Latest Football Transfer News 14-09-2012

[<<ELVIS>>]

Preston have confirmed striker Akpo Sodje has signed a new contract
Last Updated: September 14, 2012 8:26pm

Akpo Sodje: Former Hibernian striker has signed a contract extension at Preston North End

Preston North End have confirmed striker Akpo Sodje has signed a contract extension after an impressive start to his Deepdale career.
Sodje secured an initial one-month deal with Preston after proving himself in pre-season and he has scored four goals in six appearances in all competitions.


His previous deal was due to expire after Saturday's game against Crawley Town and talks over an extension had stalled earlier in the week.
The 32-year-old was initially hoping to secure a deal for the rest of the season, but has accepted the offer of another month with Graham Westley's side.

[<<ELVIS>>]

Portsmouth have signed former Leeds and Carlisle defender Lubomir Michalik
Last Updated: September 14, 2012 8:39pm

Lubomir Michalik: Defender has signed for Portsmouth and will be in the squad to face Walsall

Portsmouth have added former Leeds United and Carlisle United defender Lubomir Michalik to their squad on a one-month contract.
Michalik was available on a free transfer after rejecting a new deal at Carlisle in the summer and he had been linked with the likes of Barnsley, Hibernian and Preston North End.
However, the Slovakian has now pitched up at Portsmouth and he is looking forward to the opportunity to play for Michael Appleton's side.


"I'm very happy to be here," Michalik told the club's official website. "I heard about Pompey's interest in me and I didn't have to think too long about coming here.
"I've never played at Fratton Park, so I'm looking forward to getting out onto the pitch and showing what I can do.
"Hopefully I can help the team to win a lot of games and keep some clean sheets - and if I score some goals then that is a nice extra."
Michalik was signed in time to be eligible for Portsmouth's League One fixture at home to Walsall on Saturday.

[<<ELVIS>>]

Ipswich have completed the signing of midfielder Cheick Kourouma on a one-year deal
Last Updated: September 14, 2012 8:58pm

Paul Jewell: Glad to see deal finally done after waiting on Kourouma clearance

Ipswich have finally completed the signing of French Guinea midfielder Cheick Kourouma on a one-year contract after authorities gave the deal a green light.
Kourouma agreed a deal at Portman Road before the new season got underway but the transfer was held up due to Ipswich needing clearance from eight clubs he represented as a junior before it could be finalised.


Town registered the necessary paperwork by the transfer deadline and the deal has now received the go-ahead from the relevant authorities.
The 20-year-old, who impressed manager Paul Jewell while on trial with the Tractor Boys over the summer, joins on a free transfer following his release by Genoa at the end of last season.
"It's been an area of particular frustration for me in how long this process has taken," Town's chief executive Simon Clegg told the club's official website.


"Despite none of these clubs offering him a professional contract, under the relatively new FIFA compensation regulations, we could have been liable for nearly 250,000 Euros compensation to these clubs.
"Despite some of these clubs not even having any record of Cheick having been there, the mere sniff of compensation from an English Championship club had suddenly got them all very excited."


Town boss Jewell admits he didn't think the deal would go through at one stage and said: "There was so much red tape involved and clubs were coming out of the woodwork that it looked like it was not going to work.
"I was disappointed for the lad but the club have cut their way through the red tape and got over the line in the end."

[<<ELVIS>>]

Oxford have signed former Bradford and Exeter full-back Luke O'Brien
Last Updated: September 14, 2012 9:24pm

Luke O'Brien: Former Bradford City full-back has signed for Oxford United

Oxford United have completed the signing of former Bradford City and Exeter City full-back Luke O'Brien on a free transfer.
O'Brien had been looking for a new club since being released by Exeter in the summer, having only moved to St James Park from Bradford in January.


The 24-year-old has now agreed a deal with Oxford and could be involved on Saturday when Chris Wilder's side face Burton Albion in League Two.
"He is a player we have seen a number of times over the years and he has always impressed," Wilder told the club's official website.
"He has a lot of games under his belt considering his age and is keen to do well here.
"He has a chance to come in, show us what he can do, and be part of what we are trying to build."