying by the Gazzetta dello Sport.

The striker had also been of interest to Manchester United, Tottenham and Blackburn Rovers, but made it clear from the start of the summer that he wanted Turin.

Giallorossi director general Walter Sabatini said a meeting was planned “for next week,” but newspapers in Italy are certain that would only be to undergo a medical and put pen to paper.

A deal has been struck worth €15m to be paid in installments over a three-year period, although sources in Rome suggest a further €3m in performance-related bonuses.

Vucinic is set to sign a four-year contract worth over €3m per season, becoming Juve’s sixth signing of the new season.

The sign that the deal had been completed was the fact the Montenegrin international did not take part in Friday’s training session.

The striker first joined Roma in 2006 from Lecce and scored 47 goals in his five years at the Olimpico.

West Ham United Complete Signing Of Joey O’Brien

West Ham United have completed the signing of Joey O’Brien on a free transfer with the player admitting he is "delighted" at moving to Upton Park.

The midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements at Bolton Wanderers and boss Owen Coyle decided to release him at the end of last season.

O’Brien will now team up with former manager Sam Allardyce, who has made a number of signings since taking over at Upton Park.

Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan and Bolton winger Matt Taylor are just two of the players to have joined the Hammers, who are looking to recover from their relegation under Avram Grant last season.

Speaking to the club’s official website following his move, the 25-year-old, who has three Republic of Ireland caps, said: "I'm delighted to finally sign because I've been here since the start of pre-season.

"It's been a few weeks now and it's gone well. The manager wanted me to sign and as soon as I heard that, there was no real hesitation. I'm pleased it's done and dusted."

Fiorentina Look At Marco Storari As Replacement For Sebastien Frey

Juventus goalkeeper Marco Storari is being monitored by Fiorentina, who could sign him after losing Sebastien Frey.

The French goalkeeper joined Genoa after six years with the Tuscany-based outfit, and Sinisa Mihajlovic is on the look out for an alternative.

Tuttosport reports Storari, 34, could be leaving Juventus for Fiorentina as he is not keen on living in Gianluigi Buffon's shadows once again.

The coach responded positively when asked whether a place in continental competition was a possibility for the coming season.

"Europe? Yes, we want to challenge for the top six or seven places and we want to return to Europe," the coach said after drawing 0-0 with Torino in a friendly on Friday night, as reported by Tuttomercatoweb.com.

Storari was a loyal replacement while Buffon was injured during the first half of last term, but he has been locked out since the Italy international returned to full fitness.

Fiorentina have Artur Boruc and Brazilian Neto as their two main shot-stoppers, but after announcing the European places are his aims, Mihajlovic wants extra back-up.

Eto'o Won't Rule Out Man City Move

Samuel Eto’o confirms he turned down an €80m move to Russia, but leaves the Manchester City door open. “I want to win the Champions League.”

The Inter striker was reportedly the subject of a world transfer record-breaking fee from Russian side Anzhi this summer.

“I turned it down because the Russians aren’t playing in the Champions League and my objective is to win that trophy again,” said the Cameroon international.

However, that doesn’t rule out a transfer to Manchester City, who have made their interest in Eto’o very clear.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, this weekend will see intensive negotiations for an exchange between Eto’o and Carlos Tevez.

Inter will face Manchester City in the Dublin Super Cup on Sunday afternoon, kick-off at 16.30 UK time, so both clubs are already in the same hotel and President Massimo Moratti is flying in today.

Raul Linked With Spain Return

Raul could be heading back to Spain this summer as Malaga is interested in the Schalke striker.

Sport reports that the La Liga club, who signed Ruud van Nistelrooy from Hamburg this summer, is eager to hold further dialogue with the former Spain international.

Raul was sensational for Schalke during his maiden season last term and he has allegedly already spoken with Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini and former Real Madrid player Fernando Hierro about a move.

Hierro played alongside Raul for years at the Bernabeu where they enjoyed great success together, and he could be the catalyst to push the move further as he tries to convince the veteran.

