Sportsday - football transfer news

1. England v Japan Women's World Cup semi-final build-up (kick-off 00:00 BST)
2. GET INVOLVED: Your greatest motivational speech #bbcsportsday
3. England announce 13-man squad for Ashes
4. Football transfer window opens
5. Blind appointed Netherlands coach

It's a wrap

That's all from us.

Remember there is coverage across the BBC, on TV, radio and the website, of England's World Cup semi-final against Japan tonight.

Can the ladies do it? Fingers crossed. Kick-off is at 00:00 BST.

We're back at 8 in the morning, see you then.

Women's World Cup semi-final

David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Harry Potter actress Emma Watson are among the fans who have been swept away by England's displays so far.

Getty Images

Former England striker Gary Lineker told the BBC the run to the last four is a "game-changer for women's football in this country and a watershed moment".

Their quarter-final win over hosts Canada was watched by 1.6m television viewers, with more than 2m people following the match online, despite a 00:30 BST kick-off.

More than 10.7m people have followed the World Cup on the BBC.

Forest sign ex-Bolton defender Mills

Defender Matt Mills has been reunited with former Bolton Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman at Nottingham Forest.

The 28-year-old played in 94 games for Bolton before being released earlier this summer. Details of the Swindon-born centre-half's contract at the City Ground have not been released.

Done and dusted

Stephan Shemilt, at Chelmsford

BBC Sport

"All done at Chelmsford, the end of a day of batting practice for Australia.

Mitchell Marsh will take the headlines, his unbeaten 136 staking a huge claim for a spot in the first Test against England next week.

All in all, the tourists racked up 440-6, with decent contributions from David Warner, Shane Watson, Adam Voges and Peter Nevill. A young Essex attack stuck at it and weren't helped by five dropped catches."

Former boss plots Parma revival

Associated Press reports that former Parma coach Nevio Scala is leading a group of investors applying to revive the bankrupt Italian club in the fourth division.

The 67-year-old Scala, who led Parma to three European trophies in the 1990s, is slated to become club president if the Italian federation approves the application.

Holtby exits the Lane

Tottenham have confirmed the departure of Lewis Holtby - with the midfielder signing a permanent deal with Hamburg.

Getty Images

The 24-year-old Germany international spent last season on loan at the Bundesliga club, who only maintained their top-flight status with an extra-time victory in a relegation play-off against Karlsruher.

Having moved to White Hart Lane in 2013, Holtby never managed to hold down a first-team spot under then-manager Andre Villas-Boas and also spent a spell out on loan at Fulham - although he was unable to prevent the Cottagers dropping out of the Premier League.

Get involved - Best speeches

Tony Bower: Easy. Do or so not, there is no try... Master Yoda. Go Lionesses you Can Do It.

Peter Hemborough: The first bit of Lose Yourself by Eminem "Would you capture it, or let it slip".

Getty Images

Dec88: After losing our opening game of the season our skipper said "Don't worry boys! We're only three points behind the league leaders!"

Watching on

Speaking of Wimbledon, Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was there today to watch Ana Ivanovic in action.

Getty Images

Schweinsteiger is reportedly a target for Man United this summer but as far as we're aware, there have been no reports of Mr S in the Manchester area. At least not yet...

Marathon match

Marin Cilic has just about prevailed in an epic five-setter against Ricardas Berankis.

The number nine seed Cilic was taken all the way by Berankis, having to see off match points before prevailing in three hours and 33 minutes.

AP

The Croat won 6-3 4-6 7-6 4-6 7-5. What a match. Live coverage from the Championships continues here.

Blatter won't attend women's final

Fifa president Sepp Blatter will skip the Women's World Cup final in Canada, avoiding a visit to North America at a time when US officials are pursuing a criminal investigation into the soccer's ruling body.

Blatter's second-in-command, secretary general Jerome Valcke, will also be absent "due to their current commitments in Zurich", Fifa announced in a statement.

Fifa's senior vice president Issa Hayatou of Cameroon will present the World Cup trophy to the winner of Sunday's game, according to the New York Times.

Women's World Cup semi-final

Prince William added: "There is a fantastic buzz around the country. Everyone is following your progress and you are making the country proud. You are a true inspiration to all football fans, boys and girls, back home.

"Enjoy the game. We all have every faith in you and thank you for giving us all another excuse to stay up late and watch more football! Best of luck. Go get 'em"

Women's World Cup semi-final

The Duke of Cambridge, President of the Football Association, has made a surprise call to the England Women's Football team ahead of their historic semi-final in the World Cup in Canada.

Getty Images

The Duke called at the start of their morning tactics meeting, with only England ,anager Mark Sampson aware in advance.

During the conversation, The Duke said: "Many, many congratulations to you all for what you have achieved so far and best of luck for today's match.

"Japan will be a tough team to beat but you are proving you are one of the best teams in the world and really making history."

