Soccer-Roundup-Valencia outcasts seek contract terminations

MADRID, Dec 27 (Reuters) - Soccer news in brief from around the world on Thursday:

* The representative of Valencia outcasts David Albelda and Santiago Canizares, Alberto Toldra, has asked the club to come to an amicable arrangement to terminate their contracts so they can leave, Spanish media have reported.

Coach Ronald Koeman, with the club's backing, has told Spain midfielder Albelda and goalkeeper Canizares they no longer featured in his plans. Canizares has a contract until 2009, Albelda until 2011.

* Albania have hired Dutchman Arie Haan as their national coach for the next two years, the country's soccer federation said.

"The Albanian soccer federation's executive committee ... has decided that Mr Arie Haan will be the coach of the Albanian soccer team during the (2010) World Cup qualifiers," the federation said in a statement.

Newspapers reported that Haan, who has coached China and Cameroon, will receive 300,000 euros ($435,200) for two years in charge. He succeeds Otto Baric, who resigned after the team failed to qualify for Euro 2008.