Santos Brazilian Wonder Kid Striker Neymar To Wear Number 70 Shirt In Tribute To Pele

Neymar was chosen by Santos fans to wear the number 70 shirt on Sunday against Gremio Prudente.

Santos prodigy Neymar will forgo his usual number 11 shirt on Sunday against Gremio Prudente, in favour of number 70 chosen in homage to Peixe favorite son Pele's landmark birthday.

Globoesporte report that the forward was the runaway winner of a fans' poll commissioned to decide which player would have the honor of wearing the shirt in Sunday's match.

Neymar picked up 73% of the overall vote, with Arouca in a distant second with 11%. Before the results were announced, Neymar spoke about the possibility of honoring the Santos and Brazil hero in this way in a club press conference.

"I am going to honor him with pride. I believe that Pele is a source of inspiration for everybody, not just in football but across the sporting world. Unfortunately I never saw Pele play, but I have seen videos of his goals. I would take anything that Pele had to include in Neymar," the 18-year-old confessed in Thursday's interview.

Wayne Rooney Signs New Five-Year Contract To End Manchester United Exit Saga

Wayne Rooney has committed his future to Manchester United by signing a new five-year deal.

Wayne Rooney has performed a remarkable U-turn on his Manchester United future and has signed a new five-year contract days after he announced plans to leave.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson announced on Tuesday that the striker had informed him he would not ink a new deal.

A statement followed that night from Rooney that he had misgivings about the debt-ridden club's ambition and was immediately linked with Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea.

In a statement released on the United website, an agreement has been announced that followed, "intensive discussions between the club and the player’s representatives."

Rooney himself was "delighted" to tie his future to Old Trafford and revealed he had signed a new deal in the "absolute belief" the club are committed to maintaining its proud history.

He said: “I’m delighted to sign another deal at United. In the last couple of days, I’ve talked to the Manager and the owners and they’ve convinced me this is where I belong. I said on Wednesday the Manager’s a genius and it’s his belief and support that have convinced me to stay.

“I’m signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history – which is the reason I joined the Club in the first place.

“I’m sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they’ve read and seen. But my position was from concern over the future. The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it’s up to me through my performances to win them over again.”

Ferguson was happy to draw a line over "a difficult week" and was pleased Rooney had "accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United’s great players".

“It’s been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United. I said to the boy that the door is always open and I’m delighted Wayne has agreed to stay," the 68-year-old stated.

“Sometimes, when you’re in a club, it can be hard to realize just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand. I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is.

“I’m pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United’s great players. It shows character and belief in what we stand for.

“I’m sure everyone involved with the Club will now get behind Wayne and show him the support he needs to produce the performances we know he is capable of.”

Philippe Coutinho Finding His Place At Inter

When Internazionale sold Mario Balotelli to Manchester City, Inter patron Massimo Moratti claimed the youngster was dispensable in part because of the arrival of Philippe Coutinho.

Simultaneously, hordes of fans moved the cursor over to Google and typed in the Brazilian's name.

What they will have found out is that Coutinho is an 18-year-old attacker, diminutive in stature, who Inter bought as a 16-year-old and loaned back to Vasco da Gama for two seasons. They would have read that he became a starter in Brazil, leading Vasco back to the top division and shining for the Brazilian U-17 side.

What they won't have learned is how quickly Coutinho would adapt to Italy, though Rafael Benitez never had any doubts.

"He has many qualities, we're expecting him to do well straightaway," said Benítez at the press conference introducing Coutinho. "He can be the future of Inter."

In that press conference, the youngster revealed himself a humble and meek alternative to the brash malcontent of Balotelli. When asked if he played like Wesley Sneijder, Coutinho almost blushed.

"I resemble Sneijder? If only; I would like that, and how."

Benitez slowly eased Coutinho into the lineup in the early weeks, giving him substitute appearances. Against FC Twente, Coutinho played the last half hour and created two goal-scoring chances and took two shots. In the next Champions League matchup, Coutinho earned his first start, capitalizing on a shakeup from the loss to AS Roma and an injury to Diego Milito.

