Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Gareth Bale's agent dismisses criticism of player
2. Police probing Rangers takeover search Ashley firm's HQ
3. Racing: Trip to Paris (10-1) wins the Chester Cup
4. 19:45 BST: Bayern Munich v Barcelona
5. What are sport's worst returns to an ex-employer? #nightmarereunion

Farewell...

And that brings Sportsday to an end for Wednesday. It gets exciting tomorrow as we will have Premier League news conferences including Nigel Pearson (any Ostriches attending?)

We will also bring you live golf updates from the Players Championship, some brilliant sports-themed votes on election day and reaction from Barcelona v Bayern Munich which you can now start following on our live text.

Thanks for being with us today. See you at 08:00 BST.

McClaren '100%' committed to Derby

Head coach Steve McClaren has insisted he is "100% committed" to Derby County but refused to confirm if he was offered the chance to manage struggling Premier League side Newcastle United.

McClaren's Rams missed out on a Championship play-off place after losing 3-0 to Reading on Saturday.

On the same day the ex-England boss was approached by the Magpies, who are only two points above the relegation zone.

But McClaren said: "I'm 100 per cent committed to finishing the job here."

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With Pep due at the Nou Camp, we have been asking you for your nightmare reunions. Tweet us on #nightmarereunion.

Damian Colton: Henrik Larsson returning to Celtic Park with Barcelona soon after leaving and scoring against us.

Simon Richardson: Dean Richards' return to Welford Road as Quins coach after being a hero both as player and manager at Tigers.

Pep's Nou Camp return

"Barca is a very important part of my life. Until now it was everything but I am here to win. I am not here for a homage but to see Bayern through to the final." Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola returns to the Nou Camp - where he managed from July 2008 to June 2012 - as manager of Bayern Munich tonight with a Champions League final place up for grabs. You can follow it all on our live text from 18:30 BST.

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*Includes Spanish super Cup wins.

More under the belt for Ale...

A good news story from football today sees Alejandro Faurlin complete 90 minutes.

Alejandro Faurlin

The midfielder, 28, was ruled out with a third cruciate-ligament injury in as many seasons back in August but he played as Rangers' under-21 side lost 5-4 to Norwich City today.

Lewis Hamilton... oh dear

Lewis Hamilton previews Mercedes' car for the 2016 season.

Lewis Hamilton

Hopefully you detect that is a joke but in all truth, I'm struggling to take anything about this outfit seriously. The headwear is astronomical. Lewis's Instagram page has more joys.

Right time to face Bayern?

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Are Barcelona set to meet Bayern Munich at the right time when the sides face off tonight at the semi-final stage of the Champions League?

The German champions are without long-term absentees Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber, while striker Robert Lewandowski could yet feature wearing a protective mask.

The Poland front man broke his nose and jaw during a Bayern's German Cup defeat to Borussia Dortmund. Barcelona by contrast will only be without defender Jeremy Mathieu.

You can follow every kick on our dedicated live Champions League text from 18:30 BST.

Bees confident on Griffin Park stay

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Brentford hope the Premier League will allow them to play their home games at Griffin Park if they are promoted through the Championship play-offs.

The 12,763-capacity stadium does not currently meet top-flight standards.

"I'm still convinced we can convince the Premier League," chief executive Mark Devlin told BBC London 94.9.

"We have got an agreement in principle with another club if we need to groundshare. We are focused on bringing Griffin Park up to scratch."

How to deal with a loose tooth

Bryan Clay

Now, turn away if you're a little squeamish when it comes to dental work.

The 2008 Olympic Champion Bryan Clay has made use of his spare javelins by tying the end of one to his daughter's loose tooth, launching it and consequently pulling out the troublesome tooth.

It's a novel way to deal with the situation Bryan, we will give you that. The American posted a video of the feat on his Twitter page with the heading: "What you use javelins for once you're retired."

Kiwi's as an "entree"

New Zealand sound like they have a point to prove ahead of their summer Tests against England.

Their head coach Mike Hesson admits the Kiwis are considered England's "entree" before this summer's Ashes and says it is up to his players to prove they have the stomach for a more serious billing in the future.

The tourists, who thrashed England at the World Cu, will play two Tests against Alastair Cook's side, who then play five Tests against Australia.

"It seems to be the way we've been used in the past, that's just the way it's been," says Hesson. "You have to earn the right for those longer series, you do that over a period of time and that's something we're looking to do."

Derbyshire land Rutherford

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Derbyshire announce Hamish Rutherford will join the county this summer following the conclusion of New Zealand's Test tour of England.

Rutherford, 26, will link up with the club next month and be available for seven T20 Blast fixtures, three LV County Championship matches and four Royal London One-Day Cup games, starting with the T20 encounter against Worcestershire on 19 June.

The batsman will act as cover while Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan is at the Caribbean Premier League.

'The apple is ripe'

The future of reported Chelsea target Paulo Dybala will be decided in the next two weeks, according to Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini.

Dybala is Palermo's leading scorer with 13 Serie A goals and is understood to have attracted the attention of Jose Mourinho.

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Palermo are keen to cash in on the 21-year-old after the Argentinian forward turned down a three-year contract extension in January.

"At least three teams are really interested in him," Zamparini told Italian newspaper Giornale di Sicilia. "The apple is ripe and we are ready to pick it."

No rush for Joshua

Olympic champion Anthony Joshua is not in a rush to satisfy public clamour by engaging in an overly risky fight.

Heavyweight Joshua, 25, has 11 wins by knockout ahead of meeting Rafael Zumbano Love on Saturday and American Kevin Johnson on 30 May.

"I will do things my way, I have from the start and I will continue to do that," says Joshua. "Everyone wants to fight me and I want to fight everyone, but I can't fight them all at once, this is not WWE wrestling, this is boxing - we'll do it at the right time and one at a time.

"Rounds aren't essential to me - Deontay Wilder proved that you don't need to go rounds to do it when it matters. Everyone trains hard, so it's all mental and depends who you are facing."

Wilder became WBC heavyweight champion in January.

