Morientes: Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes has joined Valencia for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club said. The 30-year-old Spanish international struggled to find his feet at the Premier League side after joining from Real Madrid in January last year and scored just 12 goals in 61 games for the Merseysiders. Valencia have made it clear that they were looking for another striker to partner leading scorer David Villa for next season, but they have not yet confirmed the deal.

Redknapp: Manager Harry Redknapp has signed a three-year contract with Portsmouth after saving the Premier League side from relegation last season. Redknapp rejoined Portsmouth, after an acrimonious departure and disappointing spell with south coast rivals Southampton, in December 2005. Southampton were relegated while he was manager.

Ballack: Germany captain Michael Ballack will be forced to rest for a few days after suffering a minor ankle sprain in a practice match yesterday. The injury to Ballack's left foot took the gloss off Germany's 12-0 win over Servette U-18 side, who wilted following a bright enough start at the Stade de Geneve.

Pauleta: Portugal striker Pauleta has clarified his future before the start of the World Cup finals by extending his contract with Paris St Germain. The Paris club said that Pauleta, who was under contract until 2007, had signed for another year and was now tied to PSG until 2008.

Essien: Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has recovered from a toe injury and will be available to play for Ghana in their World Cup warm-up against Turkey today. The Ghana FA said they would be able to choose from an injury-free squad for the friendly in Wurzburg, Germany.

Friendlies: Sweden vs Finland 0-0; Australia vs Greece 1-0; Colombia vs Ecuador 1-1.

European U-21 Championships: Group A - France vs Germany 3-0; Portugal vs Serbia 0-2. Today - (Group B) Italy vs Ukraine; Denmark vs Holland.