Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes has joined Zenit St Petersburg on a four-year contract, the Russian club have announced.
Paredes, who began his career at Boca Juniors, had also been linked with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich and Serie A winners Juventus.
The Argentina international started 15 games for Roma last season, scoring three times, and Roma’s official website said Zenit would pay an initial €23 million, which could rise by another €4m through clauses.
Paredes played for Empoli on loan in 2015-16 before returning to Roma last summer.
Jardim hopes to keep Mbappe
Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim has told RMC he wants Kylian Mbappe to remain at the club, but has reiterated that he could lose more members of his squad this summer.
Mbappe, 18, has been linked with an exit from Monaco, with reports claiming that Arsenal are preparing a £125 million bid for the forward.
Jardim says he has yet to speak to Mbappe about his future, but feels the Ligue 1 club can keep hold of him.
“I have not spoken to him, because he knows how we work, that we want to keep him,” he said.
Marquinhos signs PSG extension
Marquinhos has signed a three-year contract extension with Paris St Germain.
The Brazil international’s new deal lasts until June 30, 2022 and should end transfer speculation linking him with a move to the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona.
The 23-year-old, who has helped PSG win 12 domestic trophies since joining from Roma in 2013, told the club’s official website: “I have always said I’m happy to play for Paris St Germain, and this contract extension is further proof of my commitment to the club.”
Palermo takeover falls through
A takeover bid for relegated Italian club Palermo was rejected by its owner Maurizio Zamparini on Saturday, more then four months after it was announced that terms had been agreed for the deal.
Zamparini said in a statement that the terms offered by US-born businessman and former television comedian Paul Baccaglini were not acceptable.
The volatile Zamparini, 76, who has employed around 40 coaches in 15 years at the club, said he had not slept last night.
“I am forced through love and competence to continue the work necessary to get this club back into Serie A,” he said.
Manchester City to face CAS
Manchester City’s signing of teenager Benjamin Garre will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport today.
City signed Garre at the age of 16 but the teenager’s Argentinian club Velez Sarsfield claimed the move breached world governing body FIFA’s rules over the signing of minors from outside the European Union.
Velez appealed to the CAS after FIFA ruled in City’s favour following a complaint about Garre’s move to the Premier League club in July 2016.
The Argentinian outfit claim FIFA rules allow players under 18 to move between clubs only in European countries.
Hayes lauded by manager Rodgers
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has praised the impact of new signing Jonny Hayes.
The Irish winger won a penalty against Rapid Vienna on Saturday to allow Moussa Dembele to net for a 1-1 friendly draw. And Rodgers is excited by the former Aberdeen player’s potential to help his side.
“He made an incredible run from deep to get onto the ball and then go and create the penalty,” Rodgers told Celtic TV. “That’s what Jonny can do.”