Sporting briefs

Gera: West Brom midfielder Zoltan Gera is hopeful of being fit for the start of the new season despite making just three appearances during the last campaign after suffering knee ligament damage. Gera said: “Hopefully I will be ready for the first game of the season against Liverpool. I look forward to starting the season and in a couple of weeks I should be able to train fully with the team.”

Kalou: Lille have confirmed the signing of Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou on a free transfer following his release by Chelsea. Kalou has agreed on a four-year deal at the Ligue 1 side after being released at the end of last season following six years in London.

Sterjovski: Former Australia international striker Mile Sterjovski has signed a one-year deal with Australian A-League outfit Central Coast Mariners, the club said yesterday. Sterjovski, 33, who played for the Socceroos under Guus Hiddink at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, has left Chinese Super League side Dalian Aerbin and will arrive home tomorrow to formalise his new deal.

Herrera: Ligue 1 champions Montpellier have signed Argentinian striker Emanuel Herrera on a three-year contract from Chilean top-flight club Union Espanola. The 25-year-old, from Rosario, has been playing in Chile for two seasons, helping his club reach the end of season play-offs by scoring 11 goals in 21 games between January and June in the Apertura. The striker also netted five goals in eight games for the Chilean club in the Copa Libertadores.

Joselu: Real Madrid have rejected a five million euros bid for reserve striker Joselu from German side Hoffenheim according to AS. The 22-year-old scored 26 goals last season as Real Madrid Castilla were promoted to the Segunda Division and has also caught the eye of Arsenal and West Ham.