BABB - I`M PROUD TO JOIN SPORTING

Republic of Ireland international Babb is looking to resurrect his career in Portugal next season, having fallen out of favour at Liverpool under Gerard Houllier, and has signed a three-year deal with Sporting Lisbon.

The 29-year-old is particularly looking forward to playing in the Champions League next term and once again experiencing football at the highest level.

"It is a great chance to be able to play in a club with the reputation and prestige of Sporting," said Babb. "The deal is now more or less completed and I am looking forward to starting training with my new team-mates.

"Sporting is a club of enormous tradition, and for me it is important that I fit in with this tradition in the squad."

Meanwhile, Sporting have completed the signing of former Manchester United youngster Jaron Kirovski and are locked in talks with Tranmere midfielder Alan Mahon with a view to securing his signature.