Chelsea defender Gary Cahill keen to play alongside John Terry

Gary Cahill: Keen to link up with John Terry for Chelsea this season

Terry struggled with injuries last season but was a key part of manager Jose Mourinho's success in his first spell at Stamford Bridge.Gary Cahill is keen to form a partnership with John Terry in the heart of the Chelsea defence as they look to mount a title challenge in the upcoming Premier League season.

Cahill knows they will have to battle David Luiz for a place in the team but he hopes to spend some time alongside Terry, who has impressed on the pre-season tour of Asia.

"Last year he had a couple of niggles and hopefully they're behind him, not just for him but the team," said Cahill.

"It seems like I've only played with him in bits and bobs, with him being in and out, and we've not really had a run of games.

"It would be great if he could stay fit so we can have consistency."

Cahill also had words of praise for striker Romelu Lukaku, who spent last season on loan at West Brom.

The Belgium international scored twice in Chelsea's 8-1 thrashing of the Indonesia All-Stars and has four goals in total from the trip to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta and Cahill has been impressed by what he has seen.

"He had a great loan spell at West Brom last season, has been flying in training and scored two great goals," added Cahill.

"I play against him in training a lot and he's a handful just with his pace and power. His finishing is great too."

As for the chance to work under Mourinho, Cahill admits he is relishing the opportunity.

"It's been exciting to work for Mourinho and we're slowly getting to know him," he said.

"There's a handful of players who knew what to expect from him, but for players like me it's just exciting."

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Yaya Toure glad that Manchester City have brought in "unbelievable players"

Yaya Toure: Excited by new Manchester City arrivals

City have brought in Alvaro Negredo, Jesus Navas, Fernandinho and Stevan Jovetic so far this summer in a £90million investment under new boss Manuel Pellegrini.Yaya Toure is happy to welcome new signings to Manchester City because he feels the club needed a boost.

Toure believes the signings were necessary to improve the team after City fell short in all competitions last season.

"I'm glad these players have come because we needed it," said Toure, quoted in the Daily Mail.

"They're unbelievable players - Negredo, Navas, Fernandinho and Jovetic, who is a great young talent with a fantastic future.

"We think we have the right players and if we perform like we should then we'll have a very good chance of winning trophies.

"When you lose you must not have done something right. Last season we were a step away from winning the FA Cup but Wigan were better than us.

"In the Premier League and Champions League we were disappointing. We have to be honest and say Manchester United were much better than us.

"This year we want to do the job. The club want to improve in every aspect because we know we have a great challenge against Chelsea, Arsenal, United, Tottenham and Liverpool.

"It's important for me and the club. I know how much everyone desires it. The fans only want to see one Manchester club profit."

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger prepared to wait for Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez: Liverpool striker is wanted by Premier League rivals Arsenal

The Gunners have already put in a £40,000,001 bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez but Wenger is relaxed about the lack of progress on the deal and is not expecting transfer activity ahead of the Emirates Cup next weekend.Arsene Wenger has revealed he is prepared to wait for his transfer targets as he claims Arsenal can win the Premier League title with or without new signings.

"We are ready to do quick deals but all the transfers do not depend only on us," said Wenger, quoted in the Daily Mirror. "But we are prepared to wait. It looks unlikely before the Emirates Cup.

"We still have a strong squad but we are there on the market to try to strengthen our team. With or without additions we can be title challengers next season."

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has publicly questioned the wisdom of Suarez leaving Anfield to join Arsenal as he insists it would be a sideways step - but Wenger would not be drawn on the matter.

"He must explain that," added the Arsenal boss. "I don't know. We are not close to signing Suarez or anybody else so there's no reason why I should talk about it.

"There is nothing to say. I have been away now for two or the weeks and it's hard to see how things are advanced because everyone is on tour at the moment and it's very difficult to get in touch with people.

"What has changed recently is that in Europe some countries like France suddenly have bought some very talented players who two or three years ago would all have come to England. It makes the chase for talent very difficult.