From toys to noise

Now earlier you may have seen us bring you an image of Lewis Hamilton in Central Park wearing a garish red hat (sorry Lewis).

It was more Whacky Horror Show than James Bond but David Beckham has brought us back to a state of cool with this latest Instagram image.

David Beckham

In a move which would have incurred the wrath of his former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson Beckham is on a motorbike under a beautiful Los Angeles sky. "Early morning ride," he posts.

Meanwhile, boxer Paul Smith Jr, who fights Andre Ward on 20 June, posts: "No chance whatsoever of a post-gym snooze with young Phil Collins here."

PAul smith

It seems the pair have had very different mornings.

Crook & Keogh shine against Lancashire

Northants 385 & 391-5, Lancashire 436

Steven Crook and Rob Keogh hit final-day centuries as Northants batted out a draw with Lancashire at Wantage Road.

All-rounder Crook struck a six and 12 fours in an unbeaten 102 after Keogh had departed for exactly 100 earlier in the day.

Josh Cobb finished on 46 not out as he and Crook shared an unbroken stand of 156, a sixth wicket record for the county against Lancashire.

Forbes rich list - results

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The Premier League makes up five of the top 10 clubs in football's rich list.

The Forbes study sees Real Madrid and Barcelona in as the richest two clubs in the game, with Manchester United third, Bayern Munich fourth and Manchester City fifth, worth an estimated £905m.

Chelsea (£898m), Arsenal (£859m) and Liverpool (£644m) are sixth-eighth on the list respectively.

Tottenham, Newcastle and West Ham complete the Premier League's representation in the top 20, following the recent £5.136billion domestic television deal.

Elstone hits ton in Cardiff draw

Derbyshire 205 & 209-2, Glamorgan 103-4 dec

BBC Radio Wales Sport's Nick Webb at Cardiff: "Glamorgan and Derbyshire had to settle for a draw in a rain-ruined match despite the weather relenting to allow play after lunch on the final day.

"The Welsh county sped through their overs to avoid a points deduction after their controversial declaration the previous night, as Derbyshire reached 209-2 declared.

"Scott Elstone made a maiden first-class hundred for the visitors, while captain Wayne Madsen reached his first half-century of the season."

Man Utd world's third-richest club

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It makes the world go round and Real Madrid seemingly have lots of it.

The Spanish club have retained their place as football's richest club for a third-straight year according to Forbes.

Los Blancos are valued at £2.13bn, a 5% drop on last season, with rivals Barcelona close behind on £2.07bn and Manchester United third, worth an estimated £2.03bn.

Stay tuned for more detail on which seven other English teams are in the top 20.

Headlines at 5

A quick round-up of what's been making the headlines today:

Football: Burnley's Michael Duff has had his red card against West Ham rescinded, meaning the defender is free to play in the crucial relegation game at Hull on Saturday.

Cycling: Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins intends to put cycling's iconic hour track record "out of reach" when he rides in London on 7 June.

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Football: Gareth Bale's agent has dismissed criticism of the winger's display in Real Madrid's Champions League defeat to Juventus on Tuesday, labelling the comments of pundits like Roy Keane irr elevant.

Formula 1: Susie Wolff admits she feels "very far away" from becoming the first woman to race in Formula 1 for 40 years.

Horse Racing: The official distance of the Grand National has been reduced by a furlong after new measurements of racecourses.

Hines back with Scotland

Former Scotland lock Nathan Hines has returned to the international fold to join Vern Cotter's coaching staff.

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The 38-year-old Sale player is ending his playing career to begin work as a "resource coach" - using his lineout expertise to help the national team while also helping develop the younger forwards in the squad.

Hines, who won 77 caps, rejoins the Scotland set-up as scrum coach Massimo Cuttitta departs.

Harte to leave Bournemouth

Bournemouth have released seven players as they prepare to revamp their squad ahead of their first season in the Premier League.

Former Republic of Ireland defender Ian Harte is leaving the club along with Josh McQuoid, Benji Buchel, Joe Partington, Mohamed Coulibaly, Miles Addison and goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan.

"This is the heartbreaking part of the job because we're losing some very good people and some fantastic characters," said manager Eddie Howe.

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Sebastian Feirup: Luis Figo's return to Camp Nou comes to mind - highlight: A pigs head being thrown at "traitor" Figo.

Pep Guardiola takes Bayern Munich to his old place of work tonight - Barcelona. What in your view is the worst reunion in sport?

Tweet us on #nightmarereunion.

Brown close to return

Sunderland defender Wes Brown hopes he is back in action soon after stepping up his comeback from a knee injury .

The 35-year-old, who has not featured for the Black Cats since March, played the first half for the club's under-21s against Everton.

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The former Manchester United player told the club's website: "It was a positive 45 minutes and the more players we get back for the remaining four games the better.

"It is very important because we have some very big games coming up."

Lay off Bale

Former Chelsea and Celtic midfielder Craig Burley defends Real Madrid's Gareth Bale after the winger was criticised, most notably by ITV pundit Roy Keane.

Craig Burley

Bale's agent Jonathan Barnett has since played down the criticism, stating his client only listens to "relevant" ones.

Six-year-old wins player of the season

St Mirren fans have voted a six-year-old academy player as their player of the year - in recognition of the schoolboy's ongoing battle against cancer.

Aaron Woodall is in the midst of a spell of four courses of chemotherapy having already undergone radiotherapy and an earlier operation to remove a brain tumour.

The youngster - a member of the club's junior academy team - was mascot for the club's Scottish Premiership game against Motherwell in December, hours after being released from hospital following surgery the previous month.

Almost 500 fans voted in the poll and Aaron came out ahead of a number of first-team players.

Duff card overturned

Burnley defender Michael Duff's red card against West Ham has been rescinded.

Duff was sent off for a professional foul on Cheikhou Kouyate, conceding a penalty which Mark Noble scored.

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But boss Sean Dyche said after the game: "It's impossible for it to be a red card. Jason Shackell is in position to go and cover."

