Sporting briefs

Skrtel: Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel signed a new “long-term” contract with the Premier League club yesterday. Skrtel had been linked with Manchester City and Fiorentina during the close season, but Liverpool have moved to keep the 27-year-old at Anfield.

Prosinecki: Former Croatia international Robert Prosinecki resigned as coach of Red Star yesterday, citing the pressure of the job as the reason for his decision. His resignation comes just a day after Red Star were held to a 2-2 draw by capital rivals Rad Belgrade in their opening game of the Serbian season.

Sammon: Derby have signed striker Conor Sammon from Wigan for an undisclosed fee. The Rams lost out to Wigan in the race for Sammon’s signature 18 months ago, with the Irishman opting for a switch to the Premier League from Kilmarnock. But Derby manager Nigel Clough has finally got his man, signing Sammon on a four-year deal.

Rodri: Sheffield Wednesday have signed striker Rodri on loan from Barcelona. The 22-year-old former Spain U-21 international has joined the Owls on a season-long deal. Rodri began his career at Sevilla before moving to Barcelona.

Gourcuff: Lyon midfielder Yoann Gourcuff will be out for between six weeks and three months after damaging his right knee, the club said yesterday, in the latest problem to hit the injury-prone player. The 26-year-old limped off in the 12th minute of Lyon’s 4-1 victory against Troyes on Saturday and was later diagnosed with a right knee sprain and internal lateral ligament damage.

Moisander: Niklas Moisander is poised to complete his transfer from AZ Alkmaar to Ajax, the player’s agent has confirmed. The two clubs have agreed a fee believed to be in the region of €3 million for the 26-year-old Finland defender, who is expected to put pen to paper on a three-year deal.

Primera Liga: Deportivo vs Osasuna 2-0; R. Vallecano vs Granada 1-0. Late Sunday – Levante vs A. Madrid 1-1.