Zambian player dies: Zambian striker Chaswe Nsofwa, of Israeli second division side Hapoel Beer Sheva, collapsed and died during a practice match in the southern desert city yesterday. Nsofwa, 27, was pronounced dead at Beer Sheva's Soroka Hospital after resuscitation efforts on the pitch failed to revive him.

Minute's silence: There will be a minute's silence at Catania's home game with Genoa on Sunday to remember the policeman killed during riots outside Catania's match with Palermo in February. Catania have not played in their home stadium since the incident.

Bulykin: Former Russian international Dmitry Bulykin has joined German side Bayer Leverkusen on a free transfer, signing a one-year contract. Bulykin has not played top-flight soccer for over a year after walking out on his last club, Dynamo Moscow.

Knight: Aston Villa have signed defender Zat Knight from Premier League rivals Fulham for £3.5 million. The 27-year-old, who signed a new contract with Fulham last month, has penned a four-year deal.

Radzinski: Canadian international striker Tomas Radzinski has joined Greek Super League club Xanthi. The 33-year-old, released by Fulham at the end of last season, has signed a two-year contract.

Greek season: The Greek soccer season will get underway on Saturday following a one-week postponement because of the forest fires. The big derby between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos will take place on Sunday.