"What we want is not a name but a good player. The name is less important. What is more important is the quality of the player. At the moment I must tell you we are not close to signing anybody.

"We try to do the job and we will try to do it well. But that is in front of us. We have worked a lot but nothing has been concluded with anybody.

"Of course we want to do as many top players as we can. But we also have to focus on the players we have and develop them."

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Paul Scholes hopes Manchester United can sign Cesc Fabregas and urges Wayne Rooney to stay

Paul Scholes believes the arrival of Cesc Fabregas at Manchester United would ensure the club remains a dominant force in the Premier League next season.

New Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino insists he is determined to keep Fabregas, despite constant speculation about the ex-Arsenal midfielder returning to England with United.

David Moyes does not appear ready to end his pursuit of the Spaniard after admitting that talks are 'ongoing' and he would be a fitting replacement for former playmaker Scholes, who would welcome Fabregas' arrival.

Scholes played against Fabregas on a number of occasions before announcing his retirement last season and he feels the 26-year-old would help the club challenge for more silverware in the new campaign.

"Well it would be nice to sign a player of that quality," he told Sky Sports News.

"He's proven in the Premier League, obviously he's with Barcelona, it's a big club, it will be difficult to get him away from there. But if you do, you have to fancy your chances strongly that we can go on and be successful with a player like that in your team."

Wayne Rooney sat out Scholes' final game for United in May after making a transfer request and his future at the club is uncertain, with Chelsea keen to sign the unsettled striker.

Moyes is reluctant to sell Rooney and Scholes has advised the England international to remain at Old Trafford.

"Well my advice would be to stay obviously," he said. "I don't think there's anywhere better than Manchester United to play your football, but it's not the same for every person.

"If someone is not happy there then they want to go. If that's Wayne's feeling then that's up to him, but he's a top, top player and I think every United player and fan hopes he stays."

Moyes is yet to bring in any big names after succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson and neighbours Manchester City have already added a host of new faces to their ranks.

But Scholes insists there is no rush for Moyes to bring in recruits because he has inherited a strong squad.

He said: "I don't think there's that much pressure really because he's come in and there's a quality squad there already. There's 18, 19, 20 quality players he's got.

"Obviously even if Alex Ferguson was still there, I'm sure he'd want to sign two or three players. That's the norm every season.

"You win the league by 10 points, whatever it is, you still want to improve the year after. I'm sure David (Moyes) is trying his best to get players and I'm sure he'll want players, and hopefully he can get the ones he wants."

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Barcelona say all Cesc Fabregas bids will be rejected

Gerardo Martino: We are counting on Fabregas

Barcelona have announced that Martino has signed a two-year contract to replace Tito Vilanova and the new man has wasted little time in making it clear that he will be retaining Fabregas.New Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino says there is no chance of midfielder Cesc Fabregas moving to Manchester United.

Although Manchester United have already had two bids for the Spanish international rejected, manager David Moyes said on Thursday that their attempts to sign the 26-year-old were "ongoing".

However, Martino said: "I'm not going to get into the economic interests but, if the club rejected it twice, I add a third one right now.

"He will be staying here."

Vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu added: "It's logical that we've had offers for Fabregas because he is a quality player but he is not for sale.

"We are proud to have him here. It doesn't matter what the offer from United is, we are counting on him.

"It is normal that many clubs are interested in our player Cesc. That is a source of pride for us, but we'll reject all bids."

Every side can improve

Speaking about his aims for the club, Martino said: "Every side, even Barcelona which has already achieved certain moments of excellence, can always improve, and Barca still has things to win.

"We are going to try to recover certain things that we've seen when Barca have been at their best, and add a few ideas of our own."

He said he would not be changing the team's 4-3-3 formation and, regarding star player Lionel Messi, he added: "He will continue to play in exactly the same position, he has to feel comfortable. After that, he'll do the rest."

Alex Song is also convinced that Fabregas will still be a Barcelona player at the start of the new season.

