What The Sports Pages Say

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DAILY TELEGRAPH: The British and Irish Lions have pledged "not to die wondering", as they contemplate putting their entire playbook into action for the second Test at the Etihad Stadium today. Also: Putting on a show is not really Andy Murray's style. He leaves the flamboyance to others.

THE INDEPENDENT: The Lions know it can be done - three of their coaches were members of the playing squad the last time the feat was achieved, 16 years ago in South Africa - and they understand how to do it. Also: Come rain or shine, under a roof or in the open air, Andy Murray's progress is relentless.

THE TIMES: Andy Murray may have benefited from the roof over Centre Court, allowing his third-round match to start last night, but the No 2 seed is not a fan, tweeting that he missed it being open to the elements and saying: "It looks and sounds weird watching grass-court tennis indoors." Also: When Laura Robson said that her third-round match against Marina Erakovic today would be tough, she was not being polite.

THE GUARDIAN: It has been 12 years in the making, two years in the planning, and six weeks in the execution. And it could all be settled today. The British and Irish Lions have the chance to win their first Test series since they beat South Africa in 1997, 16 years and a single day ago. Also: Andy Murray has hit a scary peak of form at the end of a wild week at Wimbledon.

DAILY MIRROR: Andy Murray and Laura Robson were on song yesterday as the two Brits continued their march up the Wimbledon charts. Also: Brazil's Confederation's Cup hero Paulinho cannot wait to join Spurs - because he has been told Gareth Bale is staying.

DAILY STAR: Andy Murray last night begged the nation to stop piling on the Wimbledon pressure. Also: Manchester City are set for a new showdown with Real Madrid - this time over defender Pepe.

THE SUN: Wayne Rooney favourites Andy Murray and Laura Robson kicked their opponents into touch on a best of Britain day at Wimbledon. Also: Patrice Evra is set to quit Manchester United after David Moyes' move for Leighton Baines.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andy Murray steamrollered his way into the fourth round of Wimbledon with a dominant display under the roof last night. Also: Rob Howley has told the Lions to throw everything into today's second Test to get the series over and done with.

DAILY MAIL: Andy Murray cruised into Wimbledon's second week - and Laura Robson can help fly the flag today by becoming the British woman to reach the fourth round since Sam Smith 15 years ago. Also: The Lions have been ordered to show a ruthless streak today by completing their quest for a rare Test series success a week early.

 

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THE SUN SUNDAY: David Moyes has secretly met Wayne Rooney in a bid to persuade the troubled star to stay at Manchester United. Also: Laura Robson made two bits of history as she steamed into the last 16 of Wimbledon.

SUNDAY PEOPLE: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants to bring Fernando Torres to the Emirates. Also: Laura Robson staged an amazing comeback to storm into Wimbledon's last 16 - then ordered her mum to stay away.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: Laura Robson became the first British woman for 15 years to reach the Wimbledon last 16 as she completed an extraordinary comeback yesterday. Also: Lions captain Sam Warburton faces being ruled out of the series-deciding third Test against Australia in Sydney by the hamstring injury which forced him from the field with 14 minutes left of yesterday's agonising 16-15 defeat by the Wallabies.

SUNDAY MIRROR: George North showed his breathtaking power and strength, but the giant winger couldn't inspire a Lions win this weekend. Also: Arsenal have made a £20million bid for Wayne Rooney.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Laura Robson wowed Wimbledon with a brave fightback that sent Court Two into raptures. Also: Thousands of motor racing fans will flock to Silverstone today to watch Lewis Hamilton attempt to make British Grand Prix history.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: The British and Irish Lions face the prospect of losing their captain, Sam Warburton, for the series decider in Sydney next Saturday after he suffered a hamstring problem in yesterday's dramatic 16-15 defeat to Australia. Also: Mark Cavendish and Chris Froome, Britain's Tour de France luminaries, were left breathing a huge sigh of relief last night at avoiding a potential calamity after the 100th edition of the great race began with a terrible crash amid farcical scenes here in Bastia.

THE SUNDAY TIMES: All square in Australia - but are momentum and history now against the 2013 British & Irish Lions? Also: Many British teenagers will tell you that this is the most trying time of their young lives, with all-important examinations taking their toll. For Laura Robson, the latest test took place in public on Wimbledon's Court No 2.

THE OBSERVER: After an opening stage of the Tour de France that Mark Cavendish described as "carnage" and Chris Froome called "brutal", there was relief for Britain's hopes for the green and yellow jerseys as they avoided injures and lost no time. Also: Sam Warburton will find out tomorrow whether he will be available for the deciding Test in Sydney after the first hamstring injury of the Lions captain's career forced him off the field with 14 minutes to go.

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: The Lions are licking any number of wounds after narrowly failing to win a first Test series in the southern hemisphere since 1997, but one wound in particular will be tormenting them ahead of next weekend's third and final meeting with the Wallabies in Sydney. Also: There are still times when a nervous and immobile Laura Robson can look like so many of the home players whose failures have littered the courts of the All England Club over the years.

 

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THE SUN: Gary Neville has told Wayne Rooney: Don't quit Manchester United. Also: Andy Murray wants the Centre Court crowd to go wild today and bring Olympic fever back to Wimbledon.

DAILY MAIL: Formula One drivers are threatening to strike after the British Grand Prix came close to being called off yesterday amid safety concerns over a string of tyre failures. Also: The Lions are preparing to fast-track three key players back from injury for the Test series decider against Australia as part of a major overhaul of the side beaten 16-15 in Melbourne.

DAILY MIRROR: Lewis Hamilton blasted the sport's rulers over safety as F1 aces consider a boycott of Sunday's German Grand Prix. Also: Defiant Andy Farrell attempted to restore the Lions' roar last night as he declared: We're ready for the biggest game of our lives.

DAILY EXPRESS: The most dramatic British Grand Prix for a decade was nearly halted by the race director as safety fears mounted. Also: The Lions today expect captain Sam Warburton to be ruled out of the decisive third Test against Australia next Saturday in Sydney.

DAILY STAR: Arsenal fear being blown out of the water in their bids to sign Wayne Rooney and Gonzalo Higuain. Also: Lewis Hamilton last night blasted the FIA after four high-speed tyre explosions at the British Grand Prix.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Formula One drivers will consider boycotting this weekend's German Grand Prix unless the "unacceptable" tyre explosions which blighted yesterday's British Grand Prix are rectified. Also: There is always a strange serenity about Wimbledon on the middle Sunday of the Championships. Out on Aorangi's sun-drenched practice courts, Novak Djokovic larked around with a few of his Serbian compatriots. Just a couple of metres away, Laura Robson sat on the grass with her knees hugged up to her chest, deep in conversation with her latest coach, Miles Maclagan.

THE TIMES: The British Grand Prix was almost called off yesterday after a series of spectacular tyre blowouts at 180mph risked the lives of drivers. Also: The captains of the Lions and Australia will contemplate their fates today before the winner-takes-all third international in Sydney, with the strong likelihood that both will be ruled out of the decisive contest.

THE GUARDIAN: Brian O'Driscoll is on standby to lead the British and Irish Lions into the decisive third Test against Australia amid fears that Sam Warburton's tour will end prematurely. Also: Formula One is in crisis with one of its most experienced competitors, Felipe Massa, discussing the possibility of a drivers' boycott after yesterday's British Grand Prix was dominated by exploding rubber, with five drivers - including Britain's Lewis Hamilton - experiencing serious tyre problems.

