Monday transfer round-up: Marseille get their man, Al-Habsi earns Wigan stay

Long-time Marseille target Alou Diarra has finally joined the Ligue 1 outfit, penning a three-year deal at the Stade Velodrome on Monday.

The former Bordeaux midfielder, capped 34 times for France, is believed to have signed for a fee in the region of 4.5 million euro.

“In Diarra, the club has picked up the services of a defensive midfielder with international experience who is among the best in France,” said a statement from Marseille.

The 29-year-old has been pursued by Marseille manager Didier Deschamps for some time, and was the subject of a rejected bid by the 2010 champions last July.

In the Premier League, former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi has completed a permanent move to Wigan Athletic after a successful season-long loan.

The Oman international was named the Latics’ player of the season for his efforts in keeping the club in the top-flight, and manager Roberto Martinez was thrilled to retain the custodian’s services on a four-year deal.

“Goalkeeping is a very specific position and we are very pleased that we are going to be very strong in this department going into the new season,” Martinez said.

“Being voted player of the season reflects the huge impression that Ali had on the pitch but also the feeling of the supporters towards him.”

Meanwhile, England Under-21 pair Danny Rose and Kyle Walker have signed contract extensions at Tottenham until 2015 and 2016 respectively.

Rose, 21, shot to prominence after scoring a spectacular goal for Spurs against north London rivals Arsenal in his league debut last year, but struggled for regular first-team football at White Hart Lane.

He was loaned out to Championship outfit Bristol City in September, before returning to play in Spurs’ final four games of the recent campaign.

Walker, also 21, impressed during loan spells at Championship winners QPR and Premier League rivals Aston Villa last season, earning a call-up into the England senior squad in the process.

Ricardo Gardner has signed a new one-year contract extension that will take the versatile defender into a 13th season with Bolton.

The 32-year-old, who was sidelined for most of last season with a knee injury, turned down an offer from Championship outfit West Ham in favour of an extended stay at the Reebok.

“I have been at Bolton almost my entire career and I wanted to stay here longer,” Gardner told Bolton’s official website.

“I am looking forward to this pre-season because it is a fresh start.”

Scottish Premier League champions Rangers have confirmed that goalkeeper Allan McGregor and defender Steven Whittaker have signed long-term contracts with the club.

McGregor, 29, had reportedly courted the interest of several Premier League clubs prior to signing a six-year deal on Monday.

Whittaker, 27, was the subject of a two-million-pound bid from Turkish club Bursaspor, but has signed a five-year extension at Ibrox.

Portuguese and Europa League champions Porto have signed 21-year-old forward Kleber from CS Maritimo, where he scored 14 goals in 38 Liga matches.

“Porto are known all over the world and anyone would dream about coming here,” Kleber said.

“Today is one of the happiest days of my life. I’m very pleased with the opportunity that Porto are giving me and I hope I can repay them.”

And highly rated teenager Dale Jennings is set for a dream move from League One outfit Tranmere Rovers to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

The 18-year-old striker, who only debuted at Rovers last season, is discussing personal terms with the 2009/10 German champions.

“Bayern have made us a very good offer for Dale and we don’t want to stand in his way of making this incredible move,” Rovers boss Les Parry said.

“When a club with the size and history of Bayern come in for you it’s the opportunity of a lifetime and I wish Dale all the best should the transfer happen.”