James Headed To Championship

England goalkeeper David James has secured a move to Championship side Bristol City on a free transfer.

James, who started three of England’s World Cup matches in South Africa, inked a one-year deal with the option of an additional year after the 39-year-old successfully passed a physical on Thursday. “I’ve had offers to stay in the Premier League but it is more important that I play football – which I love – for the right club and be a family man,” James told the Bristol Evening Post. “I had a long conversation with the chairman Steve Lansdown and I liked what he said about the club and his ambition.

James was released from Portsmouth after Pompey’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in May’s FA Cup final. James also said that his goal was to help Bristol, who finished 10th in the Championship last season, secure promotion into the Premier League.

“The South West has not had a club in the Premier League and that needs to change,” said James.

“I’m delighted David James has agreed to sign. My ambition is for this football club to play at the highest level – the Premier League – and in the best surroundings, hence the work on the training ground and new stadium,” said Bristol chairman Steve Lansdown. “We need good quality players to make that happen and that’s why I’m thrilled that David has agreed to come on board.”

Puyol Warns That Keeping Fabregas Could Hurt Arsenal

Barcelona captain, and World Cup teammate of Cesc Fabregas, Carlos Puyol has expressed concern that forcing the Arsenal captain to stay in the EPL could hurt Arsenal long term.

“He is having to stay at a club where he no longer wants to be for another year. I wonder how intelligent it is keeping a player who doesn’t want to be there,” said Puyol. “After seven years of great service, I thought Arsenal could have granted him his dream move.”

Fabregas’ interest in returning to his boyhood club and Arsenal’s subsequent refusal has dominated headlines for months, culminating in Febregas’ donning of a Barcelona jersey during a World Cup celebration.

Arsenal have already rejected a £29 million bid for Fabregas.

Liverpool Cruise In Europa League Qualifier

Roy Hodgson started off his tenure with Liverpool on the right foot with a 2-0 Europa League qualifying victory over FK Rabotnicki in Macedonia.

David Ngog scored a brace for Liverpool, who were playing without Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and new-signing Joe Cole.

It was also a debut for Liverpool’s new black and yellow third shirt. Hodgson’s side will finish off their Europa League tie at home Aug. 5.

Other Stories

Newscastle United becomes the eight EPL team to ban Vuvuzelas.

Martin O’Neill promises that James Milner will be welcomed back into the side he can’t secure a transfer to Manchester City.

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is suing L’Equipe for libel after the French newspaper published details of his tirade directed at manager Raymond Domenech.

Latest Transfer Rumors

Liverpool are looking at Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen.

Inter Milan forward Mario Balotelli’s suspected transfer to Manchester City still not close to completion due to wage demands.

Manchester United is now the clear front-runner for Mesut Ozil as they prepare a £12 million bid.

Charles N’Zogbia has been given assurances by Wigan that they will not block a potential move.

Lazio have poached Manchester City left-back Javier Garrido.

West Brom are looking at Hull City keeper Boaz Myhill for £1.5 million.