Inter won 4-0.

Coutinho has started the three matches since, in each further brushing aside his timidness. He even earned his debut for the Brazil national team against Iran earlier this month.

His watershed moment came Wednesday against Tottenham Hotspur. Floating in from his left flank like usual, the Brazilian combined ball control as tight as the curls in his hair with short sharp passing (he completed 65 out of 73 feeds) to dismantle Tottenham and give Inter a 4-0 lead by halftime.

Despite assisting one goal and creating another in the first half, Coutinho's slickest moments perhaps came in the second half when he moved more centrally alongside Sneijder. There he teamed up with his mentor to showcase a technically precise and eye-pleasing Inter fans won't be used to seeing.

Count Sneijder among his fans as well. "With his qualities he will make it; he will make it for sure," the Dutch playmaker told UEFA.com.






















It's still early. Coutinho will have many more obstacles to maneuver around in his slick fashion, including when Milito returns to fitness and when opposition teams start signaling him out for particularly rough marking. But thus far Coutinho is carving out his place in Inter.

"I thought it would be more difficult to come into a squad that won everything last season," Coutinho admitted to UEFA.com, "but, thank God, I immediately found my place."

The Transfer Deadline has finally close

Tottenham's apparent late attempt to sign Rafael van der Vaart ensured transfer deadline day was ending in drama.

The 27-year-old Dutch midfielder's future at Real Madrid has looked shaky - providing the opportunity for Spurs to try to clinch a last-minute signing.

According to reports, Van der Vaart was in talks at Tottenham's training ground.
With most Premier League clubs keeping their chequebooks firmly closed, analysts Deloitte said total spending this summer was around £330million - 22% down on last year.

Brazilian forward Robinho signed for AC Milan on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, variously reported as between £14million and £18million.

City, who signed the 26-year-old for a British record fee of £32.5million two years ago, will at least have his £160,000 weekly salary off the wage bill.

Gyan, the striker who made such an impact in the World Cup, joined Sunderland for £13million from French side Rennes.

Birmingham picked up former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb on a one-year loan from Barcelona, while the Gunners full-back Armand Traore joined Juventus, also on a season-long loan deal.

On a busy day for Birmingham, the Blues also signed Chile midfielder Jean Beausejour on a three-year deal - another player who made his mark in the World Cup - from Mexican side Club America and defender Martin Jiranek on a one-year contract from Spartak Moscow.

The Blues also allowed striker Marcus Bent to join midlands rivals Wolves on a four-month loan.

Wigan pounced for two signings, securing Chelsea's 21-year-old Argentinian striker Franco Di Santo on a three-year deal just minutes before the window closed.

Midfielder Tom Cleverley, 21, joined on loan from Manchester United after Sir Alex Ferguson decided to give the England Under-21 international some Premier League experience.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez said of Cleverley: "We have been watching him for some time and feel he is the right sort of player to join our squad; young, hungry, desperate to play for the club in the Premier League and to grow with us."

Everton confirmed their long-serving Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo is set to join Turkish club Fenerbahce on a season-long loan pending agreement on personal terms and a medical. Yobo has been at Goodison Park since 2002, making more than 250 appearances.

Stoke clinched agreement with Monaco for a season-long loan of Eidur Gudjohnsen, while midfielder Salif Diao, whose contract expired at the end of last season, re-joined the club on a two-year deal.

Other Premier League transfers saw Tottenham signing Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa on a season-long loan from Spartak Moscow.

Blackpool re-signed striker DJ Campbell from Leicester and this time on a permanent basis.

Campbell had a successful loan spell at Blackpool last season and hit a hat-trick in the play-off semi-final victory over Nottingham Forest.

The Seasiders also swooped for Wycombe's 19-year-old winger Matt Phillips for an initial fee of £325,000.

One surprise came when Bundesliga side Werder Bremen moved for Northern Ireland Under-21 striker Liam Boyce.

