Premier League transfer latest: Caballero completes Man City switch

Premier League champions Manchester City, 2/1 with Coral to retain their crown, have signed Argentine goalkeeper Willy Caballero from manager Manuel Pellegrini’s former club Malaga on a three-year deal.

The 32-year-old, who will provide competition for Etihad number one Joe Hart, has made a reported £5m switch to England. Caballero kept highly-rated Cameroon keeper Idriss Carlos Kameni out of the team at El Madrigal and won La Liga goalie of the season in 2012/13.

City’s second-choice keeper last term was rangy Romania international Costel Pantilimon, but he was out of contract and joined Sunderland on a free transfer. Coral are offering a number of specials on Caballero playing games at the Etihad next term.

It’s 7/1 the Argentine stopper starts City’s first Premier League match. Caballero is a shorter 5/4 to be named in the XI for the Community Shield against Arsenal. Odds of 7/2 say he will start more Champions League games than Joe Hart in 2014/15.

Hull, 13/5 to be relegated this season, meanwhile, have completed the capture of winger Tom Ince on a two-year contract. Although the 22-year-old was a free agent following a loan spell at Crystal Palace, his former club Blackpool will be due compensation because of his age.

The son of ex-England midfielder Paul, Ince junior will play in the Europa League at the Tigers under his father’s former Manchester United teammate Steve Bruce.

In other news, utility man Chris Baird has joined West Bromwich Albion, also 13/5 to be relegated from the Premier League, on a one-year contract following the expiry of his short-term deal at promoted Burnley.

Northern Ireland international Baird, 32, becomes new Baggies boss Alan Irvine’s third summer recruit following the arrivals of Craig Gardner and Joleon Lescott, also on free transfers.

Former Southampton and Fulham player Baird can operate in the holding role, at centre half or full back, and will be a welcome and experienced versatile option at The Hawthorns. There is no senior name on Albion’s books that has either flank of defence as their natural position.