Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar has rubbished reports he will leave the club this summer.
The 32-year-old has been linked with a move away from the San Siro with Inter close to signing Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.
Udinese confirmed on Wednesday they had agreed a deal to sell the Slovenian to Inter.
“I have a contract until 2014,” Julio Cesar told Sky Italia. “I will stay and play for my position.
“Inter have a great squad. Handanovic is a good goalkeeper. This would be the best for us as we would have three great goalkeepers.
“If he joins Inter it is only because he is good.”
Merson warning for Van Persie
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has warned Robin van Persie he will regret his decision to leave the Gunners.
Skipper Van Persie on Wednesday revealed on his website he would not extend his contract, which runs out at the end of the 2012-13 season.
“Not many players leave Arsenal, very rarely, and don’t regret it. It’s an unbelievable club,” Merson said.
“It’s perfect. I’d have liked him to stick it out. I’m a bit gutted really. He’s burnt his bridges. If he comes back and they don’t sell him the fans are going to slaughter him.
“They’ll be devastated. He’s a top-drawer player. World class.”
Lennon thrilled by Forster deal
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has expressed delight over securing goalkeeper Fraser Forster on a permanent deal.
Celtic have confirmed Forster has signed a four-year contract. Forster spent the last two seasons on loan at Celtic Park from Newcastle.
Lennon told the club’s official website: “We are delighted that Fraser has committed his future to the club and we believe he will be a magnificent addition to the squad.
“He gives us that continuity so this is something we are really pleased about. He is a top-class keeper.”
Gers’ pre-season tour cancelled
Newco Rangers have been left without any pre-season matches after organisers of their tour of Germany cancelled the trip.
The Ibrox club suffered further rejection a day after being denied entry to the Scottish Premier League.
A statement on the club website said: “The Rangers Football Club has been informed by the organisers of our pre-season trip to Germany that they can no longer offer us a place on the tour.
“The team was due to play three games in Germany between 18-25 July, but the trip will now not take place at their request.”
Lucio completes Juventus move
Juventus have completed the signing of Brazilian defender Lucio on a free transfer.
The 34-year-old World Cup winner penned a two-year contract with the Serie A champions on Wednesday night after completing a medical.
“Lucio has completed a move to Juventus,” a statement on Juve’s official website read.
“The Brazilian defender joins the Bianconeri on a free transfer and has signed a two-year contract, keeping him with the club until 30 June 2014.”
Juve beat interest from Fenerbahce and Malaga for the veteran who was allowed to leave Inter earlier this week despite still having a year to run on his contract.
Riquelme to leave Boca Juniors
Veteran playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has announced he is leaving Boca Juniors.
Riquelme revealed his decision in the wake of Wednesday’s Copa Libert-adores loss to Corinthians, where Boca suffered a 2-0 defeat in the second leg in Brazil to go down 3-1 on aggregate.
“I’m not going to continue. I feel empty, I don’t think I have any more to give to this club. I can’t play at 50%,” he was quoted as saying.
“I love this club, I will be forever grateful to this club. I’ll always be there if they need anything, now I need to go home.”
Roma snap up Svedkauskas
Roma have signed Lithuania Under-19 international goal-keeper Tomas Svedkauskas from FK Suduva.
The 18-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year deal with Roma having spent last season on loan at Fiorentina.
Roma also announced they have bought the sporting rights of Adrian Stoian from Bari for one million euros. The Romanian midfielder, 21, made 29 league appearances while on loan at Bari last season.
Svedkauskas and Stoian are currently with Roma in pre-season training.