New deals for Heerenveen duo

HEERENVEEN have handed contract extensions to a brace of their promising youngsters - Jesper Hakansson and Said Bakkati.

Hakansson is a Danish Under-21 international midfielder and has been at the club since arriving from Frem in 1999.

The 21-year-old has struggled with injuries this season but is now fully fit and has forced his way back into the Heerenveen side.

His contract had been due to expire next year but he has penned an extension that ties him to the club until the summer of 2005.

Versatile defender Bakkati has risen through the ranks at Heerenveen and has featured sporadically this term.

The 20-year-old would have been out-of-contract at the end of the season but has pledged his future to the Eredivisie outfit for a further two years, with Heerenveen holding an option for an additional two seasons.

Meanwhile, Brazilian striker Rafael Vieira, who has been told he can quit the club, is currently on trial with OFI Crete.