Sporting briefs

Tavares: Chievo have an-nounced the signing of defender Yohan Tavares from Standard Liege. The 25-year-old Frenchman will move to the Serie A after spending last season on loan in Portugal with Estoril. Tavares joins Chievo on a permanent basis.

Play-offs: The draws for the 2014 World Cup African qualifying third round and European play-off stage will take place in September and October respectively, FIFA said yesterday. The eight best European group runners-up will be entered into a draw that takes place in Zurich on October 21, with the four highest-placed teams from the Oct. 17 edition of the world rankings seeded. The African draw, involving the 10 group winners from round two, will be made on Sept. 16 in Cairo.

Gunnarsson: Cardiff City midfielder Aron Gunnarsson is expected to be fit for the start of the new season following a shoulder problem. Gunnarsson suffered the injury during a recent international game for Iceland against Slovenia and it was initially feared that he could be sidelined for three months.

Robinho: Robinho was yesterday linked with a move to Santos, the Brazilian club that almost lured the Milan striker to their fold in the January transfer window. Talks broke down six months ago due to Milan’s asking price, but it now seems that the Rossoneri have lowered their asking price to €8m.

Drenthe: The agent of former Everton midfielder Royston Drenthe claims the Dutch international has agreed a move to Reading. The winger is seeking a return to England following a spell in Russia with Alania Vladikavkaz. Fabian Veldwijk said: “The contract has been signed with Reading. A few small things have to be arranged before it’s official.”

Strootman: Napoli are showing keen interest in signing midfielder Kevin Strootman this summer. The young Dutchman had been linked with Milan last year but it seems that Napoli are more serious in their approach for the PSV player. “Napoli’s interest in Kevin is serious and PSV confirmed this development to us over the last few days,” Stroot-man’s agent said.