BOUFAL NOW A SAINT

Southampton have announced the signing of the attacking midfielder Sofiane Boufal from Lille for a club-record undisclosed fee. The player has agreed to a five-year contract.

It is understood the fee for Boufal, 22, could rise to £21 million (S$37.4 million). Southampton's previous record signing was Dani Osvaldo, who joined from Roma in 2013 in a deal that was worth up to £14.6 million.

THE GUARDIAN

ZAHA URGED TO STAY

Having sold Yannick Bolasie to Everton in the close season, Crystal Palace would not wish to see another quality player leave the club and striker Christian Benteke has called on Wilfried Zaha to stay.

Zaha was dropped from the starting line-up for Palace's 1-1 draw with Bournemouth after the club rejected a bid from Tottenham Hotspur for the 23-year-old.

REUTERS

LESCOTT MOVES TO AEK

Former England defender Joleon Lescott has joined AEK Athens on a two-year contract.

The 34-year-old played for Aston Villa last season but had not played for the Championship side yet this campaign.

The Greek Super League club did not say whether a transfer fee was paid.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE