Latest Premier League News

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Clueless Fabio Capello says he does not know how to make England fit for purpose. Also: Peter Crouch says he will not quit international football despite his latest snub by Fabio Capello.

DAILY MIRROR: Fabio Capello's man-management skills are under question again with two more of his stars furious at their treatment. Also: Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has made a new £18.5 million bid for Sunderland's England Under-21 midfielder Jordan Henderson.

DAILY STAR: Shambolic Fabio Capello has admitted he is clueless about how to get England on track for Euro 2012 glory. Also: Chelsea have told Guus Hiddink to walk out on Turkey - or they will turn to Mark Hughes as their new boss.

DAILY EXPRESS: Chelsea will face a £14 million bill if they appoint Guus Hiddink as their new manager this week. Also: Samir Nasri has risked his relationship with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after admitting he would consider a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United.

DAILY MAIL: Wembley Stadium could stage the Champions League final in 2013 after proving such a resounding success last month. Also: Roger Federer came to Roland Garros and made his point, but he could not make it loud enough to suppress the extraordinary Rafael Nadal.

THE TIMES: Serious questions were raised last night about the credibility of the vote that restored the controversial Bahrain Grand Prix to the Formula One calendar. Also: Trevor Brooking, the FA's director of football development, has criticised England's present generation for being reluctant to play for their country after Peter Crouch became the latest player to consider his international future as a result of his perceived bad treatment at the hands of Fabio Capello.

THE INDEPENDENT: Fabio Capello is baffled by the fatigue his England players displayed against Switzerland and fears there may be no solution to a problem he considers endemic to this country and its heavy training culture. Also: Only seven days ago Rafael Nadal insisted that he was not playing well enough to win his sixth French Open title but the Spaniard yesterday delivered a performance worthy of his reputation as the greatest clay-court player in history.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: In the wake of the disappointing draw with Switzerland, Fabio Capello insists that he will not step down as England manager, that he is doing his best and that all the players are behind him, despite Peter Crouch's apparent anger at not being involved at Wembley. Also: Martin Jol and Steve McClaren are likely to return to English football this summer after Aston Villa and Fulham included both men high on their list of candidates to become their next managers.

THE GUARDIAN: Fabio Capello has admitted that he is dumbfounded over how to coax performances from players exhausted by the draining Premier League season, and that he fears England's efforts may be wrecked by fatigue should they reach Euro 2012. Also: Chelsea are to make a formal approach to the Turkish Football Federation this week to secure the services of Guus Hiddink as manager, a move that will spark a period of negotiations over the size of the compensation package required to land the Dutchman.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Manchester United are set to treble Javier Hernandez's wages to £75,000 a week to keep Real Madrid at bay. Also: Chelsea have joined the £30million chase for Inter Milan midfield star Wesley Sneijder - on the advice of Guus Hiddink; Bonkers Blatter last night came up with his answer to football corruption - he signed up one of The Three Tenors.

DAILY MAIL: Guus Hiddink has an escape clause in his contract with the Turkish football federation that allows him to move to Stamford Bridge if Chelsea come calling. Also: Kevin Pietersen strode blinking into the bright lights of Lord's last night to confront an unlikely nemesis in Rangana Herath and take the first steps towards regaining his confident, cocky touch.

DAILY MIRROR: Guus Hiddink wants to hijack Wesley Sneijder's proposed move to Manchester United as the first act of his Chelsea revolution. Also: Three Lions legend Sir Geoff Hurst admitted last night: ''I fear England will never win the World Cup again in my lifetime.''

DAILY EXPRESS: Guus Hiddink has sparked the first transfer war of the summer by telling Roman Abramovich to to steal Wesley Sneijder from under the noses of Manchester United. Also: Sepp Blatter has declared ''the combat is over'' with the FA and will write to chairman David Bernstein inviting him to Zurich to thrash things out ''at the home of the football family''.

DAILY STAR: Sunderland want to bring Peter Crouch to the Stadium of Light - two years after the England striker snubbed them. Also: Chelsea must wait until next week to seal a deal for Guus Hiddink; Manchester United are on the brink of landing England ace Ashley Young from Aston Villa in a near-£20m deal.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The fag end of a day is a nasty time to confront your demons but Kevin Pietersen managed it like a modern-day Van Helsing, seeing off all that lurked in the gloaming, including pesky left-arm spinners. Also: Luka Modric, Alexis Sanchez and, above all, Neymar head a list of summer transfer targets drawn up by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

THE TIMES: Guus Hiddink's proposed return to Chelsea would cost Roman Abramovich £15million in compensation payments and wages in the Dutchman's first year alone. Also: Steven Finn has played down expectations of another Cardiff, but thinks that Sri Lanka's batsmen will have serious doubts in their minds as a legacy of their unhappy Welsh experience if England apply pressure this afternoon.

THE INDEPENDENT: The chances of a positive results in the second Test today are between slim and none. Also: Guus Hiddink's coronation as the new Chelsea manager edged closer to completion yesterday as it became clear that his current employers, the Turkish football federation, were looking at ways that the Dutch coach could be moved on while realising the maximum value in compensation.

THE GUARDIAN: Jean Todt, the president of motor sport's world governing body, has blamed unreliable media reports of unrest in Bahrain - particularly in the British press - in an attempt to defend the decision to reinstate the grand prix there to Formula One's calendar this season. Also: Rain there may have been - plenty of it in the morning preventing play until after lunch - but coming into the final day this match is by no means dead.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE GUARDIAN: The FIFA executive committee member who kick-started the bribery scandal that threw the world governing body into crisis has dismissed claims that his comments were part of an American conspiracy to re-open the disputed 2022 World Cup bidding process...The travails of Tiger Woods show no sign of abating, with the former world No1 announcing yesterday he would miss next week's US Open, a tournament that would have marked the third anniversary of his most famous major championship victory.

DAILY STAR: Spot-fix cheat Mohammad Amir is openly flouting his worldwide cricket ban - by playing for a team in Surrey...Matt Prior was yesterday forced into a grovelling apology over the "window gate" incident that injured a female spectator.

THE SUN: Peter Crouch has opened his heart over Fabio Capello's shock decision to exclude him from England's Euro qualifier against Switzerland...Theo Walcott admits a number of Arsenal stars are itching to leave.

THE TIMES: Formula One teams have refused to race at a tainted Bahrain Grand Prix this year, uniting against a controversial decision by the sport's leaders...Andrew Strauss defended his decision to call in England with 15 overs remaining when they needed seven Sri Lanka wickets to seal the npower series before the third Test at the Rose Bowl next week.

DAILY MAIL: England wicketkeeper Matt Prior was forced to apologise after smashing a dressing-room window at Lord's and showering a medical student with glass...Jordan Henderson is set to complete his £20million move to Liverpool by the weekend.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson is bidding to win the race for Blackburn's England Under-21 star Phil Jones - but he will have to offer £16million...Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed took a swipe at Mark Hughes last night after appointing Martin Jol as his successor, declaring: "Now we have a long-term manager."

THE INDEPENDENT: Matt Prior, the England wicketkeeper, escaped censure yesterday after breaking a window and showering MCC members with fragments of glass during the drawn second Test match against Sri Lanka at Lord's...Peter Crouch has spoken for the first time about his discontent over his treatment by Fabio Capello, who left him out of the England squad for Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland, but has confirmed his intention to carry on playing for the national team.

DAILY EXPRESS: Peter Crouch has been left "angry and hurt" at his latest England snub by Fabio Capello and will take the summer to consider his international future...Matt Prior was forced to apologise to MCC members who were showered with glass at Lord's yesterday after he broke a window in the home dressing room with his bat, following his run-out against Sri Lanka.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Just four days after the FIA's hugely controversial decision to reinstate the 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix for this autumn, the race was effectively dead in the water last night when the teams, influenced no doubt by the weight of public opinion, indicated by means of a simple letter that they would not support the governing body's call...Mugging Sri Lanka for a second time in eight days was always going to be unlikely, as much under the laws of probability as the variability of England's bowling form.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Sir Alex Ferguson took his summer spending spree to £35million by signing Blackburn's Phil Jones. Also: Jordan Henderson will quadruple his wages with a £20million Liverpool move.

