La Volpe: Controversial coach Ricardo La Volpe, who led Mexico at the World Cup, said he has turned down an offer to coach Boca Juniors, the most popular club in his native Argentina. Boca directors had lined up the gruff former goalkeeper as a possible replacement for Alfio Basile, who has been offered the job as coach of Argentina.

Priske: Club Bruges have completed the signing of Danish defender Brian Priske from Portsmouth. The 29-year-old returns to Belgium one year after joining the Premiership club from Racing Genk.

Croatia: Former international defender Slaven Bilic was named as Croatia's new coach yesterday, replacing Zlatko Kranjcar who was sacked earlier this month. The 37-year-old, a member of the team that took a surprise third place at the 1998 World Cup, will lead the qualifying campaign for Euro 2008. After leaving Hajduk Split, Bilic played for Karlsruhe, West Ham and Everton before injuries cut short his career.

Sunderland: Niall Quinn was named new manager of Sunderland yesterday, giving him an all-powerful role at the club where his consortium recently bought a controlling interest. Quinn, 39, was a popular forward at the club in the last six years of his career and is expected to take over as chairman this season.

Paredes: Paraguay midfielder Carlos Paredes has joined Sporting from Reggina on a three-year contract. The 30-year-old international had a previous spell in Portugal with Porto.

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