Livorno: Livorno have signed 32-year-old Juventus midfielder Giuliano Giannichedda for an undisclosed fee. Giannichedda became a free agent on July 22 when he opted not to renew his contract at Juventus. Despite playing regular first team football for six years at Udinese and four seasons with Lazio, Giannichedda never managed to hold a place in the Juve side.

Valencia: Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores has invited outcast full-back Asier del Horno back to training with the rest of the squad. The former Chelsea defender was left out of the side's pre-season training camp in the Netherlands last month, prompting speculation that he was on his way out of the club.

Nekounam: Iran and Osasuna midfielder Javad Nekounam has been voted Iran's Footballer of the Year for 2006, the Primera Liga club said yesterday. He has been allowed to delay his return to pre-season training in order for him to collect the award in Tehran on August 9.

Valladolid: Promoted Valladolid have taken Valencia's Uruguay winger Fabian Estoyanoff on loan for next season, the Spanish second division champions said on their website. The 24-year-old spent last season on loan with Deportivo La Coruna.

Video evidence: The Scottish FA will clamp down on players diving and feigning injury this season by introducing retrospective punishment for offenders. From Jan. 1 next year referees will also review footage of televised matches and besides being able to award retrospective yellow cards, the officials will have the power to retract cards already issued.

Rangers: Rangers have completed the £2.0 million signing of Steven Whittaker from Hibernian. The news was confirmed on the Scottish Premier League club's website (www.rangers.co.uk) yesterday.