Klinsmann named USA coach

Former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann has been named the new head coach of the United States.

The announcement comes a day after Bob Bradley was sacked following five years in charge.

Klinsmann had a distinguished playing career, highlighted by winning the World Cup in 1990 and European championship in 1996 with Germany, but has had only fleeting spells in management, first with Germany and later Bayern Munich.

He has also lived primarily in the United States since retiring from playing, and has frequently been linked with the national team job and vacancies in Major League Soccer.

Messi, Xavi & Ronaldo up for Uefa award

Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Xavi will fight Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo for the Uefa Best Player in Europe award after the list of nominees was announced.

The inaugural award will take place in August and the final trio have been announced after a jury of 53 sports journalists representing each of the Uefa member associations scaled down the list which included Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, and Barcelona's Andres Iniesta.

A deciding vote to determine which player will win the award takes place on August 25.

Gabbidon deal done

QPR have completed the signing of Danny Gabbidon following his release by West Ham.

The 31-year-old defender, who made 113 appearances in six years with the Hammers, has agreed a one-year deal at Loftus Road.

He becomes Rangers boss Neil Warnock's third signing of the summer, along with fellow former Hammer Kieron Dyer and Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd.

Gabbidon told Rangers' official website: "Hopefully I can bring experience to the table having played in the Premier League for a number of years.

Mourinho ya es «manager» del Real Madrid

El Real Madrid ha hecho oficial, mediante un comunicado en su página web, el nombramiento de su entrenador José Mourinho como nuevo 'manager deportivo de fútbol' de la entidad que preside Florentino Pérez.

Además, el club madridista anunció también la reestructuración de otros cargos en el Real Madrid e informó de que habrá una única dirección General de la que se hará cargo José Ángel Sánchez y una dirección del Gabinete de Presidencia, bajo la responsabilidad de Manuel Redondo.

Mourinho asume más poder: también es mánager deportivo del Real

El Real Madrid anunció hoy que José Mourinho será, además del entrenador del primer equipo, el mánager deportivo, con lo que el portugués consiguió plenos poderes en su parcela.

El Real Madrid imita así el "modelo inglés", algo insólito en la Liga española hasta ahora, y Mourinho obtiene todo el margen de decisión en materia deportiva, desde fichajes a planificación de viajes o elección de médicos.

Bent wants N'Zogbia at Villa

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent believes Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia would be a "fantastic" signing for the club.

Villa boss Alex McLeish is looking to bolster his squad after seeing Stewart Downing leave for Liverpool and Ashley Young for Manchester United.

Last week, Wigan turned down a £9 million bid from Villa for N'Zogbia, with Latics chairman Dave Whelan seeking £10 million for the Frenchman.

Bent accepts that the departures of Downing and Young will be felt, but is hopeful that Marc Albrighton, 21, can continue his development and that N'Zogbia can be brought in.

Alexis Sanchez joins Barcelona from Udinese for £23m

Alexis Sanchez is set to join Barcelona from Udinese for a fee of £23m, which could rise as high as £33m.

The Chilean winger, who will undergo a medical on Monday, has signed a five-year deal with the La Liga and Champions League holders.

Sanchez, 22, was voted Serie A's best player last season having scored 12 times in 31 games.

Sanchez, who has 40 caps for Chile, signed for Udinese in 2006 from Chilean side Cobreloa.

Ronaldo hat-trick propels Real Madrid win

Cristiano Ronaldo scored three goals in a devastating nine minute second-half spell on Wednesday to propel Spanish giants Real Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Mexico's Chivas Guadalajara.

Ronaldo, a former world footballer of the year, was thwarted by Chivas keeper Luis Michel in the first half of the friendly.

Michel stopped one of the Portuguese star's signature free kicks in the 6th minute and shortly afterwards denied a Ronaldo headed attempt off a corner.

Then as half-time approached Ronaldo fought off a defender to reach a through ball from Mezut Ozil, only to find Michel had rushed out to close the angle.