The forward, 34, is contracted to Schalke until 2012, and recently said he would respect his deal there.

However, a top contract offer from Malaga, who is backed by businessman Sheik Al Thani, could turn his head back towards Spain.

Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala and Premier League side Blackburn Rovers have also been linked with the former Real Madrid legend.

Mihajlovic Sets Fiorentina Targets

Sinisa Mihajlovic has set Fiorentina’s agenda for the new season. “We want to finish in the top six and get back into Europe.”

The Viola has failed to qualify for continental competition for the last two campaigns, leading to anger from fans and questions from their players.

“Compared to last term, it has rained every single day of our pre-season training camp. Maybe it’ll bring us luck,” smiled the Coach.

His team was held to a 0-0 draw by Torino on Friday, denied by a goal line clearance and the woodwork.

“I am fairly happy. We tried to play despite the state of the pitch in this rain and we did not concede a goal. It was a real game and I am pleased with the physical fitness of my players.

“Our objective is certainly to qualify for the Europa League. We want to finish in the top six and get back into Europe.”

United Set To Reward Duo

Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia has agreed a new contract and striker Javier Hernandez is also set to be rewarded with fresh terms.

The Premier League champions are currently on a pre-season tour of North America but chief executive David Gill revealed plans are already afoot to secure key players to long-term deals.

Valencia's extended stay could be confirmed before United's Community Shield match against local rivals City at Wembley next weekend.

The Ecuador international has been an influential figure for the Red Devils since joining from Wigan Athletic and recovered from a serious injury to play a key part in the closing couple of months of last season.

Hernandez, who is currently sidelined with concussion, enjoyed a stunning debut season at Old Trafford last term after his arrival from Chivas and is also due to agree a new deal.

On Valencia, Gill said: "He has (agreed a new deal) and we are in the process of finalizing that.

"He has been away at the Copa America and we've been away here, but that's broadly sorted out. That should be announced next week.

"Antonio signed for four years, so he's got two left. The length of the deal will come out when it comes out, but it's a longer-term deal, yes.

"Hernandez came on a five-year deal. There's no re-negotiation clause in his contract, but we want to address it when there is no pressure with regards to that issue, so we intend to do it in the autumn."

Gill also revealed the club had an option to extend Dimitar Berbatov's by another year but admitted a decision would likely be made at the end of the season.

Gerrard To Miss Start Of Season

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is expected to be out until September because of a groin problem.

Gerrard, 31, began a course of antibiotic treatment for an infection on Saturday and is expected to remain in hospital for several days.

Groin surgery ended Gerrard's season in March but he had expected to be back for the start of the new campaign.

The midfielder could also miss England's two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales.

Gerrard missed his side's pre-season tour of Asia this month in order to try to regain full fitness for the start of the new season on 13 August, when Liverpool play Sunderland at Anfield.

He will also miss Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Bolton, with the trip to Stoke on 10 September a likely target date for his return.

The England midfielder was already set to miss the international friendly with the Netherlands on 10 August but will now also be a doubt for the qualifiers away to Bulgaria on 2 September and at home to Wales four days later.

Gerrard has been plagued by the problem for several years now and it restricted his effectiveness in the last campaign, when he played only 21 of 38 Premier League matches.

Marseille Beat Lille In Morocco

Marseille produced a stunning fightback to claim the Trophy des Champions with a 5-4 victory over Lille in Tangiers on Wednesday night.

The cup winners trailed 3-1 in Morocco with five minutes to go but stormed back to win it 5-4 in normal time and exact a modicum of revenge on the side who beat them to the Ligue 1 trophy a few months ago.

The champions have lost Adil Rami, Yohan Cabaye and Gervinho this summer but looked themselves on Wednesday evening with their three new faces all present in Tangiers.

Of the newcomers, more is expected from Dimitri Payet, from St Etienne, and he did not disappoint tonight.

