Kanoute commits to Sevilla

The 32-year-old Mali international has been a regular scorer during his four-year stay with Seville following a successful spell in England with West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.

He is happy to have sorted out his future though, telling the club's official website: "I have reached the peak of my career in Seville. I am delighted to have signed a new contract with the club that has offered me so much.

"Here I am loved by the fans and the people in the club, they show tremendous appreciation.

"And now, I hope that I can continue to provide positive performances at the club and achieve goals."

Meanwhile, Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna may be set for a short spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury while on international duty.

The 32-year-old sustained an ankle problem during Spain's World Cup qualifier against Turkey yesterday which the Euro 2008 champions won 2-1.

The injury forced him to be substituted in the 65th minute, with Santi Cazorla coming on to replace him.

It is hoped that Senna will only miss one Yellow Submarine game - this weekend's clash against Almeria - and he should be able to feature in next week's Champions League quarter-final first leg encounter with Arsenal.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta remains confident that the Spanish giants will be able to agree a new contract with goalkeeper Victor Valdes in the near future.

The 27-year-old's current deal runs out at the end of next season and his agent, Gines Carvajal, has warned that other clubs are showing an interest.

He had told the Spanish media: "For eight months, nothing has been said about the renewal. Victor and I are only thinking about Barca.

"But he is an extraordinary goalkeeper who is good enough to play for Barcelona and I know that there are four or five clubs looking for goalkeepers."

However, Laporta responded by telling Marca: "Valdes is the best goalkeeper in the world and will get what he deserves.

"I believe that he wants to continue at Barca and we will be fair with the amount we say so that we can arrive at an agreement.

“Being a Barca goalkeeper is more difficult than at any other team as he saves few shots, but always has to be on form."