Football news

Manchester United have signed Vitoria Guimaraes striker Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, better known as Bebe, subject to a medical. Personal terms have been agreed with the 20-year-old and he will move to Old Trafford for an undisclosed fee.

The Portuguese forward had also been closely linked with Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid but he will join fellow new signing Javier Hernandez as Alex Ferguson bolsters the Red Devils’ forward line.

Bebe made a name for himself at Vitoria after joining from Estrela da Amadora and, despite his tender years, has a strong physical presence as well as vision and good passing skills.

Napoli want Bayern midfielder Sosa

Napoli director of sports Riccardo Bigon is currently in Germany for talks with Bayern Munich on the possible transfer of Jose Sosa, the Argentine attacking midfielder who hinted in the media last week that he was open to a transfer to the southern Italian club.

Sosa’s contract expires at the end of the 2010-11 season.

It’s believed Bayern would only part with Sosa for a fee of €3.5m but Corriere dello Sport reported Napoli are only willing to pay €2m for the 25-year-old.

More cash has been freed up for Napoli with German Denis finally about to agree terms with Udinese on a deal that was decided by the clubs several weeks ago.

Diego salary key to Wolfsburg move

Former Bundesliga champions Wolfsburg are set to stretch their salary budget in a bid to sign Brazilian playmaker Diego, reports said.

Bild said the 2009 German league champions have already agreed on a €17 million transfer fee with Juventus for Diego, one million less than the Italian club’s asking price.

However, the report added the deal could falter if Wolfsburg fail to meet Diego’s pay demands.

Diego’s father, who is also his agent, was set to arrive in Turin yesterday for negotiations with representatives from Wolfsburg.

The Bundesliga is not unfamiliar to Diego, who played three seasons with Werder Bremen in 2006-2009. The Brazilian failed to light up the Serie A in his first season with Juve.

Lyon warn suitors off Bastos

Lyon have issued a firm hands-off to clubs interested in Michel Bastos.

Reports in both Italy and France have suggested Bastos is on his way out of the Stade Gerland, with Inter and Juventus interested in the 27-year-old and Arsenal and Real Madrid also thought to be keeping a close eye on the situation.

However, Lyon are unwilling to let go of the winger they paid Lille €18m for just a year ago.

Bastos, who started his career at Feyenoord before moving back to Brazil, returned to Europe in 2006, signing for Lille. The Brazilian has been an instant hit at Lyon and was almost ever-present last season, scoring 15 goals.

Liverpool complete Poulsen swoop

Liverpool have completed the signing of Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen on a three-year contract.

The 30-year-old Denmark international has joined for an initial fee of £4.5m, payable in two instalments, with a further £1m payable depending on certain conditions.

Poulsen links up with manager Roy Hodgson for a second time, having been signed by him first time around for FC Copenhagen in 2000.

Poulsen’s arrival will be seen a precursor to the departure of combative midfielder Javier Mascherano.

Agent denies Maicon pay rise claims

Maicon’s agent, Antonio Caliendo, insists the Inter defender never demanded a pay rise and is more than happy to remain with the European champions.

The 29-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid. However, Inter president Massimo Moratti revealed this week Maicon has been taken off the transfer list.

Caliendo has called for Moratti to meet with Maicon and clarify matters.

“I was a bit surprised by some stories, which made Maicon out to be a mercenary,” Caliendo said.

“He accepted everything that Moratti decided and shown he would happily stay. He is attached to the Inter shirt, but from our part there is no demand for a pay increase.”

Mallorca suffer appeal blow

Mallorca have all but admitted defeat in their battle to be reinstated into this season’s Europa League, after a Spanish court postponed a decision on the matter until next month.

UEFA announced last month they had denied the Spanish side entry to the upcoming season’s competition after deeming that they had fallen foul of financial regulations relating to their debts, and later rejected Mallorca’s appeal.

Mallorca took the matter to a Spanish court but have been informed that “as they are not urgent proceedings” they will have to wait until September 1 for a decision.

The Europa League play-offs are on August 19 and 26, and Villarreal, who have taken Mallorca’s place in the competition, will face Belarus outfit Dnepr Mogilev.