Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has penned a new deal at the Stadium of Light until 2014.

The former Manchester United defender arrived at Sunderland from Wigan Athletic in May 2009.

The 50-year-old told his club’s official website: “I’m delighted to have signed a new contract. It’s a magnificent club from top to bottom, with wonderful support and everything is in place here for a manager. We have the makings of a fantastic young team.

“It’s been a great challenge so far and one that my backroom team and I have relished so we’re looking forward to continuing with that over the next few years.”

Walsall have signed up former Genoa midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma on a contract until the end of the season.

The Argentine, who had a loan spell with Queens Park Rangers during 2008/09 season, was a free agent after being released by the Italian club in January.

Walsall manager Dean Smith told his club’s official website: “Emmanuel has great technical ability. He is good with both feet, can score goals and will certainly give us something different.

“We spotted him playing for Brighton reserves and nipped in to bring him here. He has fitted in extremely well and things have developed from there.

“The lad can certainly do a job for us and this is an exciting signing for the club.”

Derby County have taken Blackburn Rovers ‘keeper Frank Fielding on loan for the second time this season.

The 22-year-old, who has joined until the end of the season, spent two months late last year at the Championship club.

County manager Nigel Clough told his club’s official website: “We are delighted to have brought Frank back to the Club and he will go straight into the team for Saturday.

“It’s typical of our luck at the moment that we lost both of our keepers to injury in the space of 24 hours earlier in the week; leaving us in a predicament for our trip to Sheffield United.

“Saul will be out of action for a number of months and at the moment we don’t know when Stephen is going to be available to us again just yet, so we have had to act quickly.

“We know all about Frank and he knows about us, so it’s an obvious choice and we are pleased to have got this one over the line as there were a number of other Championship teams who wanted to take him.

“He doesn’t lack confidence, and he has shown already for us this season that he can handle the pressure of big matches.

“The deal lasts until the end of the season, so when Stephen is back fit it gives us some really strong competition for the number one jersey, which will be good for both of them and ultimately the team.”

Newcastle United midfielder Cheik Tiote has put pen to paper on a new six-and-a-half year contract at St. James’ Park.

The 24-year-old signs a new contract just six months after joining the Premiership club from FC Twente.

The Ivory Coast international told his club’s official website: “I am very happy today to have signed this new deal with Newcastle United.

“The experience of playing in the Premier League has been better than I ever hoped it could be.

“This is a great club and the fans have been brilliant – I have never known support like it.”

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew added: “Cheik has been immense for us this season and is exactly the type of player I want in my squad. He is fantastic on the pitch and in the changing room and is vital for everything we want to achieve.

“Cheik offers us strength and presence in midfield and has proved himself to be one of the best in his position in the Premier League. He’s adapted brilliantly to the English game and I’m delighted he’s signed a new deal with us today.”