What The Sports Pages Say

THE SUN: Arsenal were last night set to cave in and strike a deal with Manchester United for Robin van Persie. Also: Graeme Swann insists England will emerge stronger without Kevin Pietersen, axed for sending texts about skipper Andrew Strauss to South African players.

DAILY MAIL: Kevin Pietersen can save his international career by publicly apologising to his England team-mates following the texting controversy that cost him his place in the third Test against South Africa - but only if he does so by Saturday. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has held private discussions with Arsene Wenger over Manchester United's attempts to sign Robin van Persie.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson has made a personal plea to Arsene Wenger to sell him Robin van Persie. Also: Kevin Pietersen has launched a last-ditch battle to save his international career.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sir Chris Hoy, Britain's most decorated Olympian, has urged the country's leaders not to waste a golden opportunity after the success of the London Olympics. Also: Fernando Llorente last night put the two Manchester clubs on collision course again in the transfer market when he announced he wants to quit Athletic Bilbao.

DAILY STAR: Adam Johnson's Manchester City career looks over after a bust-up with boss Roberto Mancini before the Community Shield. Also: Petr Cech has warned the snipers they won't rattle John Terry.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: London will waste the golden opportunity to boost participation and change attitudes towards sport in the UK if government and sporting agencies do not engage in "grown-up debate" about sports policy, Lord Coe has warned.

THE GUARDIAN: Kevin Pietersen's hopes of making a dramatic England return in their defence of the World Twenty20 title next month are fading as, with the clock ticking, there was no breakthrough in negotiations designed to end his stand-off with his employers. Also: A day after celebrating Team GB's best medal haul in over a century Lord Moynihan revealed plans to step down as chairman of the British Olympic Association more than a year early.

THE INDEPENDENT: England are in another race against time and more anguished reflection to try to salvage Kevin Pietersen's international career.

THE TIMES: The Great Britain women's football team will not get the chance to build on the success of their inaugural Olympic campaign at London 2012 by competing as a unified nation in future Games.

Latest Paper Talk
Wednesday August 15

Robin van Persie is close to a sensational £20million move after Arsenal officially began talks with Manchester United.
Roy Hodgson last night dropped an amazing clanger after claiming he hopes the FA clear John Terry.
David Sullivan says West Ham bid £17million for Andy Carroll because they want to build their team around him.
Manchester United boss has won a major signing battle with rivals Manchester City by landing young Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez.
Marseille want Gael Kakuta to be part of any deal with Chelsea for defender Cesar Azpilicueta.
Swansea boss Michael Laudrup has made an improved offer for Bolton midfielder Mark Davies.
Aston Villa's forgotten man Jean Makoun is off to French side Rennes on the cheap.
Norwich have told Birmingham to double their initial offer for James Vaughan.
Huddersfield will have to wait to sign striker Simon Church on loan from Reading.

Roy Hodgson wants John Terry to be cleared by the FA.
Arsenal's £22million asking price for Robin van Persie has yet to be met by any club.
Everton boss David Moyes is ready to spend £5.3million on Olympiacos striker Kevin Mirallas.
Wolves have rejected an improved £13million bid from Sunderland for striker Steven Fletcher.
West Brom boss Steve Clarke believes Jonas Olsson will stay at the club.
West Ham are poised to make a move for Sevilla defender Federico Fazio.
Manchester United are on the brink of signing Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez.
QPR striker Jay Bothroyd could be set for a move to Sheffield Wednesday.
Hull are set to raid Doncaster for James Coppinger.
Reading striker Simon Church is set to move to Huddersfield on loan.

England manager Roy Hodgson has risked the wrath of his employers by publicly outlining his support for Chelsea captain John Terry, who is preparing to defend himself against an FA charge of abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.
Manchester United were last night in talks with Arsenal over an improved offer they hope will clinch the deal to sign Robin van Persie.
Manchester City have hatched an audacious plan to build up a reserve of English talent and are lining up bids for as many as five of the country's top young players.
Everton are ready to reinvest £5.3million from the sale of Jack Rodwell by completing a shock deal for Olympiacos striker Kevin Mirallas.
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is still interested in Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe and Manchester City midfielder James Milner.
West Ham have failed to sign Clint Dempsey from Fulham.
Norwich are keen on former Manchester City left-back Javier Garrido.
Blackburn want to sign Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh on a six-month loan.
Middlesbrough are set to sign free agent Ricardo Fuller.
Wolves are in talks with Fulham over a loan deal for goalkeeper David Stockdale.
Huddersfield are signing Reading striker Simon Church on loan.

Roy Hodgson has expressed his hope that John Terry will beat a Football Association charge and "be free to play for England".
Frank Lampard called on Chelsea to renew talks about a new contract after revealing last night that he wants to finish his career with the club.
Newcastle have agreed a fee of close to £7million with Ajax for Holland international Vurnon Anita.

Roy Hodgson is hoping the FA don't hit John Terry with a ban so the defender can continue his England career.
Real Madrid have made a final take-it-or-leave-it offer for Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric.
Wolves have warned Sunderland to put up or shut up if they want to sign Steven Fletcher.
Tony Pulis is still determined to lure Michael Owen to Stoke and is ready to offload fringe players to land the former England striker.
El-Hadji Diouf will be handed a 12-month deal at Leeds.

Frank Lampard urged Chelsea last night to offer him a new contract so that he can end his career at Stamford Bridge.
Everton are ready to reinvest a significant proportion of the proceeds from the sale of Jack Rodwell by signing Kevin Mirallas from Olympiacos for £6million.
Nuri Sahin is expected to decide whether to join Liverpool or Arsenal on a season-long loan from Real Madrid by the end of the week.
Southampton are keen to sign Bologna winger Gaston Ramirez.

The prospective transfer of Robin van Persie to Manchester United took a significant step forward yesterday when negotiations resumed between the Premier League rivals.

Manchester United will hold firm on their valuation of Robin van Persie but remain convinced the player will join them before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson landed Robin van Persie last night for £22million. Also: Kevin Pietersen has no chance of playing for England again until he reveals exactly what he wrote in his texts about Andrew Strauss.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson finally got his man last night, as Robin van Persie joined Manchester United in a £24million deal. Also: Kevin Pietersen's 67-word apology to Andrew Strauss is not enough to save his England career.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson pulled off the transfer of the summer last night after he landed Robin van Persie for £22m. Also: Jermain Defoe flattened Italy with a searing late strike.

DAILY MAIL: Sir Alex Ferguson last night strengthened his bid to reclaim the Barclays Premier League title by signing Robin van Persie. Also: England will demand that Kevin Pietersen tells the truth and reveals the full extent of his criticism of Andrew Strauss in his 'provocative' texts to South African players before they will consider allowing him back.

