Corini extends Palermo contract

US Città di Palermo

Lithuanian First Division team FK Žalgiris Vilnius have appointed Saulius Širmelis, who led FBK Kaunas to three back-to-back league titles from 2000-03, as their new coach. The 48-year-old arrives after a spell in charge of Latvian club FK Ventspils and has signed a one-year contract. "We needed a change and hope this will help," said Žalgiris president Janušas Loputis. Širmelis will be assisted by Viaceslavas Sukristovas at Žalgiris, who finished fourth in Lithuania in 2004.

AIK Solna have brought defender Nicklas Carlsson back to Sweden from Danish club AGF Århus. The relegated Stockholm side have signed the 25-year-old for an undisclosed fee, with Carlsson putting pen to paper on a three-year contract. "We have been looking for a central defender and have finally got the one we wanted," said AIK coach Stefan Söderberg. Carlsson joined AGF from IF Brommapojkarna in summer 2003 and made 41 appearances for the Superleague club.

Dundee United FC caretaker manager Gordon Chisholm has handed former United player Dave Bowman an assistant coach's role at the Scottish Premier League outfit until the end of the season. "Dave Bowman has a winning mentality and a great attitude to the game. Unfortunately, as with my own position, it can only be considered temporary but is a wonderful opportunity," said Chisholm. Striker Billy Dodds has also been promoted to first-team coach.

Romanian defender Mircea Stan has joined Moldovan club CSF Zimbru Chisinau. The 27-year-old has made 13 appearances for FC Arges Pitesti in the Romanian First Division this season but moves to neighbouring Moldova to boost Zimbru's title challenge. The experienced campaigner includes CFR Cluj, FC Farul Constanta and FC Brasov among his former clubs.

Making the same journey is goalkeeper Andrian Bogdan, who has returned to his native Moldova to sign for FC Unisport-Auto Chisinau from AFC Rapid Bucuresti. The transfer signals the end of the 28-year-old's four-season adventure in Romanian football, where he also played for FC Politehnica AEK Timisoara.

KAA Gent have been told by the Belgian Football Association (KBVB/URBSFA) that they cannot sign Greek striker Alexandros Kaklamanos until the summer. The 30-year-old was banned from football until 18 March after a positive test for cocaine use last August. However, the KBVB/URBSFA has ruled the player, who was sacked by R. Standard de Liège, must wait until next season to return to action.