Sunday Oliseh to star in Nigeria vs Tanzania game

A key Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Dar es Salaam signifies the start to the reign of the new Nigeria coach. How would he handle his first act?

They say when life gives you lemons, you make lemonades. For new Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh, it is the optimism he needs as he travels to Dar es Salaam for his first competitive game in charge of the Super Eagles.

After taking over from Stephen Keshi in July, the 40-year-old former national team captain faces a real test of his credentials against the Taifa Stars.

Though ranked 87 places below the Super Eagles, Tanzania will no doubt provide a key challenge to the former African champions, who are building again under a new manager.

Visibly concerned about his team’s performance during a warm-up game on Wednesday evening against a well-drilled Abuja Football Academy side at the National Stadium, Oliseh paced up and down the sidelines, regularly turning towards his assistant Francois Vainker muttering disappointment in French.

At half time he questioned his attacking players’ positioning, especially laying into striker Emmanuel Emenike who did not have a spectacular game despite tapping in for the team’s first goal.

Oliseh’s passion was unmistakable as he reminded the players of their game plan, whipping out the tactics board to ensure they realized the enormity of their lack of gel in a game against mainly school boys.

The former defensive midfielder heads into Saturday’s game without the team’s most experienced player, the 101-cap Vincent Enyeama, who asked to be dropped from the team due to what has emerged as the death of his mother.

In his place, Oliseh’s point man is winger Ahmed Musa, the team’s next most-capped player, who has not been known for his commanding leadership presence.

In goal would be debutant Carl Ikeme of Wolverhampton Wanderers, a physically impressive man who is making his international bow at the rather old age of 29.

Playing in front of the goalkeeper would be William Troost-Ekong, who is earning just his second Nigeria cap, and Afcon winner Kenneth Omeruo and returning full backs Kingsley Madu and Solomon Kwambe.

However, it is in midfield that Oliseh’s team would struggle to get going as Obiorah Nwankwo did not show enough dexterity in holding play for his side, a role in which the coach excelled pretty well in his day.

However, there was impressive running by Moses Simon on the left wing while Musa showed glimpses of magic but needs a lot more consistency in his play on the right.

When this writer asked the coach about his philosophy going into the game, Oliseh reiterated that in the absence of a highly talented player in the mould of Lionel Messi in his present squad, he is focusing on joint effort.

“My philosophy is based on the team being the star and not individual players being the star. We have to be able to cope if a player falls sick or gets injured or is out of form,” Oliseh said in response to Goal’s question.  

“People need to be able to see that the team is doing well because every player is doing their job.

“I must confess that I’m seeing the understanding and the belief that they are beginning to enjoy working together,” he said.

With six players chosen from the Nigeria Professional Football League to travel with the side to Dar es Salaam, Oliseh is hopeful that the progress he saw in training would be able to help the team at the battle front.

As a football crazy nation expects nothing short of victory in Dar es Salaam, Oliseh attempted to dampen expectations when a journalist baited him about the number of goals he expects from his team.

“We’re building, the players are almost completely new together but I’m very optimistic. I’m not looking at just winning, but my team going out to play well and whatever the result, we’ll take it like that.

“Our objective is to qualify. If we win on Saturday we don’t qualify, we still have games to play. If we lose we’re not out, if we win our job is not done, the journey is just starting,” he said.

Oliseh will be keeping an eye on the other Group G game between Egypt and Chad in N'Djamena. The Pharaohs lead the group on goal difference.

For the new coach, time would stand still as he takes charge of his most important football game. How he makes good use of the opening act would be key to his future acceptance and success.

John Stones will start for England against San Marino

John Stones, Jonjo Shelvey and Jamie Vardy will start England's Euro 2016 qualifier against San Marino on Saturday, manager Roy Hodgson has announced.

Hodgson kept to his policy of not naming his full line-up for the Group E clash, but told a pre-match press conference the fringe trio would get a chance to further advance their international claims.

Defender Stones, who has remained at Everton despite repeated bids from Chelsea in the transfer window, will win his fifth cap, while Swansea midfielder Shelvey and Leicester striker Vardy will each win their second.

Hodgson reported a clean bill of health as England look to make it seven wins out of seven in the pool.

Piers Morgan slams ‘arrogant’ Arsene Wenger

Piers Morgan has launched a fierce attack on Arsenal’s hesitance in the transfer window this summer, saying their failure to sign an outfield players highlights the “stubbornness, arrogance and the ‘I know best’ mentality” of manager Arsene Wenger.