DAILY EXPRESS: Manchester United sent out a statement of intent on the eve of the Premier League season by investing £64million to land Robin van Persie. Also: Kevin Pietersen's desperate, last-ditch apology to his team-mates yesterday could have come too late to secure a place in England's squad for next month's World Twenty20.

THE TIMES: Robin van Persie will join Manchester United in a projected £24 million deal today after Arsenal gave their unsettled star forward permission to move to Old Trafford. Also: Kevin Pietersen's future as an England player remained in the balance yesterday, despite his apology for sending what he called "provocative" texts to members of the South Africa team during the Headingley Text match.

THE GUARDIAN: Arsene Wenger has reluctantly agreed to sell Robin van Persie to Manchester United for £23m. Also: Kevin Pietersen has been warned by the England captain, Andrew Strauss, that he remains some way from being welcomed back into the international fold, despite agreeing to make a public apology for sending texts to South Africa players that he has finally and reluctantly admitted were "provocative".

THE INDEPENDENT: The divisions in the England cricket team were laid bare yesterday and the battle lines were clear: Kevin Pietersen versus the rest. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson was last night celebrating a major transfer market victory over his biggest rivals after Arsenal finally relented and agreed to sell Robin van Persie to Manchester United for about £22m.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Robin van Persie is set to complete a £22million move to Manchester United today after Arsene Wenger sanctioned the sale of the Arsenal captain to Old Trafford following a day of haggling over the final terms of the transfer. Also: Andrew Strauss will demand to know the exact content of the text messages Kevin Pietersen sent to members of the South Africa team before he will accept him back into the side.

THE SUN: Alex Ferguson hopes his new strike quartet will emulate his Treble-winning forwards of 1999. Also: Arsene Wenger admits losing Robin van Persie to Manchester United is the bitterest pill he has ever had to swallow.

DAILY STAR: Sir Alex Ferguson believes he is on his way to creating the best strikeforce in Europe after a smash-and-grab raid for Robin van Persie. Also: Roy Hodgson says the Premier League is strangling England's brightest young stars.

DAILY MIRROR: Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United now have a strikeforce to match the Treble stars of 1999. Also: Arsene Wenger has admitted he did not want Robin van Persie to strengthen "the enemy" and hoped to sell him to a foreign club.

DAILY MAIL: England's bowlers celebrated captain Andrew Strauss' 100th appearance by reducing South Africa to 262 for seven on the first day of the third Test at Lord's. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson last night warned his rivals that he had assembled one of the most fearsome strike forces in Europe as Manchester United tied up their £24million capture of Arsenal's Robin van Persie.

DAILY EXPRESS: Sir Alex Ferguson has warned the Premier League that his fab four strikers are set for a goals party like it's 1999. Also: Andre Villas-Boas has held his hands up for the first time and admitted he got it wrong at Chelsea.

THE GUARDIAN: England finally found refuge from the Kevin Pietersen controversy that has dominated their build-up to the third Test against South Africa out in the middle, as a notably united team effort secured seven of the wickets they need to stay at the top of the world rankings in the absence of their errant star. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson believes Robin van Persie is a "fantastic player" and feels that Manchester United may now have the best strikeforce in Europe.

THE INDEPENDENT: All pals together, England began their journey to redemption yesterday. It went far better than most of those outside the dressing room feared, or than those inside it probably dared hoped. Also: Portsmouth completed the signing of nearly a whole new side yesterday when 10 players joined the troubled club just in time for their opening League One game at home to Bournemouth tomorrow.

THE TIMES: Sir Alex Ferguson believes the arrival of Robin van Persie could help to turn Manchester United's attack into the most feared in Europe. Also: Adam Johnson has said he may have to leave Manchester City in search of regular football.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: England's bowlers had the opportunity to take Kevin Pietersen out of the equation at Lord's by dismissing South Africa cheaply on Thursday, but did not quite manage to do so after the visitors' middle order failed to roll over. Also: Arsene Wenger has admitted that he was determined to sell Robin van Persie to a club abroad rather than rivals Manchester United but that Arsenal were forced into a corner by their captain's refusal to sign a new contract.

THE SUN: Robin van Persie believes he and Manchester United are the perfect match. Also: Theo Walcott has still not signed a new Arsenal contract.
Van Persie: Making the headlines
Van Persie: Making the headlines

DAILY MAIL: Sir Alex Ferguson last night celebrated stealing robin van Persie from under Manchester City's nose by warning his rivals they would never again score more goals than his own team. also: Jonny Bairstow - the man who replaced Kevin Pietersen - was the toast of Lord's last night after his superb unbeaten 72 kept England in the hunt in the third Test against South Africa.

DAILY MIRROR: Robin van Persie declared Manchester United the "perfect match" for him after completing his #£4million move from Arsenal. Also: Clint Dempsey last night went on strike by refusing to play against Norwich today.

DAILY STAR: Robin van Persie has told Manchester United: 'I'll make you great again'. Also: Martin Jol launched a blistering attack on Liverpool after his star man Clint Dempsey went on strike.

DAILY EXPRESS: Robin van Persie yesterday revealed that "the little boy inside" was screaming for him to join Manchester United. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson last night warned Rio Ferdinand to watch his tweeting after he was fined £45,000 by the FA for his alleged "choc ice" taunt of Ashley Cole.

THE GUARDIAN: Robin van Persie has joined Manchester United to "achieve greatness", with the striker stating that the club are a perfect match for him and he believes there is no bad feeling between him and Arsenal after the £23million transfer. Also: For the second time this summer Ian Bell admitted he had relished the extra responsibility left on his shoulders by the absence of Kevin Pietersen - who will presumably be delighted by the resistance shown by England's new-look middle order, as he has a financial stake in Bell's success.

THE TIMES: Robin van Persie believes he is the "perfect match" for Manchester United and claimed that the "little boy" in him was "screaming" to join the club that he believes are destined to reassert their dominance of english football. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson issued a stern warning to Rio Ferdinand and the rest of his Manchester United squad over their use of Twitter yesterday after the defender was fined #45,000 for comments he made in relation to the John Terry racism trial on the social networking site.

