TOKYO: FC Tokyo boosted their attacking options with the signing of forwards Nathan Burns and Francisco Sandaza on Wednesday as the J-League club moved to fill the void left by Yoshinori Muto’s departure for German side Mainz. Burns, who was part of Australia’s Asian Cup-winning side in January, was player of the year in the A-League last season and scored 13 goals in 24 games for Wellington Phoenix. “Officially signed for FC Tokyo,” the 27-year-old said on his Twitter feed, “Excited for my new challenge.”Tokyo, who will resume the second half of the Japanese season six points behind leaders Urawa Reds, also inked a deal with 30-year-old Spaniard Sandaza. Tokyo hope the pair will keep the goals flowing in the absence of Muto, who scored 13 times for the club last season. Mainz splashed out 470 million yen ($3.79 million) on the player in May, according to local media.

Gyan lands in China

SHANGHAI: Ghana skipper Asamoah Gyan touched down in China on Wednesday to complete his lucrative transfer from Emirati champions Al Ain to Shanghai SIPG. The 29-year-old striker was mobbed by fans at Shanghai airport and said in an article on his official website that he would complete his medical and sign a contract with the Chinese Super League club. The move is expected to be highly lucrative for Gyan, with media in China and the UAE saying the African would see his Al Ain weekly salary of $250,000 increase at title-chasing Shanghai, who are coached by former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson. Gyan enjoyed four trophy-laden years in the UAE, scoring 95 goals in 83 matches but Al Ain said they were forced to sell after receiving the highly lucrative offer from Shanghai, who are chasing a first top flight title. They are second in the 16-team Super League table, one point behind leaders Beijing Guoan after 17 matches.

De Villiers rested

DHAKA: South Africa have released captain AB de Villiers from their one-day international squad in Bangladesh ahead of the three-match series starting in Mirpur on Friday. De Villiers was suspended for the opening match of the series as punishment for maintaining a slow over rate during the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in March. “AB’s presence and contributions will be missed, but we have a hectic playing schedule this season and we felt this would be a great opportunity to develop the next tier of batters during this series, like we are doing with our bowlers,” coach Russell Domingo said in a press release from Cricket South Africa on Tuesday. Test skipper Hashim Amla, who is vice-captain in the 50-over format, will lead the side. Domingo also confirmed leg spinner Eddie Leie will remain in Bangladesh for the ODI series having helped the Proteas win the two-match Twenty20 series 2-0.