THE INDEPENDENT: In the first flush of disappointment, Lewis Hamilton was cursing his luck after an exploding tyre cost him his shot at victory when leading the British Grand Prix. Also: The British and Irish Lions were licking their considerable wounds yesterday as they reflected on a one-point defeat by Australia in a a hard-fought second Test in Melbourne.

 

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THE TIMES: Wimbledon simply does not seem capable this year of serving up an ordinary day. Yesterday, British hopes were first dashed and then lifted as Laura Robson's fairytale journey came to an end, but Andy Murray eased through to the quarter-final stage with a straight-sets victory over Mikhail Youzhny, of Russia.

THE SUN: Battling Andy Murray says he will play through the pain barrier to win Wimbledon. Also: Jack Wilshere has urged Arsenal to sign Wayne Rooney - claiming he would win them the title and put "fear" into their rivals....Ray Wilkins last night accused Roman Abramovich of damaging the England team during his decade as Chelsea owner.

THE INDEPENDENT: The needle on Wimbledon's shockometer, which has been lurching wildly for the last eight days, all but leapt off the scale here yesterday as Serena Williams suffered one of the most remarkable defeats in All England Club history.

THE GUARDIAN: Andy Murray admitted last night the the ongoing shocks at this year's Wimbledon would act as a warning against complacency as he moved into the quarter-finals. Also: The British and Irish Lions will be without their captain, Sam Warburton, for the decisive final Test in Sydney on Saturday.

DAILY STAR: Manchester United are set to make an improved £16m bid for Leighton Baines in the hope of luring him to Old Trafford. Also: Andy Murray last night told his worried fans that injury won't derail his Wimbledon title charge.

DAILY MIRROR: Bayern Munich are to launch a £35million bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz. Also: Andy Murray vowed to play through the pain barrier to win Wimbledon......New Manchester United boss David Moyes has turned down an approach from Arsenal for Wayne Rooney - but is now bracing himself for a bid from Chelsea.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andy Murray has vowed to play through the pain barrier after his 6-4, 7-6, 6-1 victory over Russian Mikhail Youzhny took him to the Wimbledon quarter-finals. Also: The Lions now know they must do without their captain in Saturday's deciding third Test as a result of Sam Warburton's hamstring injury.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Never mind the end of Roger Federer, never mind the demise of Rafael Nadal, what the crowd on Centre Court witnessed yesterday afternoon represents the most astonishing result of this champion-slaying Wimbledon.

DAILY MAIL: Andy Murray pledged last night that nothing will stop his charge towards the Wimbledon final after being left as the lone Britain in the singles quarter-finals. Also: Lions coach Warren Gatland may gamble on out of form Brian O'Driscoll as his skipper for Saturday's deciding rugby union Test against Australia, after Sam Warburton was ruled out with a 'significant' hamstring tear picked up during the second Test defeat.

 

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DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Australian Rugby Union is to write to the International Rugby Board demanding a review of the judicial process that led to Wallabies captain James Horwill facing two separate hearings before being cleared of allegedly stamping on the head of British and Irish Lions lock Alun-Wyn Jones. Also: Just as Andy Murray lost to the "other Swiss" - Stan Wawrinka - in Monte Carlo two months ago, he is now about to face the "other Spanish leftie".

THE SUN: Wayne Rooney wants to quit Old Trafford. That was the sensational claim last night from Alex Ferguson's trusted Manchester United assistant Mike Phelan. Also: Andy Murray wants Grand Slam revenge over Wimbledon quarter-final rival Fernando Verdasco today... Arsenal have targeted England's Gareth Barry.

DAILY STAR: Wayne Rooney was last night warned: It may be too late to save your Manchester United future. Also: Andy Murray's quarter-final opponent last night warned him: I'm going to Raf you up.

DAILY MAIL: Chelsea will step up their pursuit of Wayne Rooney and Robert Lewandowski after Paris Saint-Germain tabled a £43million bid for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani yesterday. Also: Andy Murray has been warned by his rivals that they are in the form of their lives as they try to stop his Wimbledon dream becoming reality.

THE INDEPENDENT: After a Wimbledon with more twists and turns than a fairground ride, Andy Murray will be determined not to become the latest big name to fall from the roller coaster here this afternoon. Also: No fewer than eight match points were required to see off the stubborn challenge of China's best ever player, Li Na, but Agnieszka Radwanska finally achieved it to win 7-6 4-6 6-2 and reach her second successive semi-final here.

THE GUARDIAN: "I've dug a hole for myself," Glenn McGrath admits with a quiet laugh as, a week before the Ashes begin, he wonders if he can seriously offer his ritual forecast of a convincing Australian victory. Also: Steve McClaren is back in English football after agreeing a short-term deal, understood to stretch initially to three months, to join Harry Redknapp's coaching staff at Queens Park Rangers in the Championship.

DAILY MIRROR: Chelsea will have to smash the British transfer record again if they are to land prime target Edinson Cavani. Also: Fernando Verdasco wants fellow Spaniard Rafa Nadal to help him beat Andy Murray.

DAILY EXPRESS: Fernando Verdasco will call the man who three times broke Andy Murray's heart at Wimbledon for advice on how to inflict another dose of Spanish agony. Also: Wayne Rooney wants Manchester United to publicly acknowledge he did not ask for a move during his showdown talks with Sir Alex Ferguson in April.

THE TIMES: A defiant Novak Djokovic prepares for his Wimbledon quarter-final today as the menacing presence favoured to deny British tennis the champion it cherishes above all others. Also: The landscape of tennis has changed before our eyes. And if yesterday's quarter-final in the women's competition between a Chinese and a Pole is a fair sample, then all the changes have been for the good.

 

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THE SUN: Sir Alex Ferguson suffered more squeaky-bum time in the Royal Box as Andy Murray staged a stunning Wimbledon fightback. Also: Manchester United will not pander to Wayne Rooney's demands.

DAILY MAIL: Andy Murray secured an epic five-set quarter-final win at Wimbledon last night as a watching Sir Alex Ferguson cheered him on. Also: Warren Gatland was accused of making 'a terrible mistake' and gambling with the unity of the British and Irish Lions by dropping Brian O'Driscoll from Saturday's series decider against Australia.

DAILY MIRROR: Andy Murray kept his Wimbledon dream alive last night with a thrilling Centre Court fightback - in Fergie time. Also: Lions boss Warren Gatland last night insisted axing Brian O'Driscoll was a simple rugby decision.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andy Murray admitted even he was concerned as the nation fretted before he staged a brilliant fightback from two sets down to stay on track for another Wimbledon final. Also: Real Madrid yesterday threw in the towel on landing Gareth Bale this summer, sparking a double celebration at White Hart Lane.

DAILY STAR: Andy Murray turned the air blue as he fought back from the brink to stay on the Wimbledon glory trail. Also: Wayne Rooney has reached a stand-off with Manchester United that could see him quit the Premier League champions.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: How did that happen? Having dominated his first four matches at this year's Wimbledon, Andy Murray spent long periods of Wednesday's quarter-final lying on the canvas. Also: The quiet of this out-of-season Queensland holiday resort was shattered on Wednesday when Warren Gatland dropped Brian O'Driscoll for the first time in his 14-year career.

