BARCELONA, June 19 (Reuters) - Brazil forward Neymar is on the light side and might need to bulk up a bit for Spanish soccer, his new club Barcelona said on Wednesday.The gazelle-like 21-year-old, who is 1.74 metres tall and weighs 64.5 kilograms, has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish champions, who paid 57 million euros ($76.3 million) for his services. After competing for Brazi...Full Story »

June 19 (Reuters) - Former Dutch international Peter Bosz was named the new coach of Vitesse Arnhem on Wednesday, returning to the club where he started his playing career.The 49-year-old Bosz joins from Heracles Almelo, who had resisted Vitesse's overtures in recent weeks until the payment of compensation for the highly rated coach, media reports said.Details of his new contract would be reveal...Full Story »

MADRID, June 19 (Reuters) - Barcelona face a delicate balancing act to convince sought-after Spain Under-21 playmaker Thiago Alcantara that his long-term future lies with the club and he can play a leading role with the La Liga champions next season.The 22-year-old Barca academy graduate, whose contract runs until June 2015, is being groomed as the successor to Xavi in central midfield but is sa...Full Story »

LONDON, June 19 (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur have appointed former England assistant manager Franco Baldini as technical director, the Premier League club said on Wednesday."Franco is extremely well respected in the industry, possessing an extensive knowledge of players around the world," chairman Daniel Levy told the Spurs website (www.tottenhamhotspur.com)"He will strengthen our football mana...Full Story »

ROME, June 19 (Reuters) - Former Italy and AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed Palermo manager with the task of steering the relegated team straight back to Serie A, the club said on Wednesday.The 35-year-old, who won a host of honours including two Champions Leagues and the 2006 World Cup as a player, has signed a one-year contract with an option for a two-year extension."Pal...Full Story »

June 19 (Reuters) - England international striker Andy Carroll has completed a permanent switch from Liverpool to West Ham on a six-year deal and for a club record fee, the Premier League side announced on Wednesday.No financial details were given but media reports have suggested the deal, which includes an option for a further two years in the club's favour, is worth a reported 15.5 million pou...Full Story »

The landscape of English football has changed. Instead of looking to the technical area for the genius of Sir Alex Ferguson, the combustible Roberto Mancini or the last man standing at Chelsea, we have a new dug-out cast. Today's fixtures make the new season feel that bit closer. And the top three will all be venturing into new territory; familiar rivalries, with different leaders. Chelsea ha...Full Story »

HE'S BACK ... Jose Mourinho starts his Chelsea second coming at home to Hull PREMIER LEAGUE champions Manchester United kick off their 2013-14 campaign at League Cup winners Swansea. New United boss David Moyes will travel to Wales on August 17. Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea visit Old Trafford the following weekend in a mouth-watering fixture. The Special One’s side take on newly-promo...Full Story »

Sunderland owner Ellis Short has been caught wearing a controversial badge which was less than complimentary to rivals Newcastle. The Texas businessman was pictured with the label bearing the letters 'FTM', which are commonly used by Sunderland fans to represent the phrase 'F*** the Mags'. He was showing Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of Tanzania, the club's facilities at the weekend after i...Full Story »

As far as summers are concerned, it’s starting to become a familiar pattern at Tottenham. Following another season of narrowly missing out on the Champions League, the vultures are again circling White Hart Lane hoping to pounce on the club’s best assets. This year it’s the jewel in the crown Gareth Bale that is the subject of a potential world record transfer of £85m to...Full Story »