Newcastle United may have to play a waiting game to sign FC Twente defender Douglas - because of the Brazil-born stopper's bid to play for Holland.
The 24-year-old has been granted Dutch citizenship, but FIFA residency rules means he must have been in Holland for five years before he is eligible to play for the national side - meaning he must remain in the country until the end of August.
Magpies boss Alan Pardew is keen to sign both Douglas and striker Luuk De Jong from FC Twente, but a previous bid for De Jong was turned down by the club.
The player's agent, Louis Laros, confirmed De Jong expects to leave FC Twente this summer.
"He wants to further develop into a bigger league," he told Voetbal International.
"The important thing for us is the sporting perspective of Luuk. Not the money, but the way of playing and the amount of playing time he will get will be decisive."
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Stoke City have agreed a deal to sign former Rangers midfielder Jamie Ness - once the player's future is resolved following the Scottish club's collapse.
The Scotland under-21 player refused to transfer his contract to the 'newco' Rangers set up in place of the former Scottish Premier League champions, who are now in liquidation, and claimed under employment law to be a free agent.
Rangers have threatened legal action, however, against players who refused to transfer to the new club and warned they will seek compensation from clubs signing those players.
Stoke manager Tony Pulis confirmed the club had agreed a deal to sign the player, once international clearance is received to allow him to play.
"Jamie is a lad with enormous potential who is clearly determined to make the most of this fresh start in the game," he said.
"It's important that we introduce some young blood in strengthening the squad and he certainly fits the bill as someone tipped for a bright future."
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Meanwhile Blackburn Rovers have completed the signing of Newcastle striker Leon Best.
Rovers have agreed a fee of more than £3m (Dh17.2m) for the 25-year-old Ireland international, who moves to Ewood Park on a four-year deal.
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Tottenham transfer target Jan Vertonghen admits he wants his future resolved sooner rather than later after delays to his move to the English Premier League.
The Belgium defender joined his Ajax teammates for pre-season training yesterday, after an expected move to White Hart Late over the summer stalled amid contractual issues.
And the player admitted while he is focused on playing alongside his team-mates in Amsterdam for now, the situation dominates his thoughts.
"Of course it goes through my head that there is still no clarity about my future," he said. "It is difficult and I can't say I don't think about it but that's how it is and I have to adapt.
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Lazio have completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Ederson on a free transfer from Lyon.
The 26-year-old, who was out of contract this summer, has signed a contract at the Italian outfit until 2017.
"SS Lazio announces that it has reached an agreement with the player Ederson Honorato Campos for the next five seasons," read a statement on club website sslazio.it.
Ederson joined Lyon from Nice in 2008 and went on to make over 100 first-team appearances for the Ligue 1 club.
