Dickov joins Blackburn

Blackburn Rovers FC

Pisano joins Sampdoria
US Sampdoria have signed defender Marco Pisano from Brescia Calcio. The 22-year-old, who played 26 matches in the last two seasons at the Rigamonti stadium, has signed a four-year contract.

Marchegiani extension
Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Luca Marchegiani has signed a 12-month extension with AC Chievo Verona. The 38-year-old former Italian international joined Chievo from S.S. Lazio last summer and made 29 appearances in 2003/04.

Ferrón signing
Albacete Balompié have signed the 26-year-old Real Zaragoza defender Jordi Ferrón on a two-year deal. Staying in Spain, another defender, Raúl Iznata, has extended his contract with Málaga CF for another year with the option of a further 12 months after recently returning from a lengthy ligament injury.

Collen carries on
Belgian right wing-back Pieter Collen will extend his loan spell at NAC Breda from Feyenoord for another year after playing 19 games last season at NAC. However, injury has brought a premature end to Danish midfield player Mads Timm's loan spell at Viking FK in Norway. The 19-year-old returns ahead of schedule to Manchester United FC after damaging his hamstring.

Veterans released
SBV Vitesse have released veteran pair Bert Konterman and Peter van Vossen. Former Dutch international Van Vossen, who joined the Eredivisie club from amateur side vv Bennekom in the winter break, appeared six times while Konterman, who joined the club last summer and won 12 caps for the Netherlands, asked to be released from his contract after stating his preference for a move abroad.

Nieminen record
Finally, FC Jazz centre-back Rami Nieminen made a record 441st appearance in the Finnish top flight on Sunday. The 38-year-old surpassed current MyPA coach Ilkka Mäkelä's record by playing in the 2-0 defeat by FC Haka.

'Great achievement'
Save for short spells with Haka and FC Jokerit, Nieminen has spent most of his long career in his home city of Pori, first with PPT and later with Jazz. He said: "I'm heading towards the end of my career and it's great to achieve something like this. I must admit I have aimed for the record. I value the record highly, since there are thousands of players in football trying to play as many matches as possible."