What The Sports Pages Say

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THE SUN: Brendan Rodgers is ready to give Luis Suarez the boot if he reckons the Kop bad boy has shamed Liverpool once again. Also: Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's current side is among his best.

DAILY MAIL: Liverpool were last night under mounting pressure to kick out Luis Suarez after he bit Branislav Ivanovic in his side's 2-2 draw against Chelsea. Also: Roberto Mancini questioned the attitude of his Manchester City players after their defeat at Tottenham, before congratulating Manchester United as Sir Alex Ferguson prepares to celebrate his 13th Premier League title tonight.

DAILY MIRROR: Luis Suarez could be booted out of Liverpool for his shocking bite on Branislav Ivanovic. Also: Frustrated Roberto Mancini slammed his players' attitude for gifting Manchester United the chance to win the title with four games to spare tonight.

DAILY EXPRESS: Luis Suarez was last night warned by his manager Brendan Rodgers that he could be booted out of Liverpool after the striker heaped fresh shame on the club. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has told his players to seal a record 20th league title in style tonight - and then set a new points record.

DAILY STAR: Luis Suarez's Liverpool career is hanging by a thread after BITING Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. Also: Roberto Mancini slammed his Manchester City players' attitude and accused them of gifting Manchester United the title.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: It is difficult to see how Liverpool can continue to employ Luis Suarez after his latest assault on the fabric of the game, his latest trampling on the reputation of a world-renowned club. Also: In the space of seven extraordinary, breathless and slightly baffling second-half minutes at White Hart Lane yesterday, two of the main issues of this Premier League season may have been decisively shaped.

THE TIMES: Brendan Rodgers has told Luis Suarez that his future at Liverpool is not guaranteed after the forward brought shame on the club by biting Branislav Ivanovic during the 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Anfield yesterday. Also: In the heat and dust of a controversial grand prix in a nation scarred by division, it was left to a young Mexican to start his own internecine struggle for independence in a sport that acclaims unity over individual freedom.

THE GUARDIAN: Brendan Rodgers has told Luis Suarez that no player is irreplaceable after the Liverpool striker disgraced himself by sinking his teeth into Branislav Ivanovic during Chelsea's 2-2 draw at Anfield. Also: Roberto Mancini has questioned the attitude of his Manchester City players, wondering whether it has been the equal of their Manchester United counterparts as his club prepared to hand over the Premier League title to their cross-town rivals.

THE INDEPENDENT: Luis Suarez's future in English football hung in the balance after he bit an opponent for the second time in his career yesterday. Also: It happened in the space of just six minutes and 22 seconds, the time it took for Tottenham Hotspur to score three improbable goals and for the bubble to burst for Roberto Mancini's side for what will surely be the last time this season.

 

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THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Manchester United won their 20th title race at a canter and were even able to ease up in the second half against an out-classed Aston Villa. Also: An anger management expert who has worked with David Beckham and Wayne Rooney said last night Liverpool striker Luis Suarez could need a year of treatment to fully address his behavioural problems... Police are trying to identify the person responsible for sending sickening racist abuse to the girlfriend of Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse.

THE INDEPENDENT: The Football Association may make an application to an independent regulatory commission to ban Liverpool striker Luis Suarez for as many as seven games - more than double the three-game tariff for violent conduct. Also: Goalkeeper Joe Hart has hit out at his Manchester City team-mates for failing to kill off their game against Tottenham.

THE TIMES: Robin van Persie scored a stunning hat-trick as Manchester United clinched an unprecedented 20th championship in style at a jubilant Old Trafford last night. Also: Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has condemned Liverpool striker Luis Suarez as a serial offender who deliberately fouls opponents to gain an advantage... Prime Minister David Cameron has called on the FA to make an example of Luis Suarez... Brighton manager Gus Poyet is dismayed by what he sees as the "hypocrisy" on display during the latest Luis Suarez scandal.

THE GUARDIAN: Somehow, it felt appropriate that Robin van Persie should be so prominent on the night Manchester United, once again, could call themselves the champions of England. Also: Downing Street has called on the FA to make an example of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez after he was charged with violent conduct for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic... Branislav Ivanovic has not accepted the apology from Luis Suarez over the biting incident and it has also emerged that the Metropolitan police asked to examine his arm.

THE SUN: Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has not forgiven Liverpool striker Luis Suarez for biting him. Also: Wayne Rooney says it was bitter rivals City who inspired Manchester United to their record 20th title... Goalkeeper Joe Hart has vowed Manchester City will bounce back from their disappointing season.

DAILY MAIL: Sir Alex Ferguson vowed to carry on next season after leading Manchester United to their 13th Barclays Premier League title. Also: Luis Suarez and Branislav Ivanovic had to be separated as they clashed in the tunnel before the Liverpool striker bit Chelsea's defender... Otman Bakkal - the victim of Luis Suarez's first bite on a football field - has slammed the Liverpool striker for his horrific chomp on Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

DAILY MIRROR: Chelsea have launched a probe into claims Yossi Benayoun has been the target of sick anti-semitic chants - from his own supporters. Also: QPR have told manager Harry Redknapp no players will be sold this summer without his blessing... Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone admitted he may have to quit Spurs this summer - even if that means turning his back on the Champions League.

DAILY STAR: Liverpool fear shamed striker Luis Suarez will be banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. Also: John O'Shea revealed that manager Paolo Di Canio sowed the seeds for Sunderland's revival within minutes of meeting his players for the first time... The foundations of Manchester United's 20th title victory were put in place almost 12 months ago. Last night was just the finishing touch.

DAILY EXPRESS: The Prime Minister has waded into the Luis Suarez furore and urged the FA to make an example of the Liverpool striker after he was formally charged with violent conduct for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. Also: Goalkeeper Joe Hart says Wembley places are up for grabs after Manchester City's shock collapse at Tottenham.

 

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THE GUARDIAN: Luis Suarez has defied the Football Association's view that biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic warrants more than a three-match ban, less than 48 hours after apologising for his "inexcusable behaviour". Also: Rio Ferdinand has aimed a barb at Manchester City, the dethroned champions, by saying that Manchester United's title triumph is more credible as it was won on points rather than goal difference.

DAILY EXPRESS: Rory McIlroy is set to be compelled to play for Ireland rather than Great Britain at the Rio Olympics when golf makes its return to the Games in 2016. Also: Bayern Munich stunned Lionel Messi's Barcelona with one of the great Champions League results in the first leg of their semi-final last night with a double from Thomas Muller, and goals from Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson will build on Manchester United's 20th title triumph with a £50million spending spree this summer. Also: Harry Redknapp is fuming after QPR keeper Julio Cesar was snapped wearing a Chelsea kit.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Mancini was left reeling last night when it emerged Edinson Cavani is set to snub Manchester City and join Paris St Germain instead. Also: John Terry has raised doubts about his future at Chelsea by revealing he has yet to be offered a new contract.

