Stefanovic signs new deal

The Yugoslavian international, rated as one of the best central defenders in the Dutch Eredivise, is now contracted to the Gelredome outfit until 2006.

The 28-year-old joined the club in 1999 from Sheffield Wednesday, and still had two years left on his old contract.

It had been expected that Stefanovic would be sold during the forthcoming winter break because of Vitesse's financial problems.

The club still insist though that despite the new contract, if a sizeable bid for the player arrives they would listen to the offer.

Stefanovic himself has said he will only leave the club if a top European team comes in for him.

Marseille have previously been linked with a swoop for the centre back, while Ajax and Feyenoord are also thought to be tracking his situation.