Song, the former Arsenal midfielder who spent six years at the Emirates before moving to Spain in 2012, says his team-mate has no intention of quitting Camp Nou.

After featuring in Barca's friendly defeat at Bayern Munich on Wednesday, Song told Sky Sports News he is "100%" sure Fabregas is going nowhere.

He said: "I did not speak with him but I know Cesc is 100 per cent here.

"He loves Barcelona, he loves the club. He will stay here next season and give 100 per cent because I know him very well and he'll want to fight. He's focused on the club.

"He wants just to give his best for Barcelona. He's from Barcelona, he loves Barcelona and he'll want to start the season to show what he can do.

"People are talking and talking, but we know he is focused here and ready to start the season.

"He's enjoying a holiday with his family and I'm sure he wants just to come back here.

"It's my own opinion but I know he will stay here, 100 per cent."

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Gareth Bale may be set to extend his Tottenham contract

Gareth Bale: Enjoyed a superb 2012/13 season

Welsh winger Bale has been linked with a host of top European clubs after a sensational 2012/13 campaign during which he won the PFA Players' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards.Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed that the club are in talks with Gareth Bale over a new contract.

Reports have again surfaced in Spain that Real Madrid have submitted an official bid for the 24-year-old but Villas-Boas is hoping to keep hold of his prized asset and believes a new contract can be agreed before the start of the season.

"There were contacts last year between the club and his agent," said Villas-Boas. "And there are still ongoing contacts between club and agent.

"The player renewed his contract last year by the beginning of the season, if you remember, and it's something that is being dealt with by the chairman and the agent.

Confident

"Talks are ongoing, but that doesn't mean there is an agreement."

When asked if he was confident that an agreement would be reached, the Spurs boss added: "At the moment we are confident. The player is under contract, a good contract at Tottenham, which was done last year.

"It's something we are speaking about but we don't have any further developments."

Asked if there had been any formal bids for Bale, a smiling Villas-Boas replied: "I'm not going to make any comments on that one!

"The player is a special player and had a wonderful season last year, we recognise the level he was playing at.

"At the moment we are extremely happy with his performances and happy with the conditions that he has.

"We understand that we are speaking with his agent for a possible improvement but, at the moment, we don't need to make any further statement regarding transfer speculation or his contract."

Bale missed Wednesday's Barclays Asia Trophy match against Sunderland due to injury and will probably sit out Saturday's game against South China as well.

"He is very near to recovery and I think we will only see him back in training in London," said Villas-Boas.

"He has made a slight strain, he has pulled his muscle on his right side. Seven to 10 days is a normal period for this kind of injury and he is within that timeframe. He's very near to coming back."

Gylfi Sigurdsson is one of several Spurs players to express their hope that Bale will be staying at White Hart Lane.

"He's a great player and if he stays it will be fantastic. I am sure he will stay because he's still here," he told reporters.

"He is a draw for other players to come here. Good players want to play with other big players. It's a big club and hopefully he'll stay and we'll bring in a few other good players."

Sigurdsson is also of the opinion that Bale's presence can help Spurs to push on and claim a Champions League spot this time around.

"The players here talk about getting into the Champions League two seasons ago and how fantastic it was," he said.

"Missing out when Chelsea won the Champions League and being fifth last season was very disappointing.

"It's hard to deal with for a couple of weeks after the season ends but then you start thinking about the next season. We're determined to make it our year."

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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Arsenal must up bid for Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez: Acceptable offer has yet to be received for Liverpool striker

"If Arsenal want the player, then they have to produce the value for the player," Rodgers told reporters in Australia.The Gunners put in a bid of £40,000,001 for the striker earlier this week but Rodgers argues that it will take a lot more than that before the Uruguay international is allowed to leave Anfield.

"There was an offer a few weeks ago of £35million and two weeks later it is now £40m and a pound - I don't think it is anywhere near the value of what he is worth.

"But it is twofold, really. A player may want to go, but then somebody has to pay the value or worth of that player."

