Hleb In Birmingham Loan Switch Fee: Loan

Birmingham City have signed the former Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb from Barcelona on a season-long loan deal.

The 29-year-old is Birmingham's sixth summer signing and the second on deadline day after they also completed a deal for the Czech defender Martin Jiranek this afternoon.

Hleb made 89 appearances for Arsenal before leaving the club to join Barcelona two years ago.

The Belarus international has struggled for first-team football in Catalonia, however, and was also farmed out on a season-long loan to the German side Stuttgart last season.

The City manager Alex McLeish described Hleb's arrival as a "major signing", less than a week after they missed out on securing the services of the Wigan Athletic winger Charles N'Zogbia.

"Hleb is a top quality player – one who at one stage we'd only actually dreamed about really," McLeish told the club's official website.

"Over the past year or so we have talked about him but with no real belief we could get him.

"We decided to give it a try and towards the end of the window we found out it might be possible.

"He is an extremely creative type who is skilful, a great dribbler and has an excellent touch and great feet.

"He has huge international experience and great pedigree due to playing for such clubs as Stuttgart, Arsenal and Barcelona.

"As with all the players we have brought to the club in recent times I'd like to thank the board for their support in making them happen."

Hleb joins fellow new signing Jiranek who joins from Russian club Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee, while the Chilean winger Jean Beausejour is expected to complete his transfer to St Andrew's later today.


Alexander Hleb's career:


1999-2000 - BATE - 10 apps (4 goals)
2000-2005 - Stuttgart - 137 apps (16 goals)
2005-2008 - Arsenal - 89 apps (7 goals)
2008 - Barcelona - 19 apps (0 goals)
2009-2010 - Stuttgart (loan) - 25 apps (0 goals)

International career:

2001 - Belarus - 54 apps (7 goals)

Wigan In Cleverley Deal Fee: Loan

Wigan have signed Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley on a season-long loan.

The England Under-21 international has previously had loan spells at Leicester and Watford in the last two seasons and has now gone to the DW Stadium to continue gaining experience.

"Tom is a very exciting young player and we are delighted he is coming to us," said Wigan manager Roberto Martinez.

"He can play in a number of positions and will provide us with some good new options, and add great competition to the squad.

"We have been watching him for some time and feel he is the right sort of player to join our squad; young, hungry, desperate to play for the club in the Premier League and to grow with us."


Tom Cleverley's career:


2007 - Manchester United - 0 apps (0 goals)
2009 - Leicester City (loan) - 15 apps (2 goals)
2009-2010 - Watford - 33 apps (11 goals)


International career:


2009 - England U21 - 7 apps (0 goals)

Liverpool Sign Konchesky Fee: Undisclosed

Defender Paul Konchesky has been reunited with former manager Roy Hodgson after finally completing his move to Liverpool from Fulham.

The 29-year-old has signed a four-year contract, with Reds reserve team players Lauri Dalla Valle and Alex Kacaniklic moving in the opposite direction as part of the deal.

Konchesky was at Anfield to watch his new team's victory over West Brom on Sunday but the completion of his deal was held up by negotiations and medicals for Dalla Valle and Kacaniklic.

The two-cap England international, who played under Hodgson at Fulham, will provide much-needed competition for Fabio Aurelio at left-back.


Paul Konchesky's career:


1997-2005 - Charlton Athletic - 149 apps (5 goals)
2003 - Tottenham Hotspur (loan) - 12 apps (0 goals)
2005-2007 - West Ham United - 59 apps (2 goals)
2007-2010 - Fulham - 97 apps (0 goals)


International career:


2003 - England - 2 apps (0 goals)

Jiranek In Brum Switch Fee: Undisclosed

Birmingham have signed Spartak Moscow captain Martin Jiranek for an undisclosed fee.

The 31-year-old defender has signed a one-year deal at St Andrews and Blues boss Alex McLeish is delighted with his new signing.

"We are short at the back with regards to defensive cover," he told bcfc.co.uk.

"Jiranek has tremendous experience on club, European and international fronts.

