By AVI CREDITOR
Liverpool completed a deal for former Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen on Thursday for a reported transfer fee of £4.5 million.
The 30-year-old Denmark international will be reunited with manager Roy Hodgson at Anfield. He previously played for Hodgson with FC Copenhagen back in 2000.
The signing of Poulsen, a holding midfielder, could also be the final indication that Javier Mascherano is on his way out. Mascherano has expressed is desire to leave Anfield, and how Liverpool has the insurance policy to let him go.
In other transfer news around the world:
CARVALHO SIGNS WITH MADRID
Portuguese international Ricardo Carvalho has left Chelsea to reunite with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid for a transfer fee of £6.6 million.
Carvalho, 32, started for Portugal at the World Cup and will compete for a starting job for Los Blancos. He previously played for Mourinho at Chelsea and has been outspoken about his admiration for the manager.
YOUNG LIKELY TO STAY WITH VILLA
Ashley Young, widely rumored to be transferring to Tottenham, appears to be staying with Aston Villa, according to the BBC.
Young, a 25-year-old English international, enjoyed a stellar season in 2009-2010 and has drawn interest from top teams around Europe.
WELBECK TO BE LOANED TO SUNDERLAND
Manchester United and U-20 English international forward Danny Welbeck looks to be spending the upcoming Premier League season on loan at Sunderland.
Welbeck, 19, appeared in 11 matches in all competitions for Manchester United last season, and he totaled two goals and an assist in Carling Cup play.
JAGIELKA NOT LEAVING TOFFEES
Phil Jagielka, who was credited with an own-goal in England's 2-1 victory over Hungary Wednesday, is reportedly not leaving Everton for Arsenal as had previously been speculated.
Jagielka told Sky Sports that manager David Moyes informed him that he would be staying at Goodison Park this season.
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Do you think Poulsen can fill Mascherano's shoes at Liverpool? Expect Carvalho to come in and start at Madrid? Surprised to see Young stay at Villa? Think Welbeck can have a big season with Sunderland?
Share your thoughts below.