Maes and Oster extend FCR deals

FCR 2001 Duisburg have extended the contracts of midfielder Femke Maes and Jennifer Oster by one year as they prepare for the start of their UEFA Women's Champions League campaign next month.

Former German Under-21 international Oster, 24, has been with Duisburg since 1999 while ex-Belgium player Maes, 30, joined FCR from Djurgårdens IF in January 2009 and played a crucial role in them winning that season's UEFA Women's Cup. Chairman Dieter Oster said: "We're pleased that two very important footballers have committed themselves to us. Both the club and the fans will be delighted with the news about Jenny and Femke."

In 2009/10 Duisburg reached the semi-finals of the new UEFA Women's Champions League but ensured a return to the competition as Frauen-Bundesliga runners-up. The German Cup winners begin their European campaign with qualifying round Group 7 where they meet ŠK Slovan Bratislava, hosts Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers WFC and Glasgow City FC in Northern Ireland from 5 to 10 August.

Meanwhile, the only three-time European champions, 1. FFC Frankfurt, have signed Sweden striker Jessica Landström. The 25-year-old joins from Sky Blue FC of New Jersey as Frankfurt aim to improve on their third-place finish last season, which left them out of Europe for a second year running. They had already signed Germany winger Melanie Behringer from FC Bayern München.