Real Madrid And Barcelona To Leave La Liga

Former Real Madrid general director Jorge Valdano expects the capital outfit and Barcelona to leave La Liga at some point in the future, with a European league proving to be more interesting for them.

Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido recently ridiculed La Liga for its lack of competitiveness due to the domination of the big two and Valdano thinks it’s only a matter of time before Barca and Madrid have had enough.

“In the future Madrid and Barcelona will be forced to look elsewhere for clubs that develop at the same speed. That will eventually move to a European league,” Valdano was quoted as saying by Cadena Ser.

“The gap between the big two and the rest is only getting bigger in the next few years. You can’t help but feel that it will only get worse over time.

“Barcelona and Real Madrid have the entire world as their market, while the others only have their local community.”

This would be a rather shocking, and seemingly unlikely, development which aligns the Spanish league to a similar issue that has been felt in the SPL for quite some time. Jorge Valdano talks of the lack of competition without taking some of the responsibility for this issue.

For instance the cut of TV revenue handed to Barcelona and Real Madrid exceeds the other sides in La Liga and it is also worth noting that whilst either Real Madrid or Barcelona have won the last seven titles, three of the five titles before that were taken by Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna, and in many ways that record is not unlike Man United and Chelsea’s dominance in the Premier League but then you don’t hear those two clubs asking to leave.

Players To Call Off Serie A Strike

Sources within the AIC claim the collective bargaining contract will be signed on Monday, calling off the players’ strike.

The opening weekend of the Serie A season was postponed when the Players’ Association (AIC) called a strike in protest at the union of clubs (Lega) refusing to sign the collective bargaining contract.

The AIC released a statement late on Friday confirming there was “moderate optimism” around the proposed interim agreement.

“The contract will be signed either late morning or early afternoon on Monday September 5. The only things missing are small technical details,” an AIC source told the Ansa news agency.

“We only need to review a few things tied to the regulations and our lawyers are working on finalizing everything.”

This means the Serie A season will finally kick off next weekend. The first game will be Milan-Lazio on Friday evening at 19.45 UK time.

The Saturday night match is Cesena-Napoli, while Juventus-Parma opens Sunday at 11.30.

Palermo-Inter conclude Week 2 at 19.45 on Sunday September 11.

Man United Plan January Playmaker Move

Chelsea and Manchester United will battle it out for the signature of Luka Modric in January despite Tottenham refusing to sell the midfielder this summer.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy rejected Chelsea’s £40million offer for the Croatia midfielder in the closing days of the transfer window but the Blues are in no mood to give up their pursuit of the player.

However, they are set to face competition from United when clubs are allowed to trade again next year.

Levy displayed rock-solid resolve in refusing to grant Modric his wish to join Chelsea but sources at White Hart Lane fear the playmaker might get his way during the next window.

United were interested in Modric, who had made his preference for Chelsea clear because he would like to stay in London, during the summer but he was not their first-choice midfielder.

However, the 25-year-old has now moved up the pecking order. United’s principal target in that position was Samir Nasri, who chose instead to join their rivals City.

They were also chasing Wesley Sneijder but when Inter Milan sold Samuel Eto’o to wealthy Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, there was no pressure on owner Massimo Moratti to cash in on the Dutchman, whose weekly wage is above £200,000.

Tottenham Plans To Bring In David Beckham

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is planning a move to sign LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham in November, when the former Real Madrid and Man United man will be out of contract and therefore available on a free transfer. The veteran England international has helped his MLS side to a commanding position at the top of the standings and is keen to keep playing competitive football, not least as he is hoping to compete in the 2012 Olympics.

Beckham has been in good form stateside this term, currently ranked as the second most prolific assist maker and as soon as his season comes to a close, which could be as a late as November 20th, when the MLS Cup takes place, Tottenham will look to make a short term offer to sign the 36 year old.

Though the one time Old Trafford hero has stated in the past that he would only consider a move back to the Premier League to return to Man United, the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to make such a offer may lead the midfielder to consider other options.