THE INDEPENDENT: It turns out that no man is indispensable. The 22-year-old Yorkshireman selected to replace the most controversial player n the game salvaged England's summer yesterday from a potentially horrific conclusion. Also: When showing off Robin van Persie - Manchester United's new prized asset - Sir Alex Ferguson was being watched intently by the man to his right. That man, the £24m signing from Arsenal who has penned a four-year deal, hung on his manager's every word, nodding in agreement at times and was generally fixated with what he had to say when talking about the upcoming Premier League season.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged Robin van Persie to emulate Eric Cantona by becoming the "catalyst" in Manchester United's attempt to reclaim the Premier League title this season. Also: Kevin Pietersen's 'A' game was definitely missing when England batted at Lord's on Friday, but the home side replaced it with three Bs instead - Bairstow, Bell and Bulldog spirit.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: Sir Alex Ferguson has planned his exit strategy from Manchester United and will quit in two years' time after building his last great team around Wayne Rooney and last week's £24million capture from Arsenal, Robin van Persie. Also: Kevin Pietersen will discover in the next 48 hours that all doors back to the England side are presently closed to him, probably for good.

THE SUN: Arsenal plunged into crisis last night in the wake of Robin van Persie's £22million move to Manchester United. Also: Sunderland are poised to land Adam Johnson in a shock £10million raid...Kevin Pietersen could receive a huge cash bonanza if he plays in Australia's Big Bash Twenty20 event next winter.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Newcastle boss Alan Pardew faces an FA rap for pushing assistant referee Stuart Burt in last night's home win over Tottenham. Also: Jonny Bairstow admitted he was gutted to fall agonisingly short of his first Test century for England in their Lord's showdown with South Africa...Roberto Mancini insists the Premier League title race will not be just a Manchester affair.

THE PEOPLE: Roberto Mancini has been ordered by Manchester City's Abu Dhabi owners to stop his public attacks on football director Brian Marwood. Also: Alan Pardew could face an FA rap after pushing assistant referee Stuart Burt during Newcastle's dramatic 2-1 win over Tottenham...Sunderland last night made a move to sign £5million Dimitar Berbatov as the race for the Manchester United misfit begins to hot up.

THE SUNDAY TIMES: England are facing an uphill struggle to win the third and final Test - as they must do to level the series and retain their number one rating - after another see-saw day at Lord's yesterday. Also: Tottenham have approached Manchester City for Adam Johnson who has grown frustrated at his lack of playing time under Roberto Mancini.

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: Arsenal accepted the loss of a second regular first-team player last night when agreeing a £15million fee with Barcelona for Alex Song, who will have a medical in Spain today. Also: For the next three weeks, Britain's Chris Froome, runner-up in the Tour de France behind his Sky team-mate Bradley Wiggins, will have the chance to prove whether he too is able to clinch a major Tour in his own right.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: Manchester City are planning to discuss a new £180,000-a-week contract with Mario Balotelli in the new year. Also: Adam Johnson is on the way out at Manchester City after Sunderland offered £10million for the winger...Rio Ferdinand has plunged Manchester United into a central-defensive crisis after being injured in training.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Luka Modric is set to snub new interest from Chelsea to drive through his Real Madrid move this week. Also: Joey Barton last night launched a new attack on the FA - by branding them "a firm of muppets"...The full cost of Sir Alex Ferguson's sensational capture of Robin van Persie amounts to a massive £70million...Kevin Pietersen will remain in exile when England name three limited-overs squads on Tuesday - casting further doubt on his top-level future.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Brendan Rodgers endured an horrendous start to his career as Liverpool manager as his new club suffered their heaviest opening day defeat in the top flight since 1937. Also: Rio Ferdinand is expected to miss Manchester United's Premier League opener against Everton tomorrow and there are fears that the former England captain may be facing a month on the sidelines after sustaining an injury in training.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester City are optimistic Sergio Aguero will be playing again within weeks after a scan on the star's injured knee last night. Also: Michael Owen is in advanced talks with Everton and is close to joining his boyhood idols on a free transfer.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Mancini last night admitted he is worried Manchester City's title-winning hero Sergio Aguero could be out for the season. Also: Kevin Pietersen was left in no doubt what the public thought about his fall-out with England's hierarchy when he returned to the cricket field yesterday.

THE GUARDIAN: Roberto Mancini will anxiously await the scan results on Sergio Aguero after the striker was carried off on a stretcher with a knee injury early in Manchester City's 3-2 win over Southampton yesterday. Also: Andrew Strauss will be a helpless spectator at Lord's today as England attempt a task which is somewhere between highly improbable and impossible to retain their status as the world's best Test team.

THE INDEPENDENT: When Manchester City came from behind to beat Queens Park Rangers on the thrilling final day of last season, we knew they were creating history. However, on yesterday's evidence it would seem that Roberto Mancini's team were also establishing a tradition. Also: Roberto Di Matteo declared that Eden Hazard's display of technical ability and bursts of pace proved Chelsea had got what they paid £32m for, after the Belgian yesterday made one of the most rapid impacts of any Premier League debutant.

THE SUN: Roberto Mancini fears title-winning hero Sergio Aguero could face a long spell on the sidelines. Also: Danny Welbeck will this year sign a new four-year contract to rubberstamp his Old Trafford future.

THE TIMES: Roberto Mancini was sweating on the fitness of Sergio Aguero last night amid fears that the Manchester City striker could face a lengthy layoff with a knee injury. Also: This titanic and compelling struggle between the world's two best Test match teams took a decisive shift yesterday evening.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Mancini fears Sergio Aguero could be out for months with a knee injury. Also: Kevin Pietersen suffered a humiliating return to county cricket yesterday with a first-ball duck.

DAILY MIRROR: Arsene Wenger decided to sell Alex Song to Barcelona after completely losing patience with the Arsenal midfielder. Also: Manchester City fear striker Sergio Aguero could be out for up to six months with a serious knee injury.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Roberto Mancini said Manchester City may be forced to alter their transfer plans after admitting to being worried by a knee injury suffered by Sergio Aguero during the champions' 3-2 victory against Southampton. Also: Roberto Di Matteo was thrilled with the debut of £32million midfielder Eden Hazard in yesterday's comfortable win but has not ruled out adding Wigan striker Victor Moses to his squad by the end of the week.

DAILY MAIL: Manchester United's attempt to wrestle back the Barclays Premier League title suffered the worst possible start after they were beaten by a Marouane Fellaini-inspired Everton. Also: Andrew Strauss will discuss his Test future with team director Andy Flower following England's loss of their No 1 world ranking to South Africa yesterday.

DAILY EXPRESS: Robin van Persie had his big night ruined by Marouane Fellaini's superb header as Everton beat Manchester United 1-0 at Goodison Park. Also: Andrew Strauss wants to put England back on top of the world rather than walk away from the job as captain after being outplayed by South Africa.