THE TIMES: Andy Murray reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon for the fifth year in a row yesterday, but needs to improve his performance radically after losing the first two sets against Fernando Verdasco, of Spain. Also: Manchester City were close to a £23.8million for Alvaro Negredo last night as a replacement for Carlos Tevez.

THE GUARDIAN: Andy Murray thanked the Centre Court crowd for pulling him through a gruelling five-set quarter-final with Fernando Verdasco on Wednesday night, claiming the atmosphere made a "huge difference" during a victory that secures a last-four spot at SW19 for a fifth successive year. Also: Warren Gatland has staunchly defended the omission of Brian O'Driscoll from the crucial final British & Irish Lions Test against Australia, despite widespread disbelief in two hemispheres.

THE INDEPENDENT: Andy Murray hailed the passionate Centre Court crowd here last night after producing one of the most remarkable comebacks of his career to beat Fernando Verdasco and reach his fifth successive Wimbledon semi-final. Also: The Lions coach, Warren Gatland, found himself at the centre of a maelstrom of controversy last night after dropping Brian O'Driscoll, one of British Isles rugby's heroic figures, from Saturday's do-or-die Test with the Wallabies in Sydney.

 

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DAILY TELEGRAPH: Andy Murray has revealed that he will draw inspiration from a pep talk with Sir Alex Ferguson as he aims to defeat Polish giant Jerzy Janowicz today and reach his second consecutive Wimbledon final. Also: Australia coach Robbie Deans yesterday rejected claims by Warren Gatland that his side would not be able to replicate the emotional high of their victory in the second Test and insisted that the Wallabies were ready to produce their "best performance" in tomorrow's series decider in Sydney.

THE INDEPENDENT: Andy Murray will go into his Wimbledon semi-final against Jerzy Janowicz here this afternoon with the benefit of a sprinkling of Sir Alex Ferguson's "gold dust". Also: There are 100 condescending if not openly insulting ways of describing women's tennis, even at the highest level, but not one of them came to mind yesterday when Sabine Lisicki quickened still further her love affair with the Centre Court.

THE TIMES: Andy Murray had a 20-minute conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson, was fed a piece of advice that was "gold dust" and will attempt to use it - and a patriotic Wimbledon Centre Court crowd - today to bolster his pursuit of a place in his fourth consecutive grand-slam tournament final. Also: Jerzy Janowicz says "I am strange, really". He should, therefore, feel right at home today on Centre Court at Wimbledon, a place where so many strange things have happened these past 12 days.

THE GUARDIAN: A late night chat with Sir Alex Ferguson could well prove to be the difference between Andy Murray winning and losing at Wimbledon today. Also: Formula One drivers last night threatened to boycott the German Grand Prix should there be a repeat of the tyre blowouts that cast a safety shadow over the race at Silverstone.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson has sprinkled "gold dust" over Andy Murray's bid to win Wimbledon. Also: David Moyes has appointed two of Sir Alex Ferguson's old boys in Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville to his backroom staff.

DAILY STAR: Andy Murray's bid for Wimbledon glory has been boosted by a "gold dust" pep talk from Sir Alex Ferguson. Also: Hotshot Gonzalo Higuain is on the brink of joining Arsenal - and proving that the Gunners are ready to battle with the big boys.

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson has sprinkled "gold dust" on Andy Murray's bid for Wimbledon glory. Also: Ryan Giggs has taken his first step towards becoming Manchester United manager by accepting a player-coach role.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andy Murray says he has been given advice on handling pressure from Sir Alex Ferguson that is "gold dust". Also: David Moyes is set to announce that Wayne Rooney is staying at Old Trafford when he faces the media today for the first time since becoming Manchester United manager.

DAILY MAIL: Andy Murray comes face to face today with a 6ft 8in serving machine determined to stop him reaching a second successive Wimbledon final. Also: Formula One drivers have threatened to boycott this weekend's German Grand Prix if there is any repeat of the tyre crisis that overshadowed Sunday's British Grand Prix.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Saturday July 6

New Manchester United boss David Moyes insists Wayne Rooney is not for sale - but admits he does not know if the striker is happy at Old Trafford.
Liverpool have lost the battle to sign Shakhtar Donetsk's Henrikh Mkhitaryan after Borussia Dortmund tabled a bid of £21.5m.
Swansea have stepped up their bid to sign Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony with a £13.7m package.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez has won the battle to sign striker Arouna Kone from former club Wigan for £5m.
West Ham have agreed a £6.7m fee to sign Colombian striker Duvan Zapata, 22, from Argentine club Estudiantes.
QPR are struggling to offload striker Loic Remy because no team in the Premier League wants him.
Manchester City's pre-season tour of South Africa could be thrown into chaos because of Nelson Mandela's continued ill health.

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko could be on his way to Napoli as a replacement for Edinson Cavani who is expected to join PSG for £54m.
Cardiff have pulled the plug on a move for Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama as they do not believe he is worth the £12m asking price.
Southampton's teenage left-back Luke Shaw will snub Chelsea and Spurs by signing a five-year deal with the Saints when he turns 18 next week.
Wilfried Bony's agent fears Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem are pricing the striker out of a move to Swansea.
Meanwhile, striker Luke Moore, 27, could quit the Swans after being left out of their pre-season tour to Holland with Stoke, Hull and Crystal Palace all said to be interested.
Queens Park Rangers are preparing a £4m offer for Celtic striker Gary Hooper, 25, who is also wanted by Norwich City.
Hull manager Steve Bruce wants to sign 28-year-old South Africa striker Katlego Mphela - nicknamed Killer because of his lethal finishing - from Mamelodi Sundowns.
Steve Clarke insists Nicolas Anelka will not be the only striker to arrive at West Brom this summer.
Ipswich have launched a bid to sign Notts County's 26-year-old Polish keeper Bartosz Bialkowski.
Bolton will offer central defender David Wheater, 26, a new deal to head off interest from former club Middlesbrough.
Millwall will step up their bid to sign Southampton midfielder Richard Chaplow, 28, with Liam Trotter set to miss the start of the season after knee surgery.

Chelsea's hopes of signing Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, 31, have been given a massive boost with the Spanish side interested in signing Real Sociedad's Asier Illarramendi as a replacement.
West Ham have been beaten by Fiorentina to the signing of former AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini.
Cardiff City are looking to hijack Sunderland's move for French teenage left-back Benjamin Mendy.
Atletico Madrid are ready to abandon their chase for Aston Villa striker Christain Benteke and go for Manchester City frontman Edin Dzeko instead as they look to replace Falcao.
Championship sides Derby, Huddersfield, Barnsley and Ipswich are al chasing Coventry City star Cyrus Christie.

David Moyes has vowed that England striker Wayne Rooney will not be sold by Manchester United.
Wilfried Bony's agent has criticised Vitesse Arnhem after they stalled over sanctioning a £13.7million move to Swansea.
Spanish club Levante want to sign Arsenal's 29-year-old striker Marouane Chamakh.
Stoke City will allow midfielder Wilson Palacios to join Hull City if the Tigers meet their £1.5m valuation.
Chelsea defender John Terry, 32, has revealed how Roman Abramovich's arrival at Stamford Bridge left him fearing for his place in the side - but says the Russian's desire to win trophies has transformed the club.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Sunday July 7

Arsenal and Chelsea remain interested in Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, while both have also made enquiries about Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have opened talks with manager Arsene Wenger, 63, over a new contract as the board look to secure the Frenchman's long-term future.
Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi, 29, is keen to join Chelsea - but the Blues will have to match wages of £5.5m after tax.
Sunderland are closing in on a £5m move for Velez Sarsfield's Argentina right-back Gino Peruzzi, 21.