Beckham is now in his fifth season at LA Galaxy and will hope to bring his time in the MLS to a successful conclusion with a championship win in LA in November. As yet the England man has not decided if he will accept a new deal to stay at the club and as such there is much speculation that he could look to move back to Europe ahead of the 2012 Olympics.

Levy may feel that the high profile of David Beckham may be a money spinning opportunity too good to pass up and the fact that the midfielder is showing good form may also serve to hand Redknapp another option to his squad which saw a number of players leave last month.

The North London club offloaded Jamie O’Hara, Robbie Keane, Jermaine Jenas, Wilson Palacios and Peter Crouch but failed to land a ‘marquee’ signing due to spending restrictions imposed by chairman Levy. Redknapp will be glad that he managed to keep Luka Modric from joining Chelsea but the only outfield signing of note came in the form of Scott Parker. Emmanuel Adebayor arrived on a season long loan deal to help beef up the club’s attack.

Arsenal Keep Tabs On £20m Brazilian Playmaker

Arsene Wenger will reportedly monitor Lazio midfielder Hernanes over the coming months with a view to a possible bid for the Lazio man in January as the Arsenal boss continues to search for long term replacements for Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas. Although the Gunners boss brought in Mikel Arteta from Everton and Yossi Benayoun on loan from Chelsea it is worth noting that at 29 and 31 years of age respectively, it would appear that the North London club is still looking for long term additions.

25 year old Hernanes had a very successful first season in Serie A last term, finishing as the club’s top scorer netting 11 goals from midfield and helping the Rome based club to their first top six finish in four seasons. The adaptable attacker can ply his trade as an advanced midfielder or out on the wing.

The former Sao Paulo man is now a regular part of the Brazilian national team set up but may feel that a high profile move could further push up him the pecking order and garner the attention of coach Mano Menezes.

Wenger was linked with a number of possible additions to his squad following the departure of key players and whilst moves for Eden Hazard and Marek Hamsik failed to come to fruition it may be that come January, after much scouting of the Lazio man, a bid may be made for the £20m rated Stadio Olimpico star.

Arsenal have funds available having sold players to the tune of over £60m and by the time the next transfer window opens will be fully aware of just where additions may need to be made in order to maintain any title challenges that are still relevant come the turn of the year.

Manchester United Expect To Confirm Double Loan Exit

Manchester United is expected to offer goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak and striker Mame Biram Diouf on loan to Football League clubs in the coming days.

With the transfer window shut for Premier League clubs, it is only teams in the nPower Championship or below able to give either player the first team football they both desperately crave.

The alternate option for either would be a surprise switch to Turkey, where the domestic leagues and transfer window delayed due to the match fixing scandal that has gripped the country.

Polish custodian Kuszczak has been unable to convince Sir Alex Ferguson he is worthy of a place in the team, with young Spaniard David de Gea recruited to replace the retired Edwin van der Sar rather than promoting from within.

Diouf was unusual signing at Old Trafford in summer 2009, and has never looked like troubling the first choice strikers.

A loan spell at Blackburn only yielded six goals in 29 appearances, and Man United will be happy to get both players off their books with hope they can secure permanent transfers later down the line.

Leandro Damiao Eyeing European Switch

Internacional forward Leandro Damiao revealed he is relishing the prospect of playing in Europe.

The Brazil international has caught the eye of several clubs across Europe after establishing himself as one of the most prolific strikers in his homeland, netting 30 goals in all competitions this season.

Tottenham and Porto were both credited with an interest in the 22-year-old, with Spurs having a €13.6 million bid rejected by Internacional.

And while Damiao says he is interested in trying his luck in Europe, he stressed he was not contacted about a potential transfer.

"No-one from Porto approached me about leaving Internacional. I did not talk to anyone about that, nor was I told anything about that possibility," he told A BOLA.

"If there is an opportunity to play in Europe, of course I would like it."

QPR To Attempt Incredible Transfer

Queens Park Rangers will prove they have returned to the big time with a sensational swoop for Los Angeles Galaxy star and former England national team captain David Beckham.

