Italian Super Cup Preview: AC Milan vs Inter Milan

Serie A champions AC Milan and crosstown rivals Inter Milan clash in Beijing on Saturday for the Italian Super Cup in the first official game of the season.

Chinese fans gave both sides a warm welcome this week and look forward to filling the Bird's nest stadium, which hosted the game in 2009 as well when Lazio beat Inter 2-1.

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri still upbeat after winning the scudetto on his first season with the Rossoneri, ending a five-title run by Inter, who won the Italian Cup.

'I have no worries,' he said. 'We are at the start of the season. This is our third game (after two friendlies) and our form cannot be the best.

'But the game is very important, both for the trophy and because it is a derby. We have worked well in the past two weeks, but it will be important to have the right concentration.

'It will be very hot, with much humidity, therefore, beside the legs, we will also need our head.'

Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic appears to be already in good form and is again set to be Allegri's mainstay up front, wile Brazilians Pato and Robinho are gradually recovering from Copa America duties in July.

Also back from the tournament won by Uruguay is Inter veteran captain Javier Zanetti, who will have to fill in for the injured Japanese midfielder Yuto Nagatomo.

New coach Gian Piero Gasperini had originally planned a slow-paced summer camp for the Argentine, but is now forced to rely on his experience.

Zanetti, who turns 38 next week, has played more than 750 games with Inter since his arrival in 1995.

'Obviously, faced by necessity, you change the programs and we did it without problems,' Zanetti said.

Giampaolo Pazzini and Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o are geared for their second season together, but the game could be the last with the Nerazzurri for Dutch midfield mainstay Wesley Sneijder, who seems set to leave for Manchester United.

'I have no crystal ball, but we are here to try to win,' Gasperini said. 'Inter want to take home (from Beijing) that cup they failed to win two years ago. Then, playing with Milan is an added reason of prestige.'

Inter and Milan are level as top winners, each having lifted the Super Cup five times.

Independiente Sign Barcelona Defender Gabriel Milito

Barcelona has announced they have dispensed with the services of centre-back Gabriel Milito, who has gone on to sign for Independiente.

The Argentina international has been allowed to look for a new club, despite having one more year on his contract with the La Liga champions.

The 30-year-old has accepted a massive pay-cut to be able to return to Independiente, where he played from 1997 to 2003, as he wishes to be closer to his children.

"I am very happy to be able to return to my country and my home. I felt the necessity to return to Independiente. We got together and talked about this possibility, and finally it could be completed," he said at his official unveiling.

"Today is a very special and emotional day for me, I left the club eight years ago and the truth is that I always dreamed of returning, so this is a dream come true. I hope this stint will be as good as my first one."

According to a report in Ole, Milito, who made 75 appearances for Barcelona during his time at the club, has signed a three-year contract with the Argentines.

Man City Sign Goalkeeper Pantilimon

Romania goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon became Manchester City's fourth signing of the close-season when the 24-year-old joined from Poli Timisoara, the Premier League club said.

Pantilimon will act as cover to England goalkeeper Joe Hart after Shay Given joined Aston Villa.

Coach Roberto Mancini has been following Pantilimon since he impressed against City in two Europa League meetings last season and beat off reported competition from Inter Milan and Arsenal to sign him.

City, who make their debut in the Champion League after finishing third last season, have also signed Arsenal left-back Gael Clichy, Argentina striker Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid and defender Stefan Savic from Partizan Belgrade.

Bougherra Heading For Qatar

Rangers manager Ally McCoist has confirmed that a fee has been agreed with Qatar side Lekhwiya for Madjid Bougherra.

Rangers have accepted an offer of £1.7million for Algeria defender Bougherra and a transfer now appears imminent.

McCoist said: "A fee has been agreed with the Qatar club in the region of £1.7 million. There are just bits and pieces to be tied up there. I think that deal is just about done. He won't be playing against Chelsea tomorrow."

