Lezcano: Bundesliga side Ingolstadt have snapped up Paraguayan striker Dario Lezcano on a deal running until the summer of 2020. Lezcano has joined from Swiss side Lucerne, for whom he had scored 11 goals this season. Ingolstadt confirmed the transfer in a statement yesterday, and the 25-year-old Lezcano said: “The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in the world. I approach this challenge with great anticipation, motivation, and confidence.”
Celta: Spanish team Celta Vigo are close to completing the signing of experienced Chile midfielder Marcelo Diaz from Bundesliga side Hamburg. Diaz, 29, who had a stint at Swiss side FC Basel before joining Hamburg in February last year, arrived in Vigo yesterday for a medical and to work out the final details of the deal, Celta said.
Sacked: Steve Cotterill has been sacked by Bristol City following a seven-match winless run. The 51-year-old guided the club to the League One title last season and lifted the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Wembley, but found the going tougher in the Championship. A run of just one win in 11 league outings had left the Ashton Gate outfit in the relegation zone.
Byram: Everton have had a bid accepted for Leeds defender Sam Byram. The 22-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and the Toffees have agreed a fee which is likely to be worth up to £5 million. Everton will now discuss personal terms with Byram, who has been extensively scouted by a number of Premier League clubs.
Amartey: High-flying Leicester City are in negotiations to sign Daniel Amartey from FC Copenhagen after making a bid for the Ghana international, the Danish club said. Reports said Leicester had offered around 60 million Danish crowns ($8.73 million) for the 21-year-old midfielder.
Cardiff: Cardiff have been placed under a Football League transfer embargo for a breach of Financial Fair Play rules. The embargo will be in place for the rest of the January transfer window and will see them lose out on a permanent deal for £1 million target Tony Watt, although the Charlton striker’s loan deal could be extended after their Championship visit to Wolves today.
The Championship: Brentford vs Burnley 1-3.
Scottish Premier League: Dundee United vs Celtic 1-4.