Udinese confirm Barcelona deal for Sanchez

The Serie A outfit have finalised a deal with the European champions for the Chile international, with an official announcement to be made in the coming days.

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Udinese over the signing of Alexis Sanchez, according to Gino Pozzo, the son of Udinese club owner Giampaolo Pozzo.

Speaking with Spanish radio station RAC1 upon his arrival on Wednesday at Barcelona's El Prat airport, Pozzo stated that "the agreement with Barcelona for Alexis Sanchez is complete."

The Chilean, who has finished international duty with his country in the 2011 Copa America, is expected to join Barca's pre-season training camp once the deal is officially rubber-stamped.

Gunners complete Gervinho signing

Arsenal have completed the signing of striker Gervinho from Lille for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £10.5 million.

The Gunners announced last week a deal had been agreed and the paperwork has now been approved, with Gervinho penning what Arsenal would only describe as a "long-term contract".

Gervinho, who helped Lille to win the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double last season, said: "It's a great feeling to be an Arsenal player. I'm very happy. I've always dreamed to play for this club. I've achieved this dream now and I am so happy. It's one of the most beautiful days of my life.''

Man City manager Mancini expects Aguero developments

Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero, BBC Sport understands.

The move comes despite the deadlock in Carlos Tevez's proposed move to Brazilian outfit Corinthians.

The Tevez transfer is on hold after the Brazilian side contradicted City boss Roberto Mancini's claim that a deal had been agreed.

David Beckham: "I'll prove I'm still the Real deal"

Becks and his LA Galaxy team-mates are gearing up for the World Football Challenge in the States, which also features Premier League champions Manchester United.

And the England international is looking forward to proving he can still cut it among the best players in the world.

Beckham, who starred for Madrid from 2003 to 2007, said: "I spent four amazing years at Real Madrid.

"To go from a club like Manchester United to Real Madrid, it really doesn't get much better than that in football.

"I've got many friends still there. To be facing Real Madrid for the first time since I left is emotional.

"You get attached to the club, you get attached to the people.

Jay Bothroyd joins Queens Park Rangers on free transfer

Premier League newcomers Queens Park Rangers have signed England striker Jay Bothroyd on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old, who left Cardiff during the summer, has signed a three-year deal at Loftus Road.

"I think this club is heading in the right direction and has got a lot of ambition," said Bothroyd.

Wolves set to announce Johnson deal

Wolves are set to parade Birmingham central defender Roger Johnson as their third signing of the summer on Wednesday morning in a near-£7million deal.

Wolves are holding a press conference at their Compton training ground to announce the signing of the former Cardiff player - barring any last-minute hitches.

The clubs have agreed a fee while Johnson has agreed personal terms and passed a medical. All that remains is for Johnson to formally put pen to paper on a four-year contract ahead of facing the media.

David Beckham: Real Madrid can win everything with 'genius' Jose Mourinho

Real Madrid are on course to win everything under the expert guidance of "genius" Jose Mourinho, believes former Santiago Bernabeu favourite David Beckham.

The ex-England captain spent four years in the Spanish capital between 2003 and 2007, and believes that the Portuguese tactician will take next season by storm, and in doing so end Barcelona's run of dominance in La Liga.

Beckham told Marca: "Madrid are building a powerful side with important players and they can win all competitions. They are a team that strikes fear [into opponents] and I have no doubts they are able to win everything.

"They have one of the best coaches in the world - Mourinho is a genius - and he has proved this with all the teams he has coached."

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder also hailed former Manchester United man Cristiano Ronaldo, and added that he hopes to face him when Madrid arrive to do battle in a pre-season friendly next weekend.

He said of the winger: "Ronaldo is a phenomenon and one of the best. I hope to play against him."

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Beckham to face United

David Beckham is set to play against former club Manchester United after being named in the Major League Soccer All-Star squad to face the Red Devils later this month.