Rangers completed the signing of Kyle Bartley on a second loan spell from Arsenal on Thursday and McCoist revealed that fresh bids were submitted earlier in the week for Roland Juhasz at Anderlecht and ADO Den Haag's Wesley Verhoek.

He said: "There is a bid in for Verhoek which went in on Tuesday or Wednesday, as there is for Juhasz. We've not heard from either club yet."

Aston Villa Plan £5m Bid To Sign Man City Star

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish will enter the race to sign Man City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips as he looks to make further additions to his Villa Park squad.

Having lost Ashley Young and Stewart Downing to Man United and Liverpool respectively McLeish is looking to bring in the 29 year old England international to help boost his attacking options and having recently purchased Charles N’Zogbia to fill one of wide slots the Scot is now hoping to snap up Wright-Phillips to fill the other.

Roberto Mancini appears ready to sell the former Chelsea man and have given permission to the player to enter talks with prospective buyers. The likes of Sunderland, Wigan and Bolton are said to be interested but a move to Aston Villa may trump moves by the Premier League trio.

Wright-Phillips has been in good pre-season form, netting three times, but seems likely to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer. The Londoner is in his second spell at Man City and has notched up over 250 appearances for the club.

Man City are thought to be looking for a fee in the region of £5m for the player who rejoined the club in August 2008 and has just one year left on his current contract, it’s a fee that McLeish will be more than able to stump up having garnered over £35m from player sales this summer.

Juventus Make Elia Bid

Juventus has made an offer to Hamburg for Eljero Elia, the midfielder’s representative has stated.

The Old Lady was again paired with the Dutchman yesterday, a year after initially being associated with his services.

“Juventus have already made a bid,” Frank Schouten told Itasportpress. “And in the last few days I have spoken to Fabio Paratici.

“If an economical agreement can be found then Elia will be playing in Serie A.”

Paratici assists Juventus director general Beppe Marotta in transfer matters.

The German club valued the player at around €15m a year ago, but he may be available for closer to €10m this time around.

Elia is being targeted to fill the hole on the left side of midfield in new Coach Antonio Conte’s 4-4-2.

The 24-year-old joined Hamburg in the summer of 2009 from Dutch club Twente at a cost of around €9m.

He’s scored eight goals in 58 games for the Bundesliga outfit in all competitions.

Chelsea Eye £12m Swoop For Ajax Midfield Ace

Chelsea could look to solve their midfield problem with a move for Ajax defensive midfielder Vurnon Anita.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas is looking to bolster his midfield options ahead of the new season, particularly with Michael Essien set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The situation has become a concern for the Portuguese after missing out on Javier Pastore to PSG, whilst Tottenham continue to play hard-ball over the sale of Luka Modric.

He will now move for promising Dutch youngster Vurnon Anita, whose impressive displays last season saw a number of top European clubs stand up and take notice.

The 22-year-old penned a new two-year deal at Ajax in May that includes a £12m release clause.

Anitas previous deal was due to expire next summer and was previously linked with a move to Liverpool and Arsenal for as little as £6million.

But Chelsea are believed to have stolen a march on their rivals and are eager to tie up a deal within the next 10 days, as Villas-Boas looks to make his first major signing as boss.

Anita, a youth product at the Eredivisie club, made his Ajax debut in March 2006 before establishing himself as a regular in the side at the start of the 2009/10 campaign.

His three league goals for the club have all come this season, helping the Godenzonen to their first title triumph in seven years.

Nasri Poised To Make £20m Man City Move

Arsenal resistance has broken and they are ready to sell Samir Nasri this summer - with Manchester City poised to make a £20m move.

Nasri has a year left on his contract at the Emirates and has told Arsenal chiefs he has no intention of signing a new deal.

It has raised the possibility of the talented Frenchman leaving Arsenal for nothing next year.

Nasri is ready to run his contract down in order to bag a hefty signing on fee next summer and Arsene Wenger was said to be willing to let him go for nothing.

