Aiden McGeady - Everton (reportedly €3 million)
Confirmed Transfers - Jan 2014 window
- Thread starter King Binny
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Status
Tyias Browning - Wigan (1 month loan)
[article=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/14-01-10-latics-sign-tyias-browning-on-loan-1286482.aspx#tzmgQv5XY2cPX0Du.99]Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of Everton and England Under-19 defender Tyias Browning on a month-long loan deal.
The 19-year-old becomes Uwe Rosler’s first signing as Latics Manager, and is highly rated by the Toffees after signing a two-year contract extension in the summer, despite not yet making a senior appearances for the club.
An international at Under-17 level, Tyias was called up to Noel Blake’s Under-19 squad in March 2013, making his debut at that level against Turkey.
On his arrival, Browning said:
“It’s great to get my first loan experience at a young age, and I’m pleased it’s at Championship-level where I know I’ll really be tested.
“The aim is to help the team and get as many opportunities as possible; I’ve met the rest of the squad and they’ve all been great in helping me settle in.
“I know one or two of them already; I went to school with Lee Nicholls and Jack Phillips so that helps a bit, but everyone’s been very welcoming.
“Primarily, I play as a centre-half, and I can play at full-back as well, but wherever the Manager wants me to go in I will do and give 100% for the team.”
The defender will wear the number 31 shirt during his stay at Latics.[/article]
[article=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/14-01-10-latics-sign-tyias-browning-on-loan-1286482.aspx#tzmgQv5XY2cPX0Du.99]Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of Everton and England Under-19 defender Tyias Browning on a month-long loan deal.
The 19-year-old becomes Uwe Rosler’s first signing as Latics Manager, and is highly rated by the Toffees after signing a two-year contract extension in the summer, despite not yet making a senior appearances for the club.
An international at Under-17 level, Tyias was called up to Noel Blake’s Under-19 squad in March 2013, making his debut at that level against Turkey.
On his arrival, Browning said:
“It’s great to get my first loan experience at a young age, and I’m pleased it’s at Championship-level where I know I’ll really be tested.
“The aim is to help the team and get as many opportunities as possible; I’ve met the rest of the squad and they’ve all been great in helping me settle in.
“I know one or two of them already; I went to school with Lee Nicholls and Jack Phillips so that helps a bit, but everyone’s been very welcoming.
“Primarily, I play as a centre-half, and I can play at full-back as well, but wherever the Manager wants me to go in I will do and give 100% for the team.”
The defender will wear the number 31 shirt during his stay at Latics.[/article]
Chris Long - MK Dons (1 month loan)
[article=http://www.mkdons.com/news/article/dons-sign-evertons-long-1280787.aspx]MK Dons have today (Tuesday) signed Everton striker Chris Long on a one-month youth loan, the Club can confirm.
Long, 18, has been with the Merseyside club since the age of five and signed his first professional contract at Goodison Park in July 2013.
An England Under-20 international who is known for his speed and composure in front of goal, Long will bolster Karl Robinson’s attacking options until, and including, 8th February.
Long will be available for the Dons’ Sky Bet League 1 fixtures with Shrewsbury Town, Bristol City, Crewe Alexandra, Preston North End, Carlisle United, Tranmere Rovers and Walsall. However, Long will not be eligible for The FA Cup with Budweiser Third Round replay against Wigan Athletic as he was not registered for the initial tie. He has, though, been given clearance to play in the Fourth Round, should the Dons make it through.
Speaking to mkdons.com, Dons boss Robinson said: “I’ve known Chris since he was seven and he’s somebody who has always been high on our list of potential targets. He’s only young at 18 years of age but he’s talented, he’s quick and I know he’s somebody who The FA speak very highly of.
“We’re thankful to Roberto Martinez and Alan Stubbs at Everton for allowing us this opportunity to work with and develop Chris and hopefully we can do that for them.”
Born in Huyton, Long progressed through the Everton youth ranks before being offered his first professional deal last July after being named Academy Player of the Season for 2012/13.
This year the speedy forward, who has yet to make a first team appearance for Everton, has scored five goals in 11 Under-21s Premier League matches, including a brace in a 3-2 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in December.
The youngster has also represented England at every youth level from Under-15s through to Under-20s. Long featured for the Three Lions in last summer’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Turkey, where he made two appearances.[/article]
[article=http://www.mkdons.com/news/article/dons-sign-evertons-long-1280787.aspx]MK Dons have today (Tuesday) signed Everton striker Chris Long on a one-month youth loan, the Club can confirm.
Long, 18, has been with the Merseyside club since the age of five and signed his first professional contract at Goodison Park in July 2013.
An England Under-20 international who is known for his speed and composure in front of goal, Long will bolster Karl Robinson’s attacking options until, and including, 8th February.
Long will be available for the Dons’ Sky Bet League 1 fixtures with Shrewsbury Town, Bristol City, Crewe Alexandra, Preston North End, Carlisle United, Tranmere Rovers and Walsall. However, Long will not be eligible for The FA Cup with Budweiser Third Round replay against Wigan Athletic as he was not registered for the initial tie. He has, though, been given clearance to play in the Fourth Round, should the Dons make it through.
Speaking to mkdons.com, Dons boss Robinson said: “I’ve known Chris since he was seven and he’s somebody who has always been high on our list of potential targets. He’s only young at 18 years of age but he’s talented, he’s quick and I know he’s somebody who The FA speak very highly of.
“We’re thankful to Roberto Martinez and Alan Stubbs at Everton for allowing us this opportunity to work with and develop Chris and hopefully we can do that for them.”
Born in Huyton, Long progressed through the Everton youth ranks before being offered his first professional deal last July after being named Academy Player of the Season for 2012/13.
This year the speedy forward, who has yet to make a first team appearance for Everton, has scored five goals in 11 Under-21s Premier League matches, including a brace in a 3-2 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in December.
The youngster has also represented England at every youth level from Under-15s through to Under-20s. Long featured for the Three Lions in last summer’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Turkey, where he made two appearances.[/article]
Oguchi Onyewu - Sheff Wed (free transfer)
[article=http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/international-ace-checks-in-1288721.aspx#B8ODlYeZzpWkbh4O.99]Sheffield Wednesday have signed American international defender Oguchi Onyewu on a free transfer.
The towering stopper has signed a short term contract that runs until the end of the current campaign.
Onyewu began his career with French outfit Metz in 2002 before enjoying two loan spells in Belgium with La Louviere and Standard Liege, moving to the latter on a permanent basis in 2004. He was swiftly named in the Belgian elite XI as well as scooping the Foreign Player of the Year award.
Awards continued for Onyewu, who was then voted USA Soccer Athlete of the Year and attracted interest from a raft of European clubs.
The stopper moved to Newcastle in the Premiership on loan before returning to Belgium to extend his stay with Standard Liege, leading the team to a second consecutive league title.
Onyewu continued to impress and signed a three-year deal with Italian giants AC Milan in 2009 but suffered a knee injury that limited his game time in Italy.
He left Milan to join Dutch champions Twente on loan in 2011 before moving across Europe to sign for Portugese outfit Sporting Lisbon, helping the club to the semi finals of the Europa League in his maiden campaign.
The 31-year-old then moved on to Spanish side Malaga on a temporary deal, storing Champions League football along the way. He came back to England last summer to sign for Championship promotion favourites QPR and left Loftus Road on the expiry of his contract this week.
Onyewu has a wealth of experience on the international stage with USA having posted 68 caps – scoring six goals - and playing in the Gold Cup, Confederations Cup and ultimately, the World Cup.[/article]
[article=http://www.swfc.co.uk/news/article/international-ace-checks-in-1288721.aspx#B8ODlYeZzpWkbh4O.99]Sheffield Wednesday have signed American international defender Oguchi Onyewu on a free transfer.
The towering stopper has signed a short term contract that runs until the end of the current campaign.
Onyewu began his career with French outfit Metz in 2002 before enjoying two loan spells in Belgium with La Louviere and Standard Liege, moving to the latter on a permanent basis in 2004. He was swiftly named in the Belgian elite XI as well as scooping the Foreign Player of the Year award.
Awards continued for Onyewu, who was then voted USA Soccer Athlete of the Year and attracted interest from a raft of European clubs.
The stopper moved to Newcastle in the Premiership on loan before returning to Belgium to extend his stay with Standard Liege, leading the team to a second consecutive league title.
Onyewu continued to impress and signed a three-year deal with Italian giants AC Milan in 2009 but suffered a knee injury that limited his game time in Italy.
He left Milan to join Dutch champions Twente on loan in 2011 before moving across Europe to sign for Portugese outfit Sporting Lisbon, helping the club to the semi finals of the Europa League in his maiden campaign.
The 31-year-old then moved on to Spanish side Malaga on a temporary deal, storing Champions League football along the way. He came back to England last summer to sign for Championship promotion favourites QPR and left Loftus Road on the expiry of his contract this week.
Onyewu has a wealth of experience on the international stage with USA having posted 68 caps – scoring six goals - and playing in the Gold Cup, Confederations Cup and ultimately, the World Cup.[/article]
Mats Møller Dæhli - Cardiff (undisclosed fee)
[article=http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/daehli-confirmation-1288373.aspx#GpyfwVt7hGY3JR7T.99]Cardiff City are delighted to confirm the arrival of Mats Møller Dæhli from Norwegian Tippligaen side Molde FK for an undisclosed fee.
18-year old Dæhli becomes Ole Gunnar Solskjær's second signing as manager of the Bluebirds and is another to have already worked under the new City boss.
A product of the Manchester United Academy, Dæhli joined the Old Trafford club as a 15-year old before signing a professional deal on his 17th birthday. Initially impressing in Paul McGuiness’ under-18’s squad, Dæhli was promoted to the United Reserves set-up in 2012, winning the ‘Jimmy Murphy Young Play of the Year award’ at the end of his maiden season for United.
