Porto Capture Alex Sandro In €9.6m Deal

Porto has signed Brazilian left-back Alex Sandro on a five-year contract from Santos, the Portuguese champions have announced.

Sandro, 20, who is currently on international duty with Brazil preparing for the upcoming Under-20 World Cup, is the second player to move from Copa Libertadores winners to Porto this summer after Danilo.

Porto said in a statement on their website: "Alex Sandro has a (contract) release clause of 50 million euros, with Porto agreeing to pay 9.6 million euros for all the economic rights of the player.''

Ajax Set To Sign Villa Reject

Ajax coach Frank de Boer says former Aston Villa midfielder Harry Forrester is close to signing a deal with the Dutch champions.

The 20-year-old was released by Villa in May after his contract expired having joined the Midlands club from Watford as a youth player in 2007.

Forrester, capped at England Under-17 level, did not make a senior appearance for Villa but was a regular performer for their Academy and reserve sides.

He also spent part of last season on loan at Scottish Premier League club Kilmarnock, notching up seven appearances.

The attacking midfielder is currently undergoing a trial period with the Eredivisie giants in hope of earning a contract.

And De Boer is hopeful of bringing the youngster to the Amsterdam Arena on a permanent basis after witnessing him in action for Villa reserves last year.

He told De Telegraaf: "He is close to a deal.

"He's a good player. But it's not only about the two per cent of the time you have got the ball during a game. The 98% you don't have the ball is more important. And I think he has to develop that side of the game.

"Harry will go with Jong Ajax (Ajax's reserve squad) to a training camp in (Dutch region) Zeeland. After that we will make a decision. But it surely looks good."

Chelsea To Reignite Interest In Hulk

Andre Villas-Boas is set to return to his former club Porto and attempt to sign Brazilian striker Hulk according to sources.

Villas-Boas was linked to the soon to be 25 year old when he was first appointed at Stamford Bridge and is about to make a concerted effort to bring the striker to London.

Villas-Boas who is also strongly linked to Tottenham’s Luka Modric, sees both players as the final pieces in the jigsaw to enable Chelsea to challenge on all fronts next season.

However, Hulk also known by his full name Givanildo Vieira de Souza, is contracted to the Portuguese club until 2016 and has a staggering 100 million Euros buyout clause, which could prove to be something of a small stumbling block (slight understatement).

Villas-Boas is also next week to step up his pursuit for Tottenham’s Modric, testing Tottenham’s resolve with an improved offer. This could also include a player being offered to Spurs in a part exchange deal.

Wolfsburg On Verge Of Signing Stuttgart's Christian Trasch

Germany international Christian Trasch is days away from completing a €10 million move to Wolfsburg, if recent rumours are to be believed.

Stuttgart's defensive all-rounder has long been linked with an exit to Felix Magath's team, but the transfer fee has proven to be a stumbling block.

Trasch has one year left on his contract with the Swabians, and recently rejected a contract extension with the club.

Bruno Labbadia even hinted the 23-year-old, who had already agreed personal terms with the Wolves, could be dropped from the first team if his transfer was not resolved soon.

Reports suggest Stuttgart and Wolfsburg have finally reached an accord over a fee, believed to be in the region of €10 million.

An official announcement is expected soon with the player set to sign his contract next week.

Wolfsburg has been pretty active in the transfer market so far, securing the services of Hasan Salihamidzic, Patrick Ochs, Srdjan Lakic, Mateusz Klich and Marco Russ.

Tottenham Hotspur to be offered £10m Barcelona winger

Tottenham Hotspur are set to be offered £10m-rated Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay.

The Dutch trickster only joined the European champions last January from PSV Eindhoven but manager Pep Guardiola is ready to cull fringe members of his squad to make way for Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas.

One of the deals could see Tottenham sign up Afellay who has also been linked with Liverpool in recent times although interest has now cooled following the signing of Stewart Downing.

Afellay will be ready to leave the Nou Camp this summer after the arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Udinese which signals the 25-year-old will receive less game time than last season.

Schalke Keen On Hamburg Starlet Son Heung-Min

Ralf Rangnick is said to be a big admirer of the Korean forward, who has been in blistering form during the pre-season. However, a transfer to Gelsenkirchen appears unlikely.