THE INDEPENDENT: Bayern Munich may just have taken Barcelona's mantle of Europe's finest football team. They have almost certainly taken their place in the Champions League final with a first leg 4-0 mauling in a roaring Allianz Arena last night. Also: Luis Suarez gave notification yesterday that he is ready to fight a lengthy Football Association ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic by denying the FA's claim that a standard three-match ban is insufficient given the extraordinary nature of the incident.

DAILY MAIL: Steven Gerrard faces an operation on a shoulder injury that could rule him out of England's friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil. Also: Liverpool scored another massive PR own goal last night after allowing Luis Suarez to contest the FA's claim that a three-game ban for biting is not harsh enough.

THE SUN: Bite-shame Luis Suarez has finally admitted he needs help to curb his anger. Also: Arsenal fans are threatening to turn their backs on Manchester United if the champions are given a guard of honour at the Emirates on Sunday.

THE TIMES: David Gill has vowed that Manchester United will spend in the summer as the newly-crowned Barclays Premier League champions bid to build on their twentieth title success and see off rivals whom he expects will "come back all guns blazing". Also: Luis Suarez will contest today the Football Association's contention that he should receive a ban in excess of three games for biting Branislav Ivanovic.

 

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THE SUN: Luis Suarez is ready to quit Liverpool. Also: Jose Mourinho wants to take £53 million Atletico Madrid superstar Radamel Falcao with him to Chelsea this summer.

DAILY MAIL: Liverpool are concerned Luis Suarez's 10-game ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic could force him out of England. Also: Sheik Mohammed has temporarily closed down the Newmarket stable of Mahmood Al Zarooni in the aftermath of the biggest drug scandal in British horse-racing.

DAILY MIRROR: Luis Suarez feels "destroyed" by the 10-match ban that he was handed yesterday for his biting shame. Also: Wayne Rooney's future at Manchester United may be under a cloud, but he could not resist showing off the golden lining yesterday.

DAILY EXPRESS: Luis Suarez is weighing up whether he has a future in English football after being left "shocked and disappointed" by the severity of his 10-match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic. Also: Fernando Torres is desperate to stay at Chelsea, help them win the domestic title again and then make them one of the best teams in Europe.

DAILY STAR: Liverpool fear Luis Suarez will never play for the club again after he was handed a 10-match ban. Also: Fernando Torres insists he is not worried by Chelsea's efforts to land Falcao this summer.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is considering his future in English football after being left distraught by a 10-game suspension for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic. Also: Football's coming home, and it will be striding through the Wembley door wearing lederhosen and yellow-and-black shirts.

THE TIMES: Luis Suarez is considering his future in English football after being left "shocked and disappointed" at a ten-match ban imposed by the Football Association for biting Branislav Ivanovic. Also: Whatever the German is for El Clasico - Der Teutonico? - Wembley can prepare for the first all-German Champions League final after Borussia Dortmund put a bedraggled Real Madrid to the sword last night.

THE GUARDIAN: Luis Suarez is considering his future in English football having been left stunned by a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic at Anfield on Sunday. Also: Kevin Pietersen will miss England's bid to win a first major 50-over competition in the Champions Trophy in June, fuelling fears that the knee injury he suffered on the recent tour of New Zealand could even threaten his participation in the Ashes.

THE INDEPENDENT: Chelsea's £50m striker Fernando Torres said yesterday that he would stay to fight for his place in the team even if the much sought-after Radamel Falcao was to arrive from Atletico Madrid this summer, increasing the pressure on the Spanish striker. Also: Liverpool have reacted with shock and dismay to the 10-game suspension handed out to Luis Suarez for biting Branislav Ivanovic, suggesting they are ready to appeal against the Football Association independent regulatory commission's verdict.end

 

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THE SUN: David Luiz came to the rescue to leave Chelsea with one foot in the Europa League final. Also: Brendan Rodgers has accused the FA of hypocrisy for trying to throw Luis Suarez out with the garbage... Disgraced trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni has been banned for eight years in horse racing's biggest doping scandal.

THE GUARDIAN: Brendan Rodgers has accused the Football Association and the Prime Minister David Cameron of prejudicing Luis Suarez's hearing by an independent panel that wanted to "throw him to the garbage". Also: Mahmood Al Zarooni, the trainer at the heart of the Godolphin doping scandal, has been disqualified from racing for eight years following a disciplinary hearing at the British Horseracing Authority's offices in London yesterday.

THE INDEPENDENT: Brendan Rodgers has admitted he would understand if Luis Suarez considered quitting the Premier League and accused the men who banned him for 10 games of "throwing him into the garbage". Also: Rafa Benitez will never have the love of the Chelsea support but he might just lead them to a fifth European final in the club's history which, given this strange, tumultuous season of theirs, does not feel like a bad outcome.

DAILY MAIL: Rafa Benitez claimed a 'miscarriage of justice' at Anfield on Sunday was behind Chelsea's stunning victory in last night's Europa League semi-final. Also: Disgraced Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni was last night banned from racing for eight years after admitting he had given performance enhancing steroids to 15 horses in his Newmarket stable.

DAILY MIRROR: Brendan Rodgers has accused the FA of "throwing Luis Suarez out with the garbage". Also: Arsene Wenger admits he is "afraid" Jose Mourinho will help Chelsea blow away the rest of the Premier League if he returns to Stamford Bridge.

DAILY STAR: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers last night launched a scathing attack on the FA - and Prime Minister David Cameron. Also: David Luiz grabbed Chelsea a Europa League semi-final win with the last kick of the game in Basle.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: In a city that was heaving with the World Watch and Jewellery Show, David Luiz timed his gem of a free-kick to perfection. Also: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes the intervention of Prime Minister David Cameron prejudiced Luis Suarez's chances of escaping a lengthy ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

DAILY EXPRESS: Brendan Rodgers last night accused the FA's Independent Regulatory Commission of bias and claimed they had thrown Luis Suarez "out with the garbage" by handing him a 10-match ban for biting. Also: Mahmood Al Zarooni,the trainer who brought shame to Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin racing operation, has been banned for eight years after being found guilty of using steroids on 15 of his Newmarket-based horses.