Bolton sign Amos and Madine

Getty Images/Empics

Bolton Wanderers have signed goalkeeper Ben Amos and striker Gary Madine as well as agreeing a new deal with midfielder Darren Pratley.

Amos, 25, joins on four-year deal after his release by Manchester United having been on loan at Wanderers last season.

Madine, 24, has signed a two-year contract after he was let go by Sheffield Wednesday in May.

Pratley, 30, joined Bolton in 2011 from Swansea and has penned a three year extension at the Macron Stadium.

Positive test

The International Cycling Union says Italian rider Davide Appollonio has tested positive for the endurance-boosting hormone EPO.

The UCI says Appollonio is provisionally suspended pending a disciplinary case.

Appollonio rides for the second-tier Androni Giocattoli team, which is not entered in the Tour de France that starts on Saturday.

The team announced last year that riders signed contracts agreeing to pay fines of 100,000 euros plus compensation if they were caught doping.

Game on

France will host Germany in November in a friendly at the Stade de France as part of their preparations for the 2016 European Championship.

Getty Images

It will be their first meeting since Germany won 1-0 in the quarter-finals at the 2014 World Cup.

After the 13 Nov game, France will visit Wembley for another friendly against England four days later.

Football

Brentford have signed central midfielder Konstantin Kerschbaumer from Austrian club FC Admira Wacker Modling for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Bees, who reached the Championship play-offs last season.

"He is a box to box midfield player who I think will add versatility to our squad," new head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen told the club website.

Women's World Cup semi-final

BBC

Women's World Cup semi-final

England manager Mark Sampson wants the backing of the nation when his side face Japan in the Women's World Cup semi-final in Canada on Thursday.

Getty Images

Sampson's squad are only the third England team to reach a World Cup semi-final, after the 1990 men's side and the 1966 World Cup winners.

England will be the underdogs against Japan, who are the reigning champions.

There will be live coverage on BBC One, BBC Radio 5 live and the BBC Sport website from 23:10 BST on Wednesday.

Get involved - Best speech

Kevin Smith: The late, great Herb Brooks, "Great moments are born from great opportunity." speech to the US Ice Hockey team in 1980.

Jock Tamson: Most inspirational speech? Mel Gibson, Braveheart, "Freedom".

Getty Images

Ewan Lury: It has to be Aragorn's speech at the Black Gate in Lord of the RIngs: The Return of The KIng. Gets me pumped every time.

Dave Lewis: More Jim Telfer speaking to the forwards on the '97 Lions tour. "Few ever get this far" - love it! Also his speech about the honest rugby player.

Scorching display

The GB men's hockey team defeated Pakistan 2-1 in their Hockey World League 3 quarter-final this afternoon in Antwerp where the pitchside temperature was recorded at 41 degrees celcius during the game - the hottest day in the city since 1954.

Chris Griffiths and Alistair Brogdon scored the goals in the first quarter and GB held Pakistan at bay until a goal in the final 15 minutes.

GB will meet Australia on Friday in the semi-finals after they defeated Ireland 4-1.

Taking it easy

Image of the day from Wimbledon...

Getty Images

It's a hard life.

Blind gets Dutch job

Danny Blind has been appointed as the new Netherlands head coach.

The 53-year old succeeds Guus Hiddink, who left his position on Monday after just 10 months in charge.

EPA

Blind, who was Hiddink's assistant, won 42 caps during a 20-year playing career with Ajax and Sparta Rotterdam, and also managed Ajax.

Hiddink, 68, lost five and won four of his 10 matches during his second spell in charge, with the Dutch third in their Euro 2016 qualifying group.

Jackson on the move

Atletico Madrid are poised to sign Colombian forward Jackson Martinez after meeting his £24.8m buy-out clause.

Top European clubs including Arsenal and AC Milan were reportedly keen to acquire the services of the 28-year-old.

Getty Images

But a statement from Porto read: "Atletico Madrid have informed Porto they will pay Jackson Martinez's buy-out clause."

Martinez is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Spanish club, who are keen to strengthen their attacking options after selling Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic to Juventus last week.

Let that be a lesson

Dynamo Moscow's exclusion from European competition for one season should be a lesson to other overspending Russian clubs, says Vyacheslav Koloskov, honorary president of the Russian Football Union.

Dynamo, who have won the Soviet championship on 11 occasions, have been banned from next season's Europa League after failing to comply with Uefa's Financial Fair Play rules.

"The rules regarding Financial Fair Play were not introduced yesterday," Koloskov said.

"However, Dynamo did not want to learn from the mistakes of others. The result is a blow for the reputation of the club and is an embarrassment for Russian football."

Women's World Cup semi-final

England's women take on Japan in the World Cup semi-final in a few hours' time (kick-off at midnight BST).

But it will be a heck of a tricky game, not because of how well they play footie - they are playing very well - more to do with the "Nadeshiko Vision".

British School in Tokyo

This is the "delicate" Nadeshiko carnation

Nadeshiko literally means a sweet-smelling pink-and-white carnation, that has come to symbolise the "ideal" Japanese woman. The flower's qualities translate as "neatness, resilience and loyalty".

