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Sporting have announced the signing of Germany international Timo Hildebrand on a one-year deal. Hildebrand, who had been linked with a move to Celtic over the summer, was available on a free transfer following his release by Hoffenheim.

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Michael Ballack is to remain captain of Germany once he returns from his injury lay-off, coach Joachim Low has confirmed.

Juventus playmaker Diego is understood to have passed a medical at Wolfsburg ahead of signing a four-year deal.

The England 2018 World Cup bid has been boosted by the backing of Paul the "psychic" octopus.

Real Madrid will trim some members of their squad, after a summer of more new arrivals at the Berbabeu.

Michael Ballack has told Soccernet he is planning to have words with Philipp Lahm regarding the dispute over the German captaincy, and fully expects to have the armband when Joachim Low's side begin their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Germany coach Joachim Low claims he has not yet given serious thought to who will captain his team in European Championship qualifying. Philipp Lahm was named skipper at the World Cup in the absence of Michael Ballack, who says he wants the armband back.

Mesut Ozil is optimistic about becoming a Real Madrid player after learning of the Spanish club's interest in him.

Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker insists he has no intention of leaving the club amid reported interest from Arsenal.

Germany news

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus believes Philipp Lahm should wear the captain's armband in future and not Michael Ballack.

Sir Alex Ferguson has played down suggestions that he is looking to sign Germany World Cup star Mesut Ozil for Manchester United.

Werder Bremen boss Thomas Schaaf has said he believes Mesut Ozil is likely to stay at the club this summer.

Liverpool have confirmed Philipp Degen will spend next season on loan at Stuttgart.

Roy Hodgson has revealed he has failed in an attempt to bring Bayer Leverkusen defender Sami Hyypia back to the club.

In demand Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil says it "would be a dream" to play in the Premier League and admitted that the prospect of a move to Chelsea or Manchester United greatly excites him.