TRANSFER BATTLES: Aspas, Cavani, Benayoun, Djourou, David Luiz, Blanc, Ancelotti, Isco

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of striker Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo and the Spaniard has already vowed to bring success to Anfield. The 25-year-old, who scored 12 goals for Primera Division club Celta last season, has signed a long-term contract with the Reds after passing his medical at Melwood.

The deal is subject to international clearance, Liverpool announced on their website, but the frontman is already thinking big.

'It wasn't a tough decision at all,' he told Liverpoolfc.com. 'I'm really happy to have come to a big club like this one.

'Having weighed up all my options for this window, a massive club like Liverpool was always my first choice.

'I am a quick and skilful player. Together we will achieve a lot of success.

'I've not had the chance to talk with the manager at any length just yet but I think that good players can slot into any role and not just one set position.'



Edinson Cavani has revealed that if Chelsea came calling for him he could not say no.

The Napoli striker is one of Jose Mourinho's top summer targets and his words will only encourage the Blues in their pursuit of the Uruguayan.

He is quoted in the Gazzetta dello Sport as saying: 'I'm flattered by the interest of certain teams. Who would ever say no to Real Madrid or Chelsea?

'We'll see what happens. There are many rumors but nothing concrete.'

Meanwhile Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentis says the hitman will make a decision on his future at the club by July 20.

He told Radio Rai: 'I don't think Cavani will leave on 10th August, when his buyout clause expires. I'm confident in him, because I consider him a real man. He won't make me a joke of me.

'Should Cavani want to leave, he will decide it after a long period of reflection. But by 20th July we will probably know everything about his future.'

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Yossi Benayoun has signalled his intent to extend his Barclays Premier League career by embarking on a week of intensive training with Maccabi Haifa, ahead of a decision on his future.

The Israel midfielder’s Premier League days looked to be over after he was released by Chelsea at the age of 33 and left pondering a possible move to MLS side New York Red Bulls.

But interest from West Brom rekindled his ambition to remain in England and prove he can still make an impact in the top flight.

Eager to convince Hawthorns boss Steve Clarke that he can cope with the rigors of the Premier League, the former West Ham, Liverpool and Chelsea winger began a seven-day conditioning programme with Israeli League runners-up Haifa on Sunday.

He will formulate his plans for next season after that, and after completing his first session, he admitted he wants to hit the ground running, should he land one more contract in English football’s top division.



‘I must work on my fitness and make sure I am in peak condition, and I am grateful to Haifa for allowing me to join them for the coming week,’ he said.

‘I am going to work hard every day, so that wherever I go when I decide on my future, I will start the pre-season programme with my new club in good shape. I should know more next weekend.’

Hamburg are keen to bring Arsenal defender Johan Djourou back to the Bundesliga. The Switzerland international spent the second half of last term on loan with Hannover, who are also reportedly keen on keeping him for another season.

'We would loan him, but we would also buy him, depending on what Arsenal prefer,' said Hamburg's director of sport Oliver Kreuzer.



Kreuzer believes his side have more to offer the 26-year-old and is confident a deal will be struck.

'Hannover played well in Europe last season, but Hamburg is Hamburg,' he told the Bild newspaper.

'HSV is HSV, and we are just a better club.'

Djourou appeared 13 times for the Reds between January and May this year and is contracted to the Gunners until 2015.

Laurent Blanc will consider making an offer for Chelsea defender David Luiz when he becomes the new coach at Paris Saint-Germain. 

Blanc is set to be named as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement today.

Luiz, 26, is being lined up to replace former Chelsea defender Alex, 31, who is keen to return to Brazil.

Widespread reports in Spain claim Carlo Ancelotti will be confirmed as Real Madrid’s new manager on Tuesday. The Italian has already announced his departure from Paris Saint-Germain having won the Ligue 1 title last season and is believed to be meeting lawyers on Monday to formally release him from his contract at Parc des Princes.

The former Chelsea and Milan boss will then be free to take over as Jose Mourinho’s replacement at the Bernabeu.

Reports suggest Madrid will wait for PSG to confirm the appointment of former France coach Laurent Blanc before announcing Ancelotti as their new boss, but both deals are close to completion.

The Italian is set to be joined at Madrid by a new signing as it is believed the club have convinced Malaga star Isco to join them for next season.

The Spain Under-21 international is expected to join Madrid for a fee of 30 million euros (£26m) despite interest from Manchester City and former Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini.