Italy versus Spain Live tonight on Ten Action

The 2006 World Cup winners host the 2010 champions in a mouth-watering clash in Bari on Wednesday, in what is probably the midweek calendar's most glamorous game of all.
 

Football fans shall be assured of exciting football action ahead of the Premier League kick-off as the international friendly between Italy and Spain will be broadcasted on Ten Action tonight at 12.15 am IST.

For Spanish side, Xavi and Sergio Ramos have given the tie a miss due to injury concerns. However the game may see the debut of Barcelona's talented midfielder Thiago Alcantara who can still choose to play for Brazil.

The two European super powers meet for the first time since Euro 2008 when the Italians, then coached by Roberto Donadoni, lost 4-2 on penalties at the quarter-final stage.

Injury crisis for Everton

Everton's preparations for the new season have been dealt a blow with the news that Seamus Coleman has suffered a torn ligament in his right ankle. 

The Republic of Ireland international, who is suspended for the first two games of the season, suffered the injury the Toffees' 1-0 friendly defeat against Villarreal at Goodison Park on Friday.

An X-ray immediately after the game revealed there was no break but scans on Monday confirmed the extent of the injury.
It is too early to tell how long the former Sligo Rovers player will be out for, with Coleman set to visit a specialist later this week.

To make things worse for Moyes, midfielder Mikel Arteta is set to miss the club's trip to Tottenham on Saturday as he recovers from a foot injury suffered during pre-season.

Cesc and Nasri Included in squad to face Udinese

Intense speculation has raged all summer that Barcelona target Fabregas and contract rebel Nasri are both are set to leave Emirates Stadium.

But the Gunners have named both midfielders in their 25-man A-list for this month's two-legged play-off round tie.

The Emirates Stadium plays host to the first leg next Tuesday, before the return in Italy on 24th August.

Upson joins Stoke city

Stoke City have completed the signing of free agent Matthew Upson on a two-year deal. 

The 32-year-old has been without a club since his contract with West Ham expired this summer.

Upson becomes Potters boss Tony Pulis' second defensive signing of the close season after Jonathan Woodgate, following the successful completion of his medical.

Atalanta will start with six points deducted this season

Ex-Italy star Giuseppe Signori has been banned for five years while Atalanta will start the 2011-12 Serie A season with a six-point deduction after the FIGC's disciplinary commission announced their sentences following an investigation into the 'Last Bet' scandal.

Last week federal prosecutor Stefano Palazzi advised the Italian FA over the punishment that should be handed out based on the alleged involvement of those implicated in the scandal.

And the FA has now returned their verdicts. Signori was slapped with a five-year ban and will be excluded from holding any football-related role for life while Atalanta have been deducted six points.

Atalanta captain Cristiano Doni received a three-and-a-half year ban from football and Thomas Manfredini has been suspended for three years.

The sanctions all relate to a criminal case brought forward by prosecutors at the tribunal of Cremona who uncovered an illegal betting ring involving a number of footballers and officials back in June.

Atalanta, Doni, Manfredini and Signori have denied any wrongdoing despite the sentences handed out by the FIGC.

Arsenal complete signing of Southampton's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has completed his move to Arsenal having agreed personal terms and undergone a medical at the club's training ground earlier today.

The 17-year-old arrived at Arsenal's London Colney training ground this afternoon to undergo a medical after the club reached an agreement on a package worth £12 million to take the player, 18 next week, to the Emirates Stadium from Southampton.

After completing the signing of the youngster, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told the club's official website: "We are delighted that Alex has decided to join us.

"He is an exciting young player who will provide us with creativity and offensive quality. Alex is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions. He can play as an attacking centre midfielder, or wide left and right. 

Bendtner looking a way out of Asenal

Nicklas Bendtner hopes to wrap up his Arsenal exit soon as he targets regular first team football.

Bendtner, however, has been unhappy at the club for some time but has not been able to leave due to a prolonged injury.

Now fit, the Dane is still determined to exit the club after being linked with several sides this summer, including Stoke City.

"I would like to play at a place where you are happy and play every week, that is the most important thing for any football player and hopefully that will happen soon."

The Denmark coach Morten Olson has stressed the importance of Bendtner getting regular first team football, suggesting that the forward isn't getting any younger.

He said. "It is good for himself if he plays first-team football. You don't play football for 50 years, you have to enjoy it as long as possible.

Obertan has left Manchester United

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan on a five-year contract.

Obertan, whose first team chances with United were limited during his two years with them, is relishing the prospect of regular football with Newcastle.

"I have come here with a lot of ambition," he said. "I just want to play football."

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was delighted to have landed a long-term transfer target.

He said: "It's good news for us. He is a player we have been after for some time.

