Chelsea have boosted their squad’s goalkeeping strength by signing Middlesbrough keeper Ross Turnbull.
The 24-year-old has signed a four-year deal after joining on a free transfer.
Along with the 33-year-old Portuguese goalkeeper Hilario, Turnbull will act as an understudy to the club’s first-choice keeper Petr Cech.
While Turnbull finalised his move to London, Hilario has signed a new two-year contract with the Blues, a deal that runs until 2011.
Turnbull made his debut for Boro in May 2006 in the 1-1 draw against Bolton, going on to make 29 appearances for the club. read more…
Walsall centre-back Anthony Gerrard and Motherwell defender Paul Quinn are set to complete moves to Cardiff City.
Former Everton trainee Gerrard, the 22-year-old cousin of England midfielder Steven Gerrard, has agreed personal terms with the Bluebirds.
He is undergoing a medical and should complete the move on Friday.
Quinn, 23, is expected in Cardiff to discuss terms this week after Scottish Premier side Motherwell accepted a fee in the region of £300,000.
The economic downturn and the loss of television broadcasting funds following the collapse of Setanta has led Motherwell to consider selling their top players. read more…
Motherwell boss Jim Gannon suffered an embarrassing defeat by Llanelli in Europa League qualifying in his first match in charge of the Scottish club.
The Steelmen enjoyed plenty of the ball early on, but were stifled by some stiff Welsh resistance.
Llanelli took a shock lead on 28 minutes on a rare foray forward, when Stuart Jones headed in from a corner.
Motherwell tried to get back in the match but looked disjointed and could not convert any of their chances.
The defeat means Motherwell go to Parc y Scarlets in a week’s time looking to salvage their Europa League futures. read more…
Lucy Nicholson/Reuters The Galaxy stars in happier times on the field.
It’s doubtful that Landon Donovan will be hosting a welcome-back dinner at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills for Galaxy teammate David Beckham when the Englishman returns to Los Angeles this month.
In a new book, the U.S. forward, fresh off a stellar performance in the Confederations Cup, questioned Beckham’s commitment, his leadership and his motivation for playing soccer in the United States. read more…
Ipswich have signed QPR left-back Damien Delaney on a two-year deal, Roy Keane’s second signing since his appointment as manager.
Delaney, 27, played 59 times for Rangers following his switch from Hull City in January 2008.
The Republic of Ireland defender was reported to be the subject of interest from several Championship clubs.
Delaney is expected to be joined by other new players with Keane saying a further signing is "imminent".
Delaney is from Keane’s hometown of Cork.
Assaf Gavron is the captain of the Israeli writers and poets national team, which beat Germany and England last December. His novel “Croc Attack” will be published in the United States by HarperCollins next spring.
This is a first in an occasional series of Ultimate XI lineups from players in the European Writers’ League. It is an initiative conceived by the Italian novelist Alessandro Baricco (author of “Silk“), the former publisher Paolo Verri and Hungary’s Peter Zilahy (who is also working on an Ultimate XI). read more…
