Manchester City have made Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell their first major signing of the summer - just hours after kicking off in the Community Shield.
The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium that could eventually be worth £15m (Dh86.3m) to the Merseyside club.
The deal was confirmed as the club prepared to kick off against Chelsea in the traditional season curtain-raiser, and came just days after Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager, criticised sporting director Brian Marwood over the lack of summer signings.
However, he said he was pleased to land Rodwell - backing him to become a star for the club once he settles in.
"He is young and this is the first time he is at a club that plays to win," he said.
"It will be different for him. But in a couple of years I am sure he will be a top and stronger midfielder."
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Former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Gabriel Heinze has returned home after signing for Newell's Old Boys - the club where he started his career.
The 34-year-old joined the Argentine team on a one-year deal with an option to extend his contract after leaving Roma in the summer.
"I am doing what my heart feels and I am very happy to be back home," said Heinze.
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Brazil forward Hulk admits he has set his sights on a move to Spain or England after a summer of speculation about his future.
Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG have all been linked with moves for the Porto striker, who has been on Olympic duty with the Brazil national team at London 2012.
But he admits he wants his future sorted sooner rather than later.
"I have preference for playing in the Premier League or the Spanish Liga, because they are the two leagues that are the most seen all over the world," he said.
"But I am going to talk about my future from Monday. My future is in the hands of God."
Pakistanis at the ILT20
The new UAE league has been boosted this season by the arrival of five Pakistanis, who were not released to play last year.
Shaheen Afridi (Desert Vipers)
Set for at least four matches, having arrived from New Zealand where he captained Pakistan in a series loss.
Shadab Khan (Desert Vipers)
The leg-spin bowling allrounder missed the tour of New Zealand after injuring an ankle when stepping on a ball.
Azam Khan (Desert Vipers)
Powerhouse wicketkeeper played three games for Pakistan on tour in New Zealand. He was the first Pakistani recruited to the ILT20.
Mohammed Amir (Desert Vipers)
Has made himself unavailable for national duty, meaning he will be available for the entire ILT20 campaign.
Imad Wasim (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders)
The left-handed allrounder, 35, retired from international cricket in November and was subsequently recruited by the Knight Riders.
Five expert hiking tips
- Always check the weather forecast before setting off
- Make sure you have plenty of water
- Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
- Take your litter home with you
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
UAE athletes heading to Paris 2024
Equestrian
Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi, Abdullah Al Marri, Omar Al Marzooqi, Salem Al Suwaidi, and Ali Al Karbi (four to be selected).
Judo
Men: Narmandakh Bayanmunkh (66kg), Nugzari Tatalashvili (81kg), Aram Grigorian (90kg), Dzhafar Kostoev (100kg), Magomedomar Magomedomarov (+100kg); women's Khorloodoi Bishrelt (52kg).
Cycling
Safia Al Sayegh (women's road race).
Swimming
Men: Yousef Rashid Al Matroushi (100m freestyle); women: Maha Abdullah Al Shehi (200m freestyle).
Athletics
Maryam Mohammed Al Farsi (women's 100 metres).