As he prepares for his second season in Europe, Hamburg forward Son Heung-Min has been in scintillating form. The Korean's achievements have not gone unnoticed, and now, Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick is reported to have concrete interest in signing the skillful attacker.

According to Bild, the coach has long been an admirer of the 19-year old Son, who has scored 17 goals - including two in a recent win against Bayern Munich - during pre-season.

It is no secret that Schalke are in search of a new striker, with Nolan Roux and Ciprian Marica having been closely linked in recent days.

However, a transfer for Son appears unlikely. The versatile forward is a fan favourite at HSV, and with Korean sponsors Hanwha and Kumho Tyres heavily invested in the club, it would be a major risk for Michael Oenning's side to let the player leave. His contract is set to expire in 2014, but Hamburg are already said to be considering an early extension to his current deal.

Manchester City Ready To Raid AC Milan For Young Striker

Manchester City are set to make a raid on AC Milan for 20-year-old striker Luca Scapuzzi.

Roberto Mancini has been searching for a replacement for want-away captain Carlos Tevez, with Atletico Madrid frontman Sergio Aguero top of his shopping list.

But the former Inter Milan boss is reportedly set to make a signing with one eye on the future, with Scapuzzi available for around £1m.

The striker has come through the youth system at the San Siro but has struggled with a knee ligament injury and has been sidelined for almost a year.

But, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mancini is ready to take a gamble on Scapuzzi, with the youngster set to go straight into City's reserve side if he decides to move to England.

Tottenham Hotspur After Arjen Robben

Tottenham Hotspur are considering a monstrous move for Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben in the hope the Netherlands international is prepared to swap Champions League football for a shot at Champions League qualification.

The 27 year has been at the club since 2009 however he has been recommended to Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp by Rafael van der Vaart as the perfect signing to bolster their chances of sealing a top four spot this season. It will not be easy though. Firstly Spurs will have to tempt Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich with enough money for them to feel it would make financial sense, secondly Robben would need to be tempted into a return to the Premier League, a competition he had success with whilst at Chelsea.

Should Robben seriously be tempted by a Europa League campaign and a top four finish then maybe the White Hart Lane side could be onto something. Redknapp does hold a good card in van der Vaart who would provide Robben with a good idea with regards to life in North London but the one barrier currently in the way of Tottenham starting to make a move is the size of their current squad.

The squad needs to be trimmed and Redknapp makes no secret of that. There are numerous players for sale for which Spurs are holding out for their valuation. Should three of four sales go through over the next fortnight then an audacious move for Robben could certainly be on the cards.

Mourinho Given New Real Madrid Role

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho is set to wield more power with the Spanish giant after being given the additional title of sporting manager of football.

Mourinho has urged Real to follow the English model by giving the coach more control and the Portuguese appears to be getting his way.

"Real Madrid have agreed a new organization of the club with Jose Mourinho as the sporting manager of football," read a press release on the Real Madrid website.

Mourinho took over as Madrid coach last summer and had a public spat with director general Jorge Valdano claiming the Argentine interfered too much in transfer policy.

Real president Florentino Perez sacked Valdano in May in what was seen as an action to appease Mourinho and the Portuguese has now taken over extra responsibility with his new sporting manager of football role.

2011 Copa America Final: Uruguay vs Paraguay Match Preview

It may not have been the final that was widely anticipated, but it was natural that after knocking out hosts Argentina and Brazil respectively, Uruguay and Paraguay find themselves in the 2011 Copa America final, hosted in the famous El Monumental stadium, home to fallen giants River Plate. On level terms with Argentina with regard to Copa America honours, Uruguay now has the chance to lead alone.

Against Venezuela, Oscar Tabarez’s side dominated much of the proceedings, eventually toppling their adversaries by two goals signed by Luis Suarez, a player the coach greatly boasted in his post-match declaration: “He is an elite player in world football. We talked about having more presence up top. That is how we got the first goal. [Diego] Forlan and Suarez appeared. After that, Peru kept attacking, but we had it under control."

