Digest

Soccer

Zahavi reportedly set to leave Super League

Striker Eran Zahavi is poised to leave Guangzhou R&F, according to reports in his native Israel.

Israeli TV channel Sport 1 claimed that Zahavi will not return to China after Israel's upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Scotland and Slovakia, on Sept 4 and 7 respectively.

The channel added that Istanbul-based Fenerbahce is interested in signing Zahavi ahead of the start of the new Turkish season on Sept 11, while the Ynet website reported that Major League Soccer franchises Los Angeles Galaxy and Inter Miami-owned by David Beckham－are also keen on the forward.

Sports website One reported that Zahavi could return to Israeli champion Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he played for three and a half seasons before leaving for China in 2016.

Zahavi has scored 91 goals in 106 appearances for R&F and finished as the Chinese Super League's top scorer in 2019, with 29 goals. He started Tuesday's 5-1 defeat to Shandong Luneng which left R&F sixth in the CSL's Group B standings.

'Monster' Kim avoids media as rumors swirl

Beijing Guo'an pulled Kim Minjae out of a media conference on Tuesday as speculation swirled linking the South Korean defender with a move to England or Italy.

Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur and Seria A Lazio are said to be among the clubs chasing the 23-year-old centerback, who is nicknamed "Monster" because of his 1.90m (6-foot-2) frame.

Kim, linked with Watford before moving to the Chinese Super League from Jeonbuk Motors in 2019, had been scheduled to face media alongside Beijing coach Bruno Genesio.

"I'm going to be very honest with you," said Frenchman Genesio."We scheduled Kim to be here at this media conference but I was told that there are lots of rumors and news about him. He's a young player and I decided to protect him.

"I think it's best for him to concentrate on Thursday's match (against Shijiazhuang Ever Bright) and not be exposed to more criticism and questions that will put him in a difficult position."

Goalkeeper Henderson pens new United deal

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson has signed a new long-term contract with Manchester United, the English Premier League club announced on Wednesday.

Henderson, 23, included in Gareth Southgate's senior England squad for next month's Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark, has spent the past two seasons on loan at Sheffield United.

Henderson made 86 appearances in total for the Blades, helping them win promotion to the Premier League and then secure a commendable ninth-place finish in the top flight last season.

Henderson, who joined United aged 14, confirmed earlier this month that he would not be staying for a further season with the Blades, who have signed goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth.

Henderson will compete with Spaniard David de Gea, who endured a shaky end to last season, and Argentine Sergio Romero for a starting berth.

"We are in a strong position within the goalkeeping department and that gives us the competition for places that we are looking for in the squad," said United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Defender Chilwell joins Lampard's Blues rebuild

England international Ben Chilwell on Wednesday became Chelsea's third high-profile signing of the summer, leaving Leicester City for a reported fee of around 50 million pounds ($66 million).

Chilwell's arrival at Stamford Bridge on a five-year deal follows the signings of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner from Ajax and RB Leipzig, with more business expected before the transfer window closes.

While neither Chelsea nor Leicester officially disclosed the sum paid for Chilwell, the Foxes said on their website it was "one of the largest transfer fees ever received" by the club.

"I am delighted to be joining Chelsea at this very exciting time for the club," 23-year-old Chilwell said on the Blues' website.

"I'm looking forward to being a part of this young, dynamic squad led by Frank Lampard as we challenge for honors next season."

Leicester academy product Chilwell, who has 11 England caps, made his debut for the Foxes in October 2015 and made 123 appearances for the club.

BOXING

Horn considering retirement after loss

Jeff Horn has been encouraged to retire after the former world champion was beaten by Tim Tszyu in a super-welterweight bout.

Three years after beating Manny Pacquiao at a packed Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, the Australian said he felt relief on Wednesday when the official stopped their bout ahead of the ninth round.

Horn didn't officially end his career after the loss, but knows it will be difficult for him to convince his wife and two daughters that the best decision is to fight on after his third defeat from his last five bouts.

"I'll go home and talk to (wife) Jo but I know what she's going to say," said the 32-year-old former school teacher."In the end, I have to ask if I have more in the tank or is that it. I probably don't have the hunger of Tim Tszyu. I've been there, done the world title, I was just fighting for the big fights and the mountain was too big for me tonight."

Horn was knocked down in the third and sixth rounds before the contest was stopped after the eighth.

Promoter Dean Lonergan said of Horn's career:"I think tonight would be a nice full stop. The baton I think's been passed."

GOLF

Tiger, Thomas to face McIlroy, Rose in duel

Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas will play Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose in a Ryder Cup-style 18-hole charity match next month between former world No 1s, Woods announced on Wednesday.

The made-for-TV Payne's Valley Cup－named after the late Payne Stewart－at the Big Cedar Lodge course in Ridgedale, Missouri, will be staged on Sept 22.

The date is three days before the canceled Ryder Cup was supposed to be played at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. Just like the Ryder Cup, the charity match will feature, fourball, foursomes and singles formats.

Mostly, though, the event is a chance to show off the first public course Woods has designed. The other courses from his TGR Design company have been either private or resort courses."Payne's Valley is the first public golf course that I have designed. I couldn't be prouder of how it turned out," Woods said.

Xinhua - Agencies