Stuart Pearce yesterday signed a three-year contract with Newcastle after being granted a free transfer by Nottingham Forest. Pearce's wish of playing Premiership football next season was granted by Kenny Dalglish, who moved quickly when it became clear the 35-year-old was available.

The former Nottingham Forest hero yesterday expressed his desire to leave the first division club in order to further his England career and play in next year's World Cup finals in France.

After passing a medical and agreeing terms, Pearce is now available to make his debut for Newcastle at Birmingham today in a pre-season friendly.

Roberto Baggio joined Bologna from AC Milan yesterday and vowed to prove his critics wrong by reclaiming his place in the Italian national team for next year's World Cup in France.

Baggio signed a two-year deal with Bologna, who just missed out on a UEFA Cup place last season, ending weeks of speculation during which he had been linked to clubs in Italy, Spain and England.

Liverpool last night revealed that they had completed the £4.2 million signing of Paul Ince from Inter Milan. Vice chairman and chief executive Peter Robinson wrapped up the deal in Italy on Thursday. Robinson, speaking to the Liverpool Echo, said: "Paul Ince signed when I went over to Milan and will join up with Liverpool for training next Tuesday."

Crystal Palace midfielder David Hopkin told the club yesterday hat he has decided to join Leeds in a £3.25 million deal. Palace chairman Ron Noades said: "Steve Coppell and I held further talks with Dave yesterday and this morning he spoke with Steve in Spain informing him of his decision to move to Leeds."