Eden Hazard provided the opener after eight minutes with a well taken effort and was heavily involved in the second goal soon after the restart.

He did well to capitalize on an error by Souleymane Diawara before coolly slotting the ball through Steve Mandanda's legs shortly before the hour mark.

Marseille pulled one back as Andre Ayew scored 19 minutes from time but it seemed the game was over as a contest when last season's leading goalscorer Moussa Sow made it 3-1. Ludovic Obraniak was integral to the goal as he came off the bench to set up Sow.

Then things started going wrong, however, as Lille relaxed.

Jeremy Morel struck five minutes from time and two minutes later it was level as Loic Remy scored a goal of typical cold-blooded finishing.

Lille were rocked and the panic continued to gift the trophy to Marseille as Ayew scored two penalties, in the 90th and 94th minutes, to complete a superb hat-trick and leave Lille - for whom Marko Basa scored between Ayew's spot-kicks - dazed, confused and defeated.

Baggies Bag Foster

Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster has completed his switch on loan to West Brom for the season, while Boaz Myhill has gone in the opposite direction.

Foster's arrival to the Premier League outfit follows the sale of Scott Carson to Turkish club Bursaspor, with the Blues taking Myhill to provide competition for Colin Doyle following the departures from St Andrew's of Foster and Maik Taylor.

The pair will not return to their parent clubs during the season as the deal prevents both from recalling their keepers during the loan.

West Brom head coach Roy Hodgson has been tracking Foster and is delighted to have finally got his man.

He told the club's official website: "We are very, very happy that the deal to bring Ben from Birmingham has gone through.

"He was always the goalkeeper that we targeted as our number one choice for the season.

"We are hoping he will be as successful here as he has been with his previous clubs.

"We are confident Ben is the goalkeeper we need to help us enjoy a successful season in the Barclays Premier League."

West Brom's first league game of the season will pitch Foster against former club Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Myhill, who helped Hull City out of the Championship in 2008, is looking forward to trying to help the Blues perform a similar feat.

He told the Championship outfit's official website: "I'm very pleased to be here at Birmingham.

"We've got a game this weekend against Everton so that's an opportunity to play some football and then I'll look forward to the start of the season.

"The Championship can be a tremendously difficult league at times and it's obviously a long season with all the extra games that you play.

"We all know it's going to be a difficult season and we all want to do really well.

"Everybody speaks highly of Chris Hughton, he's a tremendously talented coach and he's grown as a manager. Hopefully we can help him add to his reputation here at Birmingham."

Dutch Recall Stekelenburg

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has recalled goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg to the squad for the friendly against England at Wembley next month.

The Ajax stopper was forced to miss the double-header against Brazil and Uruguay in June with a thumb injury.

Stekelenburg has now recovered and will regain his spot as the first choice 'keeper, while Tim Krul and Michel Vorm will provide the back up.

Newcastle's Krul retains his place in the squad after his impressive debut against Brazil last month at the expense of NEC Nijmegen's Jasper Cillessen.

Marwijk has also recalled AC Milan's Mark van Bommel and Tottenham's Rafael van der Vaart following their recoveries from injury.

However, Spartak Moscow midfielder Demy de Zeeuw, was left out of the 26-man squad who after he pulled out of the South American tour at the last minute citing fatigue.

Dutch squad:

Tim Krul (Newcastle), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht); Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Hoffenheim), Jeffrey Bruma (Hamburg), John Heitinga (Everton), Joris Mathijsen (Malaga), Erik Pieters, Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax); Ibrahim Afellay (Barcelona), Mark van Bommel, Theo Janssen (Ajax), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Hedwiges Maduro (Valencia), Stijn Schaars (Sporting), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham); Eljero Elia (Hamburg), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Schalke), Luuk de Jong, Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).

Frey Joins Genoa From Fiorentina

French goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, a seasoned Serie A campaigner, has joined Genoa from Fiorentina and taken a wage cut in the process, his new club said on Friday.

