England striker Kevin Phillips has agreed a new five-year deal with Sunderland making him one of the top earners in the Premiership. Phillips, whose previous deal ran until 2002, will become the highest paid player in the club's history.

Sunderland manager Peter Reid told the club's website: "Kevin is the leading goalscorer in the Premiership and an England international. It's a long time since we have had that at the club so I'm understandably very pleased."

Phillips is the fifth first team regular to commit himself to a new deal in recent weeks, following on from Thomas Sorensen, Gavin McCann, Chris Makin and Alex Rae.

Henrik Larsson last night admitted he suffered a scare after injury forced him out action for the Celtic under-21s yesterday to all but extinguish the prospect of an immediate first team return. The Swedish striker, who has been out with a broken leg since October, went off after 36 minutes of yesterday's meeting with Hearts under-21s.

Larsson came off worst after attempting to tackle Hearts' Stevie Fulton and the damage to his left shin was enough to force him limp out of the action. It had been mooted Larsson could return for Sunday's League Cup final against Aberdeen at Hampden Park, but that prospect may now have vanished.

Danish club Brondby have made inquires with Liverpool about taking full back Stig Inge Bjornebye on loan. Liverpool are expected to wait until next week's transfer deadline before making a decision.

Serb midfielder Sasa Curcic has signed a short-term deal with Motherwell after impressing on a week's trial with the club.

Wales manager Mark Hughes has ignored calls to axe Ryan Giggs from his plans after the late withdrawal of the Manchester United player from last month's friendly in Qatar. Giggs has been included by Hughes in the 20-man squad that will face Finland in Cardiff on March 29th, the FAW's first ever match at the 72,000 capacity rugby stadium.