Uruguay might be slight favourites, but a team that has knocked out Brazil certainly will not run and hide. Uruguay will have to be extra careful not to leave gaps at the back for the Paraguayan attack however, as Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson Valdez could potentially shoot down the Uruguayans’ dreams.

Emotions were high in the air at the Estadio Alvinas Argentinas in Mendoza, as a goalless draw after ninety minutes meant that Paraguay were on their way to their second consecutive penalty shoot-out. Luckily for La Albirroja, they managed to tackle Venezuela, booking their place in the final stage for the first time since 1979, back when they won their second and last Copa America accolade.

The Paraguayan team managed to hold its own against Venezuela, with goalkeeper Justo Villar proving to be the hero once again as he denied several Venezuelan attempts, notably a solid effort from Jose Salomon Rondon. The new Estudiantes goalkeeper was again the penalty-kick hero as he denied Franklin Lucena from the spot. Should he continue on the same path, then there is a good chance that the Player of the Tournament award is his.

Paraguay might have had their luck so far, but they will have to be at their best should they want to dispatch Uruguay, whose forward Luis Suarez cannot certainly be counted out. Diego Forlan will be dangerous too as he looks to kick-start his tournament following torrid times.

RECENT FORM

Uruguay:

Uruguay 1-0 Mexico (12/07; Copa America)

Argentina 1-1 Uruguay; 5-4 pens to Uruguay (16/07; Copa America)

Peru 0-2 Uruguay (19/07; Copa America)

Paraguay:

Paraguay 3-3 Venezuela (13/07; Copa America)

Brazil 0-0 Paraguay; 2-0 pens to Paraguay (17/07; Copa America)

Paraguay 0-0 Venezuela; 5-3 pens to Paraguay (20/07; Copa America)

KEY PLAYERS

Uruguay – Luis Suarez: The hero on the night against Venezuela will go up against Paraguay’s keeper in a battle of two of the best players in the tournament so far. Their personal contest does not summarise the match, but it will certainly be expected.

Paraguay – Justo Villar: Paraguay’s man of the tournament will definitely have all eyes watching him as he prepares to guide La Albirroja to their first major trophy in 32 years. While questions have surfaced over his abilities at 34 years old, Villar has hit back at his detractors with fine displays.

PREDICTION

Uruguay is favourites going into this match, but at such a stage, anything can happen. Paraguay has shown that they can compete with any team so far, but could ultimately fall against Tabarez and his side. Expect Uruguay to lift the title at the end.

Barcelona Agree To Sell Forward Bojan To Roma

Barcelona have agreed to sell Bojan Krkic to Serie A side AS Roma for 12 million euros ($17.3 million) in an unusual deal that includes a commitment to buy the Spain under-21 forward back in two years.

The Spanish and European champions will repurchase Bojan at the end of the 2012-13 season for 13 million euros unless Roma decide they want to keep him, the La Liga club said on their website (www.fcbarcelona.cat) on Friday.

In that case, the Italian club will have to pay another 28 million, Barca said.

"The buyback clause can be blocked by AS Roma but in that case the total cost of the transfer would be 40 million euros," they added.

The structure of the deal reflects Barca's desire to keep their options open when it comes to holding on to promising players who have come through the club's famed youth academy but are not getting much playing time with the first team.

The 20-year-old Bojan, who said at an emotional farewell news conference he was unhappy with the way coach Pep Guardiola had treated him, joined the Catalan club's boys team in the 1999-2000 season.

He made his first-team debut against Osasuna in September 2007 and the following month became the Barca's youngest scorer in La Liga with a goal against Villarreal at the age of 17 years 53 days.

The baby-faced striker has won a host of trophies over the past three seasons but is not one of Guardiola's first-choice forwards and has spent most of the time on the bench behind Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro in the pecking order.

He will join up with former Barca and Spain midfielder Luis Enrique, who has moved to the Italian capital to take charge of Roma after a successful season coaching Barca's B team.

At a news conference attended by team captains Carles Puyol and Xavi and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, Bojan said he was hoping to rediscover the joy of playing.

"As a fan and club member I believe Pep is the best coach Barca could have," he said.

"But as a player there are things I do not agree with and which I felt very bad about."

He added that not playing in Barca's Champions League final victory over Manchester United in London in May had been painful, particularly as he was also left out for the 2009 final in Rome.

