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Southampton breaks signing record of Djik

Following Liverpool’s longrunning pursuit of the 26-yearold Netherlands international, Southampton announced on Wednesday that it accepted the record fee ahead of the January transfer window opening.

The transfer fee of 70 million pounds ($94 million) could reach 75 million pounds ($100 million) depending on Van Dijk’s achievements at Anfield.

The deal eclipses the previous highest amounts paid for defenders who are rarely in contention for the top awards in football dominated by goal-scorers. English Premier League leader Manchester City paid around 50 million pounds each for Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker in the summer transfer window.

Piston’s Jackson out with sprained ankle

Detroit Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson is out for at least six to eight weeks with a sprained right ankle.

Jackson was injured after making a jump pass and landing awkwardly Tuesday night in a win over the Indiana Packers.

He is averaging 14.6 points, ranking third on the team, and leads the Pistons with 5.5 assists per game. Jackson was limited to 52 games last season, largely due to a knee injury.

The Pistons play Thursday night at Orlando and will likely start Ish Smith in place of Jackson.

Lynx extend Cheryl Reeve contract/duties

The Minnesota Lynx have signed coach Cheryl Reeve to a multiyear contract extension and made her general manager of the four-time WNBA champions.

Reeve’s record in eight seasons with the Lynx is 195-77, winning titles in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017. During the 11 years before Reeve’s arrival, the Lynx made the playoffs only twice.

Her .715 career winning percentage is the highest in WNBA history.

The Lynx also announced multiyear contract extensions with assistant coaches Shelley Patterson and Walt Hopkins on Thursday. The team promoted basketball operations manager Clare Duwelius to assistant GM.

Executive vice president Roger Griffith previously held the role of general manager. Reeve becomes the sixth dual coach/GM in the league.