Duff's one-match suspension has been withdrawn with immediate effect.

Wasps sell out bond

Wasps say they are on course to become the richest rugby club in the world after announcing their issue of a retail bond has been oversubscribed, raising their target of £35m.

The club issued the bonds on 27 April and will use some of the capital raised to pay a £13.4m debt owed to Coventry City Council.

"The funds raised will enable us to restructure our balance sheet and pay down our existing debt, including the loans we acquired with the Ricoh Arena," said chief executive David Armstrong."

A retail bond allows an investor to provide a set amount to a company (Wasps in this case) with a return paid each year and the lump sum returned at the end of a specified time frame. Wasps are also to pass French giants Toulouse in terms of revenue.

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As Pep Guardiola prepares to return to Barcelona with Bayern Munich, we are asking for your nightmare sport reunions...

Delors: Moyes back at Goodison.

Sebastian Feirup: Luis Figo's return to Camp Nou comes to mind - highlight: A pigs head being thrown at "traitor" Figo.

Tweet us your view on #nightmarereunion.

Come home soon lads

County champions Yorkshire have chartered a private jet to fly three of their players back to Headingley after international duty (who said they're tight in those parts?) in order to boost their depleted squad.

Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid and Tim Bresnan are in England's team to face Ireland in a one-day international in Dublin on Friday, but will be fly back to Yorkshire immediately afterwards.

Yorkshire chief executive Mark Arthur said: "It is unprecedented times. We have had six players away for three Championship matches.

"We fully understand the difficulties the ECB face and they fully support this. They have made allowances for the lads to travel back separately."

Richards heading north?

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Sunderland Echo: Sunderland are interested in Manchester City full-back Micah Richards - currently on loan at Fiorentina - whose contract expires in the summer.

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Kathryn Bate: Alonso leaving Ferrari and going back to McLaren?

Sol Perkins: English Cricket has got one that's still happening. Peter Moores! Can't buy a game.

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Tim Stubbs: Craig Mackail-Smith back on loan at Peterborough from Brighton 2014. Huge expectancy, zero goals. Still a Posh legend though.

Nathan Spafford: Revell at Wembley v Orient for RUFC. His double set the wheels in motion for relegation to League 2.

More please to #nightmarereunion

Kent pair hold up Leicestershire

Leicestershire 386 & 196, Kent 268 & 99-2

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Ammon at Canterbury:

"It's tea here in Canterbury and Leicestershire need to take a further eight wickets for their first Championship victory since 2012, but there is a vital third-wicket partnership building between Daniel Bell-Drummond and Brendan Nash, which is currently worth 59.

"There are 36 overs remaining on this, the final day, and batting is getting a little easier now that the ball is 35 overs old.

"It is unlikely that Kent will go after the remaining 216 runs they need to win, but it is getting more difficult for the Leicestershire bowlers with the two not out batsmen well set."

Keogh hits final-day century

Northants 385 & 304-5, Lancashire 436

Northants batsman Rob Keogh made exactly 100 as their Championship Division Two game against Lancashire headed for a draw at Wantage Road.

The home side were 304-5 at tea, a lead of 253, after 23-year-old Keogh hit two sixes and 11 fours before holing out off Jordan Clark.

Steven Crook (50) and Josh Cobb (27) shared an unbroken stand of 69 before the interval.

'I'm staying' - McClaren

Steve McClaren has reaffirmed his "100 per cent" commitment to Derby amid continuing speculation linking him with Newcastle.

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McClaren told Sky Sports News: "I reiterate what I said on Saturday straight after the game, and what I've said to the board and the players yesterday - I'm 100 per cent committed to finishing the job here.

"I hear the speculation, I see it, but I'm 100 per cent committed to Derby County at this point. I've been saying it for months, that my total focus, my total commitment, is on Derby County."

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ChampionsChelsea: It has to be David Luiz against Chelsea at the Stamford Bridge.

Matthew Birch: Adebayor against Arsenal for Man City was pretty bad!

(Indeed Matthew - among the many things hurled on to the pitch as he celebrated that day appears to be a small, white plastic chair)

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Adam Terris: Ivan Sproule in his first game for Ross County against Hibs. Everyone knew he'd score even before kick-off.

Alan: Allegri leaving AC Milan to win the League with Juventus.

Keep 'em coming to #nightmarereunion

Elstone hits highest score in Cardiff

Derbyshire 205 & 141-2, Glamorgan 103-4 dec

BBC Radio Wales Sport's Nick Webb at Cardiff:

"Glamorgan managed to improve their bowling over-rate enough to avert the danger of losing their bonus points as Derbyshire batted comfortably through the afternoon session to reach 142-2 in a howling wind at the Swalec Stadium.

"Scott Elstone reached a career best 67 not out by the tea interval, sharing a century stand with captain Wayne Madsen.

"Derbyshire lead by 243 at the break after Glamorgan had rattled through 42 overs in two and a quarter hours."

The rematch

Andy Murray must be sick of the sight of Philipp Kohlschreiber.

The Brit faces Kohlschreiber at the Madrid Open later today (around 20:30 BST) - just two days after beating him in the final of the Munich Open.

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Murray won his 32nd ATP title - and first on clay - with a gripping three-set victory over the German on Monday, as he builds towards the French Open later this month.

"I hope I can have a good run at one of the next two events, either here or Rome, and get myself ready for the French," said Murray, 27.

Chesterfield not underdogs - Cook

Empics

Chesterfield are not thinking of themselves as underdogs for Thursday's play-off semi-final against Preston, according to boss Paul Cook.

Cook's side won promotion to League One last season and finished their first season back in the third tier in sixth.

Preston had the chance to go up automatically on Sunday but lost to Colchester to finish third.

"We'll be considered by most to be the underdogs but we don't think of it that way," he told BBC Radio Sheffield.

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MyVoteSport: King Kenny at Liverpool? Shearer took Newcastle down (although doubt many blame him.

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Aashraf Pradhanang: Beckham's return to Old Trafford with Milan. A 4-0 thrashing from his former club.