"There was not much confidence shown in me. I wasn't given the continuity needed to show what I can do," he said.

"But I am also aware that I am privileged to have been part of the first team, of a magnificent team that has made Barca into the world's best.

"For that reason I am not leaving with feelings of hurt. I will remember the positives."

Bojan scored 41 goals in 163 appearances for Barca, 26 in the league, nine in the King's Cup, five in the Champions League and one in the Spanish Super Cup.

Melo Moves To Galatasaray On Loan

Felipe Melo, the man cast as the villain when Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals last year, has been loaned from Juventus to Galatasaray, the Serie A club said on Friday.

Juventus said the Turkish club would pay them 1.5 million euros for a one-year loan with an option to buy the 28-year-old for 13 million euros.

His departure came one day after Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal, who like Felipe Melo is a tough tackler but is considered more refined than the Brazilian on the ball, confirmed he was joining Juventus.

Prone to yellow and red cards, Felipe Melo became a regular for Brazil under former coach Dunga but many were worried about his tendency to get sent off.

Felipe Melo said before last year's World Cup that he was aware of the danger, yet was still dismissed for stamping on an opponent during the second half of the quarter-final defeat by the Netherlands when he also put through his own goal.

He has not played for Brazil under Dunga's successor Mano Menezes.

Heerenveen Loan For Resek

Slovenian defender Mitja Resek will spend this season on loan at Heerenveen from NK Maribor.

The 20-year-old arrives at the Abe Lenstra stadium after successfully coming through a medical at the Eredivisie side on Tuesday.

His deal at Heerenveen includes the option for the club to buy if he impresses this term.

"He has already spent two weeks with us on a trial basis," the club's technical director, Johan Hansma, told NUSport.

"We were very positive about him then, but it did not appear a deal would be financially viable. He was only for sale, and we felt that would have been an expensive investment."

He added of the Slovenian youth international in AD: "Resek is a talented defender and certainly has the potential to grow and fill the left-back position in our first-team."

González Joins Standard From Valencia

UEFA Champions League hopefuls R. Standard de Liège have completed their fourth signing of the week after acquiring the services of Uruguayan international Ignacio 'Nacho' González from Valencia CF.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder, who started his career at Danubio FC and has been capped 19 times, joins Les Rouches on a two-year deal with an option to stay a further year.

Although González had been on Valencia's books since the summer of 2008, he never made a league appearance for the Spanish Liga side, who loaned him out to Newcastle United FC, Levadiakos FC and Levante UD. He also spent a brief loan spell at AS Monaco FC before moving to Spain.

Belgian Cup winners Standard, who face FC Zürich in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, have already re-enforced their squad by adding Paul-José Mpoku, Karim Belhocine and Yoni Buyens to their number.

Diego Capel Completes Move To Sporting Lisbon From Sevilla

Sevilla have confirmed the transfer of Diego Capel to Sporting Lisbon.

The 23-year-old leaves the Liga outfit after seven years with the first-team where he lifted the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, Uefa Super Cup and two Europa League trophies.

A statement from the Spanish club reads:

"Sevilla FC and Sporting Clube Portugal of Lisbon have reached an agreement for the transfer of Capel and he has signed a five-year contract with the Alvalade entity."

Details of the transfer remain undisclosed, but it is reported that Sporting Lisbon have paid the Spanish side €3.5 million up front, and could add a further €1m if the Portuguese outfit qualify for the Champions League.

Capel played 170 games for Sevilla, 125 of those were in La Liga.

On Thursday Capel said he was very happy to be joining Sporting Lisbon.

Ibrahim Afellay On Tottenham's Radar

Tottenham could be set to take advantage of Barcelona’s mega-deal for Alexis Sanchez by moving for outcast winger Ibrahim Afellay.

The Dutchman is way down the pecking order at the Nou Camp following the arrival of the £23million Chilean forward, who himself isn’t even guaranteed a regular place in the champions' line-up.

Spanish reports are now suggesting the Catalan’s vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu will stop off at White Hart Lane on his whistle-stop tour of London to try and arrange the sale of Afellay.