In July 2013, Dæhli joined up with Solskjær at Norwegian club Molde FK, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. He made his professional senior debut in the Tippeligaen against Brann on 3rd August 2013.
His first eight matches in the Tippeligaen saw Dæhli collect the impressive pass completion stat of 91.88%, form leading him to the October ‘Statoil talent of the month award’. Dæhli was a part of the successful Molde side that won the Norwegian Football Cup in November.
Dæhli’s talent has already been recognised by Norway and has made two full International caps for his country to date. He was first called up to the squad in November for their friendly matches against Scotland and Denmark. He came on as a substitute in both.
The midfielder now joins up with Solskjær once again at Cardiff City Stadium, alongside fellow Norwegian international Magnus Wolff Eikrem who signed in midweek. [/article]
[article=http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/article/daehli-confirmation-1288373.aspx#GpyfwVt7hGY3JR7T.99]Cardiff City are delighted to confirm the arrival of Mats Møller Dæhli from Norwegian Tippligaen side Molde FK for an undisclosed fee.
18-year old Dæhli becomes Ole Gunnar Solskjær's second signing as manager of the Bluebirds and is another to have already worked under the new City boss.
A product of the Manchester United Academy, Dæhli joined the Old Trafford club as a 15-year old before signing a professional deal on his 17th birthday. Initially impressing in Paul McGuiness’ under-18’s squad, Dæhli was promoted to the United Reserves set-up in 2012, winning the ‘Jimmy Murphy Young Play of the Year award’ at the end of his maiden season for United.
In July 2013, Dæhli joined up with Solskjær at Norwegian club Molde FK, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract. He made his professional senior debut in the Tippeligaen against Brann on 3rd August 2013.
His first eight matches in the Tippeligaen saw Dæhli collect the impressive pass completion stat of 91.88%, form leading him to the October ‘Statoil talent of the month award’. Dæhli was a part of the successful Molde side that won the Norwegian Football Cup in November.
Dæhli’s talent has already been recognised by Norway and has made two full International caps for his country to date. He was first called up to the squad in November for their friendly matches against Scotland and Denmark. He came on as a substitute in both.
The midfielder now joins up with Solskjær once again at Cardiff City Stadium, alongside fellow Norwegian international Magnus Wolff Eikrem who signed in midweek. [/article]
Riyad Mahrez - Leicester City (undisclosed fee)
[article=http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/110114-riyad-mahrez-signs-for-leicester-city-1287938.aspx#D95kmTHRzb2Cj2lg.99]Leicester City are delighted to confirm the signing of winger Riyad Mahrez on a three-and-a-half-year contract, subject to Football League approval and international clearance.
Mahrez, 22, joins the Foxes from French Ligue 2 side Le Havre for an undisclosed fee and has been allocated the No.26 shirt at King Power Stadium.
City manager Nigel Pearson said: “Riyad is a pleasing addition to a squad that already has a lot of quality and I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure his signature.
“Whenever we look to add to our squad, it has to be a player that will improve us while complementing what we already have and Riyad certainly fits that description.
“He is a talented player, technically very good, and he gives us another option in attacking positions.”
A French-Algerian, Mahrez joins City following an impressive spell with Le Havre, for whom he made 20 appearances during the opening half of the French season, scoring six goals and providing a further five assists.
Mahrez links up with Nigel Pearson’s squad following an impressive 4-1 win over promotion rivals Derby County, which strengthened the Foxes' position at the top of the Sky Bet Championship table.
He is the second member of City’s squad to arrive from France, after fellow wide-man Anthony Knockaert joined the Foxes from Guingamp in the summer of 2012.
Subject to the completion of the relevant documentation, Mahrez could make his City debut next Saturday, when the Foxes travel to Leeds United in the Sky Bet Championship.[/article]
[article=http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/110114-riyad-mahrez-signs-for-leicester-city-1287938.aspx#D95kmTHRzb2Cj2lg.99]Leicester City are delighted to confirm the signing of winger Riyad Mahrez on a three-and-a-half-year contract, subject to Football League approval and international clearance.
Mahrez, 22, joins the Foxes from French Ligue 2 side Le Havre for an undisclosed fee and has been allocated the No.26 shirt at King Power Stadium.
City manager Nigel Pearson said: “Riyad is a pleasing addition to a squad that already has a lot of quality and I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure his signature.
“Whenever we look to add to our squad, it has to be a player that will improve us while complementing what we already have and Riyad certainly fits that description.
“He is a talented player, technically very good, and he gives us another option in attacking positions.”
A French-Algerian, Mahrez joins City following an impressive spell with Le Havre, for whom he made 20 appearances during the opening half of the French season, scoring six goals and providing a further five assists.
Mahrez links up with Nigel Pearson’s squad following an impressive 4-1 win over promotion rivals Derby County, which strengthened the Foxes' position at the top of the Sky Bet Championship table.
He is the second member of City’s squad to arrive from France, after fellow wide-man Anthony Knockaert joined the Foxes from Guingamp in the summer of 2012.
Subject to the completion of the relevant documentation, Mahrez could make his City debut next Saturday, when the Foxes travel to Leeds United in the Sky Bet Championship.[/article]
Leo Baptistao - Real Betis (loan)
[article=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/betis-seal-baptistao-loan#sGyrW7AirCrhSsF8.99]Real Betis have secured the signing of Atletico Madrid striker Leo Baptistao on loan for the rest of the season.
The Seville club are bottom of La Liga and in a desperate need of a goal boost, having scored just 15 times this season - the joint-lowest tally in the league.
Baptistao signed for Atleti in June after an impressive breakthrough season at Rayo Vallecano last term.
Seven goals in 28 games were enough to convince Diego Simeone to bring the Brazilian-born striker across Madrid, although he has only managed five appearances in all competitions - scoring once.
The 21-year-old joins the likes of Jorge Molina and Ruben Castro in Betis' striking ranks.
He told the club's official website: "I have signed for a big club with fantastic supporters. I am happy and eager to get to work to help the team in any way I can."[/article]
[article=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/betis-seal-baptistao-loan#sGyrW7AirCrhSsF8.99]Real Betis have secured the signing of Atletico Madrid striker Leo Baptistao on loan for the rest of the season.
The Seville club are bottom of La Liga and in a desperate need of a goal boost, having scored just 15 times this season - the joint-lowest tally in the league.
Baptistao signed for Atleti in June after an impressive breakthrough season at Rayo Vallecano last term.
Seven goals in 28 games were enough to convince Diego Simeone to bring the Brazilian-born striker across Madrid, although he has only managed five appearances in all competitions - scoring once.
The 21-year-old joins the likes of Jorge Molina and Ruben Castro in Betis' striking ranks.
He told the club's official website: "I have signed for a big club with fantastic supporters. I am happy and eager to get to work to help the team in any way I can."[/article]
Jonas Gutierrez - Norwich (loan)
[article=http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/gutierrez-joins-13012014-1292649.aspx#Umdwusb3XzMC3Cde.99]NORWICH City have completed the signing of Jonas Gutierrez on loan from Newcastle United until June 30.
The Argentina international midfielder, who has 22 caps for his country, becomes the Canaries’ first signing of the January transfer window.
After completing the move, the 30-year-old said: “I’m happy to be here. It’s an opportunity for me to get back in the game and to try and do my best for the team.
“Personally I want to do the right things on the pitch and win my place, and then for the team we want to finish as high as we can. It’s a tough league, all the games are difficult, but we have a good opportunity.”
Gutierrez played under Chris Hughton while at St James’ Park, and was a prominent member of their Championship-winning team in 2010, earning a place in his country’s World Cup squad that summer.
Since joining the Magpies in July 2008, he has made 195 appearances in all competitions, including four against Norwich City, scoring 11 goals.
On the deal, Hughton commented: “He’s somebody that will certainly bring experience – he’s played close to 200 games for Newcastle so he knows the Premier League very well.
“He’s been in England for five years, so there won’t be that settling in period that you would have with some other players. That’s important, particularly in January when you need players that can go straight into the squad.
“Jonas can play on either flank and in a central position, so he’s a very welcome addition and we look forward to working with him.”
Born in Saenz Pena, a town on the outskirts of the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires, Gutierrez began his professional career at Velez Sarsfield, scoring twice in 99 games.
He moved to La Liga outfit Real Mallorca in 2005, and featured 96 times before his move to Tyneside. [/article]
[article=http://www.canaries.co.uk/news/article/gutierrez-joins-13012014-1292649.aspx#Umdwusb3XzMC3Cde.99]NORWICH City have completed the signing of Jonas Gutierrez on loan from Newcastle United until June 30.
The Argentina international midfielder, who has 22 caps for his country, becomes the Canaries’ first signing of the January transfer window.
After completing the move, the 30-year-old said: “I’m happy to be here. It’s an opportunity for me to get back in the game and to try and do my best for the team.
“Personally I want to do the right things on the pitch and win my place, and then for the team we want to finish as high as we can. It’s a tough league, all the games are difficult, but we have a good opportunity.”
Gutierrez played under Chris Hughton while at St James’ Park, and was a prominent member of their Championship-winning team in 2010, earning a place in his country’s World Cup squad that summer.
Since joining the Magpies in July 2008, he has made 195 appearances in all competitions, including four against Norwich City, scoring 11 goals.
On the deal, Hughton commented: “He’s somebody that will certainly bring experience – he’s played close to 200 games for Newcastle so he knows the Premier League very well.
“He’s been in England for five years, so there won’t be that settling in period that you would have with some other players. That’s important, particularly in January when you need players that can go straight into the squad.
“Jonas can play on either flank and in a central position, so he’s a very welcome addition and we look forward to working with him.”
Born in Saenz Pena, a town on the outskirts of the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires, Gutierrez began his professional career at Velez Sarsfield, scoring twice in 99 games.
