Danny Blind was named the new coach of the Netherlands yesterday, replacing Guus Hiddink who resigned this week.
Blind, who enjoyed a hugely successful career as a defender at Ajax and also coached the club, had been assistant to Hiddink.
“I’m going to work hard with our staff and players to qualify for next year’s Euro finals,” Blind said.
“That’s my only goal.”
He said he would elaborate on his plans for the team ahead of qualifying matches against Iceland and Turkey on September 3 and September 6.
Robinho set to join China’s Guangzhou
Brazil forward Robinho ended his third spell at Santos this week with local media reporting he was set to join up with former Selecao coach Luiz Felipe Scolari at Chinese champions Guang-zhou Evergrande.
The 31-year-old former Real Madrid, Manchester City and Milan attacker said he was hopeful of returning to Santos in the future after the club said they could not afford to match the offers from overseas.
“Unfortunately it will not be possible to renew my contract. But Santos FC will always be in my heart,” Robinho told re-porters yesterday.
Porto sell Martinez to Atletico Madrid
Porto agreed to sell their Colombia striker Jackson Martinez to Atletico Madrid while agreeing a deal to sign France U-21 international Giannelli Imbula from Marseille on the opening day of the summer transfer window yesterday.
Imbula signed for 20 million euros from Marseille, with Porto revealing he has a release clause of 50 million euros.
The Belgium-born 22-year-old plays as a defensive midfielder and is tipped for a fine future.
Atletico Madrid moved to strengthen their forward line for next season following the exit of Mario Mandzukic by agreeing to buy Martinez.
Martinez, 28, had a contract with the Portuguese club until the end of the 2016-17 season and Atletico agreed to pay his buyout clause worth 35 million euros.
Garbutt commits future to Everton
Everton prospect Luke Garbutt has signed a new five-year deal at Goodison Park, the Merseyside club have announced.
Garbutt made 10 appearances for the Toffees last season and the 22-year-old full-back was delighted to extend his stay at the club he joined as a scholar from Leeds six years ago.
“It’s an honour to commit my long-term future to Everton,” Garbutt told the club’s website.
“I’ve been made to feel very welcome at the club since I signed my scholarship six years ago. Over the years, I have grown to have an affinity with the club and I feel a sense of belonging here.”
Sepp Blatter to miss women’s title match
FIFA president Sepp Blatter will not travel to Canada for the final of the Women’s World Cup, the world governing body has said.
The 79-year-old Swiss would ordinarily present the trophy to the winning team’s captain in Vancouver, but his appearance had been in doubt with Blatter reportedly under investigation by the FBI as part of ongoing probes into alleged FIFA corruption.
FIFA have confirmed neither Blatter nor general secretary Jerome Valcke would attend the match.
“Due to their current commitments in Zurich, the FIFA president and secretary general will remain at FIFA headquarters,” a statement said.
Bayern swoop for Douglas Costa
Bayern Munich have announced the signing of Brazilian attacking midfielder Douglas Costa from Shakhtar Donetsk.
The 24-year-old, who was reportedly a target for Premier League club Chelsea, has signed a five-year contract with the German champions.
Bayern executive Jan-Christian Dreesen told the Bundesliga side’s official website: “We are very pleased we were able to sign Douglas Costa.
“His five-year contract to 2020 also shows we are planning for the future.
“We hope he gets accustomed to life in Munich quickly and will improve the team.”
Karim Rekik leaving City for Marseille
Marseille have agreed a deal to sign Holland defender Karim Rekik from Manchester City subject to a medical, the Ligue 1 club have announced.
Rekik, 20, has made only three appearances for City but earned international recognition during two seasons on loan with PSV Eindhoven, where he also won an Eredivisie title in the season just finished. He previously had stints on loan with Blackburn and Portsmouth.
“Olympique de Marseille and Manchester City have reached an agreement in principle for the permanent transfer of Dutch international Karim Rekik subject to passing the medical examination,” said a statement on Marseille’s website.
Rekik, a left-sided defender, made his Holland debut in March last year against France, but it remains his only cap to date.