Pires: Robert Pires has followed former Arsenal team-mate Freddie Ljungberg in signing up for the inaugural Indian Super League. It was announced last week that former Sweden midfielder Ljungberg had penned an ambassadorial contract with the ISL, while Pires is expected to line up for one of the league’s eight teams. The 40-year-old Frenchman spent time with Villarreal and Aston Villa following his six-year spell at Arsenal and will now ply his trade in Asia.
Assaidi: Stoke manager Mark Hughes has not given up on his bid to sign Liverpool winger Oussama Assaidi. The Morocco international spent last season on loan at the Britannia Stadium and Hughes is keen to bring the winger back on a permanent deal. He remains hopeful an agreement can be reached. “It’s on-going and these things happen. Everybody knows we are interested and that is still the case,” Hughes told reporters.
Arribas: Alejandro Arribas has completed his move to Europa League champions Sevilla. The 25-year-old defender has signed a two-year contract after taking his medical with the Andalusian side and will now travel to Germany to join up with his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp. Madrid-born Arribas, who was available on a free after leaving relegated Osasuna, started his pro career at Rayo Vallecano.
Denial: Hull have issued a statement denying a claim from Sheffield United that they have had a bid for defender Harry Maguire accepted. The Premier League club have been strongly linked with the 21-year-old centre-back throughout the close season, but have distanced themselves from reports saying they were set to open talks with the Blades captain. Hull’s denial comes hours after Sheffield United said they had “reluctantly” accepted an improved offer.
Antonsson: Sweden international defender Mikael Antonsson has rejoined FC Copenhagen and could feature for the Danes in their Champions League qualifier against Ukrainian side Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in Kiev tomorrow, the club said in a statement. The 33-year-old centre-back left FC Copenhagen in 2011 for a three-year stint with Italian side Bologna, and has now returned to the Danish capital on a two-year contract with an option for a further year.