Football news

Former Germany international midfielder Torsten Frings has signed for Major League Soccer side Toronto FC after leaving Werder Bremen at the end of his contract.

It was anticipated that Frings, 34, would retire, but he revealed a conversation with former Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann made him decide to sign a two-year contract with Toronto, despite interest from other clubs.

“I first came in touch with Toronto FC via Jurgen Klinsmann,” Frings told Kicker. “He just told me good things about the club. Then I soon came to the conclusion I want to be at Toronto FC and help the club improve.”

The Canadian club have also agreed a deal with former AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven forward Danny Koevermans, who had been linked with a move to npower Championship side Birmingham.

Valero completes move to Villarreal

Spanish midfielder Borja Valero has made his move from West Brom to Villarreal permanent after initially spending last season on loan at the Primera Liga outfit.

Valero, 26, became the Baggies’ record signing when he joined from Real Mallorca for £4.7m in 2008 but he failed to settle at the Hawthorns and returned to Mallorca on a season-long loan a year later.

The former Real Madrid youngster then signed for Villarreal on a similar loan deal for the 2010/11 season with the view to making the move permanent in the summer.

His 35 league games and three goals impressed the Villarreal hierarchy and Valero has now completed a deal for an undisclosed fee.

Juve wrap up Lichtsteiner deal

Juventus have completed the signing of Stephan Lichtsteiner from Lazio in a 10 million euro deal, the Turin club confirmed yesterday.

The Switzerland international has moved north on a four-year contract, the club said in a statement.

The 27-year-old full-back moved to Lazio from Lille in the summer of 2008 and was under contract with the Biancocelesti for a further year.

He becomes Juventus’ fourth acquisition this summer after Michele Pazienza, Andrea Pirlo and Reto Ziegler joined the club from Napoli, Milan and Sampdoria respectively.

Doni’s Liverpool transfer still on

Roma goalkeeper Alexander Doni’s talks for a move to Liverpool “are still going,” his agent confirmed yesterday.

The two clubs agreed a fee several weeks ago, but the Brazilian goalkeeper rejected the transfer after failing to agree personal terms.

The Brazilian currently earns €4.3m per season, around £3m, which is the main reason Roma want him off their books this summer.

“Talks for the Liverpool option are still going,” agent Ovidio Colucci said yesterday. “In the middle of next week we’ll know more, after I’ve met the Roma directors.”

Keeper Carson on his way to Turkey

Scott Carson has moved from West Bromwich Albion to Turkish club Bursaspor for an undisclosed fee, the English Premier League club announced.

The 25-year-old England goalkeeper is heading abroad after an awkward season at The Hawthorns where he lost his place to Boaz Myhill only to regain it late in the campaign.

Carson spent three seasons with West Brom after joining from Liverpool, where he spent much of his time as deputy to Pepe Reina.

“In the three months I worked with Scott I cannot fault his professionalism and dedication,” said Albion manager Roy Hodgson.

“He has been a good servant to the club and I would like to wish him all the best for the future as he looks to broaden his experience by playing in a foreign country.”

Evra warning for new boy De Gea

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has warned new signing David de Gea he will have to work hard if he is to successfully fill the void left by Edwin van der Sar.

The 20-year-old Spaniard agreed a five-year contract last week to replace the veteran Dutchman who retired at the end of last season.

Evra is confident the ex-Atletico Madrid star, who won the European Championships with Spain Under-21s last weekend, fits the bill as a worthy successor.

“David is a good goalkeeper. We don’t know him yet but we’ll give him a nice welcome,” the Frenchman told MUTV.

“It’s never easy to replace a big goalkeeper like Van der Sar and I’m a little bit sad that Edwin has retired but De Gea is the future now.

“He has to work hard because it’s not easy to do the job Edwin did but he’ll be given every opportunity.”

Roma close in on Angel signing

Roma are hoping to complete the signing of Sporting Gijon defender Jose Angel in the next two days, according to club sporting director Walter Sabatini.

The 21-year-old left-back has been a reported target of Barcelona, Manchester City, Malaga and Fiorentina.

“Jose Angel will arrive in the next 24 hours,” Sabatini said yesterday.

“I think the deal can be completed between today and tomorrow.

“But it all has to be confirmed by Gijon.”

Jose Angel is valued at around £15 million and is under contract at Sporting until June 2014.