Malouda extends stay LONDON: Chelsea's French international midfielder Florent Malouda signed a four-year contract extension with the FA Cup winners on Tuesday. The 29-year-old, who had two years remaining on his current contract, had been linked with a move to Italian Serie A giants AC Milan despite a generally hugely disappointing spell at Chelsea since joining for £13.5 million from French champions Lyon in 2007. Malouda had been widely expected to move on after Chelsea were linked earlier this year with a move for Russia's far more impressive attacking midfielder Yuri Zhirkov, who plays for CSKA Moscow. But Malouda found his form under Hiddink and eventually started 31 games for the Blues last season, scoring nine goals. — AFP

Zola lures Jimenez LONDON: Italian champions' Inter Milan's Chilean international striker Luis Jimenez was snapped up on loan by English Premier League side West Ham on Tuesday. The 25-year-old -- known as the Wizard and capped 20 times -- is the first signing for the Hammers Italian manager Gianfranco Zola this summer. Jimenez -- who hasn't represented Chile for over a year -- joins on a season-long loan with a view to a possible permanent move. Jimenez made his name in Italy at Serie B side Ternana, where he scored 25 goals in 88 league appearances between 2002 and 2007. Short spells at Fiorentina and Lazio followed before Inter Milan opted to buy him on a permanent basis after a promising loan spell in 2008. — AFP

Sturridge to leave LONDON: Promising English U-20 international striker Daniel Sturridge is to sign for Chelsea from their English Premier League rivals Manchester City it was announced on Tuesday. The 19-year-old's present contract at City was due to terminate at the end of June and he has turned down the offer of a new one from the bigspending club. The ultimate transfer fee for him will be decided by a tribunal with the two clubs unable to agree on a deal. Chelsea have to pay a transfer fee as Sturridge is under-24 and as a result cannot move for nothing. City are looking for a fee of around £10 million pounds for the striker while Chelsea are thought to be keen on paying £3 million. — AFP

Hull eye Owen LONDON: English Premier League minnows Hull insist they are serious about trying to lure Newcastle striker Michael Owen to the club, according to reports. The 29-year-old has said he wants to leave the Magpies following their relegation from the Premiership. Owen is believed to be the subject of interest from several clubs in the UK and in Europe and would have a price tage of several million euros. But Hull manager Phil Brown said they will be talking to representatives of the former Liverpool and Real Madrid player this week in a bid to secure him. Hull escaped relegation from the Premiership last month after finishing fourth from bottom, one point above Newcastle. — AFP

City loan Hart PARIS: Promoted Birmingham City have signed goalkeeper Joe Hart on a season loan from Manchester City, City said on Wednesday. Hart, 22, has one England cap to his name earned a year ago against Trinidad and Tobago but lost his place at City after making some 50 English Premiership appearances after Irish standout Shay Given arrived from Newcastle United midway through last season. City boss Mark Hughes allowed Hart to move on after signing Aston Villa keeper Stuart Taylor as cover for Given. City are meanwhile said to be preparing a $22 million bid for England defender Joleon Lescott of Everton. —AFP