PSG top: Ligue 1 title favourites Paris SG returned to the top of the table after overwhelming third-bottom Ajaccio 4-1 at a rain-soaked Parc des Princes yesterday. Montpellier had conceded the initiative in the title race after being held to a draw at Dijon on Saturday and PSG took full advantage by beating Ajaccio through goals from Javier Pastore, Jeremy Menez, Guillaume Hoarau and Nene.

Pardew: Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew yesterday said that some of Chelsea’s senior stars should apologise to Andre Villas-Boas after he was sacked as Blues boss. Pardew said he felt for Villas-Boas, who was criticised for dropping Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, after experiencing a similar situation during his spell at West Ham United. “I have a lot of sympathy for him because that is a really, really talented coach we have lost in this country,” Pardew said.

Vidic: Alex Ferguson insists Nemanja Vidic, who suffered a serious knee injury in December, remains on course to return to action next season and will not rush the Man. United captain back before the end of the campaign. “I think he’s on schedule really,” said Ferguson. “It’ll be the beginning of the season... it won’t be any sooner – I can assure you of that.”

Reginaldo: Brazilian striker Reginaldo agreed a deal to join Japanese club Jef United Ichihara from Serie A side Siena. Reginaldo, 28, had yet to score in 13 matches in the Italian top flight this season.

Kagawa: Japan winger Shinji Kagawa has said he wants to extend his contract at Borussia Dortmund after his winning goal sealed a 2-1 win over Mainz on Saturday. “We’ll have talks but there is no ultimatum or deadline,” he said, having signed for Dortmund in July 2010 from Cerezo Osaka for just €350,000. “The atmosphere in the team is awesome.”