Suarez featured briefly as a substitute for Liverpool in their 2-0 victory over Melbourne Victory on Wednesday and the Reds boss expects the striker to play for as long as he is paid by the club.

Rodgers added: "There is no change for me or Luis. He is a paid player at Liverpool so he just needs to get on with getting fit. That is how it is.

"Until somebody tells me something different, that is what all my concentration will be on. There will be no games played at Liverpool.

"Luis is part of the group and he knows the standard you have to meet at this club - on and off the field.

"After the bid came in Luis was OK, he said he was OK to go on the pitch and his focus was fine.

"It may be a distraction but players are played enough money now to produce for their clubs and he just has to keep his professionalism, which he has done."

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Manchester United's bid for Cesc Fabregas is 'ongoing'

Cesc Fabregas: Barcelona midfielder remains a transfer target for Manchester United

United have had two bids for the Spain international turned down already but Moyes insists they have not given up hope of landing the former Arsenal man.Manchester United manager David Moyes says the club are continuing with their attempts to sign midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona.

Asked about the potential deal at a Thursday press conference as United continue their tour of Japan, Moyes said: "It is ongoing."

And the new United boss also said that forward Robin van Persie is likely to feature in Friday's friendly against Cerezo Osaka.

Van Persie felt tightness in his thigh during Tuesday's loss in Yokohama and had to be taken off.

Van Persie expected to play

But Moyes said: "It was just a precaution. I expect he will play tomorrow."

However, Michael Carrick is unlikely to be risked on Friday, although Moyes says the midfielder's tight groin is getting better.

Regarding injured players who are rehabilitating back in Manchester, the manager said the news was good.

"There was a practice match at the training ground the other day in which Nemanja Vidic, Antonio Valencia and Nani all got some playing time," he said.

"Wayne Rooney is running and is probably at the level we would have thought he would be at. He has picked up his work again this week."

Meanwhile, Alex Song is convinced Fabregas will still be a Barcelona player at the start of the new season.

Song, the former Arsenal midfielder who spent six years at the Emirates before moving to Spain in 2012, says his team-mate has no intention of quitting Camp Nou.

After featuring in Barca's friendly defeat at Bayern Munich, Song told Sky Sports News he is "100%" sure Fabregas is going nowhere.

He said: "I did not speak with him but I know Cesc is 100 per cent here.

"He loves Barcelona, he loves the club. He will stay here next season and give 100 per cent because I know him very well and he'll want to fight. He's focused on the club.

"He wants just to give his best for Barcelona. He's from Barcelona, he loves Barcelona and he'll want to start the season to show what he can do.

"People are talking and talking, but we know he is focused here and ready to start the season.

"He's enjoying a holiday with his family and I'm sure he wants just to come back here.

"It's my own opinion but I know he will stay here, 100 per cent."

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Villas-Boas confirms Tottenham interest in 'great' Soldado

Andre Villas-Boas has revealed that Tottenham is interested in Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, but stressed that no deal has been agreed.

The north Londoners have sent technical director Franco Baldini to Spain to negotiate a deal for the 28-year-old, who scored 30 goals in all competitions last term.

Valencia president Amadeo Salvo has insisted Soldado will only leave the Mestalla if a club matches his 30 million euro buyout clause, with Villas-Boas stressing that no deal has yet been agreed with the Liga outfit.

"At the moment, he's just one of the players we are interested in," Villas-Boas told reporters. "It's not a lie to anybody that we've been looking for a striker to strengthen our squad and to have more strength in depth.

"Roberto is one of the players we have been following and his career speaks for itself. He's a great striker. But there isn't a deal being struck at the moment, it's just interest and conversations."

With just Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor the only first-team strikers at Villas-Boas' disposal, the Portuguese is keen to bolster his attacking options and has turned his attentions to Soldado after the club refused to meet Aston Villa's 25m pound asking price for Christian Benteke.

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Gerardo Martino has described Barcelona as having players "every coach wants" following his hiring as head coach on Tuesday.

