Smalling signs new Man Utd deal

Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling has signed a new contract which keeps him at Old Trafford until at least the summer of 2019.

The England international, 25, has scored four goals in 20 English Premier League appearances during an impressive 2014/15 campaign with the Red Devils.

“I’m delighted to sign my new contract,” Smalling told the club’s official website. “I am so proud to play for such a great club.  We have developed as a team over the course of the season under Louis van Gaal and we are now playing as a complete unit.

“This is a very exciting time to be at Manchester United, we are all determined to get back to where we belong and competing at the highest level.”

Meanwhile, United boss Louis van Gaal added: “Chris has improved and developed immensely during the short time that I have been at the club and has become an integral part of the first-team squad.

“He always conducts himself in a very professional manner and it is also pleasing that he has scored some important goals this season too. I am delighted he has signed a new contract.”

Sinclair ready to sign permanent Villa deal

Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair, whose deal at the Etihad Stadium is set to expire at the end of the season, has revealed he is ready to sign a permanent deal at Aston Villa.

Sinclair, who is currently on loan at Villa Park, has scored three goals in 10 appearances in all competitions since joining Villa on loan in January, and would welcome the opportunity to sign a deal with the club in the summer.

“Definitely, I feel at home at Villa, it’s a great club, I’m sure at the end of the season we can sit down and I can sign,” he said.

“I just have to wait until the end of the season.”

Brentford extend Long loan deal

Championship side Brentford have extended the loan deal of Everton’s Chris Long until the end of the season.

Long, 20, has scored four goals in 10 league appearances, albeit just two starts, for the Bees this term.

“We are delighted to have Everton agree to extend the loan for Chris Long.

“He is a very talented player and one we very much look forward to welcoming back to the club for the remainder of the season.

“It is important for our fans to know that any such loan depends on so many factors, but it is always pleasing to have a top Premier League club show their trust and confidence in Brentford by agreeing to have one of their top young talents continue his development at Griffin Park.”

Brentford are currently three points behind Ipswich Town for the final promotion play-offs place.