But it appears the Arsenal manager has had a change of heart and will decide to flog Nasri this summer in order to get a transfer fee back for him.

Manchester United approached Arsenal earlier this summer but was met with a flat-out 'no' while City has monitored developments closely.

United's pursuit of Wesley Sneijder appears to have ended any move for Nasri but rivals City remain keen.

Roberto Mancini is set to make a £20m bid for the 24-year-old this week and Arsenal are ready to listen to the offer as they prepare for Nasri's exit.

Fernando Llorente Set For Talks With Spurs

Spurs will open talks with Athletic Bilbao over a move for striker Fernando Llorente when the Spanish club visits White Hart Lane for a friendly this weekend.

Manager Harry Redknapp is understood to have been in contact with Bilbao officials but will wait until the Spanish side settles in London to do business.

Spurs' first choice target Mirko Vucinic snubbed the club by opting for Juventus earlier in the week and time is fast running out for Tottenham to secure a top-class goalscorer before the start of the season.

The north London side could face a tough fight to sign 26 year-old Llorente, however, and while he's currently valued at £17.5million that figure could increase significantly.

Spurs showed their transfer limitations when they failed to meet the £28million asking price for Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi, but Redknapp may squeeze £25million out of chairman Daniel Levy should Llorente impress in the pre-season match.

After joining Bilbao at the age of 11, Llorente is well overdue a move and the bright lights of the Premier League offer him the the perfect platform to develop his career.

The 6ft 5in forward didn't quite get the return he was looking for last season netting 19 goals in 38 appearances, but with an adequate supply from midfield Llorente could flourish for Spurs.

Liverpool Plan Surprise Move For £20m Playmaker

Liverpool is ready to leapfrog Arsenal in the queue to sign Lille’s coveted playmaker Eden Hazard.

The 20-year-old was instrumental in Lille’s historic title win last campaign – their first since 1954 – and he has been courted by several Premier League clubs over the past 12 months.

Chelsea had a bid rejected for him in January though Arsenal were now believed to be in the box seat due to their cordial relations with the French club fostered during their successful negotiations over the transfer of Gervinho.

While the Gunners are happy to meet the asking price of £20m they will only do so with the proceeds of any possible sale of Samir Nasri or Cesc Fabregas.

This has left a window of opportunity for the Merseyside club to swoop though they themselves need to sell before they can buy having spent over £100m on players already this year.

Arsenal Turn To Bundesliga For Fabregas Replacement

Although it is widely reported that the most recent Barcelona bid for Cesc Fabregas was rejected, Arsenal are still expecting him to be sold before the end of the summer transfer window.

Arsene Wenger is reportedly already scouring the market for his replacement, and is contemplating a bid for Shinji Kagawa of Borussia Dortmund - who was linked with a Manchester United move last season.

The Japanese attacking midfielder scored 8 times in 18 league games for the eventual champions last season, before a metatarsal injury ruled him out for the second half of the season.

Fabregas scored 19 goals in 36 appearances in the 2009-10 season, but persistent hamstring troubles meant he was unable to put together a similarly prolific run of form last season.

Kagawa is far more of a direct player than Fabregas, but he could still offer the midfield goal threat that no Arsenal player currently offers.

Tough Draw For Arsenal In Champions League Play-Off

Arsenal have been handed a Champions League play-off tie against Italian side Udinese.

Arsene Wenger's men collapsed at the end of the last Barclays Premier League season to finish fourth and so face a qualifying tie to secure safe passage to the lucrative group stages for a 14th season.

The Gunners were seeded for the draw in Nyon, and will face a two-legged fixture over August 16/17 and 23/24, which is sandwiched between some tough Barclays Premier League games against Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Even though Arsenal were one of the seeds, there was no fixture weighting, meaning the Gunners will play the first leg at Emirates Stadium.

Wenger, though, must serve a one-match touchline ban following UEFA disciplinary action in the wake of last season's second-round exit to Barcelona in the Nou Camp, after being charged with "inappropriate language" directed towards referee official Massimo Busacca.

