Transfer talk: Alvaro Morata heading back to Real Madrid; Benfica sign ‘Serbian Messi’

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, left, watches as Spain's Alvaro Morata attempts a header at goal during the Euro 2016 round of 16 soccer match between Italy and Spain, at the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, Monday, June 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)Show less

Spain striker Alvaro Morata, who scored three goals for his country at Euro 2016, is returning to Real Madrid after two seasons at Juventus, the Italian club said on Wednesday.

Real have exercised their buy-back clause for the 22-year-old forward, who scored 27 goals in 93 games for the Turin club. Local media said the fee was 30 million euros (Dh 121.86 million, $33.17 million).

"All associated with Juventus Football Club would like to wish Alvaro the very best of luck wherever his future may take him and thank him for two truly excellent years of service to the team," Juve said on their website.

Morata, who was born in Madrid, first signed for Real from Getafe in 2008, making his debut two years later. He scored 10 goals in 37 games for the club before signing for Juventus in a deal reported to be worth 20 million euros.

West Brom made their first signing for next season on Wednesday with winger Matt Phillips arriving from QPR for an undisclosed fee.

Phillips, 25, signed a four-year contract, after passing a medical and will fly out to Austria on Thursday for a pre-season training camp which includes a friendly against French champions Paris Saint-Germain on July 13.

West Brom technical director Nick Hammond told the club's official website: "I think it's fair to say Matt has been on the radar for a period of time and we're very pleased to have finally got his signature.

“He’s a great acquisition because he adds to the versatility within the group. He gives us both wide positions and is also able to play as a central striker. We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Matt to the club.”

Phillips moved to QPR in August 2013 from Blackpool and scored 13 goals in 82 appearances for the Hoops.

In total, Phillips has played 55 Premier League games during his spells with Blackpool and QPR, scoring four goals in his two top-flight seasons - both of which ended in relegation.

Swansea complete double Dutch signing

Dutch defender Mike van der Hoorn has joined compatriot Leroy Fer at Swansea City on a three-year contract, the English Premier League club confirmed on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old van der Hoorn signs a day after the Swans confirmed the arrival of midfielder Fer from QPR for an undisclosed fee. The former Holland Under-21 international also strengthens manager Francesco Guidolin’s central defensive options following Kyle Bartley’s loan move to Leeds.

Van der Hoorn will vie for selection with Federico Fernandez, Jordi Amat and club captain Ashley Williams.

“I have to improve and be better,” van der Hoorn told the club’s official website. “I saw Ashley Williams at the European Championships. He’s a really good defender, maybe I can learn from him.

“I spoke to (Fer) last Saturday - we have the same birthday - about Swansea. (He said) ‘It’s a real warm club, a family club, the players will be nice’. (It was a) quick response.

“This is the best competition in the world. I’m happy to be in it and can’t wait to start. Maybe (we can win) the FA or Capital One Cup. That would be a nice achievement.

“(Swansea) play really good football for a Premier League club.”

Van der Hoorn arrives in Wales after three years at Ajax, where he won the Eredivisie title after joining from Utrecht.

Serie A side recruiting Liverpool’s Balotlli

Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has urged striker Mario Balotelli to join the Italian Serie A side, saying that the club would be the perfect place for the player to revive his flailing career.

The 25-year-old has returned to parent club Liverpool for pre-season training after failing to earn a permanent move following an injury-hit season-long loan spell at AC Milan, where he managed just three goals in 23 appearances.

The Italy international is unlikely to feature in Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp’s plans for next season, and has been linked by the British media with a move to Turkey or China.

“Balotelli is Balotelli’s own worst enemy,” Ferrero told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“He could re-launch (his career) at a passionate club like ours but I think he’s still got mixed feelings. I’ve tried to tell him to come to Samp because he’s a great talent.”

Balotelli was omitted from the Italy squad that reached the quarter-finals of the ongoing European Championship in France.

Rising Serbia star Zivkovic signs for Benfica

Serbian international midfielder Andrija Zivkovic has signed a five-year deal with Benfica, the reigning three-time Portuguese champions confirmed on Wednesday.

Dubbed the ‘Serbian Messi’, the 19-year-old’s contract with Partizan Belgrade, the club where he began his career in 2013, expired at the end of last season.

Capped five times, Zivkovic is considered a rising star of the Serbia national team after helping his country to gold in the U20 World Cup last year.

Huddersfield Town have taken Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy on a season-long loan from Manchester City, the Championship (second tier) club said on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Premier League side on a three-year contract from sister club Melbourne City last week, scored 11 goals and set an A-League record of 21 assists for the Australian club during the 2015-16 season.

The Australian international has represented his country 15 times. "The opportunity to loan Aaron came around very quickly once his move to Manchester City and I am happy we could move quickly to do this," coach David Wagner told the club's website.

Huddersfield finished 19th in the Championship last season.

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