PSL LOOK OUT PLAYERS

Edwin Gyimah (Black Aces)

The combative 23-year-old Ghana international midfielder established himself as one of the league’s best defensive midfielders during his time at SuperSport United. A player with an incredible engine, Gyimah’s athleticism, anticipation and decision-making could be of great value to Clive Barker’s AmaZayoni side this season.

PSL New Season Ten players to watch: new signings that could make an impact

Chris Katongo (Bidvest Wits)

The former Zambian national team captain joined the Clever Boys after a six-month spell at Golden Arrows last season. A proven goal-scorer throughout his 15-year career, Katongo comes with vast experience, an eye for goal, and still plenty of pace in his 31-year legs; Wits coach Gavin Hunt will be hoping the former Jomo Cosmos forward proves to be an astute signing.

PSL New Season Ten players to watch: new signings that could make an impact

Siphelele Mthembu (Kaizer Chiefs)

Now reaching the prime of his career, the 26-year-old Bafana Bafana striker has joined Chiefs on the back of a stellar season with Platinum Stars, where his powerful running and direct style of play contributed to a double trophy-winning season for Dikwena. If the former Maritzburg City, Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows forward can handle the pressure of playing in front of the expectant AmaKhosi faithful, he could prove to be a big hit this season.

PSL New Season Ten players to watch: new signings that could make an impact

Thabo Qalinge (Orlando Pirates)

Pirates fans will be hoping to see Qalinge flying down the flanks this season, tormenting opposition defenders with his blistering pace and ability to beat his man. Qalinge has been Pirates’ marquee signing to date, the winger a highly-rated commodity after a fantastic 2013/ 2014 campaign with Black Aces. He faces stiff competition for a starting place, but if the Soweto-born former SuperSport United youth team player can replicate the form of last season, he’ll be a hard man to leave out.

PSL New Season Ten players to watch: new signings that could make an impact

Bongi Ntuli (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Ntuli has received widespread praise over the last 18 months from a host of different admirers. The 23-year-old Pietermaritzburg-born goal-getter was able to make a mark on the PSL despite playing for a Golden Arrows side that were relegated last season; he’ll now be hoping to take his career to new heights under the guidance of coach Pitso Mosimane and through the services of the Brazilians’ star-studded midfield department, while he could also potentially form a lethal partnership with the newly-signed Mame Niang.  

Xavi named Barcelona captain

The 34-year-old midfielder has succeeded Carles Puyol, who had long held the armband but left the club this summer to take up a non-playing role

Barcelona has announced that Xavi will succeed the retired Carles Puyol as club captain following the center back's exit this summer.

The former Spain midfielder was Puyol's deputy last term and won a vote of his teammates to take on the armband on a permanent basis after deciding to remain at Camp Nou.

The 34-year-old will be assisted by Andres Iniesta, who will be his immediate deputy, ahead of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.

#photo These will be the four captains in the 2014/15 season pic.twitter.com/6KTVbYEpgN
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 7, 2014

Last term, Victor Valdes was the third captain after Puyol and Xavi, but the goalkeeper left the club this summer after his contract expired. The Spaniard is currently recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and is without a club.

Xavi has spent his entire career at Barcelona, making close to 500 Liga appearances for the Catalan giants since making his debut in 1998.

He has won a stunning seven Primera Division titles in his time at Camp Nou, along with three Champions Leagues and two Copa del Reys.

This week, he announced his retirement from the international scene and revealed that he was close to leaving the club this summer, but was persuaded to stay by new coach Luis Enrique.

Wenger: I don't want to sell Vermaelen to Man Utd

The Belgium international has been targeted by Louis van Gaal as the Dutchman seeks to reinforce his defense, but the Red Devils face a fight with Barcelona to land the 28-year-old

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Manchester United has made a bid for Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen, though he would rather sell the defender to a foreign club.

Louis van Gaal is keen to strengthen his defense following the departures of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, and Wenger has now confirmed that the Old Trafford club has submitted an offer for the Belgium international. 

MORE: Biggest summer transfers | Soccer's beautiful fans | WAGs

However, Goal understands Vermaelen is facing a straight choice between Barcelona and United, with the Gunners captain having refused to sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, and Wenger admits that he would rather ship the Belgian abroad.

Wenger told reporters: "Manchester United are part of the group of bidders. He could leave.

"We have offers from abroad and ideally I would rather sell him to a club abroad. We're in a position where it's difficult to stand in his way."

Barcelona is keen to bolster its back line ahead of the team's bid to reclaim the La Liga title from Atletico Madrid and has identified Vermaelen - who made 21 appearances for the north Londoners last season - as a target ahead of the new season. 

Meanwhile, Wenger confirmed that Arsenal has "more money to buy players now", having already acquired Alexis Sanchez, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and Calum Chambers, though he hinted that he could resist the urge to strengthen further. 

"We have three and a half weeks until the transfer market closes - we could still strengthen, but we have a big squad," he said.