The 22-year-old French player moved to Old Trafford from Bordeaux in the summer of 2009.

Community Shield Result

Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United

38' Joleon Lescott
45+1' Edin Dzeko
52' Chris Smalling
58' Nani
90+3' Nani

Chelsea sign Lukaku

Chelsea have agreed a fee with Anderlecht for the transfer of Romelu Lukaku and the striker will join the club subject to a a medical and personal terms being agreed, the Belgian club have confirmed on their official website.

Anderlecht manager Herman Van Holsbeeck also took time out to reveal his disappointment at the loss of his star man, but wished him luck in his future career.

Elsewhere it is also confirmed that Javier Pastore has joined PSG.

Anzhi Makhachkala Sign Yuri Zhirkov From Chelsea On Four-Year Deal

From Chelsea

Yuri Zhirkov Midfielder - Age: 22 Fee: Undisclosed Contract: Jun 2015

To Anzhi Makhachkala

Anzhi Makhachkala have finalised the signing of Yuri Zhirkov from English club Chelsea, on a four-year contract.

The 27-year-old told his new club's supporters of his delight in becoming their latest recruit, after being unveiled before Anzhi's league fixture against Tom Tomsk on Saturday.

"I'm very happy to be here in Makhachkala," said Zhirkov according to Reuters. "I hope to make my Anzhi debut in our next game against Spartak Moscow [next Sunday]."

Milan have won Italian supercup

Final Score:

Milan 2-1 Inter 

22' Wesley Sneijder

60' Zlatan Ibrahimovic

69' Kevin Prince Boatang

Jovanovic joins Anderlechet

Liverpool have announced in their official website that Milan Jovanovic has completed his transfer to Belgian outfit RSC Anderlecht.

The Serbia international made 18 appearances for the Reds last season and scored two goals.

Champions League Playoff Draws

Arsenal have been drawn against Udinese in the Champions League play-off to decide who reaches the group stage.

The Italian side, who finished fourth in Serie A last season to qualify for the competition, represent arguably the toughest team that the Gunners could have come up against.

Arsenal will not be at full strength for the first game, which will be played at the Emirates Stadium on either August 16 or 17, with Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie suspended for the home leg, and doubts still linger over whether talisman and captain Cesc Fabregas will play.

Udinese have sold star forward Alexis Sanchez to the Catalan giants this summer but remain formidable opposition.

Other draws are as follows:

League route
Odense         VS	Villarreal
Twente          VS	Benfica
Arsenal          VS	Udinese
Lyon              VS	Rubin Kazan
Bayern Munich     VS	Zurich
Champions route
Wisla Krakow      VS	APOEL
Maccabi Haifa      VS	Genk
Dinamo Zagreb     VS	Malmo
BATE                   VS	Sturm Graz
Copenhagen          VS	Viktoria Plzen

Sergio Canales is loaned out to Valencia

From    Real Madrid

Sergio Canales Midfielder Fee: Loan transfer Term: TBA

To Valencia

Valencia have secured the loan signing of Real Madrid midfielder Sergio Canales, both clubs have announced on their respective websites.

Neither side have so far disclosed the length of Canales' contract with Valencia, but according to a report in AS, the player has agreed to move to the Mestalla on loan until the summer of 2013.

Valencia have secured a purchase option for Canales, believed to be worth €12 million. Real Madrid, meanwhile, will be allowed to re-sign the midfielder during the two-year period which follows the player's potential transfer to the Mestalla for a fee reportedly between €15m-18m.

Independiente sign Diego Milito from Barcelona

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

Jose Enrique is ready to become Spain's new left-back

Jose Enrique appears ready for the big time. Cast adrift by coaches early on his career, forced to ply his trade in the lower divisions and then work his way up, the road to the top has been long and at times arduous for Liverpool's prospective new left-back, but the move to Merseyside may be just the tonic he needs to take that final step and claim the coveted left-back position for his country.

Del Horno, signed by Jose Mourinho after coming through the youth ranks and impressing at Athletic Bilbao, was seen as Spain's left-back of the future, but the Basque has since slipped down the footballing ladder and is now at Levante, where Jose Enrique started out.

While Del Horno has fallen into decline, however, Capdevila has gone from strength to strength. The Catalan defender has just joined Benfica following four superb seasons at Villarreal, which also saw him start as Spain's left-back in both Euro 2008 and last summer's World Cup win in South Africa.

Capdevila was Spain's only recognised left-back in South Africa, with Real Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa providing cover for both full-back positions. Left-backs, in fact, are a precious commodity in Spain these days. "I'm lucky to play as a left-back because there are a lack of players in that position," Jose Enrique claimed. "Both Madrid and Barca, for example, have foreigners there: Marcelo and Abidal."

