New Zealand World Cup forward Shane Smeltz left for Turkey yesterday after his Australian club Gold Coast United agreed in-principle transfer terms with Genclerbirligi SK.
Smeltz, whose move to China’s Shandong Luneng broke down in July over “personal issues”, will undergo a medical and hold contract discussions with the Ankara-based team with the aim of signing a two-year deal.
Smeltz, 28, was the A-League’s top scorer last season and caught international attention when he struck for New Zealand in the 1-1 World Cup finals draw with Italy.
Fulham sign defender Halliche
Fulham announced yesterday they had signed Algeria defender Rafik Halliche on a three-year deal from Portuguese side Benfica.
The 23-year-old has moved to the Premier League side for an undisclosed fee.
Halliche told Fulham’s website: “I’m so happy that my transfer to Fulham has been finalised.
“For me, the Premier League is the best league in the world and to be able to play alongside some wonderful players and to be given an opportunity to compete against some fantastic sides for a team like Fulham, is something that I’ve always dreamed of doing.”
Gourcuff on verge of Lyon switch
Lyon have agreed a €22 million fee with Bordeaux for France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff.
The 24-year-old remains highly rated in his homeland despite a disappointing World Cup and Lyon believe he is the man to help them reclaim the Ligue 1 crown they last won in 2008.
Gourcuff is expected to sign a long-term deal later this week once he has passed his medical.
Bordeaux released a statement which read: “This transfer will take place to preserve the interests of Bordeaux, in full agreement with the coach and the coaching staff and in accordance with contractual commitments of the player.”
Leeds agree McCormack fee
Leeds United have confirmed they have agreed an undisclosed fee with Cardiff for striker Ross McCormack.
The 24-year-old has been told he can leave the Welsh club following the arrival of Craig Bellamy last week and Whites boss Simon Grayson has nipped in ahead of a number of other clubs to make a move for him.
Hull and Ipswich have been heavily linked with the former Rangers man but he will now travel to Yorkshire for a medical and to discuss personal terms.
McCormack scored 24 goals for Cardiff in his first season with the club but only managed five goals last season and now finds himself behind Bellamy, Jay Bothroyd and Michael Chopra in Cardiff boss Dave Jones’ thinking.
Ranieri poised to extend Roma deal
Roma coach Claudio Ranieri is poised to sign a new contract at the club, which will keep him at the Stadio Olimpico until 2013.
Ranieri has another year left on his existing deal but the club are keen to tie the former Juve boss to a longer contract.
According to reports in Italy, Ranieri was due to hold a meeting with Roma’s directors to discuss their transfer strategy as the end of the transfer window draws closer.
Roma are reportedly very close to signing Parma full-back Paolo Castellini as back-up for John Arne Riise but have yet to agree terms with Inter for the permanent signing of Argentine defender Nicolas Burdisso.
Bendtner ditches Danish specialist
Injured Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner will no longer work with Danish specialist Soren Malling after labelling him a “self-publicist”.
Bendtner is still sidelined by a groin injury which has troubled him since last season but spent time with compatriot Malling as part of his rehabilitation.
When that treatment stopped, Malling claimed Bendtner’s lay-off would be prolonged as a result, prompting the striker to question the therapist’s motives.
“I do not wish to receive any further treatment from this self-publicist,” Bendtner said.
“I am very happy with how my rehabilitation has been going under the Arsenal medical team and expect to be back in training in around six weeks’ time.”
Ledesma back in favour at Lazio
Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma has finally agreed a new contract with the Serie A club, ending a saga that has been going since last summer.
The Argentine first held talks with Lazio last year but negotiations were called off when he insisted on the inclusion of a big club release clause in the new contract.
Lazio president Claudio Lotito was so upset that he froze Ledesma out of the first team. Ledesma took Lazio to court in an effort to rescind his contract, only to see the tribunal rule in Lotito’s favour.
However, following fresh talks with Lotito, Ledesma announced that he has agreed to stay at Lazio until 2015.
“The all clear came a few minutes ago. The signature on Cristian’s contract renewal has arrived. It’s a dream come true,” a statement read on his official website.