Team of the week

Updated: August 28, 2012

Ben Hamer - Charlton

Goalkeeper Hamer played a key role as Championship newcomers Charlton claimed their first clean sheet of the season in a goalless draw at home to Hull City. The shot-stopper made some crucial saves, including a quick-thinking double block when he pushed out Jay Simpson's effort before denying Sone Aluko's follow-up from six yards with a superb reaction stop in the 89th minute.

Lloyd Doyley - Watford

Watford secured their first clean sheet of the campaign as they beat visiting Birmingham City 2-0 and Hornets stalwart Doyley kept things tight on the right of Gianfranco Zola's backline. The 29-year-old did well to contain the threat of highly-rated Blues youngster Nathan Redmond, who was kept subdued on the wing.

Miguel Llera - Sheffield Wednesday

Promoted Wednesday remain unbeaten on their return to the Championship and Llera helped them maintain that record with his unlikely heroics against Millwall at Hillsborough. The Spanish centre-back grabbed an equaliser in the 68th minute before leaving it late to snatch a stoppage-time winner, sealing the Owls' 3-2 triumph.

Craig Cathcart - Blackpool

Cathcart contributed a solid display for the Seasiders as they romped to a 6-0 triumph at home to Ipswich. The central defender helped keep things solid at the back as the Pool collected their second clean sheet of the campaign and also showed his prowess getting forward, climbing to meet Thomas Ince's cross from the right and heading it past Tractor Boys goalkeeper Scott Loach.

Wayne Bridge - Brighton

The Seagulls also enjoyed an emphatic home win as they thrashed Barnsley 5-1 and Bridge helped them to victory with an impressive display, capped by his first goal in almost nine years. The left-back's strike came in just the 14th minute as Brighton took control, with the defender smashing home a long-range effort.

Jermaine Johnson - Sheffield Wednesday

Owls winger Johnson continued to thrive on his side's return to the second tier as he opened the scoring in the victory over Millwall. The Jamaica international, who already had a goal and an assist to his name before Saturday's win, was in fine form throughout the Hillsborough clash and scored an exquisite opening goal. Johnson picked up the ball 30 yards out, charged at goal, evaded a defender and drove a stunning shot home.

Lewis McGugan - Nottingham Forest

Forest man McGugan earns a spot in our line-up after scoring arguably the division's goal of the weekend against Bolton during the 2-2 draw at the Reebok Stadium. The young midfielder's thunderbolt came in the 15th minute when, teed up around 30 yards from goal, he powered an absolute piledriver into the top corner.

Martyn Woolford - Bristol City

Robins midfielder Woolford netted a double as his side claimed a dramatic 4-2 win over visiting Cardiff. The 26-year-old claimed his first after bursting into the box to beat David Marshall with a tidy finish into the bottom corner, while his second came as he netted a rebounded Sam Baldock effort, taking his tally up to three goals in two games.

Thomas Ince - Blackpool

Youngster Ince once again grabbed the headlines for Blackpool after inspiring their romp to victory over Ipswich. He was the stand-out player in a dominant Seasiders display, scoring a double while also laying on the other four strikes to take both his goal and assists tallies this season to four. Ian Holloway's side are the only team in the Championship with a 100 per cent record after three games and Ince has been influential to their bright start.

Luciano Becchio - Leeds United

Leeds bounced back from a disheartening defeat by Blackpool in midweek with a 2-1 victory at Peterborough and Becchio was on target with both goals. Manager Neil Warnock had been particularly scathing of Becchio and his fellow forwards for their role in the Pool loss and the striker was quick to respond, applying the finish to balls from Luke Varney and Ross McCormack with ease as he took his goal tally this season to three.

Ashley Barnes - Brighton

Brighton's biggest ever win at the AMEX Stadium was largely down to young frontman Barnes, who was a threat to Barnsley's beleaguered backline throughout. The striker got things rolling with a fourth-minute opener and completed a brace late on, while also laying on both of strike partner Craig Mackail-Smith's two goals.

Barton doubts Marseille move

QPR midfielder back training with the youngsters

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton doubts a move to Marseille is now going to happen before the close of the transfer window.

Barton is currently serving a 12-game suspension as a result of his sending-off against former club Manchester City on the final day of last season and has no long-term future at Loftus Road.

