Portugal's remaining two UEFA Cup contenders are busy reshuffling their squads ahead of the resumption of the competition next February, and their keenly awaited domestic meeting on 8 January.

Going home
Sporting Clube de Portugal have agreed to the transfer of 26-year-old midfielder Tinga to Brazilian side SC Internacional. The player has reportedly agreed a four-year contract with the Porto Alegre club in his homeland, with Sporting receiving part-ownership rights to Internacional midfield players Cleiton Xavier and Labarthe in return.

Trio to sign
Meanwhile, SL Benfica are to hand contracts to three promising youngsters, the 19-year-old midfield players João Vilela and Hélio Roque, as well as 18-year-old defender Tiago Gomes. All have already trained with the Lisbon club's first team, and were in action last night in a 4-1 victory against AD Oliveirense in the Portuguese Cup fifth round.