Fernando Torres Signs For Chelsea Fee: £48m

The transfer that started the money merry-go-round today, Fernando Torres to Chelsea, has been completed just before the transfer deadline.
The fee is believed to be in the region of £45m-£50m and becomes Chelsea's record signing, beating the previous record held by Andriy Shevchenko
If all goes well Torres could make his debut next Sunday at Stamford Bridge and ironically the opponents then will be LIVERPOOL
El Nino has had an up and down season so far.  He was part of the Spanish World Cup winning side but back at Liverpool Torres has been carrying injuries and has also had a loss of form.  People have wondered whether the loss of form was down to Torres wanting out at Anfield but now he has gone the Chelsea faithful will be hoping Torres finds the form that made him one of the most feared strikers in world football.


Fernando Torres career:


2001-2007 - Atletico Madrid - 214 apps (82 goals)
2007-2011 - Liverpool - 102 apps (65 goals)

Andy Carroll Signs For Liverpool Fee: £35m

WorldwideFootball  can confirm Andy Carroll has become Liverpool's record transfer after he joined from Newcastle United for around £35m.
With Fernando Torres heading south to Chelsea, manager Kenny Dalglish decided Carroll was the man to fill the Spanish strikers boots.
Carroll has adapted to life in the Premier League scoring 11 goals so far this season and was also called up to the England squad and scored against Belarus in September.
Carroll has had off field problems this season but on the pitch Carroll has shown he is a prolific striker and a move to Liverpool will only enhance his growing reputation.
The 22 year old has signed a five year contract and has been given the number 9 shirt.  Although he has been suffering with injury its not known whether he could make his debut away to Chelsea at the weekend.


Andy Carrolls career:


2006-2011 - Newcastle United - 80 apps (31 goals)
2007-2008 - Preston North End (loan) - 11 apps (1 goal)

Eidur Gudjohnsen Signs For Fulham Fee: Loan

Fulham have completed the signing of former Chelsea, Barcelona and Monaco striker Eidur Gudjohnsen from Premier League side Stoke City.
It was thought Gudjohnsen was going to be heading to Holland and Ajax but Fulham manager Mark Hughes has managed to get in and sign the 32 year old on loan until the end of the season.
Since signing for Stoke in August Gudjohnsen has only managed 4 appearances for the Potters where he has struggled with form and fitness but the Icelandic marksmen will be hoping to show Mark Hughes he still has the ability to score at Premier League level.


Eidur Gudjohnsens career:


1995 - Valur Reykjavik - 17 apps (7 goals)
1995-1997 - PSV - 13 apps (3 goals)
1998 - KR Reykjavik - 6 apps
1998-2000 - Bolton Wanderers - 55 apps (18 goals)
2000-2006 - Chelsea - 186 apps (54 goals)
2006-2009 - Barcelona - 72 apps (10 goals)
2009-2010 - Monaco - 9 apps
2010 - Tottenham Hotspur (loan) - 11 apps (1 goal)
2010 - Stoke City - 4 apps

Daniel Sturridge Joins Bolton Wanderers Fee: Loan

Bolton Wanderers have completed the loan signing of 21 year old Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge until the end of the season.
With Fernando Torres due to sign for Chelsea today manager Carlo Ancelotti thinks its best for the youngster to gain Premier League experience with Owen Coyle's side.
Last season Bolton took Arsenal's Jack Wilshere on loan and since then the midfielder hasn't look back so the striker will hope the luck will rub of onto him.
Since joining Chelsea in 2009 from Manchester City Sturridge has failed to make an impact scoring one goal in 26 appearances for the Pensioners.
Should Sturridge do well during this loan spell it is unsure whether Sturridge will want to make the move permanent or try his luck back at Stamford Bridge.


Daniel Sturridges career:


2006-2009 - Manchester City - 21 apps (5 goals)
2009 - Chelsea - 26 apps (1 goal)

Luis Suarez Completes Liverpool Move Fee: £23m

Luis Suarez has finally completed his move to Liverpool today for a fee of £23m.
The deal was done on Friday but it couldn't be completed until all the paper work was done but he has now been handed the number seven shirt and has signed a contract that will run until 2016.
The prolific marksmen, capped 38 times by Uruguay could well spearhead the Anfield attack if the news of Fernando Torres' departure is confirmed.
Suarez made headlines for all the wrong reasons during the 2010 World Cup when he handled the ball on the line during the quarter-final match against Ghana.  Ghana missed the resulting penalty and were knocked out but his 81 goals in 110 appearances for Ajax in the last 4 years has made him one of the most sought after players in world football.


Luis Suarez career:


2005-2006 - Nacional - 27 apps (10 goals)
2006-2007 - Groningen - 29 apps (10 goals)
2007-2011 - Ajax - 110 apps (81 goals)

Mauro Formica Signs For Blackburn Rovers Fee: Undisclosed

Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean has made his fourth signing of the transfer window today, signing the highly rated 22 year old Mauro Formica from Argentine side Newell's Old Boys
The attacking midfielder has signed three and a half year contract and follows Roque Santa Cruz, Jermaine Jones and Ruben Rochina into Ewood Park.
The Argentine U17 midfielder has made 86 appearances for Old Boys scoring 20 goals in the last five years but is deemed as one of the best players from the Argentine League.
Steve Kean has only been in charge at Rovers since December taking over from Sam Allardyce and shown during this transfer window he was determined to put his own stamp on the squad and has had the backing of new owners Venkys.


