Irwin to call it a day

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC defender Denis Irwin is to end his 21-year playing career at the close of the current English Premiership season.

'Time to go'
Capped 56 times by the Republic of Ireland, Irwin previously played for Leeds United AFC, Oldham Athletic FC and Manchester United FC. At United the full-back won seven Premiership titles and the 1998/99 Champions League in a 12-year spell prior to moving to Wolves in June 2002. "My body tells me it is time to go," said the 38-year-old. "I have enjoyed my time with Wolves and with a bit of luck, we will avoid the drop. I intend to try for a coaching badge instead."

Zivkovic leaves
Fellow Premiership strugglers Portsmouth FC have parted company with Croatian international defender Boris Zivkovic. The 28-year-old arrived last summer from Bayer 04 Leverkusen and has figured in 19 of Portsmouth's 24 games this season, but both parties have agreed to end his contract by mutual consent.

Fulham sign Bocanegra
Staying in England, Fulham FC have signed United States defender Carlos Bocanegra, 24, on a three-year contract. The former Chicago Fire player was available on a free transfer. "He has great potential," said Fulham manager Chris Coleman.

Karembeu absence
Olympiacos CFP midfield player Christian Karembeu has been ruled out for three weeks with a hip injury. The former French international was replaced 34 minutes into the Greek league leaders' 2-1 defeat by FC PAOK on Sunday, and has been diagnosed with a pulled muscle in his hip.

Bollan switch
Scottish Premier League side Motherwell FC have signed Gary Bollan from Dundee United FC. The 30-year-old full-back had been released from his contract by mutual consent and joins the side fifth in the division.

Sigurdsson move
Danish Superleague club AGF Århus have signed the 29-year-old Iceland striker Helgi Sigurdsson on a two-and-a-half season contract. Sigurdsson joins from Norwegian club SFK Lyn and replaces Peter Graulund who has returned to VfL Bochum following his loan spell.

Hesden sign Oulare
Striker Souleymane Oulare has joined Belgian first division side K. Heusden-Zolder. The 31-year-old Guinean forward has signed a six-month contract with an option for next season after impressing at a training camp in Turkey. However, KRC Genk defender Seyfo Soley, who had also been on trial at Heusden, has opted to join Al-Hilal in Saudi-Arabia.