"He is a good presence and his arrival will keep Roger Johnson and Scott Dann on their toes."


Martin Jiranek's career:


1997-1998 - Bohemians Prague - 55 apps (4 goals)
1999 - Tatran Postorna (loan) - 11 apps (0 goals)
1999-2001 - Slovan Liberec - 32 apps (0 goals)
2001-2004 - Reggina - 100 apps (3 goals)
2004-2010 - Spartak Moscow - 136 apps (4 goals)

International career:

Czech Republic - 31 apps (0 goals)

Bolton Make Loan Swoop Fee: Loan

Bolton have signed Benfica striker Rodrigo Moreno on a season-long loan, subject to international clearance.

The 19-year-old moved to Portugal from Real Madrid last month as part of the deal that took Angel di Mario to the Bernabeu.

The Spain Under-19 international has quickly left the Estadio da Luz and joins former team-mate Marcos Alonso, who moved to Wanderers at the end of July, at the Reebok Stadium.

"We watched Rodrigo play alongside Marcos in the Real Madrid B team last season and we were obviously interested in signing the two of them," said Bolton assistant boss Sandy Stewart to the club's official website.

"He went to Benfica as part of the Angel di Maria deal but we still chased his signature and now we are delighted to eventually get him to our football club.

"We are looking forward to working with him and we are confident that he will bolster what is already a strong squad of players.

"He is a quick, exciting young player who can play upfront and in wide positions. Hopefully the fans will really take to him.

"Like Marcos, he will take a period of time to bed in because he will be playing in a different country, but we are very confident that he will have a successful time here."

Rodrigo Moreno's career:

2009-2010 - Real Madrid C - 4 apps (1 goal)

2009-2010 - Real Madrid Castilla - 18 apps (6 goals)

2010 - Benfica - 0 apps

Blackpool Grab Wycombe Teenager Fee: £325,000

Worldwide Football can reveal Wycombe Wanderers winger Matt Phillips has joined Premier League newcomers Blackpool in a move that could be worth close to £700,000.

The 19-year-old, a product of Wycombe's youth scheme, completed his transfer today after the clubs agreed a two-stage fee that will see Blackpool pay £325,000 now and a further sum if they remain in the Premier League next season. The second part of the fee will become payable even if Blackpool are relegated this season, provided they regain their top level status within four years.

Wanderers have also negotiated a generous sell on clause should Phillips subsequently leave Blackpool for another club. Phillips leaves with the blessing of the Wycombe manager, Gary Waddock, who said: "It's a great opportunity for Matty to play in the Premier League and we couldn't stand in his way. He's an outstanding prospect and I'm sorry to lose him, but it's a great move for him and excellent business for the football club."

The club's owner, Steve Hayes, told wwfc.com: "We didn't want Matty to leave, but how could we deny him the chance to further his career by moving to a Premier League club? We offered him a new, long term contract several months ago but he was reluctant to commit himself and once Blackpool came in he wanted to go.

"It was important that the deal was right for Wycombe and we believe we've negotiated a realistic fee for a player who wasn't a first team regular. Matt has been a model professional in his time with us and I have nothing but good things to say about him and his family. I wish him well."

Matt Phillips career:

2008-2010 - Wycombe Wanderers - 78 apps (8 goals)

Spurs Loan Croatian Keeper Fee: Loan

Worldwide Football can reveal Tottenham Hotpsur have signed Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa on a year long loan deal from Spartak Moscow.
As its only a loan deal we can't see Pletikosa taking over the number one role from Heurelho Gomes but it could mean current number two, Carlo Cudicini's days at Tottenham could be numbered.
Pletikosa, 31, has played 80 games for his country and comes with plenty of Champions League experience and with Gomes currently injured and Cudicini at fault for Wigans goal at the weekend Pletikosa could find himself in the first team to face West Brom on 11th September.
It has been a quiet summer at White Hart Lane so far with this being only the third summer signing for Tottenham following the capture of Sandro and ex-Arsenal skipper William Gallas.