A Barca delegation is due in the capital to continue discussions with Arsenal over Cesc Fabregas, and also to finalize a deal that will take Spanish youngster Oriol Romeu to Chelsea.

But Spurs, who are desperately searching for new blood, are said to be keen on trying to convince the Champions League winners to part with the 25-year-old Netherlands international.

Afellay arrived at Barca for a cut-price £3.5million from PSV Eindhoven, and despite insisting he’s happy to stay in Spain to fight for his place, may now be tempted by a move to the Premier League following Sanchez’s signing.

Menez Off To Paris SG

Reports from France are claiming that Paris SG could make a successful bid for Roma’s Jeremy Menez.

Le Parisien is today suggesting that the attacking midfielder will return to France at the request of new PSG sporting director Leonardo.

The Ligue 1 outfit is allegedly ready to offer €8.5m for the player who cost Roma €10.5m from Monaco in 2008.

Menez has played in 113 games for the Giallorossi in all competitions, scoring 12 goals in the process.

West Brom In Talks With Birmingham City Over Ben Foster Transfer

Manager Roy Hodgson admits he does not know how far along negotiations are for the goalkeeper, who would replace Scott Carson, but would be pleased with a loan or permanent deal.

The former Manchester United goalkeeper could, according to reports, leave Championship side Birmingham on loan as the Midlands club looks to reduce its wage bill after dropping down from the top flight.

Asked about Foster, who would fill the gap left by Scott Carson, Roy Hodgson told reporters: "I am aware of our interest but I am not aware of how far down the line we are with our negotiations with Birmingham, so I can't make any comments on that.

"But Ben Foster is a goalkeeper who interests us and if we can get him to West Bromwich Albion on loan or on a permanent deal, that would be something we would be very happy about."

Albion are also thought to be interested in former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who is available on a free transfer, and Reading striker Shane Long, with Hodgson previously saying that he had two unnamed "major targets" this summer.

Man United Eye £8m Swoop For Auxerre Star

Sir Alex Ferguson is set to continue splashing the cash this summer with a £8m bid for Auxerre midfielder Delvin Ndinga.

The Manchester United boss has been busy throughout the transfer window, spending in excess of £50m to secure the services of Phil Jones, Ashley Young, and David De Gea.

However, the Scot is not finished in the market just yet and is considering an offer for the powerful Congolese international to bolster his midfield options after Paul Scholes retired and Owen Hargreaves was released.

The 23-year-old is highly-regarded in France and had seemed destined for a summer move to Lyon, however OL have insisted they will not be spending big this summer as the club looks to cut costs.

The midfield enforcer has previously expressed his desire to secure a move to the Premier League and a big-money offer from the English champions would prove difficult to turn down.

Ndinga is contracted with Auxerre until 2014 and would be allowed to leave for a fee in the region of £8million.

Liverpool And Tottenham Fight For Transfer Of Brazil Star

Tottenham and Liverpool have been linked with a surprise move for Fenerbahce left back Andre Santos.

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish has long been thought to be searching for a left sided defender, as he was forced to play Glen Johnson there for much of last season, with Marcell Jansen the latest name to be thrown into the mix.

His Spurs counterpart Harry Redknapp has a different concern.

He has a left back in Benoit Assou-Ekotto, but while he combines well with Gareth Bale on the wing, he can be suspect defensively, and gets caught out of position.

Redknapp also wants to prove to wantaway midfielder Luka Modric that Tottenham retain the ambition which led them to competing in the UEFA Champions League, and has promised some strong signings.

"Luka wants to know that we'll be right up there challenging next season and we are working hard to bring in a couple of big signings that may convince him to stick with us. I hope so," said the Spurs boss.

Andre Santos has proven his mettle playing for the Brazil international team during the Copa America, and has been linked with a Barcelona transfer over the course of the summer.

Whichever team he joins, he would certainly strengthen.

Samir Nasri 'Will Sign New Deal Or Go To Manchester City'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested Samir Nasri will either sign a new contract by the end of the month, or be shipped out to Manchester City.

The under pressure Gunners boss is desperately trying to convince the French midfielder to commit his future to the north Londoners, and the 61-year-old admitted the next fortnight will be decisive.

