Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has signed a new five-year contract at Stamford Bridge, the club announced yesterday.
"I am very happy here; we have a great team and fantastic fans who have always made me welcome," Essien told the club website.
"With the addition of the new manager, I am feeling very confident about the season ahead."
Ghanaian Essien, 25, was the fans' 2006/07 Player of the Year and joins Wayne Bridge and Petr Cech in agreeing recent new deals.
"Michael Essien is one of the best midfield players in the world. I have always admired him and it is good for me and for Chelsea that he signs for so long," added new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Hammers brawl in Ohio
A half-time brawl between West Ham and Columbus Crew fans in Ohio on Sunday was just a minor incident, the London club said.
West Ham officials dismissed the scuffle which marred their 3-1 victory over the MLS side as an "isolated incident".
According to Ohio newspaper reports, punches were thrown when some Hammers fans approached rival supporters.
"We understand this was an isolated incident," West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury said.
"It led to one initial arrest that was quickly dealt with by security staff. The match was a fitting warm-up for the MLS All-Star Game which we are proud to be involved in."
Columbus police and Ohio state patrol were called to the stadium and arrested one West Ham fan.
Ferrari's Viola transfer hits snag
Matteo Ferrari's expected transfer from Roma to Serie A rivals Fiorentina is on hold after the Florence club backed out of discussions due to the player's wage demands.
Ferrari, who also played for Parma and Everton in his career, spent most of the time on the bench last season at the Olympic Stadium. That made him decide that his future lies beyond the capital.
"We will have some news before Wednesday (today)," agent Gianni Corci told reporters.
"Matteo refuses a new foreign club each day. He wants to play in Italy and Fiorentina showed an interest, but there is a disagreement over their offer."
In four years at Roma, Ferrari only played 72 games.
Muntari staying at Pompey
Inter have not approached Portsmouth over the transfer of Sulley Muntari, the Premier League club said.
Jose Mourinho, the new Inter coach, is reportedly interested in the Pompey midfielder as he sees the Ghanaian as an ideal alternative for Frank Lampard who will probably stay at Chelsea.
Muntari, 23, has impressed at Fratton Park since moving from Udinese last year.
"I don't know anything about it," Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp said.
"It's a new one to me. I don't want to sell him."
Cannavaro dreams of Napoli
Real Madrid and Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro could be on his way to Napoli in summer of 2009, according to the player's agent.
Cannavaro, formerly of Juventus, has already made it public that his wish was to conclude his career at his hometown club. Next year he will be 34.
"Looking at the current situation, it seems that Cannavaro is about to begin his final season in a Real Madrid shirt," agent Gaetano Fedele said.
"We will have to see what happens over the course of the season. However, Fabio's dream has always been to return to Napoli and wear their blue shirt as his final act as a footballer."
Cannavaro's brother, Paolo, already plays for Napoli, also in the centre of defence.
Jewell has confidence in Savage
Robbie Savage, 33, has a future at Derby, manager Paul Jewell said. But only as long as the experienced Welshman gives his all at Pride Park.
Savage was mentioned among the players leaving the Championship club this summer despite only joining Derby in January as Jewell made a drastic overhaul of his squad, bringing in 11 new players after a poor campaign in the Premiership last season.
Jewell, under pressure to deliver, said Savage will be treated the same way as any other player.
"Robbie will be treated exactly the same as everybody else," Jewell said.
"If they're not in the team and they're not happy they can go as long as that's right for us. I've said that if he gives his all, he'll get in the team. If he doesn't then he won't."
No Chelsea bid for Eto'o
Chelsea have denied making a bid for Samuel Eto'o despite claims from the Barcelona striker that the Blues, along with Tottenham and Inter, want to sign him.
Eto'o, 27, is currently in Scotland with Barcelona. He told reporters he received interesting offers from England and Italy.
But a Chelsea spokesman said: "We deny making a bid or any offer for Eto'o."
Eto'o's agent, Jose Maria Mesalles, also refused to rule out the possibility of the Cameroon striker remaining at the Nou Camp despite speculation over his future.