Lehmann decides to play on

(GETTY IMAGES)

Veteran goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has penned a new one-year contract extension with VfB Stuttgart.

The 39-year-old former Germany international moved back to his homeland last summer after a successful stint in England with Arsenal and has settled in well with Stuttgart.

Lehmann told the club's official website: "VfB are a well-run club with great fans and a positive environment.

"I enjoy playing here. I am looking forward to next season, but now we are concentrating on finishing the present campaign as successfully as possible."

Director of sport Horst Heldt added: "This contract extension with Jens is an important signal for the whole club and emphasises that we are also setting our sights high."

The agent and father of Werder Bremen ace Diego believes that a deal with Juventus is edging closer.

The 24-year-old Brazil playmaker is all but certain to leave his current club next summer and his father, Djair Ribas da Cunha, says that Juve are showing very strong interest.

He told Tuttosport: “My feeling is that this time Juve are serious, their interest in Diego is real.

“I think the Bianconeri and Werder directors haven’t spoken yet, but I know they are going to in the next few days. At least that is what we have been assured.

“I have already said on other occasions, Diego dreams of playing for a club that can target Champions League victory and Juve fit that bill.

“Diego is focused on Werder’s next tests, but also towards next season and he wants to spend that campaign wearing the Bianconeri jersey.”

Hoffenheim striker Vedad Ibisevic is pleased with the progress he is making as he continues his recovery from a season-ending knee injury.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined since the winter break due to torn knee ligaments, but has started light training with the Bundesliga's surprise package.

He told the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper: "I'm feeling good and the knee is feeling stable, but I've got to remain cautious. I've only been training for a few days.

"I told myself that if you are negative about the whole thing, then it will take a lot longer.

"If you look ahead and don't always think about the knee, then it goes a lot quicker. Smiling helps too. I started that the day after the operation."

Bosnia international Ibisevic netted 18 goals in 17 league games during the first half of the season.