Football news

Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov will play for Manchester City this season after the English club reached an agreement with Fiorentina over a £5.7 million transfer deal.

Bojinov, 21, has endured a difficult time in Florence since joining from Lecce in 2005 for £10 million.

As soon as Luca Toni arrived later that year he struggled for regular first-team football.

He spent last season on loan with Juventus in Serie B but was not offered a full-time contract by the Turin giants this summer after making only a handful of appearances.

"I hope I never have to come back to Fiorentina again," he told reporters. "England is a perfect solution."

US youngster moves to Villa

United States U-20 international Eric Lichaj has just completed his transfer from Chicago Magic to Aston Villa. The 18-year-old defender will go straight into Villa's Academy squad.

Lichaj is Villa's first signing from the US since the club were bought by Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner.

The 6ft Lichaj, formerly at the University of North Carolina, will not be able to play until September as he is recovering from a broken foot.

Milan-Fiorentina fixture switched

The Week 2 match (Sept. 1) between Milan and Fiorentina will take place on a Monday evening, as the European champions must play the European Super Cup on the Friday.

Milan had already warned that they would request a postponement of that round, as the Champions League holders take on UEFA Cup winners Sevilla in Montecarlo on Friday, August 31.

Week 2 is followed by a rest for international duty, as the Euro 2008 qualifiers are set to be played.

Deco not for sale

Barcelona issued a warning to Chelsea yesterday to leave midfielder Deco alone as he was not going to leave the Nou Camp.

Deco hit the headlines this week when revealing that he fancied the idea of teaming up with former boss Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. Their Porto team won the Champions League in 2004, as well as dominating the domestic game in Portugal.

But president Juan Laporta said: "I can confirm what our technical secretary Txiki Beguiristain said: Deco is not for sale."

Robson holds talks with Beattie

Bryan Robson, the Sheffield United manager, has held talks with James Beattie, of Everton, and is awaiting a response from the player.

Everton are believed to be prepared to listen to offers in the region of £4m for the 29-year-old striker.

Robson said: "I'm not going to go into the exact details but yes we've talked. I expect to know by the end of the week."

Beattie's 76 appearances for Everton yielded just 13 goals.

£4m not enough for Dyer

Kieron Dyer, the subject of abuse by the Newcastle fans after showing his intentions to leave the club, will not go for a cheap price.

West Ham and Tottenham have both been linked with the former Ipswich player. The Hammers are reported to be ready to offer £4 million for Dyer.

Sam Allardyce said: "£4 million is too low in today's prices. It's a gross under valuation by West Ham."

Derby capture Griffin

Portsmouth defender Andy Griffin has completed his transfer to Derby County. The 28-year-old has joined the Rams on a three-year contract.

Griffin will have a swift reunion with his former team-mates as Derby entertain Pompey on the opening day of the Premier League season.

"Andy is an excellent player with a calm head and has a very good attitude," Derby manager Billy Davies said.

"I believe Andy Griffin has great years ahead of him."

Juninho set to join Sydney FC

Brazilian ace Juninho is set to join Sydney FC next season. The 34-year-old former Middlesbrough, Celtic and Atletico Madrid playmaker is expected to arrive in Australia tomorrow to complete the deal.

Sydney have been linked with Phillip Cocu, Robbie Fowler, Jay Jay Okocha, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Australia striker John Aloisi following Dwight Yorke's departure last year.

Chief executive George Perry refused to comment on the deal, but admitted the club were in negotiations with several players and were closing in on securing at least one signature.

Pato to decide by Aug. 15

Alexandre Pato, the highly-rated Brazilian striker, has set an August 15 deadline to decide whether he will join Milan or Real Madrid.

The 17-year-old, nicknamed 'The Duck', has been tracked by a host of top European sides but is now ready to join either Milan or Real.

Internacional of Porto Alegre have reportedly demanded £15m for the youngster's signature, but his rescission clause is set at just £9m.

Maldini eyes October return

Milan veteran Paolo Maldini is on the road to recovery from a long-term knee injury and has set October as his target for a return to action in Serie A.

Maldini, 39, said: "I asked for extra holiday time because I'm currently not able to train with the others.

"I want to return before October, but I need to take a series of careful steps towards recovery."