Sporting briefs

Hazard: Lille star Eden Hazard confirmed the worst-kept secret in French football yesterday, when he declared that he will leave the French champions at the end of the current season. “Only 2 matches left in LOSC’s colours... Sniff,” the Belgian wrote on his Twitter account. Hazard has expressed a desire to play in England.

Mertesacker: Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker is on course to anchor Germany’s back four at Euro 2012 after impressing during the first day of the Germans’ training camp in Sardinia yesterday. “He is incredibly focused, has worked hard and the European Championships have clearly made their impression on him,” said Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff.

Van Buyten: Belgium defender Daniel van Buyten has made his comeback for Bayern Munich’s reserves in his bid for a place in next Saturday’s Champions League final against Chelsea. With Bayern trio Holger Badstuber, Luiz Gustavo and David Alaba all suspended for the final at Munich’s Allianz Arena, 34-year-old centre-back Van Buyten is back in contention for selection.

Kelly: Stephen Kelly will hold contract talks with Fulham this week confident he has done everything possible to earn a new deal from Martin Jol. Kelly has established himself in the Fulham first team since Jol took charge, making 33 appearances so far and he is keen to stay at Craven Cottage.

Galatasaray: Galatasaray lifted the Turkish title for the 18th time yesterday after a goalless draw saw them deny rivals Fenerbahce, but crowd trouble marred the occasion as tensions escalated. Galatasaray fans greeted their success with a noisy concert of klaxons as thousands descended on Istanbul’s Taksim thoroughfare. But riot police had to deploy water cannon and tear gas to separate rival groups of fans as they exited Fenerbache’s Sukru Saracoglu.

Primera Liga: R. Sociedad vs Valencia 1-0.