Espanyol defender Pablo Zabaleta has joined Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old Argentinian has signed a five-year deal at Eastlands.

City manager Mark Hughes told his club’s official website: “We feel the addition of Pablo is another great signing for Manchester City.

“He’s young and a winner, with an Olympic gold medal to prove that, but more so he will provide us with great balance in the side.”

Zabaleta said: “I am very happy to come here and play in the Premier League. Playing in England has been a lifelong dream which has finally come true by moving to City.”

He added: “I’d met him [Hughes] previously and was really impressed with him, but having talked to him about Manchester City I had to come here and be part of his plans.

“I’m very confident of helping the first team to achieve their goals for the season and after walking around the Stadium I can’t wait to play in front of the City fans there. It is very impressive.”

Everton have agreed to sign Manchester United striker Louis Saha for an undisclosed fee.

The Frenchman is set to sign a two-year deal with an option for a third, once he passes a medical.

Everton manager David Moyes told his club’s official website: “It looks like we are going to bring Louis here. We are getting him for no cost just now which gives us a great chance to get him here.

“He has had injuries and he’s not been on the pitch as much as he should be.

“If we do get him on the pitch there’s no doubt he’s a very good player. He adds qualities we will need. I am confident we will get him out there.”

Aston Villa have completed the £12m signing of Newcastle United winger James Milner.

The 22-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year at Villa Park.

Villa manager Martin O’Neill told his club’s official website: “I think he can make a big impact with us. I firmly believe that and I have no doubt he will don an England shirt at some stage or another.

“That’s an idle boast from me at this stage, but that’s what I firmly believe. James has got plenty of drive and ambition. He’s been a really good player for a number of years now and I just want that to carry on.

“I’m absolutely delighted he’s here. Two years ago, almost to the day we thought we had him signed. He was coming down and then Newcastle recalled him at the last moment, which was their prerogative.

“Now two years on we’ve finally signed him. I’m really delighted. I think he’s a top quality player and I think he’s got a lot of improvement in his game. I’m just so, so pleased to have him.

“I’m not surprised there was plenty of interest in him – he’s a quality player. I’m just pleased he’s come here.

“I understand [Newcastle manager] Kevin Keegan’s disappointment that he’s gone. I’m a football manager as well and I understand that you don’t want to be losing players if you think they’re quality players.”

Milner said: “A lot has happened at this club since I was last here and I’m obviously delighted to be back. I was so close a couple of years ago but now I’m back.

“We’ve got a new training ground and a lot of new faces – on the staff and in the playing squad.

“This is a club on the way up and things have got better and better every season since I was last here. It’s an exciting time to be here. This is a great place to be now. There’s lots of young English talent.

“The top-four are the top-four and Aston Villa are getting better and better. We should be challenging now and as we look to improve we will be challenging.

“We’re in the UEFA Cup this season and hopefully we’ll do well in that. The next step then is obviously the Champions League. That’s what we’re working towards.”

He added: “Martin O’Neill was a massive pull and I was ready to sign for him two years ago. He’s got a great record and he’s a fantastic manager. Look at the job he’s done wherever he’s been.

“Look at the squad he’s built here. There are players in the England squad and players pushing to be involved. A lot of that’s down to the manager.

“I’ve played 180 Premier League games and been involved in Europe as well. I’m lucky enough that I started when I was 16 so I’ve got a lot of football under my belt.

“I’m obviously a lot more experienced than when I was last here but I’m still young and still learning. This is a superb place to be with the players, the manager and the coaching staff we have here.

“With the set-up that we have here now, if I can’t become a better player with Aston Villa, I’m not going to develop anywhere.”

Anthony Pulis has left Stoke City and joined Southampton on a free transfer.

The 24-year old, who has signed a two-year contract at St. Mary’s, is the son of Stoke manager Tony Pulis.

Saints manager Jan Poortvliet told his club’s official website: “Anthony a good footballing player and he’s young. That’s good for us and he wants to prove himself. Maybe that will be easier at a club where the boss is not his Dad!”

“At the moment he’s out injured but we look forward to seeing what he can do when he’s back to full fitness. We now have a lot of competition for places and Anthony will certainly add to that in midfield.”

Pulis said: “I’m pleased to get it all wrapped up before the close of the transfer window and I’m looking forward to what I hope will be an exciting new challenge.”

He added: “We played in pre-season and I think it started from there, as I heard soon afterwards that Southampton had made enquiries.

“I was interested straight away, and I think that my style of play suits the style that Jan Poortvliet is trying to adopt down here. I knew it was a great club and it should be in the Premiership, but fans might have to be a bit patient while the young team gels together.

“They’ve already made a great start to the season though and I’m really looking forward to getting involved.”