Thompson takes Anfield leave

Assistant manager Phil Thompson has left Liverpool FC following a meeting with new the club's new manager Rafael Benítez.

Houllier departure
Thompson was formerly assistant to the Spaniard's predecessor Gerard Houllier, who departed Liverpool last month. "Following talks between Rafael Benítez and Phil it has been decided that Phil will leave the club," Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said on the club's official website.

Long association
The 50-year-old former Liverpool England defender spent six years as Houllier's deputy and briefly took charge of the team in 2001 while the coach recovered from heart surgery. Benítez was named as Liverpool's new manager on Wednesday after surprisingly leaving his post as coach of Valencia CF, who he guided to the Primera División title and UEFA Cup in 2003/04. He is expected to appoint his own backroom staff in the coming weeks.

Edgar pens new deal
Angolan-born striker Edgar Carvalho has signed a three-year contract extension with Málaga CF. The 26-year-old, who has a Portuguese passport, revised his existing contract that was due to end at the end of the month. The new deal will keep Edgar, who scored just once in 34 games last season, at the club until 30 June 2007. He has been at La Rosaleda since 1998, following a fleeting spell at Real Madrid CF.