Pro Eleven Headline News

Real Madrid sign Karim Benzema from Olympique Lyonnais

"Karim Benzema, is new Real Madrid player" is the succinct and to the point, official statement on the club's website.

Spanish giants, Real Madrid and French side Olympique Lyonnais have hammered out an agreement which has finally made the transfer of Karim Benzema a reality. The player is set to undergo medical tests by the end of the week, to be followed by the signing of the contract with his new club.

The Queen of Europe has landed the 21-year-old French international striker for six years. The club's website has not disclosed, officially, the final transfer fee which will be paid to Lyon, but according to the BBC, he is going to cost the Madrid team 30 million pounds sterling.

Previous media reports had linked Benzema with a possible move to Old Trafford, but it is now a fact that he will not be joining Manchester United, having opted for Bernabeu instead.

This is the latest reinforcement that the Queen of Europe has made so far this summer, in a bid to knock their arch rivals off their perch in the next campaign. Real Madrid have already signed forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka as well as defender Raul Albiol. sofiaecho.com


Red Devils seal deal to sign Valencia from Wigan

Manchester United have completed the signing of Wigan winger Antonio Valencia, with the player describing the move as a "dream''.

The Ecuador international has been tracked by United for the last 12 months and new Wigan boss Roberto Martinez has been unable to persuade him to stay at the DW Stadium.

United have not disclosed the fee they have paid to the Latics, though it is thought to be around £16m, after signing the player on a four-year contract.

The 23-year-old is the first player signed by Sir Alex Ferguson as they look to replace Cristiano Ronaldo following his £80m move to Real Madrid.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me,'' he told United's official website. "I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started.''

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan. I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team.'' ESPN