Suarez: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has signed a new long-term contract at Anfield. The Uruguayan had been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer but he told the club’s official website that he was delighted to extend his stay. “To sign a new contract with Liverpool is unbelievable for me because I am so happy here at both the club and also in the city,” he said.

Rosicky: Czech Republic captain Tomas Rosicky will miss his team’s friendly against Ukraine in Lviv on August 15, head coach Michal Bilek said after naming a 19-man squad yesterday. The 31-year-old Arsenal midfielder has been grappling with an Achilles tendon injury since the Czech Republic’s group stage game against Greece at the Euro 2012.

Bolt: It’s a prospect that will have ageing defenders everywhere quaking in their boots – Usain Bolt wearing the red shirt of Man. United. Rio Ferdinand is enthusiastic about bringing the Jamaican sprint king into the fold. “If you want that trial at Utd shout me, I’ll speak to the boss!!,” Ferdinand said in a message to Bolt on Twitter. Bolt joked: “After the Games we work on that... thanks man.”

Azzurri: The Italian football federation confirmed that the qualifier in Armenia on October 12 will be played in Yerevan. The match, at the Hrazdan Stadium, will have a kick-off time of 8 p.m. (Malta time). Italy open their Group B commitments with an away match against Bulgaria on September 7.

Rosenberg: WBA have completed the signing of Swedish striker Markus Rosenberg. Rosenberg joins the Midlands club as a free agent after his contract with Werder Bremen ran out last season. He becomes Steve Clarke’s fourth signing of the summer.