Today's soccer news from around the world

Atletico sign Coupet from Lyon (Fri Jul 04)

June Spain's Atletico Madrid on Friday signed French international goalkeeper Gregory Coupet from champions Lyon for 1.5 million euros, Lyon announced.

Coupet, 35, had been set to sign last week following talks but the move hit a hitch over the fee.

Coupet had a clause in his Lyon contract running to 2010 allowing him to leave Lyon, with whom he has won seven straight league titles, for three million euros, but the Spanish finally got their man for less. . . . more . . .

Ronaldinho will not be sold at a discount, says Barcelona (Fri Jul 04)

Barcelona warned Friday that it would not sell its Brazilian striker Ronaldinho, who has been deemed surplus by the Spanish side's new coach Pep Guardiola, at a discount. . . . more . . .

Ronaldo going nowhere say United (Fri Jul 04)

Manchester United said Friday the latest reports claiming star winger Cristiano Ronaldo was about to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid were "utter nonsense" and insisted the Portugal international was not for sale. . . . more . . .

Taylor extends Newcastle deal (Fri Jul 04)

Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has signed a new three-year contract with the club. . . . more . . .

Emnes signs for Boro (Fri Jul 04)

Dutchman Marvin Emnes on Friday signed a 3.2-million-pound (6.3m dollar) deal with English Premier League side Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .

China's Zheng Zhi could miss Olympics (Fri Jul 04)

China's star footballer Zheng Zhi, a fixture with the English club Charlton, is likely to miss the upcoming Beijing Olympics due to a back injury, state media reported. . . . more . . .

Dunne stays on at Manchester City (Fri Jul 04)

Manchester City captain Richard Dunne committed his future to the side by signing Friday a new four-year contract with the English Premier League club. . . . more . . .

Liverpool sign Dossena (Fri Jul 04)

Liverpool announced Friday they'd signed Italian defender Andrea Dossena from Udinese. . . . more . . .

I'm ready for the Oranje again, says van Bommel (Fri Jul 04)

Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel re-affirmed his desire Friday to play for the Netherlands again following the departure of coach Marco van Basten. . . . more . . .

No positive UEFA comment on Ukraine's Euro 2012 plans (Fri Jul 04)

UEFA on Friday said their visit to Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine had been "useful" but offered no positive comment on the country's state of preparations for European football's showcase tournament. . . . more . . .

Barcelona end season with profit despite lack of trophies (Fri Jul 04)

Barcelona finished last season in the black for the fifth consecutive year with a net profit of 10.1 million euros (15.8 million dollars) despite failing to win any silverware, the Spanish club announced Friday. . . . more . . .

Newcastle dismiss US takeover reports (Fri Jul 04)

Newcastle United dismissed reports in the British press that owner Mike Ashley had put a price tag of 420 million pounds (840 million dollars) on the English Premier League club during talks with US investors over a possible sale. . . . more . . .

Newcastle 'in US takeover talks' (Fri Jul 04)

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has held talks with US investors over a possible sale of the English Premier League club according to reports in the British press. . . . more . . .

Ambitious Rensing steps out of Kahn's shadow (Fri Jul 04)

Bayern Munich's goalkeeper Michael Rensing admits he will be glad to finally step out of Oliver Kahn's shadow after five years on the sidelines as he targets a place in the Germany team. . . . more . . .

Kewell misses Olympics to sign with Galatasaray (Fri Jul 04)

Former Liverpool star Harry Kewell has passed up the opportunity to play for Australia at the Beijing Olympics to pursue a club career with Turkey's Galatasaray. . . . more . . .

O'Neill tells Reds to meet Barry asking price (Thu Jul 03)

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill told Liverpool on Thursday to meet his club's asking price for want-away England midfielder Gareth Barry. . . . more . . .

Atletico sign Pongolle for four seasons (Thu Jul 03)

Spanish first division side Atletico Madrid said Thursday it had signed French striker Florent Sinama Pongolle from Recreativo Huelva for four seasons. . . . more . . .

Briatore pleads for patience despite cash boost (Thu Jul 03)

Queens Park Rangers chairman Flavio Briatore warned against talk of imminent promotion to the Premier League next season despite announcing Thursday a fresh cash boost for the increasingly wealthy London club. . . . more . . .

Coming months crucial for Ukraine's Euro 2012 plans, Platini (Thu Jul 03)

Ukraine's ability to co-host Euro 2012 depends on what the country can achieve over the coming three months, UEFA president Michel Platini said here on Thursday. . . . more . . .

Football stars gather in Munich to help Africa (Thu Jul 03)

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, Germany captain Michael Ballack and Liverpool's England midfielder Steven Gerrard are amongst the stars set to play a charity match in Munich next week to help raise money for Africa. . . . more . . .