Gerardo Martino has described Barcelona as having players "every coach wants" following his hiring as head coach on Tuesday.

Martino was confirmed as the new Camp Nou boss just days after Tito Vilanova's shocking resignation over health problems as he continues his battle against cancer.

Gerardo Martino was named Barcelona's new coach on Tuesday. 

Martino, who steps down as Newell's Old Boys boss to take the two-year deal in Catalunya, is thrilled to get the opportunity to coach Lionel Messi and is crossing his fingers that he will be a huge success.

"For my career as a coach, with the players that Barcelona have, with Leo there, it's exactly what every coach wants," Martino told reporters at a press conference in Argentina. "I hope I can be as good as they are expecting and help them keep winning."

Martino reached a two-year agreement with Barcelona and was presented Tuesday afternoon at a press conference in in Rosario, Argentina. Despite having no coaching experience with a European club, Martino received the backing of Messi in recent days.

"I'm really happy that Barcelona considered me and my way of working. I have hopes that everything will go perfect, and, despite the [high] expectations, that everything will go great," the 50-year-old said.

"My first goal is to get adapted to the club with my people the best way. Then we have to fight for every competition we play."

Martino is the fourth Argentine to coach Barcelona, after Helenio Herrera (1958-60, 1980 and 1980-81), Roque Olsen (1965-67), and Cesar Luis Menotti (1983-84).

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Manchester City confirms Negredo signing

Manchester City has confirmed the signing of Spain and Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo in a deal thought to be worth up to about 24 million pounds.

The 27-year-old Negredo scored 63 goals in 95 appearances for Sevilla but will now wear the No. 9 shirt for the Citizens as new boss Manuel Pellegrini's fourth signing at the Etihad Stadium. Negredo follows in the footsteps of Fernandinho, Stevan Jovetic and former teammate Jesus Navas, who joined City from Sevilla earlier this summer.

"City are delighted to announce the signing of Alvaro Negredo, who becomes the club’s third new recruit of the summer," read a statement. "He will join up with the squad on the pre-season tour, and wear the No. 9 shirt."

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Van Persie would welcome Fabregas signing

Robin van Persie has indicated he would like to see former Arsenal teammate Cesc Fabregas join Manchester United.

The Premier League champion lodged a 30 million euro bid for the Barcelona midfielder on Monday, with manager David Moyes hopeful of receiving "good news" regarding the offer in the near future.

When questioned whether he would like to be reunited with Fabregas, Van Persie replied: "Of course, he's a great player."

However, he was quick to underline that he has not been in contact with his former teammate.

Barcelona, meanwhile, maintains Fabregas wants to stay at Camp Nou, but Moyes is keen to strengthen United's central-midfield position after failing to lure Bayern Munich new-boy Thiago Alcantara to Old Trafford ealier in July.

Moyes told The Times: "When I got the job, I was made aware of what could possibly be done to improve things, and signing a midfield player was one that we thought we could possibly add to the squad.

"At the moment that’s probably our priority - to try and add a player in that position."

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Ancelotti calm over Ronaldo contract talks

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that the club will not have a problem convincing Cristiano Ronaldo to sign a new contract.

The Portuguese attacker's current deal runs out in June 2015 and, amid reports that the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco are ready bid for the 28-year-old, the new Santiago Bernabeu coach has praised the player's professionalism and cast doubt on any potential transfer.

Real Madrid is hoping to sign Cristiano Ronaldo to a new contract. (AP Images)

"He's a phenomenal player, a great professional," Ancelotti told reporters. "It's important for the club that a player of his quality shows the utmost professionalism.

"It's also important for the young players to look up to people with this attitude. His contract renewal is not my job, but I do not think it'll be a problem."

Tito Vilanova resigned as Barcelona boss on Friday due to health problems and Ancelotti has wished his fellow coach a quick and complete recovery.

"I want to send a message of support and encouragement to my fellow trainer Tito Vilanova," the 54-year-old added. "I'm sad about this. He is a fighter who will fight.