THE GUARDIAN: This was merely the start for these two clubs, yet Everton and Manchester United performed with an intensity that suggested this was the culmination of an entire campaign. Also: Andrew Strauss asserted his ambition to lead England's response to the dramatic defeat by South Africa which marked the end of their 364-day spell at the top of the world Test rankings.

THE INDEPENDENT: Out-fought away from home in the league and beaten with a goal from a set-piece: at least Robin van Persie's Manchester United debut last night was not too much of a departure from all those years he spent at Arsenal.

THE SUN: Manchester United crashed to a disastrous opening-game defeat - as £22million Robin van Persie sat on the bench. Also: Kevin Pietersen could be made to wait several weeks before learning his England fate.

THE TIMES: Manchester United's attempt to regain the Barclays Premier League title from Manchester City suffered an early setback last night as they were beaten deservedly by Everton at Goodison Park.

DAILY STAR: Robin van Persie was made to wait for his debut last night as Everton put an early dent in Manchester United's title hopes. Also: Roberto Mancini breathed a sigh of relief yesterday after Sergio Aguero was only ruled out for a month with a knee injury.

DAILY MIRROR: Robin van Persie could not prevent his new team slumping to an opening-day defeat for the first time in eight years. Also: Spurs are considering a move for Emmanuel Adebayor's Manchester City team-mate Edin Dzeko.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Manchester United waited 67 minutes to see Robin van Persie and will have to wait even longer to espy their first points.

DAILY MAIL: Tottenham were last night close to capturing Willian from Shakhtar Donetsk for £20million as they reignited interest in Leandro Damiao in an attempt to add Brazilian flair to their strikeforce. Also: Andy Flower laid bare the full extent of the sense of betrayal England feel at Kevin Pietersen and made it clear there may be no way back for him.

DAILY EXPRESS: Eden Hazard can steer Chelsea to the top of the Premier League for the first time in two years with a win against Reading. Also: James Anderson admitted that England's miserable year as the number one ranked Test side was a result of the bowling unit "believing their own hype".

THE GUARDIAN: Andy Flower has dropped the strongest hint yet that Kevin Pietersen will not be offered a new central contract by England next month. Also: It is a major blow to Roberto Mancini and Manchester City, Daniele De Rossi has declared that he intends to remain a Roma player for the foreseeable future.

THE INDEPENDENT: With every passing day, Kevin Pietersen's international career looks to have come to its sorry end. Also: A combination of good luck and smart planning helped Everton to their impressive opening to the season against Manchester United on Monday.

THE SUN: Nani will be axed by Manchester United. The Portuguese winger is going to pay a high price for his poor performance in Monday's 1-0 defeat at Everton. Also: Kevin Pietersen has been told he must come clean when he meets Andrew Strauss for talks on Sunday.

THE TIMES: The sense of frustration hanging over Manchester City's attempts to strengthen Roberto Mancini's squad deepened yesterday as Daniele De Rossi, the Italy midfielder, became the fifth priority transfer target to turn down a move to the Barclays Premier League champions. Also: Tottenham Hotspur representatives arrived in Brazil last night in an attempt finally to sign Leandro Damiao from Internacional, just hours after completing a permanent deal for Emmanuel Adebayor.

DAILY STAR: Chelsea are set to continue their summer spending by clinching the £23.5million signing of German striker Andre Schurrle. Also: Ricky Hatton is in training for a boxing comeback - and will make his return to the ring in November.

DAILY MIRROR: Andre-Villas-Boas sanctioned the £9million sale of Michael Dawson to QPR - just days after claiming the defender would captain the club. Also: Dimitar Berbatov is poised to move to Italy after a personal plea to boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Andrew Strauss is the only man who can save Kevin Pietersen's England career as Andy Flower and the rest of the team's management appear to have become too entrenched in their views against him. Also: Sergio Aguero aims to begin his rehabilitation on his knee ligament injury at Manchester City today, with the Argentine forward hoping to return to action within a month.

THE SUN Chelsea have rejected Manchester City's £30million bid for David Luiz. Also: Fernando Torres sent Chelsea to the top of the Premier League - and spared Petr Cech's blushes.

DAILY MIRROR Brendan Rodgers has launched a scathing attack on Newcastle by telling them: "You've got a nerve thinking you can do a number on us." Also: Chelsea went back to the top of the Premier League for the first time in 21 months last night - but the European Champions were given a real scare by Reading.

DAILY MAIL Chelsea were top of the Barclays Premier League for the first time since November 2010 last night - but they had to rely on a dodgy offside decision. Also: QPR have made a formal complaint to Leeds accusing goalkeeper Paddy Kenny of sending a series of abusive messages to a member of their management team.

DAILY TELEGRAPH The horse of a lifetime has become the horse of all time. Thirty thousand souls had gathered here on Knavesmire to watch the glorious Frankel cement his legend with a 13th straight win, and a finish of such breathtaking speed that it took jockey Tom Queally another half-a-mile to pull him up. Also: Chelsea showed their resilience, recovering from 2-1 down to win 4-2, but Reading left the home of the European champions seething with the injustice of the Fernando Torres goal that effectively gave the hosts victory.

THE TIMES Brendan Rodgers has accused Newcastle United of "taking liberties" in their pursuit of Andy Carroll and insisted he would be a "nutcase" even to consider allowing Liverpool's record signing to return to Tyneside on loan. Also: Robert Green's position in goal for Queens Park Rangers is in the balance after one game as the club have held preliminary talks with Julio Cesar.

THE GUARDIAN Racegoers are likely to have one more chance to see Frankel in the flesh after the outstanding racehorse of recent decades improved his unbeaten record to 13 straight victories with an effortless success in the Juddemonte International Stakes at York yesterday. Also: Chelsea perch on top of the fledgling Premier League table, restored to the summit for the first time in almost 21 months, yet that is where the prescribed script from this frantic occasion has to be ditched.

DAILY EXPRESS Andy Carroll will be handed a lifeline tonight with new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insisting he would be "a nut case" to sell him at a knockdown price. Also: Chelsea went top of the Premier League after coming from behind to beat Reading 4-2 at Stamford Bridge last night.

THE INDEPENDENT If this is to be the season that Fernando Torres finally emerges from the darkness as the £50m striker Chelsea always hoped he would be, then he can give some small measure of thanks to one linesman's bad call last night. Also: The Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is expected back in action in less than a month following the knee injury he suffered against Southampton on Sunday.

DAILY STAR Fernando Torres was on target as Chelsea staged a stirring comeback at Stamford Bridge last night. Also: Arsenal are ready to turn to £27m-rated Spain winger Jesus Navas to solve their goalscoring woes.