Mauro Formicas career:


2006-2011 - Newell's Old Boys - 86 apps (20 goals)

James Beattie Joins Blackpool Fee: Loan

WorldwideFootball can reveal England striker James Beattie has joined the Blackpool revolution signing on loan today from Scottish giants Rangers.
The striker, capped 5 times by England joined Rangers in the summer of 2010 and made his debut in their opening SPL match against Kilmarnock but since then Beattie has only managed a further 6 appearances and is still waiting for his first goal for the Glasgow giants.
Beattie is Blackpool's second signing of the day following in the footsteps of Irishman Andy Reid and is the third signing for the Tangerines in the January transfer window.


James Beattie's career:


1995-1998 - Blackburn Rovers - 4 apps
1998-2005 - Southampton - 204 apps (68 goals)
2005-2007 - Everton - 76 apps (13 goals)
2007-2009 - Sheffield United - 62 apps (34 goals)
2009-2010 - Stoke City - 38 apps (9 goals)
2010 - Rangers - 7 apps

Stephen Ireland Joins Newcastle United Fee: Loan

WorldwideFootball can reveal Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Ireland has joined Newcastle United on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.
The 24 year old only joined Villa from Manchester City in the summer as a make weight in the James Milner deal but he hasn't managed to feature much for Villa and rumour had it Celtic were going to make an approach and take him to Celtic Park on loan but Alan Pardew has decided to make a bid which has been accepted by Randy Lerner and Gerard Houllier.
In December Villa manager Houllier stated Ireland was free to leave if the right bid come along and during Ireland's short stint at Villa his professionalism has been questioned by the manager so its no surprise to see Ireland depart for pastures new.


Stephen Irelands career:


2005-2010 - Manchester City - 138 apps (16 goals)
2010 - Aston Villa - 10 apps

Michael Bradley Joins Aston Villa

WorldwideFootball understands Aston Villa have made their fourth signing of the transfer window capturing the signature of USA international midfielder Michael Bradley on loan until the end of the season.
Bradleys Dad, Bob, was linked with the managers role when Martin O'Neill left Villa Park in August, that didn't materialize but his son has decided to make the switch.
The 23 year old joins from German side Borussia Monchengladbach and could go into the side tomorrow as Aston Villa travel to Old Trafford for a Premier League clash against Manchester United.
Although Bradley was suspended by Borussia manager Michael Frontzeck in the 2009/10 season for arguing he was still a regular for "Die Fohlen". This season Bradley had made 19 appearances for Monchengladbach scoring three goals but Bradley feels it is time to find a club in the Premier League and Aston Villa have decided to take the punt.
He follows in the footsteps of Jean Makoun, Kyle Walker and Darren Bent as the new arrivals keep on coming at Villa Park.

Michael Bradleys career:

2004-2006 - MetroStars - 30 apps (1 goal)
2006-2008 - Heerenveen - 57 apps (16 goals)
2008 - Borussia Monchengladbach - 76 apps (10 goals)

Ruben Rochina Signs For Blackburn Rovers Fee: Undisclosed

Spanish U19 international Ruben Rochina has swapped the Camp Nou for Ewood Park today when he joined Blackburn Rovers today.
The 19 year old, yet to make an appearance for Barcelona has signed a contract that will tie him to Rovers until 2015.
Rochina becomes the third players to join Blackburn during the transfer window following in the footsteps of Jermaine Jones and Roque Santa Cruz

Obafemi Martins Joins Birmingham Fee: Loan

Nigerian international striker Obafemi Martins has returned to the Premier League today joining Birmingham City on loan until the end of the season.

The 26 year old made his name at Newcastle United where he made 88 appearances for the Magpies between 2006 and 2009 before a £9m transfer took him to Germany and Wolfsburg.

Martins adapted to the Bundelsiga straight away and made 16 appearances scoring 6 goals in just under a year.  Form that made Rubin Kazan spend £17m for him in July 2010.

Martins could be on the bench on Wednesday when Birmingham host Manchester City due to the Russian Premier League being in its close season and Martins not being match fit but this signing will only improve Birmingham City this season.  Whether Martins could be playing for a permanent deal in the summer is as yet unknown.

Obafemi Martins career:

2002-2006 - Internazionale - 85 apps (28 goals)

2006-2009 - Newcastle United - 88 apps (28 goals)

2009-2010 - VFL Wolfsburg - 16 apps (6 goals)

2010 - Rubin Kazan - 12 apps (2 goals)

Andy Reid Joins Blackpool Fee: Undisclosed

WorldwideFootball understands Republic Of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid has joined Blackpool today from Sunderland for a fee believed to be around £1m.

The 28 year old, capped 27 times by his country has yet to play for the Black Cats this season and is hoping the move will kickstart a career that seems to have stalled over the last 2 years.

Reid was allowed to join Sheffield United in October 2010 for a months loan where he made 9 appearances for the Blades but a permanent move didn't materialise.

What isn't known at the moment is whether Reid is a replacement for Charlie Adam who is wanted by Liverpool or bought to play along side the club captain. Reid could in fact make his debut on Wednesday when the Tangerines play West Ham in their Premier League.