Think we've lost the plot? Check out this article to learn more...

Cech sale right decision

Jose Mourinho says he supports Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's decision to sell Petr Cech to rivals Arsenal.

Cech spent 10 years as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper and 11 seasons at the club, but completed a £10m move across the capital after falling behind Thibaut Courtois in Mourinho's selection.

AP

The Portuguese would have preferred Cech to stay, but told the club's website: "I support the owner's decision to honour the player in this way.

"I understand Petr needed to move on to play first team football every week. Sometimes you have to respect the wishes of someone who has earned so much respect with his service and actions for your club."

Get involved - Best speech

RD Hawksworth: 'All of our blood, sweat & tears have led us to today. Ladies this is your time, your destiny, so go out & write your history'.

Dan Henderson: Definitely Coach Taylor's last one in the series 'Friday Night Lights. Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose!' Love it.

Matt Burrell: Alan Ball gave a speech on TV before England v Portugal at either Euro 2004 or World Cup 2006, not been able to find it since but was inspirational.

Dost costs

Getty Images

Newcastle United will have to pay more than £9m if they want to sign 26-year-old Wolfsburg striker Bas Dost, reports the Newcastle Chronicle.

Marsh hunts a hundred

Stephan Shemilt, at Chelmsford

BBC Sport

"Net-session stuff at Chelmsford now, with Mitchell Marsh and Peter Nevill filling their boots. Australia have moved to 35-1, with Marsh hunting a hundred on 86 and Nevill making the most of an opportunity to move to 40.

Essex have stuck to their task and will have the boost of a second new ball very soon. In truth, though, the quality of the attack means Australia have learned little before next week's first Test.

Having said that, a second successive century for Marsh would surely have him ahead of Shane Watson in the battle for the all-rounder's spot."

Watson a winner

Job done for Heather Watson at Wimbledon.

The British number one has just brushed aside Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova in straight sets to power into the third round at Wimbledon.

Getty Images

Watson has won 6-4 6-2 and could face Serena Williams next.

Live coverage from Wimbledon here.

Thanks boss

Leeds boss Uwe Rosler has thanked owner Massimo Cellino for surprising him by landing Leicester striker Chris Wood.

United saw off plenty of other interest to sign the 23-year-old New Zealander on a deal believed to be worth close to £3m.

Getty Images

"I think everybody wanted Wood," Rosler said. "For me we got a player I didn't know was possible to get, but Mr Cellino made it happen and we can only thank him for that.

"Now our job is to integrate him as quickly as possible and give him the opportunity to play football. If we can raise his confidence he can be a very important player for Leeds United for years to come."

Get involved - Best speech

Johnny Magrinho: Best speech? "You can do this; believe in yourself and anything is possible, even this." Me - telling myself to get out of bed.

Tim Stubbs: Best inspirational speech to your team? Maximus in Gladiator would do it: "Stand alone, you die. Stand together and we can win."

AP

Sheyi Opemuyi: Has to be Ben Affleck in 'Boiler Room'....Inspirational

Tough decision

Petr Cech says leaving Chelsea was the hardest decision of his career.

After helping Chelsea win several major trophies during an 11-year stay, Cech moved to Arsenal for a fee of about £10m.

Getty Images

"I'm far from being finished and being happy to sit on the bench," the 33-year-old said.

"Arsenal came and put on the table by far the best deal and are a club that matches my personal ambitions to win more trophies. To stay in the Premier League was another key factor."

Luton sign defender

League Two side Luton Town have signed former Colchester United defender Magnus Okuonghae on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old left the U's, where he made over 200 appearances in a six-year spell, at the end of last season after an Achilles injury ruled him out of much of the campaign.

"When I knew Luton were interested I drove out the car park at another club," said Okuonghae.

Saints set to sign full-back Quinlan

Getty Images

St Helens are set to sign Adam Quinlan from National Rugby League side Parramatta Eels to ease their full-back problems.

The 22-year-old Australian has agreed to join Saints as full-backs Shannon McDonnell and Jonny Lomax are out, while Paul Wellens retired last week.

Quinlan joined Parramatta from St George Illawarra Dragons in January.

"We're literally just waiting for visas now and we can get the kid over and get him playing," Saints head coach Keiron Cunningham told BBC Radio Merseyside.

DIaby off

Abou Diaby is one of five players leaving Arsenal.

The midfielder has been at the club for a decade, making 180 appearances and scoring 19 goals.

Getty Images

However, his progress has been hampered by several injuries and he has been released along with academy players Jack Jebb, Austin Lipman, Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill and Josh Vickers.

Voges goes

Stephan Shemilt, BBC Sport at Chelmsford

BBC Sport

Tea at Chelmsford, with Australia 275-5. Adam Voges has been removed in the only way that looked likely - a run out - a horrible mix-up with Mitchell Marsh that could have seen either man on the way back.

