Sporting briefs

West Ham: West Ham have completed the signing of Modibo Maiga from Sochaux on a long-term deal. The 24-year-old has been regularly linked with a move to English football and yesterday joined the Premier League new boys. Maiga, who can play as a centre forward or on the wing, joins the Hammers for an undisclosed fee.

Mangia: Devis Mangia was yesterday confirmed as coach of Italy U-21, taking over from Ciro Ferrara who left the national team to take the job at Sampdoria earlier this month. “I thank the federation for this great opportunity. Being in charge of the U-21 national side is one of the most prestigious jobs in Italian football,” Mangia, formerly of Palermo, said. He will make his debut in an August 15 friendly against Holland.

Bankrupt: Embattled Polish second division club Ruch Radzionkow announced that they were withdrawing from the league after failing to solve their persistent money woes. Founded in 1919, Ruch are one of Poland’s oldest clubs. They played in the top flight from 1998 to 2001, before sliding down to the fifth tier, then won back-to-back promotions from 2008 to 2010 to reach the second division.

Liddle: Defender Michael Liddle has completed a permanent move to Accrington, Sunderland have confirmed. The 22-year-old left-back made 12 appearances for the League Two side on loan last season. Irish-man Liddle, a graduate of the Black Cats’ youth system, made one senior appearance, in the FA Cup third round tie against Barrow in January 2010.

Khumalo: Tottenham defender Bongani Khumalo has joined PAOK on a season-long loan. The South Africa inter-national has previously spent spells at Preston North End and Reading before completing his move to the Greek Super Lea-gue. Khumalo joined Tottenham in January 2011 from South African partner club Supersport United.

Freiburg: Freiburg have signed Norway international Vegar Eggen Hedenstad for an undisclosed fee from Norwegian first division side Stabaek IF. The 21-year-old successfully completed a medical and signed a contract with the Bundesliga club before joining them in their training camp in Schruns yesterday. The 21-year-old has recently made the step up into the senior squad, earning two caps so far this year.