Andy Reid's career:

2000-2005 - Nottingham Forest - 144 apps (21 goals)

2005-2006 - Tottenham Hotspur - 26 apps (1 goal)

2006-2008 - Charlton Athletic - 38 apps (8 goals)

2008-2011 - Sunderland - 68 apps (4 goals)

2010 - Sheffield United (loan) - 9 apps (2 goals)

Rohan Ricketts Move To Germany Called Off

With all the deals going on in Europe at the moment you have to feel for former Tottenham midfielder Rohan Ricketts.

The 28 year old midfielder flew out to Germany and trained with Fortuna Dussledorf on Friday ahead of a free transfer.  The deal was expected to be concluded today but Ricketts has been told the deal now won't be completed as the club no longer have the finances to pay his wages so the whole trip was a waste of time.

Speaking on Talksport today the former England U21 International said "I'm now stuck, I had a call from a couple of clubs in Turkey but now they can't happen because of the transfer deadline, this trip was a waste of time from the start and now it looks like I won't be able to sign for anyone"

Ricketts has been without a club since being released from Moldovan club Dacia Chisinau after the club were relegated in November and was hoping the move to Dusseldorf would be a move to get his career back on track.

Ricketts has also had spells in Hungary and Canada but made his name when he made his debut for Tottenham Hotspur in 2002

Everton Get Reading In The Cup

FA Cup Fifth Round draw was made today and if the Unofficial Premier League Champions Everton manage to beat Chelsea in the Fourth Round replay then they know they will be hosting Championship side Reading in the last 16.
Everton were almost victorious against Chelsea in the original tie only for Soloman Kalou to net the equalizer and  take the tie to a replay which will be held at Stamford Bridge on February 19th, the day of the fifth round ties.

The ties of the round though are at Old Trafford where Manchester United will host non-league side Crawley Town whilst Arsenal travel to Brisbane Road to face League One Leyton Orient.

Fifth Round Draw In Full:

Birmingham City v Sheffield Wednesday
Everton/Chelsea v Reading
Fulham v Bolton Wanderers/Wigan Athletic
Leyton Orient v Arsenal
Manchester City/Notts County v Aston Villa
Manchester United v Crawley Town
Stoke City v Brighton & Hove Albion
West Ham United v Burnley

Robbie Keane In West Ham Switch Fee: Loan

WorldwideFootball can reveal Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has crossed the Olympic Stadium divide and joined West Ham United on loan and should the Hammers stay in the Premier League then he will join permanently on a two year deal.
Keane, who is Republic of Irelands leading marksmen has struggled to get games this year making 7 appearances (5 as sub) and althought he has remained in Giovanni Trappatoni's national side Keane was warned he would lose his place iif he wasn't playing first team football.
West Ham have been long time admirers of Robbie Keane, they were interested in signing him when he was playing in Italy for Internazionale but instead he headed to Elland Road and joined Leds United but ten years later they have finally got their man!!
Keane could make his debut next Wednesday when West Ham head north to play Ian Holloways Blackpool but Hammers supporters everywhere will be hoping the man who has been prolific in the Premier League can score the goals to ensure Premier League football next season.


Robbie Keane's career:


1997-1999 - Wolverhampton Wanderers - 74 apps (24 goals)
1999-2000 - Coventry City - 31 apps (12 goals)
2000-2001 - Internazionale - 14 apps (3 goals)
2001 - Leeds United (loan) - 18 apps (9 goals)
2001-2002 - Leeds United - 28 apps (4 goals)
2002-2008 - Tottenham Hotspur - 197 apps (80 goals)
2008-2009 - Liverpool - 19 apps (5 goals)
2009 - Tottenham Hotspur - 41 apps (11 goals)
2010 - Celtic (loan) - 16 apps (12 goals)

Jamie O'Hara Join Wolves Fee: Loan

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O'Hara has joined Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan until the end of the season.
The midfielder has been at Tottenham for 6 years but has yet to cement a place in the heart of the midfield and has previously had loan spell at Chesterfield, Millwall and Portsmouth where he was influential in their making the FA Cup Final in 2010 a season which also saw him crowned Pompey's player of the year.
Since returning to Tottenham for the 2010/11 season O'Hara has undergone surgery on his back and has yet to make a single appearance for Spurs this season.
The 24 year old, capped 7 times for England at Under 21 level knows he has to kickstart his career again and hopefully getting games under his belt will being him to the attention of his boss Harry Redknapp and try and get a place in the 25 man squad for the beginning of the 2011/12 season.


Jamie O'Hara's career:


2005 - Tottenham Hotspur - 34 apps (3 goals)
2006 - Chesterfield (loan) - 19 apps (5 goals)
2007 - Millwall (loan) - 14 apps (2 goals)
2009-2010 - Portsmouth (loan) - 26 apps (2 goals)

Japan - Kings Of Asia Australia 0 Japan 1 (Lee 110) (AFTER EXTRA TIME)

Japan became the first team to win the AFC Asian Cup four times as Tadanari Lee's goal in the second period of extra time clinched a 1-0 victory over Australia at Khalifa Stadium.

Lee struck after 108 minutes of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2011™ final when he volleyed home Yuto Nagatomo's left-wing cross.