Serie A Writer: Shevchenko to AC Milan.

Josh Watson: Got back together with my girlfriend.

Think you're slightly missing the point, Josh...

More please to #nightmarereunion

It ain't over yet

And while we're in F1 mode, Niki Lauda insists there is still all to race for in the 2015 Formula One championship, despite Lewis Hamilton's impressive start to his title defence.

The Briton has taken three victories out of the opening four rounds as he looks to win a third drivers' championship.

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But Lauda, non-executive chairman at Mercedes, believes Ferrari can push Hamilton all the way - starting at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

"Ferrari is very strong, there is no question about it, and as a racing team you should never think that nobody can catch you, then you make a big mistake," said Lauda.

Red head Lewis

It would appear from his latest Instagram post that Lewis Hamilton has decided to dress like some sort of James Bond villain today.

Lewis Hamilton Instagram

The Formula 1 world champion is in Central Park, New York.

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Alireza Versi: Danny Welbeck's first game at Old Trafford as an Arsenal player in March 2015.

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Omode Oluwayomi: Morata's goal against Real Madrid for Juventus last night.

Keep your examples coming to #nightmarereunion

Horse Racing

Graham Lee, the Grand National-winning jockey turned leading Flat racing rider, won the Chester Cup aboard Trip To Paris.

Lee came with a nicely-judged run on the 10-1 shot, trained by Ed Dunlop, to deny the Irish duo Quick Jack and Zafayan.

You can find all the starting prices on the BBC Sport website.

Wolves need to keep star striker

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey insists that the club have no need to sell star striker Benik Afobe.

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The 22-year-old has cored 32 goals this term - 19 during a loan spell with MK Dons and a further 13 after joining Wolves as they just fell short of the Championship play-offs.

"It's a question of keeping him happy and locked into what we're trying to do here. I expect him to still be leading the line come August," Moxey told BBC WM 95.6.

Spurs target?

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Talksport: Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, 30, is open to a move to the Premier League as speculation builds he could replace fellow Frenchman Hugo Lloris if the Tottenham goalkeeper moves to Manchester United.

Horse Racing

This afternoon's race meeting at Brighton, where there had been 50mph gusts of wind, has been abandoned.

Check out the latest racing results on the BBC Sport website.

Akmal for Leicestershire?

Leicestershire are in advanced talks to sign Pakistan batsman Umar Akmal for part of their T20 Blast campaign this summer, BBC Radio Leicester reports.

The 24-year-old would provide cover for Grant Elliott when the New Zealander is representing his country.

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Akmal is an aggressive middle-order batsman who has played 16 Test matches and 111 one-day internationals.

All-rounder Elliott has signed a deal which starts with their opening T20 Blast game with Derbyshire on 22 May.

'Tough as teeth'

Castleford hero Scott Moore has evoked memories of Bert Trautmann.

It's been revealed that the hooker played Sunday's win over Catalans Dragons with a broken foot, using painkillers to get through the game.

"He's just as tough as teeth, and I thought he was awesome in the game," said coach Daryl Powell.

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Former Manchester City keeper Trautmann, for the young whippersnappers among you, famously played 17 minutes of the 1956 FA Cup Final with a broken neck, making some crucial saves to help the Blues beat Birmingham 3-1. Now that's tough as teeth too.

Anyone fancy a knock?

Question: What is this?

Eileen Henderson/Geograph

Answer: Well, a tennis court, obviously. But not just any old tennis court - it is in Bunabhainneadar on Harris and is, we're told, Scotland's most remote tennis court.

Andy Murray tweeted about it today. Find out why here.

Defender Barker released by Derby

A little more on a story we brought you earlier... Injury-plagued defender Shaun Barker has been released by Derby County after six years with the Championship side.

The club captain has not played for the first team since dislocating his knee and rupturing ligaments in March 2012.

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Barker, 32, returned to action for the club's under-21 side in February, but has not been offered a new contract.

"I've been hoping that I'd get the opportunity to prove I'm capable of playing at this level but unfortunately that's not the case," Barker tweeted.

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Time for a new talking point.

Pep Guardiola returns to Barcelona tonight, the place where he won 14 trophies across four years.

After a gap year (isn't he a bit old for that?), Guardiola returned to football to take over as Bayern Munich boss - and they meet in the Champions League semi-final first-leg at the Nou Camp later (19:45 BST).

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Will it be a glorious return, or will it end in failure? We'll soon find out. But in the meantime we want your examples of nightmare reunions, like Paul Ince always scoring against West Ham, or Frank Lampard netting against Chelsea.

Let us know which former player has come back to haunt you by tweeting us at #nightmarereunion

F1 drive "very far away"

And while we're talking F1, Susie Wolff has admitted that she feels "very far away" from becoming the first woman to race in Formula 1 for 40 years.

The Scot will drive for Williams at the Spanish Grand Prix first practice on Friday but realises she may never race.

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"I have shown I am capable, I'm in a very competitive team, I drive a car which is capable of podium positions," Wolff said.

But she admitted that Williams's decision to sign Adrian Sutil as their reserve driver this season was a blow.

Colour change

Hold on to your hats for the big story of the day - McLaren have unveiled the first fundamentally new colour scheme on their Formula 1 car for 18 years.

McLaren

This is a story very much for F1 enthusiasts, I imagine, but the team have ditched the silver livery they have sported since 1997 in favour of graphite grey, with day-glo orange highlights.

Apparently, it is only the second major change of colour scheme for the team since 1974.

If you're interested, read more here.

Cardiff let trio leave

Defenders Kevin McNaughton and Danny Gabbidon, plus striker Nicky Maynardhave been let go by Cardiff City.

All three players were out of contract at the Championship club.

Cardiff City are trying to arrange a testimonial game for McNaughton who joined the club from Aberdeen in 2006.

From sun to saviour

Some of our Premier League footballers are having varied days.

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard, fresh from winning the title, has uploaded an Instagram image of him sunning himself on holiday.