He moved to La Liga outfit Real Mallorca in 2005, and featured 96 times before his move to Tyneside. [/article]
Michael Bradley - Toronto FC (US$10 million)
[article]Toronto FC unveiled Michael Bradley as its newest designated player Monday, signing the American midfielder from Italian club AS Roma.
Striker Jermain Defoe, signed from English club Tottenham Hotspur last Friday, was introduced along with Bradley at a late-morning press conference.
Bradley, 26, began his professional career in 2004 with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars before being sold to Dutch club Heerenveen in January 2006. He has also played for Germany's Borussia Monchengladbach, England's Aston Villa and Italy's Chievo Verona.
Born in Princeton, N.J., Bradley has been capped 81 times for the U.S. men's national team and has scored 11 goals in international competition.
Along with Bradley and Defoe, Toronto FC also signed Brazilian striker Gilberto as a designated player in December.[/article]
Grant Wahl @GrantWahl2m
Am told commitments (transfer/salary) for Toronto duo total $85 million. Defoe $43M, Bradley $42M. MLS subsidized Bradley transfer.
[article]Toronto FC unveiled Michael Bradley as its newest designated player Monday, signing the American midfielder from Italian club AS Roma.
Striker Jermain Defoe, signed from English club Tottenham Hotspur last Friday, was introduced along with Bradley at a late-morning press conference.
Bradley, 26, began his professional career in 2004 with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars before being sold to Dutch club Heerenveen in January 2006. He has also played for Germany's Borussia Monchengladbach, England's Aston Villa and Italy's Chievo Verona.
Born in Princeton, N.J., Bradley has been capped 81 times for the U.S. men's national team and has scored 11 goals in international competition.
Along with Bradley and Defoe, Toronto FC also signed Brazilian striker Gilberto as a designated player in December.[/article]
Grant Wahl @GrantWahl2m
Am told commitments (transfer/salary) for Toronto duo total $85 million. Defoe $43M, Bradley $42M. MLS subsidized Bradley transfer.
Yohann Thuram-Ulien - Charlton (loan)
[article=http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20140113-charlton-snap-up-thuram-ulien-1292961.aspx?#wfwMu1WJwc0VjCmz.99]Charlton have signed Yohann Thuram-Ulien on loan from Standard Liège until June 30th, 2014, the club announced on Monday evening.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper graduated from the youth academy at AS Monaco, much like his cousin and French World Cup winner Lilian Thuram.
Thuram-Ulien went on to represent Monaco’s first team, including a fine debut performance against AJ Auxerre in December 2008, before moving on loan to Tours.
The acrobatic stopper, who has represented France at U21 level, then moved to Troyes AC where he was regarded as one of the strongest players in his position in Ligue 1.
His performances caught the eye of Standard who snapped him up ahead of the 2013/14 season and he will now compete with Ben Hamer and Ben Alnwick for a place in the Addicks’ starting line-up until the end of the season.
Thuram-Ulien was not signed in time to be eligible for Tuesday night’s FA Cup clash with Oxford United (7.45pm), but will be available for selection for Saturday’s Championship trip to Middlesbrough.
He is the second player to join from Standard this month, following midfield playmaker and former Sweden U21 international Astrit Ajdarević who also signed a six-month loan deal.[/article]
[article=http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/20140113-charlton-snap-up-thuram-ulien-1292961.aspx?#wfwMu1WJwc0VjCmz.99]Charlton have signed Yohann Thuram-Ulien on loan from Standard Liège until June 30th, 2014, the club announced on Monday evening.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper graduated from the youth academy at AS Monaco, much like his cousin and French World Cup winner Lilian Thuram.
Thuram-Ulien went on to represent Monaco’s first team, including a fine debut performance against AJ Auxerre in December 2008, before moving on loan to Tours.
The acrobatic stopper, who has represented France at U21 level, then moved to Troyes AC where he was regarded as one of the strongest players in his position in Ligue 1.
His performances caught the eye of Standard who snapped him up ahead of the 2013/14 season and he will now compete with Ben Hamer and Ben Alnwick for a place in the Addicks’ starting line-up until the end of the season.
Thuram-Ulien was not signed in time to be eligible for Tuesday night’s FA Cup clash with Oxford United (7.45pm), but will be available for selection for Saturday’s Championship trip to Middlesbrough.
He is the second player to join from Standard this month, following midfield playmaker and former Sweden U21 international Astrit Ajdarević who also signed a six-month loan deal.[/article]
Nouha Dicko - Wolves (undisclosed fee)
[article=http://www.wolves.co.uk/news/article/nouha-is-back-130114-1291843.aspx#2xJmepUMwqttRY7S.99]Wolves are pleased to confirm the permanent arrival of Wigan frontman Nouha Dicko.
The French-born 21-year-old moves to Molineux for an undisclosed fee and, after completing a medical this morning, has signed a two-and-a-half year contract.
Dicko of course is no stranger to Wolves, having spent the last six weeks of last season on loan with the club, where he scored one goal in four appearances.
During that spell he was generally used as a winger, but it was on loan with Wolves’ Sky Bet League One rivals Rotherham that he shot to prominence recently, scoring six goals in six games including a brace against Wolves in December's 3-3 draw at the New York Stadium.
Dicko has found options limited at Wigan, making nine appearances for the team who have mostly been in the Barclays Premier League during his two-and-a-half years at the club.
But he built up plenty of experience of English football during two separate loans with Blackpool, scoring nine goals in 37 outings.
“We know all about Nouha from his loan spell with us at the end of last season,” said Wolves Head of Development and Recruitment Kevin Thelwell.
“Having since gone on to enjoy a successful loan with Rotherham, we are confident that he will be come in here and do very well for us.
“We also believe that with his talent, he has the potential to succeed not just in this division but a higher level which is where the club is aiming to go.”
Head Coach Kenny Jackett was delighted to have added Dicko to the squad.
“I am very pleased that we have signed Nouha,” said Jackett.
“He brings pace to our front line which we haven’t really had, as well as a good goalscoring record.
“He has played against my teams before both when at Blackpool and obviously for Rotherham this year against Wolves.
“He is a player I have seen a lot of and I think he has the qualities that will bring a good complement to the squad.”
Dicko is the third permanent arrival for Wolves of the January transfer window after James Henry and Michael Jacobs both signed on the dotted line after successful loan spells.
He is due to train with his new team-mates for the first time tomorrow.[/article]
[article=http://www.wolves.co.uk/news/article/nouha-is-back-130114-1291843.aspx#2xJmepUMwqttRY7S.99]Wolves are pleased to confirm the permanent arrival of Wigan frontman Nouha Dicko.
The French-born 21-year-old moves to Molineux for an undisclosed fee and, after completing a medical this morning, has signed a two-and-a-half year contract.
Dicko of course is no stranger to Wolves, having spent the last six weeks of last season on loan with the club, where he scored one goal in four appearances.
During that spell he was generally used as a winger, but it was on loan with Wolves’ Sky Bet League One rivals Rotherham that he shot to prominence recently, scoring six goals in six games including a brace against Wolves in December's 3-3 draw at the New York Stadium.
Dicko has found options limited at Wigan, making nine appearances for the team who have mostly been in the Barclays Premier League during his two-and-a-half years at the club.
But he built up plenty of experience of English football during two separate loans with Blackpool, scoring nine goals in 37 outings.
“We know all about Nouha from his loan spell with us at the end of last season,” said Wolves Head of Development and Recruitment Kevin Thelwell.
“Having since gone on to enjoy a successful loan with Rotherham, we are confident that he will be come in here and do very well for us.
“We also believe that with his talent, he has the potential to succeed not just in this division but a higher level which is where the club is aiming to go.”
Head Coach Kenny Jackett was delighted to have added Dicko to the squad.
“I am very pleased that we have signed Nouha,” said Jackett.
“He brings pace to our front line which we haven’t really had, as well as a good goalscoring record.
“He has played against my teams before both when at Blackpool and obviously for Rotherham this year against Wolves.
“He is a player I have seen a lot of and I think he has the qualities that will bring a good complement to the squad.”
Dicko is the third permanent arrival for Wolves of the January transfer window after James Henry and Michael Jacobs both signed on the dotted line after successful loan spells.
He is due to train with his new team-mates for the first time tomorrow.[/article]
Stephen Ireland - Stoke (free transfer with Aston Villa saving in excess of £200k in wages)
[article= http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/loan-star-pens-permanent-deal-1293386.aspx#Jpx7163WbfvssiRj.99]STOKE CITY have today completed the permanent signing of midfielder Stephen Ireland from Aston Villa.
The Republic of Ireland international had been on a season-long loan at the Britannia Stadium but that agreement has been converted into a permanent transfer, thus giving the Potters scope to move into the loan market again.
Ireland has made 16 appearances for Mark Hughes’ side and has contributed three league and cup goals.
Manager Hughes told stokecityfc.com: “Stephen is a talented footballer and has shown what he’s capable of since he joined us. We’re delighted to have made his switch a permanent arrangement as it also gives us the opportunity to bring in another player on loan if necessary.”
Ireland’s move to the Britannia Stadium saw him link-up with Hughes for the second time in his career having had a highly productive spell under him at Manchester City.
He made more than 140 league appearances for City before joining Villa in August 2010 in a part-exchange deal that saw James Milner head in the opposite direction.[/article]
John Guidetti - Stoke (loan)
[article=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/guidetti-joins-on-loan-1294155.aspx#HslAZvpxeI3BkF3u.99]MARK HUGHES has today strengthened his attacking resources by signing John Guidetti on loan from Manchester City.
Stoke held off competition from a host of clubs to secure the services of the highly-regarded Swedish international, who will spend the remainder of the season at the Britannia Stadium.