Beckham, whose wife Victoria has just given birth to their fourth child Harper Seven, returned to Old Trafford in May to take part in Gary Neville's testimonial and will rub shoulders with some of his old United colleagues again on July 27 at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.

Also included in the MLS squad are Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy team-mate and one-time Everton loanee Landon Donovan, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and ex-Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez, both of whom currently play for New York Red Bulls.

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Tecnologia para treinadores do futuro

José Mourinho já não conta apenas com a ajuda dos portugueses Cristiano Ronaldo, Ricardo Carvalho, ou Pepe, para triunfar. O treinador do Real Madrid conta agora também com a ajuda da empresa portuguesa Forward Green, que desenvolveu o chamado "Training to Play", um instrumento precioso para testar e armazenar táticas de jogo.

Uma das imagens associadas a José Mourinho são os seus blocos de notas. Durante os jogos, o treinador português escreve, testa e armazena tácticas preciosas para o desenrolar dos jogos. Mas este cenário está prestes a mudar. É que, em vez dos blocos de notas, Mourinho vai passar a andar com um iPad nas mãos e que carrega um instrumento especial: o Mourinho Tactical Board, um software que permite aos utilizadores testar e armazenar tácticas e estratégias quer da equipa quer dos adversários e que foi criado por uma empresa portuguesa, a Forward Green.

Inter's Philippe Coutinho has no intention of leaving

Inter midfielder Philippe Coutinho insists he will not be leaving the club following reports he could be shipped out on loan this summer.

Bologna have been linked with his services for next season as he struggled to impose himself under former coach Leonardo last term.

Reports linking Inter with Velez Sarsfield ace Ricky Alvarez, and Valencia's Ever Banega, have also led to speculation Coutinho may struggle to improve on his eight starts from 2010-11.

But, speaking to Esporte Interactivo, the Brazilian said: "There is lots of talk about me in the press, but the truth is I do not want to leave for another team, which is what has been reported.

Di Matteo happy to be number two

Former West Brom boss Robert Di Matteo insists he will have no problems working as number two under new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas.

The Italian, sacked at The Hawthorns in February despite having won promotion the previous season, was unveiled as part of the new backroom staff at Stamford Bridge, where he spent six successful years as a player before injury forced him to retire in 2002.

"It is obviously a challenge for me but I don't anticipate any problems," Di Matteo told the club's official website, www.chelseafc.com.

10 reasons why you should watch the 2011 Copa America

Showcasing the very best of South American football, the Copa America is a true festival of what has been dubbed 'The Beautiful Game'. This July, 12 teams will fight for the right to be crowned continental champions, over 28 hard-fought games finishing with the final in River Plate's legendary Estadio Monumental.

Despite the presence of some of the world's best teams, however, audiences outside of the Americas have often held a rather blasé approach to the Copa America. Of course, time differences play a big part in this; for example, Friday's opening match kicks off in La Plata at 01:50 BST, discouraging all but the most fervent fans of South American fútbol.

There have also been issues in the past with finding the games on television, and requiring cable or satellite packages to access the exciting matches on show. For those willing to burn the midnight oil and tune in though, the rewards and excitement could make the late nights more than worth it. Goal.com presents the top 10 reasons to watch this year's Copa America...

Newcastle sign Mehdi Abeid from French side Lens

Newcastle United have completed the signing of France Under-19 international Mehdi Abeid from French club Lens.

The 18-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year deal with the Magpies after impressing while on trial at the club.

Reserve team manager Peter Beardsley said: "We are delighted to bring Mehdi to the club.

Larsson aiming for Europe

Sebastian Larsson has told his new Sunderland team-mates they should be aiming for Europe next season as Steve Bruce continues his summer overhaul.

The 26-year-old Sweden midfielder formally completed his free transfer move from Birmingham on Friday morning when he signed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

Larsson told SAFC TV: "It's a big club with big ambitions. We have got to try to improve each year - hopefully, that's the aim and that's what I think the club is aiming for. Everything is here to progress and with a good start, why not challenge for Europe if it's possible?"