Spain sensation Thiago Alcantara will join Manchester United in a £20m five-year deal next week.
Arsenal are confident of signing Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, 25, for £25m from Real Madrid next week.

Tottenham are planning to sign Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke for £20m and are prepared to wait until after the new season has started before completing the deal for the 22-year-old.
Norwich City want to sign Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell, 19, on loan.
Paulinho broke down in tears after agreeing his £17million move to Spurs.
West Brom rebel Peter Odemwingie has been told he must report back to the club for pre-season training on Monday.
Andre Santos is set to leave Arsenal despite returning to the club to train.
Charlie Austin is set to complete a £4.5million move to Hull from Burnley.
Norwich star Daniel Ayala is being eyed by Middlesbrough to boost their defence.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has his sets sight on three top strikers - Edinson Cavani, Hulk and Robert Lewandowski.
Crystal Palace are set to offer former Chelsea and West Ham United striker Carlton Cole, 29, a chance to stay in the Premier League following his release by the Hammers.

Liverpool's no over-30s policy could scupper a move for Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso, 31, but manager Brendan Rodgers may bend the rules to land the former Reds midfielder for £10m.
Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, 27, is expected to complete his £20m move to Manchester City this week but manager Manuel Pellegrini has missed out on Napoli forward Edinson Cavani.
Everton will wrap up the £6m signing of Ivory Coast striker Arouna Kone from Wigan in the next 48 hours. It will give the Latics sufficient funds to move for Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing who is no longer wanted at Anfield.

 

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THE INDEPENDENT: Rest in peace, Fred Perry. Seventy-seven years after the MP's son from Stockport won the last of his three All England Club titles, Britain finally has another Wimbledon men's singles champion. Also: Warren Gatland was caught in two minds yesterday, for just about the only time on a tour that saw the Lions win their first test series in the southern hemisphere for 16 years - and only their fifth triumph since Edward VII was on the British throne and James Joyce could be seen walking the streets of Dublin with Nora Barnacle.

THE TIMES: The longest yearning in British sport is over. Andy Murray is the first British men's singles champion at Wimbledon since Fred Perry won the last of his three singles titles at the Championships in 1936. Also: Andy Murray could not have known what a perfect fit it would be when he chose to hire the former world No 1, who spent his entire career with his nose pressed against the window, looking in on the glory boys, knowing that he may never be truly accepted among their number.

THE SUN: Andy Murray has been haunted all his career by a man he never met. Also: Fred Perry would have been thrilled by Andy Murray's Wimbledon triumph, according to his daughter.

DAILY MAIL: Good God, what must have been going through his mind? It was 11 minutes past five when Andy Murray sat by the side of Centre Court and placed a towel around his heaving shoulders. Also: Andy Murray celebrated his historic Wimbledon triumph last night and paid tribute to head coach Ivan Lendl, whose hiring has proved to be a masterstroke.

DAILY STAR: King of Wimbledon Andy Murray last night hailed his stunning win over Novak Djokovic as the pinnacle of his career. Also: Warren Gatland is confident his triumphant Lions can beat mighty New Zealand in their own back yard on 2017.

DAILY MIRROR: Andy Murray declared winning Wimbledon the pinnacle of his career on a day when he had Novak Djokovic's number. Also: The first time a Wimbledon winner climbed up to his player's box to celebrate - back in 1987 - Andy Murray was barely six weeks old and Ivan Lendl was the loser.

THE GUARDIAN: Andy Murray shook free 77 years of unwanted history as we suspected he might, unaware of exactly how it happened and grateful for the affection of a nation that helped him beat Novak Djokovic in three pulsating, ragged sets to win Wimbledon on the sunniest of Sundays. Also: Lions series victories are as rare and precious as anything in sport.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: It is the sentence British tennis has been waiting for ever since a wild-haired 17-year-old from Dunblane won the junior US Open. Andy Murray is the Wimbledon champion. Also: Warren Gatland believes that the first series victory in 16 years for the British and Irish Lions means that the tourists can head to New Zealand in 2017 confident that they can win there for the first time in over four decades.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andy Murray last night said that he had reached the pinnacle of his career as he became the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years. Also: Arsenal have had a club record £30million bid for Luis Suarez rejected.

 

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DAILY TELEGRAPH: Ivan Lendl believes that Andy Murray has earned the right to be considered the world's leading tennis player after his historic victory at Wimbledon. Also: England's players were warned to temper their obsession with the Ashes earlier this year, but Graeme Swann has admitted that the thought of the opening Test against Australia starting tomorrow was an inspiration as he lay on his hospital bed following his elbow operation.

THE TIMES: Andy Murray recalled a simple word of inspiration from Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday as calls intensified for the new men's Wimbledon champion to be knighted. Also: Graeme Swann's humour and wit make a strong shield against nerves and the scale of an impending Ashes series meant that he was on top form yesterday.

THE GUARDIAN: Ivan Lendl thinks Andy Murray has strong claims to rival Novak Djokovic as the best player in the world, even though his Wimbledon victory did not move him ahead of the Serb in the rankings announced yesterday. Also: Graeme Swann believes England's cricketers can ride a sporting wave of success over the next six weeks to complete a third consecutive Ashes triumph.

THE INDEPENDENT: The post-Wimbledon world rankings list on Monday showed that Andy Murray is still not officially the world's best player, but Ivan Lendl, his coach, indicated that he believes there is currently nobody better than the 26-year-old Scot. Also: David Saker does not do caution. Despite the growing pressure on the England cricket team to ice a British sporting cake baked by a combination of the Lions, yellow-jersey-wearing Chris Froome and history-making Andy Murray, the England bowling coach thinks the Ashes will be won "comfortably".

DAILY MIRROR: Ivan Lendl reckons Andy Murray is the best player on the planet. Also: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is lining up a sensational £40million move for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

DAILY STAR: Gareth Barry has opened talks with Arsenal over a possible £4m move to the Emirates. Also: Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has been told by coach Ivan Lendl that he's still not good enough.

THE SUN: Also: Andy Murray aims to become the Manchester United of tennis - with the help of Alex Ferguson. Also: Rio Ferdinand has warned Wayne Rooney that if he quits Manchester United he may miss out on more medals - just like Cristiano Ronaldo.

DAILY EXPRESS: Eight is now Andy Murray's magic number. Also: Kevin Pietersen is a changed man off the field and will not cause any trouble in the Ashes dressing room this summer, according to spinner Graeme Swann.

DAILY MAIL: Andy Murray is now world number one, his coach Ivan Lendl said yesterday. Also: Chelsea will match Wayne Rooney's £240,000-a-week wages in a five-year deal worth a staggering £60million, if he can force his way out of Manchester United.