The Swiss official had controversially shown Robin van Persie a second yellow card for shooting at goal just one second after he had blown the whistle for offside - the Dutch striker claimed he had not heard it due to the noise of the 95,000-plus crowd.

The 10-men of Arsenal, who had beaten Barcelona in the first leg, went on to lose 3-1 to crash out of Europe.

Midfielder Samir Nasri was also sanctioned by UEFA for his outburst at Busacca, and will not be available, nor will van Persie, whose suspension was carried over into Arsenal's next European tie.

Other Play-Off Round Draw:

Wisla Krakow v Apoel FC

Maccabi Haifa v Genk

Dinamo Zagreb v Malmo

FC Copenhagen v Viktoria Plzen

BATE Borisov v Sturm Graz

Odense v Villarreal

FC Twente v Benfica

Bayern Munich v FC Zurich

Lyon v Rubin Kazan

Chelsea Sign Oriol Romeu

Chelsea on Thursday completed the £4.35million signing of Oriol Romeu from Barcelona on a four-year deal.

The 19-year-old is the second arrival of the Andre Villas-Boas era and will link up with his new team-mates at the end of Spain's Under-20 World Cup campaign.

Barca confirmed Chelsea had paid 5million euros for the midfielder, with the deal including a buy-back clause of 10million euros after one year and 15million euros after two.

The fee was agreed 11 days ago for the midfielder, who was quoted this week as saying: "Chelsea is a great option for me.

"Leaving Barca hurts, but you have to take your chances."

Oriol's agent, Magico Diaz, reportedly jetted out to Columbia this week to seal the deal.

That is where Oriol is currently based, having played 90 minutes in Spain's opening two 4-1 and 2-0 victories over Costa Rica and Ecuador respectively at the Under-20 World Cup.

His arrival at Stamford Bridge will help offset the loss of Michael Essien, who faces six months out with a serious knee injury.

Speaking after the fee had been agreed, Villas-Boas said: "It is a part of the squad in which we are struggling with numbers because of Michael Essien's injury and Oriol is a player with a bright future. He still has to evolve as a player.

Oriol, who is 6ft and can also play central defence, made his first-team debut for Barca at the end of last season but head coach Pep Guardiola deemed him surplus to requirements.

Stoke Joins Chelsea and Spurs in £8m Chase For West Ham Ace Scott Parker

Stoke City have joined the chase for Scott Parker after making an enquiry for the West Ham midfielder.

Aston Villa, Tottenham and Chelsea have all admitted a liking for the 30-year-old England international who is valued at £8million by West Ham and is on around £70,000 a week.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis wants five new signings for his side and has designs on Tottenham's Peter Crouch, Wilson Palacios, Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner and Birmingham duo Scott Dann and Cameron Jerome.

The problem has always been about agreeing personal terms with the players as Stoke are reluctant to break their wage structure with Kenwyne Jones reputedly their top earner on around £40,000 per week.

Pulis is also interested in Newcastle's Joey Barton but although he is a free transfer he is also looking for wages of near £70,000.

Europe Prepares For Big Kick Off

The new season begins across Europe over the coming weeks with the continent's leading five leagues promising the usual glamour and excitement.

Here, we take a look at the season ahead in Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Holland.

SPAIN

It takes a special coach to escape the sack at Real Madrid after failing to win either La Liga or the Champions League.

But in 'The Special One' Jose Mourinho, the Spanish giants saw enough to believe he can eventually topple Barcelona.

Despite Barca still winning the title at a canter, Madrid made more of a fist of challenging their bitter rivals than in previous seasons and a memorable four-match series late in the campaign was closely fought.

Madrid's strengthening has been low key with Jose Maria Callejon, Fabio Coentrao, Hamit Altintop and Nuri Sahin coming in.

Barca's marquee signing of Alexis Sanchez is an appetizing one but they have failed so far to bring in bodies to increase their strength in depth.