Australia, though, had their chances to claim a maiden continental triumph and will reflect on Harry Kewell's second-half miss when one-on-one with Japan keeper Eiji Kawashima as particularly crucial.

The Socceroos had the game's first opportunity when following a slick move, Carl Valeri fed Matt McKay but he sliced wide of the far post.

Mark Schwarzer then almost presented Japan with the opener when he tried to prevent the ball going behind for a corner but only succeeded in kicking it straight to Nagatomo but the defender's long-range effort sailed over the bar with David Carney scrambling back to cover.

McKay's neat backheel released Brett Holman down the right but nobody could get on the end of the winger's fizzing low cross before Japan keeper Eiji Kawashima did well to push Kewell's close-range header away in the 18th minute after Tim Cahill had met Carney's corner on the far side of the box.

Kewell then guided Luke Wilkshire's cross from the right over the bar before the striker was off target from a narrow angle when he latched on to Cahill's knockdown from Neill's diagonal ball just after the half-hour mark.

Ryoichi Maeda was presented with a sight of goal nine minutes before the interval after Yasuhito Endo had laid-off Keisuke Honda's incisive pass into the forward's path but he fired over from just outside the box as the first-half ended goalless.

Australia came agonisingly close to taking the lead two minutes after the break when, after Kawashima misjudged Wilkshire's cross, the ball hit the bar and then Cahill but bounced up into Maya Yoshida's chest on the line as Japan cleared.

Kewell lashed over from inside the six-yard box before Japan almost broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Nagatomo created a yard of space before delivering a beautiful left-foot cross that Shinji Okazaki glanced just the wrong side of the post with Schwarzer rooted to the spot.

Kewell then spurned the best chance of the game six minutes later when he latched onto a long ball and raced clear on goal but Kawashima denied him with an outstretched right leg.

The Japan keeper was alert to save at Kewell's feet after Yasuyuki Konno under-hit a backpass and Carney saw a shot inside the box deflected over the bar late on as normal time ended goalless.

Australia had two opportunities in quick succession in the first period of extra time. First, McKay played in Kewell but the ball broke to Brett Emerton, who curled a left-foot shot just wide.

Substitute Robbie Kruse then almost made an immediate impact but his header from Emerton's cross was clawed away by a desperate Kawashima from under the bar.

The winning goal finally came after 108 minutes when Nagatomo surged down the left and his cross picked out Lee unmarked eight yards from goal. The substitute waited for the ball to drop before executing a left-foot volley that gave Schwarzer no chance as it found the back of the net

The Australian keeper then held Endo's free-kick before Carney struck a set-piece into the wall from just outside the area as Japan clung on for a famous victory.


Australia: 01-Schwarzer, 02-Neill, 03-Carney, 04-Cahill, 06-Ognenovski, 08-Wilkshire, 10-Kewell, 14-Holman, 15-Jedinak, 16-Valeri, 17-McKay SUBS USED: 07-Emerton, 22-Kilkenny, 23-Kruse
Japan: 01-Kawashima, 04-Konno, 05-Nagatomo, 06-Uchida, 07-Endo, 09-Okazaki, 11-Maeda, 14-Fujimoto, 17-Hasebe, 18-Honda, 22-Yoshida SUBS USED: 02-Inoha, 03-Iwamasa, 19-Lee

Everton Denied Cup Win By Kalou Everton 1 (Saha 62) Chelsea (Kalou 75)

Substitute Salomon Kalou rescued Chelsea with a late equaliser as Carlo Ancelotti's side stayed on course to win the FA Cup for a third successive season in a 1-1 draw with Everton today.
French striker Louis Saha looked to have earned the hosts a famous fourth round victory at Goodison Park when he brought a dull tie to life with a 62nd-minute header. But Kalou kept his composure to finish well in the 75th minute and force a replay that keeps alive lacklustre Chelsea's season.
Chelsea, who are trying to sign Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, had arrived on Merseyside with an exceptional FA Cup record. Since suffering a surprise sixth round exit at Barnsley in March 2008, the London club have embarked on a 14-match unbeaten run in the famous competition. Thanks to Kalou, that is now 15 unbeaten.

Trailing leaders Manchester United in the Premier League and with Barcelona favourites to win the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup once again represents Chelsea's most realistic hope of silverware this season. But despite starting with eight players who played in last season's win over Portsmouth in the final at Wembley, Chelsea struggled to stamp their authority on proceedings.
Their travelling fans had to wait until the 31st minute to see Everton keeper Tim Howard make a save, the United States international doing well to keep out Nicolas Anelka's effort after the Frenchman was sent clear by Ramires. By then Everton had twice tested Petr Cech through Jack Rodwell and then Diniyar Bilyaletdinov's firm header.
Yet chances were few and far between on an afternoon when Chelsea fans taunted Everton's Merseyside neighbours Liverpool with chants of "Torres, Torres give us a wave" and "Fernando Torres Chelsea's No 9". Chelsea could certainly have done with Torres's cutting edge at Goodison. Florent Malouda forced Howard into a 35th-minute save with a powerful left-foot drive but there was little threat from Didier Drogba during a first half to forget.
Everton upped the tempo after the interval, Saha denied by a fine block by Ramires before Cech tipped Marouane Fellaini's 56th-minute header over the bar. But Saha was not to be denied and, after Leighton Baines had delivered a fine corner, the former Manchester United striker powered an unstoppable header beyond Cech.
However, Everton's lead lasted just 13 minutes as Kalou levelled things up three minutes after coming on with a precision finish on the back of a swift break.


