MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Sept 1, 2021 (BSS/AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo's

return to Manchester United was confirmed by the English giants on Tuesday as
Premier League clubs scrambled to strengthen before the close of the transfer
window.

   United announced on Friday a deal had been struck with Juventus to bring
the five-time Ballon d'Or winner back to Old Trafford for a fee that could
rise to 23 million euros ($27 million, o20 million) for the 36-year-old.

   The Portugal captain scored 118 goals in 292 games during his first spell
at United, winning his first Ballon d'Or and Champions League title, as well
as three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups.

   "This is absolutely 100 percent the stuff that dreams are made of,"
Ronaldo posted on Instagram.

   "Everyone who knows me, knows about my never ending love for Manchester
United. The years I spent in this club were absolutely amazing and the path
we've made together is written in gold letters in the history of this great
and amazing institution."

   Ronaldo's return has already had a knock-on effect with United winger
Daniel James joining Leeds for a reported o25 million.

   The Wales attacker has started two of United's three Premier League games
so far this season, but was expected to struggle for game time once Ronaldo
arrived and Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani returned to full fitness.

   James was on the verge of joining Leeds in January 2019 from Swansea
before a deadline day deal collapsed.

   "It's all happened in the last day or two," said James. "I got my head
around it and this is where I wanted to be moving forward."

   - Chelsea call Saul -

   Chelsea secured the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez on a
season-long loan deal with an option to buy to further strengthen Thomas
Tuchel's already deep squad.

   "He is a proven winner, a player with huge experience and we know he will
be very well-suited to the challenges that face us on all fronts in the
coming year," said Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia. Liverpool did not add
to their only signing of the window, centre-back Ibrahima Konate, but secured
the future of captain Jordan Henderson on a long-term contract that runs till
2025.

   Top-of-the-table Tottenham helped ease Barcelona's financial woes with a
o25 million deal for right-back Emerson Royal.

   Another right-back is headed out of Spurs as Serge Aurier's contract was
terminated to allow the Ivorian to leave on a free transfer.

   At the other end of the table, rock bottom Arsenal took their summer
spending to o150 million after agreeing a o20 million fee with Bologna for
Japanese international defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

   Hector Bellerin left the Gunners to join Real Betis on loan, while Reiss
Nelson has joined Feyenoord on a season-long loan.

   - Vlasic joins West Ham -

   West Ham have strengthened ahead of a busy season which will take in
Europa League football with the signing of Croatia midfielder Nikola Vlasic.

   The 23-year-old, who previously had a unsuccessful stint in England at
Everton, joins from CSKA Moscow for a reported initial fee of o25 million
having been named Russian Premier League player of the year in 2020.

   "I was really impressed with how determined Nikola was to become a West
Ham player," said Hammers boss David Moyes. "It's that hunger and ambition
that fits with what we are trying to build here at the club."

   West Ham also signed Czech Republic midfielder Alex Kral on loan from
Spartak Moscow.

   Leicester have bolstered their attacking options with the arrival of
Ademola Lookman on loan from RB Leipzig.

   Everton manager Rafael Benitez has signed Venezuelan striker Salomon
Rondon for a third different club after spells together at Newcastle and
Dalian.

   Rondon will replace Moise Kean, who has rejoined Juventus on a two-year
loan with an obligation to buy.

   Crystal Palace won the race for Celtic's French under-21 striker Odsonne
Edouard for an initial o15 million.

   And Brighton signed Spain left-back Marc Cucurella for o15 million after
paying his buyout clause from La Liga side Getafe.