Soccer Shorts: Tottenham Hotspur central defender Ledley King (25) has signed a new improved four-year contract."We know that so many other clubs would love to lure him from us so we are really pleased he has agreed a new deal," manager Martin Jol said.

King is recovering from a broken metatarsal in his left foot, ruling him out of his club's push for a top-four finish and making him a doubt for the World Cup finals.

Meanwhile, Spurs are remaining tight-lipped over speculation linking them with Borussia Dortmund full back Philipp Degen.Tottenham will lose want-away Dubliner Stephen Kelly this summer leaving them short on right-backs.

Degen has confirmed Spurs scouts have been monitoring his progress in Germany and the Switzerland international right-back admits he is a big fan of the Premiership. But a spokesman for Spurs said only: "We never comment on speculation."

Reports in France claim Tottenham are readying a bid for Lyon striker Hatem Ben Arfa (19). The London club yesterday sold striker Grzegorz Rasiak to Southampton for £2 million.

Rooney's grateful

Stoke's Dublin-born striker Adam Rooney has given his thanks to outgoing manager Johan Boskamp for giving him his start in professional football.

Boskamp has ended his tenure at Stoke following a contract dispute - he is lined up to take over Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem - but has developed the Republic of Ireland under-18 international who celebrated his second English Championship start with a hat-trick in the 5-1 win over Brighton on Saturday.

Rooney said of his goals: "The manager said it was brilliant but it's only the start for me and I need to push on.

"It's been a great season - just to be involved at this stage of the year is excellent and getting a few goals is even better.

"I couldn't have asked for more from the manager."

McShane keeps cool

Paul McShane (20) has refused to rule out a move back to Brighton, where he spent a very successful season on loan, following his return to parent club Manchester United.

"You never know, you can't look too far ahead in football," said the Wicklow-born central defender, who won Brighton's player of the year award. "I'll have a rest, do preseason at United and take it from there. I don't know what will happen but I won't rule anything out."

One goal for Supple

Republic of Ireland under-19 goalkeeper Shane Supple, one of the few successes of Ipswich's season, is determined to make the number-one position his own next term.

Kelvin Davis was the last recipient of the Ipswich number one jersey, but since he left to join Sunderland the number has laid dormant.

Welsh international Lewis Price started the season in goal and has worn number 34, while Supple ended as first with.

But Supple, who will be 19 tomorrow, said: "Of course, I want to be regarded as the number one. And this will be my aim again next season."