Stipe Pletikosa's career:


1996-2003 - Hajduk Split - 141 apps (4 goals)
2003-2007 - Shaktar Donetsk - 29 apps
2005-2006 - Hadjuk Split (loan) - 21 apps
2007-2010 - Spartak Moscow - 63 apps


International career:


1999 - Croatia - 80 apps

Salif Diao Rejoins Stoke Fee: Free

Worldwide Football can reveal Stoke City have resigned midfielder Salif Diao on a two year contract.


The Senegal international, 33, left Stoke in June after his contract had run out but has decided to rejoin the club in a deal that includes him becoming a club ambassador.


Diao,who also had spells in England with Liverpool, Birmingham and Portsmouth rejected Stoke's original offer and even though a number of clubs were interested in him he has decided to remain at the Brittania.


Salif Diao's career:


1996-2000 - AS Monaco - 27 apps (0 goals)
1996-1997 - SAS Epinal (loan) - 2 apps (0 goals)
2000-2002 - CS Sedan Ardennes - 49 apps (0 goals)
2002-2007 - Liverpool - 37 apps (1 goal)
2005 - Birmingham City (loan) - 2 apps (0 goals)
2005-2006 Portsmouth (loan) - 11 apps (0 goals)
2006-2007 - Stoke City (loan) - 16 apps (0 goals)
2007 - Stoke City - 58 apps (1 goal)


International career:


2000 - Senegal - 39 apps (4 goals)

Bent Joins The Wolverhampton Pack Fee: Loan

Worldwide Football can reveal Birmingham City striker Marcus Bent has joined Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers on a 4 month loan deal.


Wolves becomes Bent's 14th club in his 15 year career and since joining Birmingham City in 2008 has had loan spells with Middlesbrough and Queen's Park Rangers on loan where he has failed to score so he will be hoping his spell at Molineaux will be a happier one.


Bent, 32 becomes Mick McCarthy's 8th summer signing as he hopes in improve on last years 15th place finish and currently find themselves in 7th place following an impressive start to the campaign where they have won one and drawn two of their opening 3 fixtures.


Marcus Bent's career:


1995-1998 - Brentford - 67 apps (7 goals)
1998-1999 - Crystal Palace - 28 apps (5 goals)
1999 - Port Vale - 23 apps (1 goal)
1999-2000 - Sheffield United - 48 apps (20 goals)
2000-2001 - Blackburn Rovers - 37 apps (8 goals)
2001-2004 - Ipswich Town - 61 apps (21 goals)
2003-2004 - Leicester City (loan) - 33 apps (10 goals)
2004-2006 - Everton - 55 apps (7 goals)
2006-2008 - Charlton Athletic - 46 apps (4 goals)
2007-2008 - Wigan Athletic (loan) - 31 apps (7 goals)
2008- Birmingham City - 33 apps (3 goals)
2009-2010 - Middlesbrough (loan) - 7 apps (0 goals)
2010- Queens Park Rangers (loan) - 3 apps (0 goals)

Scharner Joins Baggies Fee: Free

West Brom have bulked up their squad ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline by signing former Wigan player Paul Scharner on a two-year contract.

Scharner, who can play in various defensive and midfield roles, joins West Brom as a free agent.

He has been earmarked for midfield duty by Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo, with the club claiming they fended off competition from rival Premier League clubs to sign the 30-year-old Austrian.

Di Matteo told West Brom's official website: "I'm delighted to welcome Paul to the club.

"He is exactly the type of player we've been looking to bring in because he is a proven Premier League player, having performed consistently well in the top flight for the past four and a half years.

Paul Scharners career:

1998-2004 - Austria Wien - 84 apps (3 goals)

2004 - Salzburg - 18 apps (3 goals)

2004-2006 - Brann - 32 apps (7 goals)

2006 - 2010 - Wigan Athletic - 145 apps (14 goals)

International career:

2002 - Austria - 30 apps (0 goals)

Raul Meireles In Anfield Switch Fee: £11.5m

Liverpool have completed the signing of Porto midfielder Raul Meireles on a four-year deal.

Roy Hodgson moved quickly on Saturday to land Meireles and bolster the Anfield engine room following the recent departures of Alberto Aquilani and Javier Mascherano.

