Doncaster and Belles announce new signings

The 36-year-old has agreed to join Rovers on a deal until February after training with the club this week.

Diatta, who has won 40 caps for Senegal and played a major role in the African country’s journey to the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals, has previously played for Newcastle, St Etienne and Lyon but has been without a club since his release from Tunisian side Etoile Sportive du Sahel earlier in the year.

Doncaster are waiting for international clearance for the imposing defender, which may not come in time for the trip to Birmingham on Saturday.

Diatta joins fellow Senegal internationals El-Hadji Diouf and Habib Beye at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Doncaster Rovers Belles have snapped up England international winger Sue Smith from Lincoln Ladies.

Former Leeds United star Smith, 32, has represented her country 90 times, scoring 16 goals.

“Signing Sue is a tremendous coup for the club,” said manager John Buckley. “She is probably the most famous player in England and a very experienced international.

“We’ve tried to bring her to the club in the past but it didn’t quite happen. But I’m delighted that we have managed to get a deal done this time round.

“Sue will be instrumental in shaping our future both on and off the field with her extensive experience.”

Leeds United have been handed an initial allocation of 5,100 tickets for their FA Cup third round tie at Arsenal, which will be shown live by ESPN.

The game being selected for broadcast means it has moved to Monday January 8, kick-off 7.45pm.

Last season, Leeds sold their full allocation of 9,000 tickets for the third round trip to the Emirates Stadium, which took place on Saturday lunchtime, but the change of time and date means the club are not sure of demand.

Should the initial 5,100 tickets be sold, United can receive a further batch of tickets.

The third round Manchester derby will be shown live on ITV1 on Sunday, January 8, 1pm.

Sunderland’s trip to Peterborough on the same day at 3.30pm will also be screened on ITV1.

ESPN will also show two games live on Saturday, January 7 – Birmingham v Wolves (12.30pm) and Bristol Rovers v Aston Villa (5.30pm).

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been charged with improper conduct following an alleged gesture he made towards Fulham fans on Monday night, the Football Association have announced.