The Sun claim new Malaysian owner Tony Fernandes will aim to persuade Beckham that regular Premier League football is the best way to ensure selection for the British Olympic squad in 2012, which the Englishman is known to be keen to be a part of.

Though Beckham's wages would be far from cheap, the fact that his contract with LA Galaxy is close to expiring and that costs would likely be retrieved with QPR shirt sales and increased attendances.

"Tony promised Neil Warnock plenty of support in the transfer market and proved that in the recent window," a QPR source revealed to the Sun.

"But bringing Beckham back to England next month would top the lot and it's not a pipe-dream."

Palermo Question Pastore Deal

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini will take legal action against Javier Pastore's agent following the midfielder's sale to Paris St Germain.

The Argentina international moved to the Ligue 1 side for 42 million euros in the summer, but part of the transfer fee went to the playmaker's adviser Marcelo Simonian, and his company Ten Football Corporation.

According to Repubblica, the eccentric club owner has filed a complaint to the Prosecutor of Palermo regarding the amount of money that the South American's representative gained from the deal.

As Simonian owned part of the player's rights, Ten Football Corporation gained 12.5m euros of the sale, but Zamparini has complained, alleging that the agent wanted more of the fee, which almost stopped the deal going through.

Prosecutor Maurizio Scalia will work alongside the Core Tax Financial Police to investigate the legalities of the 22-year-old's move to France.

Schalke Looking To Offload Jermaine Jones & Jose Jurado To Turkey

Schalke is looking to offload midfield pair Jermaine Jones and Jose Jurado who are surplus to requirements, and are hoping for interest from Turkish clubs who have two days to go until their transfer window closes, according to Bild.

The Bundesliga club has slashed their squad from 58 players to 41 this summer and is looking to sell both Jones and Jurado who are high-earners at the Gelsenkirchen side.

Jones has three years left on his current contract that is believed to be worth €4 million a year while Jurado only joined the club from Atletico Madrid last campaign and signed a contract worth €3.5 per annum.

Neither player has featured regularly under coach Ralf Rangnick this season, with the former Hoffenheim tactician choosing a more youthful midfield.

Jurado cost Schalke €13m but is believed to be available for around €8m, while club sporting director Horst Heldt is said to be willing to listen to all offers for Jones, who spent the second half of last season on-loan at Blackburn Rovers.

Schalke resume Bundesliga action next Sunday when they travel to Wolfsburg.

Juventus Ship Out Ziegler

Juventus have confirmed summer signing Reto Ziegler has joined Turkish side Fenerbahce on a season-long loan deal.

Ziegler only signed a four-year contract at Juventus a couple of months ago to join from Sampdoria, but has been shipped out by coach Antonio Conte.

The Switzerland international had yet to make his Serie A debut for Juventus and the loan has cost Fenerbahce a fee of €600,000 (£525,000).

The former Tottenham Hotspur player has reportedly failed to convince Conte that he is the solution to Juventus's problematic left-back spot.

AC Milan To Monitor Bendtner

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner says he will not return to the Emirates after his loan spell with Sunderland ends - and AC Milan are already interested in him on a permanent deal.

Bendtner, who once claimed he was one of the best strikers in world football, has failed to live up to his own lofty opinions of himself.

As a result of his failure to become a regular starter for Arsenal, the Dane was sent out on loan to Sunderland on transfer deadline day.

The 23-year-old has been at Arsenal since 2005 but is likely to be moved on next summer.

If his loan move on Wearside goes well, Steve Bruce may decide to make a permanent bid but they will face competition from AC Milan.

Sources in Italy suggest that the Serie A giants wanted Bendtner when the transfer window was open, but they failed to act quickly enough.

Sunderland stepped in but AC Milan remain keen and will make tentative enquiries to Arsenal in January regarding a move next summer.

Gunners Wanted Gourcuff

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas claims that Arsenal made a late bid for Yoann Gourcuff before deadline day.

The Frenchman was just one of the players chased by the Gunners in the final days of the transfer window as Arsenal searched for replacements for Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas.

Gourcuff, who is currently recovering from injury, is regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in France and is thought to be a long-term target of Arsene Wenger's.