Asamoah Gyan arrives at Sunderland ahead of his £12m transfer from Rennes

Striker set to join Steve Bruce's side...

Asamoah Gyan has arrived at Sunderland to finalise his move from French side Rennes.

The striker scored three goals for Ghana during their World Cup campaign in South Africa and impressed with a series of influential performances. He scored 13 goals in 27 games in Ligue 1 last season.

The deal is believed to be in the region of £12 million for the 24-year-old, who is due to complete his medical and agree on personal terms on Tuesday.

Sunderland have already strengthened their striking options this summer with a loan move for Manchester United's Danny Welbeck, but a long-term injury to Fraizer Campbell along with the £8m exit of Kenwyne Jones to Stoke City has led manager Steve Bruce to make a splash in the transfer market

Once Gyan's signing is formally completed, young striker Martyn Waghorn is widely expected to complete a £2m switch to Championship side Leicester City, where he enjoyed a successful loan spell last term.

Ibrahimovic loan to AC Milan

FC Barcelona and AC Milan have agreed a deal for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to move to the Italian club on loan for the entire season 2010/11 with the Rossoneri paying all his earnings.

Included in the agreement is the option for AC Milan to make the move permanent next summer for a fee of €24 million.

If the option to buy Ibrahimovic is taken up by the Serie A club then that could see FC Barcelona save approximately €60 million.

The deal was able to be done thanks to the collaboration of the player and the willingness of his agent to conclude the negotiations.

Paul Konchesky set to complete move to Liverpool after Fulham defender spotted at Anfield

Left-back filmed being shown round stadium...

Fulham defender Paul Konchesky is on the verge of a move to Liverpool after being spotted at Anfield today.

Reds manager Roy Hodgson is keen on signing a left-back, and appears to have returned to his old club to bring in a familiar face.

Previous reports have put the transfer fee for the 29-year-old at £4 million, with Mexican international Carlos Salcido signed from PSV Eindhoven to fill the vacant left-back position.

With that signing now sealed, it seems as though Fulham have now agreed a deal that will see Konchesky depart.

Liverpool complete £11.5m signing of Porto's Raul Meireles on four-year deal

Portugal national signs on at Anfield with Mascherano set to depart...

Liverpool have confirmed that they have signed Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles from Porto for a fee in the region of £11.5 million.

Meireles, 27, starred for Portugal in the World Cup in South Africa, starting all four games, and has agreed a four-year contract to join the Merseyside outfit.

Roy Hodgson has acted fast as he prepares for life without midfielder Javier Mascherano, who is on the verge of joining Spanish champions Barcelona, while the club official webside earlier exclusively revealed that the club are also eyeing a deal for Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra.

Hodgson is also seemingly close to signing Fulham left-back Paul Konchesky, with the defender due to have a medical at the club in the near future, and is apparently also interested in signing West Ham United striker Carlton Cole before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening.

Liverpool agree £17.2m fee with Barcelona for Javier Mascherano

Exit path cleared for wantaway Argentine...

Liverpool have revealed that they have agreed terms with Barcelona for a deal that could take Javier Mascherano to Catalonia.

The Argentine midfielder has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months about his future, with Inter as well as Barca linked with a move.

His reported refusal to play for the Reds against Manchester City on Monday evening has led to criticism from many quarters and reportedly annoyed several team-mates.

But it looks as though the way has now been cleared for the midfielder to leave Anfield.

"Liverpool Football Club have agreed terms for the transfer of Javier Mascherano to FC Barcelona," the statment on the Reds' official website reads.

"The Spanish club have now been given permission to speak to the Argentina midfielder."

Barcelona have also confirmed that an agreement has been reached between the clubs for the transfer of the player, with a four-year deal on the verge of being agreed.

"FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of Javier Mascherano to the club for the next four seasons," a statement on the Catalan club's official website read.

"The deal was closed after intensive efforts made by the club in the final hours and through the player himself in the negotiations.