In the 'best of the rest' category, the usual suspects of Valencia, Villarreal and Sevilla are joined by ambitious Malaga following the Andalucian outfit's recruitment drive.

Joaquin, Jeremy Toulalan, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Sergio Sanchez are among the stellar names brought in so far and after being backed so heavily, Manuel Pellegrini will at least be expected to make a push for the top four.

At the bottom, Real Betis should have enough about them to stay up after promotion while Granada and Rayo Vallecano will surely struggle. Previous years have shown, however, that such minnows cannot be written off before a ball is kicked.

ITALY

Italian football remains in a transitional period - the old names are there but the quality is not.

The likes of champions AC Milan, rivals Inter Milan and fallen giants Juventus are left fighting for the scraps left by their English, Spanish and even Brazilian counterparts in the transfer market.

Milan have failed to really strengthen aside from bringing in centre-half Philippe Mexes on a free from Roma, but neither have they been seriously weakened, with Andrea Pirlo their only major loss, to Juventus.

Inter have also been relatively low key, but Juve are at least trying to make a fight of it.

The Turin side has brought in Pirlo, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Alessandro Matri and Arturo Vidal, while also securing Fabio Quagliarella and Simone Pepe long-term.

But if Napoli holds on to the big names who helped them to third last season they can push the traditional big names even further this time around.

Marek Hamsik, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani are all Champions League quality but must reproduce last year's form on both fronts this year.

At the bottom, traditional yo-yo clubs Atalanta and Siena, fresh from promotion, must scrap it out with fellow newcomers Novara plus the likes of Cesena and Lecce.

GERMANY

The world's best-value league swings into action on August 5 as the Bundesliga season gets under way with champions Borussia Dortmund squaring off with Hamburg in something of a glamour tie.

Jurgen Klopp's men captured the imagination by claiming the trophy last season with a pleasing blend of creative expression and earnest efficiency.

The fact they duelled with Bayer Leverkusen for the crown rather than more traditional powerhouses such as Bayern Munich, Stuttgart or Wolfsburg added to the enjoyment for German football fans.

They face a stiff task to retain their crown, particularly following the departure of Turkish midfielder Nuri Sahin, but the squad remains largely intact and their rivals have not significantly strengthened.

Leverkusen have lost coach Jupp Heynckes as well as stellar utility man Arturo Vidal to Juventus, while fallen giants Bayern have not pulled up any trees in the transfer market.

In Heynckes, though, the Bavarians have a canny coach and will surely make a decent fist of a title push.

Hamburg is the dark horses after a busy summer of transfer activity under new sporting director Frank Arnesen.

FRANCE

Ligue 1 may not compare with the likes of England, Spain and Italy for quality, but it is rarely predictable these days.

After Lyon's decade of dominance the landscape has changed in France with Bordeaux, Marseille and Lille grabbing the initiative and enlivening Le Championnat by sharing the last three league titles.

Last season's feel-good story was undoubtedly Lille's sudden ascension to the top table, winning the title at a canter in the end.

Few expect Rudi Garcia's side to retain the crown, but equally nobody can say with any authority who will take it from them.

The champions have lost key men over the summer as the vultures circled to take key creator Yohan Cabaye, forward Gervinho and defender Adil Rami.

However, Dmitri Payet's arrival from St Etienne is shrewd business, Benoit Pedretti is an experienced campaigner and the retention of Rio Mavuba, Eden Hazard and last season's top marksman Moussa Sow could be crucial.

Marseille have been relatively low key with Alou Diarra their marquee signing, while Bordeaux, under Francis Gillot and without anchor Diarra, may struggle to crack the top three once more.

Lyon will be an unknown quantity under new boss Remi Garde having opted against making big-name signings, but all eyes will be on notorious under-achievers Paris St Germain after they were bought out by the Qatar Investment Authority.

Kevin Gameiro's signing is an interesting one and he is joined by various new faces. Whether they gel properly and finally bring the title back to the capital remains to be seen.

