Football Briefs: Football takes over Kochi

Kerala CM launches Kochi Host City Logo for FIFA U-17 WC

Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday launched the host city logo for Kochi, one of the venues of FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.

The logo represents and reflects Kochi's identity and will be a valuable tool in linking the local community in a global World Cup.

Alongside the FIFA U-17 World Cup India official emblem, it will form a crucial link in the promotions and communications regarding the host city.

Speaking about the logo and the tournament that begins in less than 40 days' time, Vijayan said, "I am happy to launch the logo here today and rest assured, this is just the start. There are more things to look forward to, that are coming up in the next few days in the lead up to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

"We are happy with the ongoing preparations for FIFA U-17 World Cup. The work is going on smoothly. We want to be great hosts for all the teams that come to Kochi for the World Cup, and the international audience."

Exuding his thoughts on the Logo, tournament director LOC, FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, Javier Ceppi added, "The host city Logo will allow all football fans in Kochi to have a local flavour and will be critical in the promotion of the tournament.”

Barcelona hopeful over Coutinho signing

Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez hinted on Monday that he is negotiating with Liverpool over Philippe Coutinho and hoped to complete a deal before the transfer window closes.

After signing Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund for a fee which could rise to 147 million euros ($176 million), Fernandez announced his intention to bring two more players to the Nou Camp.

"It's true we are in negotiations over a player to try and sign them. We hope to reach a deal and present a new player," said Fernandez told a news conference when asked about Barcelona's hopes of signing Brazilian playmaker Coutinho.

Barcelona had also been linked to Nice midfielder Jean Michael Seri.

Dortmund sign Yarmolenko three days after Dembele sale

Borussia Dortmund signed Ukraine winger Andriy Yarmolenko from Dynamo Kiev on Monday, quickly replenishing their squad after selling attacking midfielder Ousmane Dembele to Barcelona three days ago.

The 27-year-old, who will wear the number nine shirt, has spent his entire professional career at Dynamo, making 339 appearances over the course of 11 seasons and scoring 137 goals.

"I'm very grateful that Dynamo Kiev have allowed me to fulfil my dream by moving to a big European club," he said in a statement on Dortmund's website. "I will work hard in training to help BVB reach their highest goals."

France international Dembele, who scored 10 goals and provided 20 assists in all competitions to help Dortmund finish third in the Bundesliga last season, was sold to Barcelona on Friday for 105 million euros ($125 million).

The deal's add-ons will make it the second most expensive transfer of all time.

Newcastle midfielder de Jong rejoins Ajax

Netherlands midfielder Siem de Jong has left Newcastle United to rejoin Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam on a three-year contract, the Premier League and Eredivisie clubs said on Monday.

The 28-year-old is a product of Ajax's youth academy and made 244 appearances for the senior team before moving to Newcastle in 2014.

De Jong featured in 26 games over two seasons for the English club and spent last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven.

The Netherlands international won four Dutch league titles and one Dutch Cup in seven years with the senior team at Ajax. De Jong also captained the side from 2012-14.

Seri is totally ruled out. After analysing (the situation) calmly, we decided that our priority was other positions," Fernandez said.

Coutinho plays in a more advanced role than Seri and is reported to be Barcelona's top target, with Paris St Germain's Angel Di Maria also linked to the club.

"My intention is to sign another player, if it's possible, two," added Fernandez.

Barcelona, who sold Neymar for a world record 222 million euros at the start of August, have added Gerard Deulofeu, Nelson Semedo, Marlon, Paulinho and Dembele to their squad for the new season.