With an apparent war chest at the boss’ disposal, the Gunners started in style with the surprise early arrival of Petr Cech from Premier League rivals Chelsea for just £10million.

"I don't understand why Wenger would do this...he's done nothing!"

Piers Morgan

But fans were left frustrated as the goalkeeper remained the only first-team player brought in by Tuesday’s deadline, with 16-year-old Ajax striker Donyell Malen - who joined on a free transfer - their only other signing.

The Emirates Stadium faithful were crying out for Wenger to land a top class striker to make them Premier League challengers once more, but a long pursuit of France international Karim Benzema ended in failure, while they baulked and refused to pay Paris Saint-Germain's £50million asking price for Edinson Cavani.

And Morgan is livid with Wenger’s - and the club's - failures, telling the Alan Brazil Sports Breaksfast: “This was the season when all the excuses where supposed to be over.

“According to board member Lord Harris only last month, we have £200million sitting there and we can afford ‘any player in the world Wenger wants, other than possibly Messi and Ronaldo’.

"Yesterday the deadline elapsed and I spent more money buying a cup of coffee in Starbucks for £2.50 than Arsene Wenger spent in the window after initially buying Cech earlier in the summer.

“Wenger has spent £10m out of £200m at his disposal. Arsenal fans know what we need, we know we haven’t had a first class centre-forward since Van Persie betrayed us and went to Man United.

“We do not have a centre forward who is going to win us the league – Giroud will not win us the league.

“I cannot understand why Wenger would do this. Why, when we are on the cusp of potentially challenging again, when you have £200m at your disposal, do you literally do nothing?

“I think it’s a shameful abrogation of your duties as Arsenal manager, I think it is further indicative - to me - than he is not the Arsene Wenger he was ten years ago, and I’m afraid that because of his inaction in this transfer window, arsenal are likely to come third or fourth again or potentially slip out of the top four.

“The idea that we’re on anywhere the same level as Manchester City is laughable. I think we’ll be about 15 points adrift of City, minimum, this season and for me that’s inexcusable.

“I think Arsene Wenger was one of the  greatest managers the world has ever seen for eight years, but for the next ten years he’s been unbelievably disappointing my eyes.

“This behaviour yesterday in the transfer window absolutely personifies the stubbornness, the arrogance, the intransigence and the ‘I know best’ mentality Wenger has.”

Red Devils release statement responding to Real Madrid's David De Gea comments

Manchester United have responded to Real Madrid’s allegations earlier today blaming the Red Devils for the collapse of the David De Gea transfer. 

The deal stalled on Monday night after a mix-up over the paperwork, with both clubs failing to take responsibility for the mishap. 

De Gea will now remain at Old Trafford at least until January and United have hit back at Real, giving their version of yesterday’s events: 

1) Manchester United did not seek contact from Real Madrid for the sale of David. David is a key member of our squad and the club’s preference was not to sell - no offer was received for David until yesterday (Monday). 

2) At lunchtime yesterday, Real Madrid made its first offer to buy David. A deal was agreed between the clubs, which included Keylor Navas being transferred to Old Trafford. The deals were dependent on each other.

3) In the last several hours of the process, with Navas at the Real Madrid training ground, Real Madrid were controlling the documentation processes of David, Navas and Real Madrid. Manchester United was in control only of the documentation of Manchester United.

4) Manchester United sent transfer documents for both players to Real Madrid at 2042 BST. David’s documentation was returned by Real Madrid to Manchester United without the signatory page at 2232 BST. 

5) At 22:40 BST, minutes before the deadline, major changes to the documentation came through to Manchester United which immediately put the deals at risk. Only at 2255 BST were the documents that are needed to cancel David’s contract received by Manchester United from Real Madrid. 

6) At this point Navas’ documentation was still not returned by Real Madrid.

7) At 2258 BST, the transfer agreement was sent back by Manchester United, uploaded onto TMS and accepted – all before the deadline. 

It is our understanding that the deals couldn’t happen because:

- Real Madrid didn’t upload David’s documents onto TMS in time (Manchester United did)

- Real Madrid didn’t upload David’s documents to the Spanish league in time, per reports it seems some 28 minutes after the deadline • The fact that Manchester United filed the papers on time was acknowledged by the Football Association, who offered to support that claim in any discussions with FIFA. The Club offered this assistance, as well as its own timestamped documents to Real Madrid but they have chosen not to go down this route.