"The deal will be finalized next week after a medical," Genoa president Enrico Preziosi told the club website.

"Frey was highly motivated to join the club, agreeing to reduce his wages, in order to re-start his career with Genoa," Preziosi said.

The 31-year-old spent the five previous seasons at Fiorentina. Since arriving at Inter Milan as a teenager, he has also played for Verona and Parma.

Frey made two appearances for France and was included in the Euro 2008 squad but quit international football the same year after being overlooked by the then coach Raymond Domenech.

Genoa finished 10th in Serie A last season.

Paris Saint Germain Land Duo

Paris Saint Germain has completed the signings of Mohamed Sissoko and Salvatore Sirigu and are tipped to finalize a deal for Palermo's Javier Pastore.

The Parisian giants are spending heavily this summer courtesy of their new Qatari investors.

They have already spent big brining in Kevin Gameiro, Milan Bisevac, Blaise Matuidi and Jeremy Menez, and they have now followed that up by bringing in Malian midfield ace Sissoko from Juventus and Italian international keeper Sirigu from Palermo.

26-year-old Sissoko has penned a three-year deal at the Parc Des Princes with Sirigu signing four-year contract.

"For me, it's a huge pleasure to play at PSG," said Sissoko.

"I chose this club because it's a club with a very ambitious project and the people here have told me some very important things."

Sirigu added: "I'm very happy to be here and to be a part of such a team. I'm honoured by the interest shown in me.

"The team is going in a direction that suits me."

Reports in both Italy and France are suggesting that PSG are set to beat Chelsea to the signing of Pastore.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has issued contrasting statements about whether Pastore is bound for either Chelsea or PSG.

"The only thing that is certain is that he is going abroad," Zamparini told Radio Radio.

Amauri On Marseille Radar

Juventus striker Amauri could be the latest Serie A player to head to France – but it’s Marseille and not Paris SG who are keen.

PSG have been very active in the Italian market following their swoops of Jeremy Menez, Salvatore Sirigu and Momo Sissoko. Javier Pastore could also follow.

Yet it is Ligue 1 rivals Marseille who have shown an interest in the Brazilian-born Italian international.

“Marseille are one of the many sides who are following Amauri,” his agent Giampiero Pocetta told calciomercato.it.

“They’ve asked us for information about the player, although there has been nothing concrete yet.”

Amauri spent the last six months of the 2010-11 campaign on loan at Parma, a club who yesterday admitted that they’d like him back.

“There is no negotiation going on with Parma,” the representative added. “I can deny those suggestions.

“People are still talking about Parma, but there really is nothing in it at all.”

Juventus want €7m for the striker who will be out of contract in Turin next June.

Liverpool And Newcastle Engineer Intriguing £15m Swap Deal

The Jose Enrique to Liverpool saga has taken a fresh twist with revelations that Newcastle would accept the transfer of Joe Cole in part exchange for their player.

Negotiations between the clubs had stalled after the Magpies demanded £15m in return for the Spanish full back with the Reds valuation of the player vastly different especially with only one year of his contract remaining on Tyneside. Liverpool were on the verge of switching their attention to Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre but now they have received a counter-proposal that has made them think again.

Rumours emanating from St James Park are saying that they would accept a deal that included Cole moving to the club from Anfield with an as yet undetermined sum of money changing hands. While the enthusiastic former Chelsea man is popular at Melwood despite his disappointing first campaign, the Liverpool hierarchy is reportedly giving serious consideration to the offer as it would give them the opportunity to trim their wage bill by a sizeable £90,000 a week and ease their bloated midfield.

However, the Merseysiders may decide to play hardball as they now know that Newcastle are willing to negotiate down from their previous position due to the fear of losing Enrique for nothing when his contract expires next summer.

Mancini Makes Swift Move For Next Transfer Target

Manchester City are in talks with Fiorentina in the hope of signing up winger Alessio Cerci, according to Italian reports.