Lyon rejected Arsenal's enquiry for Gourcuff with the player having a big part to play at Stade Gerland.

"I got a call on the penultimate day of the transfer window from Gilles Grimandi asking for a loan," Aulas told RMC Sport.

"We believe in re-establishing Yoann. He has been operated upon. He has just resumed training.

"We have chosen Gourcuff, like last year. It was hard last season. Hopefully he will demonstrate his capabilities this term."

Gourcuff scored three goals in 27 Ligue 1 appearances last season for Lyon but is currently ruled out through injury.

PSG Plan To Install Jose Mourinho As Next Boss

Jose Mourinho will leave Real Madrid at the end of this season for cashed-up PSG.

TV3 Esport Club says Porto president Jorge Pinto da Costa, a close friend of Mourinho’s, let slip the news while in Monaco.

It’s claimed the former Chelsea manager will see out this season at Real before taking charge of PSG in June so to have a full summer to do his squad building.

PSG are being bankrolled by the Qatar Investment Authority and as such have seemingly limitless funds and that may well encourage big name boss’s to consider moving to the Parc des Princes, but would Jose Mourinho make such a move? Well a lot would depend on what occurs this season.

If Real Madrid once again fail to beat Barcelona to either the La Liga or Champions League then the Portuguese manager may find himself ousted anyway and then he would be clear to consider such a position, it should be noted however that Arsene Wenger has also been strongly linked with the position that is currently taken by Antoine Kombouaré.

PSG brought in Inter Milan boss Leonardo to act as director of football and clearly anyone who opts to take the position as Les Parisiens boss would have to have a workable relationship with the Brazilian.

Brighton Sign Former Spain Midfielder Vicente Rodriguez

Brighton has confirmed the signing of former Spain midfielder Vicente Rodriguez.

The 30-year-old left Valencia in the summer and has joined the Seagulls on a one-year deal.

Vicente has been capped 38 times by his country, and also has two Primera Division titles and a UEFA Cup winner's medal to his name.

Albion manager Gus Poyet told the club's official website: "Vicente is the special player we wanted.

"He has great qualities in terms of his ability and flexibility to play in a range of different positions.

"He also brings a great experience having played at the top level for the last 10 years with Valencia.

"This is a major coup to bring him to the Amex."

Pandiani Pens Espanyol Deal

Walter Pandiani has rejoined Espanyol, with the club confirming that he completed a move late in the transfer window.

The 35-year-old striker has penned a one-year contract with the Catalan side.

Espanyol have swooped for the veteran frontman after losing Pablo Osvaldo to Roma.

Pandiani previously turned out for the club between 2005 and 2007 and enjoyed a productive spell.

He helped them to the Uefa Cup final in his second season, before moving on to pastures new.

The Uruguayan has also turned out for Deportivo La Coruna, Real Mallorca, Birmingham and Osasuna during his career.

Pandiani will join fellow new recruits Romaric and Vladimir Weiss at Espanyol this season.

Zaragoza Signs Postiga And Luis Garcia

Financially stricken Zaragoza signed Portugal striker Helder Postiga and Luis Garcia before the close of the transfer deadline.

The Spanish club says on Thursday it signed Postiga from Sporting Lisbon for the next three seasons while former Spain forward Garcia joins from rival Espanyol for the next three years.

Zaragoza also loaned Nigeria striker Ikechukwu Uche to Villarreal for the season.

Zaragoza reportedly has debts of 134 million ($192 million) and is one of six Spanish clubs in the topflight in bankruptcy protection. A private investment fund previously provided most of the transfer fee to sign goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez Gago.

Zaragoza opened the season with a 6-0 loss to Real Madrid.

James Beattie Touted For Newcastle Or Everton Move

Veteran forward James Beattie could be set for a shock return to the Premier League, with former clubs Everton and Blackburn - as well as striker-shy Newcastle United - all alerted to his availability following his release by Rangers.

Beattie, 33, was loaned out to Blackpool by the Scottish outfit last season and has now been declared surplus to requirements at Ibrox.

