Shakhtar shape up for success

FC Shakhtar Donetsk have strengthened their squad by signing two key players from Croatian side HNK Hajduk Split in a combined deal worth €2m.

Five-year deals
International goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa and recently capped midfield player Darijo Srna have joined the Ukrainian runners-up on five-year contracts ahead of their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign.

Big ambitions
Pletikosa has been Croatia's first-choice goalkeeper since Drazen Ladic retired but has already hinted that his ambitions lie beyond the Ukraine. The 24-year-old keeper, who scored three penalties for Hajduk last season, said: "I am happy that I will play with Darijo Srna at an ambitious club like Shakhtar. I signed a five-year contract, but I hope that I will prove myself in Ukrainian club football and find a big club in Western Europe in a season or two."

Srna delighted
Srna, 21, who made his international debut against Belgium in March, added: "This is a big step for me in my career. I am delighted to sign for Shakhtar and keen to play in the Champions League."