Palop signs new Sevilla contract

LONDON, England -- Sevilla's goalkeeping hero Andres Palop has agreed a new contract which ties him contractually to the Spanish Primera side until 2011.

Palop saved three penalties as defending champions Sevilla beat fellow Spanish league side Espanyol 3-1 on penalties in the UEFA Cup final in May.

"There was no doubt that I wanted to finish my career at Sevilla and they wanted the same," the 33-year-old goalkeeper told the club's Web site.

"Sevilla were under no obligation to extend my contract. I feel very happy because I am settled in the city and have close ties to the club," he added.

He joined Sevilla from Valencia in 2005 for an undisclosed fee.

Sunderland have suffered an injury setback with midfielder Kieran Richardson ruled out of action for up to three months with a stress fracture of the back.

England international Richardson, a summer signing from Manchester United, missed out on returning to Old Trafford last weekend after complaining of the injury which tests have revealed to be worse than anticipated.

Manager Roy Keane told the club's Web site: "We'll have more news after he sees a surgeon later today.

"I would have thought that he'll be out for two to three months. "It's a major disappointment."

Sunderland are struggling after winning promotion to the Premier League, picking up four points from their opening five games. E-mail to a friend