He has been stripped of the captaincy, not been given a squad number and recently trained with Football League new boys Fleetwood Town.

A move to French giants Marseille had been mooted and Barton had initially been keen on exploring the option of a switch to Stade Velodrome.

However, the 29-year-old is now back training with QPR's youngsters after expressing his disappointment that a deal with Marseille looks unlikely.

Barton wrote on Twitter: "Doesn't look like this Marseille thing is gonna happen now. 'Whatever doesn't kill you make you stronger' #heartbroken"

Sky Sports revealed on Monday that QPR are ready to offer Barton, who has three years left on his contract, a free transfer in order to facilitate a move.

It now remains to be seen whether a deal will materialise for Barton, who scored three goals in 31 Premier League appearances last season after joining QPR from Newcastle United.

West Brom vs. Liverpool: Reds' Dud in League Opener a Sign for Concern

Liverpool’s 2012-13 English Premier League campaign got off to worrisome start as West Bromwich Albion ran the team off the field in a 3-0 rout at the Hawthorns.

The first half was an evenly contested affair, with new Reds’ boss Brendan Rodgers showing that his team could indeed keep the ball on the ground and play the possession-oriented tactics his boys at Swansea City executed so well last season. This part of plan turned out to be successful, with Liverpool keeping the ball for 61 percent of the match.

But the first sign of trouble came just before the halftime whistle, when Zoltan Gera’s wonderful volley screamed past Pepe Reina into the top corner of the net. West Brom took momentum into the locker room, and the Reds were never able to regain control.

In the 58th minute, Daniel Agger was sent off for bringing down Shane Long from behind after the Sunderland striker was through on goal. There was not an alarming amount of contact on the play, but Long was certainly in a threatening position. A red card seemed awfully harsh for the challenge.

Long was unable to extend the Baggies’ lead due to a dreadful effort from the penalty spot. The miss offered Liverpool an opportunity to seize some momentum, tighten up at the back and hope to catch the West Brom defense off-guard to tie the match. This did not happen and Agger’s absence would prove fatal for the Reds.

Sloppy play from Martin Skrtel allowed Long to dispossess the Liverpool center half in his own penalty area in the 63rd minute. The Irish striker then went to ground courtesy of Skrtel’s desperately outstretched leg, and referee Phil Dowd awarded West Brom another penalty. This time, Peter Odemwingie was called upon and he clinically converted the opportunity.

If Liverpool hopes to be a top team in this year’s Premiership, it must prove that it can show resiliency when the match takes a turn against them. There will be games when the strikers miss a frustrating amount of chances, and this will certainly not be the last time this season where Liverpool have a controversial call go against them. That is the nature of Premier League football.

These are the moments when discipline at the back and intelligent play from the midfielders is of paramount importance.

But in this match, Liverpool simply folded.

Luck continued to favor West Brom in the 77th, as Youssuf Mulumbu’s shot was deflected directly to Liam Ridgewell, who chipped the ball onto Romelu Lukaku’s head for the deathblow.

A certain amount of good fortune played in to the Baggies’ victory, but this does not make the Reds’ defeat any less disappointing. The team failed to finish quality opportunities and was unable to respond to a situation where the ball was not bouncing their way.

Going forward, Liverpool can certainly improve its play. There were positive signs from the match, as the team dominated possession and created many opportunities.

But the worries for this side include sharpness in the attacking third, and focus from the defenders.

This is a terrible way for Rodgers to start his career as the Liverpool manager, and if he is unable to turn the team’s form around quickly, it will be another long season for the Reds.

Robin van Persie in £24m move to Man Utd from Arsenal

Robin van Persie has completed his £24m move from Arsenal to Manchester United.

The Dutch striker, 29, has signed a four-year deal and could make his debut at Everton on Monday.
He said: "It's an honour to sign for Manchester United.

"I am looking forward to following in the footsteps of so many great strikers, bringing my experience and playing my part to help the team compete for the biggest trophies in the game. I can't wait to get started."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "The boy wanted to come. He turned down various clubs. If he hadn't told Arsenal he wanted to go to Manchester United, the transfer wouldn't have happened.

"Robin is a world-class striker with a proven record in England and in European football.

"His talents need no introduction to our fans. He has scored a number of goals against us in some classic battles with his former club. His movement, finishing and all-round ability are outstanding.

