Liverpool have finalised the transfer of Switzerland international defender Philipp Degen on a free transfer from German club Borussia Dortmund.

The 25-year-old former Basel player, who will compete with Alvaro Arbeloa and Steve Finnan for the right-back berth, has signed a four-year deal.

An unused substitute during Euro 2008, Degen agreed to join Liverpool in May.

Liverpool also expect to complete the signing of Udinese defender Andrea Dossena in the next few days.

Degen began his career with Basel in 1996, making his debut in 2001, before joining Dortmund in 2005.

ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) — The Turkish Football Federation says it has extended contract with national squad coach Fateh Terim until 2012.

The federation said on its Web site that it agreed with the coach after a meeting on Tuesday.

Terim shepherded Turkey to European Championship semifinals in the tournament in June.

The coach signaled willingness to quit his job after the team’s 3-2 defeat to Germany last week in Basel but Hasan Dogan, his boss as the head of Turkish federation’s president, has said he would not let Terim leave.

Source: CNN

AC Milan has elected not to renew the contract of Brazilian striker Ronaldo, as the club wants to wait and see if El Fenomeno recovers fully from his injuries.

Ronaldo’s career was believed to be in doubt after he severed a tendon in his knee playing in a Serie A match against Livorno last February.

After a successful operation in Paris, it was revealed that the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year would be out of action for at least nine months, although a more likely return date was said to be in 2009.

Newcastle’s Joey Barton will face showdown talks over his future with club bosses on his release from prison.

He was spared a second spell in jail on Monday when he was given a four-month suspended sentence for attacking former Manchester City team-mate Ousmane Dabo.

The midfielder is currently serving a six-month prison sentence for assault but may be released in the coming days.

Prior to Monday’s sentencing, agent Willie McKay said Barton, 25, could be back for pre-season training next week.

Euro 2008 champions Spain have arrived home from Austria and paraded the Henri Delaunay trophy through Madrid in front of their euphoric fans.

They touched down at Madrid Barajas airport around 1840 BST in a plane with “Campeones” (champions) written on it.

They then took an open-top bus to meet joyous fans in a packed Colon Square.

Sunday’s 1-0 win over Germany, courtesy of a goal from Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, gave Spain their first major tournament victory in 44 years.

Captain Iker Casillas lavished praise on coach Luis Aragones.

Spain claimed their first major title for 44 years after winning Euro 2008 with a deserved victory over Germany.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was Spain’s goal hero, striking after 33 minutes when he cleverly lifted Xavi’s pass over Germany keeper Jens Lehmann.

Spain dominated the final throughout, with Torres heading against the post and Marcos Senna within inches of adding a second after 80 minutes.

Michael Ballack came close for Germany, shooting narrowly wide after the break.

Germany coach Joachim Low generously praised Spain ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2008 final in Vienna, pinpointing their consistency throughout the competition.

“The Spaniards have been the most constant team here,” said Low.

“They have shown consistent levels of performance, they are flexible regarding their positioning and they are sure of the passes they make.

“A lot of their players play in the Champions League - they are used to playing under intense pressure.”

Spain have won all of their five games in reaching the final, while Germany suffered a defeat to Croatia in the group stages.