Football

The Arsenal winger, Jimmy Carter, has joined second division Oxford United in a two-month loan deal which could lead to a permanent move. Carter had a spell on loan at the Manor Ground last season.

Nottingham Forest have signed Cambridge's Australian goalkeeper, John Filan, on a month's loan. Forest's No 2 goalkeeper, Tommy Wright, has had a cartilage operation, and Filan will act as cover for Mark Crossley.

Sunderland have completed the signing of the Bristol City defender, Martin Scott, in a part-exchange deal involving Gary Owers valued at around £750,000. The Roker Park club has paid £450,000 in cash and released £300,000-rated midfielder Owers in order to land Scott.

Sheffield United have made a £150,000 bid for the Huddersfield striker, Phil Starbuck, following a successful two-month loan period at Bramall Lane.

Millwall have given an 18-month contract to the former Manchester City striker, Jason Beckford, who was released by Stoke City earlier this month.

Preston North End completed the £55,000 signing of Graham Lancashire, the Burnley striker, who will make his debut on Boxing Day against Rochdale.

Australia will play two international matches against Colombia in February, the Australian Soccer Federation have said. Colombia will play the Australians in Brisbane on 8 February and in Sydney on 11 February.

Real Madrid beat Valladolid 5-0 to return to the top of the Spanish first division. Two goals from Ivan Zamorano, and one each from Luis Enrique, Raul and Alfonso put Madrid ahead of Real Zaragoza on goal difference. Zamorano's second goal was Madrid's 4,000th in the Spanish league, a record.

Diego Maradona has signed a one-year contract, worth a reported US$1.24m (£800,000), to coach the Argentinian First Division side, Racing Club.

PORTUGUESE CUP: FC Porto 5 Uniao Leiria 0; Feirense 1 Sporting Braga 3 (aet); Ovarense 1 Salgueiros 0; Farense 3 Felgueiras 1; Vitoria Guimaraes 1 Louletano 2; Vitoria Setubal 4 Torres Novas 0; Boavista 0 Sporting Lisbon 0 (aet); Benfica Lisbon 3 Tirsense 0.

HEREWARD United Counties League Premier Division: Postponed: Holbeach v Spalding.