The Reds have paid 14 million euros (around £11.5million) for the services of the 27-year-old midfielder, who has won four titles with Porto and been capped 38 times by Portugal, including in all four of his country's games in this summer's World Cup.

Quoted in the Sunday Express, Meireles said: "Roy Hodgson was key to me coming here because he worked so hard to sign me.

"I am Meireles and not Mascherano and that will be clear to the fans. I hope one day the Liverpool fans will remember me for being successful."

Liverpool agreed a deal on Friday to send Mascherano to Barcelona after the midfielder, whose family could not settle on Merseyside, was reportedly unprepared to play for the club.

Aquilani also departed for Juventus in a loan deal which brought to an end and underwhelming and injury-hit spell in the city in which he failed adequately to replace Xabi Alonso.

With Liverpool financially constrained as owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks attempt to sell the club, fans have had to make do with limited arrivals this summer - Christian Poulsen from Juve and Joe Cole on a free transfer from Chelsea being the headline names.

On the pitch Liverpool have started the season in uninspiring fashion under new boss Roy Hodgson, with last week's 3-0 defeat by Manchester City particularly dispiriting.

They at least have a Europa League campaign to look forward to after overcoming Trabzonspor this week.

Meireles, at home in the centre of midfield, is well decorated in Portugal, having claimed four league winner's medals.

He is an established international and scored in Portugal's 7-0 win over North Korea in South Africa this summer.

Raul Meireles' career:

2001-2003 - Aves - 42 apps (1 goal)

2003-2004 - Boavista - 29 apps (0 goals)

2004 - 2010 - Porto - 137 apps (15 goals)

International career:

2006 - Portugal - 38 apps (6 goals)

Chelsea Maintain Unbeaten Run Chelsea 2 (Malouda 32, Drogba 77pen) Stoke City 0

Premier League leaders Chelsea kept up their 100% start to the season with an efficient display against dogged Stoke.

Frank Lampard had an early penalty saved by Thomas Sorensen before Florent Malouda fired in the opener after latching on to John Terry's fine pass.

The visitors were unlucky not to equalise when Glenn Whelan thumped a 30-yard effort against the crossbar.

But Didier Drogba wrapped up the win with the champions' second spot-kick after Sorensen tripped Nicolas Anelka.

The Potters provided a far sterner test than West Brom and Wigan - Chelsea's previous two opponents in a free-scoring start to the season - but they were unable to stop Carlo Ancelotti's side chalking up an eighth straight home league win.

While a third successive 6-0 victory never looked on the cards in a comparatively low-key Blues display, the result was rarely in doubt aside from a moment midway through the second half when Whelan's superb effort bounced down off the underside of Petr Cech's bar.

Chelsea had scored an outlandish 29 goals without reply in their previous five home matches - including a 7-0 rout of the Potters in April - and they almost added number 30 within the first five minutes.

Ashley Cole latched on to an exquisite through ball from midfielder Michael Essien but the England left-back dragged his shot wide of Sorensen's far post.

At the other end, Matthew Etherington looked the visitors' most potent threat and his cross from the left wing was hooked narrowly over by Jon Walters.

Stoke almost ruined their vaguely promising start when Ryan Shawcross made a rash challenge on Malouda in the box and referee Martin Atkinson awarded a penalty.

Lampard stepped up to take the spot-kick but Sorensen got down to his left and held the England man's soft, side-footed effort - making it a third penalty miss in a row for the midfielder.

But that was as good as it got for the visitors and Chelsea, undeterred by Lampard's miss, soon broke the deadlock with a trademark goal of devastating simplicity.

Terry stepped out of defence and broke through the middle before threading a perfectly weighted pass to Malouda, who clipped first-time past the onrushing Sorensen from 17 yards.

The Blues almost added a stunning second when the ball was lofted into the box and Cole turned and lashed a fearsome volley against the crossbar.

Chelsea's three-pronged attack of Anelka, Drogba and Malouda were a constant menace and just after the break, Frenchman Anelka teed up Drogba with a dinked cross but the Ivorian's powerful close-range header was straight at Sorensen.