The club went on to say they are delighted to keep hold of the Spanish goalkeeper
.

Anthony Martial to seal £36m move to Manchester United

Anthony Martial has been given permission to leave France's national team camp to complete a move to Manchester United, the French Football Federation has announced.
Reports emerged on Sunday that United had made a £36m bid for the 19-year-old Monaco starlet, who has been likened to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Now they look to be close to concluding a deal, with Martial on his way to England to finalize terms with Louis van Gaal's side.
"Anthony Martial asked France coach Didier Deschamps for permission to travel to England to sign a contract with Manchester United," an FFF statement read.
"Taking into account the exceptional circumstances, the manager allowed the player this request.
"Anthony left Clairefontaine on Monday at 12:00 local time. He'll return Tuesday morning."
Van Gaal is keen to add to his attacking options following Robin van Persie's move to Fenerbahce and having decided against turning Radamel Falcao's loan move into a permanent deal.
The Dutchman has been eyeing a host of big-name players, with Thomas Muller, Gareth Bale and Neymar all understood to be on his radar.
But with all of that trio looking out of reach, Van Gaal turned his attentions to Martial after his side slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Swansea on Sunday.
The £36m fee represents a huge outlay on a player who has scored just 10 league goals in his career, but Van Gaal sees him as the man to boost his attack.

David De Gea future is out of my hands says Louis van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says the situation surrounding David De Gea’s future is now out of his hands. 

The Spanish goalkeeper, who has yet to feature for United this season, looks set to join Real Madrid before the transfer window closes. 

United lost their first Premier League game of the season to Swansea City on Sunday and questions were raised about the performance of Sergio Romero. 

Van Gaal hinted an announcement about De Gea could be imminent and but was coy on whether United will buy a replacement goalkeeper or a striker before Tuesday’s deadline. 

“I don’t want to interfere as a manager,” said Van Gaal. 

“You have to wait and see until Manchester United make announcements or the club he is going to make announcements. Otherwise he stays. 

“We have divided our task and the task is for Ed Woodward, not for me. I have said nothing, the club shall announce it when it is finished. 

“You can never speak as a club like Manchester United that you are satisfied because it is a process and certainly we shall not buy at the end of the transfer window another player than we have scouted before. 

“We know already in advance what is happening and what is not happening. We have to keep on and in January the windows are open again. It’s a process and I cannot change that progress. 

“You are dependable not only from the player but also the club and what you want to spend. It’s a lot of things you cannot force.”

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Manchester City complete £54m signing of Kevin de Bruyne from Wolfsburg

Manchester City have completed the signing of Kevin de Bruyne from Wolfsburg for an estimated fee of around £54m. 

The Belgian midfielder has penned a six-year deal at the Etihad and becomes City’s fourth major signing of the summer, with the transfer being announced just as Manchester United kicked off at Swansea City. 

De Bruyne began his career at Genk before moving to Chelsea for £6.7m in January 2012 

He struggled to make an impact for the Blues and was shipped out on loan to Werder Bremen before making a permanent switch to Wolfsburg in January 2014. 

“I want to reach the highest level possible as a player and I think the most important thing is that at the end of the season we can be happy and maybe have some titles," he told the club’s official website. 

"I think this is the most important thing for the club, the players and for the fans of course."

Manchester United keeper's Besiktas move off

Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes's proposed transfer to Turkish side Besiktas has collapsed.

A source close to Valdes said Besiktas attempted to change the terms of an agreed deal and the 33-year-old has now backed out of the move.

The Spain international has no future at Old Trafford after falling outwith manager Louis van Gaal.

The transfer window in England and Scotland closes on Tuesday, but it is Monday in most European countries.

Ex-Barcelona player Valdes signed an 18-month deal with the Premier League side in January, but was not given a squad number for this season after Van Gaal claimed he refused to play in an Under-21 game.

Meanwhile, there has still been no bid from Spanish giants Real Madrid for David De Gea.

The La Liga club have been heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old Spain international this summer, but are reluctant to meet United's demand of a world-record fee for a keeper.

Van Gaal says he will not pick the 24-year-old until the transfer window has closed.

The most ever paid for a goalkeeper is the £32.6m Juventus spent to sign Gianluigi Buffon from Parma in 2001

West Brom reject transfer request from Saido Berahino amid Tottenham links

West Brom have rejected a transfer request from striker Saido Berahino.

