Ajax defender Nigel de Jong has joined German Bundesliga side Hamburg SV on a four-and-a-half year deal.

Wigan are to sign Sweden defender Andreas Granqvist on a loan deal to the end of the season.

Reading manager Steve Coppell has been named Barclays manager of the month for September after lifting the promoted side into the Premiership’s top half.

Spanish striker Albert Luque has completed his move to Newcastle after passing a medical on Tyneside today.

Irish forward Anthony Stokes was undergoing a medical at Sunderland today, according to a report in the Sunderland Echo.

Everton do not expect Dutch winger Andy van der Meyde to be fit for the holiday programme.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan brought Roy Keane back as they prepared to lift the Bank of Scotland Premier League trophy following the game with Hibernian at Parkhead.

Paul Merson insists Wayne Rooney should not be judged as an addict even if it is confirmed he has accrued gambling debts of £700,000 (€1m).

Celtic chairman Brian Quinn is confident Roy Keane will continue playing for the club next season.

Wayne Rooney’s representatives have dismissed talk of a rift between the striker and England team-mate Michael Owen over gambling debts, insisting the pair remain “best of pals”.

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez recalled Damien Johnson and Stuart Elliott for the World Cup qualifier against England at Old Trafford.

A 22-year-old student has withdrawn claims that England footballer Wayne Rooney assaulted him in a nightclub brawl, police said today.

The agent of Fernando Morientes has confirmed the player is currently undergoing a medical at Liverpool with a view to signing a three and a half year contract with the Premiership club.

Chelsea 0 Man Utd 0

Wayne Rooney will serve a three-match suspension after admitting a charge of violent conduct, the Football Association confirmed tonight.

Charlton and Fulham both named unchanged sides for tonight’s Barclays Premiership clash at The Valley.

Troubled Bank of Scotland Premier League side Livingston today appointed Richard Gough as their new manager.

George Best was a “little better” today, according to the doctor treating the football legend.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could “look at” the possibility of signing England captain David Beckham this summer.

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has revealed the club will avoid getting into financial difficulties as the players will take wage cuts following relegation.