Song completes move to Barcelona

MADRID — Cameroon midfielder Alex Song has completed his move from Premier League side Arsenal to Barcelona after signing a deal worth 19 million euros ($23.45 million), both clubs said Monday.

The 25-year-old joined Arsenal in 2005 and made 204 appearances for the London club.

Song follows Dutch striker Robin van Persie in leaving Arsenal this month.

Song passed his medical with Barcelona earlier in the day. Doctor Ricard Pruna said of Song on the Catalan club’s website: “He has a very low body fat percentage and very good muscle quality. All the tests have come out satisfactorily and he is available to the coach.”

Buttner going to United

Dutch defender Alexander Buttner’s transfer from Vitesse Arnhem to Manchester United moved a step closer Monday when he flew to England for a medical with the Premier League club.

Buttner, 23, would become United’s second recent Dutch acquisition following Robin van Persie’s move from Arsenal to Old Trafford last week.

The player, who had been linked with possible moves to Queens Park Rangers, Fulham and Southampton, told reporters before leaving Schipol Airport in Amsterdam for Manchester that he was hoping the United deal would be completed soon.

“If a week ago, you told me that together with Robin van Persie I would be playing at Manchester United, I would have driven you straight to the madhouse,” he said. “One month ago Manchester United sent an email expressing their interest, but in the last four days it became concrete. “I have not spoken yet with Sir Alex Ferguson, but if all goes well that will happen.”

McEachran to Middlesbrough

Chelsea’s young midfielder Josh McEachran has been sent on a season-long loan to Championship club Middlesbrough in a bid to get his career back on track.

McEachran was regarded as one of the brightest young stars in English football when he emerged from Chelsea’s youth academy two years ago but the 19-year-old has so far been unable to fulfill his potential.

England Under-21 international McEachran made just five appearances in a loan spell at Swansea during the second half of last season and failed to force his way into Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo’s plans for the start of this season. —Agencies