Brighton were given permission to build a new 22,000-seater stadium in Falmer yesterday. The League One side, who currently play at the Withdean Stadium, have been without a permanent home since 1997.

Chief executive Martin Perry said: "This is fantastic news for the club. It's something many of us have worked tirelessly towards."

The planning application was opposed by some residents, Falmer Parish Council, Lewes District Council and conservation groups, due to its proximity to the South Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Tristan signs for Livorno

Former Deportivo La Coruna striker Diego Tristan has signed for Livorno, the Serie A side said.

The 31-year-old former Spain forward, who spent last season at Real Mallorca, was once one of Europe's hottest properties but has joined the modest Tuscan side after they recently sold top scorer Cristiano Lucarelli to Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk.

"The atmosphere reminds me of La Coruna," Tristan told reporters. "But I'll say now that I've not come here to replace Lucarelli."

Recoba to end career at home

Alvaro Recoba said he might return home to play in Uruguay before ending his career. He only appeared sporadically for Inter last season and has made no secret of his desire to move on in order to find regular first team football.

"My dream of one day returning to Nacional is not that far away in time," Recoba said.

"I would also like to play for Danubio again," added the 31-year-old, who joined Inter in 1997 and was once one of the highest paid players in world football.

Recoba is also a reported target for Torino and Napoli and is contracted to the Italian champions until 2008.

Mourinho backing Pizarro

Claudio Pizarro will make an immediate impact at Chelsea, manager Jose Mourinho said yesterday. The 28-year-old striker has trained with his new team-mates for the first time since leaving Bayern Munich on a free transfer. Mourinho is convinced the Peruvian will be able to adapt quickly to life in England.

Mourinho said: "He is what you used to call a typical British striker - intelligent and holds the ball well. He is not the kind of selfish striker who only likes to shoot, is good in the air and scores goals.

"And I hope I can give him some of my qualities as a coach. I think I can make him better."

Ibrahimovic wants long Inter stay

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is ready to commit his long-term future to Inter. The Swede was the club's top scorer in a record-breaking Serie A campaign with 15 goals, but his relationship with the directors turned sour in May after he praised Luciano Moggi and Juventus.

However, those problems now seem to have been resolved and Ibrahimovic is ready for the new season.

"The situation is very simple, Inter called my agent to extend my current contract, which expires in 2010," Ibrahimovic said. "The negotiations are well under way. My future is with Inter."

Petrov set to leave Atletico

Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov is on his way out of Atletico Madrid for £6.2m, according to reports in Spain.

AS says that the club are ready to cash in on Petrov, who has failed to settle at the Madrid club, in order to part-finance a move for Porto star Ricardo Quaresma.

Spurs boss Martin Jol has been a long-time admirer of the 28-year-old Bulgarian, and failed with a £7.5 million for him a year ago. But he remains interested although it is thought he faces competition from new Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Forlan cuts holiday short

Diego Forlan has returned early from holiday to help new side Atletico Madrid try to overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat against Romanian side Gloria Bistrita in the Intertoto Cup at the Calderon on Saturday.

Forlan, who played for Uruguay in the recent Copa America, is likely to be joined by fellow forward Sergio Aguero who steered Argentina to triumph in the World Youth Cup.

Aguero was top scorer and named player of the tournament.

Giggs to stay and break record

Alex Ferguson has dropped the clearest hint yet Ryan Giggs will be offered the chance to beat Manchester United's all-time appearance record. Giggs is currently 43 games away from matching Bobby Charlton's club best of 759.

Theoretically that could be done next season but in reality, at 33, Giggs is unlikely to be pushed quite so hard. With his contract due to expire in 12 months, there was the real possibility Giggs may leave Old Trafford before he beats Charlton's record. Ferguson, however, confirmed both Giggs and fellow veteran Paul Scholes, would not move.

He said: "They are both going to be playing at a very high level well into their mid-30s, certainly next year and the year after."

Juve to make Senderos bid

Juventus have prepared a £3m offer for Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos. While defender Giorgio Chiellini could be on his way to Manchester City, Juve are eyeing Senderos to strengthen their rearguard.

Reports said Senderos has emerged as a serious target for Juve in the belief that the 22-year-old is eager to leave England.

The Swiss international joined Arsenal in 2003, but has since been plagued with injuries and fallen behind William Gallas and fellow countryman Johan Djourou in the pecking order.