Santos have tied down their sought-after striker Neymar to a new five-year contract following interest in the teenager from clubs in Europe.
English champions Chelsea had reportedly made a substantial bid for the 18-year-old, who scored on his Brazil debut against the United States last month.
Neymar’s potential move had caused a stir in Brazil with Pele and new national team coach Mano Menezes publicly urging him to remain in his homeland.
“The final decision always rests with the player,” Neymar told reporters.
“My father always wants what is best for me. I talked to him and decided to stay. Money alone does not bring happiness. I’m happy here and I want to continue being so.”
Palace complete Davids swoop
Dutch veteran Edgar Davids has completed his shock move to Championship side Crystal Palace.
The 37-year-old former Holland midfielder has come out of retirement to sign a pay-as-you-play deal with the Eagles.
Davids, who counts Milan, Inter, Juventus and Tottenham among his former clubs, last played a competitive match two years ago for Ajax.
The capture of Davids sealed a positive day for Palace who earlier yesterday announced that they are out of administration.
The club have been taken over by CPFC Ltd, who replace Crystal Palace FC (2000).
Pienaar eyes new Everton deal
South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar wants to end speculation over his future by signing a new contract with Everton.
The 28-year-old, who was Everton’s player of the year last season, has said he would be happy to stay put despite interest from Tottenham and Juventus.
“There’s been a lot of speculation about a transfer but I’ve never once said that I want to leave Everton,” Pienaar told The Sun.
“I love playing for Everton. It’s a great club with real tradition and history.
“I have a year left on my contract. I’m happy to sign a new one but at my age it has to be right and fair.”
Aquilani set for loan switch
Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani is set to be loaned out to a club back in his native Italy. Aquilani has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since his £20 million arrival from Roma last summer.
He was not included in Liverpool’s squad for Thursday’s Europa League play-off against Trabzonspor and discussions are under way over a possible move.
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson said: “At the moment we are considering loaning him to an Italian club.
“I didn’t want to use him (against Trabzonspor) just in case the loan goes through, because for Aquilani this year it’s very important that he plays regular football, every week.”
Juve finalise Krasic transfer
CSKA Moscow announced yesterday that Milos Krasic is joining Juventus after the two clubs reached an agreement on a €15 million transfer fee for the Serbia winger.
Krasic was due to fly to Turin to put pen to paper on a five-year contract.
The 26-year-old Krasic made his professional debut in Serbia in 1999, when he was only 14, with Vojvodina Novi Sad. He joined CSKA Moscow in 2004. With the Russian side, he won two titles in 2005 and 2006, four Russian Cups, as well as the UEFA Cup in 2005.
Krasic, named Serbian footballer of the year in 2009, had a disappointing World Cup as Serbia were eliminated in the first round.
Forlan happy at Atletico
Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has quashed rumours that he was targeted by Italian and European champions Inter this summer.
“They were just rumours,” Forlan, who was voted best player at this year’s World Cup, said. “I didn’t receive any offer. I’m not moving anyway – I have three years on my contract and I’m happy.”
Forlan will get a close look at Inter today week when his Atletico side meet the Italian giants in the European Super Cup final.
“It will be a complex tie, champions against a work in progress,” Forlan said. “However, the fact that it is a final minimises the differences between the teams.”
Kuyt could move to Inter – agent
Dirk Kuyt’s agent has claimed his client is pondering a reunion with Rafael Benitez at Inter.
New Inter boss Benitez is an admirer of the hard-working Dutch international and reports suggest he is lining up a bid to bring Kuyt to the San Siro.
The player’s agent Rob Jansen told Voetbal International: “Yes, there is real interest from Inter, but Dirk has not yet decided if he wants to leave Liverpool.
“This is also a complicated transfer. Dirk Kuyt is a key player for Liverpool, he has an ongoing contract and was recently in the World Cup final.
“He may move to Inter or just stay at Liverpool. There is also the possibility that a player from Inter could be included in the deal with Dirk Kuyt.”