HART TO SNUB SPORTING AS SEARCH FOR CLUB DRAGS ON

JOE HART is likely to reject the opportunity to resurrect his career in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon. The 31-year-old goalkeeper is looking for a club after a disappointing season on loan at West Ham which cost him a place in England’s squad for the World Cup. Hart still has a year left on his contract at Manchester City but accepts he has no future at the Etihad. Sporting are prepared to offer him a deal, but it falls well short of the player’s £120,000-aweek wages. Meanwhile, City have beaten off competition from Chelsea to sign PSV Eindhoven forward Jayden Braaf, 15. Able to play as a striker or off either wing, the Dutchman has drawn comparisons with Gabriel Jesus. City also hope to complete the £44m signing of Napoli playmaker Jorginho this week.

CONTRIBUTORS: Laurie Whitwell and Chris Wheeler