‘[It is] not completely [sorted that Samir will stay] but I want him to stay. He knows that. Hopefully we can sort that out in the coming weeks,’ said Wenger.

The Frenchman’s admission that’s it’s not one hundred percent that Nasri will stay suggests that he’s not, as initially implied, willing to let him leave on a free transfer at the end of his current deal next summer.

Wenger then indicated he wants the situations with Nasri and Cesc Fabregas resolved before the start of August, when he hopes to really start new season preparations with a settled squad.

City boss Roberto Mancini has previously stated he hopes to have Nasri at Eastlands by the end of July.

‘As long as the situation is not settled, we have to focus on the coming season with the players we have,’ he said.

‘The players who are uncertain, it is difficult for them to focus on being completely committed.

‘The position at the moment [with Fabregas] is a ‘no comment’ situation because there is no movement at all.’

The Gunners skipper, Abou Diaby, and Emmanuel Eboue have not traveled with the rest of the side for the friendly against Cologne, as they've failed to recover from injury.

Lucio Set For New Contract

Brazilian defender Lucio is confident he can still win trophies with Inter Milan, as he prepares to sign a contract extension.

Lucio has been linked with a move away from the Giuseppe Meazza this summer, with Spanish outfit Malaga among the clubs keen to acquire the services of the 33-year-old.

But, with just 12 months remaining on his current deal, the centre-back is preparing to commit to a new deal with Inter.

"I am very happy," Lucio told Corriere dello Sport. "Inter is a great club and I feel very happy here.

"I know can still win a lot of trophies with this jersey."

Lucio joined Inter from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2009 and is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.

Barcelona Complete Move For Alexis Sanchez

The Italian media are suggesting the protracted transfer of the Chilean attacker has finally drawn to a conclusion, with the deal set to be announced imminently

Alexis Sanchez can be considered a Barcelona player as just an official announcement is missing after the Camp Nou side completed their move for the 22-year-old on Thursday afternoon, Sky Sport Italia reports.

The player's agent, Fernando Felicevich, and Barcelona director Andoni Zubizarreta have apparently held positive final discussions about the transfer.

Felicevich arrived in Barcelona on Wednesday night to wrap the move up following an agreement with Udinese.

The meeting took place less than 24 hours after the Serie A outfit announced they had reached an agreement for the player's transfer.

A number of financial issues have also been resolved and Barcelona are expected to announce the move officially either on Thursday evening or on Friday once the final paperwork has been filed.

Udinese will reportedly receive around £22.9 million in cash, plus another £9.7m related to bonuses.

Nico Perrey Joins Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen announced that it has completed the signing of Arminia Bielefeld starlet Nico Perrey.

The center-back was one of the stars of the German U-17 team that reached the European Championship final and took third place in the World Cup earlier this summer.

Last year, the 17-year-old played for Bielefeld's U19 team. However, following his good performances on the international stage and the relegation of his club to the 3. Liga, Perrey opted to move to Leverkusen.

There, he joins fellow Germany U-17 internationals Samed Yesil and Okan Aydin.

"Nico wants to take the next step with us. He was well trained in Bielefeld, but with the relegation of Arminia from the A-Junior-Bundesliga, he would no longer be called for at a high level," Bayer youth coach Jurgen Gelsdorf told the club's official website.

Along with his fellow youth international teammates, Perrey will spend the next two weeks on holiday before resuming training on August 1.

Internacional Complete Loan Deal For Malaga's Sandro Silva

Internacional have completed the signing of Malaga's Sandro Silva on a season-long loan deal, according to the Spanish club's official website.

The Brazilian outfit agreed a deal with the Liga side and has the option of purchasing the defensive midfielder once the loan period is over.

Silva joined the club when Jesualdo Ferreira was coach for €1.5 million. However, when Manuel Pellegrini replaced Ferreira, Silva played a bit-part role as the team finished in 11th place in the Primera Division.

The purchase of players such as Julio Baptista and Jeremy Toulalan means that his first team opportunities next season would have been even more limited.

Silva had previous stints with Mirassol, Palmeiras and Botafogo.

Benfica Complete Capdevila Transfer

Benfica have announced the signing of Villarreal defender Joan Capdevila on a two-year deal.

