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Football Extras: United agree fee with Shandong for Fellaini

Last updated on: January 31, 2019 22:23 IST

Marouane Fellaini

IMAGE: Marouane Fellaini of Manchester United, centre, celebrates. Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Manchester United have reached an agreement with Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng for the transfer of midfielder Marouane Fellaini, but the deal could drag on with the transfer market in China open until Feb. 28, British media reported.

Fellaini enjoyed regular game time under former United managers David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho who used him as an auxiliary striker, but has been out of favour under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

 

The Belgian international had signed a two-year deal with United until 2020 in June.

Fellaini arrived in 2013 as a 27.5 million-pound ($36 million) signing by his former Everton boss Moyes.

The tall Belgian became an impact substitute under Mourinho, with his height allowing a more direct style in the final stages when the team chasing a game.

Fellaini joined Everton from Belgian side Standard Liege in 2008.

Newcastle complete Almiron signing, Barreca loan

Newcastle United signed forward Miguel Almiron from Major League Soccer (MLS) champions Atlanta United for an undisclosed fee on a 5-1/2 year deal, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

British media reported Newcastle had paid around 21 million pounds ($27.52 million) for the 24-year-old, surpassing the 16 million pounds they paid Real Madrid for Michael Owen in 2005.

"The league is competitive, this is a historic club, and (Newcastle manager) Rafa Benitez himself were the main reasons why I am here now," Almiron said in a statement.

"I think it is a great responsibility, something beautiful for me, and I will try to offer the best I can to repay the trust the club put in me."

Paraguay international Almiron, who has 13 caps, scored 13 goals and provided 13 assists to help Atlanta win the MLS Cup last year.

Palace's Zaha charged with improper conduct by FA

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association (FA) on Thursday for his behaviour after being sent off in Wednesday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Southampton.

Zaha, who had given Palace the lead at St Mary's, was dismissed for sarcastically applauding referee Andre Marriner in the 87th minute, moments after being cautioned for tangling with James Ward-Prowse.

The 26-year-old continued to sarcastically applaud the referee after his dismissal and reluctantly left the pitch.

He later apologised but the FA charged him for his actions and gave him until 1800 GMT on Feb. 5 to respond.

"Palace's Zaha has been charged following the game against Southampton. It is alleged his behaviour following a second-half dismissal amounts to improper conduct," the FA said.

Palace are 15th in the table with 23 points, one place above Southampton on goal difference.

Fulham forward Kamara loaned to Turkey's Yeni Malatyaspor

Fulham striker Aboubakar Kamara has been loaned to Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor until June, the English Premier League club said on Thursday.

Kamara joined Fulham from French side Amiens in 2017 and helped the team win promotion to the Premier League. He has scored five goals in 15 appearances in all competitions this season.

The 23-year-old Frenchman was suspended by Fulham and put under investigation by the club after an incident at the training ground last week.

He was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and criminal damage, with British media reporting he was involved in an altercation with a member of the club's security after being denied a meeting with Fulham CEO Alistair Mackintosh.

Kamara's last appearance for Fulham, who are second-bottom of the league, was in a 4-1 defeat by London rivals Arsenal on Jan. 1.

He was frozen out of the first team and made to train with the under-23 side by manager Claudio Ranieri before the training ground incident.

"The club would like to wish Kamara all the best for the remainder of the season in Turkey," Fulham said on their website

"We were following Almiron for a while, and we saw a player with some pace in attack, who can play behind the striker. We have someone who can score goals and give assists," Benitez said.

Earlier, Newcastle signed left back Antonio Barreca from Monaco on loan until the end of the season with the option to buy the player.

"I am happy to be here. I have accepted this challenge with a great deal of enthusiasm and I can't wait to start," Barreca said in a statement.

Barreca came through the ranks at Italian side Torino where he became an established starter before heading to the French Ligue 1 with Monaco last summer.

"The left back/left wing back position is one we've been looking to strengthen for a while and he's an Italy Under-21 international who we know has quality, good delivery and is good going forward," Benitez said.

Newcastle, who are 14th in the league standings, visit Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.