The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham, with reports this week suggesting Spurs had a £15m bid turned down by the Baggies.

Berahino was left out of the West Brom side which lost to 3-2 to Chelsea on Sunday.

A club statement read: "West Bromwich Albion have received a written transfer request from Saido Berahino.

"The request has been rejected and the club's position remains unchanged from that outlined in the statement from chairman Jeremy Peace of August 18."

Peace underlined the Baggies' desire to keep Berahino - who scored 20 goals last season - after turning down Spurs' opening offer last week. 

"We have no interest in selling Saido which is what I have told (Tottenham chairman) Daniel Levy," he said in a statement.

"I know we are living in an age where no club can say 'never' about the possibility of selling a player.

"However, the prospect of selling Saido is simply not on our agenda."

But Pulis has admitted the club would be powerless to stop Berahino leaving if Tottenham made them an offer they could not refuse. 

"I'm sure Tottenham wanted to keep Bale and Manchester United wanted to keep Ronaldo so I'm not stupid enough to say 'I'm not doing this' or 'I'm not doing that'," he said last week.

Berahino came through the youth ranks at The Hawthorns, having made his debut in August 2012, and spent time on loan at Northampton, Brentford and Peterborough.

He has made 83 appearances and scored 29 goals for the Baggies. 

Jamie Carragher has told talkSPORT John Stones should turn his back on Chelsea and stay at Everton.

The England central defender is wanted by the reigning Premier League champions, who have so far had two bids rejected, but the Anfield hero has urged the 21-year-old to remain on Merseyside.

Carragher told Drivetime: “Every player should want to play at the highest level and win trophies, play in the Champions League and play for his country. That’s the aim of every player. It’s just [a question of] what is the right time for the player to go.

“I think the right thing for John Stones would be to play for another couple of years at Everton. He’s playing really well but you have ups and downs as a young player, especially as a defender where you can make a couple of mistakes, give away a penalty, and your confidence goes. That’s part of being a defender and learning your trade.

“I think it would be better for him to know he’s almost guaranteed to play week in, week out for Everton, go through those times with Everton, and then when he eventually gets his move to a top English club, as he will do, he’ll be going there a bit more experienced, a better player, and a bit more mature in his game.

“When you get to that really top level, any little mistake, anything that’s not quite right, can cost your team a draw, or you drop three points, and that can end up costing a team the league title, or seeing them knocked out the Champions League.

“You don’t want to be learning on the job when you’re at a top club. I think it would be better for him to spend another couple of years at Everton and then make that move.”

Karim Benzema rubbishes exit rumours

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Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema looks to have ended any speculation regarding his future in the Spanish capital by taking to Twitter to confess Madrid is his 'home'.

The prolific French forward has been linked with a move to Arsenal over the summer as the Gunners look to strengthen their attacking options.

But, despite new Los Blancos manager Rafael Benitez considering moving Cristiano Ronaldo into the number nine role, the former Lyon forward has no intention of leaving.

Benzema didn't feature in Real's 0-0 draw with Sporting Gijon on Sunday in their opening La Liga fixture after being sidelined with a thigh injury.

Nasri and Kolarov send Manuel Pellegrini's men top of the Premier League

Goals from Aleksandar Kolarov and Samir Nasri were enough to see off Everton as Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League table.

Both teams came close to breaking the deadlock but it was not until after the half-time when Kolarov finished from an almost impossible angle.

Nasri made sure of the win at the death with another well-taken finish to continue City's perfect start to the season.

City almost went ahead immediately through Sergio Aguero but Tim Howard moved smartly to block the shot with his legs.

It was the same outcome again minutes later as the Argentine was denied for a second time before Raheem Sterling was guilty of missing a clear-cut chance at the back post.

Everton had the ball in the net after 23 minutes when Romelu Lukaku the ball around Joe Hart but was correctly judged to have been offside after receiving the pass from Ross Barkley.

On the stroke of half-time, Lukaku clipped the crossbar from a free-kick after Tom Cleverley’s driving run was illegally halted by Fernandinho.

City shot out of the blocks after the break as Sterling cut in from the left and found David Silva in space who blasted the ball against the post.

And it was another moment of magic from Sterling which led to the opening goal.

Again cutting in from the right, he played a perfectly weighted ball to Kolarov who beat the offside trap to finish expertly from a very tight angle to put Manuel Pellegrini’s men in front.

It was nearly two moments later as Jesus Navas capitalised on a defensive mix-up, but was denied by the face of Howard after neglecting to pass to the better-placed Aguero.