Roberto Mancini has apparently offered the Serie A club an undisclosed bid for the 24-year-old, while one newspaper on the continent, The Gazzetta dello Sport, suggests that the winger has already agreed personal terms with the Citizens.

Fiorentina have apparently set Cerci's pricetag above the £6 million mark, well within Manchester City's budget, even after Mancini signed Argentine striker Sergio Aguero for £35 million this week.

If he were to join Manchester City, the Italian would provide wide service for Aguero in competition with Shaun Wright-Phillips and Adam Johnson, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Everton.

Cerci was only just signed by Fiorentina at the end of last year for €4 million, and has been impressive in his 24 appearances for the club, as well as for the Italian Under 21 international team.

Wolfsburg's Diego Confirms Offer From Atletico Madrid

Wolfsburg playmaker Diego has confirmed an official offer from 2010 Europa League winners Atletico Madrid.

However, the 26-year-old made it clear that the Spanish are not the only team chasing his signature.

Diego is surplus to requirements at Wolfsburg after falling out with tactician Felix Magath, and has agreed to part ways with the club.

"There is an official offer [from Atletico Madrid]," the Brazilian told Kicker.

"We have had contact with other clubs, but Atletico is a concrete option."

Diego has been linked with a move to China and a return to his native Brazil, but recent reports indicated that Malaga and Atletico Madrid have emerged as front-runners for his signature.

The 26-year-old's wage demands are said to be scaring off potential suitors, but the player may be willing to take a pay cut, with his main intention to leave Lower Saxony.

"I don't want to be in Wolfsburg any longer."

Diego joined the Wolves from Juventus in 2010 for around €15m and earns over €4m per year on his current deal, which expires in 2014.

Rossi Set To Stay At Villarreal

Giuseppe Rossi's agent has confirmed the player will remain at Villarreal for the forthcoming season after being linked with a summer move.

Tottenham were reported to have been interested in the Italy international but Italian giants Juventus had emerged as his most likely destination if he left Spain.

But following the sale of Santi Cazorla to Malaga for 19million euros, the pressure on Villarreal to cash in on the striker has eased and he will now stay with the club.

The former Manchester United marksman had been keen on a deal to Juventus but will now adhere to the club's decision not to sell him.

"Giuseppe Rossi has officially been taken off the market after they sold Santi Cazorla to Malaga," his agent Federico Pastorello told Sky Italia.

"The economic problems which the club had have now been resolved by that transfer.

"Nevertheless, this decision has liberated Rossi as he's now just focusing on playing football and scoring goals.

"He's not used to being at the centre of such negotiations and tension. He wanted Juventus, but he's accepted the position taken by the president of Villarreal."

Klinsmann Named USA Coach

Former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann has been named the new head coach of the United States.

The announcement comes a day after Bob Bradley was sacked following five years in charge.

Klinsmann had a distinguished playing career, highlighted by winning the World Cup in 1990 and European championship in 1996 with Germany, but has had only fleeting spells in management, first with Germany and later Bayern Munich.

He has also lived primarily in the United States since retiring from playing, and has frequently been linked with the national team job and vacancies in Major League Soccer.

"I am proud and honoured to be named the head coach of the US Men's National Team," said Klinsmann, who will take charge of his first match on August 10 against rivals Mexico.

"I would like to thank the US Soccer Federation for the opportunity, and I'm excited about the challenge ahead. I am looking forward to bringing the team together for our upcoming match against Mexico and starting on the road toward qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup."

Klinsmann enjoyed an outstanding playing career that lasted 17 years and included spells with Stuttgart, Inter Milan, Monaco, Tottenham and Bayern Munich.

He scored 47 goals in 108 appearances for Germany and West Germany.

He retired from playing in 1998, and took his first management job with Germany in 2004. He led them to third place in the 2006 World Cup on home soil, but stepped down from the role after the tournament.

Two years later, he took charge of Bayern, reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but left after one season. No details of his contract with the United States have been released.