THE SUN: Angry Fulham last night took Liverpool to a Premier League tribunal for allegedly tapping up Clint Dempsey. Also: Brendan Rodgers got his Kop side back on track as they scraped out a Europa League win. Also: Victor Moses was on his way to Chelsea from Wigan last night after they agreed a £9million fee.

DAILY MAIL: Sportsmail can today reveal goalkeeper Paddy Kenny's amazing voicemail rant to a member of QPR's coaching staff, attacking the decision to replace him with Robert Green. Also: Fulham have accused Liverpool of tapping up forward Clint Dempsey. Also: Yohan Blake clocked 9.69sec, the second fastest 100 metres time in history, last night and celebrated in striking his trademark pose.

DAILY MIRROR: David Luiz is a shock £30million target for Barcelona. Also: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers praised his "excellent" players despite needing an own goal to see off Hearts last night. Also: Alastair Cook's one-day England team are out to surpass the Test side this week - by stopping South Africa snatching their No.1 status.

DAILY EXPRESS: Fulham last night finally snapped as their anger at Liverpool's summer-long pursuit of striker Clint Dempsey boiled over into an official complaint to the Premier League. Also: Chelsea last night clinched the £9 million signing of Wigan forward Victor Moses. Also: Alan Pardew shuffled his pack and came up trumps, with Ryan Taylor scoring the goal to earn Newcastle a 1-1 Europa League draw with Atromitos in the searing heat of Athens last night.

DAILY STAR: Furious Fulham have reported Liverpool to the Premier League for tapping-up midfielder Clint Dempsey. Also: Alan Pardew last night heaped praise on his young guns as Newcastle took a giant stride towards qualifying for the group stages of the Europa League. Also: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was hit by another snub last night when Nuri Sahin agreed to sign for Liverpool on loan.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Fulham's resentment at Liverpool's pursuit of Clint Dempsey reached a new level yesterday when they reported the Merseyside club to the Premier League. Also: Chelsea have taken their summer spending beyond £70 million and added yet another attacking midfielder after a £10 million deal was finally agreed last night for Wigan Athletic's Victor Moses.

THE TIMES: Barcelona will test Chelsea's resolve over David Luiz with a £30 million offer before the transfer window closes next Friday. Also: Andre Villas-Boas knows that his long-term brief is to finish in the top four, but for now, the Tottenham Hotspur head coach, accepts that his auxiliary role is to trim a bloated squad.

THE GUARDIAN: Brendan Rodgers is perfectly open about the fact the Europa League isn't anywhere near the summit of his priorities list during this, his first season in charge at Anfield. Also: Victor Moses is on the brink of becoming Chelsea's latest attacking signing after Wigan Athletic accepted an offer of £9m.

THE INDEPENDENT: Barcelona are prepared to test Chelsea's resolve to hang on to their Brazilian defender David Luiz, who is attracting interest from the Spanish club one week before the end of the transfer window. Also: Andre Villas-Boas insisted yesterday that competition for places was the only reason Michael Dawson had been allowed to speak with Queen's Park Rangers.

THE SUN: Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United stars their places are not safe. Also: Lance Armstrong's reputation lay in the gutter last night - after he refused to contest he is a drugs cheat.

DAILY MIRROR: Michael Dawson has dug his heels in and is refusing to leave Tottenham. Also: Theo Walcott and Arsenal are finally discussing a new deal.

DAILY STAR: Roberto Mancini says his multi-million pound Manchester City squad cannot compete this season. Also: Roy Hodgson has told John Terry he will be in his next England squad.

THE INDEPENDENT: Roberto Mancini will clearly need more evidence before he accepts the suggestion that Mario Balotelli is a reformed character. Also: Roberto Di Matteo insisted yesterday that he is confident that Chelsea are capable of keeping David Luiz out of Barcelona's clutches.

THE GUARDIAN: Lance Armstrong, the most decorated, celebrated and controversial rider in cycling history, has been stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after refusing to contest charges of doping, drug trafficking, and administering of drugs to others, according to the United States Anti-Doping Agency. Also: Arsenal have reopened contract negotiations with Theo Walcott and they are hopeful of securing him to a new five-year deal.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: The reputation of Lance Armstrong, the most successful cyclist in history and a role model to millions for the way he overcame cancer, lay in tatters on Friday night as he was stripped of his seven Tour de France victories by United States anti-doping officials. Also: Shy, self-critical and engaging. Not the qualities supporters beyond Anfield associate with Luis Suarez.

THE TIMES: Frank Lampard has warned that an English culture of giving teenage footballers "too much too soon" is proving harmful to their development as some become distracted by the trappings of their first professional contract. Also: His immediate concern is to defeat Newcastle United, a task that did not prove straightforward last season, but Roberto Di Matteo is bullish about Chelsea's prospects of succeeding where Arsene Wenger has failed and warding off Barcelona's advances for David Luiz this month.

DAILY EXPRESS: Roberto Di Matteo last night told Barcelona: "David Luiz is not for sale at any price." Also: ECB bosses are privately fuming about Kevin Pietersen accepting a commentary job during the World Twenty20 and will warn him before he leaves for Sri Lanka next month to choose his words carefully.

DAILY MAIL: Lance Armstrong's status as an icon of sport was in tatters last night after he was stripped of his seven Tour de France victories amid allegations he was a systematic doping cheat. Also: Mark Hughes has backed Robert Green to cope with the double pressure of a nightmare debut for Queens Park Rangers and the mocking message from his fellow goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.

MAIL ON SUNDAY: Roberto Mancini could quit as Manchester City boss inside a year if he doesn't receive the backing he requires. Also: England manager Roy Hodgson will name a squad without Wayne Rooney on Thursday after the Manchester United star was taken to hospital with a horrifically-gashed thigh suffered against Fulham yesterday...Kevin Pietersen will face a wall of resistance from within the England dressing room even if proposed conciliatory talks with Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower lead them to consider reprieving him from international exile.

THE SUN: Wayne Rooney was KO'd by a horror injury yesterday - and could even be sold for £50million if he does not shape up. Also: Ashley Cole last night hailed Fernando Torres as "the main man" after Chelsea's £50million striker fired them to the top of the table...Andre Villas-Boas is already under pressure, as Tottenham were booed off at the end of the 1-1 home draw with West Brom.

DAILY STAR SUNDAY: Roberto Mancini has urged his Man City bosses to sign Athletic Bilbao's £32m-rated Javi Martinez before the transfer window closes. Also: Wayne Rooney suffered a nightmare day at Old Trafford yesterday and now looks like being out for at least a month.

