Defoe: Jermain Defoe is expected to become a Sunderland player today after the final details of his transfer were tied up. However, the Black Cats are waiting for Jozy Altidore’s proposed swap-move to Toronto to be processed before making an announcement. Altidore only flew to Canada yesterday to push through his return to the MLS.

Anderson: Lazio forward Felipe Anderson, one of the most influential players in Serie A recently, has been ruled out for the next three weeks because of a knee sprain. The 21-year-old had suffered the injury during training yesterday, and would be sidelined for “three weeks barring complications”.

Alaba: Bayern Munich full-back David Alaba says he is taking it one step at a time on his way back from a knee injury. The Austria international tore knee ligaments in November, but he has now returned to training. However, the 22-year-old says he will only play again when he is fully fit. “We want to give it a bit of time,” he said.

Mackay-Steven: Ronny Deila has revealed that Celtic are trying to sign Gary Mackay-Steven from Dundee United on a pre-contract agreement. The 24-year-old winger’s current deal at Tannadice ends in the summer. Deila said: “He is a player we have been looking at for a long time.”

Everton: Everton have taken the unusual step of thanking their fans for their support this season by subsidising their tickets for the Premier League match at Chelsea next month. Everton will put £10 towards the cost of an adult ticket for the match at Stamford Bridge on the evening of Feb. 11 as a way of recognising their loyalty.