Gareth Barry almost nicked a draw for the hosts but Vincent Kompany cleared the ball of the line.

And City secured the win on 88 minutes after a fantastic one-two between Yaya Toure and Nasri, before the latter lobbed the ball over a helpless Howard.

Liverpool can land psychological blow with win at Arsenal

Liverpool can land a psychological blow on Barclays Premier League rivals Arsenal with victory at the Emirates Stadium on Monday night, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds travel to the capital for an early meeting with another side who have top-four aspirations this season aiming to continue their bright start after back-to-back 1-0 victories over Stoke and Bournemouth.

Rodgers admits the result is unlikely to have too much impact on the final standings at this stage, yet appreciates an away win over Arsene Wenger's men can greatly enhance the confidence among his group.

"You're playing one of the rivals that you're hoping to be competing with at the top end of the table; these games are important," Rodgers acknowledged.

"They don't give the full picture in terms of how it will finish up - you can draw or lose these games and still go on and achieve what you want to achieve. Of course it's for the confidence and psychologically they are important.

"No matter when these games come in the season they are always good for the psychological effect.

"We've got a tough game away from home but we'll arrive into the game with confidence. We know they're an outstanding group of players and some quality individual players but there's a real focus in this group for this season, a real toughness, mentally.

"We know that we've got that ability to scrap and fight to get a result as well as play good football. If we can go there and perform like we think we can and keep to our game-plan we're confident we can get a result."

In studying Arsenal's recent home defeats, Rodgers has discovered his side may not necessarily need to match their opponents in the ball-retention stakes to prosper.

Both sides have earned plaudits for being aesthetically pleasing under their current managers but Rodgers will be happy to cede possession to the hosts if it means they follow West Ham in taking three points at Arsenal this month.

"If you assess Arsenal's last 10 games they've lost at home, the teams that have won, it's been about dangerous possession," Rodgers noted.

"The teams that have been there have only averaged about four shots on target, with 43% possession. It tells you that you can go there and you don't need to dominate the ball, but you can dominate the space and that's something that is important when you go away.

"For us, tactically, we'll arrive into the game in a good mind of how we can win it. Like Arsenal, we do like to dominate the ball, but there are certain games where tactically you look at the approach of what is going to get you the result. That's something we've done and been working on this week."

Usain Bolt beats Justin Gatlin to claim 100m

Usain Bolt claimed a third 100m World Championships title thanks to a narrow victory ahead of Justin Gatlin in Beijing.

The Jamaican sprinter survived a scare in his semi-final after staggering at the start, and looked like finishing second after 70 metres of the final, with Gatlin in front.

But Bolt - so often a clear winner in major finals - dug deep and pipped his rival on the line, to claim gold in his season's best time of 9.79, with Gatlin second in 9.8.

The American had clocked 9.77 in his semi, yet the pressure of being so close to beating the world's fastest ever man appeared to slow him down at exactly the wrong moment in the final.

"Gatlin looked nervous," said Darren Campbell, a 2004 Olympic sprint relay gold medal winner for Great Britain.

"Gatlin couldn't open the lead he needed and he could feel Bolt coming."

Bronze was shared by the USA's Trayvon Bromwell and Canada's Andre De Grasse, who both clocked 9.911 when calculated to the nearest thousandth of a second.

Pedro strikes, Terry sees red as ten-man Blues clinch their first victory

Pedro scored 20 minutes into his Chelsea debut to help the ten-man Blues earn their first win of the season in a barnstorming encounter at West Brom.

Thibaut Courtois saved James Morrison’s penalty before the Spaniard opened the scoring with the aid of a deflection.

Diego Costa capped a flowing counter attack to double the visitors’ lead before Morrison’s half volley pulled a goal back for the Baggies.

Cesar Azpilicueta notched his first Chelsea goal to restore the Blues’ two-goal lead and, despite captain John Terry’s dismissal and Morrison’s second after the break, Jose Mourinho’s side hung on to claim a morale-boosting victory.

The high intensity of the game was set in the early stages, and the Baggies should have gone ahead after the lively Callum McManaman was tripped inside the box by Nemanja Matic.

Morrison went for power from the spot, duly sacrificing placement and making it easy for Courtois to save with his legs on his return from a one-match ban.

With Morrison smarting from his miss, Chelsea delivered a sucker punch through Pedro’s first goal in English football after a fine interchange with Eden Hazard.

