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English Premiership Football News ( 30 August 2008 )

Stoke sign Reading defender Sonko

Reading defender Ibrahima Sonko has joined Premier League new boys Stoke City over a period of three years to deal £ 2m.

The Senegalese centre-back joined the Royals Brentford in 2004 and has played a large role in their Championship-winning season in 2005/06.

The 27 years, said the BBC Radio Stoke: "I was really happy when my agent told me that Stoke were interested.

"Every player wants to play in the Premier League when Stoke gave me an opportunity I could not say no."

The fee for the international could rise to £ 2.25 depending on the appearance and the Potters' future success.

The centre-half was injured during their first Premier League campaign and has been in and out of the game last season.

He was suspended for two weeks after a breach of club discipline in May and June said he wanted to leave but he started this season in the side.

"As much as I love reading, it was time for me to leave and join the big boys again," said Sonko.

"I already know some guys in Stoke they should make me feel comfortable immediately.

"We hope that all new signatures Stoke can enjoy a long time in the Premier League."

Sonko is reading the best scorer after finding the net twice against Plymouth two weekends ago and then get another goal before collecting a red card at Charlton last Saturday.


English Premiership Football News ( 30 August 2008 )



Fulham sign Etuhu from Sunderland

Fulham have signed midfielder Dickson Etuhu from Sunderland on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old Nigerian international made 20 appearances for the Black Cats last term following his arrival from Norwich City in summer 2007.

Etuhu began his career at Manchester City, before signing for Preston in 2002 and then joining Norwich in 2006.

Etuhu said: "These are exciting times at the club, and I've joined to become a part of Fulham's future success."

Etuhu started just 11 league games for Manchester City before signing for Preston in a £300,000 deal.

He played nearly 150 games for North End before joining Norwich after a loan spell at Carrow Road.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson added: "Dickson's athleticism, strength and brand of football will offer a new dimension."

606: DEBATE
We have THREE defensive midfielders already!! Why do we need another one??

True Football Genius

Etuhu is the 11th player Hodgson has signed since Fulham narrowly avoided relegation at the end of last season.

"The transfer window closes in a few days' time and I’m delighted with the signings we have made this summer," said Hodgson.

"A great deal of credit must go to those working behind the scenes who have worked tirelessly to secure the players we have targeted."


English Premiership Football News ( 30 August 2008 )



Zabaleta set to sign for Man City

Manchester City are on the verge of signing Argentine international Pablo Zabaleta for £6.45m.

A statement on the Espanyol website claims they wanted to keep the player but that City matched the buy-out clause in the 23-year-old's contract.

The right-sided player is set to have his medical with City on Friday and will sign before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

Zabaleta was a member of the Argentine team that won gold at the Olympics.

He has been named in the Argentine squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru and will join up with his national team on Sunday. 606: DEBATE
Will Zabaleta be a good signing?

Zabaleta, who can play in defence or midfield, signed for Espanyol in 2005 from San Lorenzo and has been a regular in the Spanish side.

City have already boosted their squad this week by re-signing Shaun Wright-Phillips from Chelsea.
by bbc news