Real Madrid Sign Five-Year Sponsorship Deal With Emirates

Real Madrid have signed a sponsorship deal with Dubai-based airline Emirates for the next five years.

The agreement was announced at a press conference at the Santiago Bernabeu on Friday and was attended by club president Florentino Perez and 20 players from Jose Mourinho's squad.

A statement on the club's official website reads:

"Real Madrid and Emirates presented a new sponsorship deal for the next five years. The act was attended by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez; Salim Obaidalla, Emirates' Senior Vice-President, Commercial Operations, Europe & Russian Federation; Boutros Boutros, Emirates' Divisional Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications; and 20 players of the first team squad."

Speaking of the deal, Perez said: "Emirates is a world-renowned company that has always respected and valued sport.

"The airline shares our belief in loyalty, effort, commitment and innovation and these common principles will create a special understanding.

"We strongly believe this is a strategic alliance bridging us with our many followers all over the world."

Part of the agreement will see Emirates become the club's official airline.

Germany Look To Finish Job Against Austria

Group A leaders Germany will be looking for a seventh straight triumph over Austria and with it a ticket to UEFA EURO 2012 when the neighbours lock horns in Gelsenkirchen.

Germany can qualify for the finals of UEFA EURO 2012 with an eighth successive Group A win but Austria will have other ideas as they look to knock their neighbours off course when the teams meet in Gelsenkirchen.

Ten points clear of second-ranked Belgium, only third-placed Turkey can overtake Joachim Löw's Germany, who will be through regardless of their result if Guus Hiddink's side fails to beat Kazakhstan.

Germany defeated Austria 2-1 in Vienna in their first Group A encounter on 3 June thanks to a late strike in each half from Mario Gomez. Austria levelled thanks to an Arne Friedrich own goal but they were powerless to thwart the runaway section leaders, Gomez heading in a Philipp Lahm cross in the final minute.

Paired with their neighbours in qualifying for the first time since German reunification, Austria are striving to put an end to a grim run – they have lost their last six games against Germany since a goalless draw on 18 November 1992 in the nations' first meeting since the former East and West Germany came together again.

The neighbours met at UEFA EURO 2008, when Michael Ballack's splendid free-kick in Vienna secured a 1-0 victory for Germany. Defeat ended the tournament co-hosts' hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.

Four of Austria's six recent defeats in this fixture have been in Vienna, with their last win at home coming in their final meeting with West Germany on 29 October 1986 − by an impressive 4-1 scoreline. That was their first home success against their neighbours (excepting games against East Germany) since a 5-0 triumph on 14 September 1931.

• Austria have played 34 matches against Germany and West Germany, and came out on top 3-2 in their first fixture, a friendly in Vienna on 7 June 1908. There have been 21 German victories to Austria's seven.

Austria also beat Germany 5-1 at the 1915 Olympics in Stockholm, and had the better of their 11 encounters before the second world war with six wins to Germany's three – a number which includes a 3-2 success in Naples at the 1934 FIFA World Cup.

In the days of West Germany, Austria's record against their neighbours was a worrying W2 D4 L13. Their six matches against East Germany ended W1 D4 L1.

Austria's only competitive post-war victory against their neighbours – a 3-2 triumph in the second group stage of the 1978 World Cup – featured two goals from striker Hans Krankl and confirmed West Germany's elimination.

Four years later the two teams met at the 1982 World Cup. Germany's 1-0 victory enabled both teams to progress to the second round at the expense of Algeria, who had already completed their games.

Germany coach Löw has experience of Austrian league football, having led FC Tirol Innsbruck to the 2001/02 title before the club was dissolved due to bankruptcy.

Also a one-time Tirol coach, Austria boss Dietmar Constantini coached in Germany in 1997/98, leading 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the 2. Bundesliga.

Germany are one of only three nations with perfect records in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying along with the Netherlands and world and European champions Spain. They boast the best goal difference in the competition: +19.