Everton: 24-Howard, 03-Baines, 05-Heitinga, 07-Bilyaletdinov, 08-Saha, 10-Arteta, 15-Distin, 18-Neville, 23-Coleman, 25-Fellaini, 26-Rodwell SUBS USED: 16-Beckford
Chelsea: 01-Cech, 02-Ivanovic, 03-Cole, 05-Essien, 07-Ramires, 08-Lampard, 11-Drogba, 15-Malouda, 17-Bosingwa, 26-Terry, 39-Anelka SUBS USED: 12-Obi Mikel, 21-Kalou

Stephane Sessegnon Signs For Sunderland Fee: £6m

It seems Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has caught the transfer bug today.  Earlier he signed Sulley Muntari on loan from Internazionale and now he has followed that up with the signing of Benin international midfielder Stephane Sessegnon from French club Paris St Germain for a fee believed to be £6m.
Sessegnon has made 76 appearances for PSG but has struggled to get into the starting eleven this season. With a severe loss of form Sessegnon has found himself frustrated and on the subs bench which has affected his relationship with his coach Antoine Kombouare.  In December 2010 Sessegnon handed in a transfer request which was refused.  Sessegnon then decided not to join the team on a training camp in Morocco.  This kind of behaviour was enough for PSG to accept Steve Bruce's bid and becomes Sunderland second signing of the transfer window.


Can Bruce get another deal in before midnight and make it the hat-trick!!!


Stephane Sessegnons career:


2003-2004 - Requins de l'Atlantique - 2 apps
2004-2006 - Creteil - 68 apps (10 goals)
2006-2008 - Le Mans - 61 apps (6 goals)

2008-2011 - Paris St Germain - 76 apps (8 goals)

Sulley Muntari Joins Sunderland Fee: Loan

Ghana international midfielder Sulley Muntari has joined Premier League side Sunderland on loan until the end of the season from Serie A champions Internazionale WorldwideFootball understands.
Muntari, 26, should settle in to the Premier League, he previously had a season playing for Portsmouth in 2007 where he scored 4 goals in 29 appearances before a £13m switch to the San Siro.
He played 59 games for Inter but has struggled to play this season and two weeks ago Muntari handed in a transfer request.
Although many Premier League clubs showed interest only Steve Bruce made an official bid and has landed the experienced midfielder, capped 57 times by his country.
If all goes well Muntari could find himself up against fellow countryman Michael Essien when Sunderland host Premier League champions Chelsea at The Stadium Of Light


Sulley Muntari's career:


2002-2007 - Udinese - 125 apps (8 goals)
2007-2008 - Portsmouth - 29 apps (4 goals)
2008 - Internazionale - 59 apps (5 goals)

Carlos Vela joins West Brom Fee: Loan

WorldwideFootball understands Arsenal striker Carlos Vela has joined fellow Premier League side West Bromwich Albion on loan until the end of the season.
The 21 year old joined Arsenal in 2005 and has had spells in Spain with both Salamanca and Osasuna but hasn't managed to break into the Arsenal starting line-up and currently finds himself way down the pecking order at the Emirates.  Although he is a regular for the Mexican national team (making 33 appearances) if he is to continue leading the front line he needs to get games under his belt and Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo is the man to help the striker.
Although initially on loan it isn't known whether the deal could become permanent in the summer but one thing is for certain, at the age of 21 Carlos Vela needs regular football.  Will he be able to get that at Arsenal or could the 2011/12 season see the striker elsewhere?


Carlos Vela's career:


2005 - Arsenal - 29 apps (3 goals)
2006-2007 - Salamance (loan) - 31 apps (8 goals)
2007-2008 - Osasuna (loan) 32 apps (3 goals)

Curtis Davies Join Birmingham City Fee: £3.5

WorldwideFootball understand Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies has joined city rivals Birmingham City for a fee believed to be around £3.5m
Davies becomes the third player to make the switch from Villa to Birmingham following in the footsteps of Liam Ridgewell and Craig Gardner and although he wasn't registered in time for the FA Cup clash against Coventry City Davies could make his debut next Wednesday when Birmingham host Manchester City at St Andrews.
The 25 year old centre back becomes the League Cup Finalists second signing of the transfer windown after David Bentley joined the club on loan until the end of the season.
With the transfer window due to close in three days time it isn't known whether Davies will be Alex McLeish's last signing of the windown but if more signings are made you can be sure to find out about them right here.


Curtis Davies career:


2003-2005 - Luton Town - 56 apps (2 goals)
2005-2008 - West Bromwich Albion - 65 apps (2 goals)
2007-2008 - Aston Villa (loan) - 12 apps (1 goal)
2008-2011 - Aston Villa - 37 apps (2 goals)
2010-2011 - Leicester City (loan) - 12 apps

Demba Ba Joins West Ham Fee: Undisclosed

Senegal striker Demba Ba has joined Premier League side West Ham United for an undisclosed fee.
It was thought Ba, 25 would be heading for a multi-million pound move to Stoke City until he failed a medical last week but West Ham, who have been chasing the player for a while have decided to not only sign the striker but also make it a permanent transfer and not the loan as originally planed.
Ba, capped 8 times by his country had been on strike at Hoffenheim after the German club decided he wasn't allowed to move clubs but the offer West Ham put forward, which includes additional fees after appearances was satisfactory enough for the club to decide it was time to sell the striker.
After scoring 37 goals in 97 appearances for Hoffenheim, West Ham manager Avram Grant will be hoping Ba will settle into the Premier League quickly to start scoring the goals to ensure survival for the Hammers who currently find themselves languishing at the bottom of the table.
After signing Ba, Wayne Bridge and Gary O'Neil, West Ham are expected to sign more players before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday.


