Transfer round-up: Big-spending Liverpool have confirmed their capture of Ajax forward Ryan Babel. The 20-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Anfield club.

The Holland international, who starred in this summer's European Under-21 Championships in his homeland, joins midfielder Yossi Benayoun on Merseyside.

Babel can play as a striker or wide midfielder on either flank and will wear the number 19 shirt for the Reds.

Speaking to the club's website www.liverpoolfc.tv, the Dutchman claimed he found it easy to decide on the move despite reputed interest earlier in the summer from Arsenal.

"I was in Aruba at the end of last week when I was told to start thinking about Liverpool because a move could happen," Babel said.

"I have met Rafael Benitez and my conversation with him was the moment I knew the deal would get done.

"He is like the ideal father-in-law. He has a lot of football know-how and he told me that I would be challenging with six other players for four positions. I have a good feeling about things.

"I met (Liverpool striker) Dirk Kuyt at training, who I knew from the national team. At that moment he did not feel like a rival but I suppose that is what will happen.

"It was very important how the coach spoke to me, how I would fit in his team. After that conversation I knew it was the right decision."

Meanwhile, Sven-Goran has sealed his first signing as Manchester City manager by clinching the transfer of Reggina striker Rolando Bianchi.

The Italian has moved to Eastlands for an undisclosed fee which the Serie A club had previously claimed to be £8.8million.

Bianchi was the fourth highest scorer in Serie A last season with 18 goals, helping to keep Reggina in the top flight.

And Paul Koncheskybecame new Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez's fifth signing of the summer after he penned a four-year contract and ended his anguish at West Ham.

Konchesky's future at Upton Park looked uncertain when his former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley arrived last season and he made just four appearances after Alan Pardew's exit in December.

Fulham will not disclose the fee they have paid for the 26-year-old England international but it is believed to be around £2 million — adding to the £2.5 million Sanchez paid to Southampton for another full-back Chris Baird yesterday.