Former England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has terminated his contract with League One club Bury.
The 35-year-old cited family reasons for his decision, labelling it the most difficult he has had to make during a career that began almost two decades ago.
Kirkland only joined the Shakers this summer, after he was released by Preston at the end of last season.
“I have asked Bury FC to cancel my contract with immediate effect and I am thankful to the gaffer and the chairman for the compassion and understanding they have shown,” Kirkland said.
Napoli complete Zielinski signing
Napoli have signed Poland international Piotr Zielinski.
The 22-year-old winger, who appeared at Euro 2016, has signed from fellow Serie A side Udinese in a deal worth a reported £10 million.
Zielinski will link up with team-mate Arkadiusz Milik, who joined earlier this week for almost £30 million as the Italian club begin the process of spending the funds created by Gonzalo Higuain’s departure.
Hangeland calls time on his career
Former Fulham and Crystal Palace defender Brede Hangeland has announced his retirement from the game.
The 35-year-old Norway international moved to Craven Cottage in 2008.
He left in 2014 to join the Eagles but, following his release, he has now decided to hang up his boots.
“I’ve thought long and hard about the future and decided it’s time to end it,” he said.
Hangeland spent almost six years at Fulham, playing in their Europa League final defeat to Atletico Madrid, ending the 2010-11 campaign as the club’s second-highest goalscorer.
La Liga’s Sevilla sign defender Mercado
Sevilla have signed Argentina right-back Gabriel Mercado from River Plate for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract, the Europa League champions have said.
The 29-year-old represented Argentina at the Copa America Centenario in June where they lost to Chile on penalties in the final.
“Everything has happened so fast and I am feeling very anxious. This is my first day, I passed my medical, signed the contract and this will be my first training,” Mercado told the club’s website.
Sevilla signed Mercado as a replacement for defender Coke, who joined Bundesliga club Schalke 04 on Wednesday.
Sevilla, under new coach Jorge Sampaoli, take on Champions League winners Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in Trondheim, Norway, on Tuesday.
Everton’s Besic out for six months
Everton have been dealt an injury blow ahead of the new Premier League season, as midfielder Muhamed Besic has ruled himself out for six months after picking up an injury during Wayne Rooney’s testimonial game in midweek.
The 23-year-old, who joined Everton from Hungarian club Ferencvaros in July 2014, was forced off just 12 minutes after coming on at Old Trafford on Wednesday, and British media said the midfielder has sustained a serious knee injury.
“Six months out! #devastated,” Besic tweeted (@Mo_Besic).
The Bosnia international was restricted to just 12 league games last season after a succession of hamstring injuries.
Rangers could release new kit
Rangers could ditch the controversial Puma strip released without their consent and replace it with a new kit midway through the season.
Reports said that the extreme option is among a number of moves Ibrox chiefs are currently exploring following the breakdown of their relationship with the German sportswear firm and Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct empire.
The jersey row was sparked in midweek when Puma confirmed it had released a batch of kits for sale to Sports Direct and other retailers – despite the club’s objections.
Under Scottish Football League guidelines, Gers were re-quired to register their colours for the new season by June 1.
Giaccherini injured
Napoli newcomer Emanuele Giaccherini will probably have to postpone his Serie A debut with the southerners to receive treatment for a persistent thigh injury.
Napoli play their first league match against Pescara later this month but they are likely to be without the 31-year-old Giaccherini who produced a very fine performance for the Italian national team at the Euro 2016 this summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport said Giaccherini is having problems with the rectus femoris muscle in his thigh.
His recovery times are uncertain and it is feared the attacking midfielder may have to skip the trip to Pescara on August 21.