Marsh remains on 44, looking for a score that would see him past Shane Watson into the Ashes XI. He's with Peter Nevill, the Australia reserve wicketkeeper who might not be seen again this summer.

Get involved - Best speech

Ronan McAleenan: Our Deepest Fear in Coach Carter - 'As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others'.

Simon Burrows: The speech that Smithy aka James Corden gave the England team. #class

Getty Images

Daniel Greig: "We either heal as a team, or we die as individuals" Al Pacino's speech from Any Given Sunday.

Cyclist to make horse racing debut

Double Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton is to make her debut as an amateur jockey in a flat race at Newbury on Thursday (17.55 BST).

Pendleton, 34, who retired from cycling after the 2012 Olympics, will ride Mighty Mambo in the one-mile, five-furlong George Frewer Charity Race.

PA

She said: "I've been training hard and working with a world-class team of experts and I am excited at the prospect of riding in a race."

Pendleton will face 10 other riders.

He's a keeper

AC Milan veteran goalkeeper Christian Abbiati has signed a new one-year contract with the Italian club.

The 37-year-old's previous deal had expired yesterday.

Getty Images

Abbiati, Diego Lopez's understudy, made 10 Serie A starts for AC Milan this season.

A former Italy international, Abbiati joined AC Milan in 1998 but had loan spells at Juventus, Torino and Spanish side Atletico Madrid, before returning to the Rossoneri for the 2008-09 campaign.

Villa raid

Getty Images

The Sun: Aston Villa want to sign Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, 34, after his contract at Leicester City expired.

Get involved - Best speech

Ahead of England women's crucial World Cup semi against Japan, we want your best motivational speech.

Peter Willis: Greatest motivational speech ... Denzil Washington on the field of Gettysberg in "Remember The Titans".

Lee Parkinson: Best speech? Any Barca coach, "Give the ball to Messi".

Getty Images

Neil Booth: Best motivational speech, Al Pacino in "Any Given Sunday".

Watch out for Watson

Heather Watson's second round match against the experienced Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova is under way at Wimbledon.

Getty Images

Watson, hoping to set up a third round clash with Serena Williams, trails 3-2 in the opening set. Live coverage here.

Notts bat themselves into strong position

Nottinghamshire have only lost one wicket in the afternoon session as they look to set Worcestershire a big fourth innings total to chase.

Samit Patel was the man to fall, lbw to Saeed Ajmal, but captain Chris Read is unbeaten on 52 and Brett Hutton is 26 not out.

Notts currently lead by 257, but will want to extend it beyond 300.

Birmingham sign keeper Kuszczak

Birmingham City have signed experienced Poland international goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczakon a two-year contract.

Getty Images

The 33-year-old former Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion man spent the second half of last season with Wolves, covering for injured first-choice keeper Carl Ikeme.

Duckett extends Northants lead

Getty Images

Northants opener Ben Duckett missed out on the chance to score two Championship centuries in the same match when he was dismissed for 88 on the third afternoon against Lancashire at Old Trafford.

Duckett, who made 134 in the first innings, was caught by Ashwell Prince off Arron Lilley after a hitting a six and 10 fours.

The visitors, however, lead by 301 with four sessions left in the game.

More competition please

Nearly 90% of Formula 1 fans want the sport to be more competitive, according to a survey conducted by the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA).

More than 215,000 fans from 194 countries took part in the survey, which ran for two weeks following the Monaco Grand Prix.

Getty Images

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen was the most popular driver - ironic as his future at Ferrari appears to be under threat - while 60% wanted refuelling to return.

GPDA chairman Alex Wurz said the most striking result was a lack of new fans.

The tall guy

Championship club Charlton Athletic have signed striker Simon Makienok on a season-long loan from Palermo.

The 24-year-old Denmark international, who is 6ft 7in tall, joined the Serie A side from Brondby last summer.

Get involved - Best speech

Sufiyan Shaikh: I am going to pay for your pizzas for your whole life if you win the game for me.

Getty Images

Jack: Passionate: I have faith in you, go out there and make the difference.

Dominic Skinner: Jim Telfer speaking to the forwards on the '97 Lions tour "this is your Everest boys" ... amazing.

Milos is ace

A spot of Wimbledon news - Canada's Milos Raonic pounded down a grand total of 29 aces on his way to a four-set third round victory over Germany's Tommy Haas, winning 6-0 6-2 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-4).

Getty Images

Meanwhile, Russian fourth seed Maria Sharapova has won 6-3 6-1 against Holland's Richel Hogenkamp in the second round.

Follow the live action here.

Road Cycling

Mark Cavendish believes his build-up to the Tour de France has been ideal.

Getty Images

The 30-year-old from the Isle of Man has won 25 Tour stages in his previous eight appearances at the race, but last year suffered a serious shoulder injury during the opening stage in Yorkshire.

But as we near this year's edition, a refreshed and buoyant Cavendish said: "I normally base my season around being good in July so I've done everything right until now,

"I had a good ride on Sunday at the national championships. That was my last 'hit-out' and I felt good."

