Van Beek: Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink has included uncapped Feyenoord defender Sven van Beek in a 30-man preliminary squad for next month’s Euro 2016 qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Iceland Hiddink also named several young players who were first called up last year by his predecessor Louis van Gaal in the build-up to the World Cup. The 20-year-old Van Beek has played only 16 league matches for Feyenoord but won caps at U-21 level for the Dutch.

Perrin: Long-serving St Etienne captain Loic Perrin has signed a two-year contract extension with the Ligue 1 club. The 29-year-old defender, who joined ASSE back in 2001 before making over 200 league appearances for Les Verts, could assume a coaching role once his playing career comes to an end.

Otamendi: Argentina coach Gerardo Martino has added Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi to his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Hong Kong. The 26-year-old was part of the preliminary group for this summer’s global showpiece in Brazil but did not make the 23-man cut.

Sa Pinto: Former Portugal international Ricardo Sa Pinto has been appointed coach of Atromitos, the Greek Super League club said yesterday. The 41-year-old, who managed OFI Crete in Greece’s top flight last season, has signed a two-year deal. Atromitos is the fourth head coach role for Pinto, who started his coaching career as an assistant at Uniao Leiria in 2010.

CSKA Sofia: Favourites CSKA Sofia were knocked out of the Bulgarian Cup after suffering a shock 2-1 extra-time loss at second division club Montana in the last 32 yesterday. CSKA went ahead in the 72nd minute when winger Toni Silva headed in from close range. However, Montana refused to surrender and captain Miroslav Antonov levelled seven minutes later. Sergey Georgiev made it 2-1 in the last minute of the first extra-time period, capitalising on defensive a mistake.