The United States returned to the top of the FIFA women’s world rankings yesterday following their 5-2 World Cup final win over Japan on Sunday.
The Americans’ third World Cup title lifted them above second-placed Germany who they beat 2-0 in the semi-finals in Canada to the top of the burgeoning 141-team rankings.
Quarter-finalists France, beaten on penalties by Germany, remain third, runners-up Japan are fourth having failed to retain the title, while England climbed up to a highest-ever position of fifth after they beat Germany to take bronze.
Hammers seal Ogbonna signing
West Ham have completed the signing of defender Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus for an undisclosed fee.
The 27-year-old Italy international has penned a four-year deal with the Hammers and becomes their fourth signing of the summer.
Ogbonna made his name as a talented defender with Torino before joining their city rivals Juventus in 2013, winning two Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia during his time there.
West Ham announced the news on their Twitter account, writing: “BREAKING: The Hammers are delighted to confirm the transfer of Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus.”
Swansea boss Monk extends contract
Swansea City manager Garry Monk was rewarded with a new three-year contract yesterday having steered the Welsh club to their best Premier League finish last term.
Monk, 36, a former defender who played for Swansea in all four English leagues, had two years left on his existing deal but the club were quick to reward his efforts with a new one through to 2018 after last year’s eighth-place finish.
“It’s deserved reward for the fantastic season we’ve just had and all Garry’s hard work, commitment and loyalty to our football club over many years,” Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said in a statement.
Sevilla land striker Konoplyanka
Sevilla have continued their summer recruitment drive by completing the signing of highly-rated Ukraine international Yevhen Konoplyanka.
The 25-year-old attacker passed his medical with Sevilla last week but the Primera Division outfit were waiting on official documentation from Dnipro to finalise his free transfer.
That arrived on Thursday and allowed Konoplyanka, who was part of the Dnipro side that Sevilla beat 3-2 in last season’s Europa League final, to move to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on a four-year contract.
Inter monitoring Salah situation
Inter are ready to make a bid for Chelsea’s Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah once the player’s status is clarified.
Fiorentina insist Salah has to play next season with them on loan from Chelsea after they activated a clause in his contract last month.
After reported interest from Inter in the player, Salah announced he would not return to the Tuscan outfit and Fiorentina accused Inter of unsettling the 23-year-old.
“We are waiting to understand what the situation is, because for the time being, it seems that it is not clear who Salah’s sporting rights belong to,” Inter general director Marco Fassone told Tuttosport.
“Should he free himself, the Egyptian could be a target of ours.”
Real new boy Danilo in dreamland
Brazil right-back Danilo has realised a lifelong dream by joining Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old was unveiled at a press conference at the Bernabeu on Thursday after joining the Spanish giants from FC Porto.
Danilo, who signed a contract with Real until June 2021 after three years in Portugal, said to the Spanish press: “This is one of the best days of my life.
“Today, I realise a childhood dream.
“I can only promise I will give everything in every game.
“I know no other way.”
Wijnaldum bound for Newcastle
PSV Eindhoven have confirmed that Georginio Wijnaldum is on his way to England to agree personal terms with Newcastle.
The 24-year-old was due to fly into Newcastle yesterday for a medical and Press Association Sport reported that the Premier League club have agreed a fee of around €20 million for the 19-times capped Dutch midfielder.
“Georginio Wijnaldum has left the players’ hotel in Evian-les-Bains,” PSV technical manager Marcel Brands said on the club’s website.
“The 24-year-old captain is on his way to England to reach a personal agreement there with Newcastle United.”