Demba Ba's career:


2005-2006 - Rouen - 26 apps (22 goals)
2006-2007 - Mouscron - 12 apps (8 goals)
2007-2011 - 1899 Hoffenheim - 97 apps (37 goals)

Blackpool Sign Morroco International Fee: Free

WorldwideFootball understands Blackpool have signed Moroccan international left back Salaheddine Sbai from French club Nimes on an initial 6 month deal with the option of another 12 months.


With Stephen Crainey out with ankle ligament damage and David Carney away with Australia on Asian Cup duty Blackpool manager Ian Holloway needed cover for left back and see's the Moroccon as the ideal cover to help keep the tangerines in the Premier League.


Sbai started his career in Belguim where he made 41 appearances for Charleroi before moving to Nimes in 2009.  Although not a regular for Nimes, Sbai still managed to appear 14 times for Les Crocodiles before his move to Blackpool was finalised today.


The left back will be hoping the move to the Premier League will enhance his reputation and be able to add to the two caps he has already recieved for Morocco.


Blackpool have already recieved international clearance so Sbai could make his debut next Wednesday when West Ham travel to Bloomfield Road for their Premier League clash.


Salaheddine Sbai's career:


2002-2009 - Charleroi - 41 apps
2005 - Ronse (loan) - 5 apps
2005-2007 - Tuvbize (loan) - 48 apps (1 goal)
2009-2010 - Nimes - 14 apps

Kakuta Head To Fulham Fee: Loan

Chelsea's 19 year old midfielder Gael Kakuta has joined fellow Premier League side Fulham on loan until the end of the season.
Kakuta hasn't featured for Chelsea much since the controversial switch from Lens in 2007 which saw him banned for 4 months and Chelsea banned from any transfers for a year (a decision which was overturned on appeal) but Carlos Ancelotti see's the loan move as a way of Kakuta gaining the Premier League experience which will see him rejoin Chelsea and add to the 6 appearances he has made for the club.
Kakuta is currently cup tied so is unable to make his debut at the weekend but with Fulham lacking attacking options up front we could see him make his debut next Wednesday when Fulham entertain Newcastle United at Craven Cottage.


Gael Kakuta's career:


2009 - Chelsea - 6 apps

Behrami In Fiorentina Switch Fee: Undisclosed

WorldwideFootball understands West Ham and Switzerland international midfielder Valon Behrami has joined Fiorentina today for an undisclosed fee.
Behrami, 25 has signed a two and a half year contract with the Florence club and could make his debut at the weekend.  The move won't come as a suprise to West Ham fans.  Behrami has stated for a while he hasn't been able to adapt to London life and with his family still living in Italy he wanted to return there to be with them.
Since joining from Lazio in 2008 Behrami has made 58 appearances for the club but has struggled with form and injury this season.  The midfielder will be hoping the move will help him regain the form that made the Hammers pay £5m for his services.
As well as playing for Lazio Behrami has also played for Lugano, Genoa, Verona as well as making 28 appearances for Switzerland scoring 2 goals.
Ironically, should Behrami make his debut at the weekend he will be coming up against one of his old clubs Lazio who he made 66 appearances for between 2005-2008.


Valon Behrami's career:


2002-2003 - Lugano - 2 apps
2003-2005 - Genoa - 24 apps
2004-2005 - Verona (loan) - 32 apps (3 goals)
2005-2008 - Lazio - 66 apps (4 goals)
2008-2011 - West Ham United - 58 apps (4 goals)

Adebayor Off To The Bernabeu Fee: Loan

Today could be the day Emmanuel Adebayors career at Manchester City was over.  The 26 year old former Arsenal striker joined La Liga side Real Madrid on loan until the end of the season with the possibility of making the move permanent in the summer.

The Togo international has made 34 appearances for Manchester City since his arrival in 2009 scoring 15 goals, but has seen his chances limited this season since the arrivals of strikers Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko.  The signings of the additional strikers has seen Adebayor fall to 4th choice striker in the pecking order.

With Carlos Tevez in sensational form this season and with Balotelli and Dzeko working alongside the little Argentinian, City manager Roberto Mancini obviously feels his squad can mount a serious title challenge without the temperamental striker.

It was rumoured Adebayor's old club, Monaco was going to bid £8m for the player but Manchester City will be hoping the loan will see him recapture the form that made City pay £25m for him 18 months ago and clinch a permanent deal with Real recouping as much money as possible.

Emmanuel Adebayors career:

2001-2003 - Metz - 44 apps (15 goals)

2003-2006 - Monaco - 79 apps (18 goals)

2006-2009 - Arsenal - 104 apps (46 goals)

2009 - Manchester City - 34 apps (15 goals)

Adebayour could make his debut for Real Madrid on Sunday when they play Osasuna but with the likes of Cristiano Ronals and Karim Benzema in the Real squad even here Adebayor might not guarantee a starting place.

