Sissoko agrees new Liverpool deal

Adjust font size:

LIVERPOOL, England -- Mali midfielder Mohamed Sissoko has signed a new four-year contract with Liverpool, becoming the fifth first-team player to commit his future to the club in recent weeks.

Sissoko follows Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso, captain Steven Gerrard, defender Jamie Carragher and Spain goalkeeper Jose Reina in extending his contract.

"It was never in my thoughts to leave Liverpool," Sissoko said. "I read about the speculation linking me with other clubs but I am already at a big, big club and it's an honor for me to be able to call myself a Liverpool player."

Sissoko joined Liverpool in July 2005 from Valencia and was a regular in his first season, winning over fans with his aggressive tackling and all-around contribution.

He struggled with an eye injury last season and faced increased competition for his place after the January signing of Javier Mascherano from West Ham. Gerrard and Alonso also play in Sissoko's central midfield position.

"I am injury-free and, although I know I'll face a battle for a place in the team as we have so many great midfielders, I'm prepared to fight for a position," Sissoko said.

Meanwhile. Liverpool are also set to sign Bulgaria goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov from Levski Sofia and Athletic Bilbao defender Mikel San Jose.

The Five-times European champions -- who lost last season's Champions League final to AC Milan -- have yet to make any major signings this summer but are reported to be in negotiations with Atletico Madrid for striker Fernando Torres.

Get up-to-the minute news from CNN CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.

---

• Fox: 'Avatar' its costliest film ever
• Can burying carbon emissions work?
• Europe: U.S., China must match climate goals
• Pilots who overshot city blame controllers
• Dubai World prepares to sell overseas assets

• Irish PM to quit over payments scandal
• NATO chief: Afghan troop increase likely
• Militants hunted as calm retuns to Basra
• Pressure on Bush to skip Olympics
• BA sending misplaced T5 baggage to Milan

• Recruiting suicide bombers (2:50)
• London was lucky (2:36)
• Cars in London rigged as bombs (3:48)
• Second explosives-packed car foun (2:32)
• Soviet culture returns (3:47)