"Barcelona will report the details of the operation once the player passes the medical and the transfer is concluded.

"It is hoped Javier Mascherano will arrive in Barcelona this weekend."

This is for the all of the Liverpool fan out there:
the frist goal Mascherano score for them back in 2008
Check it Out...

Europa League 2010-11 group stage draw

Big names face difficult groups

The group-stage draw has matched holders Club Atlético de Madrid with Bayer 04 Leverkusen while Liverpool FC are in a group involving FC Steaua Bucureşti, SSC Napoli and FC Utrecht.

Defending UEFA Europa League champions Club Atlético de Madrid have been matched with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Rosenborg BK and Aris Thessaloniki FC in the 2010/11 group-stage draw in Monaco.

The 48 clubs, from 24 different associations, have been drawn into 12 groups. While Atlético are in Group B the side they beat in the semi-finals last season – Liverpool FC – will face fellow former European champions FC Steaua Bucureşti, SSC Napoli and FC Utrecht in Group K.

Juventus and Roberto Mancini's Manchester City FC are together in Group A, where they are joined by FC Salzburg and KKS Lech Poznań. Sevilla FC, who won the UEFA Cup in 2006 and 2007 and are among ten teams transferring from the UEFA Champions League play-off round, take on Paris Saint-Germain FC, BV Borussia Dortmund and FC Karpaty Lviv in Group J.

In the confirmed fixture list, games will be played on 16 and 30 September, 22 October, 4 November, 1/2 and 15/16 December. Where possible, teams from the same association will kick off at different times and, on Matchdays 5 and 6, on separate days. In the round of 32 and round of 16 draws in Nyon on 17 December, the top two sides from each section will be joined by the eight teams which finish third in their UEFA Champions League group. The final is at the new Dublin Arena on 18 May 2011.

At the ceremony in the Grimaldi Forum, Republic of Ireland midfielder Ronnie Whelan was named as the UEFA Europa League final ambassador and among his first acts was to make a special presentation to Atlético striker Diego Forlán for his performances in last season's competition, where the Uruguayan international struck the extra-time winner in the decider against Fulham FC. "It was the first time I had played in a final," Forlán said. "To score two minutes from the end, it was amazi

Full Draw:

Group A
Juventus (ITA)
Manchester City FC (ENG)
FC Salzburg (AUT)
KKS Lech Poznań (POL)

Group B
Club Atlético de Madrid (ESP)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen (GER)
Rosenborg BK (NOR)
Aris Thessaloniki FC (GRE)

Group C
Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR)
LOSC Lille Métropole (FRA)
PFC Levski Sofia (BUL)
KAA Gent (BEL)

Group D
Villarreal CF (ESP)
Club Brugge KV (BEL)
NK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)
PAOK FC (GRE)

Group E
AZ Alkmaar (NED)
FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)
FC BATE Borisov (BLR)
FC Sheriff (MDA)

Group F
PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS)
US Città di Palermo (ITA)
FC Lausanne-Sport (SUI)
AC Sparta Praha (CZE)

Group G
FC Zenit St. Petersburg (RUS)
RSC Anderlecht (BEL)
AEK Athens FC (GRE)
HNK Hajduk Split (CRO)

Group H
VfB Stuttgart (GER)
Getafe CF (ESP)
Odense BK (DEN)
BSC Young Boys (SUI)

Group I
PSV Eindhoven (NED)
UC Sampdoria (ITA)
FC Metalist Kharkiv (UKR)
Debreceni VSC (HUN)

Group J
Sevilla FC (ESP)
Paris Saint-Germain FC (FRA)
BV Borussia Dortmund (GER)
FC Karpaty Lviv (UKR)

Group K
Liverpool FC (ENG)
FC Steaua Bucureşti (ROU)
SSC Napoli (ITA)
FC Utrecht (NED)

Group L
FC Porto (POR)
Beşiktaş JK (TUR)
PFC CSKA Sofia (BUL)
SK Rapid Wien (AUT)

Uefa Club Footballer of the Year

Inter players sweep all the award..

