Banega gets permit

LIVERPOOL: Everton are set to sign Ever Banega on season’s loan from Valencia after securing a work permit for the Argentina midfielder on Saturday. The 21-year-old is expected to arrive on Merseyside to complete the deal and Everton manager David Moyes is looking to employ Banega in a similar role to Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta, who is currently sidelined with a knee ligament injury. — AFP

Robben interests City

MADRID: Both Manchester clubs are eyeing Real Madrid’s Dutch international Arjen Robben Spanish sports newspaper Marca said on Saturday. It said Manchester United and Manchester City may both put in offers of between 25 and 30 million euros for the 25-year-old, who moved to Real from Chelsea in 2007 for 36 million. The striker has been in good form in pre-season friendlies, scoring a spectacular goal in Real’s 5-0 thrashing of Dortmund. — AFP

Kirui claims gold

BERLIN: Abel Kirui led compatriot Emmanuel Mutai to a Kenyan one-two in the men's marathon at the World Athletics Championships here on Saturday. Kirui clocked a championship record of 2hr 06min 54sec around the picturesque course in central Berlin, ahead of Mutai (2.07:48) with Ethiopia's Olympic bronze medallist Tsegay Kebede finishing in third (2.08:35). It was only the second marathon victory after Vienna last year. — AFP