Barcelona tracked Jose Enrique at Newcastle last season and coach Pep Guardiola weighed up a bid for the left-back after Abidal's health scare last season. With neither Maxwell nor Adriano completely convincing at Camp Nou, Jose Enrique's defensive solidity and marauding runs from deep caught the eye of the Catalans, although the club were keen to bring in a cheaper alternative in the end. Likewise Villarreal, who promoted Jose Catala to their first team last term but also considered an offer for their former left-back to replace Capdevila.

Liverpool could be the ideal place for Jose Enrique to achieve that goal. Although not featuring in Europe next season, the Reds remain a high-profile club and still count on a large following in Spain, having been affectionately nicknamed 'Spanish Liverpool' during the reign of Rafa Benitez.   

Barcelona's future star Jeffren sold !

From Barcelona

Jeffren Winger Fee: €3.7 million Contract: Jun 2016

To Sporting Lisbon

Sporting Lisbon have announced to the Portuguese stock market (CMVM) that they have signed Barcelona winger Jeffren for €3.7 million.

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

Sporting have revealed that Barcelona will be entitled to 20 per cent of the profit any future sale of Jeffren generates, 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 Barca'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.

At his official presentation, Jeffren said: "Sporting are a great club. I am proud to be able to represent this club. I am very happy with the trust they have in me. My goal is to grow in this team. I can grow and evolve, to become a better player."

Liverpool have snatched probable Spanish national side left back Jose Enrique

Liverpool have agreed an £8 million deal to sign full-back Jose Enrique from Newcastle United and hope to wrap up the move by the end of the week.

Executives from both clubs are tying up details today on a move that will see Newcastle receive an initial £6m with an agreement for a further £2m to be paid in add-ons depending on performance-related targets.

Once a deal is formally struck, Enrique will be given permission to discuss personal terms with Liverpool and undergo a medical on Merseyside. The 25-year-old has indicated his desire to move to Anfield.

Reds manager Kenny Dalglish and director of football Damien Comolli hope to have Enrique in place by the end of the week as they prepare for their Premier League opener against Sunderland on August 13.

With Enrique desperate to leave, Ashley decided to cash in now rather than risk losing one of the team's star performers on a free transfer next season and having another bad influence in the dressing room.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has been resigned to Enrique's departure all summer and failed in a deal to sign Neil Taylor from Swansea as a potential replacement.

With youngster Shane Ferguson set to be the only recognised left-back remaining at the club, Pardew has been linked with moves for Manchester City's Wayne Bridge and Aston Villa full-back Stephen Warnock. 

Friendlies round up

A Manchester United XI were hammered by Marseille in a charity game, while Sunderland, QPR and a Newcastle XI all won but Everton lost.

Fabien Barthez had an unhappy return as a guest in a Manchester United XI as they were thrashed 8-2 by Marseille in Monaco.
Cameroon defender Nicolas Nkoulou and Ivory Coast striker Jordan Ayew put Marseille 2-0 up but Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley made it 2-2 at half-time.

In a one-sided second half, Benoit Cheyrou and Loic Remy each hit a brace, Ayew also grabbed his second and Alou Diarra was on target as the Coupe de France holders completed their rout.
Everton's pre-season trip to Germany ended in defeat after they lost to Werder Bremen.

The Bundesliga side won thanks to a Sandro Wagner strike - the only goal of a low-key game at the Weserstadion.
David Moyes' side started brightly, with youngster Ross Barkley a threat on the right flank, but fell behind eight minutes before the break, Wagner crashing home a header from close range.

The Toffees were almost immediately back on terms, Sylvain Distin heading narrowly over (44) before a raft of half-time changes disrupted the flow of the match.

And the visitors were ultimately lucky to only go down by a single goal as Markus Rosenburg fired a glorious chance wide late on.

Mirko Vucinic joins Juventus

Juventus have signed Mirko Vucinic from Roma on a four-year deal for a transfer fee of €15 million, the Serie A club announced on Monday via their official website.

The 27-year-old Montenegro international agreed to sign a contract to run until June 2015.

Tottenham were said to be linked with the former Lecce man, but Juventus were quick to tie up a deal after their general director Giuseppe Marotta spoke with Roma's Walter Sabatini to formalise the move last week.

And, having passed his medical on Monday morning, Juventus said the transfer is now official via a note.

Barton transfer listed !

Newcastle United have made Joey Barton available on a free transfer after placing the midfielder on the transfer list. 

The 28-year-old has just a year left on his current deal, and he has been unable to agree fresh terms with the club.

Barton has also been left disappointed by the Magpies' transfer policy and has criticised them heavily on his Twitter account.

Now Newcastle have decided that his future does lie away from Tyneside and have made him available on a free transfer.