Inter striker Diego Milito has been selected as the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year at the Champions League group stage draw in Monaco.

The veteran striker scored crucial goals for the treble winners in Europe's top competition, including two at the final against Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile, the individual position awards were voted on as the Nerazurri took a clean sweep with Julio Cesar, Maicon and Wesley Sneijder

UEFA Club Goalkeeper of the Year: Julio Cesar

Nominees: Julio Cesar, Hugo Lloris, Victor Valdes

UEFA Club Defender of the Year: Maicon

Nominees: Lucio, Maicon, Gerard Pique

UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year: Wesley Sneijder

Nominees: Xavi, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder.

UEFA Club Striker of the Year: Diego Milito

Nominees: Lionel Messi, Diego Milito, Wayne Rooney.

Uefa Champions League group stage draw

The 2010-11 Uefa Champions League group stage is now set after the draw took place in Monaco on Thursday and it proposes some interesting match-ups and intriguing possibilities.

The trophy holders Inter have been dealt a tough hand in Group A facing Werder Bremen, Tottenham, and Twente. The likely group of death would seem to be Group G with Real Madrid, Milan, Ajax, and Auxerre.

Meanwhile, Barcelona in Group D will be relatively pleased to battle against Panathinaikos, Copenhagen, and Rubin Kazan.

Last year's finalists Bayern Munich also have a Germany - Italy duel versus Roma. Basel and Cluj round out Group E.

English giants Manchester United will take on Valencia, Bursaspor, and Rangers and Chelsea's Didier Drogba will visit his old stomping ground versus Marseille.

Full Draw

Group A	Group B
Inter	Olympique Lyonnais
Werder Bremen	Benfica
Tottenham Hotspur	Schalke
Twente	Hapoel Tel-Aviv
Group C	Group D
Manchester United	Barcelona
Valencia	Panathinaikos
Rangers	FC Copenhagen
Bursaspor	Rubin Kazan
Group E	Group F
Bayern Munich	Chelsea
Roma	Marseille
Basel	Spartak Moscow
CFR Cluj	MSK Zilina
Group G	Group H
AC Milan	Arsenal
Real Madrid	Shakhtar Donetsk
Ajax	Sporting Braga
Auxerre	Patizan Belgrade

Juventus confirm loan signing of Liverpool's Alberto Aquilani

talian club have option to buy former Roma man for £13.1m...

Juventus have confirmed the signing of Liverpoolmidfielder Alberto Aquilani on a season-long loan deal, with a view to a permanent transfer.

The midfielder arrived on Merseyside as a high-profile signing by former boss Rafael Benitez last summer, as the player choose to leave his boyhood club Roma for an adventure in the Premier League.

However, being injured prior to his arrival saw him being sidelined for a significant portion of the club's underwhelming campaign, which eventually saw the Spanish boss leave by mutual consent and subsequently take the managerial position at Inter.

Aquilani appears to be considered as surplus to requirements by new manager Roy Hodgson, as the Italian has now been packed away on loan to the Serie A club - who have also been given the option of buying the player for a sum of £13.1 million.

A statement on Juve's official website reads: "Juventus Football Club announces that an agreement with Liverpool F.C. for the free temporary acquisition of the registration rights of the player Alberto Aquilani has been reached.

"The agreement also includes the option to be exercised at the end of 2010-11 season, for the definitive acquisition by Juventus of the football player at the price of €16m (£13.1m), to be paid in three years."

Aston Villa midfielder James Milner completes Manchester City move on five-year contract

England international finally makes Eastlands switch...

Aston Villa midfielder James Milner has completed his protracted move to Manchester City on a five-year contract.

Milner, 24, has been chased by the Blues all summer and they had a £20 million bid rejected in May.

The England World Cup 2010 midfielder has now sealed his transfer to the club for a fee believed to be in the region of £18m plus Stephen Ireland, who moves in the opposite direction.

Speaking to the club's official website, manager Roberto Mancini was delighted to have finally captured the reigning Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year.

