Deco becomes Big Phil’s First Signing

Pellegrino returns to Anfield

Luiz Felipe Scolari has made his first signing as Chelsea manager by snapping up Portugal midfielder Deco from Barcelona for fee of around 8m.

The 30-year old joins international team-mate Jose Bosingwa who was signed earlier in the summer.

Deco’s arrival could mean the departure of Frank Lampard to Italy.

Former Argentina defender Mauricio Pellegrino has become has been appointed first-team coach at Liverpool.

The 36-year-old follows Sammy Lee, who became Benitez’s assistant manager last month, in returning to Anfield.

Pellegrino made 12 appearances for Liverpool during a short spell in 2005.

Rangers manager Walter Smith says the Ibrox club have no imminent plans to sell Scotland striker Kris Boyd. Boyd, 25, struggled to gain a regular starting place last season.

The Scottish Premier League has announced its biggest television deal, proclaiming it as a significant cash boost for its 12 clubs.

A £125m contract has been agreed with Setanta Sports to continue the rights to live SPL matches for a further four years, until 2014.

Spain midfielder Xavi has been named the best player of Euro 2008. The Barcelona star was a regular member of the tournament-winning side and scored the opener in the semi-final win over Russia.

Xavi, 28, was one of nine Spain players selected among a team of 23 by a panel of Uefa technical experts.

Dutch winger Daniel De Ridder has left Birmingham by mutual consent. The 27-year-old joined Blues last summer from Spanish side Celta Vigo and signed a three-year deal, which has now been cancelled.

Kevin Taylor