Smith leaves Newcastle for MK Dons in an attempt to revive career
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Your support makes all the difference.Alan Smith has joined MK Dons on loan from Newcastle for the rest of the season. The 31-year-old former Leeds and Manchester United midfielder, who has made just two substitute appearances this season, has now joined the promotion-chasing League One club.
Newcastle confirmed in a statement that Smith would be available to make his Dons debut when they face Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow. The loan arrangement also contains a provision for Smith to play for the Dons in the play-offs.
Mali's Samba Diakité has broken off from the African Cup of Nations to join Queen's Park Rangers from Nancy on loan until the end of the season. Diakité, a defensive midfielder who is valued at £3.5m, flew to London yesterday to sign a contract. "It will become a permanent transfer if the London club stay in the Premier League," Nancy said in a statement.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov has completed his move to Spartak Moscow, leaving Everton for an undisclosed fee after two-and-a-half years on Merseyside. Everton accepted a bid for the 26-year-old Russia winger on Wednesday and he travelled to his homeland to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.
Bilyaletdinov made 77 appearances for Everton, scoring nine goals, but failed to make himself a regular starter. David Moyes said the signing of Bilyaletdinov, who has made seven starts this season, had not quite worked out as he had hoped.
"He was a great boy to work with, a really good professional," the manager said. "When he played he was totally committed and he did everything he could to succeed. We wish him well. It just didn't quite work and obviously we've decided to sell.
"It happens," Moyes added. "You could probably ask every manager in the Premier League about players and I can think of some clubs you could ask about a lot of players but, yes, Bily's been in here and not quite reached what we wanted."
Meanwhile, Everton have been in touch with Rangers regarding striker Nikica Jelavic but are yet to make an official bid. Both West Ham and QPR have been linked with the Croatian, though nobody has matched Rangers' £8m valuation of Jelavic.
Manchester United have agreed to sell striker Mame Biram Diouf to Hannover 96 for an undisclosed transfer fee.
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