"We never thought we could get Van Persie. If you go back six months ago, I couldn't see us getting him.

"I thought Arsenal are not going to let him go. When I read he had refused a new contract, that is when we acted. It has been a long haul."

And Ferguson revealed he enjoyed negotiating with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

"I can't elaborate but it was amicable," said the Scot. "Arsene knew the boy wanted to leave. He knew he wanted to join us. That made it a bit easier but not in terms of trying to reduce the fee.

"[Wenger] could run a poker school in Govan. He got a great price but we are also happy the matter is concluded.

"From the starting position when we first started negotiating, Arsene has done well."

Van Persie said there were "no hard feelings" against his former club "It's just uncertain elements that we had a different view on. That's life. No-one is angry at me and I'm not angry at them," he said.

"It is always difficult to find the perfect match but I feel this is the perfect match.

"Manchester United breathes football. If you look at all the players from Manchester United, the stadium, the manager - my choice was made very soon in my mind."

Van Persie announced in July he would not extend his existing Arsenal deal, which was due to expire in June 2013.

It is understood Arsenal were willing to make Van Persie their highest paid player ever, but never actually offered him a new contract.

Juventus and Manchester City also bid for the striker, but it is understood that of the three, United were the only side Van Persie would have considered joining.

Wenger admits he was frustrated to see Van Persie leave but said he could do little to stop him going.
"I have regrets. We have lost a good player because of a simple reason," he said.

"He only had one year left on on his contract and he wanted to go.

"We lost a good player, a world-class player - I don't deny that. But it is a massive challenge to replace him and therefore we have to be even more of a team and work even more together to compensate."

United will pay £22.5m, with a further £1.5m one-off bonus to follow if they win a Premier League or Champions League title in the next four years.

The Netherlands international scored 44 goals in 57 games for club and country last season.

Van Persie was named Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers' player of the year, but scored only once as the Netherlands were eliminated at the group stage of Euro 2012.

Source: BBC.UK

Arsenal's Alex Song closes in on Barcelona move

Arsenal midfielder Alex Song is closing in on a move to Spanish giants Barcelona and the deal could be completed this weekend.

The 24-year-old will not feature in Saturday's opening Premier League match against Sunderland.

However manager Arsene Wenger has lined up Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin on a season-long loan as a replacement.

When asked about the possibility of more signings, and the departure of Song, Wenger said: "Both can happen."

The two clubs will hold further negotiations at the weekend.

Song, who has two years left to run on his contract, is one of Wenger's longest-serving players, having joined Arsenal as a 17-year-old from French side Bastia in 2005.

He initially joined on a one-year loan deal, with a £2.75m fee agreed to make the move permanent.

Song has gone on to make more than 200 appearances for Arsenal, including 34 in the Premier League last season.

With Abou Diaby and Jack Wilshere both close to a return to full match fitness, Wenger is happy with the options available to him in midfield.

"Midfield is an area where we have much more freedom to make decisions," he said.

Wenger has brought in strikers Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski this summer but Robin van Persie, who scored 30 goals in the Premier League for Arsenal last season, has joined Manchester United.

The Arsenal boss accepts the sale of Van Persie could be a gamble, but is confident his side has the quality to compete at the top of the table.

"We have lost world-class players before and we have always survived," he said.

"We wanted to keep Robin van Persie. The reality is when the player doesn't want to stay, you have two ways - you either force him to stay, or you accept the reality and let him go. I've chosen the second solution.

"I know it's a massive challenge and a massive gamble I took, but I feel that we have the quality to deal with the problem we have."

Source: BBC.UK

Rio Ferdinand fined for Ashley Cole 'choc ice' tweet

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand has been found guilty of improper conduct and fined £45,000 by the Football Association for comments on Twitter.

An independent commission concluded Ferdinand's response to a tweet describing Chelsea's Ashley Cole as a "choc ice" did not make him a racist.

But it was ruled the centre-half had brought the game into disrepute.

"The commission found that the breach included a reference to ethnic origin, colour or race," read an FA statement.

Ferdinand was also warned as to his future conduct. Manchester United have decided not to appeal against the decision.

The United defender tweeted: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic hahahahahaha!!" in response to a message from @carltonEbanks which stated: "Looks like Ashley Cole's going to be their choc ice. Then again he's always been a sell out. Shame on him."

