Middlesbrough have signed Brazil international Fabio Rochemback from Barcelona for an undisclosed fee and also snapped up free agent Abel Xavier.
The 23-year-old Rochemback has been on loan with Sporting Lisbon since 2003, playing for the Portuguese side in last season’s 3-2 UEFA Cup win at the Riverside.
Rochemback, capped seven times by Brazil, has signed a five-year contract.
Former Liverpool and Everton defender Xavier has agreed a one-year deal at the Riverside.
The 32-year-old was brought in to replace Michael Reiziger, who has moved on a free transfer to Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven.作者: 秋葉林 時間: 2005-9-1 10:26 AM
BOLTON SIGN FERNANDES
Bolton Wanderers have signed French midfielder Fabrice Fernandes after his release by Southampton.
Fernandes has also had spells with Fulham and Rangers, and he cost Saints £1.2million when joining from Rennes in December 2001.
He was unable to keep them in the Barclays Premiership last season, and is now delighted to be returning to the top-flight, with UEFA Cup also on the menu.
“I am pleased to be joining such a progressive football club. I've been training here for a couple of days and the talent and spirit in the camp was one of the main reasons why I decided to join,” he added.
“Bolton are now regarded as a top team in the Premier League and I'm looking forward to playing my part in their continued success.”作者: 秋葉林 時間: 2005-9-1 10:31 AM
PORTSMOUTH SEAL TREBLE DEAL
Portsmouth have tied up three deadline-day deals to strengthen their midfield and defence. Dario Silva, Frank Songo'o and Salif Diao have arrived to bolster the south-coast club's options.
Silva, 32, has arrived on a free transfer after securing his release from Spanish club Sevilla, who recently signed Fredi Kanoute from Tottenham Hotspur. He scored just two league goals in Spain last season but is confident of a better return with Alain Perrin’s side over the next two seasons.
“I have played in both Italy and Spain which are very high standard and I rate the Premier League up with them,” he told club website www.pompeyfc.co.uk.
“Also I have heard that the Pompey fans are crazy and I know if I can please them with what I have to offer so I hope they will be crazy about me.
“I am very pleased to sign for Pompey and my game is all about hard work and scoring goals and I will offer a lot of both and am looking forward to pulling on the blue shirt.” Chairman Milan Mandaric was delighted to get the deal done.
“Dario has a high reputation with his prowess and I'm delighted he has signed to fulfil a position that we were light in,” he said.
“Dario was one of the strikers high on our list and he was there for one reason - he scores goals and has played in the highest of company.” Diao has moved on a season loan from Liverpool, with the option to buy at the end of the deal.
The Senegal ball-winner spent the tail end of last season on loan at Birmingham City and has been told he does not figure in Reds boss Rafael Benitez's plans. Chief executive Peter Storrie said: “Salif is a competitive midfield man and with his addition we now have a very competitive midfield in itself.”
Earlier on deadline day, the south-coast club also signed Barcelona youngster Frank Songo'o, a France Under-19 international midfielder.
Mandaric said: “This is a player with a lot of potential. He has both pace and skill so he is an investment.” Storrie added: “We're over the moon to have signed him and it's a real coup for Pompey.”作者: 秋葉林 時間: 2005-9-1 10:33 AM
CHARLTON SIGN BOTHROYD AND GISLASON
Charlton Athletic have signed striker Jay Bothroyd Icelandic attacking midfielder Rurik Gislason. Former Coventry City man Bothroyd joined just before the midnight transfer deadline while Gislason has moved from HK Kopavogur.
Bothroyd is thought to have joined on a free transfer due to his Italian club Perugia’s financial problems, but terms of the deal were undisclosed. The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers where he scored just one Barclays Premiership goal.
He replaces Francis Jeffers in Alan Curbishley’s squad, after the former Everton and Arsenal striker signed for Rangers on a four-month loan, and becomes Charlton’s 10th signing of the summer.
Bothroyd cost Coventry £1million when he arrived from Arsenal in 2000 but the former England Under-21 international has yet to establish himself.
Charlton earlier signed Icelandic attacking midfielder Rurik Gislason from HK Kopavogur.
The 17-year-old has signed a two-year deal at The Valley and could eventually cost
Charlton £180,000, depending on his success.
He joins compatriot Hermann Hreidarsson at the club, with Charlton confident they have secured a player of vast potential. Ajax, Bayern Munich and PSV Eindhoven have been admirers in the past, and Gislason had a spell with Anderlecht which was curtailed by injury.
Charlton chief executive Peter Varney told the official club website, www.cafc.co.uk: “Rurik is an extremely highly rated player throughout Europe, as can be seen by the quality of clubs interested in signing him.”
The Addicks’ Valley Gold scheme, to which supporters contribute, has helped fund the signing.
Gislason is expected to start in the club’s youth ranks having already played for Charlton’s under-18 side in a friendly defeat by Feyenoord.作者: 雷公 時間: 2005-9-1 11:45 AM
