Katanec: The FA of Slovenia have re-appointed Srecko Katanec as head coach of the national team following the resignation of Slavisa Stojanovic. Katanec, 49, led his country to the 2002 World Cup at the end of a successful four-year spell, resigning after the eastern European nation failed to win a single group game before enjoying stints with Olympiakos, Macedonia and the UAE.

Pepe: Real Madrid defender Pepe had surgery on his right ankle at a clinic in Portugal yesterday, the club said, without giving a time-frame for his recovery. Spanish sports daily Marca said Pepe would be sidelined for about a month but he was already set to miss the game against Real Sociedad in the Berna-beu stadium this Sunday because of suspension.

McGowan: Australia international Ryan McGowan is poised to leave Hearts after a bid was accepted for the full-back, manager John McGlynn has confirmed. McGowan has been linked with a move to China and will not play in the Premier League match with Hibernian today, despite yet to agree to the switch. McGowan has been an ever-present at financially-troubled Hearts this season.

Bolasie: Yannick Bolasie has been replaced in the provisional Congo squad for the Africa Cup because he does not want to go to the tournament. Uncapped winger Bolasie, formerly of Floriana FC and now on the books of Crystal Palace, was named last month in a preliminary squad of 28 for the tournament in South Africa which starts on January 19.

Stevanovic: Sevilla have an-nounced the signing of Bosnia for-ward Miroslav Stevanovic. The 22-year-old, who arrives from Serbian side Vojvodina, was part of the Bosnia set-up at under 17, under-19 and under-21 levels before making his debut in the senior team last year. He joins Sevilla with the club in poor form with just one win in 10 games leaving them 14th in the standings.