Fernandes Poised To Buy QPR For £100m

Air Asia tycoon Tony Fernandes is plotting a £100million move to buy Queens Park Rangers.

Sportsmail understands the multi-millionaire businessman, who is team principal for Formula One outfit Team Lotus, is growing increasingly confident of striking a deal to take control of the Barclays Premier League club.

Fernandes, 47, has already been shown around Loftus Road and talked to manager Neil Warnock about transfer funds as Rangers plan for their return to the top flight.

Co-owner Bernie Ecclestone has said £100m would be enough to take over the west London club. Ecclestone holds a 62 per cent shareholding and although business partner Flavio Briatore has an option to buy the shares if the 80-year-old decides to sell, it is believed the pair has given Fernandes the go-ahead for the move.

The club's other shareholder Lakshmi Mittal has failed to secure Ecclestone's shares after refusing to meet the asking price.

A QPR statement confirmed 'preliminary discussions' had taken place over the sale. West Ham fan Fernandes lost out to David Gold and David Sullivan in his bid to buy the Hammers in January 2010 but claimed earlier this year that he was still looking to invest in the club.

Sergio Aguero signs five-year contract with Manchester City

Manchester City have completed the £35m signing of Argentine superstar Sergio Aguero on a five-year deal, the club has announced.

After a whirlwind day of activity, the 23-year-old striker left the Etihad Stadium last night after thrashing out the terms of a contract which is set to be worth £200,000 a week. Aguero is expected to be in the squad for the Dublin Super Cup this weekend and will wear the number 16 shirt for the Blues.

Even before the club confirmed the deal, Aguero was already declaring he was a Blue.

“I’m already a City player. Happy to be in this club and this city. Thank you all for the welcome and the reception!” he wrote on his Twitter account.

Aguero had cut short a family holiday to jet into Manchester from Buenos Aires yesterday morning to complete what will be the biggest move of the summer transfer window.

He was whisked off to the Bridgewater Hospital in Whalley Range for a three-hour medical before heading to the Etihad Stadium where he was greeted by scores of City fans ahead of meeting chief executive Gary Cook and football administrator Brian Marwood.

The £38m fee agreed with Atletico Madrid will make Aguero - who is married to Diego Maradona’s youngster daughter Giannina - City’s record buy, eclipsing the £32.5m the Blues paid Real Madrid for Robinho in 2008.

Match Report: Barcelona 2 - 0 Bayern Munich

Barcelona has clinched the Audi Cup after a straightforward 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

The star of the show was Barca's emerging star Thiago Alcantara, who struck in either half to condemn the hosts to defeat, in what was an impressive all-round display from the 20-year-old.

The match was a somewhat low key affair despite the 60,000 packed into the stadium; Bayern fielded nine changes from the side that started the penalty-kick win over AC Milan, while Barca shuffled their pack but included the Thiago and Andres Iniesta in their midfield.

It was the Catalan side who enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening exchanges, but aside from a David Villa free-kick that was palmed to safety by Butt and a half-chance for Jonathan Soriano, opportunities on goal were at a premium.

Bayern should then have taken the lead against the run of play as David Alaba raced clear, but he hesitated with his finish, and Victor Valdes did extremely well to spread himself and block the effort.

The Austrian was made to rue that miss as Barca took the lead on 41 minutes. Maxwell's chipped cross into the area found Thiago at the back post, and the young Spaniard leapt higher than Diego Contento to glance his header into the corner.

The flow of play in the second-half was severely disturbed due to incessant substitutions from both sides. Bayern introduced the likes of Toni Kroos, Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller as they sought to peg back the European champions.

However, the new arrivals were left to look on in awe as Thiago all but ended the contest with his second goal of the evening. Finding space at the edge of the area, he expertly curled a shot from all of thirty yards into Butt's top left corner, and took the acclaim from his team-mates after another superb outing.

Barca was able to see out the match from there, and after edging past Internacional on penalties on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola's side ruthlessly clinched the Audi Cup on German soil.

