Digest

Soccer

Van Gaal in no rush to decide his future

Former Manchester United and Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has dismissed a report in Dutch media that he has retired from coaching and said he will make a decision about his future at the end of a sabbatical year.

The 65-year-old, who has been out of work since being fired by United last May, told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser he had rejected an offer to coach struggling Spanish club Valencia last month.

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf said on Monday Van Gaal had decided to call time on his coaching career, with the sudden death of his son-in-law influencing his decision.

"I've not retired," he told Cadena Ser. "I'm on a sabbatical year and then I'll decide if I do or not.

"There's a big possibility of me retiring, but it's not definitive."

Jose hangs onto valued Valencia

Antonio Valencia will stay at Manchester United until 2018 after agreeing to a one-year extension clause in his contract on Tuesday.

Valencia earned the new deal after establishing himself as Jose Mourinho's first-choice rightback.

The 31-year-old is a key figure at Old Trafford, making 271 appearances, scoring 21 goals and winning six trophies since signing from Wigan in 2009.

Valencia has made 23 appearances for United this term under Mourinho, who attempted to take him to Real Madrid during his time in Spain.

Struggling Swans getting some help

Premier League strugglers Swansea signed Tom Carroll from Tottenham Hotspur on a three-and-half-year deal on Tuesday, while Sweden defender Martin Olsson also joined the Swans.

England Under-21 midfielder Carroll made 18 appearances during a loan spell with Swansea two seasons ago but has featured just once for Spurs this term.

The Wales-based Swans are currently at the bottom of the standings, behind Sunderland on goal difference.

No transfer fees for either Carroll or Olsson were disclosed by Swansea, but Carroll was reported to have moved for $6 million, with Olsson joining from second-tier Norwich for a fee of $4.9 million.

Baseball

Bautista's big bat back with Blue Jays

Slugging outfielder Jose Bautista is returning to the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year deal, multiple outlets reported on Tuesday.

The contract is reportedly worth $17.2 million for 2017 and includes a mutual option clause for the following season.

Bautista rejected that same one-year offer in November and became a free agent.

The 36-year-old Bautista is a six-time All-Star but didn't draw much interest on the free-agent market. He blasted 22 homers with 69 RBIs last season.

Ice Hockey

Islanders show Capuano the door

The New York Islanders fired coach Jack Capuano on Tuesday in the midst of a poor season for the club.

The Islanders are 17-17-8 and in last place in the Eastern Conference with 42 points.

Assistant general manager Doug Weight was named interim head coach.

"The New York Islanders would like to thank Jack for his tireless work throughout his seven seasons with the organization as head coach," general manager Garth Snow said in a statement.

Agencies