Rory Delap's ever-reliable throw-ins presented Stoke with a good chance when the Irishman's long hoist was punched unconvincingly by Cech straight to Etherington, whose goal-bound shot was blocked by Drogba.

The Potters then went agonisingly close to a leveller when Whelan walloped a long-range strike against Cech's crossbar with the home side's keeper beaten.

But just as the visitors' hopes of an unlikely equaliser began to soar, the Blues notched a decisive second goal - after another easy penalty decision for referee Atkinson.

Sorensen, who had previously put in an exemplary display, tripped Anelka on the edge of box and Drogba made no mistake from 12 yards with a thumping finish into the top left corner.

Substitute Salomon Kalou should have made it 3-0 with a one-on-one late on but Sorensen stood up well to foil him.

But it was another solid performance from Chelsea, who remain the only team in the Premier League with an unblemished win record, while the Potters are one of only two teams still without a single point.

Lineups:

Chelsea: 01-Cech, 03-A Cole, 05-Essien, 08-Lampard, 11-Drogba, 12-Mikel, 15-Malouda, 19-Ferreira, 26-Terry, 33-Alex, 39-Anelka  Subs Used: 07-Ramires, 21-Kalou, 23-Sturridge

Stoke City: 29-Sorensen, 04-Huth, 05-Collins, 09, Jones, 17-Shawcross, 18-Whitehead, 19-Walters24-Delap, 25-Faye, 26-Etherington, 28-Wilkinson Subs Used: 06-Whelan, 10-Fuller, 14-Pugh

Todays Other Scores:

Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Arsenal: BR-Diouf AR-Walcott, Arshavin

Blackpool 2-2 Fulham: BP-Pantsil (o.g), Varney FU-Zamora, Etuhu

Manchester United 3-0 West Ham United: MU-Rooney (pen), Nani, Berbatov

Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Wigan Athletic: WA-Rodallega

Wolves 1-1 Newcastle United: WW-Ebanks-Blake NU-Carroll

Ben Arfa In Magpie Loan Deal Fee: Loan

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton finally got his man when France midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa completed a season-long loan move to St James' Park from Marseille.

The 23-year-old signed on the dotted line after weeks on negotiations between the two clubs to become Hughton's fifth summer capture with a view to making the transfer permanent.

Ben Arfa is a product of the famous academy at Clairefontaine and has eight senior caps for his country.

Ben Arfa, who has had disciplinary problems in the past, had looked set for a move to Tyneside in early August only for the clubs to fail to agree terms.

But after finally getting his wish, he said: "It was always my first choice to come here and I'm delighted to be here.

"I have paid real attention to the history of the club and the great players to have played for it, and particularly the supporters, and I want to showcase my skills in Newcastle.

"All I'm waiting for is to show what I can do in front of the public in Newcastle.

"A lot of my friends in France already know the fans' reputation. The stadium has an ambience that is unique and I feel very lucky to have his opportunity."

Ben Arfa's signing delighted manager Chris Hughton, who has had to try to strengthen his squad for life in the Barclays Premier League on a limited budget.

Hughton said: "Hatem is a player who we have been tracking for a long time, and what is important is that he is not only a young player who should continue to improve, but somebody who already has a great reputation in the game.

"We think he will add flair to the squad and we are confident he will fit in well with the team that we have put together here.

"He will, I am sure, prove to be a great addition. He's someone who will excite the fans here, who of course have always identified with skilful, attacking players."

Managing director Derek Llambias was also thrilled to have at last made the breakthrough in negotiations.

Llambias said: "It has taken a lot of hard work behind the scenes to bring in a player of Hatem's quality, but we really are delighted that he is now here.

"His signing, along with that of Cheik Tiote, shows our commitment to bringing international class players to St James' Park."

Hatem Ben Arfa's career:

2004-2008 - Lyon - 64 apps (7 goals)

2008 - Marseille - 63 apps (9 goals)

International career:

2007 - France - 8 apps (2 goals)