However, despite failing to find the net for the Tangerines in nine league appearances, he still believes he can cut it at the top level - prompting his representatives to circulate his name to a number of clubs.

While there are still limited indications of interest, possible suitors for Beattie include Everton, who are looking for short-term support for new loan signing Denis Stracqualarsi and cover for the departed Yakubu.

Another of Beattie's former clubs who could move for the out-of-contract former England man is Blackburn Rovers, as boss Steve Kean is still on the lookout for depth on the bench and may see Beattie as a potential impact player.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are already being linked with a pay-as-you-play deal for the former Gers star and QPR could do with another hitman - should injury strike either DJ Campbell or Jay Bothroyd.

On transfer deadline day on Wednesday, Rangers confirmed the forward had departed from the club, which has left his management scrambling.

In a statement, the Scottish Premier League outfit said: 'A deal has been agreed with Beattie which terminates his contract and makes him a free agent.

'Beattie was signed at the beginning of last season by [manager] Walter Smith and made a small contribution early on but then suffered injury and was loaned to Blackpool.'

Rhodolfo Could Join Juventus In January

Sao Paulo's Luiz Rhodolfo still has options to join Juventus in the January transfer window following a failed move this summer, his agent Gustavo Sabino has told Goal.com.

The 25-year-old centre-back has cemented his position at the heart of Sao Paulo's back four following the departures of Miranda and Alex Silva, and his performances have not gone unnoticed in Europe.

Italian reports suggested Juventus made an €8 million bid during the transfer window which was turned down by the Brazilians who are keen on keeping him.

But, his agent believes something could take off with the Serie A giants in 2012.

"We had found an agreement on personal terms with Juventus, but Sao Paulo turned it down," the agent revealed.

"Rhodolfo really wanted to join Juventus and we were happy for him to do this.

"In any case, we are working so that Sao Paulo can accept an offer in January from Juventus."

The Italians currently have Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci as the centre-back pair, but it is said Bonucci could leave for Zenit St Petersburg after being close to moving there during the summer window.

Liverpool Tried To Sign Italian Starlet

Liverpool was keen on signing Parma striker Fabio Borini on-loan before they made a move for Craig Bellamy.

The Reds were impressed with the 20-year-old during his temporary spell at Swansea City last season and wanted to give him a chance in the Premier League.

The Italy U21 international eventually joined Serie A giants Roma, but according to his agent, Marco De Marchi, Liverpool expressed an interest.

“Parma did well to believe in him when his contract at Chelsea ran out,” De Marchi said.

“Then Roma invested heavily on him which confirmed that the player has some extraordinary ability, as you can see from his performances for the Italian Under-21 side.

“The player was liked by a lot of other clubs, sides such as Liverpool and Hamburg came after him too.”

The Reds finally signed Craig Bellamy on a frantic deadline day but had to fight off a deal from Cardiff City.

Dos Santos Blasts Tottenham For Blocking Sevilla Switch

Giovani Dos Santos has slammed Tottenham after manager Harry Redknapp blocked his move to Sevilla just hours before the transfer window closed.

The Mexico midfielder has become the forgotten man at the club having started just two Premier League games in three years at White Hart Lane.

He was expected to leave this summer with Redknapp streamlining his squad during the transfer window - and there were a string of Spanish clubs keen on a move for the 22-year-old.

And Dos Santos has confirmed that he was on the verge of joining Sevilla only for Redknapp to pull the plug on the deal, leaving him "disappointed, sad and angry" with the club.

"I was very surprised that with two hours left, my coach has changed his mind," he told Fox Sports.

"In three years at Tottenham I have not been taken into account and there has not been confidence in me at all. So I hope that this time I hear the truth when talking to him and we can get down to football.

"To be honest I already felt at another club, Sevilla, and we had already completed more than 50 per cent of negotiations. Almost everything had been agreed but with half an hour to go Spurs changed their minds, something I found very odd.

"Both myself and my agent have been left disappointed, sad and angry at the way Tottenham have acted.

"After such a long time without having any confidence in me I am now going to get my chance, which makes me feel weird. Even so, I mean to take this opportunity out of respect to the Tottenham fans and also because of the professional I am."