The Blues then doubled their lead after a brilliant breakaway involving Azpilicueta and Willian before Pedro turned provider for Costa to slide in at the back post.

Morrison halved the arrears and made up for his poor penalty with a sweetly struck volley but Azpilicueta was on hand to restore the two-goal lead just seven minutes later with a cool finish.

After the break, the rollercoaster game took another twist when Terry, following a difficult week in which his selection came under scrutiny, was shown a straight red card for clumsily felling Salomon Rondon when the Venezuelan was through on goal.

The sending off tipped the momentum firmly in the favour of the hosts, and Morrison was on hand again to grab a goal back with a clever header from McManaman’s perfect cross.

Costa and substitute Radamel Falcao were both wasteful as the visitors looked to guarantee the three points, while Rondon and McManaman went close at the other end.

Serge Gnabry, on loan from Arsenal, looked bright in a brief cameo for the Baggies but they couldn’t make the numerical advantage count as Mourinho’s men held out.

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal refuses to comment on Neymar rumours

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has refused to comment on speculation the club are in about a bid for Barcelona star Neymar.

Rumours surfaced on Friday night about the Red Devils’ interest in the player and after a 0-0 draw, where they lacked firepower, the Dutchman was questioned about his interest in the play.

Van Gaal though was adamant he would not talk about any transfer talk.

“I don’t enter into this discussion,” he said.

“You can ask about all the players in the world and you are doing it in every press conference and in everyone I have to say the same.

“I have to protect the interest of Manchester United. I have to protect the players in my selection. I have to protect the people in my organisation and you can say anything, you can mention any player but I can’t answer these questions.

“I know your problem because the media wants to know but I cannot say anything.”

And then when asked if he would be looking at signing any forwards at all, he replied: “No, because three times we were the better team.”

Chelsea sign Pedro from Barcelona on long-term deal

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Chelsea have completed the signing of Spain international forward Pedro.

The World Cup winner was given the green light to join Jose Mourinho’s side after the Blues agreed a £21.4million deal with Barcelona.

He has now signed a long-term contract with the Premier League champions after undergoing a successful medical at the club’s training ground on Thursday afternoon.

"I am very happy to be here," he told Chelsea's official website. 

"I am very excited to start my adventure at Chelsea and I am here to keep winning titles.

"Thanks to the club and the supporters for giving me the opportunity to put the blue shirt on."

Pedro had been a top target for Manchester United, with their executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward holding talks with Barca chiefs earlier this week over a deal.

But Chelsea made a late move for the 28-year-old and acted quickly to wrap up a deal ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Pedro will have some familiar faces at Stamford Bridge in fellow Spain internationals Cesc Fabregas, Cesar Azpilicueta and Diego Costa.

Manchester City sign Nicolas Otamendi on a five-year deal

Tags:Manchester City have completed the signing of defender Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia.

The 27-year-old Argentina international is understood to have cost the Premier Leagueside £28.5million and has penned a five-year contract.

Otamendi will bolster central defensive ranks at City that include two familiar faces in former Portoteam-mate Eliaquim Mangala and international colleague Martin Demichelis, as well as captainVincent Kompany.

He will wear the number 30 shirt at the Etihad Stadium and is the third addition to Manuel Pellegrini's squad this summer, following deals for Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph.

Otamendi said: “I am here to give my best, to fight game by game and push City to the highest peaks for as long as possible, and I wish we will be able to win several cups and titles. 

"That’s the most important. To be here inside a club that looks so wonderful from the outside is a dream.”

Otamendi joined Valencia from Porto in 2014 for a fee of around €12million and made 25 league appearances last season, scoring six goals, to help Los Che finish fourth in La Liga.

He has won 25 caps for Argentina and was part of the squad, alongside new City teammates Sergio Aguero, Martin Demichelis and Pablo Zabaleta, which reached the Copa America final this summer.

Pellegrini added: “Nicolas Otamendi was arguably the best defender in La Liga last season and so naturally I’m delighted to have added a player of his quality.

“He is an established international for one of the best nations in world football and I have no doubt that he has the right mentality to fit into a squad where he will find many familiar faces, including Eliaquim and Fernando who he played alongside in Portugal.

“As a footballer, Nicolas has all of the qualities to be a success in the Premier League – he’s strong, he’s excellent in the tackle and he’s very good technically.

“I am sure he will become another Argentine player our fans will enjoy watching.”