 

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Latest Paper Talk
Wednesday July 10

Aston Villa will sell Christian Benteke to Tottenham but are gearing up for a price war with Daniel Levy.
Mohamed Al Fayed is ready to sell Fulham.
Veteran 'keeper Mark Schwarzer has joined Chelsea for 12 months.
Manchester United winger Nani is wanted by Anzhi Makhachkala.
Jose Mourinho has reassured Fernando Torres and Juan Mata that they have Chelsea futures.
Crystal Palace were last night trying to thrash out a deal for West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie.
Arsene Wenger is ready to bid £1.5m for QPR 'keeper Julio Cesar.
Harry Redknapp is pushing for QPR to back him with a £2m bid for Scott Parker.

Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed is on the verge of selling the club.
Newcastle's Steven Taylor will reject a switch to QPR and look to extend his contract on Tyneside.
Aston Villa have told Christian Benteke's suitors they will not be bullied into losing the striker after making him available for £25m.
Roma coach Rudi Garcia want's Arsenal's Gervinho on loan.
Sunderland are increasing their efforts to sign Juventus winger Emanuele Giaccherini in an £8.6m deal.
Bolton are interested in a loan for Newcastle winger Sammy Ameobi.
Fulham are interested in Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley.
Norwich have offered £4.3m for FC Twente midfielder Leroy Fer.
Stoke striker Peter Crouch has attracted interest from Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Southampton have revived talks over a £13m deal for Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama.
Fernerbahce are willing to offer £6m for Chelsea striker Demba Ba.
Hull have revived their interest in free agent Carlton Cole after a deal for Charlie Austin faltered over a medical.
Burnley are talking to former Wigan midfielder David Jones.
Luis Suarez admits he is no closer to leaving Liverpool despite interest from "two or three" clubs.
Paul Ince has registered his interest in becoming England U21 head coach.
Micah Richards wants to see if he is part of Manuel Pellegrini's plans at Manchester City before committing to a new contract at the Etihad.

Luis Suarez has refused to close thew door on joining Arsenal as he continues to look for a way out of Liverpool.
Eintracht Frankfurt have resurrected talks with Nicklas Bendtner in a bid to persuade the Arsenal striker to reduce his wage demands from £2m to £1.2m per year.
Thomas Ince has held talks with Cardiff after Blackpool accepted an £8m offer for the winger.
Sunderland have singed Jozy Altidore from AZ Alkmaar on a four-year deal.
Chelsea have agreed a one-year contract with Mark Schwarzer.

Real Madrid are ready to hijack Arsenal's bid to land Luis Suarez.
Paolo Di Canio is furious with Jack Colback for turning down a new Sunderland contract.
Striker Jozy Altidore has become Sunderland's latest summer signing.
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew insists he never considered walking out on the club despite the shock return of Joe Kinnear.
Mathieu Flamini is seriosuly considering a return to the Premier League.
Aston Villa are ready to slug it out with Spurs in a boardroom battle over Chrstian Benteke.
Hull want Carlton Cole and Connor Sammon after their £5m bid for Charlie Austin fell apart.
Huddersfield want Manchester United's Nick Powell on a season-long loan.
West Ham are set to renew their interest in Graham Dorrans.
QPR midfielder Esteban Granero has moved a step closer to signing for Swansea.
Giorgos Karagounis has signed a one-year deal with Fulham.
Nicklas Bendtner is in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Tottenham youngsters Nathan Byrne and Alex Pritchard have both joined Swindon.

Luis Suarez has offered encouragment to Arsenal to increase their bid for him by claiming that Arsene Wenger's interest makes him feel "valued".
Aston Villa have put a £30m price tag on Christian Benteke.
Alan Pardew has confirmed his interest in bringing Loic Remy and Darren Bent to Newcastle.
Michael Laudrup has revealed he turned down the chance to quit Swansea this summer.
Tom Ince is understood to have had talks with Cardiff after Blackpool accepted an £8m bid for him.
Swansea are expected to sign Wilfried Bony for a club record £12m this week.

Luis Suarez is prepared to stun Liverpool and join one of their Premier League rivals.
Tottenham are resigned to missing out on Real Madrid starlet Jese Rodriguez.
Hull's Steve Bruce is chasing Carlton Cole and Connor Sammon after being forced to ditch his £5m swoop for Charlie Austin.
Alan Pardew has blasted PSG's public pursuit of Yohan Cabaye.
Brighton's new manager Oscar Garcia wants to make Sporting Gijon midfielder Iganacio Cases his first signing.
Manchester City winger Jeremy Helan is being chased by Watford, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolves.
Mark Hudson has pledged his future to Cardiff for the next two years.
Jack Colback has left Paolo Di Canio fuming after turning down a new Sunderland contract.

Luis Suarez has provided Arsenal with unexpected encouragement in their attempt to prise him away from Liverpool.
Tottenham will hope to break their transfer record if they step up their Interest in Christian Benteke.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is to fly to the USA to thrash out a new deal with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fulham owner Mohamed Fayed is ready to sell the club.
Manuel Pellegrini has told Joleon Lescott he will reject any offers for him and is a key figure in his plans at Manchester City.

 

[sarahmic]

DAILY STAR: Manchester City have made a late move to hijack Manchester United's attempt to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. Also: Stuart Broad is a first Test injury doubt after being hit on his troublesome shoulder as England battled on day one of the Ashes.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Ashes contests have struggled to live up to the sheer ding-dong nature of the 2005 series but Wednesday's play at Trent Bridge did a more than -passable impression, with 14 wickets falling and a bowler on each side having the opportunity of a hat-trick. Also: Against the backdrop of one of France's most dramatic vistas, Chris Froome delivered a landmark perfor-mance worthy of Mont Saint-Michel's granite grandeur as he took a strangle-hold on this 100th Tour de France.

THE GUARDIAN: What a day. Exhilarating and exhausting in equal measure - and that just for those watching - England and Australia slugged it out on a day that had been expected to produce runs and instead saw the home side's batting succumb to the sheer endeavour of Peter Siddle, who took five for 50, and then the Australians stumble against the new ball. Also: The tides which sweep across the tidal flats around this legendary monastery-cum-fortress were compared by Victor Hugo to a galloping horse. Chris Froome swept across the salt marshes to obliterate his opponents for overall victory in a similarly elemental and inexorable style.

THE INDEPENDENT: Chelsea will sell Fernando Torres or Demba Ba should they be successful in landing Wayne Rooney this summer and are still confident of going into the season with the England striker as their first-choice centre-forward. Also: The Ashes began in a fever pitch of excitement and a welter of wickets. England began the campaign with a vintage display of inept batting but they were matched almost blow for errant blow by Australia.

DAILY MAIL: Arsenal are manoeuvring themselves into a position to bring Cesc Fabregas back to north London this summer. Also: Kolo Toure has told Luis Suarez he can fulfil all his ambitions with Liverpool after insisting his new club is geared up for success.

DAILY MIRROR: Manchester City are poised to see off a late raid by neighbours Manchester United and complete the £28million capture of Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic. Also: Luis Suarez has been told by Kolo Toure he has more chance of winning trophies at Liverpool than at his old club Arsenal.

THE SUN: Manchester United are going head to head with noisy neighbours Manchester City in a £27million fight for Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic. Also: Tottenham are ready to give Aston Villa the pick of four stars in part-exchange for Christian Benteke.

DAILY EXPRESS: David Moyes made a personal visit to Wayne Rooney's home to convince him to remain at Manchester United. Also: Mark Cavendish's 2013 Tour de France took a turn for the worse as a hostile spectator soaked the former world champion with urine yesterday.