They moved quickly to complete the formalities of the deal after freeing up a loan opportunity by converting midfielder Stephen Ireland’s loan from Aston Villa into a permanent arrangement.
Guidetti has been restricted to just one League Cup appearance for City but made a huge impact while on loan in the Dutch Eredivisie with Feyenoord, scoring 20 goals in 23 appearances.
The 21 year old returned to action earlier this season after a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury and is understandably keen to make up for lost time in his spell with the Potters.
Hughes told stokecityfc.com: “We wanted to try and add different options to our attacking threat and John will certainly do that.
“He’s someone who if you get him in the right areas will make the most of opportunities that come his way because he’s a natural goal-scorer.
“There were several clubs who were interested in taking him on loan and we’re delighted that he has chosen to join us.”
Chief Executive Tony Scholes added: “We’ve had the deal to bring John in on loan on the stocks for a few days now but had to convert Stephen Ireland’s loan deal into a permanent deal to free-up another loan.
“We’re delighted to have brought John to the Club and are grateful to Stephen and Villa for their co-operation.” [/article]
[article= http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/loan-star-pens-permanent-deal-1293386.aspx#Jpx7163WbfvssiRj.99]STOKE CITY have today completed the permanent signing of midfielder Stephen Ireland from Aston Villa.
The Republic of Ireland international had been on a season-long loan at the Britannia Stadium but that agreement has been converted into a permanent transfer, thus giving the Potters scope to move into the loan market again.
Ireland has made 16 appearances for Mark Hughes’ side and has contributed three league and cup goals.
Manager Hughes told stokecityfc.com: “Stephen is a talented footballer and has shown what he’s capable of since he joined us. We’re delighted to have made his switch a permanent arrangement as it also gives us the opportunity to bring in another player on loan if necessary.”
Ireland’s move to the Britannia Stadium saw him link-up with Hughes for the second time in his career having had a highly productive spell under him at Manchester City.
He made more than 140 league appearances for City before joining Villa in August 2010 in a part-exchange deal that saw James Milner head in the opposite direction.[/article]
John Guidetti - Stoke (loan)
[article=http://www.stokecityfc.com/news/article/guidetti-joins-on-loan-1294155.aspx#HslAZvpxeI3BkF3u.99]MARK HUGHES has today strengthened his attacking resources by signing John Guidetti on loan from Manchester City.
Stoke held off competition from a host of clubs to secure the services of the highly-regarded Swedish international, who will spend the remainder of the season at the Britannia Stadium.
They moved quickly to complete the formalities of the deal after freeing up a loan opportunity by converting midfielder Stephen Ireland’s loan from Aston Villa into a permanent arrangement.
Guidetti has been restricted to just one League Cup appearance for City but made a huge impact while on loan in the Dutch Eredivisie with Feyenoord, scoring 20 goals in 23 appearances.
The 21 year old returned to action earlier this season after a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury and is understandably keen to make up for lost time in his spell with the Potters.
Hughes told stokecityfc.com: “We wanted to try and add different options to our attacking threat and John will certainly do that.
“He’s someone who if you get him in the right areas will make the most of opportunities that come his way because he’s a natural goal-scorer.
“There were several clubs who were interested in taking him on loan and we’re delighted that he has chosen to join us.”
Chief Executive Tony Scholes added: “We’ve had the deal to bring John in on loan on the stocks for a few days now but had to convert Stephen Ireland’s loan deal into a permanent deal to free-up another loan.
“We’re delighted to have brought John to the Club and are grateful to Stephen and Villa for their co-operation.” [/article]
Aston Villa - Grant Holt (loan)
[article]Grant Holt believes his experience, allied to the quality and strength of fellow forwards Christian Benteke, Gabby Agbonlahor and Andi Weimann, will enhance Villa's attacking options through the second half of the season.
The 32-year-old centre forward has been signed from Wigan on a loan deal to the end of the season after Libor Kozak sustained a broken leg in training, finishing the 24-year-old Czech international's first season in the Barclays Premier League.
Having worked with Paul Lambert previously at Norwich, the Villa manager knows what Holt will offer and he expects the former Canaries captain to be a strong influence on and off the pitch.
Lambert said: "Losing Libor was a blow to us, obviously. When I knew Grant had become available it was something I wanted to pursue quickly because he'll add strength and experience to what is still a young squad overall. Having worked with him for three years at Norwich, I know what he can do and that's important.
"Coming back into the Premier League will rekindle that desire in him to succeed again at this level and, if he can replicate what he did in those three years at Norwich over these next few months here at Villa, then he'll make an impact, that's for sure.
"Grant's got some really strong attributes, he's someone who is tried and trusted and a player I've worked with before. We're looking at one or two other positions as well but this is good business for us and he'll be a really strong influence."
Holt scored 53 goals in 92 games as Norwich enjoyed back-to-back promotions from League One. In his first Premier League season in 2011-12 he scored 17 goals and was Norwich's player of the year.
Holt said: "If you just look at the likes of Christian, Gabby and Andi and then the players behind them, you can see what quality is here.
"The manager is trying to build a strong base with youthful, hungry players while adding experience in there too - the likes of Ron Vlaar, Brad Guzan and Karim El Ahmadi.
"I'm just delighted to be a part of it to try and get the best out of them and, hopefully, they will also get the best out of me. It's a massive opportunity for me personally, an opportunity I couldn't turn down.
"To be able to come back into the Premier League, especially at a club as big as Villa, is fantastic and it's a an opportunity for me to work with the gaffer and his staff again as well.
"He's able to get the best out of people, there's no doubt about that. I know what he wants to achieve here in the long-term and I know what he expects. I know what he expects on the training ground and I'm looking forward to working with him over the coming months to try to help things along and to consolidate the club's position.
"We all know this is a club in transition but we're making progress this season. We've got a lot of young lads at the club who are doing fantastic and I'm really delighted to be a part of it and to be able to lend a hand."[/article]
[article]Grant Holt believes his experience, allied to the quality and strength of fellow forwards Christian Benteke, Gabby Agbonlahor and Andi Weimann, will enhance Villa's attacking options through the second half of the season.
The 32-year-old centre forward has been signed from Wigan on a loan deal to the end of the season after Libor Kozak sustained a broken leg in training, finishing the 24-year-old Czech international's first season in the Barclays Premier League.
Having worked with Paul Lambert previously at Norwich, the Villa manager knows what Holt will offer and he expects the former Canaries captain to be a strong influence on and off the pitch.
Lambert said: "Losing Libor was a blow to us, obviously. When I knew Grant had become available it was something I wanted to pursue quickly because he'll add strength and experience to what is still a young squad overall. Having worked with him for three years at Norwich, I know what he can do and that's important.
"Coming back into the Premier League will rekindle that desire in him to succeed again at this level and, if he can replicate what he did in those three years at Norwich over these next few months here at Villa, then he'll make an impact, that's for sure.
"Grant's got some really strong attributes, he's someone who is tried and trusted and a player I've worked with before. We're looking at one or two other positions as well but this is good business for us and he'll be a really strong influence."
Holt scored 53 goals in 92 games as Norwich enjoyed back-to-back promotions from League One. In his first Premier League season in 2011-12 he scored 17 goals and was Norwich's player of the year.
Holt said: "If you just look at the likes of Christian, Gabby and Andi and then the players behind them, you can see what quality is here.
"The manager is trying to build a strong base with youthful, hungry players while adding experience in there too - the likes of Ron Vlaar, Brad Guzan and Karim El Ahmadi.
"I'm just delighted to be a part of it to try and get the best out of them and, hopefully, they will also get the best out of me. It's a massive opportunity for me personally, an opportunity I couldn't turn down.
"To be able to come back into the Premier League, especially at a club as big as Villa, is fantastic and it's a an opportunity for me to work with the gaffer and his staff again as well.
"He's able to get the best out of people, there's no doubt about that. I know what he wants to achieve here in the long-term and I know what he expects. I know what he expects on the training ground and I'm looking forward to working with him over the coming months to try to help things along and to consolidate the club's position.
"We all know this is a club in transition but we're making progress this season. We've got a lot of young lads at the club who are doing fantastic and I'm really delighted to be a part of it and to be able to lend a hand."[/article]
Bryan Ruiz - PSV (loan)
[article=http://www.psv.nl/News/News-page/Bryan-Ruiz-joins-PSV-on-loan-from-Fulham.htm]PSV technical director Marcel Brands confirmed on Wednesday morning that forward Bryan Ruiz will join PSV on loan for the rest of the season from English Premier League club Fulham. The 28-year-old Costa Rican international put pen to paper on his loan deal at the Philips Stadion this morning. Ruiz, who has successfully undergone a medical, spent two years in the Eredivisie with FC Twente, winning the title in 2010.
PSV, Fulham and the player finalised the deal on Wednesday morning, so Ruiz will join PSV on loan for the rest of the season. “I will give my all for PSV”, said Ruiz in his first interview with PSV TV. “I vividly remember the exciting games I played with FC Twente against PSV. They could go ether way. I cherish the memories with FC Twente, but I’m a professional football player and will now give my best for PSV”, said Ruiz in perfect English. He will wear the number 23 for PSV.
“When the opportunity arose, I was interested in a loan switch from Fulham to PSV and I am really looking forward to joining my new team mates in full training”, said Ruiz, who does not refer to his loan deal as a solution but rather as an opportunity. “It’s true that I didn’t have much playing at Fulham lately. This is a great opportunity for me to get my confidence back, help PSV finish as high as possible and prepare for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”, said Ruiz, who is match fit and hailed PSV´s quality. “I am fully motivated to play for PSV and will help the side improve on their current standings in the Eredivisie.”