DAILY MIRROR: Manchester United are signing Blackburn's young England prospect Phil Jones for £16million - after he picked Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of all his Premier League rivals. Also: English football is in debt to the tune of a staggering £3.5billion.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson last night left Arsene Wenger reeling again after convincing Phil Jones to snub Arsenal for Manchester United. Also: Cricket cheat Mohammad Amir was already on a warning BEFORE he broke his worldwide ban.

DAILY MAIL: Sir Alex Ferguson will complete a dramatic transfer double over Liverpool in the next 48 hours by signing England winger Ashley Young from Aston Villa in a £15million deal. Also: Andy Murray overcame a Wimbledon injury scare to reach the third round of the AEGON Championships yesterday.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sir Alex Ferguson will attempt to finalise a deal for Ashley Young before the weekend, after beating Arsene Wenger and Kenny Dalglish to the £16.5million signature of Blackburn defender Phil Jones. Also: Aston Villa's search for a new manager took a fresh twist last night when they were given permission to speak to Wigan's Roberto Martinez.

THE TIMES: Manchester United signed Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers yesterday in a deal that is expected to signal the start of a £75million summer spending spree by the Barclays Premier League champions. Also: Roberto Martinez has jumped to the top of a very short list to become Aston Villa's next manager, even though Dave Whelan, the Wigan Athletic chairman, believes the Spaniard will prefer to stay at the DW Stadium.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sir Alex Ferguson is aiming to clinch the £15million signing of Ashley Young within 48 hours after interrupting his summer holiday to beat Kenny Dalglish and Arsene Wenger to the £16.5million signature of Blackburn teenager Phil Jones. Also: Aston Villa have been granted permission by Wigan Athletic to speak to Roberto Martinez about becoming the club's new manager.

THE GUARDIAN: Manchester United accelerated what promises to be a hectic summer of transfer business when they gazumped Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal with a £16m deal for Phil Jones of Blackburn Rovers and set about recouping the money by accepting a £12m bid from Sunderland for John O'Shea, Darron Gibson and Wes Brown. Also: Roberto Martinez and Owen Coyle have emerged as the frontrunners to succeed Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa, with neither Rafael Benitez nor Steve McClaren under consideration for the job.

THE INDEPENDENT: Sir Alex Ferguson was last night dismantling his Manchester United squad as a radical summer rebuilding programme swung into action, with Darron Gibson and Wes Brown destined for Sunderland and a more reluctant John O'Shea likely to be heading in the same direction. Also: Liverpool agreed a deal to buy Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson yesterday.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE INDEPENDENT: Manchester United yesterday began talks with Samir Nasri's representatives, as their early summer activity continued to frustrate Arsenal and leave other clubs trailing in their wake. Also: Roberto Martinez appeared last night to have decided against a move to the Aston Villa managerial seat.

THE TIMES: Aston Villa will learn today whether Roberto Martinez wants to be their new manager. Also: Liverpool have made their second statement of intent in a matter of days by launching a bid to sign Gael Clichy from Arsenal.

DAILY MAIL: Kolo Toure's psychological obsession with his belly' led to him failing the drugs test which resulted in a six-month ban for the Manchester City defender. Also: Manchester United opened tentative discussions over an audacious bid for Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri yesterday.

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson snapped up £20million Ashley Young last night. Also: Gerard Pique last night told Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas to join Barcelona - and fill his trophy cabinet.

THE STAR: Luka Modric has dropped another big hint he is ready to quit Tottenham. Also: Sunderland's ambitious bid to sign Peter Crouch has hit a major stumbling block, with Harry Redknapp wanting Asamoah Gyan in return.

THE MIRROR: Ashley Young has agreed to join Manchester United after finalising a five-year contract worth £130,000 a week. Also: Aston Villa are offering to double Roberto Martinez's wages in a bid to lure him away from Wigan.

THE GUARDIAN: Tottenham Hotspur will demand Asamoah Gyan as part of any deal when Sunderland bid for Peter Crouch. Also: Liverpool have followed the £20m signing of Jordan Henderson with a £5m offer for the Arsenal left-back, Gael Clichy.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Manchester United yesterday opened talks to sign Arsenal's Samir Nasri. Also: Amir Khan last night claimed he was forced to endure rude treatment every time he travelled to the United States, where he has decided to pursue his career, simply because he is Muslim.

DAILY EXPRESS: Tomasz Kuszczak will quit Manchester United this summer to play regular football after claiming Sir Alex Ferguson does not even talk to him. Also: Roberto Martinez will decide today whether he wants to become Aston Villa's new manager.

 

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Latest Wire Update at 08:50 BST

# MORE TO ARRIVE AT ANFIELD - COMOLLI
Damien Comolli says Liverpool's summer spending is far from over.

# MARTINEZ RELISHING WIGAN FUTURE
Roberto Martinez is planning ahead with Wigan after rejecting Aston Villa's advances.

# NEWCASTLE SWOOP FOR CABAYE
Newcastle have signed France midfielder Yohan Cabaye on a five-year contract.

# ROBERTO MARTINEZ REJECTS ASTON VILLA
Roberto Martinez will remain as Wigan manager after rejecting a move to Aston Villa.

# ASHLEY YOUNG 'AGREES MAN UTD DEAL'
Ashley Young has reportedly agreed personal terms ahead of his proposed move to Man United.

# GERRARD WELCOMES HENDERSON SIGNING
Steven Gerrard believes Jordan Henderson is a "really positive signing" for Liverpool.

# AGUERO WON'T RULE OUT REAL MADRID
Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero has failed to rule out the possibility of a switch to Real Madrid.

# LIVERPOOL LINKED TO SILVESTRE
Catania claim Liverpool are interested in their Argentine defender Matias Silvestre.

# LUKAKU IN NO RUSH TO MOVE
Belgian starlet Romelu Lukaku has insisted he is not about to finalise a move to Chelsea.

# LUKA MODRIC HINTS AT SPURS EXIT
Midfielder Luka Modric has refused to rule out leaving Tottenham this summer.

# JORDAN HENDERSON JOINS LIVERPOOL
Liverpool have signed Jordan Henderson from Sunderland on a long-term deal.

# BIG SAM: PHIL JONES WILL STAR AT MAN UTD
Sam Allardyce expects Phil Jones to form a top defensive partnership with Chris Smalling at Man Utd.

# KAYAL URGES CELTIC TO PAY MORE
Beram Kayal has urged Celtic to increase his wages amid interest from the Premier League.

# MARLON KING SIGNS FOR BLUES
Striker Marlon King has joined Birmingham after turning down a new contract with Coventry.

# PALERMO WANT GOOD PRICE FOR PASTORE
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has warned Javier Pastore will not be sold on the cheap.

# AQUILANI HOPING FOR ITALIAN STAY
Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani's agent insists his client wants to remain in Italy.

# ENRIQUE COOLS BARCA LINK
Jose Enrique's agent has cooled talk of a transfer from Newcastle United to Barcelona.

# TOKELY EXTENDS CALEY STAY
Inverness defender Ross Tokely has signed a new one-year contract.

# BOATENG EYEING BAYERN MOVE
Manchester City defender Jerome Boateng says he would like to join Bayern Munich.

# CHOPRA MAKES IPSWICH MOVE
Ipswich have confirmed the signing of Cardiff striker Michael Chopra.

# HOLLIS GETS NEW WELL DEAL
Motherwell goalkeeper Lee Hollis has signed a new one-year deal.

# GETAFE TIE UP CASTRO DEAL
Getafe have confirmed the arrival of Diego Castro on a free transfer from Sporting Gijon.

# SWANS WANT CAULKER LOAN DEAL
Swansea are hoping to strike a loan deal for Tottenham defender Steven Caulker.

# BEES HAND REINS TO ROSLER
Former Man City striker Uwe Rosler has been appointed the new manager of Brentford.

# MARTINEZ TAKES REINS AT LEVANTE
Levante have named Juan Ignacio Martinez as their new coach after Lus Garcia's exit.

# RANGERS REJECT NEW WHITTAKER BID
Rangers have rejected a second bid from Bursaspor for Steven Whittaker.

# MANZANO MAKES ATLETICO PLEDGE
Gregorio Manzano has vowed not to "cheat or disappoint" the Atletico Madrid fans.

# KUSZCZAK RESIGNED TO UNITED EXIT
Tomasz Kuszczak has resigned himself to leaving Manchester United this summer.

# MACPHERSON LANDS QUEENS JOB
Former St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson is the new Queen of the South boss.