Cahill And Socceroos Into Asian Cup Final Uzbekistan 0 Australia 6 (Kewell 5, Ognenovski 35, Carney 65, Emerton 73, Valeri 82, Kruse 83)

Australia reached their first Asian Cup final in emphatic style by demolishing Uzbekistan at Khalifa Stadium.

Harry Kewell and Sasa Ognenovski had given Holger Osieck's side a useful half-time lead before David Carney killed off the semi-final encounter when he found the back of the net in the 65th minute.

Ulugbek Bakaev, two-goal hero from Uzbekistan's quarter-final triumph over Jordan, was then sent off two minutes later after collecting his second yellow card before Brett Emerton, Carl Valeri and Robbie Kruse completed the rout.

Australia almost went ahead in the opening couple of minutes when Tim Cahill's cross picked out the onrushing Brett Holman on the far side of the box but his side-footed volley was turned around the near post by goalkeeper Temur Juraev low to his right.

Kewell gave the Socceroos the lead shortly afterwards when, after being played in by Matt McKay on the left side of the box, he took a couple of steps forward before drilling a low finish past Juraev and into the far corner.

Uzbekistan enjoyed good possession but were unable to carve out any clear chances and Australia almost doubled their lead after half an hour when Carney intercepted a wayward pass just before the halfway line and embarked on a forceful run down the left flank but elected to chip Juraev and the Uzbekistan keeper managed to get a hand to it before the ball was cleared.

The Socceroos only had to wait four minutes to extend their lead, though. Carney's free-kick from the left was met by Cahill in a crowd of bodies and Ognenovski pounced on the loose ball to rifle home from close range.

Carney then netted the third goal in the 65th minute when McKay's pass freed the defender down the left side of the box and he slipped the ball under the advancing Juraev.

Bakaev then saw red soon after as a late tackle on Luke Wilkshire earned a second booking before Emerton drew a smart save out of Juraev.

The Blackburn midfielder was not to be denied, though, and he extended Australia's lead in the 74th minute when Wilkshire's ball over the top caught out the Uzbekistan defence and Kruse squared for Emerton to slide into the empty net.

Juraev parried Kruse's effort from inside the box after the striker found time and space as Australia ran riot and Valeri added the fifth eight minutes from the end when he converted from two yards following McKay's cutback from the byline.

Kruse then scored the sixth goal almost immediately when he won the ball in midfield, beat a defender and was fortunate to see his weak shot slip through Juraev's hand

Australia will now play in their first continental final in just their second appearance when they face Japan on Saturday after Japan beat South Korea on penalties today.

Uzbekistan: 01-Temur, 02-Ulugbek, 04-Anzur, 06-Sakhob, 07-Azizbek, 08-Server, 09-Odil, 16-Maksim, 18-Timur, 19-Jasur, 22-Victor SUBS USED: 05-Aziz, 11-Marat, 17-Sanjar
Australia: 01-Schwarzer, 02-Neill, 03-Carney, 04-Cahill, 06-Ognenovski, 08-Wilkshire, 10-Kewell, 14-Holman, 15-Jedinak, 16-Valeri, 17-McKay SUBS USED: 07-Emerton, 22-Kilkenny, 23 - Kruse

Babel Hoff To Germany Fee: £6m

WorldwideFootball understands Holland winger Ryan Babel has joined Bundesliga club Hoffenheim for a fee believed to be £6m.
The 24 year old joined Liverpool in 2007 for £11.5m but has failed to cement a place in the starting line up.  Babel made 91 appearances, 60 as sub and scored 12 goals for the Anfield club and in January 2011 Babel was fined £10,000 by the FA for a picture he posted on Twitter in which he created a photograph of referee Howard Webb wearing a Manchester United shirt after the Rotherham official awarded Manchester United a penalty in a recent FA Cup clash.
With new Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish planning on making changes he obviously deems Babel surplus to requirements and has allowed the Dutchman to leave and to further his career elsewhere.

Liverpool fans, are you sorry to see Babel go?  Was he ever given a chance at Anfield? And who do you think King Kenny should get in to replace Babel.

Email me at jaymoe26@gmail.com and let me know your views.  All clean ones will be published

Ryan Babels career:

2004-2007 - Ajax - 73 apps (14 goals)
2007-2011 - Liverpool - 91 apps (12 goals)

Gary O'Neil Signs For West Ham Fee: Undisclosed

WorldwideFootball understands West Ham United have completed the signing of Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil for an undisclosed fee.
O'Neil, 27, has signed a two and a half year deal and could make his debut in the League Cup Semi-Final Second Leg against Birmingham City at St Andrews tomorrow (Wednesday)
The former Portsmouth midfielder becomes West Ham's second confirmed signing of the transfer window following the arrival of left back Wayne Bridge and could be followed into Upton Park by Senegal striker Demba Ba from Hoffenheim.  The club are currently waiting for a work permit for the striker which shouldn't be a problem but the club will have to wait for an injury to clear before he can be considered for selection.
Gary O'Neil started his career at West Ham where he played for the academy but was released by the club and picked up by Portsmouth who he made 174 appearances for before a £5m move took him to Middlesbrough.
This season he has been an important member of Middlesbrough's midfield making 18 appearances but cash strapped Boro were looking to reduce their wage bill and couldn't turn down West Ham's offer and the player himself has confessed it felt like he was "coming home"