SUNDAY EXPRESS: Wayne Rooney will be out for four weeks after his right leg was horribly gashed in a tackle. Also: Scott Sinclair is set to seal his £6million move to Manchester City in the next 24 hours...Full-back Brett Hodgson proved a thorn in the side of Leeds Rhinos yesterday as he steered Warrington Wolves to a 35-18 Challenge Cup victory at Wembley.

SUNDAY PEOPLE: Wayne Rooney had emergency surgery last night after the axed Manchester United striker suffered a shocking X-rated injury. Also: Arsene Wenger has launched a £15million deadline-week bid for Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye...Kevin Pietersen stunned his England team-mates with a dressing-room tirade at the Headingley Test - even singling out debutant James Taylor for criticism.

SUNDAY MIRROR: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will make an ambitious bid this week to sign midfielder Cheick Tiote. Also: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will personally intervene to attempt to solve the mess surrounding Clint Dempsey and push through his signing before the transfer window shuts...Brett Hodgson encapsulated the old adage "if you can't beat em, join em" as Warrington swept to their third Wembley triumph in four years yesterday.

SUNDAY TIMES: Dropped just before kick-off, taken off by stretcher just before the final whistle, Wayne Rooney has known better days in his Premier League career. Also: Kevin Pietersen's fractured relationship with England received a small boost yesterday when ESPN Star Sports confirmed it would be using the batsman primarily to market its coverage of the World Twenty20 tournament in Sri Lanka next month and not as a commentator.

SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Luka Modric will finally leave Tottenham Hotspur this week after a deal worth up to 42million euros (£33.3million) was yesterday agreed with Real Madrid to spark a frantic final few days of the transfer window. Also: Wayne Rooney will miss England's World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine next month after being ruled out for a month with a horrific thigh injury sustained during Manchester United's 3-2 win against Fulham...Gavin Henson's latest attempt to relaunch his tarnished rugby career is on hold after he suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone yesterday.

THE OBSERVER: Wayne Rooney faces at least four weeks on the sidelines after picking up a badly gashed knee at the end of the game against Fulham. Also: Michael Laudrup, the Swansea manager, insisted there had been no progress over Scott Sinclair's proposed move to Manchester City, despite leaving the winger out of the side who inflicted an emphatic beating on West Ham.

INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY: Wayne Rooney, dropped for the first time in memory by Manchester United, was taken to hospital with a serious gash to his leg last night and will miss England's first two World Cup qualifying matches against Moldova and Ukraine. Also: Sunderland have launched an internal investigation into why a waterlogged pitch at the Stadium of Light forced the postponement of their game against Reading.

Latest Paper Talk
Monday August 27

Joey Barton last night told Queens Park Rangers to finalise his loan move with Marseille.
Roberto Mancini admits he faces a vital five days to bolster Manchester City's squad before the transfer deadline.
Southampton are set to make a £5million swoop for Ajax left-back Nicolai Boilesen.
Michael Owen insists he will be back in the Premier League this week after leaving Manchester United earlier in the summer.

Carlos Tevez last night pledged his future to Manchester City.
Luka Modric expects to seal his £33million move to Real Madrid in the next 24 hours - triggering Tottenham moves for Willian and Moussa Dembele.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is teeing up a shock swoop for Leicester's young centre-back Liam Moore.
Everton and Aston Villa are chasing Wolves striker Kevin Doyle.
Stoke pulled out of a deal for Tom Huddlestone - because Tottenham wanted a loan fee and a call-back clause.
Kevin Blackwell is a frontrunner for the Coventry City job following the sacking of Andy Thorn yesterday.

Roberto Mancini claims Manchester City's hopes for the season will be determined by the business they conduct in the final five days of the transfer window. Daniele De Rossi, Stevan Jovetic and Javi Martinez all interest the Italian.

Roberto Mancini has warned Manchester City must make signings in the next five days if they are to retain their Barclays Premier League title.
Arsenal are considering a £15million move for Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye.
Swansea will step up their pursuit of Marvin Emnes this week and are confident of signing him for £5million.
Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is wanted on loan by Turkish side Bursaspor.
Wigan are weighing up a bid for Bolton winger Lee Chung-yong.
Blackburn are making a £4million move for Southampton striker Rickie Lambert and have asked for Swansea's Luke Moore on loan.

Carlos Tevez's 100th goal in English football rescued Manchester City - then he claimed he would be happy to sign a new deal.

Carlos Tevez last night vowed that he wants to stay with Manchester City for years to come.
Michael Owen insists he hasn't given up hope of finding a club by the end of the week.

THE SUN: Eden Hazard wants to win a treble with Chelsea this season. Also...Daniel Levy took a whopping £10million hit to keep Luka Modric out of the Prem.
Luka Modric: Spurs looking to invest the proceeds from his sale
Luka Modric: Spurs looking to invest the proceeds from his sale

DAILY MAIL: American sportswear giant Nike are on the verge of signing the deal to be the official kit provider for the England football team. Also...Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has banned the club's young stars from driving flashy sports cars from new sponsors Chevrolet.

THE TIMES: Tottenham Hotspur moved to spend the £27.8 million garnered from the sale of Luka Modric to Real Madrid yesterday by closing in on deals to sign Moussa Dembele, Willian and Hugo Lloris. Also...Andy Murray secured a place in the US Open second round with a 6-2 6-4 6-1 victory over Alex Bogomolov Jnr, of Russia, though it was a match of startling contrasts, angry outbursts, tossing of rackets, strained nerves and misfiring serves.

DAILY MIRROR: Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is lining up a last-minute swoop for Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge. Also...Kevin Pietersen will head into his showdown talks with Andrew Strauss worrying there is no way back into the England dressing room.

THE INDEPENDENT: Andy Murray's attempt to convert Olympic gold into Grand Slam silverware got off to a winning start on the first day of the US Open here yesterday. Also...Manchester City are in danger of ending the transfer window period without making the marquee signing their manager has demanded.

DAILY STAR: Tottenham banked £33m for Luka Modric yesterday - but were then told they'll have to spend most of it to land Brazilian star Willian. Also...West Ham are ready to make a sensational bid to bring Joe Cole home to Upton Park.

THE GUARDIAN: Tottenham Hotspur have targeted Moussa Dembele of Fulham to reinforce their midfield after finally sanctioning the £30m sale of Luka Modric to Real Madrid, while they have had a £13m offer accepted by Lyon for the goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Also...Paralympian track and field athletes have hit back at a British team-mate who claimed cycling took itself more seriously as a sport and had delivered more medals as a result.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Tottenham Hotspur have launched bids or inquiries for about £80million worth of playing talent, with their squad overhaul gathering pace yesterday following Luka Modric's £33million departure to Real Madrid. Also...Javier Hernandez is prepared to fight for his place at Manchester United despite being edged out of the first-team picture following the £22million arrival of Robin van Persie.