THE TIMES: Brendan Rodgers has accused the FA's independent panel of being biased against Luis Suarez and "throwing him to the garbage" with a ten-game ban that he feels was influenced by David Cameron. Also: History, of a type, is looming once more for Chelsea.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Saturday April 27

The FA Panel dealing with the Luis Suarez biting furore brands the Liverpool striker's actions "truly disgraceful" and "an unprovoked attack alien to football" in their 21-page judgement.
Chelsea defender John Terry is ready to make a U-turn and come out of international retirement.
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has dismissed internet rumours suggesting 31-year-old defender Fabricio Coloccini, who is currently out injured, will never play for the Magpies again.
Danny Murphy is keen to become player-manager at Championship side Blackburn Rovers.
Huddersfield boss mark Robins will make a £5m double swoop for Jermaine Beckford and James Vaughan if the Terriers stay in the Championship.

Chelsea defender John Terry wants to make a sensational England comeback.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger snubbed Arsenal old boy Robin van Persie by insisting: Michael Carrick should be Player of the Year.
Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti - currently boss of Paris St Germain - is set to replace Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

John Terry wants to make a sensational return for England.
Arsene Wenger delivered an amazing snub to Robin van Persie by picking his team-mate Michael Carrick as his Player of the Year.

John Terry has performed an amazing U-turn by declaring himself ready to come out of international retirement with England.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been given the go-ahead by the Glazer family, who own the club, to strengthen his side this summer.
Liverpool frontman Luis Suarez has expressed remorse after deciding not to contest his 10-game ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic.
Newcastle are weighing up a move for Marseile defender Nicolas N'Koulou who is rated at £18m by the French club.
AC Milan are vowing to keep 20-year-old striker Stephan El Shaarawy despite interest from Manchester City.
Sunderland defender at Kilgallon is a target for Reading and Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola is set to sell winger Arjen Robben, 29, when he takes charge of Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the summer.
QPR have cancelled their end-of-season awards party for fear of a fans' backlash.

John Terry wants to make an astonishing England comeback and help Roy Hodgson's faltering World Cup campaign.
Luis Suarez has been accused of damaging the image of English football across the world by the Independent Regulatory Commission that handed him a 10-match ban for biting.
Everton do not want to sell striker Nikica Jelavic despite his struggles in front of goal this season.

John Terry wants to make a dramatic return to international football and is still hoping that he can make the World Cup in Brazil his swansong for England. The fact that Luis Suarez's attack on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic was seen by "millions of viewers" and became "the top trend on Twitter worldwide" during Sunday's Premier League match at Anfield was cited as justification for the controversial 10-game ban imposed on the Liverpool striker

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas believes winger Gareth Bale, 23, will remain at the club if they qualify for the Champions League.
John Terry wants to return to international duty with England as the 32-year-old Chelsea defender eyes a World Cup place in 2014.
Luis Suarez failed to grasp the "gravity and seriousness" of his bite on Branislav Ivanovic, according to the independent panel that imposed a 10-match ban on the Liverpool striker.

John Terry is ready to come out of international retirement and hopes to be handed a sensational England recall by Roy Hodgson.
Meanwhile, Terry will not sign for another English club if he is released by Chelsea, with the defender's contract at Stamford Bridge expiring at the end of next season.
Sir Alex Ferguson offered his unlikely support to Liverpool as the Manchester United manager waded into the storm surrounding Luis Suarez with a fierce attack on the Football Association.

John Terry has decided to end his self-imposed international retirement and will make himself available to Roy Hodgson for selection for England, starting with the end-of-season showcase friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.
Luis Suarez was given a 10-game ban to send out a clear message and because the Liverpool striker had not appreciated how repellent his biting of Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic had been.

 

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THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Sam Warburton will be announced on Tuesday as captain for the British and Irish Lions for their tour of Australia, in a squad that will contain at least 15 Welshmen. Also: Roy Hodgson is unlikely include John Terry in his next England squad, despite the former captain's desire to come out of international retirement.

THE SUN: Roberto Mancini will be Manchester City's manager next season - even if they lose the FA Cup final. Also: Gareth Bale will be crowned PFA Player of the Year for the second time tonight.

INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: Manchester United will use funds from a series of lucrative commercial deals to press ahead with plans to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.

THE OBSERVER: John Terry would be ready to answer an emergency call-up for England but the Chelsea captain will play no part in the forthcoming friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: John Terry faces being banned from playing for England if he goes through with his bid to return to the national team. Also: England captain Chris Robshaw is in a desperate battle to claim the last back row place left in the British and Irish Lions squad to tour Australia this summer.

THE PEOPLE: Brendan Rodgers is the shock name in the frame to replace Roberto Mancini as Manchester City manager. Also: Luis Suarez will be named in the PFA's Premier League team of the season despite the biting controversy.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Manchester City believe they are winning the battle to sign Edinson Cavani. Also: Martin O'Neill is heading for a sentimental return to Leicester City.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Liverpool are ready to make an £8million move for QPR striker Loic Remy as they prepare for life without the banned Luis Suarez. Also: The ugly side of football reared its head again yesterday as hundreds of Wolves fans demonstrated violently against club owner Steve Morgan.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: Manchester City want to unleash a new £75million strikeforce on the Premier League next season - Napoli's Edinson Cavani and Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski. Also: Cesc Fabregas could be sold by Barcelona this summer to pay for a big rebuilding job at the Nou camp - putting Arsenal on red alert.

THE SUNDAY TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to cherry pick from Borussia Dortmund's outstanding young side by luring midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and striker Robert Lewandowski to Old Trafford.

 

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The Guardian: Arsene Wenger remains "convinced" that Arsenal will qualify for the Champions League but he warned that there was no longer any margin for error after a Bacary Sagna blunder allowed Robin van Persie to mark his Emirates Stadium return with Manchester United's equaliser in yesterday's 1-1 draw

Daily Express: Joey Barton launched a foul-mouthed rant at his relegated Queens Park Rangers team-mates yesterday, calling them "maggots" for showing a lack of fight - and putting the blame on former manager Mark Hughes. Also: Gareth Bale was rewarded for his sensational season last night with both the PFA's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards.

Daily Mail: Queens Park Rangers were last night furious with Jose Bosingwa after he was caught laughing just moments after the club's relegation was confirmed. Also: David Beckham was sent off six minutes after coming on as a substitute as nine-man Paris Saint-Germain won 1-0 in a match which saw Marco Verratti also dismissed and a mass brawl break out after the final whistle.

Daily Mirror: Harry Redknapp saw his QPR side finally relegated - and says they may never come back. Also: Alan Pardew has admitted his future is in Mike Ashley's hands.

Daily Star: Harry Redknapp fears the spectre of a Wolves-style double relegation could hang over Queens Park Rangers. Also: Gareth Bale netted a superb double last night when he was named PFA Player and Young Player of the Year.

