AVB up and running with Sigurdsson deal

Andre Villas-Boas yesterday made Gylfi Sigurdsson his first signing as Tottenham head coach.

The former Chelsea boss was only appointed as Harry Redknapp’s successor on Tuesday, but has moved quickly to bring the Hoffenheim midfielder to White Hart Lane.

The move secures Sigurdsson’s return to the Premier League, where he impressed so much during the second half of last season on loan at Swansea. The 22-year-old netted seven times in 19 appearances for the Welsh side and picked up March’s Player of the Month award.

Sigurdsson had looked to turn his successful loan spell into a permanent move after Swansea settled on a record-breaking £6.8 million fee with his German club. The Swans also announced that personal terms had been agreed, but manager Brendan Rodgers’ move to Liverpool saw the move falter, allowing Spurs to step in.

Elsewhere, Portugal midfielder Miguel Veloso has completed his move to Dynamo Kiev.

The 26-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Ukrainian club as they look to reclaim the title from champions Shakhtar Donetsk.

Veloso, who helped Portugal to the semi-finals of Euro 2012, leaves Italian side Genoa after two seasons in Serie A. “Miguel Veloso has signed with Dynamo for a period of four years, ” a statement on the club’s website read.

“He will soon join up with his new team which is currently training for the new season in Austria.”

Veteran Irish defender Stephen Carr has accepted the offer of a new 12-month contract with Birmingham City.

nMarseille have moved quickly to appoint Elie Baup as their new manager.

Baup has signed a two-year deal to replace Didier Deschamps who left by mutual agreement on Monday.

Baup, who led Bordeaux to the French title in 1999, returns to Ligue 1 management for the first time since he left Nantes three years ago.