Marcel Brands is delighted at having completed the loan deal. “The name Bryan Ruiz speaks for itself. We attempted to sign him last summer and tried again this winter but it was still hard work until we saw light at the end of the tunnel last week”, told Brands PSV TV, who hailed Ruiz’s goalscoring prowess. “Ruiz is 28 year old, has gained a lot of experience and is the captain of the national team of Costa Rica. He knows the Dutch league well and I think everyone will welcome such a player in the Dutch league. We kept in touch the past few months.” PSV have completed a loan deal with Fulham but they have no option to sign Ruiz permanently. “That was too completed for now, This was the first step and we hope for a second one”, explained Brands.[/article]
[article=http://www.psv.nl/News/News-page/Bryan-Ruiz-joins-PSV-on-loan-from-Fulham.htm]PSV technical director Marcel Brands confirmed on Wednesday morning that forward Bryan Ruiz will join PSV on loan for the rest of the season from English Premier League club Fulham. The 28-year-old Costa Rican international put pen to paper on his loan deal at the Philips Stadion this morning. Ruiz, who has successfully undergone a medical, spent two years in the Eredivisie with FC Twente, winning the title in 2010.
PSV, Fulham and the player finalised the deal on Wednesday morning, so Ruiz will join PSV on loan for the rest of the season. “I will give my all for PSV”, said Ruiz in his first interview with PSV TV. “I vividly remember the exciting games I played with FC Twente against PSV. They could go ether way. I cherish the memories with FC Twente, but I’m a professional football player and will now give my best for PSV”, said Ruiz in perfect English. He will wear the number 23 for PSV.
“When the opportunity arose, I was interested in a loan switch from Fulham to PSV and I am really looking forward to joining my new team mates in full training”, said Ruiz, who does not refer to his loan deal as a solution but rather as an opportunity. “It’s true that I didn’t have much playing at Fulham lately. This is a great opportunity for me to get my confidence back, help PSV finish as high as possible and prepare for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”, said Ruiz, who is match fit and hailed PSV´s quality. “I am fully motivated to play for PSV and will help the side improve on their current standings in the Eredivisie.”
Marcel Brands is delighted at having completed the loan deal. “The name Bryan Ruiz speaks for itself. We attempted to sign him last summer and tried again this winter but it was still hard work until we saw light at the end of the tunnel last week”, told Brands PSV TV, who hailed Ruiz’s goalscoring prowess. “Ruiz is 28 year old, has gained a lot of experience and is the captain of the national team of Costa Rica. He knows the Dutch league well and I think everyone will welcome such a player in the Dutch league. We kept in touch the past few months.” PSV have completed a loan deal with Fulham but they have no option to sign Ruiz permanently. “That was too completed for now, This was the first step and we hope for a second one”, explained Brands.[/article]
Stefan Johansen - Celtic (£2 million)
[article=http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=5252]CELTIC are delighted to announce that Stefan Johansen has signed for the club on a three-and-a-half year deal.
The highly-rated Norwegian internationalist joins the Scottish champions from Stromsgodset, where he helped them win their first league title in 43 years. And the 23-year-old midfielder is thrilled to have made the move to Paradise.
Stefan becomes the fourth Norwegian to join the Hoops, following in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Harald Brattbakk, Vidar Riseth and Thomas Rogne.
Everyone at Celtic would like to welcome Stefan to the club and wish him all the best for his career in the Hoops.
AS a youngster in Norway, Stefan Johansen dreamed of playing football for the Norwegian national side and also for a top European club. Now, having put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal with the Scottish champions, he’s achieved both of those ambitions.
And having signed for Celtic, the highly-rated midfielder wants to be a winner with the Hoops.
Speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website at the Lennoxtown Training Centre today, the 23-year-old new Bhoy spoke about his delight at having finalised the move from Stromsgodset.
“I talked with some of the guys in the national team,” Stefan explained, “and they all said that Glasgow is fantastic, the fans are unbelievable and the club is one of the biggest in the world so it was a pretty easy choice. And I’m looking forward to playing at Celtic Park.
“When you’re young, you just dream about something like this happening. The club is so big so it’s an unbelievable feeling to be here.
"As a Norwegian youngster, you dream about playing for the national team and also for a big club in Europe, and now I have the chance to achieve both of these things, so I’m very happy.
“The league is better in Scotland, and there are no clubs in Norway who are as good as Celtic, but the type of football is quite similar. They have the passion, but this very many steps up.”
Stefan Johansen becomes the fourth Norwegian player to join Celtic, following in the footsteps of fellow countrymen, Harald Brattbakk, Vidar Riseth and Thomas Rogne.
And he’s hoping to help Neil Lennon’s side in their bid for a second consecutive domestic double.
“I’ve watched some games,” he said. “Obviously when I heard that Celtic were interested in me I watched a few more games, but I’ve seen many of the Champions League games on TV and it looked fantastic.
“I’m a passing player, a possession player, but I’m also a winner – I like to win, so the culture here is perfect here for me and Celtic are a team who always try to play football so I think it will be a perfect match.”
And having seen and heard about the reputation of the Celtic supporters, Stefan is eager to experience it for himself.
The Norwegian internationalist will wear the No.25 jersey – one previously worn by the likes of Shunsuke Nakamura and Lubo Moravcik.
And while he knows he’s following in some illustrious footsteps, the midfielder wants to make his own reputation at Paradise.
“It’s an important number,” he said, “but I want to be a player who can improve my game and do my best and succeed, so I’m looking forward to wearing that number. But most of all, I’m looking forward to wearing the Celtic jersey because it’s a very important thing for me.
“Celtic fans are known everywhere as being the best in the world so I’m looking forward to playing for them, and I hope I can give something back to them, and keep on winning trophies with Celtic.”
[/article]
[article=http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=5252]CELTIC are delighted to announce that Stefan Johansen has signed for the club on a three-and-a-half year deal.
The highly-rated Norwegian internationalist joins the Scottish champions from Stromsgodset, where he helped them win their first league title in 43 years. And the 23-year-old midfielder is thrilled to have made the move to Paradise.
Stefan becomes the fourth Norwegian to join the Hoops, following in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Harald Brattbakk, Vidar Riseth and Thomas Rogne.
Everyone at Celtic would like to welcome Stefan to the club and wish him all the best for his career in the Hoops.
AS a youngster in Norway, Stefan Johansen dreamed of playing football for the Norwegian national side and also for a top European club. Now, having put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal with the Scottish champions, he’s achieved both of those ambitions.
And having signed for Celtic, the highly-rated midfielder wants to be a winner with the Hoops.
Speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website at the Lennoxtown Training Centre today, the 23-year-old new Bhoy spoke about his delight at having finalised the move from Stromsgodset.
“I talked with some of the guys in the national team,” Stefan explained, “and they all said that Glasgow is fantastic, the fans are unbelievable and the club is one of the biggest in the world so it was a pretty easy choice. And I’m looking forward to playing at Celtic Park.
“When you’re young, you just dream about something like this happening. The club is so big so it’s an unbelievable feeling to be here.
"As a Norwegian youngster, you dream about playing for the national team and also for a big club in Europe, and now I have the chance to achieve both of these things, so I’m very happy.
“The league is better in Scotland, and there are no clubs in Norway who are as good as Celtic, but the type of football is quite similar. They have the passion, but this very many steps up.”
Stefan Johansen becomes the fourth Norwegian player to join Celtic, following in the footsteps of fellow countrymen, Harald Brattbakk, Vidar Riseth and Thomas Rogne.
And he’s hoping to help Neil Lennon’s side in their bid for a second consecutive domestic double.
“I’ve watched some games,” he said. “Obviously when I heard that Celtic were interested in me I watched a few more games, but I’ve seen many of the Champions League games on TV and it looked fantastic.
“I’m a passing player, a possession player, but I’m also a winner – I like to win, so the culture here is perfect here for me and Celtic are a team who always try to play football so I think it will be a perfect match.”
And having seen and heard about the reputation of the Celtic supporters, Stefan is eager to experience it for himself.
The Norwegian internationalist will wear the No.25 jersey – one previously worn by the likes of Shunsuke Nakamura and Lubo Moravcik.
And while he knows he’s following in some illustrious footsteps, the midfielder wants to make his own reputation at Paradise.
“It’s an important number,” he said, “but I want to be a player who can improve my game and do my best and succeed, so I’m looking forward to wearing that number. But most of all, I’m looking forward to wearing the Celtic jersey because it’s a very important thing for me.
“Celtic fans are known everywhere as being the best in the world so I’m looking forward to playing for them, and I hope I can give something back to them, and keep on winning trophies with Celtic.”
[/article]
Nikica Jelavic - Hull (undisclosed fee, reportedly £6.5million)
[article=http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/201314-jelavic-signing-1293525.aspx#RgceWg7Vbi1qs9j7.99]Hull City have completed the signing of striker Nikica Jelavic from Everton for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old Croatian international has signed a three-and-a-half year deal and will hope to make his debut in Saturday’s away clash with Norwich City.
Jelavic has a fine goal-scoring record in a professional career that has seen him play for Hajduk Split, Rapid Vienna, Glasgow Rangers where he partnered current Tiger Sone Aluko in attack, and Everton.
His time in Scotland was particularly prolific with 36 goals in 54 games and he followed that up with 21 goals during two years with Everton.
Jelavic now hopes to bring his goal-scoring prowess to the KC Stadium and he can’t wait to get started in a black and amber shirt.
“As soon as the manager called me, I realised straight away that he was really interested in signing me and that it is a great opportunity for me to come here,” said Jelavic.
“It is a good club, and we have a good squad. We talked a little bit, but it didn’t take long to realise that it was right for me.
“It's a newly-promoted club, but I can see straight away that there is a lot of ambition here within the club and I hope that we can build on the great start to the season and become a really strong Premier League team over the coming years."[/article]
[article=http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/201314-jelavic-signing-1293525.aspx#RgceWg7Vbi1qs9j7.99]Hull City have completed the signing of striker Nikica Jelavic from Everton for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old Croatian international has signed a three-and-a-half year deal and will hope to make his debut in Saturday’s away clash with Norwich City.
