Mane not for sale

LONDON: Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has declared that Sadio Mane is not for sale, following British press reports linking the Senegalese forward with Manchester United. United are rumoured to have turned their attentions to Mane, 23, after reportedly dropping their interest in Pedro Rodriguez, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona on Thursday. But speaking after Southampton’s 1-1 draw at home to FC Midtjylland in the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie on Thursday, in which Mane played, Koeman said the player would not be leaving St Mary’s. The fleet-footed Mane joined Southampton from Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg last year and made 32 appearances in his debut season, scoring 10 goals. — AFP

Bacuna to stay

LONDON: Frenchman Leandro Bacuna has signed a new five-year deal with Aston Villa, the Premier League club said. Bacuna, who can play both as a defender or a midfielder, joined Villa in June 2013 from Dutch club Groningen. “I am absolutely thrilled to sign a new contract and continue my time at Aston Villa,” the 24-year-old Dutchman told the club website. “I love it here and am really excited about my future in claret and blue under the manager,” he said. “I feel I can really develop here and show my worth to the team and I think there are bright times ahead for us all.” Bacuna, who played for the under-21 Netherlands team, has scored five goals in 56 Premier League appearances for Villa. — Reuters

Juve sign Sandro

MILAN: Juventus have signed Brazil left back Alex Sandro from Porto on a five-year contract for a transfer fee of 26 million euros. The fee for the 24-year-old, who has played six times for Brazil, will be paid over the next three years, the Italian champions said on their website on Thursday. Alex Sandro, who started out at Atletico Paranaense before joining Santos, made 137 appearances for Porto, scoring three goals, and won two league titles and two Portuguese Super Cups. Juve, who claimed the Italian league and cup double last season but lost to Barcelona in the Champions League final, begin their Serie A campaign at home to Udinese on Sunday. — Reuters