No details of the fee were announced, but the Portuguese club did reveal that the 33-year-old's contract includes a €20million (£17.6million) buy-out clause.

The full-back, who has won 57 caps for Spain and featured in the victorious UEFA EURO 2008 and 2010 FIFA World Cup™ campaigns, will be expected to fill the void left by Portugal international Fabio Coentrao's departure to Real Madrid.

Capdevila made 145 appearances in four seasons with the Yellow Submarine, scoring 15 goals.

Bremen Swoop For Papastathopoulos

Werder Bremen have signed Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos on a season-long loan from Genoa.

The deal, which also includes an option for the Bundesliga side to make the move permanent next summer, was completed on Thursday after the player met Werder general manager Klaus Allofs at the team's pre-season training camp in Donaueschingen.

Allofs said of the 23-year-old centre-half: "He is a young player who with Genoa and Greece has already gained some experience. With his speed, strength and tackling he will certainly help us.''

Papastathopoulos, who has also had spells with AEK Athens and AC Milan, added on the club's official website: "After initial discussions with Klaus Allofs and (coach) Thomas Schaaf it was immediately clear that I would accept the offer from Werder.

"Now I will try to integrate as soon as possible into the team.''

AZ Alkmaar Signs Jozy Altidore

Dutch club AZ Alkmaar says it has signed United States striker Jozy Altidore from Spain's Villarreal to a four-year contract.

Alkmaar announced the deal for the 21-year-old forward on its website Wednesday but gave no financial details.

Altidore joined Villarreal from Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls in 2008 but failed to establish himself at the Spanish club, which loaned him to Spain's Xerez, England's Hull and Turkey's Bursaspor.

Altidore, who played at last year's World Cup in South Africa, has made 39 appearances for his country, scoring 12 goals.

Chelsea Conclude Signing Of Barcelona Midfielder

Chelsea is on the verge of completing a swoop for Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu, according to El Mundo Deportivo.

The Catalan newspaper says the 19 year-old Romeu will move to Stamford Bridge for approximately £4m, and only one issue needs to be resolved before the transfer is wrapped up.

Barcelona are believed to want to insert a clause for them to re-sign Romeu in two years time, but Chelsea are understandably reluctant to accept - though it is common practice for Barca to demand this in sale negotiations.

Romeu is primarily a defensive midfielder, but is also able to fill in at centre back when required, like the man he is sometimes compared to, Sergio Busquets.

However, unlike Busquets, Romeu offers more of a physical presence, and Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas will hope he suits the Premier League.

Liverpool Eyeing Intelligent Move For Excellent Spain Winger

Liverpool's search for a right winger has led them to seriously consider a bid for Sevilla's Jesus Navas.

The Reds have filled the vacancy on the left flank with the £20m signing of Stewart Downing from Aston Villa and now want to provide balance on the opposite side of the field in a formation that resonates with traditional English football tactics. With Andy Carroll reminiscent of legendary Bolton and England centre forward Nat Lofthouse, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish wants Navas to reprise the role of Sir Stanley Matthews to supply the bullets to his target man.

The £22m-rated wide man has been identified as a target with two huge positives against his name. Firstly, he is a player of huge talent. A full Spain international, he is consistently one of the best performers in La Liga despite not playing for either Barcelona or Real Madrid. He was pivotal in both of Sevilla's recent UEFA Cup wins in 2006 and 2007 under former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos and was also part of Spain's World Cup winning squad of 2o1o.

Secondly - despite his talent - he is yet to play in the UEFA Champions League. Sevilla reached the eliminator for last season's competition but lost to Sporting Braga in a two-legged tie and with the club only finishing fifth in the Primera Division in 2010/11 he is yet to fulfil that particular dream. Liverpool will not feature in Europe at all next season but their expenditure in recent months belies their ambition to at least finish in the top four of the Premier League in the forthcoming campaign. At 25, Navas is entering the prime years of his career and Liverpool want him to spend those on Merseyside.

However, there is one huge obstacle to be overcome. Navas is afflicted by chronic homesickness, a condition that has prevented him from leaving his hometown of Seville for an extended period. He required treatment in order to facilitate his part in going to South Africa with the national team last year and it is believed that he feels rather more confident about the prospect of living outside of his usual support structure. since that experience.