He said: “I am very happy to have James with us, everybody knows we have admired him for some time.

“He is an excellent midfielder, who can play in a number of positions. This is important for the team, and I am looking forward to seeing him play for us. We have a very strong squad, and this signing is a very important one for us.

“James he is already a very good player, who has proved he can play at the very top level. But he is also young and a good character, I think he can also improve and be a great player for Manchester City for a long time.”

Speaking about Ireland’s departure, Mancini added: “I hope things go well for Stevie at Villa. He is also a very good player, and he has played a big part in City’s history. I think he will enjoy the change of being at another club, and I hope he does well for Aston Villa."

Aston Villa caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald is sad to see Milner leave Villa Park, but is delighted to have completed the signing of Stephen Ireland.

"It is sad to see James go but it is a great boost for the club that Stephen is joining," he told BBC Sport.

"Stephen is a very gifted, inventive player and he links up play probably more than James in many ways."
He added: "He is a different kind of player to James with his power and strength all round the pitch, allied to a very good football brain."

Ireland says he is "really excited" to be joining Villa and hopes to feature regularly this season after falling out of favour with Roberto Mancini at Eastlands.

"I have plenty of personal ambitions," he said. "I want to get back to playing the way I can - I haven't played 90 minutes in nearly eight or nine months, which isn't normal really for me.

"I've kind of forgotten the feeling what it is like to come off after a game feeling tired, winning or losing. I'm not used to sitting out for so long.

"So for me, I want to get back to playing at the top of my game and I want to work hard for my team-mates.

"I want to see if my team-mates and myself can push on and achieve something massive this season."

Ireland scored 13 goals on the way to winning the PFA Player of the Year award in the 2008-09 season an hopes to recreate that form with his new club.

"My main attributes really are breaking from deep counter-attacking quite fast as the ball is building up, whether you are running with or without the ball," he added.

"I've kind of got a good eye for goal as well - I pop up at the right place at the right time"

Ps.Hear are the stunning that score during his days at Aston Villa

Juventus complete £12.3m signing of Milos Krasic from CSKA Moscow

Serbian international has put pen to paper on four-year deal...

Juventus have announced on their official website that they have formally completed the outright purchase of Milos Krasic from CSKA Moscow.

According to a statement released by the Bianconeri, the club will pay €15 million (£12.27m) to CSKA in three instalments of €5m (£4.09m): the first by 25 August 2010, thee seond by July 15 2011 and the final instalment by July 12, 2012, with any late payments to be resolved by a bank guarantee.

The club also stated that the 25-year-old has signed a four-year contract, and not five as initially reported.

Krasic arrived in Turin on Thursday to join up with his new team, declaring: “I’m the happiest man in the world.

“I always believed in Juve – even when things seemed difficult I knew that everything would be resolved. I was proven right.”

Inter striker Mario Balotelli signs five-year contract at Manchester City

Italy international finally completes move to Eastlands...

Balotelli, 19, had been chased by City all summer, with manager Roberto Mancini eager for a reunion with the player he handed his Inter debut in 2007. The Italy international's arrival - for a rumoured £24 million - is believed to have pushed the Blues summer spending past the £100m mark after Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng, David Silva and Aleksandar Kholarov were brought in previously.

Speaking to the Blues' official website, Mancini laid out the welcome mat for the attacker he described as "one of the best players of his age in Europe".

He said: "I think that Mario is one of the best players of his age in Europe, and I very happy to be working with him again," the manager told City's official website.

Here are the best goal that Balloteli score during his days at Inter Milan...

Ps. Check it out

Santos striker Neymar agrees move to Chelsea

Santos starlet Neymar has agreed to join Chelsea in the next few days, according to latest reports.

Folha de Sao Paulo claims that in a meeting held in New York the decision to allow the Brazilian international striker to leave Santos was finalised.

