Craig denies charges

CARDIFF: Wales and Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has denied assaulting two women at a night club in February. Bellamy, who signed a four-year contract with Liverpool from Blackburn in June, was at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to face two counts of assault. His solicitor, Matthew De Maid, told the court that Bellamy was “adamant” in his denials of the charges and that he wanted to clear his name. The women have accused Bellamy, 26, of assaulting them at Cardiff’s Number 10 nightclub on Feb. 5. Bellamy was released on unconditional bail with his trial set for late August. — AP

Sheffield sign Mekele

SHEFFIELD: Sheffield United signed Mikele Leigertwood to a three-year contract on Tuesday, paying Crystal Palace $1,107,827 in compensation for developing the 23-year-old. “It’s a big step moving away from my family in London, but I’m pretty sure I can adapt to it,” Mekele said on Sheffield’s Web site. Before playing with Crystal Palace, Mekele came through the ranks at Wimbledon and has been on loan to Leyton Orient. He is Sheffield United’s fourth signing of the summer. — AP

Morientes in Valencia

VALENCIA: Fernando Morientes passed a routine medical on Wednesday to complete his transfer to Valencia from Liverpool. Morientes has signed a three-year contract with an option for a fourth season. News reports said Valencia paid $6.4 million for the Spain striker. “I’ve been very lucky at every club I’ve played for and my hope is to achieve a title for Valencia and for the fans,” Morientes said. Morientes is expected to share the attacking duties with Spanish David Villa, who scored 25 goals in his first season with Valencia. — AP

Rossi extends contract

MANCHESTER: Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi signed a two-year contract extension with the club. Rossi will stay until 2010. “We are delighted that he has signed a new contract, he represents the future of the club,” manager Alex Ferguson said. “Last year he had a remarkable season and he is developing all the time. Giuseppe is a fantastic talent and we see a great future ahead.” —AP

Rana ruled out

CANTERBURY: Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer confirmed that Rana Naved-ul-Hasan will not feature in next week’s first Test against England. Naved sustained a groin injury playing for Sussex earlier in the English season and there were fears surgery might be required. But Rana has made encouraging progress in his recovery and Pakistan had planned to give him a fitness test on Thursday morning before the start of the tourists’ four-day warm-up match against England A at Canterbury. — AFP