THE TIMES:land are sweating on the fitness of Stuart Broad after he was unable to bowl during a frantic first day of the Ashes series in which 14 wickets fell and the initiative swung dramatically. Also: Tony Fernandes has intervened to negotiate the transfer of Scott Parker for QPR and try to reunite the Tottenham midfielder with Harry Redknapp, his former manager.

 

[sarahmic]

DAILY TELEGRAPH: We live in an age of wonders but when a teenager plucked from relative obscurity scores 98 on his Ashes debut batting at No 11, as Ashton Agar did against England here on Thursday, our disbelief enters new realms. Also: Wayne Rooney has left Manchester United's Far East tour and returned home with a hamstring injury that may rule him out of the start of the Premier League season.

THE GUARDIAN: Another wildly fluctuating day of Ashes cricket will long be remembered for a historic innings by Australia's debutant Ashton Agar but by the close its appeal had long worn thin on England, who were instead left seething by two decisions by the third umpire, Marais Erasmus. Also: Gary Neville believes English football has reached a "tipping point" with youth academies at the Premier League's elite clubs flooded by foreign recruits and short-term demands in the domestic game effectively blocking the progress of local talent into the first team.

DAILY MAIL: England were fuming after a controversial umpiring decision robbed them of linchpin batsman Jonathan Trott. Also: Wayne Rooney's uncertain position at Manchester United took another twist yesterday when he left the club's pre-season tour with a hamstring injury.

THE INDEPENDENT: Australia's teenage debutant Ashton Agar scored an extraordinary and historic 98 on another day of high drama at Trent Bridge. The 19-year-old rescued his side from 117 for 9 to 280 all out, shattering records in the process and putting England on the back foot after the second day of the first Test. Also: On a day of drama on stage 12, Sky's Edvald Boasson Hagen, one of Tour leader Chris Froome's key wingmen, was injured in a bad crash and is out of the race, while Mark Cavendish suffered his second straight defeat in a bunch sprint stage.

THE SUN: Wayne Rooney was forced into a 22-hour, 11,922-mile round trip across the globe after being sent home from Manchester United's Far East tour. Also: England boss Roy Hodgson's worst World Cup nightmare came true yesterday... England were raging last night after two controversial decisions from the TV umpire in the first Ashes Test.

DAILY MIRROR: England were offered a grovelling apology by international cricket chiefs after an umpiring cock-up. Also: Wayne Rooney has flown home from Manchester United's pre-season tour with a hamstring injury and will be out for a month. And in another hammer blow, new boss David Moyes is set to miss out on prime transfer target Thiago Alcantara, who will instead sign for Bayern Munich.

DAILY EXPRESS: England felt cheated by technology after a day of high drama left the first Ashes Test on a knife-edge at Trent Bridge. Also: Wayne Rooney was left distraught last night after suffering a major pre-season injury blow.

DAILY STAR: Unknown Ashton Agar carved his name into Ashes history with a record-breaking tail-end knock that left England on the ropes.. Also: Wayne Rooney still wants to quit Manchester United.

THE TIMES: England will consider making an official complaint to the International Cricket Council after demanding clarification on the two decisions that left them on the back foot in the first Investec Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. Also: David Moyes suffered a bitter double blow last night as the saga surrounding Wayne Rooney took another twist with the Manchester United striker ruled out for a month through injury and the club in grave danger of losing out to Bayern Munich in the race to sign Thiago Alcantara.

 

[sarahmic]

DAILY TELEGRAPH: After the hurly-burly of the first two days this Test was settling down into something approaching traditional Test cricket when Stuart Broad did that most Australian of things, he edged a catch and did not walk. Also: Arsene Wenger has revealed that he has already held positive contract talks with Arsenal and confirmed his long-term desire to stay at the club rather than move to Paris St Germain... Tottenham Hotspur are set to table an opening bid of £20 million for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke next week.

DAILY EXPRESS: Stuart Broad soured the atmosphere of the Ashes by refusing to walk when he clearly edged a catch to slip at a vital stage of the first Test yesterday. Also: Open champion Ernie Els has criticised Muirfield's male-only membership policy ahead of his defence at the Scottish course next week.

THE GUARDIAN: England plunged the bucket deep into the well of their spirit to extricate themselves from their perilous position after Ashton Agar's second-day mugging, to one where, by the close of the third day, they will have nursed more than a glimmer of being able to win this tight, utterly compelling match and would indeed be favourites. Also: Mohamed Al Fayed has brought his colourful 16-year association with Fulham to an end after sanctioning the sale of the Premier League club to the United States-based billionaire Shahid Khan.

DAILY MIRROR: New Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is ready to launch a cut-price swoop for Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Also: Michael Holding is calling on the ICC, cricket's world governing body, to ban England's Stuart Broad for trampling over the spirit of cricket.

DAILY MAIL: Arsene Wenger has pledged his long-term future to Arsenal after revealing he has started talks over a new contract. Also: West Indies legend Michael Holding has called for Stuart Broad to be banned for failing to walk at a crucial stage of the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.

DAILY STAR: Rugby pretty boy Gavin Henson was knocked out cold by a punch from one of his new team-mates. Also: Wayne Rooney still wants to quit Manchester United... Cometh the hour, cometh Ian Bell.

THE INDEPENDENT: At this rate, the world supply of seat edges will shortly be under threat. From first ball to last on day three of the first Test of the Ashes twisted and turned excruciatingly on its enthralling path to a denouement which may be unbearable. Also: Any questions about Mark Cavendish's race condition evaporated today as he claimed the 25th Tour de France stage win of his career in spectacular style - but meanwhile, after race leader Chris Froome lost over a minute to his rivals, the clouds of doubt surrounding Sky's overall strength are beginning to mushroom.

THE SUN: Jose Mourinho has increased his wooing of Wayne Rooney. Also: Arsene Wenger says Arsenal can mount a serious title bid for the first time in years - and extend his managerial reign in the process.

THE TIMES: Ian Bell has always been known as a batsman with a pure sense of timing, and yesterday he chose a prime moment to make his most significant Ashes contribution in a home Test match. Also:The call crackled through the team radio just as Mark Cavendish and his team swung out of Nouans-les-Fontaines. It was the code word that had been clarified in the technical meeting on the team bus that morning.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk
Sunday July 14

Manchester United boss David Moyes has been told he can spend as much as he likes.
Luis Suarez last night revealed just why Brendan Rodgers faces a tough task in persuading him to stay at Liverpool.
Adel Taarabt has begged Marseille to end his QPR misery.
Stevan Jovetic is on the verge of a £27million Manchester City move.
Arsenal are lining up a shock raid for QPR's Stephane Mbia to bring bite to their midfield.
Hull want Watford striker Troy Deeney after a failed medical ended their interest in Burnley's Charlie Austin.
QPR keeper Julio Cesar could move to Villarreal for £2.5million.
Martin Jol is set for showdown talks with new Fulham owner Shahid Khan next week.

