Danish defender Simon Poulsen has signed for PSV Eindhoven as the newly crowned Dutch champions made their first move in the transfer market to strengthen their side for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The 30-year-old signed a two-year deal on a free transfer from AZ Alkmaar and will be the defensive cover for Dutch international Jetro Willems, the technical director Marcel Brands said.
“He is an experienced player and will play a positive role in the squad,” Brands added of the left back, who was won 29 caps for Denmark and played at the 2010 World Cup.
Pellegrini standing firm at Man. City
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is convinced he will still be in charge at the Etihad Stadium next season.
The Chilean has not been unsettled by a fresh outbreak of reports linking Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti with his job and has not even sought assurances from the club over his future.
Pellegrini, who has a year remaining on his contract, is indifferent to speculation.
Asked if he had spoken to City top brass about where he stands, Pellegrini said: “I don’t have to talk about it.
“I have my own future so clear – (and did) so many years ago – it doesn’t matter.”
M’Boro deserve promotion – Karanka
Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka has told his players they deserve to play Premier League football next season after booking their place in the Championship play-off final.
The Teessiders cruised to a 3-0 semi-final, second-leg win over Brentford in front of a bumper crowd at the Riverside Stadium on Friday night to seal a 5-1 aggregate victory which sends them into a Wembley showdown with Norwich on May 25.
The Spaniard said: “The first thing I think about is the money, but it’s not just about the money, it’s about these players because these players deserve to play in the Premier League.
“I think a few of them have played in the Premier League and after 10 months working with them, all of them deserve to play in the Premier League.”
Serie A and B eye 18-team format
The Lega Serie A and B are pushing forward plans to reduce both the two top divisions in Italy to 18 teams within three years.
Officials from the two bodies reached an accord last week to reduce the number of teams in these two categories.
Serie A currently has 20 teams, while Serie B has 22, but by 2018-19 they must both have only 18.
The reform will be put under vote in a meeting on June 30.
Shaw needs rest warns Van Gaal
Louis van Gaal has urged Gareth Southgate to leave Luke Shaw out of his England squad for the European Under-21 Championship.
Southgate names his squad at St George’s Park on Wednesday and Shaw was keen to go to the tournament, which runs from June 17-30 in the Czech Republic.
But Van Gaal would prefer it if he stayed at home to rest following a difficult season which has been marred by injuries.
“When he is not playing for Manchester United, he cannot play for other teams neither. That extends to the summer,” he said.
“He needs that rest. He overcrossed his limits and that’s why. He is 19 years old, what can you expect? We have to protect him. I hope (Southgate) understands that.”
Mourinho more focused on beach
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is expecting to be busier on the beach than in the transfer market as he prepares to defend the Premier League title next season.
Mourinho signed striker Diego Costa and midfielder Cesc Fabregas after selling defender David Luiz last year and Chelsea’s new recruits helped the club to a first league title since 2010.
With the majority of his squad in place for next season, Mourinho is not planning much activity this year.
“I expect to be busy walking from my towel in the sand to the water, swim a little bit and be back to the sand again,” Mourinho said.
“Last year, I was very keen to sell some players. This year, the base is to keep the squad.
“I expect us to be a little busy.”
Ramos sustains muscle injury
Real Madrid centre back Sergio Ramos may have played his last match this season after he was diagnosed on Friday with a calf muscle injury sustained in Wednesday’s Champions League match against Juventus.
Ramos played the whole semi-final, second leg at the Bernabeu, which ended 1-1, sending Juve through to the final 3-2 on aggregate to play Barcelona.
Tests on Friday revealed a grade one muscle injury in the Spain international’s left calf.
Real play their penultimate La Liga game at Espanyol today, when leaders Barca can make sure of a fifth title in seven years with victory at Atletico Madrid.