Former Cagliari sporting director Nicola Salerno has given the clearest indication he is set to once again link up with Leeds United president Massimo Cellino at Elland Road.
Salerno, who worked with Cellino during the pair’s time at Serie A club Cagliari, turned down an offer to join Palermo following talks with the newly-promoted club last week.
“Leeds? It’s a life choice, my first experience abroad but with an Italian owner,” Salerno said.
“The no to Palermo? There was some contact considering I have an excellent rapport with (Palermo owner Maurizio) Zamparini. I needed time and then I made my decision. But the rapport remains a good one.”
Australia striker joins Fulham
Australia striker Adam Taggart is joining English Championship side Fulham after agreeing on a three-year deal to move to London from A-League side Newcastle Jets.
The 21-year-old, who started for the Socceroos in their final World Cup Group B game against Spain in Curitiba on Monday, scored 16 goals to win the A-League’s Golden Boot award last season.
“I’d like to thank everyone at the Newcastle Jets, including the players, staff and fans for their fantastic support over the past couple of seasons,” Taggart said.
“I’ve had two really enjoyable years at the Jets and for that reason I will always hold the club and City of Newcastle close to my heart.”
Man. United close in on Herrera deal
Manchester United are close to signing Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera.
Reports have suggested United are set to pay around £30 million for the 24-year-old Spaniard, who they tried to recruit last summer, before his fee rises at the end of this month due to the terms of his contract.
And it is understood the deal could be wrapped up in the next few days.
Herrera would become the first new signing United have made since they confirmed Dutchman Louis van Gaal as the permanent successor to sacked manager David Moyes in May.
Heitinga signs for Hertha Berlin
Hertha Berlin have confirmed the signing of John Heitinga from Fulham on a two-year deal.
The Dutch international has arrived on a free transfer from the Cottagers, who were relegated to the Championship last season.
Heitinga passed a medical on Monday before putting pen to paper on a two-year contract and then visiting his new home – Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
“It’s impressive, really impressive,” the 30-year-old said after his tour of the venue for next season’s Champions League final.
No Arsenal return for Mexico’s Vela
Mexican striker Carlos Vela has signed a new four-year deal to remain at Real Sociedad, the La Liga club said, ending speculation over a possible return to Arsenal.
The North London club had an option to buy back the 25-year-old, whom they sold to Sociedad in 2012, fuelling rumours that Vela could return to play under Arsene Wenger in the Premier League.
“Real Sociedad have reached an agreement with Arsenal FC which will allow Carlos Vela to continue at the club on a permanent basis,” the Spanish club said yesterday.
Vela scored 21 goals last season for Sociedad, who finished seventh in the La Liga.
Hodgson: Don’t rush Gary Neville
Roy Hodgson believes Gary Neville should not be rushed into management.
Neville’s critically-acclaimed tactical analysis on Sky, and his role as a coach on Hodgson’s backroom staff, meant he was mentioned as an outside bet to replace the England manager when his place came under scrutiny last week.
But when asked whether Neville could be an England manager in the future, Hodgson said: “Of course he can be.
“But it would be wrong to start putting him under pressure to suggest ‘you need to get down to some work in a club side because the England manager’s job is there waiting for you’.
“Who knows? When the job comes up again, who knows what candidates there will be.”
Solo pleads not guilty to assault
US women’s soccer star Hope Solo pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges stemming from a weekend altercation with her sister and a nephew and was released from jail on her own recognisance.
Solo, 32, was arrested shortly after midnight on Saturday by police officers who responded to an emergency 911 call at her house in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland and heard a disturbance from the street, police said.
Police said that during the incident Solo appeared to be upset and intoxicated, while her adult sister and her 17-year-old nephew had visible injuries.
Solo was hosting a party at her home when the dispute took place, reports said.