The Sun: Alan Pardew has told Toon owner Mike Ashley: Back me or sack me!. Also: Frank Lampard moved to within one of Bobby Tambling's Chelsea goal record - then met him.

The Daily Telegraph: Arsene Wenger has promised that he will not allow Sir Alex Ferguson to sign any more players from Arsenal but defended how his club - if not the fans - welcomed Robin van Persie on his return to the Emirates.

The Times: Arsene Wenger admitted that Arsenal cannot afford to drop any more points if they are to qualify for next season's Champions League after Robin van Persie returned to haunt his former club and earn Manchester United a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium yesterday.

The Independent: A racing industry still reeling from last week's Godolphin drugs bombshell is set for a fresh shock today after a second Newmarket trainer disclosed to The Independent that he is facing a ban for injecting anabolic steroids.

 

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HE SUN: Christian Benteke's hat-trick eased Villa's drop fears as 10-man Sunderland were hit for six. Also: Manchester United will have to battle Paris St Germain to recapture Cristiano Ronaldo... Harry Redknapp is staying at QPR after winning his budget battle with Tony Fernandes.

DAILY MIRROR: Christian Benteke scored a stunning hat-trick as Villa smashed 10-man Sunderland to give their survival hopes a massive boost. Also: The PFA have claimed race-row comedian Reginald D Hunter IGNORED their wanring not to use offensive language at their awards bash on Sunday... Angry Tony Fernandes blasted QPR's wage-thieves who have ripped the Premier League heart out of the club.

DAILY STAR: Hat-trick hero Christain Benteke powered rampant Villa towards Premier League safety last night. Also: Tony Fernandes last night blasted QPR players, claiming they were more interested in going clubbing than helping their club... Roman Abramovich wants to dump John Terry as Chelsea captain and replace him with David Luiz.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester City owner Sheik Mansour of Abu Dhabi is close to sealing an astounding 100million US dollars deal to establish a new Major League Soccer team in New York. Also: Chris Robshaw is expected to be overlooked when the Lions squad is announced this morning, just six weeks after being favourite for the captaincy... Tony Fernandes launched a scathing attack on his highly paid Queens Park Rangers flops yesterday as he confirmed Harry Redknapp will remain as the club's manager.

DAILY EXPRESS: Christian Benteke struck a second-half hat-trick as Aston Villa went goal crazy to edge towards Premier League safety. Also: Footballers' union leader Clark Carlisle delivered a huge apology last night after a comedian created a new race row by using the word n***** at the players' glittering awards night in London... Racing's credibility suffered a further hammer blow when Newmarket trainer Gerard Butler admitted that he had injected his horses with anabolic steroids.

THE GUARDIAN: A 38-man British and Irish Lions squad will finally be unveiled today after an intense 11th-hour debate over the potential inclusion of Jonny Wilkinson. Also: Sir Bradley Wiggins has said he sees his attempt to win this year's Giro d'Italia as the first part of a possible double that would involve the Tour de France... A glorious night for Aston Villa delivered an emphatic victory that gave their survival hopes a huge boost and brought Paolo Di Canio and Sunderland crashing back down to earth.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Paris St Germain's Qatari owners are confident that they can prise Arsene Wenger from the last year of his contract at Arsenal to become their new manager when Carlo Ancelotti leaves the French capital at the end of the season. Also: Jose Mourinho's future is set to be decided within the next few weeks if, as expected, Real Madrid exit the Champions League this evening at the hands of Borussia Dortmund... Aston Villa punished a perceived slight by Paolo Di Canio in spectacular style, hitting his Sunderland team for six on a remarkable, reverberating night at Villa Park.

THE TIMES: Aston Villa took a huge step towards securing their Barclays Premier League status after Christian Benteke scored a hat-trick in a 6-1 victory over Sunderland last night that took them level with Paolo Di Canio's side, five points above the relegation zone. Also: A day of turmoil, embarrassment and debate at the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) ended last night with the union issuing an apology for the "wholly inappropriate" language used by a comedian at its annual awards ceremony... The group of Aston Villa fans planning to walk 89 miles to Wigan for the final match of the season were announced to an already excitable crowd at half-time last night, and it proved an inspirational introduction as their heroes took six giant steps on what should be a shorter stroll to safety.

THE INDEPENDENT: Manchester City are poised for a potentially huge commercial breakthrough in the United States, as the club's Abu Dhabi owners prepare a 100million US dollars (£65m) deal to buy a New York Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise. Also: Queens Park Rangers began their long road back to the Premier League yesterday with chairman Tony Fernandes confirming that Harry Redknapp would still be in charge next year, but castigating his players for their lack of commitment this season, saying they looked unaffected by defeat... Alan Pardew is aware that relegation to the Championship could end his time in charge at Newcastle United.

 

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Daily Star: Branislav Ivanovic last night urged Jose Mourinho to come back to Chelsea and make them champions again. Also: Snooker ace Ronnie O'Sullivan has told Luis Suarez: 'My mind guru will save your career like he did mine'.

Daily Express: Jonny Wilkinson turned down a place among the Lions tour party named yesterday, forcing coach Warren Gatland into a self-confessed gamble by taking only two fly-halves to Australia. Also: Disgraced trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni was guilty of a "widespread systematic misuse of illegal substances'', according to the British Horseracing Authority.

Daily Mirror: Zinedine Zidane has warned Spurs that even a monster £60 million price tag will not stop Real Madrid opening the bidding for Gareth Bale this summer. Also: Jose Mourinho crashed out of the Champions League last night but will be given a #100 million transfer kitty to rebuild Chelsea this summer.

Daily Mail: Jonny Wilkinson ruled himself out of the Lions squad on a day of drama. Also: Wayne Rooney wants assurances over his role from manager Sir Alex Ferguson before signing a new deal at Manchester United.

The Sun: Hatem Ben Arfa has riled suffering Newcastle fans by wearing a Paris Saint-Germain kit in a local gym. Also: Paris Saint-Germain have finally given up hope of landing Arsene Wenger this summer.

The Independent: Frank Lampard's Chelsea career looks set to extend beyond next month and into another season as there is a willingness from the club to offer him a one-year extension, once the new manager is in place this summer. Also: FIFA yesterday finally published its long-awaited report into the corruption investigation at the top of the organisation.

The Times: Jonny Wilkinson spoke last night of his disappointment that he was unable to make himself available for the Lions tour, insisting he would have relished the opportunity had his club commitments not created a conflict. Also: Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president, faced fresh calls for his resignation yesterday.

The Guardian: Jonny Wilkinson has dramatically turned down an invitation to join this summer's British and Irish Lions tour, sparing Australia a reunion with their old nemesis. Also: Borussia Dortmund are on their way to Wembley. But only just.

