Football news

Fulham have signed defender Chris Baird from Southampton on a four-year deal.

The Cottagers have beaten Premier League newcomers Sunderland for the signature of the Northern Ireland international after reaching agreement to pay £3 million for the right-back.

"I'm delighted that Chris has chosen to join Fulham despite interest shown by other clubs," Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez said.

Alves insists on Chelsea move

Daniel Alves is determined to join Chelsea and has pleaded to his club Sevilla to accept Chelsea's £13 million bid.

The Primera Liga outfit want no less than £20 million for Alves but Chelsea are still hopeful of reaching an agreement.

Still, Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has warned the Spaniards that the Blues have other targets and will soon look elsewhere if they don't receive a positive response.

"Daniel wants to see an agreement between the two clubs," Alves' agent Jose Rodriguez Baster said. "We need to see if the president Jose Maria Del Nido considers it, but we hope he understands that this would be good for all parties."

Owen 'happy' at Newcastle

Michael Owen insists he is happy to stay at Newcastle United and is not giving much importance to continuous rumours about his future.

Newcastle have expressed fears that the England striker could activate a buy-out clause in his contract and leave St James' Park over the summer. But Owen has revealed he has not been driving the transfer speculation, and is looking forward to the season under new Magpies boss Sam Allardyce.

"I believe that these can be good times to be at Newcastle, which is why I am more than happy to be here," Owen said.

Heinze flattered by interest

Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze has admitted it feels good to be linked with the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Speculation also suggests Juventus and Real Madrid are keen on Heinze, and the Argentine is refusing to rule anything out at this stage.

"The interest in me from important teams such as Liverpool, Juventus and Real Madrid makes me feel proud," Heinze, who has two years remaining on his United contract, told the Daily Express.

"But I still don't know what I'm going to do in the future. I feel comfortable in Manchester and I'm very grateful for everything I've received there."

Liverpool agree Babel transfer

Liverpool have reached agreement with Ajax to sign forward Ryan Babel for 17 million euros, the Dutch club said.

"The striker, who had a contract until 2010, will sign a five-year deal with the Champions League finalists," Ajax said on its official website.

Babel was a member of the Netherlands team that won the European under-21 championship on home soil in June.

The 20-year-old, a product of the Amsterdam club's youth system, made his debut for Ajax aged 17 in February 2004 and has scored 24 goals in 111 matches.

Dudek completes switch to Real

Real Madrid have secured the services of goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek on a free transfer as back-up to Iker Casillas.

The Polish international also attracted interest from Bolton and Manchester City, but was always keen to pursue his career in the Primera Liga.

Madrid have been after a new keeper following the sale of highly-rated youth team product Diego Lopez to Villarreal for £6 million last month.

Chivu to stay at Roma

Cristian Chivu is expected to stay with Roma this season after negotiations between his club and Inter broke down.

The player's agents Victor and Giovanni Becali had a lengthy meeting with Roma officials on Wednesday to try and persuade them to accept Inter's offer of £14 million plus forward Victor Obinna.

Roma, however, did not agree to the deal. "Cristian Chivu remains here," Roma sporting director Daniele Prade told the Italian press. "On Sunday he will start the summer camp with us. He will remain until the end of the season. He will be a free agent next summer."

Bianchi talks going well - Reggina

Italian club Reggina have confirmed that talks with Manchester City over the transfer of striker Rolando Bianchi are progressing well.

A fee of around £9 million has already been agreed and the two clubs are just hammering out the final details of the agreement.

"The negotiations are going forward and there is a willingness for an agreement," Reggina president Lillo Foti told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"There are no problems and I think the deal will be shortly concluded."

Arsenal land Auxerre's Sagna

Arsenal have signed Auxerre defender Bacary Sagna for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old has signed a long-term deal with the Gunners.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told the club's website: "He is a very capable defender and has played consistently well for Auxerre in recent seasons.

"He plays mainly at right-back, but can also play along the defence or in midfield. He is strong and quick."

Sagna, who will wear the number three shirt, has been a regular in the Auxerre team for the last three seasons and won the French Cup in 2005.