Double deal lifts Lille
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Article summary
News round-up: Lille OSC have extended coach Claude Puel's contract and signed up Milenko Acimovic.
Article body
Lille OSC
'Moving forward'
Coach Puel, who joined Lille on a three-year contract in 2002, has signed up until 2007 with the Ligue 1 club. "Thanks to chairman Michel Seydoux's investment, this club has moved forward more in the past two seasons than in previous years. I feel that my ambition is matched by those around me."
Permanent addition
Meanwhile, Acimovic, who has helped lift Lille out of relegation danger and towards mid-table security since arriving on loan from England's Tottenham Hotspur FC in January, has signed a three-year contract. The 27-year-old is joined on the permanent roster by defender David Plestan, a recruit from AS Monaco FC.
Dalmat's return
Another player who has left Tottenham is French midfield player Stephane Dalmat, whose loan spell at White Hart Lane has now ended. Dalmat, who joined the north London club in August, has returned to FC Internazionale after making 15 appearances for Tottenham this season, 13 as a substitute.
PSV retain youngster
PSV Eindhoven midfield player Jasar Takak has signed a new contract, keeping him with the Dutch club until 2006. The 22-year-old, who has been on loan at FC Zwolle this season, will return to PSV for the 2004/05 campaign. He would have become a free agent this summer.
Hansa keeper swoop
FC Hansa Rostock have recruited goalkeeper Axel Keller from second division SV Eintracht Trier. Keller, 27, has agreed a three-year deal. Hansa have also handed a new one-year contract to reserve keeper Carsten Busch.
Bochum prodigy
Staying in Germany, VfL Bochum 1848 have rewarded 19-year-old midfield player Ersan Tekkan with a three-year professional contract. The teenager, a product of Bochum's youth system, is a German Under-19 international.
Vitesse blow
Finally, SBV Vitesse must do without midfield player Theo Janssen as they fight relegation from the Dutch top flight. The 23-year-old tore a hamstring in Saturday's draw at SC Heerenveen and will be sidelined for two to three weeks. He could miss the club's three remaining league games. Vitesse are second from bottom of the Eredivisie.
