Football news

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has completed the signing of Paraguay captain Paulo Da Silva from Mexican club Toluca.

"He is captain of his country and has played at the highest level so will bring leadership qualities to our side," Bruce said.

The 29-year-old central defender, who has been capped over 50 times by his country, has signed a three-year contract.

Bruce has had success recruiting from Central and South America in the past, signing Honduras midfielder Wilson Palacios and Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia for Wigan and selling both at huge profit.

Ljungberg in MLS All-Stars team

Former Sweden midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has been named to the MLS All Stars team to face Everton on July 29 in Salt Lake City.

Ljungberg will line up against English Premier League opposition for the first time since he left West Ham in 2008 after nine years with Arsenal. He cancelled his contract with West Ham after injury problems and there was scepticism over his move to Seattle but he has turned out to be a fans' favourite.

Landon Donovan, the LA Galaxy forward, was selected as an All-Star for the ninth time in nine years in the league while Kasey Keller, the 39-year-old goalkeeper, is in the side for the first time after spending his career in Europe.

The MLS All-Star squad will be coached by Houston Dynamo's Dominic Kinnear.

Livorno hire Russo as shadow coach

Newly-promoted Serie A side Livorno have recruited former Sampdoria assistant coach Vittorio Russo after federation officials said Gennaro Ruotolo did not have the right coaching badges to manage in the top flight.

Russo, 70, will be the official head coach but in reality Ruotolo will manage team affairs.

"We sorted out some issues with Ruotolo, I am honoured to be here and I hope I can be useful to Livorno's cause," Russo said.

Russo has also worked with the Italy U-21 side under both Rossano Giampaglia and Marco Tardelli, and led the Triestina youth squad.

Tevez seeking exit since January

Striker Carlos Tevez had been scheming to leave Manchester United since the beginning of the year, Alex Ferguson said.

The 25-year-old has decided to join Manchester City for around €35 million.

Th United boss claims Tevez's behaviour signalled that his loyalty could not be counted on.

"I half expected Tevez would be going a long time back," he said.

"I think he maybe did a deal around January because I spoke to him and gave him an offer on the night we played Inter and he never came back to me.

"He was a good player and did well for us. But he obviously assessed the situation and wanted to go somewhere else."

Ballack says Blues will reach peak

Chelsea's Michael Ballack (picture) believes Manchester United, weakened by the departure of goal-scoring stars, will cede the title to the Blues next season.

The arrival of new manager Carlo Ancelotti at Stamford Bridge has prompted hopes by fans that Chelsea can win their first domestic championship since 2006.

"It is our target every year to win the league and we are confident about winning the title," said Ballack.

"I think we had a good season last year, but United have played at a really high level the last few years.

"There are a few moments which decide every championship but we are confident it will be different next time. We have a very experienced squad."

Fabiano in favour of Milan switch

After Kaka, Samuel Eto'o and Ricardo Carvalho, Luis Fabiano has become the latest player to reject Manchester City's advances by claiming he only wants to join Milan.

The Brazil striker is currently in negotiations to join the Italian giants from Sevilla. But despite the lure of the millions of pounds on offer from City's billionaire owners, the forward has his heart set on a switch to the Rossoneri, according to his agent Jose Fuentes.

"It's true that Manchester City have made an offer but I am 100 per cent behind a move to Milan and the player is also 100 per cent behind a move to Milan," he said.

"Right now there is no news, everything's blocked. But, I want to think positively and hence Luis Fabiano going to Milan is the only thing I want to think about at the moment."

Spurs angling for ex-Gunner Vieira

Tottenham Hotspur have offered a one-year contract to former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira, whose club Inter are prepared to release him, the Daily Mail reported yesterday.

The Daily Mail said that Spurs would offer the 33-year-old Vieira a pay-as-you-play deal worth around €45,000 per week.

Vieira is understood to feel a move would benefit his chances of starring with France at next year's World Cup.

Spurs' English Premiership rivals Sunderland are also believed to be interested in Vieira, who also is on the radar of Paris St Germain and Lyon.