Daily Telegraph: The British and Irish Lions manager, Andy Irvine, disclosed last night that there had been a "very serious probability" that Warren Gatland would have selected three fly-halves for the tour of Australia if Jonny Wilkinson had not turned down the offer of a place during a phone call with the head coach on Monday. Also: The row over comedian Reginald D Hunter's "offensive" stand-up routine at the Professional Footballer's Association annual awards dinners escalated last night after the players' union demanded a full refund of the fee it paid him.

 

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DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson will have hip surgery this summer - and is odds on to miss the start of the new season. Also: Steven Gerrard has put Liverpool's season into stark context, by admitting even winning the derby and finishing above their most intense rivals will mean nothing.

THE SUN: Jose Mourinho wants to keep legends Frank Lampard and John Terry at Chelsea next season. Also: Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez are at war again.

DAILY MAIL: Sir Alex Ferguson has accused Rafa Benitez of being driven by self-interest. Also: Chelsea's interim manager Rafa Benitez was all smiles in the sunshine after being named as April's Barclays Premier League manager of the month.

THE INDEPENDENT: Rafael Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson have renewed their long-running feud ahead of Chelsea's visit to Old Trafford tomorrow. Also: Arsene Wenger is 99 per cent certain that 73 points will be enough for Arsenal to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League.

THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini admitted last night that he had no assurances from the Manchester City owners over his future and said he did not know why the club's director of football met with the agent of Manuel Pellegrini, the Malaga coach, this week. Also: The long-running conflict between Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafael Benitez will again overshadow tomorrow's Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea after the pair exchanged barb and back-handed compliments yesterday.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Mancini has admitted for the first time he might not be Manchester City boss next season. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has urged Jose Mourinho: Come back to England and get me fired up again.

THE GUARDIAN: Jose Mourinho claimed that he has not yet made a decision on his future but did so during a press conference performance that felt like a farewell and a settling of scores. Also: Arsene Wenger says he would consider prolonging his stay at Arsenal beyond 2014 if he and the club felt that targets were being met but maintained he was preoccupied simply by the battle to secure a top-four finish this season.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: QPR chairman Tony Fernandes has revealed that Harry Redknapp and "60 per cent" of the club's players have clauses in their contracts requiring them to take significant pay cuts following relegation from the Premier League. Also: Roberto Mancini has raised fresh doubt over his position as Manchester City manager by claiming he has been given no assurances by the club's hierarchy that he will remain beyond the end of this season.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sir Alex Ferguson is relishing the impending return of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea but could not resist another swipe at Rafa Benitez last night. Also: Rory McIlroy is refusing to be railroaded into representing Ireland at the 2016 Olympics and may yet choose Great Britain instead.

 

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Steve Bruce christened yesterday's breathless finale to the Championship season as the most "ridiculous" day in his long career, after his Hull City side secured promotion to the Premier League at Watford's expense. Also: Rafael Benitez has stoked his smouldering feud with Sir Alex Ferguson by insisting he is ready to "fight" his corner when the managers face each other today.

SUNDAY TIMES:

Hull City manager Steve Bruce was still trying to calm his rattled nerves 20 minutes after the final whistle at the KC Stadium and enjoy the feeling of being back in the Premier League. Also: Rafa Benitez could be offered the chance to join the Bundesliga boom, with Schalke eyeing the Spaniard after he guided Chelsea to the Europa League final.

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY:

"We have a score from Vicarage Road..." the PA announcer shrieked. "It's Watford one..." he paused. "Leeds United two!" Some erupted, others stared ahead disbelievingly and others flooded the pitch. Also: An afternoon which began portentously with thunder and lightning ended in bitter anticlimax and undisguised anxiety for the welfare of two young Watford goalkeepers.

THE OBSERVER:

As a Manchester United old boy, Steve Bruce never thought he would be giving thanks to Leeds United, but he did so last night after a 2-1 victory over Watford enabled his Hull team to win promotion to the Premier League. Also: Roberto Martinez declared his Wigan team are ready to do their own double by securing survival and winning silverware after they came from behind to defeat West Bromwich Albion, though the gloss was taken off a vital victory as wing-back Jean Beausejour was ruled out of the FA Cup final.

THE SUN:

Gareth Bale saved Spurs with a stunning late strike - and then heard the praise of both managers ringing in his ears. Also: Steve Bruce led Hull back into the Premier League and roared: It's my finest achievement as a manager.

SUNDAY PEOPLE:

Jose Mourinho has arranged a first summit with Roman Abramovich aboard the Chelsea owner's super-yacht this week. Also: Phil Jones is heading for a bumper new deal with Manchester United.

SUNDAY MIRROR:

Steve Bruce hailed Hull City's £110million promotion to the Premier League as his greatest managerial achievement. Also: Manchester United will test Tottenham's resolve to keep Gareth Bale.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY:

Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he would be prepared to make a sensational return to Manchester United. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson does not have many regrets in life - but not signing Frank Lampard is certainly one of them.

SUNDAY EXPRESS:

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has warned that the newly crowned champions have the cash to make a huge signing. Also: A remarkable week for Gareth Bale was rounded off in style by the Welshman yesterday when he fired Spurs to a last-gasp win over Southampton.

THE MAIL ON SUNDAY:

Rafa Benitez will be offered the chance to join Germany's footballing renaissance next season, with Schalke chasing him as their No.1 choice to be new manager. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed reports he will miss the start of Manchester United's Premier League title defence next season following hip surgery.

 

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DAILY STAR: Furious Sir Alex Ferguson slammed Chelsea's David Luiz for getting Rafael sent off - and then smiling. Also: Hull owner Assem Allam celebrated promotion to the Premier League - and then vowed to get the Tigers into Europe.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sir Alex Ferguson accused David Luiz of unprofessional conduct after Chelsea gave their Champions League qualifying hopes a boost with a vital victory at Old Trafford. Also: Andre Villas-Boas believes Chelsea are still in ''turmoil'' 14 months after his departure and says that the managerial changes since he left reassure him that his sacking was no reflection of his own abilities as a head coach.

DAILY MAIL: Sir Alex Ferguson accused David Luiz of acting like 'a dying swan' to get Rafael sent off as Chelsea snatched victory at Old Trafford yesterday. Also: One wait continues but another is almost over. David Moyes may feel aggrieved that he is still waiting for a first victory at Anfield but he is, at least, on the brink of ending a curious anomaly.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson accused David Luiz of conning referee Howard Webb to get Rafael sent off at Old Trafford. Also: David Moyes last night accused officials of favouring Liverpool in derbies at Anfield and claimed Everton were robbed of a winner.

