Lehmann gets Löw approval

Germany

Gérard Houllier believes his Olympique Lyonnais side can claim the French championship for the sixth year running this season. "The fifth crown was a first in France, a sixth will be a first in Europe, as no side from a major league has achieved that," he said. Lyon play their first competitive game of the new campaign on 30 July against Paris Saint-Germain FC in the Super Cup.

Former manager Terry Venables is in talks with the Football Association about joining Steve McClaren's new England coaching set-up. Venables, who led the hosts to the semi-finals of EURO '96™, said: "I'm excited by the prospect of working with England again, although I must stress, the deal has to be finalised."

FC Nantes Atlantique defender Julio César Cáceres has completed a permanent transfer to CA River Plate after impressing on loan in Buenos Aires last season. The French club have received €2.2m for the 26-year-old Paraguayan international.

Ludovic Giuly has given his name to the stadium where he began his career in Chasselay, a French town with a population of 2,621, lying 25km north of Lyon. The FC Barcelona midfielder played for local club Monts d'Or Azergues before leaving for Olympique Lyonnais. He has also been made honorary president.

English Premiership new boys Reading FC have agreed a new three-year contract with Irish striker Shane Long. The 19-year-old scored three goals in eleven league appearances - ten as a substitute - last season, his first since joining from Cork City FC.

Danish club Viborg FF have signed American defender Robbie Russell on a two-and-a-half year contract. Russell, 27, has previously played in Norway with Sogndal IL and Rosenborg BK. "Robbie is a technically good player, who has two good feet and is strong going forward," Viborg coach Ove Christensen said of the full-back.

Swiss side FC Sion have signed Angola defender Kali. The 27-year-old, who has been capped 24 times and appeared in his country's three games at the FIFA World Cup, joins on a three-year deal from Portuguese club FC Barreirense.