Barca sign Cillessen, let Bravo go
BARCElONA: Barcelona says it has signed Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, clearing the way for Claudio Bravo to finalize his move to Manchester City.
The Spanish champion says Cillessen signed a five-year contract after securing his transfer from Dutch club Ajax. Cillessen looks certain to be the replacement for Bravo after his expected departure for City.
Barcelona said on Saturday it had a "deal in principle" with City to sell Bravo. Bravo is known for his passing skills, something sought by new City manager Pep Guardiola. City's longtime goalie, Joe Hart, played in their Champions league playoff on Wednesday. If Bravo leaves, Barcelona's first-choice 'keeper would likely be Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Schalke sign Bentaleb, Stambouli
GElSENKIRCHEN: Schalke announced the signings of Algeria midfielder Nabil Bentaleb from Tottenham and French midfielder Benjamin Stambouli from Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday. "Everything is settled with Tottenham. And everything is resolved with Paris," Schalkesporting director Christian Heidel said. Bentaleb, who joins Schalke on a one-season loan, made only 11 appearances for Tottenham last season because of ankle and knee injuries. Schalke said the 21-year-old player will wear the No 10 shirt, and Kicker reported that the club secured the option to make his move permanent for 20 million euros ($22.6 million). The 26-year-old defensive midfielder, was joining for a reported eight million euros and getting a four-year contract.