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson slammed David Luiz for acting like a 'dying swan' to get Rafael sent off. Also: David Moyes angrily claimed he had been robbed of a first win at Anfield by the ref.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson launched a scathing attack on David Luiz after Rafael Da Silva was sent off for kicking the Chelsea defender as tempers flared at Old Trafford yesterday. Also: A spectacular volcanic island off the coast of Naples was the stunning backdrop for the latest celebration for British cycling.

THE INDEPENDENT: Sir Alex Ferguson conceded yesterday that his title-winning Manchester United team had lost their "edge" having been beaten in the last three minutes by Chelsea. Also: Jamie Carragher will remember his final Merseyside derby as one in which he kept a clean sheet and extended Liverpool's run in these fixtures at Anfield to 14 years without defeat.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sir Alex Ferguson condemned David Luiz as lacking professionalism and accused the Brazilian of "rolling around like a dying swan" after he was pictured smiling on the ground following Rafael da Silva's dismissal for a foul on the Chelsea defender. Also: David Moyes hit out at referee Michael Oliver's decision to disallow Sylvain Distin's headed effort as Everton's 14-year winless run at Anfield went on.

THE GUARDIAN: Sir Alex Ferguson accused David Luiz of being a "diving swan" to fool the referee Howard Webb into sending off Rafael da Silva near the end of Chelsea's vital 1-0 win against Manchester United. Also: David Moyes claimed that referee Michael Oliver cost Everton a legitimate first win at Liverpool since 1999 with his decision to disallow Sylvain Distin's towering header at Anfield.

 

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The Times: Ronnie O'Sullivan said last week that he only came back to snooker to pay for the school fees, but the £250,000 he pocketed for winning a fifth world title in imperious style should keep the bursars happy for a couple of months. Also: Sunderland battled back from going a man and a goal down to Stoke City last night to salvage the point that enabled them to climb above Newcastle United and Norwich City on goal difference and three points clear of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone.

Daily Telegraph: However uneasily it lies, it is the head of Ronnie O'Sullivan that wears the crown once more. Also: David Luiz has told friends that his smile after going down under Rafael da Silva's challenge at Old Trafford on Sunday was because Manchester United fans were mocking him over his nickname, Sideshow Bob.

The Guardian: Putting the lid at least for the time being on the war of words over Team Sky's leadership for the Tour de France, the general manager, Sir Dave Brailsford, finally weighed into the debate between Chris Froome, the runner-up at last year's Tour, and Sir Bradley Wiggins, the winner, and their respective camps. Also: Points rarely come more hard-earned than this. A goal behind and down to 10 men, Sunderland showed off their new, much-strengthened mentality by forcing an unlikely draw thanks to John O'Shea's second-half equaliser.

The Independent: Dave Brailsford yesterday gave his unequivocal backing to Chris Froome as Team Sky's leader for this summer's Tour de France and in so doing dealt a significant blow to Bradley Wiggins' hopes of mounting a successful repetition of his historic victory last year. Also: Laura Robson confirmed her reputation as a player for the big occasion by moving into the third round of the Madrid Open yesterday after one of the biggest victories of her career.

The Sun: Wojciech Szczesny insists Tottenham are not good enough to claim a top-four spot. Also: Paolo Di Canio hailed his battling 10-man Black Cats as they inched closer to Premier League survival.

Daily Mirror: Jose Mourinho is lining up a shock move to take Steve Kean with him if he returns to Chelsea for a second spell. Also: Steven Gerrard seems certain to miss the end of the season and England matches - by bringing forward surgery on a shoulder problem.

Daily Mail: Sporting comebacks do not come any better than this. Neither a 12-month sabbatical nor the most inspired debut World Championship final performance in recent memory by Barry Hawkins could prevent Ronnie O'Sullivan being crowned world champion for the fifth time last night after a scintillating 18-12 victory. Also: Paolo Di Canio last night told Sunderland's players they have to learn to control their passion as they face a clash with Southampton he called their "Champions League final".

Daily Star: Juan Mata has warned Tottenham that Chelsea will stop Gareth Bale and win the race for the Champions League tomorrow night. Also: Roy Hodgson has been told that Phil Jagielka can be his main man in England's defence.

Daily Express: Sir Bradley Wiggins will face an uphill battle to retain his Tour de France crown after Team Sky confirmed yesterday that Chris Froome will be their number one instead of the reigning champion. Also: David Moyes has challenged Phil Jagielka to seize the moment and push himself as the long-term solution to England's defensive problems.

 

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DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United future was last night shrouded in doubt with the Scot understood to be seriously considering calling time on a managerial reign that has lasted almost 27 seasons. Also: Going, going, gone? This could well have been the night when Wigan Athletic's famous end-of-season resilience expired.

THE TIMES: Chelsea's negotiations to secure the return of Jose Mourinho have reached an impasse over their refusal to pay the buyout clause in their former manager's contract at Real Madrid. Also: The euphoric strains of The Four Seasons; Let's Hang On! reverberated around the DW Stadium after Wigan Athletic took a precious lead with the final kick of the first half last night, but fatefully, perhaps, hanging on is not in their nature.

THE GUARDIAN: Wigan came up with the unexpected once again in their penultimate home fixture, failing to escape the bottom three before their Wembley weekend by losing what appeared to be the most winnable of their final three matches. Also: Andre Villas-Boas has accused Chelsea of playing "invisible" football and lacking style or identity since the days of Jose Mourinho as he prepares to return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his sacking by Roman Abramovich last season.

THE INDEPENDENT: Andre Villas-Boas yesterday suggested that Chelsea chose success over developing a distinctive style when they sacked him in March last year, as the Tottenham Hotspur manager prepares to return to Stamford Bridge tonight for a critical league game against his former club. Also: It would have been more bearable if Wigan Athletic had not contributed so terribly themselves to the result which may prove deeply significant in what, as things stand today, looks like a losing battle to extend their existence in the Premier League into a ninth year.

THE SUN: Manchester United were last night engulfed in a frenzy of speculation about Alex Ferguson's future. Also: Andre Villas-Boas has finally admitted Frank Lampard never supported him at Chelsea.

DAILY MIRROR: Wayne Rooney has told team-mates he wants to sign for Bayern Munich this summer. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to make an SOS call for a new assistant - as he prepares for life after his hip operation.

DAILY STAR: Rafa Benitez admitted last night that Jose Mourinho's return to Chelsea is an open secret. Also: Wigan's Premier League place is hanging by a thread after an agonising 3-2 defeat last night.

