Coach Jesus Dumps Benfica for Sporting Lisbon

Sporting have announced Jorge Jesus as their new head coach in a widely expected - but still hugely controversial - move 24 hours after he departed Portuguese champions Benfica.

The 60-year-old had failed to agree terms over a new deal at the Estadio da Luz, with the club reportedly keen to cut his wages.

Talks ultimately came to a halt, with Benfica revealing on Friday that they had begun searching for a successor, and now it has emerged Jesus has set up camps at their rivals with a three-year deal.

A statement on Sporting's website said: "We can announce we have hired Jorge Jesus for the next three seasons. Today starts a new cycle at Sporting.

"The last two years have seen us balance the club financially and invest in the squad using our own money. I repeat our own money.

"Today we begin a new chapter of sustainability and enhanced ambition. We want to become champions again with a structure based on the medium and long term.

"Our coach fits those exact values and is confident of enhancing the talent that will come out of Portugal's best academy. He brings with him great humility and experience and a deep love for the club."

Jesus started his career at Sporting as a player back in the 1970s, four decades ago.