The term relates to the black and white nature of a choc ice and can imply someone is being black on the outside and white on the inside.

The tweet appeared on Ferdinand's timeline after Chelsea and England left-back Cole appeared in court as a defence witness for team-mate John Terry, who was cleared of racially abusing Ferdinand's younger brother, Anton, in a game against QPR on 23 October last year.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "They (the FA) want to close the door on this kind of thing.

"What surprises me is that other players have been twittering for ages and have never been challenged by the FA.

"His (Ferdinand's) status in the game has caused that and who he plays for is maybe another issue."

In bringing their charge, the FA made it clear they did not feel Ferdinand was a racist, rather that he had acted improperly.

In a statement outlining their decision, the commission said: "The Football Association clearly states that this is not an allegation that Mr Ferdinand is a racist, concedes that he is not a racist but contends that his conduct in endorsing @carltonEbanks tweet in a public forum is a term of abuse and brought the game into disrepute."

Ferdinand conceded the tweet was insulting, although he insisted in the hearing he was not expressing a racist view.

The commission's report continued: "Mr Ferdinand stated the words 'choc ice' was a reference to race... but also means the person is fake.

"He accepted that the words of the tweet were insulting and conceded that the term could only be used when referring to a black or mixed race person and not a person with white skin.

"Mr Ferdinand therefore admitted that the term 'choc ice' referred to Mr Cole's colour, ethnic origin or race.

"The charge is proven and the breach of FA Rule E3 was aggravated by reference to Mr Cole's colour, ethnic origin or race."

The hearing did accept there were mitigating factors taken into consideration before they decided on their punishment.

"A number of factors have to be considered in determining the penalty," the statement read.

"This is Mr Ferdinand's first offence. He has a clear disciplinary record. He was the Football Association's 'Poster boy' and role model to other professional footballers in the use of Twitter and has a track record in fronting anti-racism campaigns in football.

"It was in response to a tweet rather than an original tweet."

A representative for Cole released a statement soon after Ferdinand's tweet to emphasis he still viewed the Manchester United defender as a friend.

"Ashley Cole wishes to make it clear that he and Rio Ferdinand are good friends and he has no intention of making any sort of complaint," it read.

"Ashley appreciates that Tweeting is so quick it often results in offhand and stray comments."

Since Ferdinand's tweet Terry has been charged with improper conduct by the FA for the alleged comments he made to Anton Ferdinand, a charge he has vowed to contest.

Terry, 31, is alleged to have used "abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour" during the game.

Source: BBC.UK

Robbie Fowler "Luis Suarez Will Be Brilliant" (Exclusive Interview)

Speaking exclusively to The Redmen TV.com, Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler predicts a bright 2012/13 season for controversial forward Luis Suarez in spite of the the boo boys...

Mexico beats Brazil in the Olympic football final‎

The Brazilian soccer players have to keep waiting for her first Olympic gold. The five-time world champion lost on Saturday at Wembley Stadium in London against Mexico 1:2 (0:1), thus demonstrating for the third time after 1984 and 1988, only the second place. At the same time, the South Americans botched the dress rehearsal for the home World Cup in two years. On coach Mano Menezes to come after the disappointing defeat turbulent times.

Prior to the London Olympic record crowd of 86 162 spectators Oribe Peralta scored both goals for the Mexicans, who were first Olympic champion in football. Already after 27 seconds of the attackers took his team into the lead. In the 75th Minute of the 28-year-olds increased to 2:0. The first goal by the Brazilian Hulk (90 +1) came too late. Bronze had secured South Korea on Friday night with a 2-0 (1-0) over Japan. The German footballers were not qualified for the Summer Games.

The final match for the Brazilians began with a shock. After just 27 seconds gave Peralta the Mexicans in front. Was preceded by a blunder of Brazil right-back Rafael, vertändelte of the ball.

A great favorite in the eyes of looked after IOC President Jacques Rogge, visibly shocked. The dreaded offensive to the Selecao Neymar, Oscar and Leandro Damiao was not going as usual. In all five previous matches of the tournament, the yellow and blues had always scored three goals. But just faltered in the finals of the offensive machine.

