Ortega costs Sampdoria £9 million

Ariel Ortega has joined Sampdoria for $12 million (£9 million).

Ortega, who joins the Italian club from Spanish side Valencia was rumoured to be joining Manchester United but has instead opted for a spell in Italy signing a deal for five years.

The Argentine striker has been desperate to leave Valencia for the last twelve months following a series of rows with the Valencia coach, disputes eventually leading to a run of inconsistency in the team although the World Cup did see a recovery in form of s