Jelavic has a fine goal-scoring record in a professional career that has seen him play for Hajduk Split, Rapid Vienna, Glasgow Rangers where he partnered current Tiger Sone Aluko in attack, and Everton.
His time in Scotland was particularly prolific with 36 goals in 54 games and he followed that up with 21 goals during two years with Everton.
Jelavic now hopes to bring his goal-scoring prowess to the KC Stadium and he can’t wait to get started in a black and amber shirt.
“As soon as the manager called me, I realised straight away that he was really interested in signing me and that it is a great opportunity for me to come here,” said Jelavic.
“It is a good club, and we have a good squad. We talked a little bit, but it didn’t take long to realise that it was right for me.
“It's a newly-promoted club, but I can see straight away that there is a lot of ambition here within the club and I hope that we can build on the great start to the season and become a really strong Premier League team over the coming years."[/article]
Nemanja Matic - Chelsea (€25 million)
[article=http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3622226/title/matic-signs]Chelsea Football Club have today completed the signing of Nemanja Matic from Benfica.
On signing his five-and-a-half-year contract, the 25-year-old said: 'I am very happy for this opportunity to be back at this club. I feel very good because of that and just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy.'
Jose Mourinho added: 'I am very pleased that Nemanja is returning to Chelsea. He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder. I am sure he will become a very important member of the squad and help us to achieve our ambitions.'
The Serbian midfielder, who will wear the number 21 shirt, returns for a second spell at Stamford Bridge, having previously represented the Blues after joining from MSK Kosice in 2009. He made three substitute appearances in the 2009/10 season and departed in January 2011 as part of the deal which brought David Luiz, one of the most coveted players in Europe, from Benfica to London.
Matic made his Chelsea debut aged 21 during a 4-0 league victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and also featured in our final-day 8-0 win over Wigan Athletic in 2010 which saw us clinch the title.
In August 2010, he went on a season-long loan to Vitesse Arnhem to gain more first-team experience and although the transfer to Benfica was agreed mid-season, Vitesse retained his services for the remainder of that campaign.
The 6ft 4in, left-footed player made his debut for the Portuguese club as a late substitute in a 2-1 win over Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of the 2011/12 campaign, and with the benefit of regular first-team appearances, his game matured.
Composed, comfortable in possession and with a good range of passing, he scored his first goal for the Lisbon club during a 4-1 win against Vitoria Setubal in January 2012, and acquired valuable Champions League experience, including games against Chelsea in both legs of the quarter-final on our way to winning the competition.
While his first season at the club was a solid one, the 2012/13 campaign saw Matic flourish. With Javi Garcia departing for Manchester City, he became a formidable presence in the centre of midfield, impressing to such an extent he was named Portuguese Player of the Month on three occasions.
He also added more goals to his game and a stunning volley in a 2-2 draw against Porto was this week voted second in FIFA's Puskas Award for the best goal scored anywhere in the world in 2013. He also netted the winner as Benfica beat Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their round of 32 Europa League clash.
Matic played in all but one of Benfica's matches as they progressed to last season's Europa League final, where they were beaten by Chelsea in Amsterdam.
They were also pipped to the Portuguese title by Porto, with a solitary point separating the two big rivals, but on a personal note, the season ended in a memorable manner for the Serbian when he was named Primeira Liga Player of the Year.
The opportunity to play regularly for one of Europe's biggest teams has undoubtedly aided Matic's development over the last two seasons, and he continued to impress during the first half of the current campaign in Portugal where Benfica currently have a two-point lead at the top of the table.
His final appearance for Benfica came last Sunday, when he helped them to a 2-0 win over Porto.
Matic has earned international recognition with Serbia at youth and Under-21 level, and with the senior team for whom he has made nine appearances, the most recent a World Cup qualifier in October.[/article]
[article=http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/3622226/title/matic-signs]Chelsea Football Club have today completed the signing of Nemanja Matic from Benfica.
On signing his five-and-a-half-year contract, the 25-year-old said: 'I am very happy for this opportunity to be back at this club. I feel very good because of that and just want to say I will give my best to help the team and make the Chelsea fans happy.'
Jose Mourinho added: 'I am very pleased that Nemanja is returning to Chelsea. He has grown as a player in Portugal and has become a fantastic all-round midfielder. I am sure he will become a very important member of the squad and help us to achieve our ambitions.'
The Serbian midfielder, who will wear the number 21 shirt, returns for a second spell at Stamford Bridge, having previously represented the Blues after joining from MSK Kosice in 2009. He made three substitute appearances in the 2009/10 season and departed in January 2011 as part of the deal which brought David Luiz, one of the most coveted players in Europe, from Benfica to London.
Matic made his Chelsea debut aged 21 during a 4-0 league victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and also featured in our final-day 8-0 win over Wigan Athletic in 2010 which saw us clinch the title.
In August 2010, he went on a season-long loan to Vitesse Arnhem to gain more first-team experience and although the transfer to Benfica was agreed mid-season, Vitesse retained his services for the remainder of that campaign.
The 6ft 4in, left-footed player made his debut for the Portuguese club as a late substitute in a 2-1 win over Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of the 2011/12 campaign, and with the benefit of regular first-team appearances, his game matured.
Composed, comfortable in possession and with a good range of passing, he scored his first goal for the Lisbon club during a 4-1 win against Vitoria Setubal in January 2012, and acquired valuable Champions League experience, including games against Chelsea in both legs of the quarter-final on our way to winning the competition.
While his first season at the club was a solid one, the 2012/13 campaign saw Matic flourish. With Javi Garcia departing for Manchester City, he became a formidable presence in the centre of midfield, impressing to such an extent he was named Portuguese Player of the Month on three occasions.
He also added more goals to his game and a stunning volley in a 2-2 draw against Porto was this week voted second in FIFA's Puskas Award for the best goal scored anywhere in the world in 2013. He also netted the winner as Benfica beat Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their round of 32 Europa League clash.
Matic played in all but one of Benfica's matches as they progressed to last season's Europa League final, where they were beaten by Chelsea in Amsterdam.
They were also pipped to the Portuguese title by Porto, with a solitary point separating the two big rivals, but on a personal note, the season ended in a memorable manner for the Serbian when he was named Primeira Liga Player of the Year.
The opportunity to play regularly for one of Europe's biggest teams has undoubtedly aided Matic's development over the last two seasons, and he continued to impress during the first half of the current campaign in Portugal where Benfica currently have a two-point lead at the top of the table.
His final appearance for Benfica came last Sunday, when he helped them to a 2-0 win over Porto.
Matic has earned international recognition with Serbia at youth and Under-21 level, and with the senior team for whom he has made nine appearances, the most recent a World Cup qualifier in October.[/article]
Kevin Phillips - Leicester (free transfer)
[article=http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/150114-kevin-phillips-joins-leicester-city-1296773.aspx?#ddWPMhyVLF2XgCvM.99]Leicester City Football Club has today signed striker Kevin Phillips on a short-term contract.
The vastly experienced forward has agreed a deal until the end of the 2013/14 season and, subject to his registration being cleared by the Football League, should be available for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship trip to Leeds United. He will wear the No.28 shirt.
City manager Nigel Pearson said: “The opportunity to sign a player of Kevin’s experience and know-how doesn’t come along too often so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to add him to our squad.
“He’s a player I know well, he’s a fantastic professional with multiple promotions to his name and he will bring some great qualities to the group, both on and off the pitch.”
Phillips, 40, joins City as a free agent following his recent departure from Crystal Palace, with whom he won his fourth promotion to the Premier League last season – scoring a match-winning, extra-time penalty in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley.
Arriving with over 650 career appearances and 285 goals to his name, the former England international has represented the likes of Sunderland, Southampton, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion during a 20-year career in which he became one of the most feared English marksmen of his generation.
Phillips’ career first gathered pace during a two-and-a-half-year spell with Watford, where he scored 25 goals in 65 games following his arrival from non-league Baldock Town. But it was after joining Sunderland in 1997 that his career really took off.
He plundered 35 Championship goals during his first season with the Black Cats, who just missed out on promotion, before hitting another 25 during the following campaign as Sunderland went up as champions. The step up in quality proved no problem for Phillips, whose 30 goals during his debut season in the Premier League were enough to earn him the coveted European Golden Boot. He remains the only Englishman on the award’s illustrious list of past winners.
In 2003, Phillips joined Southampton, scoring on his debut against Leicester and continuing to find the net regularly before joining Aston Villa two years later. Despite again scoring in his first game, an injury-disrupted spell at Villa Park came to an end when he signed for West Brom just over a year later.
It was at the Hawthorns that Phillips first worked with City manager Nigel Pearson, who took temporary charge of the Baggies, then of the Championship, in the autumn of 2006. Phillips scored a hat-trick in Pearson’s final game in caretaker charge – three of 22 goals he would register in his first season. He added another promotion to his CV the following year, hitting a further 24 goals as West Brom went up as champions.
Spells with Birmingham City, where he won a third promotion, and Blackpool followed before a January 2013 move to Palace, who made full use of Phillips’ considerable expertise en route to their play-off triumph over Watford in May.
He made five substitute appearances for Palace during the opening half of the current campaign before agreeing his departure from Selhurst Park earlier this month.[/article]
[article=http://www.lcfc.com/news/article/150114-kevin-phillips-joins-leicester-city-1296773.aspx?#ddWPMhyVLF2XgCvM.99]Leicester City Football Club has today signed striker Kevin Phillips on a short-term contract.
The vastly experienced forward has agreed a deal until the end of the 2013/14 season and, subject to his registration being cleared by the Football League, should be available for Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship trip to Leeds United. He will wear the No.28 shirt.