"I want to tell him that the whole club and squad of Real Madrid - and me personally - are with him. We wish him the best."

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Andrea Antonelli , dies on Word Superbikes event in Moscow

A tragedy has befallen the World Superbikes event in Moscow with Italian rider Andrea Antonelli succumbing to injuries sustained in the World Supersport race that lasted just one lap before the red flag flew.

Extreme wet weather took to the Moscow Raceway during the World Superbike opening race causing chaos among the teams. The Supersport race and subsequent WSBK event were cancelled so bad was the weather.

The violent incident involving Antonelli took place approaching the final corner with fellow Italian Lorenzo Zanetti. Antonelli had fallen from his bike and with the spray, Zanetti had nowhere to go and collected the unfortunate Italian.

The 25-year-old had competed in 22 World Supersport races up until this weekend and graduated from the 600 and 1000 Stock category.

Riding for Kawasaki, Antonelli was running seventh in the Championship with a best result this season of fourth at Aragon.

Marco Melandri took the World Superbike race earlier in the day.

Antonelli’s death joins a number of other high profile motorsport incidents that have resulted in death this year.

Watch the video : Andrea Antonelli fatal crash Superbike Moscow 2013

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20 July 2013Last updated at 19:12 GMT

Andre Santos: Flamengo sign Brazilian from Arsenal

Arsenal have sold left-back Andre Santos to Brazilian side Flamengo.

The 30-year-old joined the Gunners from Turkish side Fenerbahce in a £6.2m move in August 2011 but struggled to establish himself in the side.

Andre Santos at Arsenal

Appearances: 33

Goals (all competitions): 3

He went back to his native Brazil to join Gremio on loan in January 2013 followingArsenal's signing of left-back Nacho Monreal from Malaga.

Santos, who was on loan at Flamengo during the 2005-06 season, has now joined the club on a permanent basis.

A statement on Arsenal's website said: "Everybody at Arsenal would like to thank Andre for his contribution to the club and we wish him well for his future career."

Santos was hampered by a knee injury in December 2011 during his first season with the Gunners.

He made 33 appearances for the club and scored three goals, before joining Flamengo for an undisclosed fee.

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12 July 2013Last updated at 17:39 GMT

Marquinhos: Paris St-Germain sign Roma defender

French champions Paris St-Germain have signed 19-year-old Brazilian defender Marquinhos from Roma for £27m.

Marquinhos, who has signed a five-year deal, joined Roma from Corinthians a year ago for £3.9m, although the Brazilians will now earn another £2.3m.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: "It underlines the club's desire to look towards the future to construct one of Europe's biggest clubs."

Earlier this month, PSG paid Napoli £55m for Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani.

Marquinhos, whose full name is Marcos Aoas Correa, made a huge impact in his debut season in Serie A and was linked with moves to Manchester United and Barcelona.

"I am delighted to be joining Paris St-Germain, a club where so many Brazilians have played and helped write the club's history," he said.

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20 July 2013Last updated at 15:34 GMT

Kevin Phillips: Crystal Palace contract for veteran striker

Striker Kevin Phillips has signed a one-year contract with Crystal Palace - just five days before he turns 40.

The ex-England forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Palace from Blackpool, scoring their winner in the Championship play-off final.

Signed on a free transfer, he will be the third outfield player to appear in the Premier League at 40, following Teddy Sheringham and Gordon Strachan.

Kevin Phillips's clubs

• Baldock Town (1991-94)
• Watford (1994-97)
• Sunderland (1997-2003)
• Southampton (2003-05)
• Aston Villa (2005-06)
• West Bromwich Albion (2006-08)
• Birmingham City (2008-11)
• Blackpool (2011-13)
• Crystal Palace (2013)

"I am absolutely delighted," Phillips told the club's website .

"I was always hoping to have another chance to play in the top flight."

Phillips has scored 92 Premier League goals in a career spanning spells with Sunderland, Southampton, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City.

