KEITH O'NEILL signed a new contract with Norwich yesterday which will keep him at Carrow Road for the next four years. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is understood that the Republic of Ireland international, will now rate as one of the club's highest paid players.

The move followed a transfer bid by George Graham, the Leeds United manager, at the weekend, when he was reported to have offered £1.75 million for O'Neill, who has scored four times in eight international appearances.

Arsenal, too, expressed an interest, but that merely concentrated manager Mike Walker's mind and a new deal was quickly forthcoming at Carrow Road.

"While it is always flattering when clubs like Arsenal and Leeds United come in for a player, I am very happy to be staying on with Norwich," O'Neill said.

"It was Mike Walker who signed me from Home Farm four years ago and all the credit for my development is down to him.

. Former Blackpool and Burnley boss Jimmy Mullen has been appointed manager of Sligo Rovers. "It's a completely different challenge and one I'm looking forward to, as the club have a very progressive attitude," he said.