Striker Tim Cahill has agreed a deal in principle with Melbourne City FC and will end his stay at Chinese Super League side Hangzhou Greentown, Australian media reports said yesterday.
David Gallop, the chief executive of the Football Federation of Australia (FFA), said negotiations were underway with the former Everton forward, who is likely to feature as a guest player for Melbourne.
“All I can say at the moment is we’re having positive talks, on going with Tim,” Gallop was quoted as saying on the A-League website yesterday.
“I met with his manager yesterday and spoke to Tim last night. It’s not appropriate to say more than there are positive talks ongoing.”
Berahino urged to focus on new season
Striker Saido Berahino must avoid another transfer outburst and focus on West Bromwich Albion’s upcoming Premier League campaign, midfielder Darren Fletcher has said.
Berahino suggested he will never play for the club again at the start of last season after failing to secure a last-minute transfer to Tottenham Hotspur and, according to British media reports, he has refused a new deal at West Brom.
“If he signs, great, and if he doesn’t he might be here for another season so we want him to get his head down and score as many goals as possible,” Fletcher told British media.
Juan Jesus joins Roma from Inter
Roma signed defender Juan Jesus on a one-year loan deal from Serie A rivals Inter for a fee of €2 million.
The deal contains a clause stating that Roma must buy the player for a further €8 million if certain conditions are met before the end of the loan.
The 25-year-old Jesus struggled to break into Inter’s starting line-up under manager Roberto Mancini last season, making just 19 appearances in the league, after being a regular for three seasons at the San Siro.
The central defender, who can also play at left back, joined Inter from Brazilian side Internacional in January 2012.
Defender Benatia has Juve medical
Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia has arrived in Turin for a medical as he looks to complete a switch from Bayern Munich to Juventus, the Serie A champions said yesterday.
“Having touched down in Turin this morning... Medhi Benatia made his way immediately to J-Medical, where he is carrying out routine tests ahead of a proposed move to Juventus,” the Italian club said in a statement yesterday.
The 29-year-old, who played for Udinese and Roma in the Serie A before signing for Bayern in 2014, made 23 appearances for the German club last season.
Giaccherini heading to Napoli – agent
Emanuele Giaccherini is on the verge of completing his move from Sunderland to Napoli, his agent had said.
“It’s all done, the last few details with Sunderland are being smoothed out,” Furio Valcareggi, Giaccherini’s agent, said.
“Emanuele is very happy to join Napoli, a great team that will be playing to win. He’s finally getting what he deserves, after being underestimated for years.
“He’ll put in triple the effort to match what he showed at Euro 2016.”
Giaccherini had reportedly agreed a deal with Torino but changed his mind after Napoli declared their interest.
Donnarumma set for contract renewal
Mino Raiola, Gigi Donnarumma’s agent, was due to travel to Milan to discuss a renewal of the young goalkeeper’s contract with the Rossoneri.
His contract will run out in 2018 but to La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Milan are working on extending it.
His agent Raiola was expected to meet Milan officials to discuss the terms of an extension, although the signing is likely to take place next February, when Donnarumma turns 18.
This is because there are legal limits to the terms that an underaged player can agree with his club. Reports suggest that Donnarumma will see his salary raised from €250,000 to €1-1.5m per year once he turns 18.
No FA approach for Bruce – Hull City
The English FA have not made an approach to speak to Steve Bruce, Hull City said yesterday.
Bruce has been linked with the England job as the FA steps up its search for a new manager to succeed Roy Hodgson after their Euro 2016 flop.
It emerged on Wednesday that Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has already had an initial interview for the post, with the Black Cats confirming the news and admitting they are seeking a swift resolution to the matter.
“Hull City confirm there has been no approach from the FA for manager Steve Bruce,” read an official statement from the club.