He added: "It's unbelievable for me but I am really looking forward to it and hoping I can play a great part in the season ahead.

"Everyone I spoke to said to keep going as long as the fitness and hunger is there and that is certainly the case with me."

The Eagles are awaiting final written confirmation of the paperwork from the Football Association and Premier League.

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20 July 2013Last updated at 15:33 GMT

Oscar Garcia signs contract with Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton & Hove Albion's new head coach Oscar Garcia has signed a three-year deal with the club.

The 40-year-old quit Maccabi Tel Aviv to take up the role at the Championship side in June after the dismissal of former boss Gus Poyet.

Garcia has now penned his contract and he told Brighton's website:"I am delighted to have signed a long-term contract with the club.

"I am now very much looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Oscar Garcia

Playing career: Barcelona B, Barcelona, Albacete (loan), Valencia, Espanyol, Lleida.

Coaching career: Catalonia (assistant), Barcelona (youth), Maccabi Tel Aviv (manager).

Brighton said the post of head coach was a newly-created role when Garcia arrived at the south-coast outfit.

Garcia played for Barcelona for six years and has also coached their youth team before guiding Maccabi to the league title last season.

"Brighton are one of the most exciting clubs in Europe and the potential here is very good," added Garcia.

"The squad is strong and the footballing set-up is excellent. The aim is to continue the good progress that has been made in recent seasons.

"Pre-season preparations are going well and, like the supporters, I am looking forward to an exciting season."

The moves of coach Ruben Martinez and fitness coach Juan Torrijo Navaro in leaving Maccabi and joining Garcia at Brighton have also been confirmed.

Former Seagulls left-back Nathan Jones has also returned to the team as assistant head coach.

"The club has made significant progress in the past three seasons, and our aim is to continue this progress under Oscar's guidance," said Brighton chairman Tony Bloom.

"His footballing principles and philosophies will ensure we continue to play with the style and in the way our fans have become accustomed."

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20 July 2013Last updated at 17:16 GMT

John Terry not safe at Chelsea, says Jose Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insists captain John Terry is "not safe" and must prove himself worthy of a first-team place and a new contract.

Terry, 32, was skipper in Mourinho's previous spell from 2004 to 2007 and has a year left on his current deal.

Mourinho said: "He's not safe, and he knows he's not safe. The only thing he knows is safe is our friendship, but professionally, nobody's safe.

Terry's trophies under Mourinho

• Premier League (2): 2004-05, 2005-06
• FA Cup (1): 2006-07
• Football League Cup (2): 2004-05, 2006-07
• FA Community Shield (1): 2005

"I know he's a very good player, but he must prove himself like everyone else."

Terry, whose first spell as skipper under Mourinho heralded six trophies, was no longer a guaranteed first choice under Mourinho's predecessor Rafael Benitez last season, however Mourinho believes the centre-back still has a lot to offer.

"I feel the motivation is there, the pleasure of training and playing is there," Mourinho added.

"His class is there. His position is there. From a physical point of view, he needs to work hard and not have injuries because injuries break the evolution of the player. For me, that's the key point for John."

The Portuguese is also confident he can get the best out of £50m striker Fernando Torres, who has struggled at times since his January 2011 arrival at Stamford Bridge.

"I think I know Fernando quite well in terms of a player," said Mourinho, who believes Torres is at his best when he can run in behind defences.

"I think I know the best way for a team to play to try to get the best out of him, so I will try to help him, the same way I try to help other people."

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20 July 2013Last updated at 16:35 GMT

Tito Vilanova: Barcelona manager steps down through ill health

Tito Vilanova has stepped down as Barcelona manager to continue his treatment for cancer.

The 44-year-old had a tumour removed from his throat in November 2011 before suffering a relapse last year.

