Portsmouth swoop for Vignal

Portsmouth FC

Premiership newcomers Sunderland AFC have awarded Republic of Ireland striker Stephen Elliott a one-year contract extension that will keep him on Wearside until summer 2008. "I'm delighted we've secured Stephen's signature for a further year," said manager Mick McCarthy of the man whose 15 goals helped his team back to the top flight. "He proved last season how valuable he can be and is a major part of my plans, so naturally we're thrilled." Sunderland have also handed midfielder Matt Piper a new contract until June 2008.

RCD Mallorca have released Cameroon forward Daniel Kome and goalkeeper Alberto Cifuentes as neither formed part of coach Héctor Cúper's plans for the Spanish club. Kome, 30, will join Segunda División outfit Ciudad de Murcia CF on loan while 26-year-old Alberto, a product of the club's youth system, is a free agent.

Belgian top-flight newcomers SV Zulte-Waregem have signed 31-year-old French defender Frédéric Dindeleux from Kilmarnock FC. He has agreed a two-year contract after six seasons in Scotland. Also in Belgium, K. Sint-Truidense VV have landed 29-year-old defender David Van Hoyweghen from KAA Gent on a two-year deal, while R. Standard de Liège have acquired Juventus FC's 21-year-old frontman Benjamin Onwuachi on a two-year contract with an option for a further year. The Nigerian spent 2004/05 on loan at Salernitana Sport in Serie B.

AJ Auxerre defender David Recorbet has signed for two seasons with Ligue 2 side FC Lorient. The 28-year-old played three UEFA Cup games last term for the French Cup winners.

In Greece, Panionios NFC have acquired Tomáš Oravec on a free transfer from Austrian team VfB Admira Wacker Mödling. The 25-year-old Slovakian striker has penned a one-year contract with an option for a 12-month extension. Panionios have also welcomed back Panagiotis Giannopoulos after the centre-back, 32, spent six months with Italian Serie B outfit AC Venezia.

Another Greek club, Kallithea FC, have taken Ioannis Lazanas on a free transfer from Aris Thessaloniki FC. The 25-year-old forward has accepted a two-year contract.

Germany's 1. FC Köln will be without striker Imre Szabics for several weeks after the Hungarian international, newly signed from VfB Stuttgart, suffered a groin injury in training. The 24-year-old will undergo surgery in Cologne and is unlikely to be fit for Köln's Bundesliga opener against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on 6 August.

FC Schalke 04 forward Ailton is also struggling to be ready for the big kick-off. The 31-year-old Brazilian has ruptured a muscle in his right thigh.

Real Betis Balompié have parted company with attacker Ismael López. The 27-year-old, who played on loan at Elche CF last season, has cancelled his contract, which ran until 2007, and looks likely to join Spanish second division outfit CD Tenerife.

FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast have signed Costa Rica striker Winston Parks on loan from FC Lokomotiv Moskva for the remainder of the Russian season. The 23-year-old former Udinese Calcio and Ascoli Calcio player has made 36 appearances for Lokomotiv, scoring six times.