City manager Nigel Pearson said: “The opportunity to sign a player of Kevin’s experience and know-how doesn’t come along too often so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to add him to our squad.
“He’s a player I know well, he’s a fantastic professional with multiple promotions to his name and he will bring some great qualities to the group, both on and off the pitch.”
Phillips, 40, joins City as a free agent following his recent departure from Crystal Palace, with whom he won his fourth promotion to the Premier League last season – scoring a match-winning, extra-time penalty in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley.
Arriving with over 650 career appearances and 285 goals to his name, the former England international has represented the likes of Sunderland, Southampton, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion during a 20-year career in which he became one of the most feared English marksmen of his generation.
Phillips’ career first gathered pace during a two-and-a-half-year spell with Watford, where he scored 25 goals in 65 games following his arrival from non-league Baldock Town. But it was after joining Sunderland in 1997 that his career really took off.
He plundered 35 Championship goals during his first season with the Black Cats, who just missed out on promotion, before hitting another 25 during the following campaign as Sunderland went up as champions. The step up in quality proved no problem for Phillips, whose 30 goals during his debut season in the Premier League were enough to earn him the coveted European Golden Boot. He remains the only Englishman on the award’s illustrious list of past winners.
In 2003, Phillips joined Southampton, scoring on his debut against Leicester and continuing to find the net regularly before joining Aston Villa two years later. Despite again scoring in his first game, an injury-disrupted spell at Villa Park came to an end when he signed for West Brom just over a year later.
It was at the Hawthorns that Phillips first worked with City manager Nigel Pearson, who took temporary charge of the Baggies, then of the Championship, in the autumn of 2006. Phillips scored a hat-trick in Pearson’s final game in caretaker charge – three of 22 goals he would register in his first season. He added another promotion to his CV the following year, hitting a further 24 goals as West Brom went up as champions.
Spells with Birmingham City, where he won a third promotion, and Blackpool followed before a January 2013 move to Palace, who made full use of Phillips’ considerable expertise en route to their play-off triumph over Watford in May.
He made five substitute appearances for Palace during the opening half of the current campaign before agreeing his departure from Selhurst Park earlier this month.[/article]
Dong-Won Ji - Augsburg (undisclosed fee)
[article=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/01/17/uk-soccer-germany-augsburg-ji-idUKBREA0G00X20140117]South Korea striker Ji Dong-won has joined Bundesliga side Augsburg from Sunderland, the Premier League club said on their website (www.safc.com) on Thursday.
The 22-year-old had a five-month loan spell with Augsburg last season, scoring five goals in 17 games.
The transfer fee was undisclosed for a player whose contract with Sunderland was due to run out at the end of the season.
Ji joined Sunderland from K-League side Chunnam Dragons in June 2011 and played 28 times for the 'Black Cats', scoring twice.
Augsburg are eighth with 24 points from 17 games.[/article]
[article=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/01/17/uk-soccer-germany-augsburg-ji-idUKBREA0G00X20140117]South Korea striker Ji Dong-won has joined Bundesliga side Augsburg from Sunderland, the Premier League club said on their website (www.safc.com) on Thursday.
The 22-year-old had a five-month loan spell with Augsburg last season, scoring five goals in 17 games.
The transfer fee was undisclosed for a player whose contract with Sunderland was due to run out at the end of the season.
Ji joined Sunderland from K-League side Chunnam Dragons in June 2011 and played 28 times for the 'Black Cats', scoring twice.
Augsburg are eighth with 24 points from 17 games.[/article]
Nathaniel Chalobah - Middlesbrough (loan)
[article=http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/news/latest/0,,1~3624050,00.html]BORO have completed the signing of Chelsea's highly-rated England U21 international Nathaniel Chalobah on loan for the remainder of the season.
Although he was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the 19-year-old - who is equally comfortable in central defence or a defensive midfield position.
He made his England U17 debut as a 14-year-old and in summer 2010 was part of the team that became European Champions at that level, playing alongside another former Boro loanee, Josh McEachran.
Last February Chalobah was named England Men's Youth Player of the Year at an FA awards ceremony, recognising his contribution at both U21 and U19 level and in June 2013 he played alongside Jason Steele in the European U21 Championships in Israel.
Despite his tender years, Chalobah was a key figure in the Chelsea reserve squad that won the national championship in 2011 and captained the side that won the 2012 FA Youth Cup, flying to Munich with the first team squad for that season's Champions League final.
He enjoyed a successful loan spell at Watford last season, playing in the Hornets' 2-1 win at the Riverside and scoring a stunning strike in a win at Leicester City in the penultimate league game before they lost to Crystal Palace in the play-off final.
He was part of the Chelsea first team's 2013 summer tour of Asia, playing in all three matches and receiving praise from manager Jose Mourinho who predicted a Chelsea future for the player after one more season on loan.
His progress was rewarded with a new five-year Chelsea contract before he was loaned out for the first half of the current campaign with Nottingham Forest.
Chalobah becomes Boro's second signing of the January transfer window after Nigerian international defender Kenneth Omeruo, who has also joined on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.[/article]
Middlesbrough benefiting from Karanka's friendship with Mourinho
[article=http://www.mfc.co.uk/page/news/latest/0,,1~3624050,00.html]BORO have completed the signing of Chelsea's highly-rated England U21 international Nathaniel Chalobah on loan for the remainder of the season.
Although he was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the 19-year-old - who is equally comfortable in central defence or a defensive midfield position.
He made his England U17 debut as a 14-year-old and in summer 2010 was part of the team that became European Champions at that level, playing alongside another former Boro loanee, Josh McEachran.
Last February Chalobah was named England Men's Youth Player of the Year at an FA awards ceremony, recognising his contribution at both U21 and U19 level and in June 2013 he played alongside Jason Steele in the European U21 Championships in Israel.
Despite his tender years, Chalobah was a key figure in the Chelsea reserve squad that won the national championship in 2011 and captained the side that won the 2012 FA Youth Cup, flying to Munich with the first team squad for that season's Champions League final.
He enjoyed a successful loan spell at Watford last season, playing in the Hornets' 2-1 win at the Riverside and scoring a stunning strike in a win at Leicester City in the penultimate league game before they lost to Crystal Palace in the play-off final.
He was part of the Chelsea first team's 2013 summer tour of Asia, playing in all three matches and receiving praise from manager Jose Mourinho who predicted a Chelsea future for the player after one more season on loan.
His progress was rewarded with a new five-year Chelsea contract before he was loaned out for the first half of the current campaign with Nottingham Forest.
Chalobah becomes Boro's second signing of the January transfer window after Nigerian international defender Kenneth Omeruo, who has also joined on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.[/article]
Middlesbrough benefiting from Karanka's friendship with Mourinho
Nicky Maynard - Wigan (loan)
[article=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/14-01-16-nicky-maynard-joins-latics-1298316.aspx#CtjFBcdZFid1Hk0A.99]Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of Cardiff City striker Nicky Maynard on a loan deal until the end of the season, after the player completed a medical earlier today.
The 27-year-old becomes Uwe Rosler’s second signing since becoming Wigan Athletic manager, following the arrival of Tyias Browning from Everton last week, and will wear the number 29 shirt for the remainder of the campaign.
Rosler is delighted to be adding more firepower to his attack, saying:
“Nicky is at the stage of his career where he wants to play regular football again after his injury last season. He wants to prove a point to himself and also to the people.
“That’s a perfect scenario for us; it matches our ambitions. We want to prove a point, we want to go up, we want to into the play offs and I think we can give him the platform to perform again.
“I will be patient with him because he has not played in a while. But, he’s fit, and he’s ready to go.”
Maynard signed for Cardiff in August 2012, at the beginning of their promotion-winning season from the Championship, but suffered an injury shortly afterward that would rule him out for the campaign.
So far this season the forward has made ten appearances in all competitions, eight of which in the Premier League, and has scored one goal against Accrington Stanley in the Capital One Cup.
Maynard began his career at Crewe Alexandra progressing through the club’s famous academy and going on to make 59 league appearances between 2005 and 2008, finding the back of the net on 32 occasions before moving to Bristol City.
He would make 124 league appearances for the Robins in four years at Ashton Gate, scoring 45 times, including the 2009 Football League Goal of the Year – a stunning, acrobatic volley from the edge of the area after plucking the ball from the air and beating two defenders.
His performances and goal tally for the Championship side led to a move to Upton Park with West Ham United in January 2012, scoring three goals for the Hammers towards the end of their promotion-winning season, including one against future club Cardiff in the play off semi-final second leg.
After six months at West Ham Maynard made the move to Cardiff at the beginning of last season and to date has made 12 league appearances for his parent club.[/article]
Didn't realize he's already 27.
[article=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/14-01-16-nicky-maynard-joins-latics-1298316.aspx#CtjFBcdZFid1Hk0A.99]Wigan Athletic are delighted to confirm the signing of Cardiff City striker Nicky Maynard on a loan deal until the end of the season, after the player completed a medical earlier today.
The 27-year-old becomes Uwe Rosler’s second signing since becoming Wigan Athletic manager, following the arrival of Tyias Browning from Everton last week, and will wear the number 29 shirt for the remainder of the campaign.
Rosler is delighted to be adding more firepower to his attack, saying:
“Nicky is at the stage of his career where he wants to play regular football again after his injury last season. He wants to prove a point to himself and also to the people.
“That’s a perfect scenario for us; it matches our ambitions. We want to prove a point, we want to go up, we want to into the play offs and I think we can give him the platform to perform again.
“I will be patient with him because he has not played in a while. But, he’s fit, and he’s ready to go.”
Maynard signed for Cardiff in August 2012, at the beginning of their promotion-winning season from the Championship, but suffered an injury shortly afterward that would rule him out for the campaign.
So far this season the forward has made ten appearances in all competitions, eight of which in the Premier League, and has scored one goal against Accrington Stanley in the Capital One Cup.
