Latest Football Transfer News 03-07-2012

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Balzaretti reveals options

Defender only interested in PSG move
Last Updated: July 3, 2012 11:37am


Federico Balzaretti: Would only consider a move to PSG should he leave Palermo


Italy defender Federico Balzaretti has revealed that Paris St Germain is the only club he would join if he decides to leave Palermo.
The 30-year-old has been linked with a number of Serie A rivals following a series of impressive displays for Italy during their run to the Euro 2012 final.


Palermo are keen to keep the former Juventus man at the club and have begun talks over extending his contract, which expires next summer.
However, Ligue 1 side Paris St Germain are also believed to be interested in Balzaretti, whose wife works in the French city.
Balzaretti admits that makes a potential move to the French capital an attractive one but insists he does not want to go anywhere else.
"A week ago I spoke with [Palermo president Maurizio] Zamparini. I told him what my priorities are," he told Corriere dello Sport.
Solutions

"I'll either stay at Palermo or move to Paris St Germain - there are no other solutions."
Reflecting on his country's run to the final of Euro 2012 and their eventual 4-0 hammering by Spain, Balzaretti revealed tiredness was a debilitating factor in their defeat.
He did though insist that the Azzurri should be proud of their achievement in simply reaching the final, given they were not expected to make a significant impact at the tournament.


"Coach Cesare Prandelli congratulated us for what we were able to do. He's very proud of us," he added.
"It is not easy to play against Spain. They can keep the ball easily and they started the game very well.
"Reaching the final was an important achievement. Unfortunately, we were very tired by the time we got there after playing so many games within a short space of time."

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Alba set for Barca medical

Spain international will complete move on Thursday
Last Updated: July 3, 2012 2:44pm


Jordi Alba: Spain international had a fantastic and successful Euro 2012 campaign


Spain international defender Jordi Alba will undergo his medical with Barcelona this Thursday as he puts the finishing touches on his €14million (£11m) move from Valencia.
Barca announced last week that they had agreed a deal with their Primera Liga rivals for the 23-year-old left-back, and have now revealed that the transfer will be completed later this week.
"On Wednesday morning he will come to the club's offices to have the traditional photo session in front of the Barcelona badge," reads a statement on the club's official website.


"On Thursday he will officially become a new Barca player for the next five seasons.
"On the same day Jordi Alba will take his medical, sign his new contract, have the customary photo session at the Nou Camp and offer his first press conference as an Azulgrana player."
Alba was part of the historic Spain squad that won Euro 2012 on Sunday following a 4-0 victory over Italy in the final. He scored La Roja's second goal against the Azzurri.

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Magpies swoop for Campbell-Ryce
Last Updated: July 3, 2012 2:53pm


Campbell-Ryce: Signs with County


Notts County have completed the signing of midfielder Jamal Campbell-Ryce on a two-year contract.
The 29-year-old was officially a free agent after leaving Bristol City and the Jamaican winger has agreed terms with the Magpies.
He spent part of last season on loan at Leyton Orient before bringing his two-year stay at Ashton Gate to an end.
"I had one or two other clubs that I was talking to, but Keith Curle seemed like the most enthusiastic and he instilled a lot of confidence in me, so that went a long way," he told the club's official website.


"He just said he wants me to play with a freedom and enjoy my football and obviously work hard when we haven't got the ball, which is obviously standard.
"But it was really encouraging to hear a manager saying to 'go and express yourself, go anywhere you want and do your thing' so hopefully I can return the favour and actually make things happen on the pitch."