Although the Spanish influence at Anfield has waned since the departure of Rafael Benitez, Liverpool will try to convince Navas that he will receive all the support he needs should he decide to make the switch.

Heinze Poised To Join Roma

Argentinian defender Gabriel Heinze is on the brink of signing for Roma after leaving Marseille earlier this summer.

The 33-year-old is expected to pen a one-year deal with the Giallorossi, with the option for another season.

Heinze arrives at the Stadio Olimpico as a free agent after parting ways with Ligue 1 giants Marseille,who missed out on the title to Lille last term.

He travelled to Rome on Thursday to meet with club officials ahead of putting pen to paper on a deal.

The stopper, capped 71 times for the Argentina national side, arrived at Marseille from Real Madridin 2009.

Heinze also spent three seasons at Manchester United between 2004-07 before departing for the Bernabeu.

He has previously stated his desire to play in Italy having already turned out in Spain, England and France, while Roma's Serie A rivals Juventus were also thought to be chasing his signature.

Atletico Madrid To Land New Chelsea Keeper On Loan

Chelsea new boy Thibaut Courtois will fly out to Spain to finalize a loan move to Atletico Madrid.

Courtois, 19, is set to complete his dream move to Chelsea this week from Genk, but is set to go straight out on loan so he can get some regular first-team football.

The Belgian star is regarded as one of the best young keepers in Europe but knows he needs to be patient as he waits to make his breakthrough into the Chelsea first-team.

Atletico Madrid was in the race to sign Courtois on a permanent basis, but could not compete with Chelsea and is now looking to secure a loan deal for the 19-year-old.

Courtois is hoping that the terms can be agreed quickly and he can focus on getting himself ready for the start of the La Liga season which gets underway next month.

Vidal To Make Juve Move

Arturo Vidal has revealed that he is set to secure a switch to Juventus from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

The Chile international had put discussions regarding his future on hold while he represented his country at the Copa America.

He is, however, now in a position to decide what his next move will be, and he has opted to try his luck in Serie A.

The 24-year-old midfielder is on his way to Italy to thrash out terms with Juve and admits he cannot wait to experience life at one of European football's most iconic clubs.

"I'm happy, it's a big and important step for my career at one of the biggest clubs in Europe," said Vidal.

"I'm very content about this new opportunity that I'm being given. It's a new team which is being built with the aim of being champions and qualifying for international competitions."

Vidal, who has spent the last four years in Germany with Leverkusen, added: "My experience in Germany will be useful to me in Italy because tactically it's a similar kind of football."

Leverkusen are reluctant sellers, but general manager Rudi Voller has confirmed that an agreement to take Vidal to Turin is close.

He told Tuttosport: "We are in touch with the authorities of Juventus and we are close to sealing a deal."

Mirko Vucinic Lined Up As Tottenham Alternative To Emmanuel Adebayor

Tottenham will swoop for Roma striker Mirko Vucinic if they cannot thrash out a deal with Manchester City to sign Emmanuel Adebayor.

City would rather sell Adebayor than loan him out again, and with the striker’s wage demands likely to scupper any deal anyway, Spurs have now turned their attentions to Montenegrin Vucinic.

The Roma forward has fallen out of favour with the club's fans, and despite the Giallorossi’s desire to keep him, Spurs are still trying to strike a £15million deal with the Serie A giants.

Vucinic managed just 10 goals in the league last season, and has since asked to leave after his attitude and body language came in for heavy criticism from the clubs’ supporters.

But despite doubts over the 27-year-old’s temperament, Harry Redknapp still sees the talented front man as an improvement on his current strike force and is confident of turning his form around.

Atletico Madrid Target Falcao

Sergio Aguero's move to Manchester City has moved a step closer with Atletico Madrid reportedly setting their sights on signing Falcao as his replacement.

City has made Aguero their principal transfer target, and a deal worth £35m is expected to be completed this week.

And Atletico are lining up Falcao to replace him, according to newspaper Marca, even though the striker has signed a new deal at Porto following interest from Chelsea.

That could ease Aguero's move to the Etihad Stadium, although the future of captain Carlos Tevez remains unclear.