DAILY EXPRESS: Tottenham and Arsenal are on collision course over the next four days after the £33million sale of Luka Modric to Real Madrid sparked a race to sign quality replacements. Also...Padraig Harrington predicted that Nicolas Colsaerts, who ended his run of six successive Ryder Cup appearances, will be Europe's secret weapon in Medinah next month.

THE SUN: Wayne Rooney has turned to Latin to tell the world he will overcome his horror injury. Also... Frank Lampard has admitted for the first time that he wants to become Chelsea boss.

DAILY MAIL: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given Theo Walcott the next 48 hours to decide whether he wants to sign a new five-year contract worth £75,000 per week - or be sold. Also... Fenerbache are preparing an £8million bid for Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien.

THE TIMES: Arsenal were last night preparing the possible sale of Theo Walcott to Manchester City or Liverpool after he rejected the club's offer of a new contract. Also... John Terry returned to training with Chelsea yesterday and has been given the go-ahead by the club's medical staff to report for duty with England next week.

DAILY MIRROR: Wayne Rooney fears Manchester United are preparing to offload him for £40million. Also... Nuri Sahin has revealed how Xabi Alonso sold Anfield to him because "he is still in love with Liverpool".

THE INDEPENDENT: On the eve of the London Paralympics, Oscar Pistorius has praised the host nation's attitude towards disability and believes the world will have to watch the Games through "Britain's eyes". Also... Tottenham are hopeful that they will announce the signing of Fulham midfielder Mousa Dembele within the next 24 hours.

DAILY STAR: Tottenham have made a bid of £20million for Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho. Also... Gary Madine was the hero for Sheffield Wednesday as Premier League Fulham were dumped out of the Capital One Cup last night.

THE GUARDIAN: The shadow of Kevin Pietersen hung more heavily than ever over the England team from which he is so conspicuously absent, as they were dumped from the top of the one-day rankings by South Africa hours after he had hit a brilliant century for Surrey. Also... There is increasing confidence in Whitehall that Lord Coe, the London 2012 chairman, can be persuaded to take over as chairman of the British Olympic Association.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Theo Walcott is increasingly likely to be sold by Arsenal this week after talks over a new proposed contract broke down yesterday. Also... Raheem Sterling's rapid Liverpool progress has major consequences for Stewart Downing's Anfield future as the England winger has been asked to reinvent himself as a left-back.

DAILY EXPRESS: Arsenal have told Theo Walcott to sign a new deal in the next 48 hours or be sold. Also... Paul Lambert was able to breathe a sigh of relief as Aston Villa finally got their season up and running with a 3-0 win against Tranmere Rovers in the Capital One Cup.

HE SUN: Andy Carroll's Anfield nightmare ended last night when he signed a season-long loan with West Ham. Also: Alex Ferguson will put his players through hell to guarantee they qualify for the Champions League knockout stages. Great Britain made a golden start to the Paralympic Games thanks to Sarah Storey and Jonathan Fox.
Sky Bet


DAILY MAIL: Liverpool outcast Andy Carroll made a dramatic dash to London last night to agree a season-long loan move to West Ham. Also: Manchester City were drawn against the kings of Spain, Holland and Germany in by far the toughest group in this year's Champions League; The first British medal of the Games was a silver won by a cyclist - but not the one most predicted would open our account.

DAILY MIRROR: Andy Carroll's Anfield nightmare is finally over. Also: Cristiano Ronaldo last night spelled out a Champions League warning to Manchester City - insisting the Group of Death does not scare Real Madrid.

DAILY EXPRESS: Andy Carroll ended his Liverpool nightmare last night after agreeing to a season-long loan move to West Ham. Also: Sarah Storey was not deemed good enough for the Olympics but believes that was a blessing in disguise; Cristiano Ronaldo warned moneybags Manchester City they face an ordeal in their tough-looking Champions League group.

DAILY STAR: Cristiano Ronaldo last night warned Manchester City they faced a real ordeal in the Champions League Group of Death. Also: Liverpool want to snatch Daniel Sturridge from Chelsea after loaning out Andy Carroll to West Ham.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Sarah Storey luxuriated in the Olympic Velodrome's warmest embrace and spoke of how she would not want to be remembered as a great Paralympian, but, rather, as a great athlete. Also: Manchester City yesterday discovered why the most demanding competition in club football is called the Champions League.

THE TIMES: Andy Carroll, who became the most expensive British player less than two years ago, was sent out on loan by Liverpool last night. Also: The Aquatics Centre was a largely forlorn place for Team GB. Two bronze medals and one silver during this summer's Olympic Games was disappointing and a little bewildering. But yesterday evening, as a plethora of Union Jacks were jiggled by a raucous audience, Great Britain's Paralympic swimmers won three medals in three exhilarating encounters.

THE GUARDIAN: Manchester City must negotiate a daunting group comprised of reigning league champions if they are to progress into the knockout phase of the European Cup this season after the draw in Monte Carlo flung the Premier League winners against imposing opponents in Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax; Normal service was resumed in the velodrome yesterday afternoon, both for Sarah Storey and for British sport.

THE INDEPENDENT: Andy Carroll left Liverpool for a season-long loan move to West Ham United last night. Also: He took a couple of deep breaths and then grinned his way through the National Anthem. It has been a long time in coming - 34 days, in fact, but a Briton has finally climbed on to the top of the podium in the Aquatics Centre.

Latest Paper Talk
Monday September 3

Brendan Rodgers has revealed he will ask the question about a loan deal for Didier Drogba and Michael Owen at Liverpool.
Wigan are ready to loan Wilfried Zaha back to Crystal Palace as part of a £3million swoop.
Spurs are ready to let goalkeepers Carlo Cudicini and Heurelho Gomes go on loan to the Championship.
Robin van Persie smashed his 100th Premier League goal to cap a hat-trick at Southampton - then thanked Paul Scholes for saving him from the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Swansea defender Neil Taylor has been ruled out for the season with a fractured ankle.

Brendan Rodgers wants Didier Drogba and Michael Owen to solve his striker crisis at Liverpool.
Robin van Persie struck a stunning hat-trick to rescue Manchester United at Southampton - then apologised for his spot-kick cock-up.
Swansea have been rocked by the news that defender Neil Taylor is out for the season.
Sam Allardyce believes Andy Carroll can make the difference between a relegation dogfight and a top-half finish for West Ham.
Paul Lambert reckons he was right to axe Shay Given as Aston Villa bagged their first point of the season at Newcastle.

