Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs has returned to Goodison Park as a coach.

The 36-year-old, who last played with Derby County, retired last month due to a serious knee injury.

Stubbs told Everton’s official website: “It came a little bit out of the blue.

“There was a conversation about it a couple of weeks ago but nothing more than that at the time. It’s only over the last few days it’s come to fruition.”

He added: “I’m still pinching myself to be honest and really looking forward to the opportunity I’ve been given to come in and start at this level.

“First and foremost I’m looking forward to working with Taffy [Andy Holden], the manager [David Moyes] and everyone on the coaching side. It’s a really exciting time for me.”

Chelsea have signed former Hertha Berlin defensive midfielder Mineiro on a one-year deal.

The 33-year-old was a free agent since being released by the Bundesliga club.

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari told his club’s official website: “He is a player that I need because I lost Michael Essien for six months. I have one midfielder like him, [John Obi] Mikel.

“So this week he will not play but maybe after 15 days to two weeks, he is ready to play normal games. He needs to play some games in the reserve team, and for me it is very good because I have one more player in this position. If not I have to put in [Juliano] Belletti or [Paulo] Ferreira, or [Michael] Ballack, and they are not for this position.

“I say to fans of Chelsea, if they remember [Claude] Makelele, Mineiro is the same. Good positionally, a very good marker. He is a man that works for the other players and he is also a good man outside of the pitch.”

Salisbury City have taken Luton Town defender George Beavan on a month’s loan.

The 18-year-old told his club’s official website: “I know Ed [Asafu-Adjaye] and Rob [Sinclair] went there last season and it did them the world of good. They only had good things to say about Salisbury and the set up down there. I just want to get a few games under my belt at Salisbury, and hopefully come back and fight for my place in the first team squad.”

Salisbury manager Nick Holmes told BBC Radio Wiltshire: “He showed he’s a decent footballer, and positionally he wasn’t too bad.

“As you’d expect from someone coming from a pro club, he’s got a decent left peg and can knock a good ball.”

Swansea City have loaned in Birmingham City ‘keeper Artur Krysiak on a three-month loan.

Swansea manager Roberto Martinez told his club’s official website: “We have been following Artur’s progress for some time now.

“He is mature well beyond his 19 years and I am convinced he is a future Polish international at senior level.

“From what we’ve seen of him already, he will provide added competition for Dorus [de Vries] and we are all excited about him joining us.”

The Polish under-19 international added: “I’m excited about joining the Swans set-up. I’ve heard a lot about Roberto Martinez and the style of football he likes to play.

“I’d like to be part of it because I feel it will be a good place for me to progress my career.”