Sporting briefs

Carew: Experienced Norway striker John Carew completed his move from Aston Villa to West Ham. However, the deal was completed too late on Saturday for Carew to play in West Ham’s Championship opener against Cardiff yesterday.

Pletikosa: Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa confirmed he has signed for two seasons with Russian side Rostov after ending his contract with league rivals Spartak Moscow. “There were several offers but I opted to go where I can finally play. It’s the most important thing for me ahead of the European Champion-ship,” Pletikosa said.

Vorm: Swansea are set to sign FC Utrecht goalkeeper Michel Vorm after agreeing a £1.5 million fee for the Dutch international. Vorm, who is in Holland’s squad for their midweek friendly against England, will give Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers an experienced replacement for last season’s first-choice keeper Dorus de Vries, who joined Wolves earlier in pre-season.

Sydney: Sydney will host one of Australia’s 2014 World Cup Asian qualifying matches in October, with Oman to face the Socceroos at a yet to be named venue. Football Federation Australia said that under an agreement with the government, the Socceroos will play two more qualifyiers in the state if they pro-gress to the third round in which they are grouped with Saudi Arabia, Oman and Thailand.

McKay: Rangers have revealed they hope to sign Australia midfielder Matt McKay. Manager Ally McCoist is eager to recruit the the 28-year-old Brisbane Roar captain and could do the deal on Wednesday with McKay in Britain for Australia’s friendly against Wales.

Sneijder: Man. City manager Roberto Mancini has denied reports he is planning to launch a bid for Wesley Sneijder. It had been suggested in Italy that City were preparing a £30 million offer for Inter midfielder Sneijder but Mancini said: “It is not true. I never speak about him.”

Ligue 1: Dijon vs Rennes 1-5; Bordeaux vs Saint-Etienne 1-2.

Championship: West Ham vs Cardiff 0-1.