Worthy cause

Spanish football club Rayo Vallecano says it will make a donation to a charitable cause - such as fighting cancer and sexual discrimination - for each of its away jerseys sold this season.

The Madrid-based club's first away jersey will feature a diagonal rainbow-coloured band, with each colour representing one of seven charitable causes the club will donate a euro to for each jersey sold.

Get involved - Best speech

David Bright: Best motivational speech. Bill Pullman in Independence Day.

Getty Images

The afore-mentioned Bill, with the cast (for those not au fait with the movie, he's third from the left)

Benny: There's a reason why you're here. Don't try to change anything. If you can get here, you're good enough to win.

Phil Stewart: Play for each other, believe in each other. Give everything for have for each other- it's your time- focus on what you can influence.

Blimey Phil, ever thought of a job as a, well, motivational speaker?

Evans and Ambrose break records

The game at Edgbaston will end as a tame draw, but the talking point this afternoon has been the record-breaking stand of 327 between Laurie Evans and Tim Ambrose.

The partnership is the county's highest ever for the sixth-wicket and the biggest for any Warwickshire wicket against Sussex.

Ambrose was finally out for 153 to Peter Burgoyne, but Evans is now on a career-best 193.

Evatt extends Chesterfield contract

Chesterfield defender Ian Evatt has signed a new one-year deal.

Getty Images

The 33-year-old has made 74 league appearances for the Spireites since returning to the club for a second spell in July 2013.

He told the club website: "There were a few rumours about clubs being interested in me, but I feel that I'm one of Chesterfield's own."

Big money move by Stoke

Stoke City have agreed a fee in the region of £12m with Inter Milan for the transfer of Switzerland international winger Xherdan Shaqiri.

Getty Images

The 23-year-old only moved to the San Siro from Bayern Munich in January but could now move to the Potters - breaking their club-record transfer fee - if he agrees personal terms.

Shaqiri, who typically operates as an attacking midfielder, struck a hat-trick in last summer's World Cup as Switzerland defeated Honduras and has 17 goals in 46 full caps for his country.

Blues battle

Getty Images

Daily Telegraph: Manchester City are facing a battle to secure their top two midfield targets this summer with Wolfsburg vowing to keep Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Juventus's French midfielder Paul Pogba waiting on the outcome of Barcelona's presidential elections before deciding on his future.

Murray's musings

"I don't know how many chances I'm going to have to win more Grand Slams and to blow one because I hadn't prepared properly would be a huge regret.

The last time I played my second-round opponent Robin Haase was at the US Open in New York last August, and it was one of my toughest matches as I suffered with terrible cramps.

Getty Images

I came through in four sets but could have gone out of the tournament, not necessarily through me being the worse player but because I missed something in my preparation and became very dehydrated.

You have a match like that and it's a bit of an eye-opener."

Andy Murray's latest column for the BBC is now online - read it here.

Football

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber believes foreign players provide better value for money than homegrown signings.

The Seagulls recently brought in Israel international striker Tomer Hemed.

"When you are trying to build a squad and get the best value for money, it is inevitable you will look to markets where you can get great quality, but at cheaper prices," Barber told BBC Sussex.

Get involved - Come on England

Right, a little like a Novak Djokovic forehand, a change of direction now.

Unless you've been living under a rock, England's women face the biggest game of their lives against Japan in a few hours.

It is the semi-final of the Women's World Cup and kick-off is at midnight (live coverage on BBC 2, Radio 5 live and the BBC Sport website, obviously).

Getty Images

'We shall fight them on the beaches'

So our question is this: if your team was facing its biggest game ever, what would your team talk be? What's the most inspirational thing you've ever heard? Or tell us your favourite famous speech?

Let us know now at #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Robins striker Agard faces lay-off

Bristol City striker Kieran Agard will miss the start of the Championship season after undergoing knee surgery.

The 25-year-old suffered a torn meniscus while running and is set to be out for between six and eight weeks.

"The surgery was a success and he's on the road to recovery," head physiotherapist Steve Allen told the club's website.

On this day

David Beckham on Instagram.

"This day 12 years ago I moved from the mighty Manchester United to the mighty of Real Madrid .. Huge honour to have played with 2 of the biggest clubs in the world .. ⚽️ great memories".

Getty Images

Aussies make Essex pay for dropped catches

Stephan Shemilt

BBC Sport at Chelmsford

"It might have been a bit different here had Essex held some catches. Shane Watson was dropped on 10 and went on make 52 before playing on off Ryan ten Doeschate.

"The same bowler had Watson's replacement, Mitchell Marsh, dropped at deep square-leg.

"As it is, Australia are 238-4, essentially having a hit in the sunshine - don't go thinking that a few drops has them with any pre-Ashes betting wobbles.

"In fact, in the midst of it all, Adam Voges is the picture of serenity. At 35 and with only two Tests to his name, he already looks likely to be a huge obstacle for England."

