Soccer Shorts

Ronaldo signs for Milan AC Milan have completed the signing of Real Madrid striker Ronaldo. After lengthy negotiations, the 30-year-old Brazil international yesterday agreed an 18-month contract with Milan. A transfer fee has yet to be announced but it is reported to be in the region of €7.5million. The Brazilian played for Milan's city rivals Inter between 1997 and 2002.

Reading get Bennett

Reading have completed the signing of centre-back Alan Bennett from Cork City for an undisclosed fee. The former Republic of Ireland under-21 international has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to commit to the Royals to the end of the 2008/9 season. Reading chairman John Madejski told the club's official website, www.readingfc.co.uk: "I would like to welcome Alan to Reading Football Club, and would like to thank everybody for the great effort put in to secure his signature. He joins at a tremendously exciting time and we wish him all the very best for his career with us."

Davids returns to Ajax

Ajax have announced the signing of Edgar Davids from Tottenham on an 18-month contract. Davids played for Ajax from 1991 to 1996, winning the 1992 Uefa Cup and the 1995 Champions League, before moving on to AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona and Internazionale. The combative midfielder, who has struggled to hold down a first-team place at White Hart Lane after joining the London club in 2005 will give Ajax a boost as they continue their pursuit of PSV Eindhoven in the title race.

Sunderland draw

Sunderland endured a frustrating evening at the Stadium of Light last night as Crystal Palace held on for a 0-0 draw. The home side were chasing their fourth league win in a row to continue their promotion push but could not outwit a stubborn defence. David Connolly and Dwight Yorke had their clearest openings in the first half while the second half produced little to excite the crowd.

Anthony Stokes recovered from a groin strain to take his place up front for Sunderland but failed to score after a strong run into the area. Keane brought on Grant Leadbitter, Ross Wallace and Daryl Murphy but they could not find a way through the resolute Palace defence.

In brief . . .

Charlton have signed Arsenal's Alexandre Song on loan until the end of the season . . . West Brom have signed former Republic Of Ireland goalkeeper Dean Kiely from Portsmouth on an 18-month contract . . . Wigan have completed the signing of Nigeria striker Julius Aghahowa from Shakhtar Donetsk after he was granted a work permit . . . Italian club Siena have announced they have signed striker Massimo Maccarone from Middlesbrough on a free transfer. The 27-year-old has signed a contract which will run until June 2010 . . . Liverpool are set to sign Deportivo La Coruna right-back Alvaro Arbeloa, according to the Primera Liga side . . . Blackburn have signed Swiss international left-back Bruno Berner from FC Basle.