Chelsea has vowed to vigorously contest FIFA sanctions that would prevent the Barclays Premier League club from signing any new players until January 2011.

Socceroos striker Mark Viduka is on the verge of a move to Barclays Premier League side West Ham United, according to reports in the British media.

English Premier League club Chelsea have been fined and hit with a ban on registering players until January 2011 by FIFA as punishment for their role in a contractual dispute.

Hull City have recruited former Celtic striker Jan Venegoor of Hesselink to bolster their bid to stay in the Barclays Premier League.

West Ham United and Socceroos defender Lucas Neill is close to joining Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid due to tax benefits, according to reports in the English press.

Arsenal duo Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson have signed new "long-term contracts" with the club.

Aston Villa has finally completed the signing of Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne from Manchester City.

Spending on new players by Premier League clubs dropped by 10 per cent to £450 million ($A876m) during the close-season transfer window which shut earlier this week.

Everton signed Dutch defender Johnny Heitinga from Atletico Madrid for £6 million ($11.5 million) just before the transfer window shut on Wednesday (EST).