Under-pressure Brendan Rodgers is poised to make a sensational move to bring Didier Drogba to Anfield.
Robin van Persie thanked Paul Scholes for getting him out of a spot of bother as Manchester United won 3-2 at Southampton.

Brendan Rodgers will consider a move for Michael Owen after seeing his goal-shy side beaten by Arsenal.
Atletico Madrid striker Falcao believes he will move to England's Premier League in January.
West Ham fear Andy Carroll's hamstring injury is wose than expected. He will have a complete scan tomorrow.

Brendan Rodgers has admitted he may be forced to ask Michael Owen to bolster Liverpool's striking options.
Robin van Persie scored a glorious hat-trick to earn Manchester United a last-gasp 3-2 victory at Southampton - but ended up apologising.

Just when the hairdryer was being revved up by Sir Alex Ferguson in the Manchester United technical area, Robin van Persie showed his brilliance in the Southampton penalty area.

A fitting end to a dreadful few days in the Liverpool reign of Brendan Rodgers stemmed from a superior Arsenal display, carelessness and another error from the once formidable Jose Reina.

Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, said last night that he would be willing to investigate bringing in Didier Drogba or Michael Owen as emergency reinforcements, after admitting that he would not have allowed Andy Carroll to leave on loan to West Ham United on Thursday had he known his club would deny him £7m Clint Dempsey from Fulham.

HE SUN: Robin van Persie struck a stunning hat-trick to rescue Manchester United - then apologised for his spot-kick cock-up. Also: Lewis Hamilton had a furious bust-up with Romain Grosjean after a first-bend horror crash at the Belgian Grand Prix.

DAILY MAIL: Brendan Rodgers will consider a move for Michael Owen after seeing his goal-shy side comprehensively beaten by Arsenal at Anfield. Also: Jenson Button drove clear of a first-lap crash involving team-mate Lewis Hamilton to roar to a convincing win in the Belgian Grand Prix.

DAILY MIRROR: Brendan Rodgers revealed he will 'ask the question' about a loan deal for Didier Drogba and Michael Owen after being left high and dry in the transfer window. Also: Robin van Persie spared himself Alex Ferguson's hairdryer with a stoppage-time hat-trick winner.

DAILY EXPRESS: Robin van Persie scored a glorious hat-trick to earn Manchester United a last-gasp 3-2 victory at Southampton, but ended up apologising. Also: Brendan Rodgers has admitted he will be forced to consider asking Michael Owen to bolster Liverpool's striking options after insisting he only allowed Andy Carroll to leave Anfield because he believed he had a replacement lined up.

DAILY STAR: Under-pressure Brendan Rodgers is poised to make a sensational move for Didier Drogba. Also: Robin van Persie grabbed a sensational hat-trick for Manchester United at Southampton yesterday - and missed a penalty into the bargain. Also: Jenson Button reignited his world championship dream by storming to victory in yesterday's Belgian Grand Prix.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: If you were seeking a name to symbolise, even transcend Paralympic sport, it would be that of Oscar Pistorius. But the great South African had urged spectators at these London Games to focus not on the athletes' disability, but on their ability, and his own performance offered a stirring support for that clarion call. Also: Just when the hairdryer was being revved up by Sir Alex Ferguson in the Manchester United technical area, Robin van Persie showed his brilliance in the Southampton penalty area.

THE TIMES: Britain's Paralympians won six gold medals yesterday to add to five on Saturday in a weekend of superhuman effort in cycling, equestrian, rowing, athletics and swimming. Also: Lewis Hamilton emerged from his private grief into the glare of a public rebuke from his McLaren team yesterday after publishing secret details of the performance of his team's cars on his Twitter account.

THE GUARDIAN: A fitting end to a dreadful few days in the Liverpool reign of Brendan Rodgers stemmed from a superior Arsenal display, carelessness and another error from the once formidable Jose Reina. Also: Oscar Pistorius, the South African phenomenon who has become among the most iconic faces of this Olympic and Paralympic summer, last night suffered a shock defeat in the T44 200m to the young Brazilian Alan Oliveira.

THE INDEPENDENT: Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, said last night that he would be willing to investigate bringing in Didier Drogba or Michael Owen as emergency reinforcements, after admitting that he would not have allowed Andy Carroll to leave on loan to West Ham United on Thursday had he known his club would deny him £7m Clint Dempsey from Fulham. Also: It was Oscar night but there was no acceptance speech for the big prize. Not from the Paralympic star that the sell-out 80,000 audience had come to see, at any rate.

THE SUN: Dimitar Berbatov last night launched a blistering attack on Sir Alex Ferguson and said: "I don't respect him any more." Also: Alex Oxlade Chamberlain will be rewarded for his stunning impact at Arsenal with a new contract.

DAILY MAIL: Michael Owen's hopes of a sensational return to Anfield appear to be fading after Liverpool's owners mounted a fierce defence of their transfer policy. Also: Ashley Cole's quest to become the sixth England player to reach 100 caps is on hold after he was forced out of Roy Hodgson's squad with an ankle injury.

DAILY MIRROR: Brendan Rodgers has been told to forget about signing "expensive quick fixes" after the collapse of the Clint Dempsey deal. Also: Nemanja Vidic reckons Robin van Persie's fighting qualities and hunger will continue to make him every Premier League defender's worst nightmare.

DAILY EXPRESS: Ellie Simmonds was not bothered about the PM, it was the PB that made her night another golden success at the Paralympic Games. Also: Dimitar Berbatov has hit out at Sir Alex Ferguson after his exit from Old Trafford, saying the Manchester United manager labelled him as "useless".

DAILY STAR: Manchester City are preparing a sensational world record £95m bid to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to England. Also: Troubled Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was yesterday told told he will be given more time to turn the club around.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Liverpool's principal owner John Henry blamed "the errors of the previous regimes" for the new era of prudent spending at Anfield. Also: Ashley Cole's hopes of reaching 100 England caps against Ukraine next week have been dashed by an ankle injury.

THE TIMES: Brendan Rodgers has ruled out a return to Anfield for Michael Owen as John W Henry, Liverpool's principal owner, attempted to face down hostile criticism of the failure to sign Clint Dempsey by writing an open letter to the club's fans. Also: England's fans face the prospect of three different home shirts in as many years.

THE GUARDIAN: Brendan Rodgers had decided against a remarkable return to Liverpool for Michael Owen. Also: Warren Gatland will today be confirmed as head coach for the Lions tour to Australia next year.

THE INDEPENDENT: Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool, has decided against approaching Michael Owen about a return to his spiritual home of Anfield. Also: Sir Alex Ferguson has come under fire from Dimitar Berbatov.