Get involved - Nigel Pearson talk

In response to an earlier tweet...

Steve Bibby: Dave Sexton was sacked by Manchester United in 1981 after winning all his last seven games, so not Pearson sacking not unique in that aspect.

Getty Images

Many thanks Steve...

Bilic-free zone

Football reporter John Southall for BBC Sport: "Slaven Bilic didn't, as expected, do his first West Ham presser today ahead of tomorrow's Europa League game.

Getty Images

"He'll fly back from Ireland tomorrow, where the squad are training, and will watch the game against Lusitans from the stands after being introduced to the crowd on the pitch.

"Terry Westley and James Tomkins did the presser."

Eder happy with Welsh move

Swansea's new Portugal international striker Eder says: "I am very happy to have signed with Swansea. It's a big club and I believe I can progress as a footballer here."

Djokovic powers through

Getty Images

Top seed Novak Djokovic advances to the third round with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 6-3 victory over Jarkko Nieminen of Finland.

Swans snap up striker Eder

Swansea complete the signing of Portugal international striker Eder, 27, from Braga.

Cahill backs England Women's World Cup squad

England defender Gary Cahill with a message of support for the England team ahead of the Women's World Cup semi-final, which is live tonight on BBC One from 23:10 BST, and will also be on BBC Radio 5 live.

"It's getting serious now! Good luck ladies, you can do it!" Cahill writes on Twitter.

Reprieve for Watson in tour match

Stephan Shemilt

BBC Sport at Chelmsford

"Shane Watson has had a life in his bid to nail a place in next week's first Ashes Test.

"Battling with Mitchell Marsh for the all-rounder's slot, Watson offered a fairly simple caught and bowled chance to Tom Moore, only for Moore to spill it. That was when Watson had 10, he now has 35. Australia 180-3.

"Essex, meanwhile have given veteran wicketkeeper James Foster some time off. He had the gloves this morning, Saif Imtiaz is behind the stumps this afternoon."

Saints axe Osvaldo

PA

Southampton terminate the contract of Italian international striker Dani Osvaldo, 29, who joined them in a club-record deal of around £15m in 2013 but has not played for the club since January 2014, and has completed a loan spell with Argentinian club Boca Juniors.

Scot Rowan joins Bees

Brentford have confirmed that a 24-year-old Scot will be their new head of football operations.

Robert Rowan, who has worked for Celtic as well as both the Scottish and Swedish FAs, only joined the club in October after a stint at Stenhousemuir.

He will work with new co-directors of football Rasmus Ankersen and Phil Giles and with head of football philosophy and player development Flemming Pedersen at the Championship club.

Marinus Dijkhuizen was appointed head coach in May, replacing Mark Warburton, who guided the London club to the play-offs last term.

Cricket

Laurie Brown (137) and Tim Ambrose (105) extended their unbroken partnership to 236 as Warwickshire reached lunch on 443-5 against Sussex at Edgbaston with the game heading for an inevitable draw.

Nottinghamshire lead Worcestershire by 167 on day three of their match at Trent Bridge, with half-centuries by James Taylor and Riki Wessels guiding them to 210-5 at the interval.

In Division Two, Northants are 31-1 in their second innings, a lead of 161 over Lancashire, who were bowled out for 308 earlier in the morning, adding only 51 to their overnight score for the loss of six wickets.

Middlesex wrap up victory

Middlesex closed to within four points of second-placed Durham after beating Hampshire by nine wickets at Lord's.

They claimed the last three Hampshire wickets in less than an hour and then knocked off the runs in 17.4 overs, with Sam Robson unbeaten on 36.

It was Middlesex's fourth win from nine games this season.

Stoke agree fee for striker Shaqiri

Sky Sports sources claim Stoke have agreed a fee of £12m to sign Xherdan Shaqiri, 23, from Inter Milan.

Holtby leaves Spurs in permanent move

AP

Just in case you've forgotten what Lewis Holtby looks like

Tottenham confirm Lewis Holtby has joined Hamburg on a permanent transfer.

The 24-year-old, who moved to Spurs from Schalke in January 2013 and made 41 appearances in all competitions scoring three goals, spent last season on loan at Hamburg.

Vaughan hails Rashid selection

Former England captain Michael Vaughan on Twitter: "Delighted Rashid has been selected."

England squad designed to give bowling options

National selector James Whitaker said of England's13-man squad for the first Ashes Test next week: "Adil Rashid's inclusion provides Alastair and Trevor with plenty of bowling options and the surface at Cardiff will dictate who makes the final XI.

"Within the squad there are players who have plenty of experience of Ashes cricket and that knowledge will I'm sure be useful for the players who are yet to experience a home Ashes series.

"There has been some very good cricket played so far this summer and we are aware that we will need to build on that over the next seven weeks if we are to win back the Ashes."

Bayliss buoyant for new challenge

New England coach Trevor Bayliss says of last week's four-day training camp in Spain: "It was fantastic from my point of view to get to know the players, the boys worked hard and the time went really quick, which is a good sign I think."