Benayoun Goes To Arsenal On Loan

Yossi Benayoun has completed a season-long loan move to Arsenal from Chelsea.

Israel captain Benayoun had been linked with a number of clubs but opted for the Gunners, who will play in this season's Champions League.

The midfielder, who is currently on international duty, wrote on Twitter: "I sign with Arsenal, very happy and excited about it, but now my head is only in the game against Greece on Friday, thanks for the support."

Crouch Joins Stoke As Part Of Triple Swoop

Stoke has completed a triple deadline day swoop by signing Peter Crouch, Wilson Palacios and Cameron Jerome.

Tony Pulis' side fought off competition from QPR and Sunderland to land Crouch, with the England striker arriving in a £10m deal from Tottenham.

The Potters also raided Tottenham for midfielder Palacios, who moved to White Hart Lane from Wigan for £12m in January 2009 but had recently fallen down the pecking order.

On the deal Tony Pulis remarked: "This is a fantastic deal for the Football Club because Wilson has proved himself to be a top class performer at the highest level.

"He has a considerable amount of international experience and played a prominent part in getting Tottenham into the Champions League only two years ago.

Striker Jerome, 25, has joined for an undisclosed fee, having been heavily linked with a move away from Birmingham since their relegation to the Championship.

Ferdinand Completes Transfer

Former Sunderland defender Anton Ferdinand secured a deadline day transfer to Premier League newboys Queens Park Rangers.

The 26 year old was faced with increased competition at the Stadium of Light this season after the summer arrivals of former Manchester United defenders Wes Brown and John O’Shea, and has opted for more playing time at QPR.

“I came down from London on Wednesday and spoke to the gaffer, and was impressed with his thoughts on where the club is going to go,” Ferdinand told QPR’s official website.

“I’ve heard good things about the manager and, after speaking with him, it’s clear that he wants the best for me and wants me to do well.

“As soon as I came out of the meeting with him, I knew that QPR was the club for me.”

Ferdinand’s three year deal means he traces the footsteps of cousin Les Ferdinand, who is a legend at Loftus Road. The former England striker enjoyed many great years at QPR, and fans will be hoping that Anton enjoys similar successes.

“Anton’s a player that I have always admired,” said QPR boss Neil Warnock.

“He’s got so much to offer. When you look at centre-halves in this country, you won’t see much better than Anton on a good day.”

Cottagers Complete Ruiz Capture

FC Twente has confirmed that Bryan Ruiz has left them on deadline day and penned a long-term contract at Fulham.

The Cottagers saw an offer accepted on Tuesday, allowing them to close on the Costa Rica international.

The saga took a new twist on Wednesday when reports suggested that Newcastle had entered the race, with a rival offer put on the table.

Ruiz, though, has opted to make a move to Craven Cottage and the 26-year-old will be hoping to bring his prolific form in the Eredivisie with him to England.

FC Twente chairman Joop Munsterman told his club's official website: "Bryan Ruiz has developed strongly in the last two seasons at FC Twente and is of great value to the club.

"He has played an important part in the success we have achieved over the last two years, with the championship an absolute highlight.

"His performances have led to much interest from foreign clubs.

"Bryan has always had the ambition of playing in a major European league and now is the time for him to make the transition to the Premier League.

"It was not possible for us to keep him. We wish Bryan good luck and happiness in his future football career."

Fulham has revealed that Ruiz has signed a deal that will run until 2015, and the striker is delighted to be in England.

He told the Cottagers' official website: "I'm really happy to be joining Fulham Football Club and playing under Martin Jol who is a manager I admire from his time managing in Holland for Ajax. I chose to come to Fulham because it feels more personal than other clubs I have visited.

"I'm looking forward to meeting up with the whole squad when most of the players return from the international break and getting to work straight away with the team in preparation for some important fixtures."

Martin Jol added: "Bryan Ruiz was always our intended target. He is a player who continues to attract interest from other top clubs so naturally I'm very happy, on this final day of the transfer window that he has decided to join Fulham."

