Lazio have signed German midfielder Moritz Leitner from Borussia Dortmund.
The 23-year-old made nine Bundesliga appearances last season, having spent the previous two seasons on loan with VfB Stuttgart.
The former Germany Under-21 midfielder signed for Dortmund from 1860 Munich in 2011 and made 17 Bundesliga appearances during his first season at the Westfalenstadion as Juergen Klopp’s side won the league and cup double.
Lazio begin the new season at Atalanta on August 21.
Ex-Liverpool player turns down MBE
The first black footballer to play for Liverpool has turned down an MBE because he says to accept it would be “a betrayal” to Africans.
Toxteth-born Howard Gayle, 58, said he was offered the honour for his work with Show Racism the Red Card.
But he explained: “This is a decision that I have had to make and there will be others who may feel different and would enjoy the attraction of being a MBE, but I feel that it would be a betrayal to all of the Africans who have lost their lives, or who have suffered as a result of Empire.”
Gayle also played for Birmingham, Sunderland and Blackburn among others.
No Mustafi deal in place to join Arsenal
Arsenal have not agreed any personal terms with Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi, reports said yesterday.
The 24-year-old Germany international has reportedly been a target for Arsene Wenger after injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel left the Gunners boss with depleted defensive options.
But, contrary to reports surfacing in his homeland this week, with claims his agent announced a deal between Arsenal and Mustafi has been finalised, PA Sport said no such talks have taken place and that the quotes attributed to agent Ali Bulut are inaccurate.
“Shkodran and Arsenal are in agreement. Just the clubs now still need to agree on a fee,” Bulut was quoted as saying.
Tadic commits to Southampton
Midfielder Dusan Tadic has signed a new four-year contract with Southampton, committing him to the Premier League club until 2020.
The 27-year-old joined the Saints in 2014 from Dutch side FC Twente and has scored 13 goals in that time.
He said: “I am really pleased. I have had two beautiful years here and a great connection with the supporters and everyone in the club – all players and staff.
“I am really happy that I have signed a new contract. The club showed a lot of effort to keep me and I appreciate that.”
Lamine Kone seeks Sunderland exit
Lamine Kone has asked to leave Sunderland just days before the start of the new Premier League season as Everton lead the chase for his signature.
The Ivory Coast defender has revealed he has requested a move away from the Stadium of Light following talks with manager David Moyes and chief executive Martin Bain, saying that an expected improved contract offer had failed to materialise.
In a statement, the 27-year-old said: “At the end of last season, I was told by the club that I would be offered a new contract.
“Following numerous phone conversations and face-to-face meetings no contract has been forthcoming.
“It is therefore with much regret that I can only assume that I do not figure in David Moyes’s future plans.”
Jamie Walker loses diving ban case
Hearts midfielder Jamie Walker’s two-match ban for diving has been upheld after a Hampden hearing.
The 23-year-old was issued with a notice of complaint by Scottish FA judicial officer Tony McGlennan following a controversial penalty award in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Celtic.
Walker was offered a two-match suspension but the Tynecastle club appealed.
The Scotland Under-21 cap will miss Scottish Premiership games against Aberdeen and Inverness.
Villa sign Chester from West Brom
Aston Villa have signed Wales defender James Chester from West Bromwich Albion on a four-year contract.
The 27-year-old, who has moved for an undisclosed fee, shone for Wales during the European Championships, featuring in every one of their matches as they reached the semi-finals.
He made 13 appearances for West Bromwich Albion last season and now drops down a division for the Championship campaign of their Midlands neighbours.
Chester began his career at Manchester United, leaving the club in 2011 to sign for Hull City before moving to The Hawthorns in July 2015.