Newcastle United may have to play a waiting game to sign FC Twente defender Douglas - because of the Brazil-born stopper's bid to play for Holland.
The 24-year-old has been granted Dutch citizenship, but FIFA residency rules means he must have been in Holland for five years before he is eligible to play for the national side - meaning he must remain in the country until the end of August.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew is keen to sign both Douglas and striker Luuk De Jong from FC Twente, but a previous bid for De Jong was turned down by the club.
The player's agent, Louis Laros, confirmed De Jong expects to leave FC Twente this summer.
"He wants to further develop into a bigger league," he told Voetbal International.
"The important thing for us is the sporting perspective of Luuk. Not the money, but the way of playing and the amount of playing time he will get will be decisive."
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Stoke City have agreed a deal to sign former Rangers midfielder Jamie Ness - once the player's future is resolved following the Scottish club's collapse.
The Scotland under-21 player refused to transfer his contract to the 'newco' Rangers set up in place of the former Scottish Premier League champions, who are now in liquidation, and claimed under employment law to be a free agent.
Rangers have threatened legal action, however, against players who refused to transfer to the new club and warned they will seek compensation from clubs signing those players.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis confirmed the club had agreed a deal to sign the player, once international clearance is received to allow him to play.
"Jamie is a lad with enormous potential who is clearly determined to make the most of this fresh start in the game," he said.
"It's important that we introduce some young blood in strengthening the squad and he certainly fits the bill as someone tipped for a bright future."
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Meanwhile Blackburn Rovers have completed the signing of Newcastle striker Leon Best.
Rovers have agreed a fee of more than £3m (Dh17.2m) for the 25-year-old Ireland international, who moves to Ewood Park on a four-year deal.
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Tottenham transfer target Jan Vertonghen admits he wants his future resolved sooner rather than later after delays to his move to the English Premier League.
The Belgium defender joined his Ajax teammates for pre-season training yesterday, after an expected move to White Hart Late over the summer stalled amid contractual issues.
And the player admitted while he is focused on playing alongside his team-mates in Amsterdam for now, the situation dominates his thoughts.
"Of course it goes through my head that there is still no clarity about my future," he said. "It is difficult and I can't say I don't think about it but that's how it is and I have to adapt.
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Lazio have completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Ederson on a free transfer from Lyon.
The 26-year-old, who was out of contract this summer, has signed a contract at the Italian outfit until 2017.
"SS Lazio announces that it has reached an agreement with the player Ederson Honorato Campos for the next five seasons," read a statement on club website sslazio.it.
Ederson joined Lyon from Nice in 2008 and went on to make over 100 first-team appearances for the Ligue 1 club.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
NBA Finals results
Game 1: Warriors 124, Cavaliers 114
Game 2: Warriors 122, Cavaliers 103
Game 3: Cavaliers 102, Warriors 110
Game 4: In Cleveland, Sunday (Monday morning UAE)
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
Mobile phone packages comparison
Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
