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Belgian leaders sign Nicolae, Dragutinovic stays [Thu Sep 1st, 2005]
Brussels (Reuters) - Unbeaten Belgian first division leaders Standard Liege signed Romanian international striker Marius Nicolae from Portugal's Sporting on a one-year deal.
In a double boost, Standard's Serbian defender Ivica Dragutinovic opted to stay in Liege after turning down a move to Olympique Marseille.
Dragutinovic appeared set for a move to France after both clubs agreed a fee but the 29-year-old defender, who is in Belgrade preparing for Serbia and Montenegro's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania on Saturday, was unhappy with the switch.
"Marseille are a large club, but I have one year left on my contract which I intend to see out," Dragutinovic, who has been with Standard since 2000, told the club's website.
"We are top of the league with maximum points. I hope to play this season and move as a free agent next summer."
Standard head the standings with 12 points after four games, two points ahead of Anderlecht.
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