Tito Vilanova factfile

• 1968: Born 17 September, Bellcaire d'Emporda, Spain
• 1988: Comes through the Barcelona youth set-up, but never makes the first team
• 1990: Joins lower-league Figueres
• 1992: Arrives at Primera Liga side Celta Vigo
• 1995: Leaves after struggling to hold down a first-team place
• 2002: Retires after short spells with a number of lower-league clubs, and starts coaching at Barca's youth academy
• 2007: After a spell as technical director at Terrassa, becomes assistant manager of Barcelona's B team, working under Pep Guardiola
• 2008: Becomes Barcelona assistant when Guardiola is made manager
• 2012: Appointed Guardiola's successor
• 2013: Steps down as Barca coach

Vilanova had surgery in December 2012and spent 10 weeks in New York to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy beforereturning in March to see his side take the Spanish title.

The club said that a new manager is expected to be announced next week.

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta announced the news at a brief media conference attended by the first-team squad.

Rossell said: "Tito Vilanova will continue treatment of his illness, he will not be able to continue as Barcelona's head manager.

"This is a very difficult blow to the club, but we have overcome many difficult setbacks."

Barca forward Lionel Messi has offered his support to Vilanova, writing on his Facebook page: "Strength Tito! We are all with you in this fight!"

The Argentinian's club-mate Andres Iniesta added in the Spanish newspaper AS:"Tito will once again win this terrible battle facing him. On behalf of the players and everyone, I send him all my love and support. At the end of the day, this is about a person, not a coach."

Barca's friendly with Polish club Lechia Gdansk on Saturday night has been cancelled.

Vilanova replaced Pep Guardiola as manager in June 2012, having previously worked as his assistant.

Reports in Spain suggest Joan Francesc Ferrer, known as Rubi, could replace Vilanova in a caretaker capacity.

He joined Barca's coaching staff last month as an assistant to Vilanova and Jordi Roura, who took charge of the first team when Vilanova was absent last season.

Rubi was head coach of Girona last term and led the club to the Segunda Division play-offs, where they lost to Almeria.

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19 July 2013Last updated at 18:05 GMT

Alvaro Negredo: Man City complete deal for Sevilla striker

Manchester City have completed the signing of Spain international Alvaro Negredo for £20m from Sevilla.

The striker, 27, arrived in Manchester on Thursday to undergo a medical before finalising the deal.

He joins former Sevilla team-mate Jesus Navas in new manager Manuel Pellegrini's reshaped squad, and will wear the number nine shirt.

Alvaro Negredo

• Born: Madrid, 20 August 1985
• Nickname: La fiera de Vallecas (The beast of Vallecas)
• Clubs: Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid, Almeria, Sevilla
• International: Spain - 14 caps, six goals

Fiorentina's £28m-rated attacker Stevan Jovetic, 23, should be City's next summer purchase.

Montenegro international Jovetic has previously attracted interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Everton but will have a medical at City on Friday.

Negredo is the first incoming deal completed since Pellegrini officially took the reins as City manager, with the signings of Navas and Fernandinho taking place in the days before the Chilean's appointment.

The Spaniard has won 14 international caps, scoring six goals, and was part of Spain's victorious Euro 2012 squad.

At a farewell press conference in Seville on Wednesday the former Real Madrid player said he was looking forward to the next stage of his career.

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“It is a great deal for all three parties”

Jose Maria del NidoSevilla president

"For four years I have been very happy, but I think my time was over here," the forward, who scored 26 La Liga goals last season, said.

Ex-Sevilla winger Navas, 27, sealed a £14.9m transfer on a four-year deal earlier this summer and Negredo said: "I am happy to be spending another year with him."

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido said: "Manchester City are buying a great player, the top-scoring Spaniard in La Liga.

"This is a big deal for Sevilla, the second most important in our history after we sold [now-Barcelona full-back] Daniel Alves, and the player will sign the contract of his life.

"Everyone should be happy - it is a great deal for all three parties."

Sevilla, who have faced financial difficulties, have also soldplaymaker Luis Alberto to Liverpool, full-back Antonio Luna to Aston Villa, and midfielder Jose Campana to Crystal Palace.

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