Gary O'Neils career:


1999-2007 - Portsmouth - 174 apps (16 goals)
2003 - Walsall (loan) - 7 apps
2004 - Cardiff City (loan) 9 apps (1 goal)
2007-2011 - Middlesbrough - 109 apps (8 goals)

Late Equaliser Denies Hammers Victory Everton 2 (Bilyaletdinov 77, Fellaini 90) West Ham 2 (Spector 26, Piquionne 84)

Marouane Fellaini salvaged a point for Everton in injury time as the hosts twice came from behind to deny a struggling West Ham a deserved victory.
Jonathan Spector gave the visitors a first half shock lead, firing in Luis Boa Morte's cutback after 26 minutes.
Frederic Piquionne missed the chance to put the Hammers two goals up when his 41st-minute header hit the post.
The Irons held on until the 77th minute when Everton substitute Diniyar Bilyaletdinov lashed in the equalizer from the edge of the penalty area.
But the scores didn't stay that way for long. Eight minutes later Wayne Bridge's cross found the head of Piquionne and this time the striker got his goal.
But, stupidly, Piquionne approached the travelling West Ham fans to celebrate, earning his second yellow card, only three minutes after picking up his first.
At the death, however, Everton scrapped an undeserved leveller, Leon Osman's cross as brought under control by Fellaini, who managed to turn and shoot into the net despite being surrounded by three West Ham players.
It was a cruel blow for Avram Grant's side, who would have jumped away from the bottom of the league had they held on.
Everton's late equaliser means West Ham remain rooted to the foot of the table, but Everton, despite a lacklustre performance close to within three points of seventh place in the league.

Everton: 24-Howard, 03-Baines, 05-Heitinga, 10-Arteta, 15-Distin, 16-Beckford, 18-Neville, 21-Osman, 23-Coleman, 25-Fellaini, 28-Anichebe SUBS USED: 07-Bilyaletdinov, 08-Saha, 26-Rodwell

West Ham: 01-Green, 05-Tomkins, 08-Parker, 13-Boa Morte, 15-Upson, 16-Noble, 18-Spector, 20-Faubert, 26-Hines, 30-Piquionne, 36-Bridge SUBS USED: 02-Reid, 19-Sears

Socceroos Into Asian Semi Final Australia 1 (Kewell 118) Iraq 0 (AET)

Unofficial Premier League Champions Everton will have to make do without talisman Tim Cahill  for a little longer after a header from Harry Kewell three minutes from the end of extra-time gave Australia a 1-0 victory over holders Iraq in their Asian Cup quarter-final in Doha.


The entertaining match at the Al Sadd Stadium looked to be heading to penalties after both sides squandered a number of opportunities before Kewell was left unmarked to direct his header home after a beautifully flighted ball from Matt McKay.

Australia, the best FIFA ranked side in the tournament at 26th, will play Uzbekistan in the semi-finals at the Khalifa Stadium on Tuesday.

It will be a first appearance in the last four for the Socceroos, who went out in the quarter-finals on their debut in 2007, and gave their German coach Holger Osieck a win over his compatriot and Iraqi boss Wolfgang Sidka.

Australia created the bulk of chances in the match with Kewell and left winger McKay wasting two good opportunities in the first half when they both struck shots over the bar.

Iraq's playmaker Nashat Akram struggled to find space in the opening stages under the watchful gaze of Australia's midfield duo of Mile Jedinak and Carl Valeri but the holders came back into the game in the second half.

Iraq striker Emad Mohammed spurned the best chance of the match in the 55th minute when put clear after a neat throughball from captain Younus Mahmood but the striker angled his shot wide.

Iraq's Mohammed Kassid continued to be the busier of the two goalkeepers but neither was called upon to make any difficult saves as both sides proved wasteful in attack as half-chances continued to flow.

Australian defender Sasa Ognenovski placed a short-range header directly into the arms of Kassid with Brett Holman warming the goalkeepers hands with a straight drive.

As the match entered extra time both sides continued to press for a winning goal but Mahmood misjudged his header from close range, Ala'a Abdulzehra's toe-poke lacked power and Jedinak deflected Ognenovski's goal-bound overhead kick over the bar.

With penalties looming Kewell, who had become less effective as the match worn on, chose the perfect time to score his first goal of the tournament and send the reigning champions home

Australia: 01-Schwarzer, 02-Neill, 03-Carney, 04-Cahill, 06-Ognenovski, 08-Wilkshire, 10-Kewell, 14-Holman, 15-Jedinak, 16-Valeri, 17-McKay SUBS USED: 09-McDonald, 11-Burns, 22-Kilkenny

Iraq: 12-Kadhim, 03-Al Ogaili, 04-Al Hussein, 05-Ali, 07-Gharib, 10-Mahmood Khalaf, 11-Zeebari, 14-Alidad, 15-Al Kaabi, 16-Mejbel, 18-Ajeel SUBS USED: 09-Abdullah, 17-Al Azzawi, 21-Ibrahim Khalaf