Arbeloa a Hammer

WeST hAM agreed to sign former Real Madrid and Liverpool right back Alvaro Arbeloa on a free transfer. The 33-year-old joined on a one-year contract. West ham had held talks with Aston Villa over a deal for Micah Richards but failed to agree a fee. Sunderland and West Brom considered reviving interest in Diafra Sakho but his fitness was considered too big a gamble. Villa also retained the services of striker Gabby Agbonlahor, 29, who had been pursued by Championship rivals Reading.