Official: Miguel Torres Leaves Real Madrid For Getafe

Real Madrid defender Miguel Torres has completed his switch to neighbours Getafe on the final day of the summer transfer window, the buying club have announced on their official website.

El Geta will pay Madrid €2 million for the young full-back, while Torres will sign a five-year contract at Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Madrid retain the option to re-purchase Torres with a two-year buy-back clause included in the contract.

The 23-year-old has played for Madrid 52 times since making his debut in 2007. But following the arrival of Alvaro Arbeloa from Liverpool earlier this summer he has dropped down the pecking order at the Bernabeu, forcing him to look elsewhere for first-team football.

The Spain Under-21 international had been linked with a number of clubs, including city rivals Atletico Madrid, before becoming coach Michel's seventh summer signing for Los Azulones.

Paul Madden, Goal.com

Faubert promises to bring speed to Real Madrid

MADRID (AFP) – French midfielder Julien Faubert said Monday he will contribute speed to Real Madrid as he was officially presented as the spanish club's new player after he completed his six-month loan from West Ham.

"I think I can bring something extra to the team, my speed, my versatility, if I did not believe it I would not be here," the 25-year-old, who scored on his only appearance for France, told a news conference.

Faubert, who saw a move to AS Rome fall apart in 2007 when he played for Bordeaux, added the move was a giant leap forward as he received his new number 18 jersey from Real legend Alfredo di Stefano at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

"At Bordeaux I was supposed to sign for Rome but it didn't happen. It is a good comeback for me to be at Real Madrid. I am very happy to be here and it is an honour to receive the jersey from Stefano," he said.

Faubert, who is under contract with West Ham through 2012, will stay at Real until June. The defending Spanish champions will then have the option to sign him for a further three years.

He played for Cannes and then Bordeaux before heading to East London in 2007 - but an Achilles tendon rupture kept him sidelined shortly afterwards and he has not featured this season.

Shay Given completes move to Manchester City

From The Times

February 1, 2009

Manchester City have signed goalkeeper Shay Given from Newcastle on a four-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee, the club have confirmed.

The departure of the Ireland goalkeeper, one of most highly-rated in the Barclays Premier League, had been expected when Newcastle gave him permission to talk to the Eastlands club on Friday.

The news will be a blow to Joe Kinnear, the Newcastle manager, who made no secret of the fact that he was bitterly disappointed to lose Given with what appears to be a relegation battle looming.

"I've bent over backwards to keep Shay, and I have told the powers-that-be that he has got to stay," he had said. "But I understand it from Shay's point of view.

"He's done 11 years here at Newcastle, and I think he wants a new challenge. I would be heartbroken to see him go, because he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”

City had two bids of £3m and £5m rejected, it is likely their ultimately successful third bid was in the region of £7m.

Steve Harper, Given’s deputy for many years, played in goal against Sunderland in Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby which finished 1-1.

Atlético Madrid President: Sergio Agüero Is Staying

Enrique Cerezo left no doubts today about the future of Sergio Agüero after he declared that the Argentine striker is not going anywhere.

When asked about the future of the player, the Atlético Madrid president confirmed that he is absolutely sure that he will not leave the club.

"The truth is that I do not even know the cancellation clause on the contract of Agüero, but is not something that worries me at this time", he told Marca.

"I am very clear, very clear, that he is going to continue with Atlético Madrid, you [the press] are the ones that do not see clearly.

" A clearly frustrated Cerezo then went on to discuss the rumours concerning Real Madrid’s rumoured move for Agüero, saying that at the moment everyone is calm, and he doesn't care what their arch-rivals are doing.

"Atlético Madrid are very relaxed about the matter; at this moment we only have the problem of results," he began. "It does not matter to me who is going to be the president of the Real Madrid, nor if they speak about signing Agüero.

I do ask that you do not ask this question every 24 hours though." Despite the strong words from the president there is no doubt that things are not great at the club right now and, should they finish outside of the top four, they will find it hard to hold onto Agüero.

However, Cerezo insisted that there is no crisis at the club, and that he is fully behind coach Javier Aguirre. "I am absolutely behind the coach,” he assured. “I have not listened to the statements of Forlán, but what the players say is true.

I believe that they are the ones who need to show what they are really worth. This is a very strong team and the last results have been because of everyone, however, there is no crisis.

" The president also spoke briefly about the upcoming Champions League match with Porto and, whilst he declared he is not thinking about it, he says he is confident his side will progress.

"For the time being, I am not concerned with the game against Porto, as we have the match on Sunday against Valladolid. I know that the team is mentally prepared though and will get through," he concluded.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com

Cudicini makes Tottenham switch

Tottenham have completed the signing of goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini on a free transfer from Chelsea.