# INIESTA - CESC WOULD BE A FAB FIT
Andres Iniesta believes Cesc Fabregas would fit into the Barcelona midfield.

# PSG CONFIRM DOUCHEZ DEAL
Paris St Germain have announced that Nicolas Douchez will join the club on a three-year contract.

# SANCHEZ JOINS YELLOW SUBMARINE
Villarreal have signed veteran goalkeeper Cesar Sanchez on a one-year deal.

# WESLEY SNEIJDER HAPPY WITH INTER
Wesley Sneijder dismissed reports linking him with a move away from Inter this summer.

# MAN UNITED IN YOUNG TALKS - REPORT
Ashley Young's representatives have reportedly held talks with Manchester United.

# NEW COACH FOR SOCHAUX
Bosnian Mehmed Bazdarevic has been appointed as the new coach of Ligue 1 club Sochaux.

# BARTLEY EYES IBROX RETURN
Arsenal defender Kyle Bartley has admitted he would like to remain at Ibrox next season.

# REDKNAPP: CROUCH GOING NOWHERE
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says he is not looking to sell striker Peter Crouch.

# SPURS HERNANDEZ BID BLOCKED - AGENT
Palermo have reported rejected an offer from Tottenham to sign Abel Hernandez.

# GODIN EYES CHELSEA MOVE
Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin has revealed he would be open to a move to Chelsea this summer.

# ELMOHAMADY SIGNS CATS CONTRACT
Sunderland have completed the signing of Egypt international Ahmed Elmohamady.

# NEYMAR AGENT HINTS AT REAL MOVE
The agent of Neymar is refusing to rule out the striker joining Real Madrid this summer.

# HEITINGA RULING NOTHING OUT
Everton defender John Heitinga is not ruling out a move this summer.

# JOHNSON IN REPORTED NORWICH MEDICAL
Reports suggest that Leeds midfielder Bradley Johnson is undergoing a medical at Norwich.

# UDINESE HOLD BOJAN TALKS
Barcelona are in talks with Udinese over a possible move for Arsenal and Liverpool target Bojan.

# WALCOTT URGES KEY DUO TO STAY
Theo Walcott has urged Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri to stay at Arsenal.

# LAZIO SNAP UP KLOSE
Lazio have confirmed the signing of Germany striker Miroslav Klose.

# SWANSEA REFUTE ASHLEY WILLIAMS BID
Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins insists Ashley Williams is going nowhere.

# GALLACHER MAKES PARS RETURN
Paul Gallacher has completed his return to Clydesdale Bank Premier League newcomers Dunfermline.

# RANGERS PLANNING NEW DEALS
Rangers are keen to sign new players - but not before rewarding their current stars.

# NEW WELL DEAL FOR CRAIGAN
Motherwell captain Stephen Craigan has signed a one-year contract extension.

# JUVE CLOSE IN ON LICHTSTEINER
Juventus have reportedely agreed a deal with Lazio for the signing of Stephan Lichtsteiner.

# KEATINGS HAS LOFTY AMBITIONS
James Keatings has vowed to secure first-team football at Celtic after signing a three-year contract.

# BUDDIES BAG NEW GOALKEEPER
St Mirren have signed goalkeeper Graeme Smith on a one-year deal to replace Paul Gallacher.

# PRATLEY CONFIRMS SWANSEA EXIT
Midfielder Darren Pratley has confirmed he will leave Swansea in the summer.

# BLACK CATS TARGET KEIRAN WESTWOOD
Sunderland are reportedly set to win the race for Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.

# McCOIST KEEN ON CUELLAR RETURN
Rangers manager Ally McCoist has confirmed he is lining up an Ibrox return for Carlos Cuellar.

# CATANIA PLUMP FOR MONTELLA
Vincenzo Montella has been appointed the new coach of Catania on a two-year deal.

# LAMBERT WANTS 'HUNGRY' SIGNINGS
Paul Lambert says Norwich's transfer targets should expect to be in for an easy ride.

# BAYERN SNUBBED OVER VIDAL
Bayer Leverkusen claim they have turned down a Bayern Munich bid for Arturo Vidal.

# INLER IN TALKS WITH NAPOLI
Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler has yet to agree personal terms with Napoli.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE GUARDIAN: The door has been reopened for Sir Clive Woodward to return to English rugby after the Rugby Football Union's chief executive John Steele was dramatically ousted after less than a year in the job following a bitter power struggle. Also: Aston Villa may have to revisit candidates they rejected for their managerial vacancy, including Mark Hughes, after Roberto Martinez spurned their advances out of loyalty to Wigan Athletic.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The return of Sir Clive Woodward to Twickenham is back on the cards following the forced departure of Rugby Football Union chief executive John Steele after a stormy board meeting. Also: Aston Villa are likely to turn to Mark Hughes or Owen Coyle after the club's search for a new manager took another embarrassing turn yesterday when Wigan's Roberto Martinez ruled himself out.

THE TIMES: Aston Villa's pursuit of a new manager descended into farce yesterday when Roberto Martinez rejected the opportunity to succeed Gerard Houllier. Also: Manchester United are involved in yet another tussle with Manchester City and Arsenal over a widely sought-after teenager: Raphael Varane, the Lens and France Under-21 centre half.

THE INDEPENDENT: Aston Villa must undertake a substantial charm offensive to persuade Mark Hughes to get them out of the hole created by Wigan Athletic's Roberto Martinez rejecting their overtures to become their next manager - but the Welshman does not seem to have entirely dismissed the idea of joining the club. Also: Less than three months before England attempt to reclaim the sport's greatest prize on the hostile shores of New Zealand, the Rugby Football Union finds itself without a chief executive, without an ounce of credibility and, it seems, without a clue as to how a multi-million pound professional sports operation should be run in the modern age.

DAILY EXPRESS: Phil Jones' move to Manchester United from Blackburn has been put on hold by a dispute over the player's valuation. Also: Andrew Strauss praised his England team as he was recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for their Ashes glory.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester City are set to spark a three-way auction for Luka Modric after declaring their intent to sign the Tottenham midfielder. Also: Phil Jones's £16.5million move to Manchester United has been delayed amid concerns Blackburn are demanding a higher price.

THE SUN: Robin van Persie has slammed English stars who are more interested in partying than football. Also: David Haye is threatening to do a 'Rocky' - and pulverise Wladimir Klitschko in Germany in their world-title unification clash.

DAILY MIRROR: Roberto Martinez is staying with Wigan and snubbing Aston Villa - despite being offered treble his wages. Also: Manchester United are being blocked from completing the deal for Blackburn defender Phil Jones because of a bitter transfer row.