Bayliss said spinner Adil Rashid would provide "good options" and of fast bowler Steven Finn he said: "During the one-day series he looked to be back on song, he'll be there as a back up to the guys who have come off a good series against New Zealand and if something happens to those guys he'll be there."

City's Pep plan

Getty Images

Manchester City are planning to replace manager Manuel Pellegrini with Pep Guardiola in 12 months' time, but the Chilean is determined to stay at Etihad Stadium and wants to open talks about a new contract, reports the Daily Star.

Get involved - Ashes squad

Connor Bowen: They've put Rashid in to make it look like a selection dilemma but he won't be picked. They will stick with Moeen.

Rich Hird: Should be picking Bairstow, hitting 200+ for Yorkshire and saving England in ODIs. Gives Buttler a chance to recover as well.

Conor Matchett: Rashid is a necessary pick, but start with Ali for a test before chucking him in. England will need a full-time spinner.

Rashid not told of selection by Bayliss

Adil Rashid reveals it was not new coach Trevor Bayliss who told him of his selection in a 13-man squad for the first Ashes Test next week: "I haven't actually spoken to him yet but I got a message from one of the selectors telling me I was in so I'm very delighted.

"It's nice to be part of the squad, if I do get a heads up to play I will obviously try my best, if I don't it is always a learning curve."

Broady stumbles

Bad news for Britain's Liam Broady.

The 21-year-old from Stockport, who pulled off a sensational five-set win over Marinko Matosevic on Monday, is out of Wimbledon after coming unstuck against Belgian number 16 seed David Goffin.

Getty Images

After a close first set, Broady - perhaps feeling the after-effects of that exhausting five-setter - lost 6-7 (3-7) 1-6 1-6.

Still, that £47,000 prize money for reaching round two will soften the blow a little.

Champion and number one seed Novak Djokovic has started his second round match against Jarkko Nieminen. It's currently 5-4 to the champ - you can follow that, and all the Wimbledon action, here.

Lehmann not surprised by England selection

Australia coach Darren Lehmann with his thoughts on the England squad: "Pretty much as we thought it would be so we'll have to play well. They've got some quality players but we've got a lot of blokes who have played county cricket so we know them."

[On the injury to seamer Ryan Harris] "He's going to have some scans done and well know more in a day or two. Well get down to Cardiff, have a look at the wicket and work out what the best attack is to get 20 wickets."

Extra seats for Southampton ODI

BBC Radio Solent Sport: The Ageas Bowl release 2,000 extra seats for September's ODI between England & Australia. Will take capacity up to 21,000.

Get involved - Ashes squad

So what do you think of the England cricket squad?

Seven of the 13-man team have never played in a home series against the Aussies before.

Have the selectors got the balance right or are there a few glaring omissions - Jonny Bairstow perhaps? And how do you rate our chances this summer?

Let us know now at #bbcsportsday

Rashid named in England Ashes squad

Reuters

Uncapped Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid is included in a 13-man England squad for the first Ashes Test with Australia in Cardiff next Wednesday.

The 27-year-old took eight wickets in the recent one-day series win against New Zealand but was not chosen by new coach Trevor Bayliss for the four-day bonding trip to Spain.

Fast bowlers Liam Plunkett and Mark Footitt, who were part of that training squad, are not selected.

England squad: Alastair Cook, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Gary Balance, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Adam Lyth, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood.

Surrey bid for Women's Super League

Surrey will bid to host one of the six new Women's Super League franchises, while Hampshire are also considering the possibility of having a side in the competition.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has pledged £3m for a new professional competition from 2016, with the process to determine hosts under way.

"It's very early days, but something we're looking in to," Hampshire commercial director Stuart Robertson told BBC Radio Solent.

Surrey will look to use The Oval as the focus of its bid. "Our vision is this team will share the same resources and facilities available to the Surrey players and the international teams that currently play at The Oval," a club spokesman said.

Hammered

We've all had bad days on the pitch - but none quite as bad as JK Raudteetoolised.

The club from Estonia's lowest footballing league have been walloped 31-0 by top-flight outfit Paide Linnameeskond.

Raudteetoolised were 19-0 down by half-time but managed to stem the flow after the break - conceding just the 12.

Linnameeskond midfielder Sander Sinilaid helped himself to eight goals, while attacker Sander Roivassepp went one better and scored nine times.

Still, at least the Raudteetoolised players saw the funny side, posing for this pic after the final whistle...

Angelo RDS

Warner falls short of a hundred

Stephan Shemilt

BBC Sport at Chelmsford

"Entertaining stuff at an increasingly sticky Chelmsford, where we have now reached lunch.

"Australia break on 135-3, David Warner falling in the penultimate over before the interval, dabbing Jamie Porter to gully for 94. The opener had been set for a hundred in a session.

"Essex looked set for a day chasing leather, but have stuck to their task. There's been runs, wickets, sun and some good fun."

