England coach Mark Sampson is optimistic goalkeeper Karen Bardsley will recover from a mystery eye problem in time for the Women’s World Cup semi-final against Japan tomorrow.

Bardsley had to be withdrawn in the 52nd minute of England’s 2-1 win over Canada in Vancouver on Saturday after suffering an eye inflammation. She was replaced by Siobhan Chamberlain.

“She is in a better place,” Sampson said of Bardsley.

“It has certainly gone down, the swelling. I think by tomorrow she will be good to get herself on the training field and be up for selection for what is a really big game for us.”

Leekens quits as Tunisia coach

George Leekens has ended his contract as coach of Tunisia after not being paid promised bonuses.

The 66-year-old Belgian had been in the job for just over a year and took Tunisia to the African Nations Cup quarter-finals earlier this year. He saw the country beat Djibouti 8-1 a fortnight ago at the start of the 2017 Nations Cup qualifiers.

“An amicable separation without any financial liability to Leekens or the federation was agreed. A new foreign coach will be employed and contacts have commenced,” a statement from the Tunisian federation said.

Black Cats in talks over Coates

Sunderland hope to complete the signing of Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates later this week.

The Black Cats are close to tying up a £2 million deal for the 24-year-old Uruguay international, who had a loan spell at the Stadium of Light last season.

Press Association Sport reported talks are ongoing and that the club is hopeful of reaching a successful conclusion within days.

Coates is currently enjoying a break after Uruguay’s involvement in the Copa America, but with just a year of his contract at Anfield to run, is expected to leave this summer.

Cathro eager to get going at Newcastle

Ian Cathro is relishing the challenge of playing his part in Steve McClaren’s Newcastle revolution.

The former Valencia coach is expected to be formally announced as McClaren’s assistant at St James’ Park later this week, but has already spoken about his reasons for accepting a new challenge on Tyneside.

Cathro told BBC Sport: “I wanted a fresh challenge and didn’t want to just sit it out over there and wait for the right manager’s job to come up.

“To come into British football as a manager with no experience of working with English-speaking players is perhaps not advisable anyway, so this makes perfect sense.”

Costa confirms Bayern interest

Brazil international Douglas Costa yesterday confirmed an interest by the German champions Bayer Munich to sign him but said there was no deal yet.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder, who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk, said talks had taken place between his club and the Bavarians.

The Bundesliga champions are eager to sign him as an option on the wings and an eye on the future with speedy wingers Franck Ribery nursing a months-long injury and Arjen Robben turning 32 in January.

“Discussions have been held between my club and Bayern. But as we speak I know of nothing more than an interest from Bayern,” Costa said.

Mustafi flattered by Real reports

Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi is flattered by reported interest from Real Madrid in his services.

According to speculation in Spain, the Germany international is a player Real are looking at should Sergio Ramos leave the club.

Ramos, whose deal at Real finishes in June 2017, is a reported target of Manchester United.

“Right now I’m on holiday,” Mustafi said to German TV channel Sport 1.

“But who wouldn’t be happy if Madrid were interested in you.

“There’s no player who wouldn’t be happy. This proves that I have played at a good level throughout the season.”

Dicks joins Hammers coaching staff

Former West Ham defender Julian Dicks has returned to Upton Park as a full-time coaching assistant.

The 46-year-old had two spells with the Hammers in the 80s and 90s and will form part of former team-mate Slaven Bilic’s new backroom team after a season in charge of West Ham United Ladies.

“To be joining the first-team coaching staff at my club is fantastic news for me,” Dicks told the club’s official website.

“I was with the Ladies last year and I thoroughly enjoyed that, but to get the opportunity to work with Slaven, his coaching staff and the first-team players is a dream come true.”

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