DAILY STAR: Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner has been snubbed by three managers - in just 12 hours. Also: Andres Iniesta last night told Cesc Fabregas: You will fit in perfectly at Barcelona.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

NEWS OF THE WORLD: Roman Abramovich will give Guus Hiddink a £150million war chest and tell him: Make Chelsea champions of Europe. Also: Ashley Young will bag £33.8million in wages by moving to Manchester United...Billionaire Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov has launched a blistering attack on the club's board and questioned their desire for trophies...Lewis Hamilton has been given six free £100,000 road cars by Mercedes as a sweetener in their bid to snatch him from McLaren.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Cristiano Ronaldo is demanding a huge £400,000 a week to join Manchester City. Also: Arsene Wenger is confident Samir Nasri will stay at Arsenal...Kenny Dalglish's £80million Liverpool revolution is set to continue with the capture of Southampton whizzkid Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Two-time winner Allan McNish miraculously survived a 170mph smash yesterday at the Le Mans 24-hour race, narrowly escaping a repeat of the 1955 tragedy which saw 83 spectators killed. Also: Venus Williams claimed yesterday she had made her comeback so she can win Wimbledon for a sixth time...The Football Association are privately looking for another successor to Fabio Capello - because of fears that first choice Harry Redknapp could go to prison.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: Manchester United's sensational summer spending spree is being funded by Qatari money, it was claimed last night. Also: Arsenal are involved in a £10million battle with neighbours Tottenham for Ivory Coast striker Gervinho...Sebastian Vettel put his rivals in their place once again yesterday as he powered to yet another pole position for today's Canadian Grand Prix.

THE PEOPLE: Sir Alex Ferguson is on a £125million spending spree - with Inter Milan midfield star Wesley Sneijder next on his hit list. Also: Mark Hughes is still interested in talking to Randy Lerner about becoming Aston Villa manager...Fabio Capello's right-hand man is set to go part time - so he can take charge of Roma...Glenn Hoddle is being lined up as the new supremo of Stockport County by a takeover group about to buy the relegated Football League club.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: Manchester United's multi-million pound signing of teenage defender Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers lies in tatters this morning. Also: Kolo Toure could still be ruled out for all of next season because of his failed drugs test...Carlo Ancelotti cannot work in the Premier League for the next 12 months because of the £6million pay-off he agreed with Chelsea.

SUNDAY TIMES: Manchester City executives are due to fly out tomorrow in an effort to clinch a deal for Udinese's Chile forward Alexis Sanchez, their main summer transfer target. Also: The ECB's controversial policy of spreading wide its net of venues will receive a stern examination this week when the Rose Bowl stages its first five-day match.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Sir Clive Woodward has indicated he would return to Twickenham immediately, despite the turmoil which has engulfed English rugby in recent weeks. Also: The England and Wales Cricket Board is about to perform a remarkable U-turn and award Lord's a second Test in 2012 after all...Andy Murray hailed his imperious semi-final victory over Andy Roddick at Queen's Club yesterday as the 'perfect' preparation ahead of this year's Wimbledon.

THE OBSERVER: The ramifications of John Steele's ousting as chief executive will lead to a major shake-up of how the Rugby Football Union is run. Also: Andy Murray produced perhaps the finest single performance of his career to thrash Andy Roddick in 59 minutes and secure a place in the final of today's AEGON Championships at Queen's against the Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: The Turkish FA are threatening to report Chelsea to FIFA, if Guus Hiddink breaks his contract to engineer a return to Stamford Bridge. Also: The sooner Sir Clive Woodward gets a job at Twickenham - in addition to a performance director, the Rugby Football Union is now looking for a chief executive, and the former England manager is believed to be interested - the better.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY


DAILY TELEGRAPH: A truly extraordinary Canadian Grand Prix, lasting almost four hours due to torrential rain and five safety cars, ended in the most dramatic fashion imaginable with Jenson Button - having pitted six times during the race - coming through on the final lap for victory. Also: Lewis Hamilton's attacking style was under fresh scrutiny last night after three-time world champion Niki Lauda warned that if the Briton continued to drive as he has been doing "it will result in someone getting killed".

THE TIMES: Aston Villa are ready to make a remarkable move to take Alex McLeish across the Second City, but they face another compensation battle after Birmingham City refused last night to accept the resignation that their manager delivered by e-mail. Also: Jenson Button won the race of his life last night in a tumultuous Canadian Grand Prix that had everything from a biblical downpour to the most thrilling finale of this season - or possibly any season.

THE INDEPENDENT: Alex McLeish resigned as Birmingham City manager yesterday, prompting suggestions that he could be in line to take the vacant manager's job at city rivals Aston Villa. Also: England received a football lesson in their opening match of Group B at the European Under-21 Championship in Herning last night and yet somehow emerged with an invaluable point.

THE GUARDIAN: Alex McLeish resigned as Birmingham City manager last night, fuelling speculation that he is on the verge of making a controversial cross-city move by taking over at Aston Villa. Also: Lewis Hamilton crashed out of the rain-interrupted Canadian Grand Prix - and, realistically, the race for the Formula One championship - on the eighth lap, after a collision with his McLaren team-mate, Jenson Button, here yesterday.

DAILY EXPRESS: Alex McLeish has been slammed for quitting Birmingham City to set himself up for a sensational move across the city to Aston Villa. Also: Lewis Hamilton could kill another driver unless the stewards teach him a lesson.

DAILY MAIL: Lewis Hamilton has been warned by legendary racer Niki Lauda that his dangerous driving will lead to "someone getting killed" after a crash with McLaren team-mate Jenson Button at a rain-soaked Canadian Grand Prix. Also: Alex McLeish is heading for a legal battle with Birmingham City after they refused to accept a shock resignation and warned him not to talk to any other clubs.

DAILY MIRROR: Birmingham plan legal action with Alex McLeish set to join bitter rivals Aston Villa after walking out on them. Also: Danny Welbeck rescued England with an 88th-minute leveller - after a handball Spanish goal threatened to wreck Stuart Pearce's Euro 2011 hope.

DAILY STAR: Randy Lerner has been warned to expect a bitter battle in his bid to appoint Alex McLeish as Aston Villa's new boss. Also: Steve McClaren will make his return to management as the new Nottingham Forest boss today.

THE SUN: Birmingham accused Alex McLeish of betrayal after he told them he was quitting - by email. Also: Lewis Hamilton was branded "mad" by GP legend Niki Lauda and told: You're going to get someone killed.

 

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THE TIMES: Lewis Hamilton has triggered a frenzy of speculation about his future after holding talks with his McLaren Formula One team's biggest rivals at the Canadian Grand Prix. ALSO: Cesc Fabregas will reiterate his desire to join Barcelona this summer and is prepared to go public with his intentions should Arsenal once again block his move back to Spain.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The freedom and the screaming fun of the amateur era returned to the Kensington grass. This was the occasion when Andy Murray became the first Briton to win multiple titles at Queen's Club since Sir Francis Gordon Lowe, a second baronet, the son of an MP and the champion in 1913, 1914 and 1925, and you can be sure that the English aristocrat would have approved of the Scot's daft, brilliant, through-the-legs trickery. ALSO: Birmingham City will demand that Aston Villa pay £5.4million in compensation if they appoint Alex McLeish as their new manager.

THE INDEPENDENT: It was a moment that demonstrated Andy Murray's joy at what had been a perfect week. Serving at 4-3 and 40-0 in the deciding set of the Aegon Championships final here yesterday, the 24-year-old Scot eschewed the opportunity to win the game with a routine volley and instead flicked an inch-perfect, through-the-legs half-volley that landed beyond the reach of an aghast Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. ALSO: Lewis Hamilton held talks with Red Bull principal Christian Horner during the Canadian Grand Prix at the weekend opening up the possibility of the underfire English driver joining the team when his McLaren contract expires at the end of the season.

THE GUARDIAN: The clouds have parted for Andy Murray. Not only does he hold the Aegon Championships singles title for a second time, a week before Wimbledon, but there is freedom in his tennis and clarity in his thinking. ALSO: The Rugby Football Union, without a chief executive or performance director, is due further woe after it was forecast to lose more than £10m next year.

DAILY EXPRESS: Birmingham have turned the battle over Alex McLeish into open warfare by demanding £5.4million in compensation and threatening Aston Villa with an injunction. ALSO: Andy Murray admitted he will not be afraid to try the trick shots on Centre Court next week if they can give him the edge that takes him to Wimbledon glory.