Coach Menezes reacted so after a little over half an hour and brought in Hulk from Portuguese club FC Porto another top offensive player. Prompt action was more in the train of the South Americans. But Hulk (38), Marcelo (41) and Neymar (45 +1). Awarded before the break, good opportunities for compensation.

After the break, the Brazilians crowded with even greater vehemence on the 1-1. Above all of Chelsea's recent Oscar committed now turned on and brought down the powerful defense of the Mexicans over again in a quandary.

The Mexicans moved into the second 45 minutes alone on the break and took a quarter of an hour before the final all clear. Peralta headed powerfully from a corner for a 2-0. Hulk still managed the 1:2, but then was the time elapsed. The proud soccer nation, Brazil was richer by one more Olympic disappointment.

City spurn Balotelli approaches

Italian striker staying put

Mario Balotelli: Attracted interest following Euro 2012

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has confirmed the club have turned down a number of approaches for Mario Balotelli.

The 20-year-old international has an outstanding Euro 2012, finishing with three goals and helping Italy to the final.

Mancini has revealed up to five teams have made enquiries, but all have been told he is not available.

"There were four or five teams. Not just from Italy also from France," said Mancini.

"Many important teams wanted him but he's a top player and I never thought about saying yes to any of them."

Development

Mancini was delighted with his striking starlet played for Italy this summer, and feels it will help his development.

"I hope he develops and he had a fantastic Euros but I don't think he can change his behaviour because he played very well," he said.

"It can help him because he may understand that he has all this quality, it's important for him to improve his behaviour around football.

"I hope the Euros can help him with that."

Source: Skysports.com

New faces in Italy squad

Prandelli names eight uncapped players for England clash

Stephan El Shaarawy: Given a chance to impress at international level

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has named eight uncapped players in his squad for next week's friendly against England.

The 54-year-old, who did not pick Juventus or Napoli players for Wednesday's match in Berne because of their involvement in Saturday's Supercoppa match in Beijing, has chosen a 22-man squad which has a youthful look to it.

AC Milan's 19-year-old striker Stephan El Shaarawy gets a chance to impress on the national stage, as do Rossoneri defenders Mattia De Sciglio and Francesco Acerbi.

Atalanta have three players included, after comfortably surviving on their return to Serie A last season.

Striker Manolo Gabbiadini, defender Federico Peluso and goalkeeper Andrea Consigli are all named for the first time by Prandelli.

The other newcomers to the squad are Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin and Sampdoria midfielder Andrea Poli, who spent last season on loan with Inter Milan.

Prandelli has opted to give some of his regulars a break following Italy's campaign at the European Championship, where they lost in the final to Spain.

Antonio Cassano is one of those who will not figure against England, however Manchester City'sMario Balotelli is included in the squad and he is joined by Fiorentina's Alberto Aquilani, a recent signing from Liverpool.

Italy squad: Andrea Consigli (Atalanta), Mattia Perin (Genoa), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St Germain); Ignazio Abate, Francesco Acerbi, Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Roma), Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (Torino), Federico Peluso (Atalanta); Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Antonio Nocerino, Andrea Poli (Sampdoria), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain); Mario Balotelli (Man City), Mattia Destro (Roma), Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Atalanta).

Source: Skysport.com

Portugal hope Cristiano Ronaldo can find Real Madrid form against Denmark

When Cristiano Ronaldo tore off his captain's armband in frustration after Portugal's 1-0 defeat by Germany in their opening Group B game, on Saturday, it summed up all that is wrong with his team.

Before the Euros started Portugal's coach Paolo Bento slated critics who said his team would struggle with an uninspired midfield, out-of-form strikers and a high-profile winger who often fails to fire in big tournaments.

Saturday's match appeared to prove those critics right. "I haven't done the individual analysis yet but I think it was a very good game by Ronaldo," Bento said at the weekend. In truth, the Real Madrid winger did little to justify his top billing.

The reality is, the critics say, that while Ronaldo's goal-scoring feats with Real Madrid are remarkable, too many of the teams he dominates in La Liga are ordinary.

Ronaldo's fancy footwork and stepovers might work well against Getafe and Real Zaragoza but when he comes up against quick, top-class defenders who refuse to panic, he finds it harder.

Within the first few minutes against Germany he literally bounced off the powerfully-built Mats Hummels, and later had a similarly frustrating time against a solid Jérôme Boateng.

