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Manchester City have secured their second signing of an ambitious summer with Roque Santa Cruz declared fit to complete his £17m move from Blackburn Rovers.

The Paraguay international underwent a stringent three-hour medical at a private hospital in Whalley Range before finalising terms on an initial £15m transfer, rising to £17m with appearances and achievements over the course of a five-year contract believed to be worth £90,000 a week. The 27-year-old’s arrival at Eastlands ends an exhaustive pursuit by the City manager, Mark Hughes, who initially hoped to sign the centre-forward in January.

Matt Derbyshire

On 28 January 2009, Derbyshire moved to Greek champions Olympiacos on loan until the end of the 2008–09 season.He made his first appearance for the club as a substitute in the first leg of a Greek Cup match at PAOK’s Toumba Stadium. In the return match, his home debut, Derbyshire scored a goal in extra time, securing progress to the next round (Greek Cup, Semi-Finals 2008–09).

Matt Derbyshire made his Greek Super League debut on 14 February 2009 in a 2–1 home victory over Aris as a 80th minute substitute for Diogo Luis Santo. On 15 March 2009, Matt scored his first Greek Super League goal for Olympiacos in a 5–0 win over Iraklis with his first touch of the ball, after coming on for Luciano Galletti in 81st minute adding his second goal (and Olympiacos’ fifth) just five minutes later. The following week he started the match against Panionios and played the whole 90 minutes, scoring in a 2–3 away win.

On 2 May 2009, Derbyshire played a pivotal role in the Greek Cup final against cross-city rivals AEK Athens. With Olympiakos 2-0 down, Derbyshire was brought on at half-time. Three minutes after coming on, Derbyshire scored for Olympiakos. The game then went to 2-2 before AEK Athens had seemingly scored the winning goal in stoppage time. However, with the last touch of the game, Derbyshire popped up to head in the equaliser in the sixth minute of added time, bringing the score to 3-3, after having suffered a concussion following a clash with an opponent. It was obvious during celebrations that he was not fully aware, and he stated afterwards that he realised he had scored from the cheers of fans. Olympiakos went on to win the match 15-14 on penalties, and Derbyshire was handed the Man of the match award for his efforts.On 18 June 2009, Blackburn Rovers and Olympiacos agreed a fee for the permanent transfer of Derbyshire to Greece. Derbyshire signed a four year contract with the Greek team on 23 June 2009.

Gael Givet

Blackburn have completed the signing of on-loan Marseille defender Gael Givet for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old Frenchman has agreed a four-year deal at Ewood Park after a number of good performances in the second half of the season.

Elrio van Heerden

Refer to this earlier post :    http://lancastria.net/blog/?p=1059

Steven N’Zonzi

Blackburn have signed French midfielder Steven N’Zonzi from Amiens SC on a four-year contract.

The 20-year-old, who represented France at youth level, has moved to Ewood Park for an undisclosed fee.

N’Zonzi only made his professional debut in April 2008 but last season played 35 times as his club side were relegated from Ligue 2.

Lars Jacobsen

DANISH defender Lars Jacobsen signed for Blackburn Rovers on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old has been weighing up his options since his contract with Everton expired at the end of the season.

Rovers’ Lancashire neighbours Burnley had also been linked with the Danish right-back.

Jacobsen arrived at Goodison on a free transfer last summer but was hampered by a shoulder injury and it was March before he finally made his debut at Portsmouth.

He played five other games towards the end of the campaign, including a substitute appearance in the FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea.

Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has been keen to bring in a right-back following the departure of Andre Ooijer to PSV and the return of on-loan Danny Simpson to Manchester United.