Eden hazard

Meanwhile, West Ham striker Andy Carroll shows his aggressive style of play melts away off the field, as he writes on Instagram: "Come home and had to rescue this little guy!"

Andy Carroll

You big softie Andy.

Former Pompey owner loses court battle

Former Portsmouth FC owner Vladimir Antonov has lost a legal battle to avoid extradition to Lithuania.

Banker Antonov and his business partner Raimondas Baranauskas are accused of asset stripping at Lithuanian bank Snoras.

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The businessmen said they were being used as "scapegoats" following the nationalisation of the bank.

Their challenge was dismissed by two High Court judges, who said there was no evidence to support their claims.

Horse Racing

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Jockey Franny Norton told BBC Breakfast viewers he expected a big run from Rah Rah in the opener at Chester's May meeting - and he was right.

The veteran rider led from the front to win the Lily Agnes Stakes on the 2-1 favourite, trained by Mark Johnston.

You can check out all the latest results on the BBC Sport website.

Barcelona's lungs

"Xavi gives a team oxygen. Andres Iniesta is more about skill, beating players. Andres will be around for years, but it saddens me to think that I won't be able to watch Xavi. He's one of those that made Barcelona. Xavi is football" - Thiago Alcantara, Bayern Munich.

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Tonight will be the last time Xavi plays a Champions League match at the Nou Camp as he will leave the club this summer.

Stay with us for build-up to Barcelona v Bayern Munich.

Gloucester get home play-off boost

Gloucester secure home advantage in the first play-off fixture for a European Champions Cup spot next season.

The club confirmed their place as England's representatives to contest the 20th and final qualifying berth by lifting the European Challenge Cup with victory over Edinburgh in last Friday's final.

After winning the toss for home advantage, Gloucester's Kingsholm will host the 24 May play-off encounter against the highest-placed Guinness PRO12 club that has not already secured automatic Champions Cup qualification.

Alonso goes back in time

Fernando Alonso has posted a picture on Twitter of him at the wheel of Ayrton Senna's title-winning McLaren.

Fernando Alonso/Twitter

This, and lots of other F1 gossip, here.

Qatar arrests

Journalists have been arrested and held in Qatar while filming a documentary on conditions facing migrant workers ahead of the World Cup in 2022.

A German television crew was held for 14 hours and say their equipment was seized and their recordings wiped.

AP

Qatari officials said the arrests in March were made because the TV crew did not have permission to film in the country - not because of the content.

Human rights groups have expressed concerns about conditions for workers.

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Tommy-T-Rex: Chelsea could probably beat England, but imagine how boring it would be.

Geoffrey Boycott believes Yorkshire would beat England, so what clubs would get beaten by the country in which they are based?

Tweet us on #clubvcountry.

Falcao to stay at United?

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Manchester United could retain on-loan Monaco striker Radamel Falcao for a second season if goalkeeper David De Gea agrees to sign a new contract with the club - because the players share the same agent, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Horse Racing

Frank Keogh

BBC Sport

Many jumps races, including the Grand National, will be officially shorter after National Hunt courses were surveyed and remeasured, says the British Horseracing Authority.

The move came after it was discovered in November 2014 that the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby had been staged over a distance 78 yards too short for five years.

In a statement, the BHA says: "Jump races were previously measured along the mid-point of the course using a surveyor's wheel, but under the agreed new methodology have been measured along a line two yards off the innermost running rail position and professionally surveyed to the nearest yard."

As a result, the National at Aintree - this year advertised as four miles, three-and-a-half furlongs - will now be a furlong (or 200 metres) shorter. You can see a full list of the the revised distances at 39 tracks here.

Leicestershire hopes dented by weather

Leicestershire 386 & 196, Kent 268 & 0-0

Play has resumed at Canterbury following a rain interruption, with Leicestershire still hoping to achieve their first County Championship win since 2012.

They only added eight runs to their overnight 189-8 as Ivan Thomas (4-48) and Matt Coles (2-42) claimed a wicket each for Kent.

The weather prevented any further play before lunch, but a maximum of 73 overs are still possible, with Kent chasing a target of 315.

Focus on Cardiff

"It comes to something when a change of kit colour is the highlight of your season.

"Yet owner Vincent Tan's unexpected decision to return Cardiff City's colours from red to blue in January was the most memorable event of a turbulent 2014-15 Championship campaign."

Cardiff City FC

So starts a very good feature by BBC Wales football correspondent Rob Phillips, who takes a look back at the Bluebirds campaign and wonders what might be in store next season.

Full article here.

Neville's De Gea fear

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Will he, won't he? David de Gea's future at Manchester United is up in the air as contract talks rumble on and the club's former player Phil Neville admits he is fearful the Spaniard may leave.

"My biggest fear in the summer is David de Gea," Neville tells Manchester United's official website. "I want him tied up on a long-term contract."

"He is the best around. He has won Manchester United games, he is up there with (Edwin) Van der Sar and (Peter) Schmeichel in terms of winning games so that would be my one worry this summer."

Real Madrid have been consistently linked with a move for De Gea.

Double blow for KR

BBC Radio Humberside are letting their listeners know of the latest injury frustrations for Hull KR.

BBC

Mitch Allgood damaged his shoulder in their 25-4 defeat to Castleford Tigers, while Greg Burke fractured his ankle in Friday's loss against Wigan.

Mourinho targets

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The Mirror: Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, 52, is set to oversee a major overhaul of his title-winning Chelsea squad, with Atletico Madrid winger Antoine Griezmann, 24 (pictured), Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette, 23, and Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, 22, among their targets.

Adebayor lays troubles bare

Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor has publicly laid bare some of the personal issues that have disrupted his career, saying he has faced "dark moments".

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The 31-year-old was granted personal leave by Tottenham in October but has managed just two goals in 17 outings this season.

In a lengthy Facebook post, he outlines internal family feuding, stating: "I have kept these stories for a long time but I think today it is worth sharing some of them with you.

"It's true that family matters should be solved internally and not in public but I am doing this so that hopefully all families can learn from what happened in mine."