Blackburn Confirm Transfer Of Yakubu

Blackburn has confirmed the signing of Everton forward Ayegbeni Yakubu. The 28-year-old has joined for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract. Rovers are also awaiting confirmation that the paperwork on a deal for Sheffield United's Jordan Slew, who has agreed a four-year deal.

Meanwhile, Blackburn has cancelled the contract of El Hadji Diouf, manager Steve Kean has confirmed. The Senegal forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Rangers but they did not take up the option of signing him permanently. Diouf incurred the wrath of Kean after returning late for pre-season training and the club has now decided to cut their losses.

"Dioufy has left the club. I think we reached a mutual-consent termination of his contract last night," said the Scot. "He will be moving on to pastures new and we wish him all the best."

Kean, however, was pleased to have kept hold of his key players despite plenty of speculation surrounding Chris Samba and Steven Nzonzi. And he had more good news for Rovers fans after revealing a "deal in principle" had been reached with Junior Hoilett on a new long-term contract which should be finalized in the next 24 hours.

"There was interest in Steven but we fought it off," added Kean. "There were no bids that came in for Chris Samba and although there was plenty of speculation that bids would come in they never materialized.”I gave Chris a couple of days off intentionally to make sure he was out of the country and we are delighted he is still here. "It is credit to the players and the club that some of the biggest names out there are supposedly interested in our players.

"We now have our group who will take us forward and I am delighted the window has closed and with the business we have done.”There were some big moves which went though late yesterday but we have managed to keep a real strong group together and when you look at the squad and the permutations we have up front and quality in defence I think we are stronger."

On Hoilett, one of Rovers' outstanding performers towards the end of last season, he added: "We are very close on Junior's deal. We've had extensive talks with him over the last couple of days. "We have agreed in principle a deal which has not been signed yet as there are a few minor things to sort out.”We are confident it will be done and dusted in the next 24 hours. "To see the emergence of him in the last few months, he is an exciting prospect for us to get him tied down for the next four or five years."

Aston Villa Snap Up Duo

Aston Villa has confirmed the signing of Scotland full-back Alan Hutton and Jermaine Jenas, both from Tottenham.

Former Rangers defender Hutton 26, has agreed a permanent move to Villa park, signing a contract through to 2015 while Jenas has joined on loan for the rest of the season.

A statement on Villa's official website from manager Alex McLeish said: ''Alan is a player whom I know well. He is an athletic full-back in his mid-20s - a very good age - and he has a lot of experience playing at a high level, both internationally with Scotland and with Rangers and Tottenham which are big clubs.

''So he fits the bill in terms of having the right temperament to be an important and influential player for Villa.

''Jermaine is a dynamic midfield player and I feel he will add to the quality of the squad as well. He also has played at a very high level and I'm sure he will be relishing this opportunity.''

Villa earlier confirmed they reached an agreement with Shamrock Rovers to sign Republic of Ireland Under-21 international defender Enda Stevens in January.

Stevens, 21, was part of the team that beat Partizan Belgrade to reach the Europa League group stages and will remain with Shamrock until the new year.

He said: ''This is massive for me. It's a dream come true. I never expected it to come as soon as it has, especially after the last few games in Europe.

''I grew up following and watching the Premier League and I can dream of playing in it now. Villa have had some great Irish players and been very good for Irish players. I'm a player who likes to get forward, can defend and I like to play football. I like to get the ball down and play.''

Sunderland Capture Bendtner On Loan

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has confirmed that the club has sealed a year-long loan move for Nicklas Bendtner from Arsenal.

Bendtner, 23, has clinched a temporary move to the Stadium of Light after being told he was not part of Arsene Wenger's plans.

Bruce will hope he will bring the goals his side has been lacking to date this season and provide a foil for Asamoah Gyan, who himself was the subject of interest from Turkey during the final days of the transfer window.

The deal re-unites a player and a manager who worked together during their time at Birmingham.

Bruce said: ''I've had the privilege of working with Nicklas previously. I had him as an 18 year-old and he helped clinch promotion for Birmingham.

''He's an outstanding talent and is a big, physical presence who will lead the line magnificently for us.''

