Bolton earn Fortune as Barça prepare

Bolton Wanderers FC

Argentinian midfielder Julio Arca has left relegated Sunderland AFC to sign for UEFA Cup runners-up Middlesbrough FC in a €2.5m transfer. The 25-year-old left-sided player was keen to stay in the Premiership and only had a year left to run on his contract at Sunderland, where he had spent six seasons. Arca has a five-year deal at the Riverside.

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta and his board resigned on Wednesday to set in motion a presidential election at the club, as ordered by a Spanish judge last week. A caretaker body headed by economist Xavier Sala y Martin will take charge of the European and Spanish champions during the campaign, with the ballot falling on 3 September.

AS Livorno Calcio have signed Portuguese midfielder Vidigal on a free transfer from Udinese Calcio. The 33-year-old, who scored three goals in 30 Serie A outings for Livorno in 2004/05, has signed a two-year contract with the Tuscan club.

The 2006/07 Danish Superliga season is only two rounds old but Viborg FF have already parted company with coach Ove Christensen, along with sports director Flemming Nielsen. Viborg lost their first two league matches, but the 56-year-old's departure was brought about after disagreements with club management. "We have a clear definition of roles in our club, and also a strong loyalty code, and Ove Christensen has broken this lately," said Viborg director Morten Jensen. Tommy Møller Nielsen will step up from assistant duties to become coach, with Jensen assuming the sports director role.

Real Racing Club Santander midfielder Antonio Tomás may miss the start of the Spanish season on 27/28 August after going down with appendicitis. The 21-year-old will be sidelined for several weeks after surgery. Meanwhile, 25-year-old goalkeeper Chavi Pascual has had surgery after breaking a bone in his right hand and will be out for a month.

Newly promoted Swiss club FC Sion have sent 22 year-old Brazilian striker Alex Leandro on loan to Romanian top-flight side AFC Unirea Valahorum Urziceni.

Kilmarnock FC in Scotland have signed striker Andrew Barrowman on a one-year contract. The Glasgow born 21-year-old began his career as a trainee with Birmingham City FC.