DAILY MAIL: Andy Murray made one piece of history yesterday by winning the AEGON Championships and then declared he is ready to achieve something far more significant when Wimbledon starts next week. ALSO: An ugly Midlands battle raged yesterday as Birmingham City and Aston Villa slugged it out over the future of Alex McLeish.

DAILY MIRROR: Birmingham have told Aston Villa to cough up £5million for Alex McLeish - or they will stick him on gardening leave. ALSO: Nottingham Forest vowed new boss Steve McClaren will have plenty of financial muscle - then took a parting shot at Billy Davies.

THE SUN: Furious Birmingham City last night accused Alex McLeish and Aston Villa of a "conspiracy". ALSO: Lewis Hamilton could be set for a sensational switch from McLaren to Red Bull.

DAILY STAR: Birmingham will demand over £5m from Aston Villa to release Alex McLeish from his contract as the battle for the boss gets increasingly bitter. ALSO: Manchester United have failed in a bid for Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Manchester United last night stole a march in the battle for Alexis Sanchez when David Gill flew to Spain to seal the deal. Also: Alan Shearer has emerged as shock favourite for the manager's job at Cardiff.

DAILY MIRROR: Alan Shearer is ready to become the new boss of Cardiff City. Also: Arsene Wenger wants to make a £30million statement of transfer intent - to head off a growing backlash by Arsenal fans.

THE TIMES: Alan Shearer was on the verge of returning to management last night as the surprise choice to take charge at Cardiff City. Also: Alexis Sanchez found himself at the centre of an extraordinary Premier League bidding war last night as Manchester United and Chelsea attempted to hijack Manchester City's efforts to sign him.

THE INDEPENDENT: Alan Shearer is poised to make a remarkable return to management with Championship side Cardiff, who have been in talks with the former England captain over the last two days. Also: The Williams sisters are back. Not back to their best just yet but maybe not that very far away from it.

DAILY MAIL: Alan Shearer is set to be named as the next manager of Cardiff City. Also: British starlet Laura Robson has dismissed her coach Patrick Mouratoglou just five days before the start of Wimbledon.

DAILY STAR: Arsenal are ready to play hardball again this summer to stop Cesc Fabregas going to Barcelona. Also: Roberto Mancini is locked in a straight fight with bitter rival Sir Alex Ferguson to sign Chilean wonderkid Alexis Sanchez.

THE GUARDIAN: Fifa faces fresh conflict with Europe's leading clubs over plans to introduce five more international friendly dates into the already crowded football calendar. Also: Roger Draper, the Lawn Tennis Association chief executive, has made a trenchant defence of his tenure as the governing body braces itself for fresh criticism ahead of Wimbledon, telling critics he expects to be in the job for at least another five years.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Serena Williams is back. Not at her best, perhaps, as her stuttering three-set victory over Tsvetana Pironkova at Eastbourne yesterday indicated. But still hers will be the name in Friday's Wimbledon draw nobody wants to see next to their own. Also: Britain's No 1 Elena Baltacha said she had hit the best form of her career yesterday while demolishing Aravane Rezai - the Frenchwoman who climbed as high as No 15 in the world last year - with the loss of only three games.

DAILY EXPRESS: Alex McLeish will open talks with Aston Villa today and his appointment as manager could be confirmed by the weekend. Also: Unbeaten Frankel and Canford Cliffs - the two biggest stars to shine on Royal Ascot's opening day - could meet again in a mouth-watering midsummer showdown in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood next month.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Chelsea last night lodged a £22million bid for Luka Modric as the club's owner, Roman Abramovich, made his first move to rejuvenate his squad. Also: England may struggle to qualify for the semi-finals of the European U-21 Championship after their goalless draw with Ukraine.

THE GUARDIAN: Cesc Fabregas has said his future as an Arsenal player is up in the air. Also: Aston Villa expect to confirm Alex McLeish as their new manager before the weekend.

DAILY STAR: Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho wants to snatch striker Edin Dzeko away from Manchester City. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson is plotting a sensational £12m bid to hijack Charlie Adam's move to rivals Liverpool.

DAILY MIRROR: Arsenal are lining up a bid to bag Jermain Defoe from arch-rivals Tottenham. Also: Alex McLeish has agreed to be Aston Villa boss after shaking on the deal with owner Randy Lerner after dinner at the American's London home.

THE SUN: Chelsea last night stunned Tottenham with a £22million bid for Luka Modric - and are ready to go to £25m. Also: West Ham were last night celebrating after signing Kevin Nolan - but it will cost them a massive £16.5million.

DAILY MAIL: Joey Barton has predicted a player exodus from Newcastle after club captain and top scorer Kevin Nolan was allowed to leave for Championship club West Ham for £4million. Also: Chelsea have had a £22million bid for Luka Modric rejected by Tottenham.

DAILY EXPRESS: Joey Barton has warned of a mass exodus at Newcastle in the wake of Kevin Nolan's imminent sale to West Ham. Also: Tottenham have made their first move to sign Scott Parker but have been shocked by West Ham's £10million tag.

THE TIMES: Tottenham Hotspur are confident of landing Scott Parker, a longstanding target, after opening talks last night. Also: Alex McLeish is set to be appointed the Aston Villa manager today despite angry protests from supporters outside Villa Park last night.

THE INDEPENDENT: Newcastle United's decision to agree a transfer fee yesterday for captain Kevin Nolan with relegated West Ham United has been met with fury inside the St James' Park dressing room. Also: Exploratory talks between Samir Nasri and Manchester United have come to nothing and the player now appears likely to remain at Arsenal for another season.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY


THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Chelsea are preparing to name their new manager, expected to be Guus Hiddink, within the next 48 hours after owner Roman Abramovich made his selection from a six-strong shortlist. Also: England's Chris Tremlett took the key wicket of Mahela Jayawardene as Sri Lanka slid to 81 for four, but rain hit the attendance for the first day of Test cricket at the Rose Bowl.

THE GUARDIAN: FIFA has suffered a fresh blow after the International Olympic Committee began an investigation into one of its highest officials over a BBC Panorama programme's allegations that he took bribes. Also: For the Rose Bowl's first Test match one gift was appreciated more than most.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson last night waded into the battle of Birmingham and backed Alex McLeish to pull off his cross-city switch. Also: Dimitar Berbatov may be used by Sir Alex Ferguson in a bid to lure Luka Modric to Manchester United.

DAILY MIRROR: Samuel Eto'o last night put himself in the shop window by telling Premier League clubs: Make me an offer. Also: Arsene Wenger is poised to complete the first part off his Arsenal refit by landing striker Gervinho.

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson last night pleaded: Give Alex McLeish a break. Also: Harry Redknapp last night told Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City that Luka Modric is not for sale at any price.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester City are preparing to table a bid for Tottenham's Luka Modric after Harry Redknapp branded Chelsea's £22million offer 'ridiculous'. Also: England will not bid to host the World Cup until FIFA is rid of corruption, Minister for Sport Hugh Robertson said yesterday.

DAILY EXPRESS: Graeme McDowell's love affair with the US Open continued yesterday as he put his recent struggles behind him to launch an impressive defence of his title. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has told angry Aston Villa fans to give Alex Ferguson a chance as he steps into one of the most controversial jobs in English football.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson has told Aston Villa supporters they should cast aside local prejudices and give Alex McLeish their full support.

THE INDEPENDENT: Sir Alex Ferguson last night pitched into the furore over Alex McLeish's imminent arrival as Aston Villa manager, urging Villa supporters to set aside their misgivings over his previous association with Birmingham City and get behind him.

 

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Latest Wire Update at 08:35 BST

LUKA MODRIC EYES CHELSEA SWITCH
Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric has told the club he wants to leave for Chelsea.

MAGPIES MOVE FOR MARVEAUX
Newcastle have won the battle for Rennes midfielder Sylvain Marveaux.

I JUST WANT TO DO MY BIT - BA
Newcastle new boy Demba Ba will not feel the pressure of trying to live up to his predecessors.