The 35-year-old joined the Blues on loan in 1999 from Italian side Castel Di Sangro and signed a permanent deal a year later, costing the club £130,000.

Cudicini will provide competition for Heurelho Gomes who has been the subject of much criticism this season.

"Chelsea can confirm Carlo Cudicini has signed for Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer," read a Chelsea statement.

"The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Carlo for his years of service and wish him well."

Tottenham paid PSV Eindhoven £7m for Brazilian Gomes in the summer and he struggled with his form initially before a string of improved displays.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, who also signed defender Pascal Chimbonda from Sunderland on Monday, has been looking for a goalkeeper after releasing reserve team keeper Cesar Sanchez earlier this month.

Voted Chelsea Player of the Year in 2002, Cudicini has found his chances limited since Petr Cech's arrival in 2004.

"I'm really happy to be here to take on this new challenge and I'm really looking forward to being part of this great team and great club," said Cudicini.

In total, he made 208 starts for Chelsea and he featured four times this season, most recently in the 1-1 FA Cup draw with Southend on 3 January.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have agreed the transfer of Hossam Ghaly to Saudi Arabian side Nassr Saudi Club.

The 27-year-old Egyptian midfielder joined Spurs in January 2006 from Dutch side Feyenoord and made 34 appearances, scoring three times.

He was booed by Spurs fans as he warmed up among the substitutes in the FA Cup win over Wigan on 2 January.

Ghaly has not played for the first team since May 2007 when he threw down his shirt in anger when he was replaced after coming on as a substitute.

source

Tottenham Re-Sign Pascal Chimbonda

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has made his fourth signing of the January transfer window after acquiring Pascal Chimbonda from Sunderland, according to Sky Sports.

It will be the second time that Chimbonda will be unveiled as a Spurs player, as he was initially brought to White Hart Lane in 2006, only to leave for Sunderland last summer.

He has re-joined the lilywhites after only six months at the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee, expected to be in the region of £3 million.

Chimbonda is the fourth right back that Tottenham have signed in the past 12 months.

Alan Hutton (£8 million), Chris Gunter (£4 million), and Vedran Corluka (£8 million) have all failed to make the full back berth their own. With the purchase of Chimbonda, Tottenham will have spent over £23 million on right backs alone in the last year.

The 29-year old has received one international cap, and signs for Spurs on the same day that Redknapp has secured the free transfer of Italian goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini.

The club are yet to comment on the Chimbonda swoop, but regarding the Cudicini transfer, a statement on tottenhamhotspur.com said: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Chelsea for the transfer of Carlo Cudicini to the Club."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

Real Madrid star Javier Saviola to join Portsmouth on loan

By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 6:01 PM on 26th January 2009

Argentine international Javier Saviola is set to join Portsmouth on loan.

Saviola has snubbed offers from Newcastle and Everton after being persuaded by boss Tony Adams to help out the south coast club in their relegation fight.

The 27-year-old will watch Portsmouth's Premier League home game with Aston Villa from the Fratton Park stands before sealing a six-month deal.

Saviola becomes Portsmouth's sixth signing of the January window and follows the captures of West Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins and Porto youngster Pele.

Manager Adams, who admits looking at 150 players, said: 'I would still like a midfielder and a striker and hopefully we can get them in this week. We need some bodies.

'We have a budget here. I do not have £40 million pounds to spend and most of my work will be done in the summer.'

Mullins, 29, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract after Portsmouth agreed a £1 million pounds fee with West Ham.

Attacking midfielder Pele, 19, joins on a six-month loan.

Former Barcelona and River Plate striker Saviola, nicknamed the little Rabbit, has scored 12 goals in 44 games for Argentina but has made only 16 appearances since joining Madrid in 2007.

Florentino Perez's Real Madrid Black List

According to Sport, Florentino Pérez has prepared a list of players he wants to get rid of should he reclaim the presidency at Real Madrid:

Jerzy Dudek: Will not renew his contract, since he is blocking the progression of Jordi Codina from the youth team.

Michel Salgado: Almost left the team last season, and no longer has a place in the squad.

Fabio Cannavaro: Is 35 years old and wants to finish his career at Napoli. Will be allowed to leave.

Javier Saviola: Has two years left on his contract, but neither the club nor the player intend to see them out.

Marcelo: Has not impressed, and the club will seek a transfer.

Royston Drenthe: Has great potential, but needs to play more. The club will seek to loan him out.

Javi Garcia: The arrival of Lassana Diarra, along with his own indifferent performances, means that he is surplus to requirements.

Christoph Metzelder: Has played under Juande Ramos, but is yet to convince. His future will depend on who the coach is.

