Stojković to take Sporting chance

Sporting Clube de Portugal are preparing for life without Ricardo by signing Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojković on a five-year contract.

'Big step'
The 23-year-old is set to fill the gap caused by Portugal No1 Ricardo's impending departure to Spanish side Real Betis Balompié after leaving relegated French outfit FC Nantes Atlantique for an undisclosed fee. Stojković said: "I am very happy to represent such a big club as Sporting. It's a big step in my career and I appreciate the faith that has been placed in me. Ricardo is a high-quality goalkeeper but I promise I'll do everything to rise to the challenge."

Dutch spell
Capped nine times by his country, Stojković moved to Nantes before last season from FK Crvena Zvezda in his homeland. He began the 2006/07 campaign as first choice but was deemed surplus to requirements when Nantes moved for Fabien Barthez during the winter transfer window. After just ten Ligue 1 appearances, he moved on to Dutch club BV Vitesse on loan and went on to make a eight appearances in the Eredivisie. As Portuguese runners-up, Sporting will play in the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League group stage from September.