Sporting briefs

Defoe: Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has ended the uncertainty surrounding his future by signing a new contract with the north London club. Defoe’s place at Spurs appeared to be in doubt after the Premier League side were linked with a number of other strikers, but the 29-year-old has decided to stay at White Hart Lane.

Sessegnon: Stephane Sesse-gnon gave Sunderland a boost yesterday when he signed a three-year contract extension. The decision of the 28-year-old Benin striker, who was the Black Cats’ top scorer last season with seven goals, does though depend on him being granted an extended work permit.

Giandonato: Manuel Gian-donato, Juve’s U-21 midfielder, will play the 2012-13 season on loan at Serie B side Vicenza. Reports said that as part of the deal, Vicenza will have the option to sign a co-ownership deal at the end of the campaign. Last season, Giandonato played for Lecce who were relegated from the Serie A.

Dembele: Moussa Dembele signed for Tottenham for a fee in the region of £15 million. The former Fulham midfielder passed a medical and agreed a five-year contract.

Bunn: Norwich have completed the signing of goalkeeper Mark Bunn from Blackburn. The Canaries snapped up the 27-year-old on a two-year deal.

Cagliari: The Italian league have given the nod for Cagliari to host their home match against Atalanta on Sunday in Trieste. With the Sant’Elia ground unavailable, Cagliari were hoping to play their home matches at Quartu. However, this venue has also failed to pass the security test.

Pazienza: Juve have confirmed the transfer of midfielder Michele Pazienza to fellow Serie A side Bologna. The 30-year-old moved to Juve from Napoli in June 2011 but made only nine appearances before being sent out on loan to Udinese.

In Scotland: League Cup, second round – Rangers vs Falkirk 3-0.