New faces Dijon, Evian and Ajaccio will surely struggle, as will Nice - who have lost key men - and plucky but under-qualified Brest.

HOLLAND

The Eredivisie rarely fails to deliver drama and excitement, even if the standard cannot live up to the other 'big five' leagues.

Aristocrats Ajax reclaimed the title last term under Frank de Boer after struggling for six barren years. It was their 30th and they will be expected to add to that again this season.

Twente's Theo Janssen is an exciting signing as Ajax gamble on his undoubted ability but highly questionable temperament.

Old rivals PSV Eindhoven will be there or thereabouts to ensure the Amsterdammers do not have it all their own way.

They have not pulled up any trees in the personnel department, but have gone about their business quietly with some sensible, under-stated signings. However, winger Balazs Dzsudzsak's defection to Russia's Anzhi Makhachkala was a real blow.

After Steve McClaren won Twente the title in 2010, Michel Preud'homme did well to secure second place and the KNVB Cup last season, but he has also moved on and replacement Co Adriaanse must utilize his wealth of experience to keep them at the top table.

Utrecht have been decimated by transfer outgoings and might find themselves embroiled in the relegation scrap, while Excelsior's time might finally run out.

Barcelona 1 - 4 Chivas de Guadalajara

Chivas de Guadalajara earned its first win of the World Football Challenge Wednesday by beating Barcelona 4-1 in Miami. The Goats did the damage in the second half, with a Marco Fabian brace setting the stage for the come-from-behind win.

A South Florida-record 70,000 fans crammed into Sun Life Stadium to watch the friendly.

"We're so happy the stadium was crowded," Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola told reporters. "The game was good. There were many, many goals and many chances. For us, it's an honor, just to say thank you to the people for the support. I hope to come back next year or in the next two years."

Barcelona got the ball rolling early. A raking Gerard Pique ball out of the back sprung the Chivas offside trap in the fourth minute, and David Villa scooped the ball out from under his feet just in time to slot past Luis Ernesto Michel.

Later in the half, Jona Dos Santos tried a similar ball. Villa collected on his chest and chipped the keeper with a delicate lob, but his shot nicked the crossbeam on its way out.

Fabian made his mark after an hour of play and within two minutes had scored two highlight-reel goals. The equalizer was a 30-yard lightning bolt of a shot into the upper corner, and the second an athletic first-time volley in the box to smash home Omar Arellano's cross.

The marking on both goals was lackluster, but not as bad as the acre of green Barcelona gave Giovani Casillas. The youngster had enough room to flub his first attempt and still recover in time to poke home his side's third.

"I am not surprised by Chivas' performance," Guardiola said. "Mexican football is very dynamic and entertaining."

José Luis Verduzco scored to ice the game in injury time after a fumbling punch by Jose Manuel Pinto.

"Our team was able to capitalize on its opportunities," Chivas coach Jose Luis Real told reporters. "Even in the first half, we had our chances. I was very proud how we kept our composure when the shots didn't go in."

Portugal's Sporting Secures Barcelona's Jeffren

Portugal's Sporting has announced to the Portuguese stock market (CMVM) it has signed Barcelona winger Jeffren for 3.7 million euros.

The 23-year-old midfielder has penned a five-year contract with the Portuguese club, with a 30 million euro buy-out clause inserted into the deal.

Sporting has revealed that Barcelona will be entitled to 20 percent of the profit of a future sale of Jeffren, with no mention of a buy-back clause for the Catalan club, which had been suggested by the Portuguese media over the last few days.

Jeffren, a product of Barcelona's youth ranks, has opted for a new challenge after being told he would have little room to operate at the Camp Nou in the new season.

The Spain Under-21 international has become Sporting's 14th signing this summer, and the second Spaniard to arrive at the Estadio do Alvalade in the transfer window, following the acquisition of Sevilla's Diego Capel for 3.5 million euros last month.

