Kachloul surprises Ipswich by signing for Villa

Despite the atmosphere of uncertainty currently reigning at Villa Park, with players apparently queuing up to criticise the manager John Gregory, Hassan Kachloul completed a U-turn yesterday and decided to go to the Midlands instead of signing for Ipswich Town.

Last week, Southampton's Moroccan international announced that he would be joining Ipswich after his contract expired at the end of the month.

Villa's hopes of signing Mustapha Hadji from Coventry have suffered a setback. Villa had been hoping to complete a swap deal involving Julian Joachim, but Coventry want £3m as well as Joachim.

Kevin Keegan is ready to make Stuart Pearce his first signing. The new Manchester City manager believes the West Ham player can help his side on and off the pitch. He also plans to let Pearce do some coaching.

Arsenal have signed the Rangers midfielder Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

Trevor Brooking has returned to West Ham as a non-executive director. He will play an active role in administration and player development.

The Manchester United defender Wes Brown is to open talks over a new contract.

Blackburn have suffered a setback in their attempts to bring the Turkish midfielder Tugay Kerimoglu to Ewood Park. The Home Office has refused the player a work permit.

The midfielder Nolberto Solano has signed a new contract that will keep him at Newcastle for the next five years.

Bolton are not renewing Nicky Summerbee's contract. He joined last year from Sunderland and made 15 appearances for Wanderers.

Nottingham Forest have cancelled the contract of their winger Gianluca Petrachi by mutual consent.

West Bromwich are trying to sign the Carlisle striker Scott Dobie.