Valencia agree to sign Joao Pereira
Valencia have reached an agreement to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Joao Pereira, the Portuguese club have announced.
With Bruno Saltor and Miguel Brito set to leave the club at the end of the season, los Che faced the prospect of staying without a single right-back in the squad.
As soon as it was revealed that the two players would not remain at Mestalla, Valencia started the search for a new right-sided defender.
Los Che were linked with Ajax full-back Gregory van der Wiel and Marseille’s Cesar Azpilicueta, but they finally opted for Sporting Lisbon defender Joao Pereira.
The Portuguese club announced on their official website they had reached an agreement with Valencia, and all that’s left is for the player to agree on the personal terms with the Spanish club.
The 28-year-old full-back has featured in 25 league games for Sporting Lisbon this season, while starting 8 games in Portugal’s successful Euro 2012 campaign.
Joao Pereira is expected to meet with his new teammates after the European Championship.
Roma interest in Destro, Merkel confirmed
Genoa have confirmed reports linking Roma with a move for Mattia Destro and Alexander Merkel.
The Giallorossi are actively searching for reinforcements following yet another disappointing season and they have been linked with a number of Serie A stars.
Genoa sporting director now reveals that the Olimpico outfit are keen on Mattia Destro and Alexander Merkel.
“They are good young players and they fall within Roma’s policy of rejuvenating the squad,” Genoa sporting director Stefano Capozucca told Italian Radio Centro Suono Sport.
“It is normal that Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini is interested seeing as he often targets young emerging talents.
“I can say that Roma are interested, but there are a number of factors to consider before any deal could be done.
“It’ll be easier to discuss Merkel as he now totally belongs to us, while we can’t negotiate Destro until we’ve resolved his co-ownership with Siena.”
Alexander Merkel is a Genoa player after he was purchased from AC Milan, whereas Mattia Destro is co-owned with Siena.
The young forward has seen his name linked with almost all top Italian clubs after impressing at Siena.
Benfica sign Ola John
Benfica have announced the signing of winger Ola John from Twente on their official website.
The Portuguese giants revealed the player had signed a five-year deal at La Luz, with the €45 million release clause inserted in his deal.
The Eagles have been in negotiations for the Dutch international for quite a while now and just few days ago media reports claimed the talks have broken down.
However, the two sides returned to the negotiating table and managed to agree on the transfer fee, which was not disclosed.
The 20-year-old forward has largely impressed in his second senior season with the Tukkers and the Dutch club decided the time was right to cash in on their star player.
Ola John was one of star performers in an otherwise disappointing season for Twente, having scored 8 goals and produced another 16 in 33 Eredivisie appearances.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2011/12 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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