DE LAET LOOKS TO GROW WITH NORWICH
Ritchie De Laet is confident regular football with Norwich will help him develop as a player.

LUKA MODRIC: I WANT TO LEAVE TOTTENHAM
Luka Modric says he wants to leave Tottenham this summer to join London rivals Chelsea.

McCOIST WAITS ON HEMED DECISION
Rangers boss Ally McCoist will know by next week if Tomer Hemed will become his first signing.

VILLA CONFIRM ALEX McLEISH APPOINTMENT
Aston Villa have confirmed the controversial appointment of Alex McLeish as their manager.

BIRMINGHAM WON'T DROP McLEISH FIGHT
Birmingham will continue their fight against Alex McLeish after his appointment at Aston Villa.

CHELSEA IN TALKS OVER LUKAKU
Chelsea are in talks with Anderlecht over Romelu Lukaku moving to Stamford Bridge.

DEMBA BA JOINS NEWCASTLE
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has signed striker Demba Ba on a three-year contract.

STEPHEN WARNOCK SET FOR VILLA TALKS
Stephen Warnock intends to sit down with new Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish to discuss his future.

CARDIFF APPOINT MALKY MACKAY
Malky Mackay has been unveiled as the new manager of Cardiff.

INTER RULE OUT CARLO; CAPELLO LINKED
Inter have ruled out a move for Carlo Ancelotti but Fabio Capello is linked with the job.

NASRI - DON'T LISTEN TO RUMOURS
Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has again told fans not listen to the rumours about his future.

COYLE PONDERS GARY CAHILL FUTURE
Bolton boss Owen Coyle concedes he will have a difficult job hanging on to Gary Cahill.

DE LAET SET FOR CANARIES SWITCH
Norwich are set to complete the season-long loan signing of Ritchie De Laet from Man Utd.

HOWE HOPES McCANN WILL STAY A CLARET
Burnley boss Eddie Howe remains hopeful of keeping midfielder Chris McCann at Turf Moor.

MAN CITY WORKING ON SANCHEZ DEAL
Attilio Lombardo has indicated Man City are working on signing Alexis Sanchez.

WEST HAM HOPE TO KEEP SCOTT PARKER
West Ham have not abandoned all hope of keeping star midfielder Scott Parker.

SOL CAMPBELL WEIGHS UP OPTIONS
Sol Campbell says he has Premier League offers on the table as he considers his future.

NEYMAR WELCOMES REAL MADRID LINK
Brazil starlet Neymar admits to being flattered by Real Madrid's interest in his services.

QUINN PROMISES BRUCE MONEY TO SPEND
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has promised to help Steve Bruce build an exciting squad.

RESEARCH IS KEY FOR WARNOCK
QPR boss Neil Warnock won't be out to just sign any overseas player for the sake of it.

FERGUSON BACKS McLEISH TO SUCCEED
Sir Alex Ferguson expects Alex McLeish to win over the fans and succeed at Aston Villa.

LINEKER: SPURS MUST KEEP MODRIC
Gary Lineker has warned Spurs that selling Luka Modric would jeopardise their European hopes.

WILKINS: MODRIC GOOD FOR CHELSEA
Ray Wilkins says Luka Modric would be a perfect addition to the Chelsea squad.

ZAPATA 'CLOSE TO LIVERPOOL MOVE'
Udinese defender Cristian Zapata says he is close to agreeing a deal with Liverpool.

GARDNER TURNS DOWN HAMMERS MOVE
Bolton's Ricardo Gardner has turned down the chance to move to West Ham on a free transfer.

MATUIDI FLATTERED BY INTEREST
St Etienne's Blaise Matuidi is flattered to be linked with a move to Newcastle.

TOULALAN MAKES MALAGA SWITCH
Malaga have agreed the signing of France international Jeremy Toulalan from Lyon.

BIRMINGHAM SNAP UP GOMIS
Birmingham have signed of Morgaro Gomis following his release from Dundee United.

HIBERNIAN CLINCH O'HANLON DEAL
Hibernian have completed the signing of Sean O'Hanlon on a two-year deal.

RADU EXTENDS LAZIO CONTRACT
Stefan Radu has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Lazio for a further four years.

SCHAARS JOINS SPORTING
AZ Alkmaar captain Stijn Schaars has completed a move to Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.

CHELSEA MODRIC BID 'RIDICULOUS' - HARRY
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has called Chelsea's £22m bid for Luka Modric "ridiculous".

BARCELONA - FABREGAS WORTH LESS NOW
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell says Cesc Fabregas is worth less than he was last year.

CHELSEA CLOSE TO NAMING NEW BOSS
Chelsea expect to appoint the club's new manager within the next fortnight.

WEST HAM CLINCH KEVIN NOLAN DEAL
Kevin Nolan has completed his surprise move to relegated West Ham.

MACKAY SET TO TALK WITH CARDIFF
Watford have given manager Malky Mackay permission to speak to Cardiff.

McCLAREN CONFIRMS VILLA APPROACH
New Nottingham Forest boss Steve McClaren says he was approached by Aston Villa.

BIG FOUR APPEAL TO TAARABT
Adel Taarabt would be tempted by a move to a big-four club, but is happy at QPR.

BIG NAMES HEAD LIST OF FREE TRANSFERS
Patrick Vieira and Owen Hargreaves are among the players released by their clubs.

FIVE CLUBS BID FOR SANCHEZ - UDINESE
Man City, Man Utd, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Juventus have all bid for Alexis Sanchez.

KYRGIAKOS EARNS CONTRACT EXTENSION
Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos has earned himself a 12-month contract extension.

RANGERS REJECT THIRD WHITTAKER BID
Rangers have confirmed they have rejected a third bid from Bursaspor for Steven Whittaker.

ETO'O PONDERING PREMIER LEAGUE MOVE
Inter Milan's Samuel Eto'o has revealed he could be open to a Premier League move.

O'CONNOR DEAL DELIGHTS CALDERWOOD
Colin Calderwood thought he had no chance of luring Garry O'Connor back to Hibernian.

JOEY BARTON: I'D ONLY LEAVE FOR CL
Joey Barton says he would only leave Newcastle for Champions League football.

MAN UNITED CONFIRM BEBE LOAN
Manchester United have confirmed Bebe will spend next season on loan at Besiktas.

BAGGIES EYE BOATENG AND GIVEN
West Brom reportedly want to sign Derek Boateng and bring Shay Given to the club on loan.

DE GEA MOTIVATED BY UNITED INTEREST
David de Gea is relishing the thought of filling Edwin van der Sar's gloves at Man Utd.

SCOTT BROWN DENIES NEWCASTLE LINK
Celtic's Scott Brown has rubbished reports linking him with a £6m move to Newcastle.

AGUERO NOT SET FOR JUVENTUS - AGENT
Sergio Aguero's agent has denied reports that the Atletico Madrid striker has agreed to join Juventus.

STOKE COMPENSATION BID HEADS TO CAS
Stoke's bid to secure compensation from Brescia for Adam Vass has reached CAS.

MARTINEZ WAITS ON AL HABSI
Roberto Martinez hopes he can bring Bolton goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi back to Wigan.

HEMED HOPES FOR GERS MOVE
Rangers target Tomer Hemed has revealed he is excited at the prospect of joining the club.

STUTTGART CLOSE IN ON KVIST
Stuttgart are close to completing the signing of Denmark midfielder William Kvist.

LAMEY LEAVES LEICESTER
Michael Lamey is set to join Wisla Krakow after his contract at Leicester was cancelled.

CHELSEA MODRIC BID REJECTED - REPORTS
Chelsea have failed with a £22m offer for Tottenham's Luka Modric, according to reports.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

NEWS OF THE WORLD

Furious Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will tear up any written transfer request from Luka Modric...Andy Murray is taking a leaf out of Jose Mourinho's book as he bids to become the Special One of British tennis...Jenson Button is being targeted by Ferrari as McLaren face the break-up of their dream team of British world champions...David Haye insists he is not bothered if folk love or hate him; Arsene Wenger is to have his summer transfer kitty swelled to £60million by a property deal.