DAILY EXPRESS: Wigan's woeful defending looked certain to condemn them to relegation last night as Roberto Martinez's luck ran closer to empty. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson's future was the subject of intense speculation last night as rumours circled Manchester that he is set to announce his retirement.

DAILY MAIL: Roberto Martinez reflected on an error-strewn defeat last night that left Wigan on the brink of relegation and admitted: 'We shot ourselves in the foot.' Also: Manchester United last night failed to quell persistent suggestions that Sir Alex Ferguson is about to announce details of his retirement.

 

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DAILY TELEGRAPH: David Moyes will be confirmed as the next Manchester United manager but one of his first tasks will be to retain the services of Wayne Rooney. Also: Stuart Lancaster on Wednesday hailed the arrival on the international scene of Wasps wing Christian Wade and Bath's Kyle Eastmond as bringing the X-factor to England's game with echoes of the impact Jason Robinson made a decade ago.
Sky Bet

THE TIMES: David Gill insisted last night that succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson was "not an impossible job" as Manchester United prepare to announce the appointment of David Moyes as their new manager today. Also: Wayne Rooney has been told by Manchester United that he will not be sold this summer, although it remains to be seen whether David Moyes wants to keep the player with whom he had a difficult relationship at Everton.

THE GUARDIAN: David Moyes's first challenge on succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager will be to persuade Wayne Rooney to stay at the club after the striker asked to leave a fortnight ago. Also: Andre Villas-Boas urged Tottenham Hotspur's supporters to "keep the faith" after his team surrendered the initiative to Arsenal in the pursuit of Champions League qualification despite twice coming from behind to frustrate Chelsea.

THE INDEPENDENT: Manchester United's appointment of David Moyes as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor could be concluded as early as today, after weeks of work under a cloak of secrecy by the club to ensure a smooth transition at Old Trafford. Also: The Football Association, chairman David Bernstein, has cast doubt on an immediate England return for John Terry, saying that he considered the former captain still to be in retirement.

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson wants David Moyes to succeed him as manager of Manchester United. Also: Andre Villas-Boas admits Tottenham's Champions League hopes are teetering on the brink.

DAILY MIRROR: David Moyes will be named Manchester United manager today after being handpicked by Sir Alex Ferguson himself. Also: Chelsea last night gatecrashed Bayern Munich's attempt to sign Wayne Rooney.

DAILY STAR: David Moyes is set to be confirmed today as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor as Manchester United manager. Also: Gyfli Sigurdsson netted a late equaliser to keep Tottenham in the hunt for the Champions League - and make Chelsea sweat on their own top four hopes.

DAILY EXPRESS: David Moyes will become Manchester United's new manager in the next 48 hours after Sir Alex Ferguson told the club he should be his successor. Also: Gylfi Sigurdsson controversially earned Andre Villas-Boas a face-saving draw on his return to Chelsea but that was not enough to keep Spurs' Champions League hopes in their own hands.

DAILY MAIL: An astonishing day at Manchester United took an incredible twist last night when it emerged Wayne Rooney has asked to leave Old Trafford at a time when the club are close to securing the return of Cristiano Ronaldo. Also: Manchester United supporters wondering today just when their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, chose his retirement date need to go back almost a year.

 

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THE SUN: Wigan went from FA Cup glory to relegation heartbreak last night. Also: Crocked John Terry will lift the trophy with Frank Lampard if Chelsea win tonight's Europa League final.

THE TIMES: Roberto Martinez paid tribute to his Wigan Athletic side after their luck finally ran out when they were relegated from the Premier League after a 4-1 defeat by Arsenal, just three days after the greatest day in their history when they lifted the FA Cup. Also: Wayne Rooney is likely to perform another dramatic about-turn by committing his future to Manchester United under David Moyes.

THE INDEPENDENT: From Wembley ecstasy, to Championship anonymity. Wigan Athletic have become the first FA Cup winners to be relegated after they ran into an Arsenal team on a mission to Europe. Also: Bayern Munich have flatly denied they are willing to offer Wayne Rooney a way out of Manchester United.

DAILY MAIL: Wigan last night became the first FA Cup winners to suffer relegation in the same season. Also: John Terry faces Europa League heartbreak to convince manager Rafa Benitez to put him on the bench for the final against Benfica here tonight.

DAILY STAR: Wigan were sent crashing into the Championship last night after a crushing defeat by Arsenal. Also: David Moyes may not have been Manchester United's first choice to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson.

DAILY MIRROR: Wigan made unwanted history by becoming the first FA Cup winners to be relegated in the same season. Also: Stand-in skipper Frank Lampard last night revealed Chelsea have not practised penalties ahead of the Europa League final.

DAILY EXPRESS: Arsenal finally relegated brave Wigan last night, and took a massive stride toward claiming Champions League football again next season. Also: Frank Lampard has admitted that Chelsea have not been practising penalties as they prepare to face Benfica in the Europa League final tonight.

THE GUARDIAN: If Wayne Rooney's time at Manchester United really is coming to a close, it seems that Bayern Munich can be struck from his list of potential destinations. Also: David Platt has resigned from Manchester City as assistant manager having declined the offer to continue, with the 46-year-old deciding that after the sacking of Roberto Mancini he would follow the Italian, who is a good friend, from the club.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Wigan Athletic made history at Wembley at the weekend, winning the first major trophy in their 81 years, and then sadly, painfully, tearfully they made more history here, becoming the first FA Cup winners to suffer relegation in the same season. Also: Roberto Mancini's dismissal as Manchester City manager has been received with "delight" and "relief" by the first-team squad and remaining members of the backroom team as a result of intense antipathy towards the Italian's dictatorial approach.

 

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THE SUN: Chelsea were last night crowned Europa League champions. Also: Roy Hodgson is totally behind Rio Ferdinand's decision to quit England.

DAILY MAIL: Rafa Benitez will sign off at Chelsea with silverware after Branislav Ivanovic's stunning injury-time winner took the Europa League trophy to Stamford Bridge. Also: Ashley Cole will be invited to captain England against the Republic of Ireland on May 29 to commemorate his 100th cap - only seven months after the controversial full back branded the FA a 'bunch of t***s'.

DAILY MIRROR: Branislav Ivanovic handed Rafa Benitez the perfect farewell gift in Amsterdam. Also: Wayne Rooney is at the centre of a bizarre transfer saga linking him with a move to Newcastle.

DAILY EXPRESS: Chelsea won the Europa League in dramatic fashion in Amsterdam last night as Branislav Ivanovic headed a winner in stoppage time. Also: Rio Ferdinand's decision to call time on his international career will not lead to a recall for John Terry.

