Swansea City are looking to bolster their attacking firepower and are targeting two strikers before the new season, the Premier League club’s chairman Huw Jenkins said.
Swansea have signed midfielder Leroy Fer, defender Mike van der Hoorn and goalkeeper Mark Birighitti, but striker Alberto Paloschi has joined Atalanta and uncertainty surrounds the future of Bafetimbi Gomis.
“It’s pretty obvious we need one, maybe two strikers and another player. Three is probably the minimum,” Jenkins said.
“In the next few weeks we will bring some players in. We also have to make sure we keep the squad we’ve got. We’ve talked a lot about football and we’ve got a few options in mind.”
Pep reunion enticed Nolito to Man. City
A chance to reunite with new Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and the lure of Premier League football made Nolito opt for a move to England over a return to Spanish champions Barcelona.
Nolito spent one season under Guardiola at Barcelona but was used sparingly by the manager, who gave the 29-year-old just two substitute appearances during the entire 2010-11 campaign before selling him to Benfica.
“I enjoyed working with him in Barcelona even though it wasn’t much time. It’s a reason for me to come here but not the only one.
“But it was also about City, they have a great team... the truth is I will try to help this club achieve great things.”
Stoke sign teenager Sobhi from Al Ahly
Stoke City made their first close-season signing by swooping for winger Ramadan Sobhi from Egyptian club Al Ahly yesterday.
The 19-year-old, who has been capped six times by Egypt, made 34 appearances for Al Ahly last season to help Martin Jol’s side claim the domestic title.
Stoke announced on their website that the fee for Sobhi could eventually rise to six million euros ($6.59 million).
“He’s a special young talent who is excited about the prospect of making an impact in the Premier League,” chief executive Tony Scholes said.
Four-year driving ban for Wilkins
Former England midfielder Ray Wilkins has told a court he is an alcoholic who has no choice but to stay away from booze or face ruining his life, as he was given a four-year ban for drink-driving.
The 59-year-old pleaded guilty to the offence at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court after being found to have been three times over the limit.
District judge Tim Boswell gave Wilkins, who has two previous drink-driving convictions, a 10-week suspended jail sentence, ordered him to do 140 hours’ unpaid work and disqualified him from driving for 48 months.
Ribery welcomes Ancelotti’s arrival
Franck Ribery has welcomed the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti as Bayern Munich’s new coach, saying he will “finally feel faith again” under the Italian.
Ancelotti took over the Bayern reins after Pep Guardiola ended his three-year tenure in charge of the German giants to join Manchester City this summer.
The France international told Kicker magazine: “I finally feel faith again under Ancelotti. It just comes down to things like faith, respect and closeness and that helps me give not just 100 per cent but 150 per cent, and then I eat grass for the coach.
“I need people like him, (former Bayern bosses) Jupp Heynckes or Ottmar Hitzfeld. Ancelotti knows how to manage his players. I’m pleased he is here because he’s just the right man for us.”
Liverpool fined for ELeague final trouble
Liverpool have been fined €16,000 by UEFA following crowd trouble before and during their Europa League final against Sevilla in Basle in May.
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body announced the sanction which related specifically to crowd disturbances, the setting off of fireworks, and an illicit banner.
Sevilla, who won the match 3-1, were fined €17,000 for their part in the disturbances, which involved crowd disturbances and the throwing of objects.
A small number of supporters clashed behind one of the goals shortly before kick-off, with many fans blaming poor segregation for the problems.
Krsticic joins promoted Alaves
Alaves have signed midfielder Nenad Krsticic on a two-year contract in preparation for their return to La Liga.
The Serbia international was released by Sampdoria this summer after spending eight years at the club, which included a loan spell at Bologna last season.
Born in Belgrade, Krsticic spent his early career at OFK Beograd before making his move to Serie A as a teenager with Samp in 2008. The 26-year-old has made three appearances for Serbia.
Alaves are back in the top flight after winning the second division title last season.