Valencia: Valencia have reached an agreement to sign Portugal midfielder Manuel Fernandes on a six-year deal from Benfica. Spanish media reported that Valencia were likely to have paid between 12 and 15 million euros for the 21-year-old. Valencia said the agreement was dependent on the player passing a medical. Fernandes came up through the youth ranks at Benfica and helped the Portuguese club to win the league in 2005. He had loan spells at Portsmouth and Everton last season and at one point was reported to be close to agreeing a permanent move to the Merseyside club.
Camacho: Promoted Guimaraes spoiled Jose Antonio Camacho's first match in his second spell as Benfica coach by holding the Lisbon side to a 0-0 draw in the Portuguese Premier League last weekend. Benfica also drew their opening league game of the season last weekend. Camacho helped Benfica finish second in the league in 2004 during his previous stint at the club. The Lisbon team, 2-1 up from the first leg, travel to FC Copenhagen on Wednesday for the return match in the Champions League third qualifying round.
Papin: Former France striker Jean-Pierre Papin has been appointed coach of RC Lens, the departing Guy Roux said yesterday. "He was hired before the (Strasbourg) game," Roux told reporters. "I am delighted that it is him, he deserves it." Roux stepped down after his side's 2-1 defeat at Racing Strasbourg on Saturday, a result which left the northern side second from bottom in Ligue 1 with two points from four matches. Papin, 43, who played for Marseille, Milan and Bayern Munich, scored 30 goals in 54 games for France.
San Siro heat: Inter coach Roberto Mancini said matches should not be played in the heat of the afternoon after his exhausted side drew 1-1 with Udinese in their Serie A opener yesterday. "I have always said it. Matches in August and September should be played at least at 6 p.m. In January we play at 8.30 p.m. and in August at 3 p.m., in 40 degrees," Mancini told reporters.
Ferguson: Man. United manager Alex Ferguson said he was against UEFA president Michel Platini's proposals to open up Champions League places to domestic cup winners. "I don't agree. The Champions League is for what you do in the league," he said. "You can win the FA Cup playing nobody up until the final. Does that warrant entry into the Champions League?" UEFA are considering giving four of the 32 places in the competition proper to cup winners.
Toni: Bayern Munich's Italian striker Luca Toni will be out for up to 10 days after suffering a thigh strain as he scored the club's first goal in a 3-0 win over Hanover 96 on Saturday. The good news for Bayern is that Miroslav Klose should be available to replace him for next weekend's Bundesliga game away to Hamburg SV, with the German striker nearing full fitness again after a knee injury.
Jestrovic: Ex-Serbia striker Nenad Jestrovic has joined Red Star on a free transfer after a one-year spell in Qatar. Jestrovic, who scored 55 goals in 79 appearances for Belgian first division side Anderlecht, will not be available for Red Star's Champions League third qualifying round return leg against Rangers tomorrow.
Rugby Union: Friendly - Wales vs France 7-34 (HT: 7-17).