Qingdao Huanghai have completed the signing of Slovenian midfielder Denis Popovic from Russian giants Krylia Sovetov, the Chinese Super League club confirmed on Sunday night. 

Popovic made his name in Orenburg, where he notched 15 goals and 13 assists in 65 appearances. The brilliant display in two and half seasons won him a contract at Swiss powerhouse FC Zurich last year, but he failed to gain a foothold in Switzerland and returned to Russia and join Krylia Sovetov in February. 

The 30-year-old is comfortable receiving the ball with his back to goal and constantly finds himself around the top of the penalty box to be the main pivot for the midfield. Defensively, Popovic remained calm even in dangerous situations and reads the game pretty well.

Meanwhile, as a dead ball specialist, Popovic is equipped with exceptional vision and an ability to resist pressure, which could stand the struggling Qingdao in good stead. 

Wu Jingui's side won promotion to the Chinese topflight in 2019 but they had a rough start this term, clinching only one victory seven games into this coronavirus-delayed season. Popovic's arrival may help them arrest downward spiral and avoid a relegation scrap. 

Elsewhere, Manchester United have reached an agreement with Ajax for Donny van de Beek, with a medical and personal terms still to be concluded. According to BBC, the transfer is expected to be finalized within days. 

The 23-year-old Netherlands midfielder scored 41 goals in 175 appearances for Ajax and he will become United's first signing in the summer window after a move for Borussia Dortmund's England star Jadon Sancho stalled.

The Guardian revealed that Real Madrid and Barcelona have also shown interest in signing Van de Beek, but thanks to the Red Devils' former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, who is Ajax's current chief executive, United kept in touch with his agents and beat the Spanish clubs to the player. 

Earlier in the day, Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the signing of Matt Doherty from Wolves. The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland right-back becomes Spurs' third signing of the summer following the arrivals of midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and goalkeeper Joe Hart. 

"I'm very proud to be joining such a big club. Once I knew there was interest, it was a no-brainer for me. I'm so excited to get going. It's one of the most exciting days of my career so far," Doherty told the Spurs website.  

"My time at Wolves was fantastic. I haven't got a bad word to say about the club. But coming here, it just feels like it's going to take my game and my career to the next level," he added.

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo signed a one-year deal with Real Betis, the La Liga club announced on Sunday. The 37-year-old joined City in 2016 and helped Pep Guardiola's side win two Premier League titles. 

In France, Marseille head coach Andre Villas-Boas confirmed on Sunday that former Inter Milan veteran Yuto Nagatomo will sign for his team on a free transfer. 

"He arrived today in Marseille and will undergo tests tomorrow. We hope everything goes well," said Villas-Boas following his team's 3-2 win at Brest in their first game of the new Ligue 1 season. 

"We were looking for an experienced player. He's played 12 matches in the Champions League these past two and a half years. He has the experience of being captain, a leader in the dressing, and he speaks several languages," he observed. 

The 34-year-old Japanese star, who spent seven successful seasons with Inter, is expected to provide cover for Marseille's French left-back Jordan Amavi.