Drenthe: Real Madrid have agreed to sign Dutch wing-back Royston Drenthe from Feyenoord on a five-year contract, the Spanish champions said yesterday. The Dutch Under-21 international, who can play at left-back or in midfield, becomes Real's fifth signing of the close season.

Lennon: Tottenham Hotspur winger Aaron Lennon could miss England's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia next month after having surgery on a knee injury. Spurs manager Martin Jol said yesterday that the winger will not resume training until the end of August having already missed the London club's pre-season preparations.

Zigic: Valencia have reached an agreement with Racing Santander to sign Serbia striker Nikola Zigic on a five-year contract. Spanish media reported the deal was worth around 15 million euros ($20.67 million).

Rangers: Rangers have signed Gabon international striker Daniel Cousin on a three-year deal and he could make his debut against St Mirren in tomorrow's Scottish Premier League match. Cousin, who joined from RC Lens for 1.5 million euros, told the club website: "I am not 100 per cent fit, but if the coach asks me to play this weekend, I will play."

Work Permits: Manchester City players Valeri Bojinov and Vedran Corluka received work permits yesterday and can now be registered in time for the new season. Bulgarian striker Bojinov and Croatian defender Corluka are among City's eight close-season signings.

Scottish League Cup: Second round draw - Motherwell vs Raith Rovers; Queen's Park vs Hibs; Dundee vs Livingston; Peterhead vs Kilmarnock; Dundee United vs Ross County; Montrose vs Falkirk; Gretna vs Cowdenbeath; Stirling Albion vs Hearts; St Mirren vs East Fife; Berwick Rangers vs Hamilton; Inverness vs Arbroath; Partick vs St Johnstone.

Cricket: India closed on 316 for four wickets on the first day of the third and final test against England at the Oval yesterday. Sachin Tendulkar was 48 not out and Vangipurappu Laxman was on 20 after opener Dinesh Karthik scored 91.