Jose Mourinho wants Didier Drogba to make a sensation return to Chelsea.
Liverpool want to clinch a £22million double deal for Ajax stars Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld while Chelsea's Ryan Bertrand is also on their radar.
Chelsea are now hot favourites to prise Wayne Rooney away from Manchester United this summer.
Sam Allardyce has confirmed he needs another striker if West Ham are to kick on from last season.
Manchester United and Arsenal have one month to sign Everton star Marouane Fellaini.
Newcastle and Everton have been quoted £5million for Porto defender Rolando.
Aston Villa will use Darren Bent as proof they will play hardball over Tottenham's bid to sign Christian Benteke.
West Brom have been alerted to Tottenham's decision to listen to offers for Clint Dempsey.
Arsenal forward Gervinho will sort out his future in the next fortnight - but is likely to leave the Emirates.
Papiss Cisse is being forced to train on his own after Newcastle got tough over his Wonga shirt sponsorship row at St James' Park.

David Moyes is ready to put Wayne Rooney on probation for 12 months - after revealing Robin van Persie is Manchester United's number one striker.
Jose Mourinho failed in a bid to bring Didier Drogba back to Chelsea, according to the striker's agent.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Cesc Fabregas are in David Moyes' sights after the new gaffer was given the green light to shatter Manchester United's transfer record this summer.
Luis Suarez's summer saga could turn messy - over the interpretation of a £40million release clause.
New Fulham owner Shahid Khan will jet out to meet Martin Jol in Costa Rica this week - before deciding on next season's budget.
Leighton Baines is set to sign a new Everton deal if Manchester United do not meet the asking price before the start of the season.
Tottenham are struggling to offload flop Emmanuel Adebayor - as they seek the funds for a Christian Benteke bid.
Liverpool, Tottenham and Monaco are battling it out for Finland international striker Joel Pohjanpalo.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez will be told his £12million bid for Wigan midfielder James McCarthy is £8million too low.
Manchester United twins Will and Mike Keane are set to join Middlesbrough on a season-long loan.
Manchester City are ready to win the race for Feyenoord's teenage midfielder Rodney Kongolo.
Crystal Palace are keen on Barnsley's former Chelsea midfielder Jacob Mellis.
Blackburn are ready to let striker DJ Campbell go - just after signing him on a free transfer.
Liverpool's Jay Spearing will snub a move to Blackburn because he wants a return to Bolton.
Southampton striker Billy Sharp is a shock target for SPL giants Celtic.
Newcastle are blocking Dan Gosling's move to Crystal Palace - because they want more out of the deal.
Jermaine Beckford is heading to Bolton from Leicester - after settling a pay-off deal.
Chelsea's Dutch diamond Nathan Ake is ready to defy Jose Mourinho - and ask to pick his club for next season.

Everton's resolve to keep Leighton Baines will crack if Man United increase their offer to £'8million.
Ashley Young has joined Wayne Rooney in giving Man United an injury headache.
Joe Kinnear is due back at his Newcastle desk tomorrow - and Porto defender Rolando will be on the transfer agenda.
Middlesbrough are eyeing a loan move for exiled Aston Villa star Stephen Ireland.
Arsene Wenger could turn to Tim Krul if Julio Cesar snubs Arsenal for Napoli.
Michael Laudrup admits he is eyeing one more summer signing and has been linked with Udinese striker Matej Vydra.
Christian Benteke runs the risk of sitting on the bench all season if he upsets Paul Lambert.

Manchester United are not planning to sit down with Wayne Rooney to discuss a new contract - waiting to assess the striker's form and fitness before discussing his future.
Fulham owner Shahid Khan insists he will speak to manager Martin Jol this week before assess the future of the club.
Harry Redknapp is set to beat Premier League opposition and sign £5million Celtic striker Gary Hooper for QPR.

Manchester United are unlikely to offer Wayne Rooney a new contract this year with manager David Moyes wanting to see whether he can get "Wayne right back to where he was".

Wayne Rooney may have to accept a further 12 months at Manchester United before his future is decided as David Moyes, the new manager, and Ed Woodward, the chief executive, do not plan to address his long-term status until next summer.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk
Monday July 15

Arsenal are determined to sign Luis Suarez and will make a £35million offer for the Liverpool striker this week.
Steven Gerrard is to give Liverpool a significant boost by signing a contract extension.
Beyern Munich have spent £17million on Barcelona midfield star Thiago Alcantara after Manchester United stalled on the deal.
Crystal Palace are closing in on a bargain £1.7million deal for Spain Under-20 captain Jose Campana.

Arsene Wenger has made striker Luis Suarez his No.1 transfer target.
Manuel Pellegrini will step up his search for a new striker after losing his first game in charge of Manchester City.
Wayne Rooney has been warned he may have to settle for a sub's role at Manchester United.
Tottenham are set to get serious and table an opening bid this week for Christian Benteke - as Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert prepares for life without the striker.
Big-spending Paris Saint-Germain want Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.
Richard Dunne is on the brink of a move to QPR.
Tim Sherwood is favourite to become new manager of League One Swindon Town after Kevin MacDonald was axed.
Victor Wanyama admits he wants to return to Celtic one day.
Arsene Wenger last night claimed Olivier Giroud will rise to the challenge if Arsenal make a big-name signing.

Steven Gerrard is set to agree a new contract in yet another pledge of his loyalty to Liverpool.
Manuel Pellegrini tasted defeat in his first game as Manchester City manager - then vowed to splash the cash before the end of the month.

Arsenal will take on Real Madrid this week with a £35million bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
Arsene Wenger insists Olivier Giroud still has an Arsenal future despite his desire to sign Luis Suarez.
Manchester City will step up their new strike hunt after they drew a blank in Pretoria. City are closing in on Seville's Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic of Fiorentina in deals totalling more than £40million.
Steven Gerrard is on the brink of a new deal that should see him finish his career at Anfield.
Steve Harper is poised to become Hull's sixth signing of the summer.
Gary Hooper has told Celtic that he wants to join Norwich.
Spanish starlet Jose Campana will have a medical today at Crystal Palace.

Arsene Wenger is determined to test Liverpool's resolve over Luis Suarez with an improved £35million bid.

Liverpool's spirits look set to be lifted by their captain once again, with Steven Gerrard on the verge of signing a new two-year contract.
Manchester United may consider selling Wayne Rooney next summer, after the England striker was informed that his future will not be addressed for another 12 months.
Chelsea's hopes of signing Daniele De Rossi have been hampered after Roma reiterated they want to keep the Italy midfielder.

Fulham's new owner Shahid Khan has pledged to back manager Martin Jol but wants results.
Clement Grenier has dashed Arsenal's bid to buy him after signing a new two-year deal at Lyon.
Tottenham are tracking Real Betis winger Alvaro Vadillo.

 

[sarahmic]

THE SUN: Cesc Fabregas fancies Manchester United - if Barcelona want to sell him. Also: Paula Radcliffe last night called for countries to be punished when athletes test positive for doping.

DAILY MAIL: Rory McIlroy has been told to 'concentrate on golf' by Britain's greatest ever golfer, Sir Nick Faldo. Also: Manchester United last night triggered a battle with Arsenal for the signature of Cesc Fabregas after making a £26million bid for the Barcelona star

DAILY MIRROR: David Moyes is convinced he can make Cesc Fabregas his first big Old Trafford signing. Also: Eden Hazard says Jose Mourinho has already won over the Chelsea squad - with his jokes.

DAILY EXPRESS: Manchester United have made a £25million opening bid to bring Cesc Fabregas back to the Premier League - but are braced to increase that by at least £10m. Also: Lee Westwood has turned to golf's hottest coaching property Sean Foley in a radical attempt to land the Open Championship this week.

