Football news

Scottish champions Rangers have signed United States international defender Carlos Bocanegra on a three-year deal, the club confirmed yesterday.

Bocanegra, 32, heads to Ibrox after a stint at French outfit St Etienne following an earlier spell with Fulham.

The powerful defender is the third US international to sign for Ally McCoist’s men following the arrival of Alejandro Bedoya and Maurice Edu.

Bocanegra started his career at Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire in 2000 before joining Fulham four years later.

QPR confirm Fernandes takeover

Malaysian tycoon Tony Fernandes has completed his takeover of Queens Park Rangers, the Premier League club confirmed yesterday.

Fernandes, the owner of budget airline AirAsia, secured his buyout after assuming a 66 per cent stake in the West London outfit from previous shareholders Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore.

In a statement, the 47-year-old, who is also the team principal of Formula One’s Team Lotus, will work alongside the Mittal family, who have retained their 33 per cent stake in the club.

Fernandes, who describes himself as a West Ham fan on his Twitter feed, said he had long held a “soft spot” for QPR.

“QPR is a raw diamond and hopefully I can contribute into turning it into a diamond,” he said.

Hitzlsperger moves to Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg have confirmed the signing of former West Ham midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger. The 29-year-old Germany inter-national has signed a three-year contract with the Bundesliga club.

Hitzlsperger was a free agent after leaving the Hammers following their relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season.

“Thomas is a player who will help us with his professional approach and his international experience,” Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath told a press conference.

“I am pleased that he is now with us, because he is a player who can lead the team.”

Bayern join Montolivo chase

Bayern Munich are ready to make a bid to Fiorentina for Riccardo Montolivo, reports said yesterday.

Fiorentina are prepared to listen to offers for Montolivo after he refused to extend his contract which currently expires in June 2012. Milan were thought to be in pole position for Montolivo, but it seems that the Bundesliga outfit may now table an offer.

The Viola, who could lose the player on a free transfer next summer, want around €10 million for the ex-Atalanta midfielder.

Italian media yesterday claimed that the Viola were keen to make a decision on Montolivo’s future by the end of this week.

Walcott confident of new signings

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is confident Arsene Wenger will strengthen the squad as they attempt to overcome the loss of captain Cesc Fabregas and the likely departure of Samir Nasri.

The Gunners have endured a rocky start to the season with a lacklustre draw against Newcastle followed by an unconvincing victory in their Champions League qualifier against Udinese on Tuesday.

“It is important to have a mixture of experience and young players – but the boss knows what he is doing. He has picked up great players before,” Walcott said.

“I’m sure the boss has got players coming in. I don’t know, but if you sell one of your best players... I’m sure he’s got some options coming in.”

Redknapp open to Modric sale

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has told Chelsea to forget about a deadline-day move for Luka Modric but concedes the midfielder could be sold if a deal is done in good time.

Spurs have been resolute in their stance that they would not entertain Chelsea’s interest in the Croatian playmaker and are believed to have rebuffed two offers already.

Now, Redknapp’s stance has shifted somewhat, with the Tottenham chief admitting he could use any cash to bolster his squad in a handful of areas.

Redknapp said: “We’ve got two options with Luka. Either we keep a fantastic player or we sell him, get the money and bring in four players and have a better team.

“I want him to stay but if he’s going I want the opportunity to get other players in.”

Fiorentina seal Kharja swoop

Morocco international mid-fielder Houssine Kharja has officially joined Fiorentina from Genoa on a two-year contract. There is also an option for a third year.

Kharja spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter and although he will play for Fiorentina next season, Genoa still own half of his playing licence.

Financial aspects of the move have not been announced, but it is being suggested that he cost the Tuscan club €3 million.

The Moroccan has been linked with Fiorentina over recent times after he was told to find a new club.