Varane: Real Madrid’s France centre-back Raphael Varane has agreed to extend his contract by three years until June 2020, the European champions said. Varane, 21, has made 11 appearances for France and was part of the squad at the World Cup finals in Brazil, where Les Bleus lost 1-0 in the quarter-finals to eventual winners Germany.
Lokomotiv Moscow: A struggling Lokomotiv Moscow have fired Leonid Kuchuk, making him the first managerial casualty of the new Russian Premier League season. The Belarusian, 55, helped the club to third place last season but has paid the price for a poor start to their new campaign as well as dressing room discontent. The Railwaymen are currently languishing ninth in the table having picked up nine points and suffering three consecutive defeats late last month.
Israel: UEFA has lifted a ban on international matches being staged in Israel with immediate effect, secretary general Gianni Infantino said yesterday. “This ban has been lifted due to the improved situation in Israel,” Infantino told reporters. Israel was barred in July from staging any European competition matches, at either national team or club level, due to the security situation in the country.
Selke: Werder Bremen have extended the contract of European Under-19 Championship winner Davie Selke until 2018. The 19-year-old forward’s previous deal was up for renewal next summer.
Southampton: Southampton’s Senegalese international striker Sadio Mane has finally received his work permit and will arrive in England today, his English club said. The winger was signed from Red Bull Salzburg in a deadline-day deal worth almost £12 million.