DAILY STAR: Arsenal will not go head-to-head with Manchester United for the signature of former skipper Cesc Fabregas. Also: Steven Gerrard last night told Liverpool to splash the cash - after pledging the rest of his career to the club.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Chris Froome's calm, serene mask finally slipped as the British leader of the Tour de France revealed his anger at being accused of doping in his attempt to win the race. Also: Accused Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell is battling to salvage his career by blaming his positive drug test for the stimulant oxilofrine on a range of new nutritional supplements prescribed to him by a physiotherapist he has only been working with for two months.

THE TIMES: Manchester United will have to increase their offer for Cesc Fabregas substantially if they are to prise the Spain midfielder from Barcelona. Also: Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has called for weekly drug tests and a global Olympic ban for those caught cheating as the fallout from athletics' latest doping scandal gathers pace.

THE GUARDIAN: David Moyes wants Cesc Fabregas and Marouane Fellaini to form the heart of his Manchester United midfield next season. Also: Sir Dave Brailsford has offered to turn over all Team Sky's performance data to the World Anti-Doping Agency for it to make an independent assessment of whether the squad's riders are drug-free.

THE INDEPENDENT: The age-old dispute about whether batsmen should walk seems certain to smoulder throughout the Ashes series. Also: Cesc Fabregas' future was in Barcelona's hands last night, with the Spanish club thought unlikely to sell the player despite a confirmed £26m bid from Manchester United.

 

[sarahmic]

Latest Paper Talk
Tursday July 18

Jose Mourinho will keep battling to sign Wayne Rooney - even though Manchester United told the Chelsea boss to forget it.
Arsene Wenger last night insisted Arsenal can meet Wayne Rooney's wage demands.
Alvaro Negredo will sign the "contract of his life" at Manchester City.
Christian Benteke is heading for an explosive showdown with Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert today.
Olivier Giroud last night urged Arsenal to step up their pursuit of Luis Suarez.
Papiss Cisse's future at Newcastle is in doubt after he pulled out of the club's tour of Portugal.
QPR boss Harry Redknapp is kick-starting his clear-out after chopping eight players for their pre-season trip to Austria.

Manchester United are ready to make a massive £60million offer for Gareth Bale.
Jose Mourinho last night insisted Wayne Rooney is Chelsea's only striker target as the Blues went to war with Manchester United over the England man.
Spain striker Alvaro Negredo wants to take his career to the next level by joining Manchester City.
QPR boss Harry Redknapp is ready to sign Burnley hot-shot Charlie Austin in a £2.5million deal - and pair him with Gary Hooper.
Arsenal could miss out on Gonzalo Higuain after Napoli opened talks with the striker.
Papiss Cisse will be sold after his relationship with Newcastle completely broke down.

Wayne Rooney is heading to Chelsea for £25million.
Papiss Cisse is ready to quit Newcastle after refusing to train with the club because of their sponsor.
Stewart Downing still has a future at Liverpool after talks with Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers.
Napoli boss Rafa Benitez is trying to hijack Arsenal's pursuit of Gonzalo Higuain by outbidding them.

Jose Mourinho declared Wayne Rooney his only major transfer target of the summer as a row erupted spectacularly between Manchester United and Chelsea.
Alvaro Negredo will complete his £24.5million move from Sevilla to Manchester City after having a medical today.
Sunderland are considering a move for former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles, 30, who is unsettled at Fenerbahce.

Jose Mourinho yesterday declared it was "Wayne Rooney or bust" after Chelsea's £20million offer for the England striker was rejected by Manchester United.
Papiss Cisse's Newcastle future is in doubt as the row over Wonga threatens to turn nasty.
Manchester City are set to take their summer spending to £90million in the next 48 hours by completing deals for Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic.
Arsenal rick losing out on Gonzalo Higuain after Napoli joined the race for the striker.
Fulham are preparing a £1.5m offer for West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie.
Feyenoord are trying to sign Liverpool winger Oussama Assaidi.

Chelsea and Manchester United are set for a protracted wrangle over Wayne Rooney after Jose Mourinho confirmed last night that the England striker is his sole attacking transfer target.
Papiss Demba Cisse's position at Newcastle United is becoming increasingly untenable after the Senegal forward failed to travel with his team-mates to their training camp in Portugal because of his reluctance to wear Wonga-branded playing kit.
Arsenal received a blow in their bid to sign Gonzalo Higuain last night after they and Napoli were told that the Argentina forward would cost 40 million euros (about £37million).

Chelsea and Manchester United are at loggerheads over the future of Wayne Rooney, with the London club issuing a statement to confirm they had bid for the player - and to deny that they had offered either David Luiz or Juan Mata as part of the deal.

Jose Mourinho has stated that Wayne Rooney is Chelsea's only remaining summer transfer target, with the club having no contingency plans should Manche

 

[sarahmic]

THE GUARDIAN: Can there be a better feeling in the world for an England batsman than to make a century at Lord's against Australia in front of a packed house basking in summer sun? Midway through the final session of the first day Ian Bell angled Shane Watson just backward of square on the offside and trotted through for the runs that took him to the 19th Test hundred of his career.

THE INDEPENDENT: It was supposed to be the day Rory McIlroy re-announced himself as one of the greatest - and freest - of golf talents but the more he played, the more he sank into a horror that he could not snap, the clearer it was he needed help.

THE TIMES: Rory McIlroy said that he was "brain-dead" at times during an opening round of 79 at Muirfield yesterday that left his Open Championship hopes in tatters. Also: Her Majesty had seen enough. The Royal Standard was lowered, the fawning members of the MCC committee shuffled the deckchairs and allowed the Queen room to move and she departed the scene. At 28 for three she cannot have been impressed, although as head of state for both countries, she was on to a good thing whichever side were on top. A bob each way, she might have thought, as someone who likes a flutter.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Rory McIlroy did not know what he had been thinking; some of the players did not know what the R&A had been thinking. On a torrid opening day of the 142nd Open Championship the bemusement of the young world No.2 seemed awfully apt.

DAILY EXPRESS: Rory McIlroy is set to call in a sports psychologist to sort out his "brain dead" head after shooting a disastrous opening 79 at the Open. Also: Rafa Benitez is ready to take advantage of the uncertainty over the future of Pepe Reina at Liverpool by making a bid to take him to Napoli.

DAILY MAIL: Rory McIlroy's troubled season sank to a new low yesterday as he plummeted to a horrific 79 in the first round of The Open and admitted he needed psychological help. Also: Three late wickets for Australian leg-spinner Steve Smith spoiled England's day after Ian Bell hit another sublime century in the second Ashes Test at Lord's.

DAILY MIRROR: Rory McIlroy admitted playing "brain-dead" golf as his Open challenge turned into a nightmare. Also: Ian Bell was frustrated after his team-mates failed to capitalise on his brilliant century.

DAILY STAR: Gareth Bale has told pals he fancies a move to Manchester United. Also: Furious Ian Poulter last night claimed The Open has been reduced to a game of crazy golf.

THE SUN: Manchester United will refuse to sell Wayne Rooney - even if he hands in a transfer request. Also: Arsene Wenger last night finally agreed to make a £40million offer for Luis Suarez - only to be told Liverpool now want £55m.