Dani Alves released by Juventus

Juventus have confirmed the release of Dani Alves, paving the way for a possible reunion with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The 34-year-old Brazilian right-back, who played under Guardiola at Barcelona, announced earlier this week he was leaving the Serie A champions.

City have been linked heavily with the player since releasing right-backs Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna at the end of last season.

Alves only joined Juve last summer and leaves midway through a two-year contract. His single campaign in Turin was interrupted by a broken leg suffered last November but he returned to help the club to a Serie A and Coppa Italia double and reach the Champions League final.

A move to the Etihad Stadium would continue City’s summer revamp. The club have already confirmed the signings of goalkeeper Ederson from Benfica and midfielder Bernardo Silva from Monaco.

Jermain Defoe has completed a move to Bournemouth.

The 34-year-old has signed a three-year deal after he left Sunderland following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

The England striker returns to the Cherries, where he had a successful loan spell early in his career. He scored 18 times on a season-long loan from West Ham in 2000-01.

Preston’s Simon Grayson has been appointed as Sunderland’s new manager on a three-year deal, the club have announced.