Maynard began his career at Crewe Alexandra progressing through the club’s famous academy and going on to make 59 league appearances between 2005 and 2008, finding the back of the net on 32 occasions before moving to Bristol City.
He would make 124 league appearances for the Robins in four years at Ashton Gate, scoring 45 times, including the 2009 Football League Goal of the Year – a stunning, acrobatic volley from the edge of the area after plucking the ball from the air and beating two defenders.
His performances and goal tally for the Championship side led to a move to Upton Park with West Ham United in January 2012, scoring three goals for the Hammers towards the end of their promotion-winning season, including one against future club Cardiff in the play off semi-final second leg.
After six months at West Ham Maynard made the move to Cardiff at the beginning of last season and to date has made 12 league appearances for his parent club.[/article]
Didn't realize he's already 27.
Shane Long - Hull (undisclosed fee, reportedly £7 million)
[article=http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/201314-long-signing-1300249.aspx]Hull City have completed the signing of Shane Long from West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international striker has signed a three-and-a-half year deal and completed the relevant paperwork on Friday morning.
Long, who first came to prominence in this country as a frequent goalscorer during his time with Reading, has been courted by the Tigers since last summer’s transfer window and he is delighted to now be a part of Steve Bruce’s squad.
“I finally got the deal signed. I’ve met all of the lads today, and everybody seems really friendly. It’s a club that’s on the up, and I’m delighted to be a part of that,” said Long.
“I’m lucky that I’ve had a few inside informers letting me know what it’s like up here. They all love it up here, and they’re excited by what is happening at the club.
“After meeting the manager, and respecting what he’s done as a player and a manager, I was happy to start a new part of my career here and hopefully I can score a few goals to take us further up the league.”
Long has been allocated the number 21 shirt.[/article]
[article=http://www.hullcitytigers.com/news/article/201314-long-signing-1300249.aspx]Hull City have completed the signing of Shane Long from West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international striker has signed a three-and-a-half year deal and completed the relevant paperwork on Friday morning.
Long, who first came to prominence in this country as a frequent goalscorer during his time with Reading, has been courted by the Tigers since last summer’s transfer window and he is delighted to now be a part of Steve Bruce’s squad.
“I finally got the deal signed. I’ve met all of the lads today, and everybody seems really friendly. It’s a club that’s on the up, and I’m delighted to be a part of that,” said Long.
“I’m lucky that I’ve had a few inside informers letting me know what it’s like up here. They all love it up here, and they’re excited by what is happening at the club.
“After meeting the manager, and respecting what he’s done as a player and a manager, I was happy to start a new part of my career here and hopefully I can score a few goals to take us further up the league.”
Long has been allocated the number 21 shirt.[/article]
Ryan Bertrand - Aston Villa (loan)
[article=http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3624822,00.html]The Club is pleased to announce the signing of Ryan Bertrand on loan from Chelsea to the end of the season.
The 24-year-old full back has played in 56 matches in all competitions for Chelsea, including the 2012 Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena.
He has represented England at every level from U17s through to the senior side, making his full England debut against Italy in 2012.
He also represented Great Britain at the London Olympics in 2012.
Manager Paul Lambert said: "Ryan brings a lot of big-game experience, not only in the Barclays Premier League but even a Champions League final which Chelsea won, so he'll be really good for us.
"The way he plays the game and as a person, too, he'll fit in here great and it will be good for him also to be playing games. He has real enthusiasm for the game and he's looking forward to playing here.
"We're grateful to Chelsea for allowing him to come here on loan and we know he'll be really good to work with."
Bertrand said: "It's a fantastic opportunity for me to come here. Aston Villa is a fantastic club with a massive fanbase and a great history. To get this chance to come here and play some games will be a really good step for me.
"Whenever I've played for Chelsea here at Villa Park the fans have been fantastic and have always created a great atmosphere. The pitch, too, has always been great, including when we played in the Community Shield here against Manchester City, and I'm looking forward to playing on it more regularly until the end of the season.
"I've had to adjust many times in my career having played under several managers, so I know I can settle in here quickly and I'm looking forward to being able to contribute to the team.
"I'm focussed on continuing to progress and helping the team here to do that, too. We have a lot of young, talented players here with some experienced heads as well, they want to express themselves and I hope I can add to that and add my experience in a productive way.
"This is a really traditional English club, a family club as well and you get the feeling that everyone really knows one another, so that side's not been lost either.
"Knowing some of the lads here, too, such as Fabian Delph, Marc Albrighton and a few others will really help, too, and I couldn't be more looking forward to playing my part here."
Born in Southwark, London, Bertrand began his youth career at Gillingham before he moved to Chelsea in 2005 as a 16-year-old.
He has enjoyed several loan spells, including at Bournemouth, Oldham Athletic, Norwich City, Reading and Nottingham Forest.
He made his debut for Chelsea in April 2011 in a 3-1 win over Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge.[/article]
[article=http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3624822,00.html]The Club is pleased to announce the signing of Ryan Bertrand on loan from Chelsea to the end of the season.
The 24-year-old full back has played in 56 matches in all competitions for Chelsea, including the 2012 Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena.
He has represented England at every level from U17s through to the senior side, making his full England debut against Italy in 2012.
He also represented Great Britain at the London Olympics in 2012.
Manager Paul Lambert said: "Ryan brings a lot of big-game experience, not only in the Barclays Premier League but even a Champions League final which Chelsea won, so he'll be really good for us.
"The way he plays the game and as a person, too, he'll fit in here great and it will be good for him also to be playing games. He has real enthusiasm for the game and he's looking forward to playing here.
"We're grateful to Chelsea for allowing him to come here on loan and we know he'll be really good to work with."
Bertrand said: "It's a fantastic opportunity for me to come here. Aston Villa is a fantastic club with a massive fanbase and a great history. To get this chance to come here and play some games will be a really good step for me.
"Whenever I've played for Chelsea here at Villa Park the fans have been fantastic and have always created a great atmosphere. The pitch, too, has always been great, including when we played in the Community Shield here against Manchester City, and I'm looking forward to playing on it more regularly until the end of the season.
"I've had to adjust many times in my career having played under several managers, so I know I can settle in here quickly and I'm looking forward to being able to contribute to the team.
"I'm focussed on continuing to progress and helping the team here to do that, too. We have a lot of young, talented players here with some experienced heads as well, they want to express themselves and I hope I can add to that and add my experience in a productive way.
"This is a really traditional English club, a family club as well and you get the feeling that everyone really knows one another, so that side's not been lost either.
"Knowing some of the lads here, too, such as Fabian Delph, Marc Albrighton and a few others will really help, too, and I couldn't be more looking forward to playing my part here."
Born in Southwark, London, Bertrand began his youth career at Gillingham before he moved to Chelsea in 2005 as a 16-year-old.
He has enjoyed several loan spells, including at Bournemouth, Oldham Athletic, Norwich City, Reading and Nottingham Forest.
He made his debut for Chelsea in April 2011 in a 3-1 win over Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge.[/article]
Ji Dong-Won going to Dortmund on a free at the end of the season, weird one
They apparently bidded £5m in the summer but it got rejected by Di Canio. I guess 5 goals in 17 matches for a team fighting against relegation and being only 22 makes it a calculated risk?
Kevin De Bruyne - Wolfsburg (reportedly £16.7 million)
[article]VfL Wolfsburg have strengthened their squad considerably ahead of the Bundesliga's restart by completing the signing of attacking midfielder Kevin de Bruyne from English Premier League side Chelsea FC.The Belgian international, who enjoyed a successful season in the Bundesliga last term while on loan at SV Werder Bremen, has signed a five-year contract with the Wolves and will wear the No14 shirt this season.
"It was clear from the start that Wolfsburg would be the first team I talk to if Chelsea gave me permission," said de Bruyne. "That's why I'm very happy that this transfer has been completed. Klaus Allofs and Dieter Hecking are building a very good team at VfL with a lot of potential. I want to play my part, make sure we continue to be successful, and return to the international stage."
"Kevin is a player with exceptional qualities," added Wolves' coach Dieter Hecking. "I am very happy he's decided to come to Wolfsburg. I had a very good feeling after our first talk with him. He is convinced of our ambition."
De Bruyne displayed his talent on a weekly basis for Bremen last season, making 33 appearances and scoring 10 goals, including one against Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 33 of the 2012/13 season that kept Bremen in the division.
The 22-year-old was signed by Chelsea from KRC Genk in January 2012 and loaned back to the Belgian club for the remainder of the 2011/12 campaign, before moving to the Weserstadion.[/article]
[article]VfL Wolfsburg have strengthened their squad considerably ahead of the Bundesliga's restart by completing the signing of attacking midfielder Kevin de Bruyne from English Premier League side Chelsea FC.The Belgian international, who enjoyed a successful season in the Bundesliga last term while on loan at SV Werder Bremen, has signed a five-year contract with the Wolves and will wear the No14 shirt this season.
"It was clear from the start that Wolfsburg would be the first team I talk to if Chelsea gave me permission," said de Bruyne. "That's why I'm very happy that this transfer has been completed. Klaus Allofs and Dieter Hecking are building a very good team at VfL with a lot of potential. I want to play my part, make sure we continue to be successful, and return to the international stage."
"Kevin is a player with exceptional qualities," added Wolves' coach Dieter Hecking. "I am very happy he's decided to come to Wolfsburg. I had a very good feeling after our first talk with him. He is convinced of our ambition."
De Bruyne displayed his talent on a weekly basis for Bremen last season, making 33 appearances and scoring 10 goals, including one against Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 33 of the 2012/13 season that kept Bremen in the division.
The 22-year-old was signed by Chelsea from KRC Genk in January 2012 and loaned back to the Belgian club for the remainder of the 2011/12 campaign, before moving to the Weserstadion.[/article]
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