Former Arsenal and Celtic winger Freddie Ljungberg has signed for Japanese club S-Pulse, subject to a work permit, his representatives have confirmed.
Ljungberg, 34, spent the second part of last season with Celtic after a spell in Major League Soccer, but made only seven appearances for the Scottish club before departing as a free agent.
“I am so excited about playing in Japan, I was inspired by the way the Japanese people dealt with the tragedy of March 11 earthquake and I really want to show support for them by playing football in Japan and for S-Pulse in parti-cular,” Ljungberg said.
Almiron joins Catania from Juve
Catania have landed Argentina midfielder Sergio Almiron from Juventus for an undisclosed fee, the Sicilian club confirmed yes-terday.
Almiron made 25 league appearances while on loan at Bari last season. The 30-year-old has penned a three-year contract with Catania.
The South American player becomes Catania’s 10th signing this summer.
Catania, who appointed former Roma boss Vincenzo Montella as their new coach last month, finished 13th in Serie A last term.
Insua leaves ’Pool for Sporting Lisbon
Argentinian left-back Emiliano Insua has left Liverpool to join Sporting Lisbon on a five-year deal. Insua became surplus to requirements at Anfield following the arrival of Jose Enrique from Newcastle.
The 22-year-old said he was looking forward to a new challenge in Portugal.
“I am delighted to start training and playing here,” he said.
“Sporting is one of the big Portuguese clubs and is recog-nised for having top players.
“The club is always looking to win titles. I will give everything for Sporting.”
Insua joined Liverpool from Boca Juniors, initially on loan, in January 2007. He made 44 appearances for the club but was sent out on loan to Galatasaray last season.
Barton to debut against Newcastle
Joey Barton’s first game for new QPR did not come as expected against Wigan yesterday but will be against his former employers Newcastle in two weeks’ time.
The 28-year-old midfielder signed for the Premier League newcomers on a four-year-deal on Friday, and had been scheduled to make his debut 24 hours later against Wigan.
Barton had declared himself fit for that clash at the DW Stadium but it has since emerged the paperwork connected to his move to west London had not been completed in time.
As a result, the midfielder’s first QPR run-out is likely to come in two weeks against Newcastle United.
Allegri backs Aquilani to shine
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes new arrival Alberto Aquilani can make a big impression at the San Siro.
Aquilani joined the Italian champions on loan in midweek from Liverpool until the end of the season.
Milan have an option to make the 27-year-old’s stay permanent if Aquilani makes at least 25 league appearances for the Rossoneri this season.
“I believe that with Aquilani’s arrival our transfer market is complete,” Allegri said.
“He can cover all roles in midfield and he is a player that has great quality with attacking characteristics. I believe he will adapt well in our midfield line.”
Hopeful Hoops await UEFA ruling
Celtic could be reinstated in the Europa League as early as Tuesday as UEFA prepare to rule on Sion’s alleged breach of their transfer embargo.
On Friday, Sion were drawn against Atletico Madrid, Udinese and Rennes in the group stages after securing a 3-1 aggregate win over Celtic.
But UEFA are expected to throw out the Swiss side and thus hand Scotland a much-needed boost following an unprecedented night of disappointment, when Rangers, Celtic and Hearts all joined Dundee United in exiting the tournament.
Sion had signed five players with the club still under a transfer ban imposed by FIFA after breaching rules over the signing of Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary three years ago.
Mancini confident Tevez will stay
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is growing increasingly confident that Carlos Tevez will stay at the club.
Mancini is hoping the arrival of Tevez’s family, plus the exciting signings of Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri, will persuade the Argentinian his immediate future remains with City.
The 27-year-old has made no secret of his desire to leave but City have received no firm interest since the collapse of a proposed move to Corinthians last month.
Mancini said: “His family is here now. So, now that they’re here, I think that he can stay. I think this is a good moment for this club.
“Carlos is one of the best players that we have.”