Afellay signs for Stoke City

Stoke City F.C. have completed the signing of former Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay on a two-year deal.

Afellay, 29, becomes the Potters’ eight summer signing following the arrivals of Glen Johnson, Jakob Haugaard, Joselu, Marco van Ginkel, Moha, Phillip Wollscheid and Shay Given.

“It’s no secret that Ibrahim was wanted by a number of clubs and we are understandably delighted that he has chosen to join us,” Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes said.

“He’s clearly excited about the prospect of playing in the Premier League and the fact that he knows so many players who are already at the Club will no doubt help him settle into his new surroundings.”

The Holland international will join the first-team squad at their training camp in Evian, France, and is available to feature in the Colonia Cup in Germany at the weekend.

Afellay scored four goals in 19 Greek Super League appearances for Olympiakos last season.

Villa sign Jordan Ayew

Aston Villa F.C. have announced the signing of Jordan Ayew from French Ligue 1 side Lorient for an undisclosed fee.

The Ghana international, who has been signed as a replacement for Christian Benteke, has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Villa Park.

“I’m really pleased to bring Jordan to the football club,” Villa boss Tim Sherwood told the club’s official website.

“He is a fantastic young player who is perfectly suited to the Premier League.”

Ayew, 23, bagged 12 goals and five assists in 31 Ligue 1 appearances for Lorient in 2014/15.

Norwich agree fee for Brady

Hull City manager Steve Bruce has confirmed the club have accepted Norwich City’s bid for midfielder Robbie Brady.

Brady, a Republic of Ireland international, will become the Canaries’ third summer recruit following the signings of Graham Dorrans and Youssouf Mulumbu once he agrees personal terms and completes a medical at Carrow Road.

“The two clubs have agreed a fee for Robbie,” Bruce said. “We have given Robbie permission to go and speak to Norwich. I envisage that deal to go through.

“I want to thank Robbie for his efforts as he has been a terrific player for us. It’s sad to see him go but most people will understand that when you get relegated these things happen.

“When Norwich were relegated last season, we got Robert Snodgrass. They are doing the reverse this year and they have taken one of our good players. And he is a good player, and we wish him the best of luck.”

Norwich City are priced at 5/4 to finish in the bottom-three in the English Premier League table in 2015/16.