French international midfielder Didier Deschamps has joined Valencia from Chelsea. Deschamps, who captained France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and this year's European Championship, has signed a three-year deal with last season's Champions League finalists. Chelsea said that Valencia had paid £2.3 million sterling for the Frenchman although the Spanish club were reluctant to comment on the fee and Deschamps' salary.

Celtic completed the £3.8 million transfer of Belgian international defender Joos Valgaeren yesterday. The 24-year-old Valgaeren, new manager Martin O'Neill's second signing for the Scottish club, signed a five-year contract.

AC Milan have signed Argentine midfielder Fernando Redondo from European champions Real Madrid on a three-year contract. The Italian club confirmed the deal on their official website but gave no financial details. However, Real had said on Thursday they were ready to sell the player for £17 million.

Turkish defender Alpay has been given the green light to begin his Aston Villa career. The British goverment's department for education and employment confirmed yesterday he had been granted a work permit. The permit is for four years, the length of his contract after a £5.6 million deal had been agreed with Fenerbahce.