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Middlesbrough have completed the signings of Jonathan Woodgate and Robert Huth.
Skysports.com revealed on Tuesday that Boro had fought off major competition to land the central defensive pair and now the club have confirmed their captures.
Woodgate has penned a year-long loan from Spanish giants Real Madrid with an option for a permanent transfer next summer, while Boro have paid Chelsea £6 million for Huth.
The German, who failed a medical earlier this summer, has penned a five-year contract at The Riverside. Boro boss Gareth Southgate is delighted to have landed both central defenders.
"We have added two international defenders to our squad in one afternoon. That's a significant coup for Middlesbrough and a big boost for everyone at the club," said Southgate.
"Both players feel they have a point to prove - and the great thing is that they want to do that with Middlesbrough. I'm absolutely delighted."
To go with the summer capture of Julio Arca, and next month's likely arrival of Abel Xavier - once his drug ban is finished - Boro are likely to be fielding a completely new look back-four in the not too distant future.
Meanwhile, Boro are also closing on a move for Charlton forward Jason Euell
Source: Skysports
Skysports.com revealed on Tuesday that Boro had fought off major competition to land the central defensive pair and now the club have confirmed their captures.
Woodgate has penned a year-long loan from Spanish giants Real Madrid with an option for a permanent transfer next summer, while Boro have paid Chelsea £6 million for Huth.
The German, who failed a medical earlier this summer, has penned a five-year contract at The Riverside. Boro boss Gareth Southgate is delighted to have landed both central defenders.
"We have added two international defenders to our squad in one afternoon. That's a significant coup for Middlesbrough and a big boost for everyone at the club," said Southgate.
"Both players feel they have a point to prove - and the great thing is that they want to do that with Middlesbrough. I'm absolutely delighted."
To go with the summer capture of Julio Arca, and next month's likely arrival of Abel Xavier - once his drug ban is finished - Boro are likely to be fielding a completely new look back-four in the not too distant future.
Meanwhile, Boro are also closing on a move for Charlton forward Jason Euell
Source: Skysports
Argentinian captain Juan Pablo Sorin has completed his move to Bundesliga outfit Hamburg.
The 30-year-old has left Villarreal to join Thomas Doll's side on a three-year deal after falling out with Yellow Submarines coach Manuel Pellegrini.
Sorin attracted a number of potential suitors after the World Cup finals, with Premiership sides Bolton Wanderers and Portsmouth both linked with the left back.
However, Hamburg have won the race for the classy performer, who will provide further cover after the departure of Khalid Boulahrouz to Chelsea.
The German side have already signed Dutch defender Joris Mathijsen, but Sorin brings a wealth of experience to the backline, having helped Villarreal to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season as well as leading his country at the World Cup.
Hamburg have real aspirations of toppling Bayern Munich as Bundesliga champions and Sorin is relishing the task ahead.
"I look forward to the challenge of the league with the club," said Sorin at his presentation to the media.
Hamburg's sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorfer welcomed Sorin to the club by enthusing over the experience he will bring to the side, as they embark on a UEFA Champions League campaign against Arsenal, Porto and CSKA Moscow.
"We are glad that we could sign Juan Pablo," said Beiersdorfer.
"He is an international player, and will bring a lot of experience to our side."
Skysports
The 30-year-old has left Villarreal to join Thomas Doll's side on a three-year deal after falling out with Yellow Submarines coach Manuel Pellegrini.
Sorin attracted a number of potential suitors after the World Cup finals, with Premiership sides Bolton Wanderers and Portsmouth both linked with the left back.
However, Hamburg have won the race for the classy performer, who will provide further cover after the departure of Khalid Boulahrouz to Chelsea.
The German side have already signed Dutch defender Joris Mathijsen, but Sorin brings a wealth of experience to the backline, having helped Villarreal to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League last season as well as leading his country at the World Cup.
Hamburg have real aspirations of toppling Bayern Munich as Bundesliga champions and Sorin is relishing the task ahead.
"I look forward to the challenge of the league with the club," said Sorin at his presentation to the media.
Hamburg's sporting director Dietmar Beiersdorfer welcomed Sorin to the club by enthusing over the experience he will bring to the side, as they embark on a UEFA Champions League campaign against Arsenal, Porto and CSKA Moscow.
"We are glad that we could sign Juan Pablo," said Beiersdorfer.
"He is an international player, and will bring a lot of experience to our side."
Skysports
Thomas Gravesen has completed his move from Real Madrid to Celtic.
The Bhoys have landed the Dane after beating off strong competition from a number of Premiership clubs.
The announcement of Gravesen's signature comes just hours after Celtic sold Stilian Petrov to Aston Villa.
Gravesen, 30, had his medical in Glasgow on Tuesday and the deal has now been sealed after personal terms were finalised.
The former Everton man has penned a three-year deal at Parkhead with the option for another season.
"I am delighted to have joined Celtic, one of the biggest clubs in the world," Gravesen told the club's website.
"When I was made aware of Celtic’s interest, naturally, I was very keen to talk to the club and now having spoken to the manager, the chief executive and other people at the club, I am very excited about this move.
"I am eager now to get going and do all I can for Celtic. I look forward to meeting up with my new team-mates next week.
"The team did brilliantly last season to win the Championship and together we will be trying to retain the title and do as well as we can in the Champions League.
"I know other Danish players who have had the opportunity to play with Celtic and they have nothing but great things to say about the club. I have also visited Celtic Park for matches, where the atmosphere is tremendous and I am very much looking forward to playing there.
"I am aware of Celtic’s magnificent support and I will be doing all I can to bring as much success as possible to the club, for the fans to enjoy."
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was delighted to have sealed Gravesen's capture.
"Thomas has shown great desire to play for Celtic and it is very clear that he is looking forward to joining the club," said Strachan.
"He is a player with great ability, experience and character — qualities which could enhance any team.
"We are delighted to have secured his signing and we hope he will be a valuable addition to our squad."
Skysports
The Bhoys have landed the Dane after beating off strong competition from a number of Premiership clubs.
The announcement of Gravesen's signature comes just hours after Celtic sold Stilian Petrov to Aston Villa.
Gravesen, 30, had his medical in Glasgow on Tuesday and the deal has now been sealed after personal terms were finalised.
The former Everton man has penned a three-year deal at Parkhead with the option for another season.
"I am delighted to have joined Celtic, one of the biggest clubs in the world," Gravesen told the club's website.
"When I was made aware of Celtic’s interest, naturally, I was very keen to talk to the club and now having spoken to the manager, the chief executive and other people at the club, I am very excited about this move.
"I am eager now to get going and do all I can for Celtic. I look forward to meeting up with my new team-mates next week.
"The team did brilliantly last season to win the Championship and together we will be trying to retain the title and do as well as we can in the Champions League.
"I know other Danish players who have had the opportunity to play with Celtic and they have nothing but great things to say about the club. I have also visited Celtic Park for matches, where the atmosphere is tremendous and I am very much looking forward to playing there.
"I am aware of Celtic’s magnificent support and I will be doing all I can to bring as much success as possible to the club, for the fans to enjoy."
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was delighted to have sealed Gravesen's capture.
"Thomas has shown great desire to play for Celtic and it is very clear that he is looking forward to joining the club," said Strachan.
"He is a player with great ability, experience and character — qualities which could enhance any team.
"We are delighted to have secured his signing and we hope he will be a valuable addition to our squad."
Skysports
