Tevez: Argentine striker Carlos Tevez will make his Manchester United debut on Wednesday and could feature against Reading in the Premier League next weekend, manager Alex Ferguson said. Ferguson expressed excitement at the arrival of Tevez, who is set to complete a move to Old Trafford this week. "I think the boy's got something exceptional in him, we experienced it in the last game against him at Old Trafford," the United manager said. Man. United send squads to face both Northern Ireland's Glentoran and Scottish side Dunfermline on Wednesday, with Tevez set to appear four days before United open their league title defence against Reading.
Messi: A signed pair of Lionel Messi's boots have been sold for 4,000 euros ($5,514) at an auction in Beijing on Barcelona's tour of Asia, Spanish media reported yesterday. They were the boots the Argentina forward wore when he scored a goal for Barcelona similar to Diego Maradona's famous solo effort against England in the 1986 World Cup, in the King's Cup semi-final first leg against Getafe in April. Other items of Barca memorabilia auctioned included the shirt France striker Thierry Henry wore at his official presentation in June and a cutting of Brazil forward Ronaldinho's hair.
Racial abuse: UEFA president Michel Platini has said Europe's governing body must crack down further on racial abuse inside stadiums. "We will be strong. We will not say 'please don't do that'. We will not leave space for racism in football just like we will not tolerate fighting or violence. In the past clubs have been fined and we have appealed because we thought that the fines were not enough," he said. Asked if punishments could include clubs being expelled from competitions, he said: "Why not?"
Reyes: Spain winger Jose Antonio Reyes said he hoped scoring and setting up a goal on his Atletico Madrid debut in a 3-1 friendly win over Lazio would help convince doubting fans. Some Atletico fans whistled during his presentation for having played last season at Real Madrid on loan from Arsenal.
Fabio Junior: Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Tel Aviv have signed former Brazilian international Fabio Junior, the club said. Junior, whose last club was VfL Bochum of the German Bundesliga, signed a two-year contract with the Tel Aviv outfit.
Smith on target: Alan Smith enjoyed a dream debut for Newcastle with the only goal in a 1-0 pre-season friendly against Sampdoria. Smith, who signed a five-year contract on Friday following his move from Manchester United, scored with a header from Geremi's corner just before the hour mark. The 26-year-old partnered former Leeds team-mate Mark Viduka in attack before reverting to midfield later in the game.