Sharapova on Russia's provisional Olympic team for Rio

MOSCOW (AP) Russia has included Maria Sharapova on a preliminary team for the Olympic tennis tournament in August despite her provisional suspension for failing a drug test.

Sharapova has been suspended since March after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium at the Australian Open in January, but the Russian Tennis Federation hopes she could be cleared in time to play in Rio de Janeiro.

Federation president Shamil Tarpishchev tells the Tass news agency that Sharapova was on a preliminary squad list, "but if she isn't able to compete, then the next-highest player on the ranking list will go into the team."

Russia can send up to four players for the women's singles tournament but currently has seven players in the world's top 56, the cut-off point for qualifying for the Olympics.

Man United mum on Mourinho reports

MANCHESTER, England (AP):

Manchester United is not commenting on a report that Jose Mourinho has signed a contract to become the club's new manager.

British broadcaster Sky Sports said yesterday that Mourinho has been appointed by United. The club hasn't announced the deal.

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand posted on Facebook his "congratulations to Jose on being announced manager of the biggest club in the world!"

Louis van Gaal was fired as United manager on Monday, and Mourinho's representative and United have held talks this week.

Sturridge injured again, Rashford set for England debut

GATESHEAD, England (AP):

England striker Daniel Sturridge has picked up another injury, potentially affecting his chances of being selected for the European Championship.

England manager Roy Hodgson said yesterday that Sturridge has a calf injury that has prevented him from training and is a doubt to play in the warm-up match against Australia today. Hodgson has until Tuesday to finalise his 23-man squad for the tournament in France.

England's first game at Euro 2016 is against Russia on June 11 in Group B.

Sturridge has been beset by injury problems in recent years. His latest injury increases the possibility of 18-year-old Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford's fairy-tale season being extended to include the Euros.

Hodgson said yesterday that Rashford will make his debut against Australia in Sunderland as a starter if Sturridge isn't fit. Rashford only made his United debut in February.

Coyle out as coach of the Houston Dynamo

HOUSTON (AP):

Owen Coyle is out as coach of the Houston Dynamo.

The Major League Soccer team said Wednesday that it parted ways with Owen Coyle by mutual agreement.

Assistant coaches Wade Barrett, Paul Caffrey and Paul Rogers will oversee the team tomorrow in Houston's game at Vancouver. Assistant coach Sandy Stewart also left the team.

"It is unfortunate that we were unable to achieve the goals we set forth together and that we find ourselves mutually parting ways as a result of many professional and personal circumstances," Dynamo President Chris Canetti said. "Without a doubt, Owen brought many great qualities to the club.

Coyle, a former player and coach in his native Scotland and England, was in his second season.

"I asked Chris if I could speak with him today and I explained to him the challenge of being away from my family and how we all want the best for Houston Dynamo," Coyle said statement released by the team. "We have a brilliant club, and I have no doubt success is just around the corner."