Ronaldo had one good chance in the 64th minute when he broke clear into the German box, but was denied by a last-ditch tackle from Boateng.

Bento will also fret about the way the Germans took control of the game simply by sticking close to Ronaldo and Nani, Portugal's other attacking winger.

On several occasions midfielder Joao Moutinho found himself with plenty of space – but when he looked for an outlet in the final third of the field both Nani and Ronaldo were closely marked and the attacks broke down.

Before half-time Ronaldo was remonstrating with team-mates about the quality of their passing, yet he too was guilty of misplacing the final ball.

Up front the story was even more depressing, with striker Helder Postiga largely ineffective and Hugo Almeida the only experienced alternative.

Portugal's forwards will hope to raise team morale on Wednesday against Denmark, a slower team with a defence hardly at Germany's level. "We have to concentrate in the second game and we have to win it," Bento said.

Ronaldo at least found a staunch defender in Portugal's most capped player, Luis Figo, who said the team must improve his supply lines to get the best out of him. "I think the team need to give him the chances to have a good performance," the former World Player of the Year said.

"Cristiano's style is to finish, to score, so if the team don't produce those kind of opportunities then of course his performance is down."

Figo, 39, a veteran of 127 caps, added: "We have to improve. Portugal were not so efficient in the opportunities we had. We don't have time for any more mistakes – we have to win the next two games."

Win or lose, though, football is not the only thing on Figo's mind nowadays. At the weekend he was due to board one of the competing boats, Abu Dhabi, when the Volvo Ocean Race goes around Lisbon port before it continues to the next stopover in Lorient, France. His former Real Madrid team-mate Zinedine Zidane did the same in Alicante, Spain, at the start of the round-the-world sailing event.

Ronaldo wants to stay for life - Real forward would be happy to sign 10-year contract

 

Cristiano Ronaldo has made it clear that he would like to finish his career at Real Madrid as he looks to justify his world-record transfer fee.

Ronaldo moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Manchester United for a fee of £80million in 2009 and has just won his first Primera Liga title with the club following a stunning campaign.

He scored 60 goals in 55 games throughout the season and is happy to pay the club back for the faith that has been shown in him.

The Portugal international maintains that he has no plans to leave, though, and would be happy to sign a new long-term contract.

He told Marca: "All that I have achieved I have done so with my sweat and talent, but overall with a lot of work. Nothing has fallen out of the sky.

"At times I think about how I am still the most expensive signing in the history of football and I always try to justify on the pitch the huge gamble the club took on me.

Mourinho praise

"About the renovation of my contract, if it was up to me then I would stay at Real Madrid for the rest of my career, but it doesn't all depend on me.


"I am not just saying this, I am sincere, I want to finish my career here. I would sign for 10 years today if I could, but this is something that also depends on other people."

Ronaldo is delighted that his compatriot Jose Mourinho has renewed his contract until 2016 and is hoping the former Chelsea boss stays in the Spanish capital for many years to come.

He said: "I am happy Mourinho is staying. A club like Real Madrid has to have a top coach like Mourinho.


"The manager has to stay here, it seems clear to me that Real Madrid without Mourinho would win less titles than with him on the bench."

United agree Kagawa deal

Transfer of Japan ace subject to medical and work permit

Manchester United have confirmed they have 'agreed terms' for the transfer of highly-rated Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund.

Negotiations have been on-going with the 23-year-old for a number of weeks.

The deal, which is thought to be worth £12million, potentially rising to £17million with add-ons, is subject to a medical and work permit, although this is believed to be a formality.

The Japan international has established himself as a key figure at Dortmund after arriving from native club Cerezo Osaka in 2010, scoring 16 goals in all competitions last season.

He marks United's first signing this summer as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to bolster his midfield options.

Delighted

It is not anticipated the deal will be completed until the end of the month as Kagawa is currently on international duty and played in Japan's 3-0 World Cup qualifying round victory over Oman at the weekend.

"Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with both Borussia Dortmundand Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to the club," said a United statement.

"The deal is subject only to the player medical and obtaining a UK work permit. These conditions are anticipated to be completed by the end of June.


"Further details will be announced in due course."

United defender Rio Ferdinand was quick to offer his best wishes on Twitter.

"Welcome to Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to Man Utd," he said. "Here's to a succesful (sic) time here bro!"

Source: www.Skysports.com