Football news

Deportivo La Coruna have agreed to sell Argentina defender Fabricio Coloccini to Newcastle United.

"Deportivo and Newcastle have sealed the transfer of Coloccini to the English club this afternoon (Wednesday)," Depor said.

"Both clubs had reached a verbal agreement last week and have signed it today."

The 26-year-old international, who can also play in midfield, joined Deportivo from Milan in the middle of the 2004-05 season for three million euros.

He moves to the Premier League side for a fee that could rise to 13 million.

Wantaway Arshavin goes on strike

Andrei Arshavin has gone on strike at Zenit St Petersburg and his agent claims the playmaker is being treated like a 'slave'.

The Russia international impressed at Euro 2008 to spark a summer bidding war for his services, with Barcelona having two offers rejected.

Tottenham are in the driving-seat to land Arshavin, but the move could be in jeopardy after the 27-year-old refused to play as Zenit crashed out of the Russian Cup on Wednesday.

The UEFA Cup holders are refusing to reduce their £27 million valuation and Spurs officials are unwilling to meet the price tag.

Arshavin's agent, Dennis Lachter, said: "This is the Russian way. Nothing will change because this is the old Soviet Union way. For the Russian sports establishment the desires of the player mean nothing.

"They are the big bosses. It is a dictatorship. He is a slave."

Van Persie eyes improved deal

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie is willing to extend his stay at the London club and wants to re-open contract negotiations.

The Dutch international has seen fellow forward Emmanuel Adebayor handed a bumper pay rise of late and is hoping to be rewarded with an improved deal of his own.

The 25-year-old has been plagued by injuries for the past two seasons, but insists that his long-term future remains at Emirates Stadium.

"I was in talks before the Euros but, hopefully, we can sit down together one of these days again," he said.

"That is my intention, always to commit to this club, it is a great team.

"I love to play lots of combination football, so I am in the right place."

Aquilani vows to stay at Roma

Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani has been linked with several clubs this summer, including Juventus and Inter.

However, he has now ended all speculation by declaring he wants to stay with Roma.

"My future? I will stay at Roma no problem," Aquilani told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"In the coming weeks I will reopen contract negotiations and I hope to sign a new deal soon."

Fulham sign striker Johnson from Everton

Fulham have completed the signing of England forward Andy Johnson from Everton for an undisclosed fee, the London club said yesterday.

Johnson had originally been expected to sign last week but the transfer was held up amid media reports that Fulham were unhappy with the result of the player's medical tests.

The clubs finally reached an agreement on a four-year deal for Johnson, Fulham said. Media reports put the transfer fee at around £10.5 million ($20.53 million).

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said: "I have made no secret of my wish to add Andy Johnson to my squad at Fulham."

Moratti rules out Quaresma move

Ricardo Quaresma will not be joining Serie A champions Inter, president Massimo Moratti said yesterday.

The Nerazzuri have already signed Amantino Mancini and Sulley Muntari this summer and were expected to add more players to an already strong squad.

However, with the long list of injuries in defence, Moratti said that if they go back into the market it will be to add more cover at the back.

"I don't think we will be returning to the market," Moratti said.

"I don't believe Jose Mourinho intends to sign. We have plenty of faith in the players at our disposal and I hope that those who are injured manage to recover.

"Regarding Quaresma, we have plenty of options going forward and I don't think that he will arrive. If anything we need defenders because they are our problem now."

English ref suspended over debts

Mark Clattenburg has been suspended from refereeing duties pending enquiries into reports of the official's alleged debts.

Clattenburg was due to take charge of Sunday's Community Shield between Manchester United and Portsmouth but he has now been replaced by Peter Walton.

It is alleged that Clattenburg has run up debts relating to companies connected to him.

The Football Association and referees body Professional Game Match Officials Ltd have now decided that Clattenburg will not officiate until the matter has been resolved.