Batsman Peters passes milestone

Northants 385 & 170-3, Lancashire 436

Lancashire only managed to pick up one wicket on the final morning as Northants went into lunch on 170-3, a lead of 119.

Stephen Peters was caught off Jordan Clark for 81 after passing 14,000 first-class runs earlier in his innings.

Rob Keogh was 58 not out at the interval, with the game looking likely to end in a draw.

'Ave it

Remember Charlie Adam's stupendous, beautiful goal from inside his own half for Stoke against Chelsea a few weeks ago?

Well here's another from a similar distance that's absolutely nothing like Charlie's.

BBC Sport

Using a technique similar to Peter Kay's famous 'Ave It character, Arbroath's Ricky Little thumped up and under somehow ends up in the back of the net.

Watch the video here. I guarantee you'll laugh ... well, unless you're Berwick Rangers keeper Michael Andrews.

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Geoffrey Boycott thinks Yorkshire would beat England so we want to know if you think any clubs could beat their country - in any sport. Tweet us on #clubvcountry.

Klevmark: Chelsea would beat England at football and Toulon would definitely beat France at rugby.

Suhail: Having club vs country games is a novel idea. I'm sure it will provide much enthusiasm amongst youngsters. Pretty sure Chelsea can beat England. Atletico-Spain, Juventus-Italy and Borussia Dortmund-Germany will be exciting games.

No Mayweather for Brook - Hearn

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn does not expect WBC, WBA and WBO welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather to face Amir Khan or his own fighter Kell Brook before retiring.

Brook has the only belt in the weight division which Mayweather does not hold, but the American - who beat Manny Pacquiao on Sunday - claims he will retire after his final fight in September.

"What next for Pacquiao? We need to see how his recovery goes with his shoulder but I spoke with Top Rank, his promoters, in Las Vegas and there is scope for a fight with Kell down the line," writes Hearn in the Daily Mail.

A sweaty grind...

IBF Welterweight world champion Kell Brook tweets: "Hard training session! sweat leaving the body!"

Kell Brook

Brook is in action on 30 May against fellow Briton Frankie Gavin as he bids to extend his perfect record of 34 wins from 34 fights.

Weather prevents play in Cardiff

Derbyshire 205 & 0-0, Glamorgan 103-4 dec

BBC Radio Wales Sport's Nick Webb at Cardiff:

"After last night's 'declarationgate' dispute between Glamorgan and Derbyshire in Cardiff, the two teams were forced to spend the morning waiting for news of a series of inspections.

"Umpires Nigel Cowley and Alex Wharf finally gave the go-ahead for play to re-start at a windswept Swalec Stadium at 1.25pm, though the threat of heavy showers is still in the air.

"Glamorgan will have the chance to improve their poor over-rate, which could see them docked their three bonus points, as things stand."

Thiago's testing night

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara will face off against his brother - Rafinha - when Bayern Munich travel to Barcelona for tonight's Champions League semi-final.

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Thiago is two years older than the Barcelona full-back and their rivalry at the Nou Camp will pose an issue for their father - Mazinho - who famously performed a rocking baby celebration alongside Bebeto at the 1994 World Cup.

"His heart will be divided," Thiago says of his father. "He'll have to get two scarves, cut them in half and sew them together."

As for facing his old club, Thiago speaks highly of Xavi Hernandez ahead of what will be his last Champions League game at Barca's famous stadium but is also colourful on the goalscoring talents of Lionel Messi.

"He's spectacular, incredible," adds Thiago. "He's playing further from goal and he's still scored 40 in the league. If he played in goal he'd score 25. There's no comparison; he's the best, a competitive animal."

Up'ard or Down'ard?

Bad, bad news. Brace yourselves. A row has broken out over the starting point of the annual Royal Shrovetide Football game.

I know, worrying times.

Every year, Ashbourne in Derbyshire is split in two as thousands of people from each side of the town compete in the eccentric two-day match.

Since 1998 the ball has been thrown in to the crowd from a brick plinth in the middle of town.

But there have been complaints its position in Shaw Croft car park gives one side an unfair advantage.

BBC

Where players live determines which side they play for - The Up'ards or the Down'ards - and in 2003 Prince Charles even turned up to join in.

Confused? Not surprised. So are we. Probably best to read the full story here.

Carry on Jose

Jose Mourinho will soon be able to afford a new Porsche or three if he so desires - the Chelsea boss close to signing what is apparently an extremely lucrative new contract with the club.

Mourinho, 52, is halfway through a four-year deal signed on his return to Stamford Bridge in June 2013.

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But after securing the Premier League title - and the League Cup, lest we forget - he is keen on a long-term option.

In his first spell at the club between 2004 and 2007, Mourinho won consecutive Premier League titles and succeeded this season with three games to spare.

Pakistan on top

Centuries from Younis Khan and Azhar Ali powered Pakistan to an impressive 323-3 against an undermanned Bangladesh attack on the first day of the second test.

Younis (pictured) hit a fluent 148 - his 29th century - before being dismissed shortly before stumps.

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Azhar, more circumspect, was unbeaten on 127, with captain Misbah-ul-Haq on 9.

Bangladesh were left one paceman short for the majority of the day after Shahadat Hossain hobbled off the field following his second delivery.

Hendry charged

Former Scotland and Blackburn Rovers captain Colin Hendry has been charged with harassing and assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

The ex-footballer, who lives Lytham, attended Blackpool police station on Tuesday.

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He is charged with attacking his ex-girlfriend on 24 April and sending a number of harassing emails.

He has been bailed to appear at Blackpool Magistrates' Court on 26 May, say Lancashire Police.

Kane hums his tune

Can footballers sing their own songs? Or is that a little bit wrong?

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Spurs followers have taken to proclaiming Harry Kane is "one of their own" from the terraces and the marksman has admitted he likes the tune.

"I've never sung it myself, but I've hummed it walking out of the stadium to my car," Kane tells FourFourTwo.

"I could hear it from the bench before I came on [at Villa Park] and it sent a shiver down my spine."

