Briefs | Ajax signs deal with Guangzhou

Ajax will share its experience in nurturing young talent with Guangzhou R&F and help the Chinese football club develop its own youth academy. Four-time European champion Ajax signed a five-year, 10 million euro (USD12 million) deal yesterday, saying it will also help the Dutch club to grow. Ajax director and former Netherlands international goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar says the youth academy “has been extremely important to Ajax for decades in everything we do.” He says sharing the knowledge with Guangzhou “is good for both clubs.” Guangzhou R&F vice president Nicky Wong says Ajax “has the best youth academy in the world” and fits the Chinese club’s style of play and plans for developing talent. He says “we have great confidence in a fruitful cooperation.”

Rodgers matches Stein record as Celtic wins League Cup

Celtic defeated Motherwell 2-0 Sunday at Hampden Park to retain the Scottish League Cup. The triumph saw Brendan Rodgers become the first Celtic manager since Jock Stein to win four domestic trophies in a row. James Forrest gave Celtic the lead shortly after halftime and the game was effectively over when Motherwell defender Cedric Kipre gave away a penalty and was sent off just before the hour mark. Moussa Dembele rolled in the spot kick to ensure Rodgers equaled the record of club legend Stein.