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com

Wigan loan striker Mido from Middlesbrough

London - Wigan Athletic on Friday completed the loan signing of Egyptian forward Mido from Middlesbrough. The deal completes a triangle of moves that has seen Marlon King leave Hull City for Middlesbrough, with Emile Heskey on the brink of leaving Wigan for Aston Villa. Mido has scored four goals in five starts and eight substitute appearances this season, but has slid down the pecking order after an impressive start to the campaign.

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Martin O'Neill Confident That Emile Heskey Will Provide 'Great Value' For Aston Villa

Martin O'Neill today confirmed that Aston Villa have had a bid of £3.5 million accepted by Wigan Athletic for Emile Heskey, and that he is looking forward to welcoming the player in to his squad once the formality of a medical had been completed.

"We've agreed a fee with Wigan, we're pleased to say," O'Neill told Sky Sports News earlier. "Emile is making his way down. Still, obviously, he has to do a medical. I'm hoping that he will join us."

When quizzed by reporters as to the qualities he expects Heskey to bring to his Villa side, he highlighted the player's versatility and strength, things that would be very much appreciated at Villa Park, where the squad is not the largest in the Premier League.

"I think that, first of all, we're in a decent position at this minute. We need to keep the momentum going," he added.

"We have been without John Carew now for over two months. We don't have the biggest squad in the world.

"Emile will give us another option. I believe he can play up front with Gabby Agbonlahor, Villa forward], he can play with John Carew. I think that he'll be excellent for us.

"I know him from his days at Leicester City when he was a young kid.

"I think he'll be great value for us."

Wigan manager Steve Bruce has already acted quickly in his search for a replacement for Hesky at the JJB Stadium, signing Egyptian striker Mido on loan from Middlesbrough until the end of the season.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

Arsenal reject Atletico bid for Eboue

Arsenal has rejected a bid from Atletico Madrid for midfielder Emmanuel Eboue.

An offer was made to Eboue’s agent but the Gunners said they were not interested in doing a deal.

"We received an official request from Atletico Madrid which was passed to Arsenal," said agent Franjo Vranjkovic.

"I have the fax from director Ken Friar who wrote to me to say they are not interested in the offer.

"Then I received a call from Arsene Wenger, who invited me to go to England to start negotiations over a renewal.

"I see no possibility that the player will leave Arsenal."

source : tribalfootball.com

Newcastle United Sign Peter Lovenkrands

Newcastle United boss Joe Kinnear was impressed by 28-year-old Danish winger Peter Lovenkrands during a recent trial period, following his release from Schalke 04. The former Rangers player has now penned a deal at St James' Park and could make his debut in the next round of Premier League matches, when the Magpies take on Manchester City. The player says he can't wait to get started. He will wear the number 24 shirt and will initially play for the club until the end of the season. Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com

Hull City Sign Jimmy Bullard

Jimmy Bullard has signed for Premier League new boys Hull City in a £5 million deal after stalling on a new contract to stay at Fulham. The player has committed to a four and a half year deal, which expires in 2013. Tigers boss Phil Brown told the club's official website: "We're trying to improve a squad that has been competing in the Premier League and that just needed a bit of bolstering. "I think this signing shows everybody just how serious Paul Duffen, Phil Brown and Hull City are with regards to this year's Premier League."

He continued: "Jimmy is a good player, end of story."

Bullard signed for Fulham for £2 million in 2005, in a move that eventually prompted then-manager Chris Coleman to declare that it was the best £2 million he had ever spent.

The 30-year old has scored three goals this season: in the Carling Cup versus Leicester; and in the Premier League against Manchester City and Middlesbrough.

International call ups this season have been a just reward for his continued form in the Premier League, but he has yet to feature for England.

Jimmy Bullard's sense of humour is a thing of legend within England and his antics are often highlighted on Sky Sports 1 show Soccer AM.

He has been filmed in the Wigan Athletic changing room screaming: "Yeaargh!" while getting pushed around in the bin with his underwear on his head.

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

Manucho Loan Deal Sealed

Hull City have completed the signing of Manchester United striker Manucho on loan for the rest of the season.

Manucho goes straight into the squad for Saturday's clash with Arsenal after all the relevant paperwork was completed ahead of the midday deadline and he has been allocated squad number 28.

Manucho, full name Mateus Alberto Contreiras Goncalves, joined United in December 2007 following a successful trial with the Old Trafford club.

The 25-year-old, who had previously played for Petro Atletico in his native Angola and scored 34 goals in 78 appearances, spent the latter weeks of the 2007/08 campaign on loan with Greek club Panathinaikos and netted four times in seven games.

Source