THE SUNDAY TIMES

Kevin Pietersen raised the spirits of England fans at the Rose Bowl with a dashing 85 to give the home side an 11-run first-innings lead with six wickets remaining and put his team in control of the final Test against Sri Lanka...The Rugby Football Union, the English game's governing body, is in "meltdown", according to Francis Baron, its chief executive from 1998 until last year...Tottenham's failure to qualify for the Champions League could cost them the services of Brazil midfielder as well as Luka Modric.

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

The Rose Bowl's inaugural Test match was laid open to ridicule yesterday when the match officials chose to take the tea interval just as bright sunshine broke out on a day blighted by regular showers...Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has issued a statement insisting Luka Modric is not for sale "at any price" and expressed his anger with Chelsea for ignoring this and going public with their £22million bid for the player.

SUNDAY MIRROR

Chelsea face the threat of a points deduction - if found guilty of tapping up Luka Modric...Andy Murray is refusing to plot a course to Wimbledon glory...Manchester City are ready to offer Carlos Tevez an escape route back to Argentina...Barcelona have made formal contact with Arsenal about Cesc Fabregas.

SUNDAY EXPRESS

Andy Murray believes he is in the form of his life as he takes centre stage of Centre Court tomorrow aiming to become the first Briton in 75 years to win the Wimbledon men's singles...Spurs last night slammed the White Hart Lane exit door firmly shut on wantaway Luka Modric...Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has asked disgruntled fans to give new boss Alex McLeish time to prove his ability.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY

Manchester City are looking at a revolutionary plan to keep homesick Carlos Tevez for two more seasons...Chelsea last night launched a stunning £50million bid to sign Atletico Madrid goal ace Sergio Aguero - after it was revealed the player was close to joining Juventus.

THE PEOPLE

Arsene Wenger is weighing up the most astonishing transfer swoop of the summer - for Joey Barton...Andrew Strauss' nightmare run continued when he flopped again against Sri Lanka in the third Test...Manchester City supremo Garry Cook is ready to quit to live in the USA...Chelsea expect to announce Guus Hiddink as their new boss this week - and he will walk straight into a bitter feud with Tottenham over Luka Modric.

THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

The battle to sign Luka Modric turned ugly yesterday as Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy vowed to block the sale of the midfielder to Chelsea...Roger Federer arrived first yesterday, impeccably attired in his monogrammed tracksuit and baseball cap, to lay bare his claim to win Wimbledon for a seventh time.

THE OBSERVER

The full name of Andrew Strauss's nemesis in this series is Uda Walawwe Mahim Bandaralage Chanaka Asanga Welegedara - or nightmare for short, as the England captain probably knows the Sri Lankan left-armer who has taken his wicket three times in 22 balls...The Hangover Part II was the movie of choice for Rory McIlroy as he departed Congressional Country Club on Friday seeking distraction from the buzz he had created over two sensational days of the 2011 US Open.

INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY

Relations between Chelsea and Tottenham hit a new low yesterday after Spurs insisted Luka Modric would not be sold to Stamford Bridge "at any price"...Kevin Pietersen might have been spitting feathers in the dressing room last night after missing out on a richly deserved century. But if that was the case, no one outside England's inner sanctum will ever know.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE GUARDIAN: England were eliminated from the European Under-21 Championship after conceding two goals in the dying minutes to the Czech Republic, just when they seemed to have booked a place in the semi-finals, to lose 2-1 after Danny Welbeck had given Stuart Pearce's team a 76th minute lead. Also: Harry Redknapp has urged Tottenham Hotspur to show Luka Modric that he can realise his ambitions with the north London club.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andy Murray has declared he is in the best physical and mental state of his career as he launches his latest Wimbledon assault. Also: England crashed out of the European Under-21 Championship last night, beaten 2-1 by the Czech Republic after being minutes from a place in the semi-finals.

DAILY MAIL: Andy Murray begins his Wimbledon run today vowing to try and keep a check on his temper - and telling John McEnroe not to lecture him on the subject. Also: Rory McIlroy looked intent on avoiding a repeat of his Masters meltdown as he extended his overnight lead in the final round of the US Open last night.

THE INDEPENDENT: Brad Gilbert, Andy Murray's former coach, believes it is "just a matter of time'' before he wins his first grand slam title. Also: Stuart Pearce's England squad will stage an early retreat this morning from their hotel, eliminated from the European Under-21 Championship after conceding two goals in the last five minutes in a game they had to win.

DAILY MIRROR: Manchester United and Manchester City are anxiously awaiting a decision on top target Alexis Sanchez today - as Barcelona made an increased bid for the star. Also: England suffered a humiliating exit as they were sent crashing out by two last-gasp Czech goals.

THE TIMES: Rory McIlroy was on the verge of a record-breaking win at the US Open last night after making an impressive start to his final round at the Congressional Country Club. The Northern Irishman birdied two of the first four holes to extend his lead to 10 shots and close in on a spectacular victory. Also: Harry Redknapp has put the onus firmly on Daniel Levy, the Tottenham Hotspur chairman, to stick to his word and not sell Luka Modric "at any price''.

THE SUN: Rory McIlroy celebrated Father's Day by falling into his dad's arms as a Major champion after a glorious US Open triumph. Also: Stuart Pearce blamed a lapse in concentration as England were dumped out out of the European Under-21 Championship last night.

DAILY STAR: Alex McLeish's first move at Aston Villa will be to go head-to-head with Manchester United and Liverpool for £12million-rated Charlie Adam. Also: Ian Bell relished being labelled a ''pain in the backside'' as his amazing form continued.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Rory McIlroy's ground-breaking display at the US Open has prompted awe from beyond his own sport, with even tennis legend Rafael Nadal revealing how the Ulsterman's brilliance is an "inspiration'' for him as he sets out on the defence of his Wimbledon title. Also: Barcelona appear to have won the race with Manchester City and Manchester United to sign Alexis Sanchez.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE SUN: Roman Abramovich is splashing a world record £13.25million to make Andre Villas-Boas boss of Chelsea. Also: Rory McIlroy's dad has a few extra reasons for wanting his son to follow his US triumph in The Open next month - 200,000 of them.

THE TIMES: Chelsea were last night closing in on the shock appointment of Andre Villas-Boas as their manager after growing tired of waiting for Guus Hiddink. Also: The resignation of Jack Warner yesterday from all his positions within the international game gives the impression of a kind of triumph for the truth.

DAILY MAIL: Jack Warner, the arch rogue at the centre of FIFA's corruption scandal, has resigned from all his positions in international football - and so will escape further investigation into allegations of bribery. Also: Rory McIlroy can look forward to a seven-figure bonus from his leading sponsors for winning the US Open - but will turn down millions more to concentrate on winning more majors.

DAILY STAR: Chelsea's No. 1 target Andre Villas-Boas was last night in turmoil about becoming their new boss. Also: Paris St Germain are preparing a £10m raid for Dimitar Berbatov.

DAILY MIRROR: Andre Villas-Boas will today decide whether to become the next Chelsea boss after Roman Abramovich offered him the job. Also: Alex McLeish admits some fans may want to punch him after he controversially swapped Birmingham for Aston Villa.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Chelsea are on the brink of appointing Andre Villas-Boas as their new manager. Also: England captain Andrew Strauss has signed on loan for Somerset from Middlesex in a bid to find some form ahead of the Test series against India.

THE GUARDIAN: Andre Villas-Boas has emerged as the prime candidate to become the new Chelsea manager, with Roman Abramovich, the owner, considering whether to pay the 15million euro (£13.2m) release clause for the Porto coach. Also: Andy Murray gave Daniel Gimeno-Traver hope, then hell under the roof at Wimbledon on a night when Centre Court seemed even more sepulchral than usual.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andre Villas-Boas was last night keeping Roman Abramovich waiting, as he decided whether to accept his offer to become Chelsea's new manager. Also: Andy Murray overcame the shock of losing the first set before powering to victory under the closed roof of Centre Court on the opening day of Wimbledon yesterday.