Leicester City Sign Midfielder Michael Johnson

Leicester City has signed Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson on a season-long loan.

The 23-year-old is Sven-Goran Eriksson's ninth signing this summer.

"Michael was a great talent when I worked with him at Manchester City," he said. "He is a mobile midfielder, who can run, pass, shoot and tackle.

"His talent should have seen that he became a regular for England, but injuries have prevented that, which is a shame for him."

Having finalized terms and completed a medical, Johnson will train with the squad ahead of the Foxes' match against Real Madrid.

Former England Under-21 international Johnson has not played since October 2009 because of abdominal and cruciate ligament injuries and his last start was 13 months before that.

He was a regular for Manchester City under Eriksson, making 25 first-team appearances in the season before his first serious injury, so the Swede is positive about the signing.

"I am convinced that Michael will be an asset for us this season and will put his injuries behind him," he said.

"He has great character and I know that he is going to work hard for us and play well."

Ajaccio Snap Up Duo

Newly promoted Ajaccio has completed the double signing of Brazilian striker Ilan and Sedan wideman Damien Tiberi.

Ilan has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further season and returns to Ligue 1 after an 18-month absence, having spent the latter half of the 2009-10 campaign on loan at West Ham before returning to his homeland with Internacional Porto Alegre.

He has been without a club since parting company with the latter in December.

He told ACA's website: "I had other offers but I made my mind up 10 days ago. I wanted to come here because the contact I had with the coach and the directors was good and I felt they really wanted me to join the club.

"I have already been in contact with several of the players - you know, in football, that everyone knows everyone - though I know some particularly well, such as Thierry Debes, Carl Medjani, Frederic Sammaritano and Fousseni Diawara."

Tiberi, who can operate anywhere up the left flank, has signed a three-year deal with the Corsica-based club and said: "It gives me great pleasure and I am very proud and honoured to wear the Ajaccio jersey.

"My personal objective is to play as many games as possible and gain experience. The aim for the team is to survive in Ligue 1, it will be a difficult season."

Inverness Sign Tudor Jones

Inverness has confirmed the signing of Owain Tudur Jones after Norwich City released the Wales international midfielder from his contract.

Jones could be included in Caley Thistle's squad for Saturday's SPL clash with Hibernian providing the paperwork is completed in time.

The 26-year-old, who has made six appearances for Wales, had joined Norwich from Swansea for £250,000 in June 2009.

A statement on Inverness' official website read: "Caley Thistle has agreed a one-year contract with Welsh international midfielder Owain Tudur Jones with Norwich City manager Paul Lambert agreeing to cancel his registration."

Meanwhile, Caley Thistle's signing of Austria under-21 international Thomas Piermayr is now complete after international clearance was granted.

Chelsea To Move For £30m AC Milan Star

Chelsea are weighing up a bid for AC Milan's Alexandre Pato as they seek to revamp their squad for the new season.

The Blues are currently in the Far East competing in the Barclays Asia Trophy where they beat Hong Kong champions Kitchee 4-0. While Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge, impressed during the rout, doubts remain in manager Andre Villas-Boas' mind about the futures of Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou and they could be moved on despite their desire to stay.

Pato has been on the Londoner's radar for the last two seasons and while owner Roman Abramovich's last vanity purchase - £50m Spain international Fernando Torres - is yet to make his mark in a blue shirt, Villas-Boas could be ready to give the green light to the pursuit of the Brazil striker especially after seeing another . The 21-year-old would cost a minimum of £30m but after seeing long-term target Sergio Aguero head to Manchester City, a bid is looking likelier by the minute.

And Pato would certainly be worth the money. An excellent finisher with both feet and potent in the air despite not being the tallest striker around, he found the back of the net 14 times in just 25 games last season after suffering a spate of niggling injuries. AC Milan will not want to lose their star striker but might find a huge offer too good to turn down especially with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho also on their books and attempts being made to lure Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger to the San Siro.