Manchester United finalise deal for Serbian youngster

Manchester United have finalised a deal for Serbian youngster Vanja Milinkovic.

The Red Devils announced in May a move had been agreed and now the young goalkeeper's club FK Vojvodina have confirmed the deal.

"After lengthy talks that have taken place over the past month, we have finally completed negotiations on Monday and we can officially inform the public that our young and promising goalkeeper has joined Manchester United," club president Zoran Scepanovic said.

"He will remain in Vojvodina for the next year, where he will be under the supervision of our experts and coaches from the English football giants, while continuing to train and perform in the jersey of his home club. This is an opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the realisation of this transfer. Can I point out Manchester United's very correct attitude."

Although only 17, the 6ft 7in keeper is an Under-19 international for his country, along with his brother Sergej.

Bayern Munich agree Shock deal for Liverpool Stopper

Bayern Munich have reached an agreement with Liverpool to sign out-of-favour goalkeeper Pepe Reina, the German champions have announced.

The Spain international has fallen out of favour with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers having lost his starting place to Belgium international Simon Mignolet.

Reina, who joined the Reds from Villarreal in 2005, became a firm Anfield favourite during an eight-year spell as the club’s recognised number one but was shipped out to Napoli on loan last season following the arrival of Mignolet.

Reunited with former manager Rafael Benitez, Reina enjoyed an impressive season in Italy, leading to suggestions he could yet have a future at Liverpool.

The Spaniard insisted he was happy upon his return to Merseyside this summer, but while he travelled with the squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, he failed to make an appearance and didn’t even make the bench for Monday night’s International Champions Cup final against Man United.

It was thought Benitez would enter talks to re-sign the 31-year-old on loan for another season in Italy, but it seems Reina is now set for a permanent move to the Bundesliga, in a deal worth a reported £2.5million.

A move to the German capital is a puzzling one for the stopper, who is reportedly keen to work his way back into Spain's international fold, as he is sure to find first-team football even more difficult to come by behind World Cup winner Manuel Neuer.

A statement from Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge read: "Pepe Reina was eager to come to Bayern Munich.

“The player will come in the next few days for medical examination to Munich and his contract to sign.

"He wanted to embark on this adventure even though he knows that, in Manuel Neuer, he has a keeper in front of him who, if nothing changes, will always remain the number one."

Barcelona starlet linked with Man United and Spurs set for Sevilla switch?

 

Sevilla are in pursuit of Barcelona youngster Sergi Roberto, who attracted admiring glances from Manchester United and Tottenham last term.

The Europa League winners are still in need of a quality creative midfielder after selling Ivan Rakitic to Barca in June.

Barca sent former Manchester City playmaker Denis Suarez in the opposite direction on a two-season loan arrangement as part of the deal, but Sevilla now want to draft in Roberto too.

The 22-year-old made only one La Liga start for Barcelona last season but he could figure more prominently under new manager Luis Enrique this year.

Roberto has less than a year left on his contract at Barca and the club are keen for him to extend his stay, but Sevilla could look to tempt him away from Catalonia with the promise of greater first-team involvement.

Rodgers keen for Liverpool star to sign new deal

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is hoping to tie Philippe Coutinho down to a new long-term contract.

Coutinho has been a huge hit at Anfield since joining the Reds from Inter Milan in an £8.5million deal 18 months ago.

The 22-year-old Brazilian is contracted to the Merseyside club until 2018, but Rodgers wants to extend that and hand him a significant increase on his wages.

“A new contract for Philippe is something we will look to do over the summer,” said Rodgers, speaking after his team's friendly defeat to Manchester United in Miami.

"It’s all in hand. He’s certainly on that list. He’s a valuable player and a great asset to the club. He’s come in here and shown his quality, and really developed as a young player.

“Now he’s moving into the best years of his life as a footballer. He’s 22 and hopefully by the time the next World Cup comes around he will be an important part of the Brazil team, I’m sure his best years will be at Liverpool.

 “He came back to pre-season with a great level of fitness – right on the limit of his weight.

“He’s in great condition, clearly worked hard in the off season and since he’s come back we’ve seen in the games how strong and aggressive he is.”