BARZA

Japanese international Makino mimics the Icelandic fishing goal celebration

Makino is a Japanese international soccer player known for his excellent freekick ability, cheerful character and love for unique goal celebration. Apparently he was inspired by the famed Icelanders.

Bristol City have secured the surprise signing of former Portsmouth goalkeeper David James

SkySports.com on Thursday that the Championship Robins were close to completing the major coup of landing the England shot-stopper and the deal has now been confirmed.

Celtic and Sundeland had been interested in James, but the clubs dropped their pursuit because they could not reach an agreement with the soon-to-be 40-year-old.

It is understood that the ex-Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham and Mancheter City No.1 wanted a one-year deal with an option to extend the terms, which, crucially, was on offer at Ashton Gate.

James passed a medical with Steve Coppell's side on Friday and his contract will become active on 1st August, allowing him to make his expected debut in City's season-opener against Millwall.

Five thousand unsold gold-plated Frank Lampard iPods are to be "melted down" following England's dismal World Cup flop

The soccer star teamed up with Dragons' Den firm

Goldgenie to launch the 24-carat iPod Touch, costing up

to £599.

But now bosses are set to salvage the gold from all the remaining iPods, which feature Lampard's laser-etched signature on the back.

Goldgenie, backed by BBC Dragon James Caan, is said to be planning to rebrand them with kids' cartoon character Hello Kitty. A TV source said: "They're melting down all the Frank Lampard iPods.

"It's not exactly melting down - it's a chemical process. But basically Goldgenie are recovering all the gold so they can use it again.

"They thought loads of people would want them during the World Cup but the backlash against England was so bad that they've had to scrap the whole thing."

Chelsea ace Lampard, 32 - dating new GMTV host Christine Bleakley - launched the 64GB gold-plated iPod at Harrods. A spokesman for the star said: "Frank donated all his royalties on the sale of the iPods to the Teenage Cancer Trust. He also made an up-front donation to the charity.

"It's disappointing the iPods have not reached sales targets as Frank wanted to help the TCT for which he's a patron." A Goldgenie spokesman said: "We may have over-ordered due to World Cup hopes, but that's no reflection on Frank's popularity."

Breaking News : Real Madrid Sign Stuttgart Midfielder Sami Khedira

Bundesliga side Stuttgart have confirmed the departure of holding midfielder Sami Khedira to Real Madrid. A report in Bild claims that the Blancos have agreed a fee of €14 million for the services of the Germany international. However, Stuttgart have not disclosed any details about the transfer fee.

The 23-year-old midfielder had already agreed personal terms with Madrid on Wednesday and will sign a five-year deal with the Merengues after undergoing a medical.

However, on the other hand, we couldn't deny Sami his dream move to Real Madrid. We'd like to wish him all the best at his new club."

Khedira had attracted the interest of Real Madrid with his excellent performances for Germany at the 2010 World Cup and was since continually being linked with a move to the Spanish powerhouse.

The midfielder is a product of the Stuttgart youth academy and has made over 100 official appearances for the Schwaben since making his debut in October 2006.

Robinho desperate for Santos stay as Manchester City await Brazil striker's return in August

Robinho is set for another clash with Manchester City after begging to stay on loan at Santos.

City's record signing is due back at Eastlands in mid-August after being cleared by the club to play for Brazil in a friendly against the US on August 10.

But the forward, 26, insists he wants to stay in his homeland.

Robinho, who is due to say farewell to Santos after the second leg of the Brazilian Cup final on August 4, is irritated that a new loan deal has not been drawn up and claimed that City are refusing to negotiate with Santos.

He said: 'I hope I can stay, but it depends on Manchester City. I hope this is not my last game here but, for now, what I have been told is that they (the negotiations) are on a standstill and that I have to go back.'

City sources told Sportsmail that Santos have not yet made an approach about a new loan. Nevertheless, the Manchester club understandably want to recoup as much as possible of the £30million they paid Real Madrid in 2008 by way of a permanent deal.

Mancini said: 'He'll stay in Brazil for another week, play for the national team and then return.'

Asked if he had any issues taking him back, Mancini said: 'At this moment, no. But it depends on him.'

Mario Balotelli's £30m move from Inter is expected to be wrapped up on Friday. The player's agent, Mino Raiola, is at Eastlands to close the deal.