DAILY STAR: Branislav Ivanovic headed Chelsea to Europa League glory in Amsterdam last night. Also: Manuel Pellegrini has handed Manchester City a five-man shortlist of transfer targets after agreeing a two-year contract at the Etihad.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: They just never give up. Chelsea just keep on fighting. Just as thoughts were turning to extra time last night, Branislav Ivanovic, who missed last year's Champions League final suspended, settled this Europa League final with a glorious header that looped through the air.

THE TIMES: Chelsea made history last night by becoming the first club to hold the Champions League and Europa League concurrently as they stunned Benfica with a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Branislav Ivanovic.

THE GUARDIAN: The huge clocks at either end of the stadium had just ticked past 92 minutes when Branislav Ivanovic made the run that will immortalise him in Chelsea history. Also: Andy Murray, as disconsolate as he has been for some time after being struck down again by a chronic back injury, said yesterday, his 26th birthday, that he would be "very surprised" if he were ready to play in the French Open, which starts a week this Sunday.

THE INDEPENDENT: Frank Lampard lifted the Europa League for victorious Chelsea last night after a stunning late victory and is set for further reward with a new one-year contract extension to stay at Stamford Bridge set to be confirmed.

 

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THE SUN: David Beckham was last night urged to stick with England and take a top job at the FA. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has finally admitted he always put pressure on referees as he prepares for his final game at West Brom on Sunday.

DAILY MAIL: David Beckham brought the curtain down on an eventful, often turbulent, career yesterday as he announced his retirement from professional football. Also: Arsenal have discussed a move for unsettled Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

DAILY MIRROR: Spurs are confident Gareth Bale will sign a stunning new deal worth £170,000 a week. Also: David Beckham yesterday announced his retirement after one of the greatest careers in football history.

DAILY EXPRESS: David Beckham believes he is bowing out as a champion and hopes he will be remembered more for his achievements on the pitch rather than the focus he has drawn off it. Also: Frank Lampard believes the return of Jose Mourinho to Chelsea will give him the chance to win the fourth Premier League title he wants so badly.

DAILY STAR: David Beckham yesterday called time on his illustrious career and declared: I'm quitting as a champion. Also: Rio Ferdinand has thrown down the gauntlet to Manchester United's biggest rivals and warned: It's up to you to catch us now.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: David Beckham, English football's most iconic global star, has announced his retirement as a professional player, saying he was "leaving at the top". Also: Gus Poyet has been suspended by Brighton and Hove Albion and is facing legal action as his likely departure from the Amex Stadium becomes even more acrimonious.

THE TIMES: Frank Lampard declared yesterday that Chelsea must not allow a glorious ending to a turbulent season to disguise the need for stability - ideally under Jose Mourinho - if they are to capitalise on uncertainty surrounding Manchester City and Manchester United next season. Also: Long before he was seen as a haircut, a tight pair of underpants or a global ambassador, David Beckham was distinguished by the crisp, elegant beauty with which he struck a football.

THE GUARDIAN: David Beckham has announced the end of his glittering career 21 years after making his debut for Manchester United. Also: Frank Lampard believes Jose Mourinho's anticipated reappointment as manager this summer will restore Chelsea as a "consistent force" and enable the club to challenge for the Premier League title next season.

THE INDEPENDENT: The decision to go was presented much like an announcement to the Stock Exchange, wrapping in formality what industry insiders already knew. David Beckham was finished as a footballer long ago. Also: Gustavo Poyet's departure from Brighton & Hove Albion moved a step closer yesterday when he was suspended by the Championship club along with his assistant, Mauricio Taricco, and first-team coach, Charlie Oatway.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Saturday May 18

Sir Alex Ferguson happily washed his hands of the Wayne Rooney problem and told David Moyes "you can deal with it now".
Arsene Wenger has revealed that France Under-21 striker Yaya Sanogo is set to join Arsenal.
Giorgos Karagounis is set to leave Fulham.
Nathan Dyer is closing in on a two-year contract extension at Swansea.
James Chester is in the middle of a tug of war between Newcastle and Aston Villa.
Gareth McAuley has signed a new two-year deal at West Brom.

Jose Mouriho has been told he should "be worried" about getting the sack on his return to Chelsea.
Arsene Wenger has lined up a summer move for QPR's unwanted Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar.
Everton are interested in Lazio midfielder Ogenyi Onazi.
Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina is top of Barcelona's wish list.
Former Scotland boss Craig Levein wants to return to management at Doncaster.
Fulham have agreed a deal with Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng.
Dennis Wise is interested in becoming Millwall manager.
Hull boss Steve Bruce is planning a triple raid on Wigan for Ben Watson, Emmerson Boyce and Shaun Maloney.
Roberto Martinez admits he could quit as Wigan manager.

Roberto Martinez has cleared the way for a move to Everton by admitting he is ready to quit Wigan.
Sir Alex Ferguson had one last blast at bitter rivals Manchester City before quitting Old Trafford.
Andre Villas-Boas says his Tottenham revolution will go ahead even if they miss out on a Champions League spot.
Mike Ashley has handed Alan Pardew reassurances about his Newcastle future.
Sam Allardyce knows he's under pressure to splash the cash this summer.
Nigel Adkins insists Alex McCarthy is going nowhere.
Brad Guzan's fairytale rise at Aston Villa will clinch him a new pay deal.
Manuel Pellegrini is planning showdown talks with Carlos Tevez when he takes over at Manchester City.
Martin Jol has no plans to quit Fulham and will prove it by ripping up his squad this summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson has washed his hands of Wayne Rooney's future.
Manchester City will thrash out the futures of Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott when the squad return from next week's post-season tour of the USA

Cristiano Ronaldo is at the centre of a bidding war after it emerged the Manchester United target is also wanted by Chelsea.
Roberto Martinez has dropped the biggest hint yet that he is ready to end his reign as Wigan manager.

Sir Alex Ferguson prepared for his final game in charge of Manchester United by delivering one last swipe at Manchester City following their "amazing" decision to sack Roberto Mancini.
Andre Villas-Boas is plotting a revolution at Tottenham Hotspur and he claims the club do not need Champions League football next season for him to pull it off.

Kenwyne Jones allegedly smashed up the car of a team-mate believed to be Glenn Whelan after the Stoke City striker found "a bloody pig's head" wrapped in his clothes, which he believed the midfielder had placed there, according to tweets by Jones's girlfriend on Friday afternoon.
INDEPENDENT: It was with his usual disarming frankness that Arsene Wenger responded to an inquiry as to whether he would be signing the 20-year-old Auxerre striker Yaya Sanogo, available on a free transfer from the Ligue 2 club. "We are advanced in talks with him but it's not done," Wenger said. "I'm very confident it will be."