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Van der Sar to miss start of United's title defence

MANCHESTER United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a broken finger and bone in his left hand.

The 38-year-old Dutchman sustained the injury saving a penalty from Danijel Pranjic in United’s 7-6 shoot-out defeat to Bayern Munich in the pre-season Audi Cup in Germany. Van der Sar is not expected to be back in Alex Ferguson’s plans until late September.

“He will be out for up to eight weeks,” the club said. “The prognosis means that Van der Sar won’t be back to full fitness until the end of September.”

The 38-year-old’s injury means Ben Foster, who signed a new contract in July, could get the chance to impress, starting with this weekend’s curtain-raiser against Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley. Tomasz Kuszczak is also in reserve.

Drogba extends Chelsea stay

CHELSEA striker Didier Drogba has signed a new three-year contract.

The Ivory Coast international pledged his future to the club recently and has committed himself until 2012, extending his existing deal by two years.

The 31-year-old endured mixed fortunes last season but scored during the club’s FA Cup final win against Everton.

Bobby Robson is laid to rest

BOBBY Robson was laid to rest in a private funeral yesterday, his family said. The former England and Newcastle football manager died last week following a long public battle with cancer.

A statement released by his family said: “Sir Bobby Robson was laid to rest today at a private family service. Lady Robson has been overwhelmed by the wonderful tributes and messages of condolence and is very grateful that the family’s privacy has been respected at this sad time.

“Arrangements for the thanksgiving service in celebration of Sir Bobby’s life will be announced in due course.”

A family spokeswoman said the service, which was held in the north east of England, was attended by Robson’s widow, Elsie, and the couple’s three sons, Andrew, Paul and Mark, as well as other relatives and close friends.

English FA ban pre-match comment

THE English FA has banned team managers, players and club officials from making media comments about referees before a game as it bids to clamp down on intimidation of match officials.

Clubs are also being advised separately that any media comments by managers, players or any other club officials relating to appointed match officials prior to a fixture will no longer be allowed, the FA said. “Such pre-match comments will be deemed improper and dealt with accordingly.”

The FA said post-match comments were still allowed as long as they were not personal, implied bias, attacked the integrity of match officials or brought the game into disrepute.

The FA also said it would now charge clubs if three or more players surrounded a referee in a “confrontational manner”. Previously, officials were required to report any such harassment before any action was taken.

Portsmouth find a new tall boy

PORTSMOUTH have snapped up French striker Frederic Piquionne on a season-long loan from Lyon.

The 6ft 2in striker will be asked to replace the departed Peter Crouch in the Portsmouth side, and the English Premier League club have an option to buy if he performs well.

Capped once by France, the 30-year-old Piquionne signed for Lyon last summer from Monaco, but struggled to force his way into the side.

Although Lyon sold star striker Karim Benzema to Real Madrid this summer, Piquionne has remained surplus to requirements.

Meanwhile, Portsmouth have taken action against striker David Nugent and defender Marc Wilson for a breach of club discipline on a pre-season tour to Portugal.

British media said the pair were fined two weeks’ wages after the incident following Saturdays 4-0 loss to Benfica.

Bent finally lands at Sunderland

SUNDERLAND have finally landed striker Darren Bent in a club record €11.8 million deal from Tottenham.

After days of waiting, patience has finally paid off for Sunderland manager Bruce and Bent, who has signed a four-year contract.

“He’s everything I want,” said Bruce. “He’s something different – he’s got pace, power, he’s young, he’s English and he gets goals. He’s had the competition of the likes of (Dimitar) Berbatov, (Jermain) Defoe and (Robbie) Keane, but he has still scored goals when he’s been given games.”

Bruce has finally managed to get his man, with Bent becoming his fourth summer signing, following Fraizer Campbell, Lorik Cana and Paulo Da Silva to the Stadium of Light.

The 25-year-old, capped four times by England, becomes the club’s most expensive capture, eclipsing the €10.5 million paid to Hearts for goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

Milan decide to hold on to Pirlo

AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi claims Andrea Pirlo will end his career at the San Siro, putting an end to speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Chelsea.

Pirlo has been a reported target of the Stamford Bridge club ever since the arrival of former Rossoneri coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, Berlusconi had a meeting with coach Leonardo and vice-president Adriano Galliani and now insists the Italy international is not for sale.

“Andrea Pirlo has been taken off the market,” said Berlusconi. “He will stay with us and finish his career at Milan.

“You know that our Andrea Pirlo was wanted by Chelsea with a suitable economic offer.

“We also talked with the player and we decided to accept Leonardo’s request to keep Pirlo.”

The 30-year-old is under contract with Milan until June 2012.

Berlusconi also revealed the club are preparing to splash out on a big-name striker after seemingly failing in their bid to sign Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano.