Soccer Shorts

Connolly for Wigan: Promoted Wigan Athletic signed Ireland international David Connolly from second division Leicester City for an undisclosed fee yesterday.

The much-travelled striker agreed a three-year contract with Wigan after passing a medical on transfer deadline day. Connolly has scored 87 goals in 195 full league appearances for Leicester, Watford, Feyenoord, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wimbledon and West Ham United.

The 28-year-old Connolly has won 40 caps for Ireland, scoring nine goals. "I'm delighted to be playing in the Premier League at last," he said. "As soon as I met (manager) Paul Jewell I was impressed with him and his vision for the club. He doesn't want Wigan just to make up the numbers or enjoy the ride, he wants the club to stay in this league and become a force in the division."

New deal for Potter

Republic of Ireland under-21 international and Liverpool midfielder Darren Potter has signed a new three-year deal at Anfield. The 20-year-old broke into Liverpool's first team last season and, after strengthening his position within the senior squad, Potter has been handed an improved deal.

"I'm really pleased," he said yesterday. "I had two years left on my contract, but the club have given me an extra year. It's fantastic news for me."

Reiziger moves

Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven have signed full back Michael Reiziger on a free transfer from Middlesbrough. Reiziger has previously played for Ajax, AC Milan and Barcelona in an illustrious career, and has won 72 caps for Holland. "I have the ambition to play at a high level," the 32-year-old said yesterday. "When PSV came in for me, we quickly came to an agreement."

Benitez fails

Rafael Benitez failed in his attempt to sign the Benfica striker Simao Sabrosa. Simao was due to fly to Anfield for a medical yesterday after Liverpool agreed a £10million fee. However, when news of the striker's departure was received in Portugal the Benfica board came under pressure from supporters, prompting the club to demand £14million. Liverpool refused to meet that.

There was also disappointment in the blue half of Merseyside as Everton were unable to prise Robbie Keane from Tottenham. Spurs' failure to sign a replacement for the Republic of Ireland international coupled with the £8million price-tag ended David Moyes' hopes.

Andy van der Meyde, however, has signed a four-year contract at Everton after joining from Internazionale for £1.8million.

Portsmouth swoop

Portsmouth have strengthened their squad on deadline day with the free transfer capture of striker Dario Silva. The 32-year-old Uruguayan has arrived on a free transfer after securing his release from Spanish club Sevilla, who recently bought Fredi Kanoute from Tottenham. Silva, who has also played for Cagliari, Espanyol and Malaga, has signed a two-year contract at Fratton Park. Portsmouth have also signed Barcelona youngster Frank Songo'o.

NI duo dropped

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez yesterday denied there was a discipline problem in his squad after midfielders Jeff Whitley and Philip Mulryne were sent back to their clubs for breaking a curfew.

The two Cardiff players were told to leave the side's training camp and will now miss the World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and England. Sanchez is furious the duo returned to their hotel in Co Antrim in the early hours of yesterday morning.

"They broke a curfew that everybody else was abiding to," Sanchez said.

Mido banned

The English Football Association have rejected Tottenham striker Mido's claim for wrongful dismissal and will force the Egyptian to serve a three-match ban. The FA disciplinary commission dismissed Spurs' appeal against the red card Mido received in the 2-0 defeat by Chelsea on Saturday for serious foul play. Mido has also been charged with improper conduct relating to the same incident.

The charge relates to his reaction and his failure to leave the field of play promptly. He has until 6pm today to respond to the charge. The case will be heard by a disciplinary commission on September 9th

In brief . . .

Rangers have signed Charlton striker Francis Jeffers on loan until January . . . Middlesbrough have agreed to sign Brazilian midfielder Fabio Rochemback from Barcelona.