Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Rode for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old had two years remaining on his Bayern contract, but opted to move in a bid to gain more playing time and signed a deal until 2020.
Rode joined Bayern Munich on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2014 but failed to secure a regular place, making just 17 appearances last season.
“Sebastian Rode asked us to release him from his contract because he thinks he has a chance to play on a regular basis in Dortmund,” Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.
Mascherano will not force Barcelona exit
Barcelona have told Javier Mascherano they do not want him to leave amid reports that Juventus are attempting to lure him to Turin.
The defensive midfielder, 32 today, is under contract until June 2018 and has a €100 million release clause.
Mascherano said: “Barca have let me know that they have no intention of me leaving. They are very happy with me.
“When the club, and even more so this club, tells you this, it is very difficult to leave. I am not going to force anything. Nobody involved deserves that.”
Las Palmas turn down Lemos offer
Las Palmas have rejected an offer from Barcelona for Uruguayan centre-back Mauricio Lemos.
The 20-year-old attracted the attention of the Spanish champions after strong performances for Las Palmas, who finished 11th in the top flight last season.
“We have received no offers for any Las Palmas players with the exception of one from Barcelona for Lemos, the figure of which was very far from what we would consider interesting,” president Miguel Angel Ramirez said.
Spanish media reported that Barca bid four million euros for the Uruguay Under-23 international who made 10 league appearances for Las Palmas.
Everton agree deal for Koeman – report
Everton have agreed a deal with Ronald Koeman to become the Premier League club’s manager, the BBC reported yesterday.
The 53-year-old Koeman, who has been Southampton manager for the last two years, will take over at Goodison Park from Roberto Martinez.
Former Ajax coach Koeman joined Southampton in 2014 from Feyenoord and guided the south coast club to respectable seventh and sixth placed finishes in his two seasons.
Everton finished 11th last season but are set for significant investment after Iranian businessman Farhad Moshiri purchased a 49.9 per cent stake in the club.
Totti to play 25th season for Roma
Francesco Totti has signed a new contract with Roma for “one final season”.
The forward and long-time club captain will turn 40 on September 27 but will play on for a 25th season with the Serie A side, with whom he has set club records of 758 appearances and 304 goals.
He told the club’s website: “I really wanted this contract, it represents the realisation of my dream. I always wanted to end my career having only worn one shirt – the Roma one.
“After speaking with the president, I am even more convinced that, working together, we can achieve great things.”
The new contract is for one year as a player followed by a six-year deal as the Giallorossi’s technical director, Totti revealed.
Inzaghi to coach Lega Pro Venezia
Filippo Inzaghi, the former Milan coach, was yesterday unveiled as the new trainer of Venezia.
“Venezia FC announces that it has reached an agreement with Filippo Inzaghi for the technical guidance of the first team,” the Lega Pro club said in a statement.
“The agreement will be formalised on July 1 with the signing of Filippo Inzaghi and his technical staff.”
Inzaghi will be officially presented to the media today, having received the go-ahead from Milan to do so before his contract at the San Siro ends.
Wimbledon closer to Plough Lane switch
AFC Wimbledon have taken a big step closer to their proposed relocation to Plough Lane after ex-changing contracts for the sale of Kingsmeadow ground to Chelsea.
The newly-promoted League One side intend to use the money received for Kingsmeadow, reported to be £2 million, to help fund a new stadium at the site in south-west London where Wimbledon played up until 1991.
The sale of Kingsmeadow is subject to planning permission for an 11,000-seat stadium at Plough Lane being approved by new London mayor Sadiq Khan. The plans have been approved by Merton Council.
Chelsea plan to use 4,800-capacity Kingsmeadow for their academy sides and ladies’ team matches.