It's been reported that the meeting was held in the presence of the player, his father, agent Wagner Ribeiro, Santos president Luiz Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro, Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck and agent Pini Zahavi. Neymar agreed to sign for the Blues, who will pay Santos €25 million (£20.7m).

Neymar has been the target of Chelsea all summer and at one point it appeared that the move had fallen through when Santos officially rejected a €20 million (£16.5m) bid from the English giants. However, with Neymar having agreed to put pen to paper, it now appears that an official announcement will be made in the next few days.

Sunderland sign Manchester City's Nedum Onuoha in loan deal

Defender says with Steve Bruce's help, he 'can't go far wrong'...

Sunderland have completed a second defensive signing in 24 hours by confirming a long-rumoured loan deal for Manchester City's Nedum Onuoha.

The former U21 England international was facing an uncertain future at Eastlands following a raft of big-money signings, but now will have the chance to compete for regular Premier League football at the Stadium of Light.

"It's an exciting move for me, to be honest," Onuoha told Sunderland's official website.

"The way things were going for me at Manchester City, I didn't really think I was going to be a part of things this season. Steve Bruce had mentioned an interest in me and to have him wanting me was a great thing.

"I've come here to learn and develop myself and with someone like Steve at the helm, I can't go too far wrong.

"I'm looking forward to the first game. I didn't really see myself being in contention at City, but hopefully I have the same chance as everyone else here."

The 23-year-old has spent his entire career at Eastlands but is believed to have been frozen out after another summer of big spending saw Jerome Boateng, among others, arrive.

With new Premier League regulations limiting squad sizes to 25, Onuoha is understood to have been shown the exit door by manager Roberto Mancini. His arrival will increase Bruce's defensive options, along with fellow signing Titus Bramble.

Roberto Mancini is widely expected to sell a host of players, including Stephen Ireland, as he trims his current squad to 25 players while also tying up deals to bring Aston Villa midfielder James Milner and Inter Milan’s Mario Balotelli to the club.

Ireland will reportedly be used as a makeweight in a £26 million deal involving Milner that is expected to be completed in the next 48 hours.

Restrictions placed upon Premier League clubs this season could also mean strikers Roque Santa Cruz and Craig Bellamy leave the club, especially if Mancini completes the signing of Balotelli as expected.

Manchester United Sign Portuguese striker 'Bebe'

Striker is the third summer arrival at Old Trafford...

Manchester United have announced that they have agreed a deal to sign Portuguese striker Bebe from Vitoria de Guimaraes for an undisclosed fee.

The striker, whose full name is Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, was raised in an orphanage has represented Portugal at the homeless World Cup after spending time on the streets as a child.

He only joined Guimaraes on a five year deal from Estrala da Amadora five weeks ago, with reports suggesting that United have met the release clause in his contract.

United confirmed the deal on their official website this evening, with the player still to undergo a medical later this week.

"Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Portuguese club Vitoria de Guimaraes for the purchase of 20-year-old striker Tiago Manuel Dias Correia (better known as "Bebe") for an undisclosed fee, subject to a successful medical in Manchester later this week. Personal terms have been agreed with the Cacém-born (Portugal) forward."

Bebe is the third player to arrive at Old Trafford this summer after the signings of Chris Smalling from Fulham and Javier Hernandez from Chivas.

Christian Poulsen joins Liverpool from Juventus for £4.5m

Juventus have today announced that Danish midfielder Christian Poulsen has joined Liverpool in a deal worth £4.5 million (€5.475m).

The fee will be paid in two installments, with just under half being paid when the player signs his contract with the Reds and a second installment in July 2011.

A further £1m could be payable depending upon appearances made and other factors.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with Poulsen this summer, although reports this week indicated that they perhaps would not move for the player until Javier Mascherano, who has been linked with Barcelona and Inter, left Anfield.

Mascherano admitted though on Wednesday evening that he was seeking a lifestyle change away from England and it would now look almost certain that he will leave Merseyside, with his agent in Spain insisting that a deal with Barcelona was on the cards.

There has been no official confirmation from Liverpool that the deal has been concluded as yet.