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Former batsman Geoffrey Boycott believes Yorkshire would currently beat the England cricket team. Do you think many clubs could beat their country? If so, who? Tweet us on #clubvcountry.

Jay: Forget #clubvcountry. The English football team will beat the English cricket team in cricket. The football match might be a draw, though.

50 shades of Tay: If Yorkshire had all of their England players playing such as Root and Ballance, they would walk all over England no doubt.

Best buddies ... once

And,. just to prove Pietersen and Strauss did get on at one time, here's a couple of bromance-style pics from as recently as 2012.

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The photos are from the second day of the first Test against West Indies at Lords, and capture the moment Strauss celebrated hitting a century.

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Ah, memories, like the corners of my mind...

Strauss has 'huge decisions' - KP

We've not written about Kevin Pietersen for at least 24 hours, which is possibly a first, so we'd better put it right immediately.

The Surrey batsman has warned one of the most important tasks for Andrew Strauss - set to be appointed England's new Director of Cricket - is to restore English cricket to its public, after a "treacherous 15 months".

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Pietersen, who wants an England recall for this summer's Ashes but has had a difficult relationship with Strauss in the past, said on the website BreatheSport: "I hope Strauss and ECB bring the public back to the team after a treacherous 15 months.

"They owe it to the fans! He has some HUGE decisions. Hope he gets them right."

Headlines at noon

A round-up of what's been happening so far today:

Football: Gareth Bale's agent has leapt to the defence of his client this morning after the Real Madrid winger was criticised for his performance in their 2-1 Champions League defeat at Juventus.

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Football: Police investigating takeovers at Rangers have searched the headquarters of Mike Ashley's Sports Direct company in Derbyshire.

Boxing: Manny Pacquiao is the subject of a lawsuit in Nevada after being accused of lying over a shoulder injury sustained before his fight against Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas.

Football: AC Milan are on the verge of being bought by Thai businessman, Bee Taechaubol, who runs a number of companies through his investment vehicle Thai Prime.

Gunners raid

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Metro: Arsenal are preparing a summer bid for Monaco centre-back Aymen Abdennour, 25 (pictured), and Lyon forward Nabil Fekir, 21.

'It sounds a bit horrible but...'

Now you may remember that earlier (09:58 to be exact), we showed you the pair of gold shoes Sir Bradley Wiggins will wear when he attempts to break cycling's hour record on 7 June.

It takes a man of confidence to wear gear like that ... but judging by what Wiggins has been saying today, he is definitely not a man lacking in that department.

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Talking to The Times - and reflecting on fellow Brit Alex Dowsett's new world record for the hour of 52.937 kilometres, set in Manchester last week - Wiggins said: "It sounds a bit horrible to say, but I think I could break the record tomorrow.

"But I don't just want to break it, I want to put it right up there, as far out of reach as I can."

Now that's fighting talk.

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What clubs would be good enough to beat their home country?

Philip Goose sent us his line-up for Yorkshire v England and picks the county side to come out on top. "Could Yorkshire beat England? Pretty handily probably," he tweets.

Philip Goose

Tweet us on #clubvcountry.

AC Milan braced for takeover

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It looks like AC Milan are about to be bought out, or at the very least, a large portion of the club will be acquired by a Thai businessman.

Bee Taechaubol, who runs a number of companies through his investment vehicle Thai Prime, has met with the club's controlling shareholder Silvio Berlusconi and wants to purchase a minimum 49% of the club, reports BBC Sport's Richard Conway.

"This is a sound investment, and I am looking forward to tremendous success on all fronts with AC Milan," said Taechaubol in a statement.

"Once we have concluded the deal, we will roll up our sleeves and get to work. The club is not where it should be: fighting for the Serie A title, and in the final stages of the Champions League."

Comedy capers

At which point, we obviously have to show you that very amusing picture of Horan falling over as he carried McIlroy's bag at Augusta.

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Not sure what's best about the photo - the comedy fall or the way McIlroy is looking at him as if to say 'what on earth are you doing pal?'

Music to the ears

What is it with pop stars?

First we had Justin Bieber in Floyd Mayweather's changing room, now One Direction star Niall Horan has announced he will play alongside world number oneRory McIlroy at the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am later this month.

BBC

Horan, a 12-handicap player, carried McIlroy's bag at last month's Masters par-three competition in Augusta.

The pair will team up again at Wentworth, 21-year-old Horan saying: "I'll probably be more nervous than in front of thousands with 1D, I'm hoping Rory will give me a few tips on calming the nerves."

International newspapers

Sport

A nice unbiased front page to Spanish newspaper Sport. Well, sort of. They focus on Pep Guardiola's return to Barcelona as his Bayern Munich side face Barca in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.

The headline says 'Thanks Pep, but we're going to win'.

Hants hopeful over Bird recovery

Hampshire are hopeful that injured fast bowler Jackson Birdmay be able to play for the county sooner than first thought.

The 28-year-old Australian has shoulder and neck injuries, but will now stay in the UK to undergo treatment.

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"It might link in with when we lose Fidel Edwards to the CPL in mid-June. That's the plan. Get him fit and going mid-June and get him on the pitch," director of cricket Giles White told BBC Radio Solent.

"If he is over here we will see where we are. It is one of those injuries that we are not really sure of a recovery date as such, it's slightly open-ended."

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Andrew Neill: Assuming current players and management I think the only Prem team England would beat at present is Newcastle United.

What clubs would beat their corresponding country? Tweet us on #clubvcountry.

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Former England batsmen Geoffrey Boycott has claimed Yorkshire would beat the current England team. So what clubs would beat their corresponding country? Tweet #clubvcountry.

Colb: No debate, Once more than England, World Champions twice!

Colb tweeted us this image. Manchester United won the Intercontinental Cup in 1999 and World Club Cup in 2008.

Colb Twitter

Matthew Birch: I agree with Boycott! A few of the county sides could turn over England at the moment.

Michael Griffin: Barca would decimate Spain, Bayern v Germany would be a great game to watch. Lets just not talk about England.

