Brighton sign Harper

LONDON: Championship side Brighton have signed teenage Scottish striker Jack Harper from Real Madrid. The 19-year-old forward was born in Malaga to Scottish parents and he has been with Real since he was 13. Albion boss Chris Hughton said: “Even at the age of 19, Jack is a well-known name and having spent the past six years at Real Madrid, there is no doubting his pedigree.” He added: “He has had an excellent grounding, having come through the youth system at Real Madrid — and also has international experience at youth level, having featured for Scotland’s Under-17 and Under-19 sides.” Harper was once compared to Robin van Persie by Scotland performance director Mark Wotte.

Sauber retain drivers

BUDAPEST: Sauber have confirmed they will retain drivers Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson next year. The Swiss Formula One team announced their plans on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian GP. Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn said: “We are pleased about the extension and doing it so early shows that the drivers, and the team, are sure they are heading in the right direction.” Swede Ericsson, 24, joined Sauber this year following a debut season with the defunct Caterham team last year and finished eighth in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, his best result to date. Brazilian Nasr made his F1 debut with Sauber this year, finishing fifth in Australia and proving his potential with strong performances. He has scored 16 points and is 11th in the drivers’ championship.

Mensah in Atletico

MADRID: Atletico Madrid have agreed to sign Bernard Mensah from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes and will send him on loan for one season to La Liga rivals Getafe. “The Ghanaian player has signed with our club for six seasons,” Atletico said on their website on Wednesday. “He will play the first of those on loan with Getafe,” they added. Vitoria and Getafe also confirmed the deal for the 20-year-old, who operates as an attacking midfielder and can also play wide on the left.