Football news

Champions Red Star yesterday sacked coach Bosko Djurovski and replaced him with former Malta national team coach Milorad Kosanovic on the eve of the new Serbian season.

Djurovski only took over in March after Dusan Bajevic's resignation and successfully led Red Star to first place in the inaugural Serbian Superliga.

However, the board were not happy with the team's performance in the Champions League second qualifying round tie against Levadia Tallinn, as Red Star went through on away goals to meet Rangers for a place in the group stage.

Kosanovic, 56, previously coached Red Star from December 1997 to June 1999, and has also been in charge of Malta, FK Vojvodina, Chinese club Dalian Shide and the Serbia U-21s.

Villa get Carson from Liverpool

Aston Villa have signed Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson on a season-long loan, Villa said on their website.

Carson, 21, will not play today though as Villa start their league campaign at home to Liverpool, who will not allow him to make his debut against them.

The Merseysiders have bolstered their squad by signing French keeper Charles Itandje, 24, from Racing Lens on a four-year deal.

China captain signs for Charlton

Charlton Athletic have signed China captain Zheng Zhi in a £2 million deal after the versatile midfielder impressed during a six-month loan stint with the relegated London club last season.

Charlton manager Alan Pardew said securing the 26-year-old Zheng's services on a two-year contract was a "huge boost".

"I hope we will be able to get him here as soon as possible and integrate him into the new squad," Pardew said.

Zheng returned to his Chinese club Shandong in May after 12 appearances for Charlton during their fruitless bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League last season.

Milan closing in on Emerson

Milan are close to signing Real Madrid midfielder Emerson according to reports in the Italian media. Emerson was brought to Madrid by coach Fabio Capello, who had previously worked with him at both Roma and Juventus. However, the Brazilian's time at the Bernabeu seems near to an end after being told by new boss Bernd Schuster that he was not part of his future plans.

Milan reportedly spoke to Emerson's agent Gilmar Veloz when he was in Italy representing new striker Alexandre Pato and a deal could be struck as early as next week.

Milan are keen to complete a loan deal worth £1.4m with an option to buy at the end of the next season for £4.2m.

Djorou joins Birmingham on loan

Birmingham City have signed Arsenal defender Johan Djourou on loan until January and the Ivory Coast-born Swiss centre-back will be available for tomorrow's season-opener against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Birmingham said the deal could be extended until the end of the season if all parties agreed.

The 20-year-old Switzerland international is Steve Bruce's 10th signing of the summer. Djourou made 30 first-team appearances for Arsenal last season and signed a new six-year contract.

Asamoah renews Udinese contract

Ghana striker Gyan Asamoah yesterday penned a new deal with Udinese until 2012. The striker was a target for several clubs over the past few months, both in Italy and abroad, but in the end opted to stay at Udine.

The 21-year-old was reportedly being eyed by Spartak and CSKA in Moscow as Udinese turned down a £5m offer from French side Rennes in July.

Asamoah, whose previous contract ended next year, has confirmed his talent during the pre-season matches this summer, proving to be one of the key players in the Udinese attack.

Wenger engaged in contract talks

Arsene Wenger has hinted his protracted contract negotiations with the club will soon reach a "positive outcome".

Speculation has been rife that the Frenchman would quit his post at the end of the season, after more than 11 years in London with the club.

But Wenger said: "We're talking and usually when we talk, there's always a positive outcome.

"At the moment nothing is done, but hopefully soon."

Alex leaves PSV for Chelsea

Alex is confident he can adapt quickly to the Premier League after joining Chelsea from PSV yesterday. With John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Tal Ben Haim all competing at the back, Alex will have a fight on his hands to get into the team.

Alex, who played for Brazil at the Copa America, said: "I hope to start very soon and to do a good job at this wonderful club. I am happy for the opportunity Chelsea have given me and I hope everything goes well."

Quaresma not quitting Porto

Ricardo Quaresma will not be leaving Porto. The former Barcelona winger has been linked with a move away from Lisbon, with Real Madrid reportedly interested.

But club chairman Pinto da Costa said: "We will not sell him. This is a guarantee. If we wanted to sell him we would have done it for much more money than Simao was sold to Atletico."