■ENGLAND
Shorey signs with Villa
Nicky Shorey has moved to Aston Villa from Reading on a three-year contract to become Villa’s fourth summer signing. The 27-year-old Shorey joins former Royals teammate Steve Sidwell and goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan. Shorey headed to the midlands earlier on Thursday after Villa agreed to an undisclosed fee with Reading. And after agreeing on personal terms, the twice-capped England player has signed for Martin O’Neill’s side. Shorey had been expected to leave Reading since their relegation last season with a number of clubs reportedly interested in his services. The Londoner will fill the void left by Wilfred Bouma, who dislocated his ankle recently, and provide long-term competition for places.
■ENGLAND
Chelsea bids for Robinho
Top English Premiership club Chelsea confirmed on Thursday night they had made a bid for Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker Robinho. The Stamford Bridge club, who have already signed Jose Bosingwa and Deco, had made no secret of their desire to bring Robinho into their squad. A statement on the Blues’ Web site read: “Further to media reports, Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have made an offer to Real Madrid today for the transfer of Robinho.” The 24-year-old, who joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2005, has 50 caps for Brazil and Chelsea’s offer is believed to be around £20 million (US$39 million).
■ENGLAND
Liverpool to retain wingers
Liverpool has rejected AS Roma’s pursuit of Yossi Benayoun and Hamburg’s attempt to sign Dirk Kuyt. Manager Rafa Benitez was keen to retain the wingers despite still trying to secure the finances to buy Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry. “It is true that Roma are interested in Yossi,” Benitez said on Thursday. “I have talked to him and told him I want to keep him. He is a player with quality and has shown that during preseason. I have no more news about Yossi — he will be staying with us. I also talked with Dirk Kuyt this morning. I am really pleased with him and he will be staying with us.”
■PORTUGAL
Atletico loans out Reyes
Spain international Jose Antonio Reyes will play for top Portuguese club Benfica next season after being loaned out by Atletico Madrid, the Lisbon club said on Thursday night. There is also an option for Benfica to buy Reyes, the club statement said. The 24-year-old striker has formerly played for Sevilla (1999-2004) and Arsenal (2004-2007).
■GERMANY
Bayern to play short
Jurgen Klinsmann on Thursday said that Bayern Munich could be without as many as eight top players for their first competitive match this weekend. Bayern will play Erfurt tomorrow in the first round of the German Cup, before kickstarting the defense of their league title against Hamburg the following Friday. “We are going to be a little short,” Klinsmann said, following news that Argentinean defender Martin Demichelis will be out for up to three weeks after picking up a knock in Tuesday’s pre-season defeat against Inter Milan. With Italian star Luca Toni doubtful, and newly crowned German player of the year Franck Ribery, Frenchman Willy Sagnol, Hans Jorg Butt and Tim Borowski all topping the list of crocks, Klinsmann is facing a selection nightmare. To add to those injuries woes, Brazilian defender Breno and Argentinean midfielder Jose Sosa will be in Beijing to represent their countries at the Olympic Games.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely