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Michael Owen joins Man United

Michael Owen has completed his surprise transfer to Manchester United, signing a two-year deal. He moves to Old Trafford as a free agent after his contract with Newcastle United expired at the end of June. The 29-year-old injury-plagued striker passed a full medical on Friday. "I never though it in my wildest dreams really - when I got the call from the manager to come and meet him it was a shock," Owen said. "I know there will be a few people saying the manager shouldn't have bought me."

United manager Alex Ferguson Ferguson needed another scorer to link up with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov after Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez both left Old Trafford last month. "Michael is a world class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level," Ferguson said. "That has never been in question."

Daniel Sturridge moves to Chelsea

Chelsea have boosted their striking options ahead of the new season by signing Manchester City forward Daniel Sturridge. Sturridge has penned a four-year contract with the London club after turning down a new deal at City although a transfer fee for the 19-year-old is still to be agreed. He scored four goals in his 16 top-flight appearances for City last season. Sturridge also played eight games in City's run to the UEFA Cup quarter-finals.

Luca Cigarini joins Napoli

Midfielder Luca Cigarini has joined Napoli on Friday for an undisclosed fee. Cigarini, who was co-owned by Atalanta and Parma, spent last season with the Bergamo based outfit and helped them to an impressive eleventh place finish, but only made 22 appearances due to injury. He gained plenty of exposure at the recent Under-21 European championships in Sweden, as Italy bowed out in the semi-finals.

Possebon joins Braga on loan

Brazilian-born midfielder Rodrigo Possebon has joined Braga on loan from Manchester United. The 20-year-old, capped once by Italy at Under-20 level, made his senior debut for United last term but spent much of his time in the reserve team. Braga start their UEFA Europa League campaign in the third qualifying round on 30 July.

Galatasaray signs goalkeeper Leo Franco

Galatasaray have completed the signing of goalkeeper Leo Franco from Atletico de Madrid on a three-year contract. The 32-year-old Franco, who has been capped four times by Argentina, was a regular for Atletico last season, starting 32 league matches and eight more in the Champions League. "This is a source of pride and a huge step for me," he said. "I needed a new challenge." Franco is also looking forward to linking up with new Galatasaray coach Frank Rijkaard. "He won the UEFA Champions League with FC Barcelona and left his mark at the club. I like his playing system very much and I hope the fans will too."

Marseille set for double signing

Marseille have agreed to sign defender Souleymane Diawara from French champion Bordeaux and midfielder Edouard Cisse from Besiktas. Diawara, 30, arrives on a four-year contract and was likely to cost around €5m. Cisse, 31, returns to his native country joining on a free transfer from the Turkish champions and penning a two-year deal. This week, Marseille also agreed to sign Lucho Gonzalez from Porto on a four-year contract for around €18m.

Chelsea bring in Ross Turnbull

Chelsea have signed goalkeeper Ross Turnbull on a four-year free transfer deal from Middlesbrough. The 24-year-old, who rose through the ranks at the recently relegated club, also spent time out on loan at various lower division sides, including Barnsley, Cardiff and Crewe. Turnbull will now fight it out with 33-year-old Hilario, who also signed a new two-year contract with Chelsea, to be second choice behind keeper Petr Chech.

Ze Roberto set for Hamburg role

Hamburg have signed Brazilian midfielder Ze Roberto on a free transfer from from Bayern Munich. The 34-year-old recently turned down Bayern's offer of a one-year extension to a contract which expired on June 30. Ze Roberto, who has agreed a two-year deal, also revealed that he has a future off-field role already in place with the Bundesliga side. He will be employed as a scout for South America for Hamburg.