'We owe them one'

Sounds like Huddersfield's clash with Salford on Friday could be tasty.

Huddersfield coach Paul Anderson has told his players to exact revenge for a serious injury to England international Brett Ferres.

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Anderson is still angry over the "cannonball" tackle by Salford stand-off Rangi Chase during the Red Devils' 18-12 win on Good Friday that left Ferres (pictured scoring for England) sidelined for three months with an ankle injury.

"We owe them one - it's as simple as that," Anderson said. "I've still got an international forward not playing because of some of the cheap shots they did that night. We've got to make sure we're good physically."

Blimey, might be worth watching this one.

Liverpool chase Depay

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Liverpool are the favourites to sign PSV Eindhoven's 21-year-old winger Memphis Depay for a fee of £22m, according to The Sun.

Police raid - Sports Direct statement

Sports Direct has distanced itself from a raid on the company's headquarters in Derbyshire where police were seeking documentation relating to Rangers Football Club.

"The police investigation is not directed at Sports Direct or at any of its directors or employees," read a company statement.

"The premises of Sports Direct at Shirebrook were visited by Police Scotland conducting an investigation relating to Glasgow Rangers FC and various persons previously employed by and or associated with Rangers.

"Sports Direct has co-operated fully and will continue to cooperate in the provision of information that the police request."

Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley owns Newcastle United and almost 9% of Rangers.

Horse Racing

PA

Grand National-winning jockey Timmy Murphy begins a new Flat racing career this afternoon - after switching from the jumps.

The 40-year-old, who won the 2008 National at Aintree on Comply Or Die, returns to the saddle with two rides at Brighton after nearly 18 months sidelined with shoulder trouble.

Murphy rides Jay Bee Blue, trained by Sean Curran in a seven-furlong handicap at 16:45 BST, and Ada Lovelace, for John Gallagher, in the concluding race half an hour later.

You can follow all the latest going news, non-runners and results on the BBC Sport website.

Bale's agent rubbishes criticism

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Gareth Bale's agent has leapt to the defence of his client this morning after the Real Madrid winger was criticised for his performance in their 2-1 Champions League defeat at Juventus.

"Why should we take any notice of comments from people who don't know what they are talking about - and from people who have failed in management," Jonathan Barnett tells BBC Sport.

"This is only an issue in England. Gareth is at the biggest club in the world. He is one of the best players in the world. He is fine.

"He only listens to relevant comments. He is 100% focussed on Real Madrid."

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane was amongst those to condemn Bale's performance, telling ITV: "You can't win a game with 10 men. Gareth Bale gave Real Madrid nothing tonight. He took the easy option every time."

Blades 'expected' to go up - Cooper

Sheffield United are "expected" to win promotion to the Championship, says Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper.

The two clubs will meet in the first leg of their League One play-off semi-final at Bramall Lane on Thursday.

"The pressure on them is the expectancy," Cooper told BBC Wiltshire.

End of an era

Twitter

Barker has been sidelined for three years after dislocating his knee and rupturing ligaments in March 2012. He made a comeback a few months ago but has not played for Derby this season.

McCarthy 'unhurt' in robbery

Former South Africa international and Champions League winner Benni McCarthy has been robbed at gunpoint at a barber's shop in South Africa, according to the AP news agency.

The agent of McCarthy - who played for Blackburn and West Ham in the Premier league - said the 2004 Champions League-winner with Porto was targeted in the Johannesburg shop, where armed men stole jewellery from him.

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A man reportedly pointed a gun at McCarthy's face and demanded his watch, earrings and wedding ring, but the footballer - who called time on his career in 2013 after a spell at South African club Orlando Pirates - was not hurt in the incident.

Tiger's troubles

Spare a thought for Tiger Woods.

The former world number one says the end of his relationship with US Olympic skiing champion Lindsay Vonn has been "brutal".

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The break-up was announced on Sunday, the ninth anniversary of the death of Woods's father, Earl.

"These three days have been brutal on me. It's tough," said Woods, 39. "Obviously it does affect me. On top of that, this three-day window from 3-5 May is always really hard. I haven't slept."

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BBC Sport

Harry Jones: Both Toulon and Clermont would absolutely decimate the French rugby team.

Max Baggins-Craig: Any of the top 7 will ease past England, Rotherham Utd may give them a tough draw even. Game on ding ding.

What clubs would beat their corresponding country? Tweet #clubvcountry.

Today's newspapers

Scottish Daily Mail

But making the news north of the border today is this - good news for Celtic fans, as the Scottish Daily Mail says Stefan Johansen, the PFA Scotland Player of the Year, will not be leaving the club in the summer.

Big win for Inverness

Lost a bit amidst the Champions League action, there was a big game in Scotland last night.

And it was a good evening for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who strengthened their grip on third place as they came from behind to beat Dundee United.

SNS

Inverness now lead both United and St Johnstone by seven points with three games remaining.

A win for John Hughes' side away to Dundee on Saturday would seal qualification for next season's Europa League for the first time.

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Big Brenny: Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal, Man U and Spurs would all beat England, comfortably, Bournemouth would give them a good game too.

Would your club beat your country? Send us your views to #clubvcountry.

All-star cast for Queen's

This year's Aegon Championships at Queen's Club in London will feature eight of the world's top 13 players.

British number one Andy Murray will join Rafael Nadal, Milos Raonic, Stan Wawrinka, Marin Cilic, Grigor Dimitrov, Feliciano Lopez and Gilles Simon.

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American number one John Isner and Australian Nick Kyrgios will also compete in the grasscourt event, which takes place from 15-21 June.

Four-time winner Lleyton Hewitt will make his 16th and final appearance - the 34-year-old is due to retire after next year's Australian Open.

Pakistan take control

It's tea at the cricket, where Azhar Ali and Younis Khan have hit half-centuries, powering Pakistan to 196-2 against an undermanned Bangladesh attack at tea on the first day of the second Test.

Azhar (successfully scrambling home in the pic below to avoid being run out) is 85 not out, and