THE INDEPENDENT: Guus Hiddink has told friends he will not be joining Chelsea in any capacity this summer, which means the 33-year-old Andrea Villas-Boas will have sole control of the club as its new manager. Also: Spectators on the outside courts waited in vain for play to resume after rain forced the players off the courts shortly after 5pm on the opening day of the 125th Championships here yesterday.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY Manager Specials. Click here to bet.

THE TIMES: Andre Villas-Boas took over as manager of Chelsea last night and set his new team the challenge of aiming to win an historic quadruple in his first season at Stamford Bridge. Also: Despite a report saying there is "comprehensive, compelling and overwhelming evidence" of bribery, Mohamed Bin Hammam, the Qatari FIFA official, will not resign and will continue to fight to clear his name.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Andre Villas-Boas boldly expressed his confidence that he could meet the vast expectations of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich yesterday, but admitted that, should he fail, he would expect to be treated as decisively as his predecessors. Also: Ashley Young was in Manchester last night completing the final details of his £16million move from Aston Villa to United.

DAILY STAR: Porto's £25million hitman Falcao last night pleaded with new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas: Take me with you to England. Also: Andy Murray avoided a Nightmare On Court 1 after watching horror film Scream.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini is furious with Manchester City transfer chiefs Brian Marwood and Garry Cook and their "crazy" demands over the club's unwanted flops. Also: Andre Villas-Boas last night declared that he will deliver six years of success at Chelsea.

DAILY MIRROR: Andre Villas-Boas last night became Roman Abramovich's seventh Chelsea manager in seven years. Also: Ashley Young will finally complete his £16million switch to Manchester United in the next 24 hours after passing his medical.

THE SUN: Andy Murray had a right old Scream at Wimbeldon - after warming up with a horror flick. Also: Andre Villas-Boas says he has to lead Chelsea to a quadruple to keep owner Roman Abramovich happy.

DAILY MAIL: The full extent of FIFA's duplicity over arch rogue Jack Warner escaping bribery charges has been laid bare by a leaked report of the ethics committee inquiry into the scandal. Also: Laura Robson clinched her maiden victory at a Grand Slam event last night to earn a sparkling Wimbledon second-round date with Maria Sharapova today.

THE INDEPENDENT: The new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas yesterday began his Stamford Bridge reign in markedly different style to his mentor and predecessor Jose Mourinho, by stating in his first interview in charge: "This is not a one-man show". Also: Laura Robson has been overshadowed by the achievements of Heather Watson for most of this year but last night it was the turn of the 2008 Wimbledon junior champion

to enjoy her moment in the sun.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

DAILY TELEGRAPH: British tennis has a new heroine. Playing the match of her life, Laura Robson, 17, was afforded a standing ovation in Court No 1 at the conclusion of her stirring effort against Maria Sharapova. Also: The controversy over the scheduling of matches at Wimbledon continued yesterday, with top players and officials questioning the decision to make Serena Williams play on Court No 2 on Thursday.

THE TIMES: Liverpool expect to secure the signing of Charlie Adam in the next 48 hours, with Stewart Downing also moving to Anfield in deals totalling about £24million. Also: Andy Murray is the nearest thing Wimbledon has to a roof-a-holic. For the third time in three years of its operation, the British No 1 played a full match under the most talked-about dome in tennis and lived to fight another day.

THE INDEPENDENT: Andy Murray progressed to the third round after defeating Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic in four sets under the Centre Court roof late last night. Also: The 22-year-old Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova delivered yesterday's big upset in the women's singles draw, knocking out the Russian second seed, Vera Zvonereva 6-2 6-3 on Court Two, to exact revenge for her defeat in last-year's three-set semi-final.

THE GUARDIAN: Andy Murray is starting to like this indoor grass-court business, and the All England Club must be blessing the day they signed a cheque for £80m to the builders of their Centre Court roof. Also: After disposing of Britain's brightest female hope Maria Sharapova said: "I always get the young ones it seems. I'm such a veteran."

DAILY MAIL: Laura Robson gave Maria Sharapova a mighty scare on Wimbledon's Court No 1 yesterday before falling to a gallant defeat against the 2004 champion. Also: Cesc Fabregas will head to Barcelona on holiday next week and may never return to play for Arsenal again.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andy Murray had to battle all the way into the last 16 of Wimbledon last night. Also: New Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish will have to rebuild his squad without all of the £20million Manchester United have paid for Ashley Young.

THE SUN: Andy Murray is the last Brit standing after he spared home blushes yet again. Also: Arsenal are set to make an £11million swoop for the new Cesc Fabregas - Argy midfielder Ricardo Alvarez.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Mancini is set to turn to The Hulk in a bid to add some extra muscle to Manchester City's title hopes next season. Also: Andy Murray was dancing in the dark as he powered into the second week of Wimbledon.

DAILY MIRROR: Britain's two surviving women crashed out of Wimbledon - but not before threatening to KO a pair of top seeds. Also: Stewart Downing is ready to hand in a transfer request as he attempts to force through his move to Liverpool.

 

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WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

THE OBSERVER: Guus Hiddink and not Andre Villas-Boas was Roman Abramovich's first choice to become Chelsea manager, according to the Dutchman's agent, Cees van Nieuwenhuizen. Also: David Haye goes into his career-defining world heavyweight contest with Wladimir Klitschko admitting he has to be careful not to "panic" against the 35-year-old Ukrainian.

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: It was the day of the qualifier in the men's singles yesterday as Robin Soderling, the fifth seed, and Gael Monfils, seeded ninth, were beaten by the little known pair Bernard Tomic of Australia and Lukasz Kubot of Poland respectively. Also: Bradley Wiggins says he will be going into the Tour de France with twin goals on Saturday: "The goal is always the podium but I'm not going to overthink it, either."

MAIL ON SUNDAY: Manchester City will make a second bid of £38million for Chile superstar Alexis Sanchez - sending a message to Roman Abramovich that they remain the biggest spending power in the Premier League. Also: David Haye believes he has got under Wladimir Klitschko's skin and will try more mind games ahead of their world heavyweight title clash in Hamburg on Saturday.

NEWS OF THE WORLD: Andre Villas-Boas will make an immediate impact at Chelsea by hijacking Manchester City's deal for Alexis Sanchez. Also: Buoyant Andy Murray believes he is on course to become the first British man to win Wimbledon in 75 years.

THE PEOPLE: Cesc Fabregas is willing to sacrifice a £5million windfall to secure his dream move to Barcelona. Also: Andre Villas-Boas is ready to go to war with his mentor Jose Mourinho to sign Sergio Ramos.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: Celtic left-back Emilio Izaguirre last night insisted that he is being targeted by Manchester United. Also: Stuart Broad was left floored by Sri Lanka on his debut as England Twenty20 captain yesterday.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Andre Villas-Boas is set to start his Chelsea reign with a no-nonsense "I'm the boss" message to John Terry and his team-mates. Also: French serial choker Richard Gasquet hopes he can beat Andy Murray off the court with some old-fashioned mind games.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Gareth Bale will demand a transfer if Luka Modric is sold by Tottenham. Also: Andy Carroll wants to play for Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics.

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Andre Villas-Boas has made his first significant move since his appointment as Chelsea manager, sanctioning the departure of Paul Clement, Stamford Bridge's long-serving assistant first-team coach. Also: World cricket could be hijacked by India for decades to come at the International Cricket Council's annual meeting in Hong Kong starting today.

THE SUNDAY TIMES: Cesc Fabregas says he will accept a smaller salary at Barcelona if it helps the European champions satisfy Arsenal's cash demands and seals his move back to where he began his professional career. Also: Reigning champion Rafael Nadal and six-time winner Roger Federer maintained their straight-sets progression towards a fourth final confrontation in six years to counter Andy Murray's claim that this is the year he is best equipped to win the title.