Sporting briefs

Fulham: Fulham manager Martin Jol has linked up with Hans Segers again after appointing himgoalkeeping coach. The recently-appointed Dutchman has brought in fellow countryman Segers to fill the role vacated by Kevin Hitchcock. Segers worked with Jol at Tottenham, while Ray Lewington has been promoted from a youth coaching role to one of Jol’s assistants.

Nuno Gomes: Former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes has joined Sporting Braga on a one-year contract. The 34-year-old Nuno Gomes, who won 77 Portugal caps, left Benfica earlier this month. Benfica had offered Gomes a back-room role at the club but at the time he said he hoped to continue playing 'for at least an extra season'.

Roma: Roma are closing in on the signing of Sporting Gijon defender Jose Angel. The 21-year-old left-back has been a reported target of Barcelona and Manchester City. “Roma are in pole position to acquire him and this is a great opportunity for Jose Angel,” Alfredo Martinez told Il Corriere dello Sport.

Sunderland: Teenage striker Connor Wickham has joined Sunderland on a four-year contract. The 18-year-old arrives on Wearside having impressed sufficiently at Championship club Ipswich Town to attract the attention of Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. But instead Wickham has joined north-east side Sunderland in a move initially worth £8.1 million but potentially rising to £12 million.

Pedretti: Benoit Pedretti has completed his move to Ligue 1 champions Lille, signing a three-year contract with the club. The France international has joined from Auxerre for an undisclosed fee, replacing Yohan Cabaye who departed for Newcastle.

Women’s World Cup: Group A – Germany vs Nigeria 1-0; Canada vs France 0-4.