Bendtner is the third frontman to arrive at the club this summer following the captures of youngsters Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won, who Bruce believes will be big players for the club in the years to come.

Stracqualursi Joins Everton

Everton has signed Argentine striker Denis Stracqualursi on season-long loan.

The move comes as Yakubu exits Goodison Park to sign a permanent deal with Blackburn Rovers.

Stracqualursi, a 6ft 3in frontman, arrives from Tigre, who plays in the South American country’s top division.

He was joint top scorer in the Argentine Apertura last term netting 11 times in 19 games and had been a target for champions Velez Sarsfield as they looked to replace their Fiorentina-bound star Santiago Silva.

Aged 23, Stracqualursi arrives having notched a hat-trick against heavyweight Boca Juniors back in April.

Nicknamed El Traca – the firecracker - he has also played for Gimnasia La Plate in his homeland and boasts an overall record of 27 goals in 84 appearances in South America.

He passed a medical at Finch Farm on Wednesday and has put pen to paper ahead of the 11pm transfer deadline, becoming Everton’s first Argentine player in the process.

Scott Dann Signs For Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn has signed centre-back Scott Dann from Birmingham for £6m.

Dann, 24, has penned a four-year contract with the Ewood Park club who has yet to score a point after three Premier League games.

"I need to play and I'm not happy unless there are games so I am delighted I am now playing for Blackburn," said Dann.

"It wasn't an option for me to stay in the Championship, I needed a new challenge."

Dann had an impressive first season in the Premier League with Birmingham in 2009/2010 and was playing well last season until a hamstring put him on the sidelines.

Now back to full fitness, the 24-year-old former Coventry player had been linked with a number of clubs this summer following Blues' relegation from the Premier League.

"While I've been at Birmingham there has been a lot of speculation that I would be leaving and to get it finally wrapped up is a relief," added Dann.

"I heard of Blackburn's interest a couple of days ago and it has all happened quickly and I was delighted to get it all sorted last night.

"From a personal point of view I would have liked it to have been done sooner so I could have got straight in with my new team-mates but it hasn't worked out that way."

The Liverpool-born defender had a medical in Lancashire on Wednesday, but the finalities of his contract were not confirmed until less than 30 minutes before the close of the transfer window.

QPR Sign Shaun Wright-Phillips

Shaun Wright-Phillips has completed his move from Manchester City to QPR.

The 29-year-old winger has joined the Loftus Road club in a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

He made 93 appearances for City after rejoining from Chelsea in 2008 following three years in the capital.

"After speaking to the manager Neil Warnock and seeing the direction he thinks the club is going, I wanted to help make it happen," said the England international.

"Neil Warnock just told me to be energetic and create goals. I'm very excited to be here. It's a big club. I just want to get back playing football."

Wright-Phillips will now link up with his former City team-mate Joey Barton as he returns to his native city.

He continued: "There was a bit of toing and froing and making sure the deal was done the way both parties wanted. But I spent most of the day sat down chilling with my dad, my uncle and friends.

"I want to thank the Eastlands fans for their support and there will always be a blue spot in my heart - they have supported me for ten years of my life."

"I'd also like to thank the managers of Bolton, Wigan and Stoke for showing an interest in me but in the end it was an easy decision to make. I'm looking to seeing my old mate Joey, it should be a good laugh."

QPR manager Neil Warnock told the club website: "I'm just really excited that we've been able to attract a player like Shaun to the club.

"Right from day one, him and Joey Barton were at the top of our list and we've managed to get both of them, so I couldn't be more pleased.

"He's got a great attitude, a great character and he just wants to improve and impress as a footballer.

"Shaun's so positive and that's what we're looking for from all players that join QPR."

Tankovic Signs For Fulham

Fulham has confirmed the signing of Swedish striker Muamer Tankovic on a three-year deal.

The 16-year-old IFK Norrkoping attacker had been generating interest from Barclays Premier League clubs this year and has now joined the west London side.

Tankovic netted a brace in Sweden Under-16's 3-1 win against Wales in May and will remain at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2015.