Romario: Former Brazil striker Romario has denied reports that he has effectively taken over the coach's role at Vasco da Gama from Dario Lourenco. Brazilian newspaper reports yesterday said Romario had given a team-talk and then picked the two teams at a training session earlier this week while Lourenco remained silent on the sidelines with his back to the pitch. But the 39-year-old forward, who admitted he had fallen out with the coach the previous week, said he was merely performing his role as captain of the struggling team.

Gascoigne: Paul Gascoigne has accepted a coaching role with a minor league club in Portugal. The former England international will assist at Algarve United, who play in the Faro district Division One.

Pizarro: Inter signed Chilean midfielder David Pizarro from Serie A rivals Udinese yesterday. Pizarro has agreed a four-year contract with Inter, the Milan club said on their website. Also yesterday, Charlton completed the signing of Inter defender Gonzalo Sorondo, 25.

Reggina: Reggina have added new signings Ivan Pelizzoli and Luca Vigiani to their squad. Goalkeeper Pelizzoli has linked up with Reggina in a joint ownership deal from Roma. Midfielder Vigiani has joined Reggina on a season-long loan deal from Livorno.

Emre: Turkey midfielder Emre Belozoglu has joined Newcastle from Inter on a five-year contract. The 24-year-old, a member of the Turkey side who finished third at the 2002 World Cup, is expected to take over the left side vacated by Laurent Robert who has moved on loan to Portsmouth. Emre becomes manager Graeme Souness's second close season signing after fellow midfielder Scott Parker.

Nigeria: Frenchmen Philippe Troussier and Paul Le Guen and Brazilian Rene Weber were due to be interviewed in London for the Nigeria coaching job. "We have sent a five-man team to London to interview the three coaches," NFA chief Ibrahim Galadima told reporters. "We want a coach who is ready to start as soon as possible and also work under some pressure. He will start work on August 1."

Atouba: Bundesliga club Hamburg have completed the signing of Cameroon international Thimothee Atouba from Tottenham Hotspur. Atouba has signed a four-year contract, Hamburg announced. The club did not disclose the transfer fee.

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