Monaco have strengthened their midfield by agreeing to buy former France international Jeremy Toulalan from La Liga side Malaga.
The 29-year-old, who last played for France in June 2010, has a two-year contract with an option for another year, Monaco said on their website (www.asm-fc.com).
Toulalan joined Malaga from Olympique Lyonnais in 2011 and although his season was disrupted by injury, he made an important contribution to the Qatar-owned club’s run to the Champions League last eight last term.
“We are very pleased about the arrival of Jeremy,” Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev said.
“His qualities and his European and international experience will be a significant asset for the team next season.”
Man United join chase for Astori
English champions Manchester United are reportedly the latest club to have expressed an interest in signing Cagliari defender Davide Astori.
The Italian defender, who formed part of Cesare Prandelli’s squad during this summer’s Confederations Cup where he scored against Uruguay, has also attracted an interest from Milan, Napoli, Liverpool and Southampton.
The talented defender has made no secret of his desire of leaving the Sardinian club who are likely to be requesting at least €12 million for his services.
Brazilian mob decapitates referee
One man has been arrested in northern Brazil after a referee who fatally stabbed an amateur player over his refusal to leave the field was decapitated by a mob.
Referee Octavio da Silva, 20, stabbed player Josenir dos Santos, 30, on June 30 after dos Santos refused to heed his order to leave, a police spokesman said.
A mob then turned on da Silva, killing him before severing his head in the remote town of Pio XII, named after a former pope.
A 27-year-old man was arrested on July 2 and police in the regional headquarters of Santa Ines will continue to investigate the incident.
Napoli set to sign goalkeeper Rafael
Brazilian club Santos have announced that goalkeeper Rafael will join Serie A club Napoli.
The 23-year-old goalkeeper was reportedly attracting interest from both Napoli and their Serie A rivals Roma but it looks like the Partenopei have won the race and Rafael is expected to complete a €5 million move today.
“We know that the player will leave,” Santos coach Claudinei Oliveira said.
“He was a great goalkeeper in the history of Santos. It is all done, he just has to sign on the dotted line for Napoli.
“Therefore it is best not to risk him in the next game.”
Marchetti rejects Arsenal links
Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti has brushed off speculation linking him with a summer move to Premier League side Arsenal.
Reports have claimed that Arsene Wenger is in the market for a new keeper and he has been linked with a bid for Queens Park Rangers’ Brazil international Julio Cesar.
However, reports in Italy have claimed that the Gunners have made an enquiry for Marchetti, who has recently been on Confederations Cup duty with the Azzurri.
“I know nothing about Arsenal,” Marchetti told Sky Sport Italia.
“I’m having a holiday and only thinking about relaxing. And then there is the president, who knows what to do.”
Van Aanholt back at Vitesse
Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem have announced the re-signing of Chelsea defender Patrick van Aanholt on a season-long loan.
The Dutch left-back has agreed his third spell with the Eredivisie club having also spent time in his homeland in the second half of the 2011/2012 season, along with all of the last campaign.
Van Aanholt, 22, is highly rated at Chelsea, who on Friday signed midfielder Marco van Ginkel from Vitesse, but he would face tough competition for places with Ashley Cole and Ryan Bertrand.
Guzan signs new Villa deal
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan has signed a new four-year deal with Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old United States international will now remain at Villa Park until the end of the 2016/17 season at least.
The deal represents a further display of trust from manager Paul Lambert, who installed Guzan as his number one ahead of Shay Given before the start of last season.
Lambert’s decision was vindicated as Guzan went on to enjoy a stellar campaign which earned him the club’s player of the year award.