It is believed that Jeffren will immediately join up with the rest of the team as they will participate in the Ramon de Carranza trophy at the weekend, together with Cadiz, Malaga and Udinese.

QPR Complete Campbell Transfer

QPR have signed striker DJ Campbell from Blackpool for a fee believed to be in the region of £1.25 million.

Campbell, 29, was a revelation for the Tangerines in the Premier League last season - scoring 13 goals as Ian Holloway's side narrowly succumbed to relegation on the last day of the season.

The former Birmingham frontman will have the opportunity to test himself in the top flight again after completing his switch to Loftus Road, where he will likely partner fellow new signing Jay Bothroyd in Neil Warnock's attack in the coming season.

Warnock had been chasing Campbell for some time and has finally landed his man, a player with a proven Premier League pedigree following his excellent 2010-11 campaign for Blackpool. The move to QPR marks a return to West London for Campbell, who was born in Hammersmith and made his professional debut for Brentford after being signed from non-league Yeading in 2005.

"It's a club that I supported as a kid," an excited Campbell told QPR's official website. "I grew up around here and QPR have played a massive part in my life. This was my first club, from 6-16, so to finally be back here at the age of 29 is really special. It's a massive club and it means a lot to me to be back here where it all began.

"There were other clubs in the Premier League that showed an interest but when I heard QPR were in for me it was an offer I couldn't refuse - this is my club."

Warnock said he is looking forward to working with the new No. 9, saying: "He is someone I have admired for a while now and he had a fabulous season in the Premier League with Blackpool last year. He is a QPR fan and you can tell he has a great desire to do well for the club he supports.

"That shone through when I met up with him - he can't wait to play for us. He also gives us that extra element of pace which we need and I am sure he will prove to be a big hit with the fans at Loftus Road this season."

Campbell is the fourth signing of the summer, following the moves of Bothroyd, Kieron Dyer and Danny Gabbidon to last season's Championship winners.

Arsenal Secure Real Madrid Ace Transfer

Arsenal is set to raid Spain again with a move for Real Madrid starlet Jose Rodriguez - and Cesc Fabregas has played a vital role in the transfer.

The 16 year-old Rodriguez was mightily impressive during the U17 World Club Championship in June, and was voted player of the tournament.

Arsenal scout Francisco Cagigao was watching throughout, and has recommended him to Arsene Wenger.

The Daily Mail reports that Rodriguez was recently shown around Arsenal's training complex and youth accommodation, with a financial offer also laid out based on expected progression through the ranks.

The newspaper also claims that Gunners skipper Cesc Fabregas spoke to Rodriguez personally to advise him to move to London.

Now only a compensation package for Real Madrid lies in the way of Jose Rodriguez transferring to Arsenal.

Man United Boss To Make Move For German Teenager

Sir Alex Ferguson is once again showing interest in Borussia Dortmund playmaker Mario Gotze and is ready to make an offer for the youngster if he fails to secure Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder this summer.

The Old Trafford boss is very much planning for the future and has expressed an interest in the teenage German international in the past and may try to tempt Gotze into making a move to the Premier League champions. Though the 19 year old helped his side to a Bundesliga triumph he may have been dismayed at the departure of hugely influtential midfielder Nuri Sahin to Real Madrid in May.

Man United are very much going through a period of transition having lost veterans Paul Scholes, Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville in recent months and Ferguson has been looking for long term replacements to those who have retired and indeed those who may do so in the coming season or two.

With that in mind Ferguson signed David de Gea and Phil Jones and last summer brought in Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling, all these youngsters would then mould with those coming through the ranks, players like Tom Cleverley and Daniel Welbeck will expect more first team action having served their time out on loan.

Gotze is a creative midfielder who is considered one of the hottest young prospects in Europe, a player who has been linked with many of Europe’s elite and Sir Alex will want to beat the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid to the punch.

In his first full season in the Dortmund first team Gotze was a virtual ever present, notching eight goals and 11 assists from midfield and becoming a regular in the senior German national team set-up.