Get involved

John C Lawton:‏ Has any manager ever been sacked after winning seven of last eight games in charge?

Gary Hornsby: Nigel Worthington spotted walking into the King Power...

Getty Images

Tom Hendryk: Cause another mini controversy and get Pearson back. The owners need to swallow their pride and do what is best for the club.

Signed Orange: An actual ostrich. They are a minority in sport and are looked over time and again for management roles.

Fair point Orange, but how would they get their tactics across?

Getty Images

Costing a few bob

International Olympic Committee vice president John Coates has praised preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics - while trying to calm concerns over the rising cost of the new National Stadium.

Getty Images

The Japanese government said earlier in the week that it expects the overall costs will soar to $2 billion, almost double the original estimate of $1.3 billion.

How are your i's?

You know how we like to set you a question each day, just to get that old grey matter ticking?

Well, guess what? It's that time again right now.

Today's teaser from our Question of Sport team... Since 1990, which four players whose surnames end with an i have reached a Wimbledon Singles Final?

A tricky one - we'll furnish you the answers later.

Vydra secures permanent Watford move

Reuters

Watford have completed the permanent signing of Udinese striker Matej Vydra on a five-year contract.

The 23-year-old scored 16 times from 31 league starts during Watford's promotion-winning campaign, adding to the 22 goals he scored during his first year at Vicarage Road in 2012-13.

Get involved

Ben Moore: I saw Klopp on the train to Leicester this morning... I think I'd take him as the new manager at a push. Or Guardiola.

Euan Wilson: The man who should replace Pearson is obviously Ian Holloway. Terrible in the Prem and you'll go down but he'll get you playoffs.

Getty Images

Aaron Bott: Gus Hiddink to replace Nigel Pearson. He heard about the impending vacancy at Leicester and quit the Netherlands.

Alan Carr: Survived first season in the Prem with an average squad? Big Sam is their best option. Act now and get a free Kevin Nolan!

Nishikori out

And some breaking news from the tennis world - Wimbledon men's fifth seed Kei Nishikori of Japan has pulled out of the tournament due to a left calf injury, tournament referee Andrew Jarrett has announced.

New balls please

Our live coverage of today's play at Wimbledon is well underway, with the big game taking place at the moment - at least as far as us Brits are concerned - Liam Broady against Belgian number 16 seed David Goffin.

Broady pulled off a sensational win on the opening day of the Championships, fighting back from two sets down to beat Australia's world number 138 Marinko Matosevic 5-7 4-6 6-3 6-2 6-3.

Getty Images

He's struggling a little against Goffin at the moment though - Broady lost the first set on a tie-break and is 3-0 down in the second.

You can follow live coverage of that, and everything else going on at Wimbledon, here.

Yorkshire go top with innings win

Getty Images

Yorkshire have overtaken Durham at the top of the Division One County Championship table after beating them by an innings and 47 runs at Chester-le-Street.

Resuming on 244-4, the hosts lost their last six wickets for 51 to be bowled out for 302 as Jack Brooks took 4-66.

Overnight centurion Mark Stoneman could only add 15 runs before he was trapped lbw by Ryan Sidebottom for 131.

Brooks then tore through the tail as he claimed three wickets in seven balls to wrap up the win before lunch.

Westley in charge for West Ham Europa tie

West Ham Academy manager Terry Westley will take charge of Thursday's match in the absence of new Hammers boss Slaven Bilic, who is leading pre-season training for the rest of the squad. "Our preparations in Cork have gone very well. Slaven is working with the other half of the squad in Ireland," Westley explains.

"The team will be Randolph, O'Brien, Tomkins as captain, Burke, Page, Amalfitano, Poyet, Oxford, Jarvis, Sakho and Zarate."

Get involved

Savva Filactou: I wished people would stop mentioning Neil Lennon. As for Pearson it was long overdue. Bring in Karanka.

Dr Olufemi: Harry Redknapp said he's coming out of retirement. Good coach with enough Premier League experience. They'll stay up with him.

Getty Images

Tom Hendryk: Cause another mini controversy and get Pearson back. The owners need to swallow their pride and do what is best for the club.

Get involved

Warwick Curtis: Billy Davies would be a good choice. You might have to put up with a few tantrums here and there, but the passion he showed at my club PNE was everything you want from a manager.

Nik McCluskey: Billy Davies please. Hasn't he got unfinished business in the Midlands?

Getty Images

Col Dewhurst: Slavisa Jokanovic should be in with a good shout. Think its harsh that he isn't the Watford gaffer anymore.

Patricia Smith: David Moyes if we could get him

Hammers in action

Getty Images

It may have been 41 degrees at Wimbledon yesterday but a few miles east tomorrow West Ham will begin their season with a Europa League qualifying round match against FC Lusitans of Andorra.

James Tomkins will captain the Hammers and he told a news conference: "Not many teams can sell out a Europa League fixture, but we have and that's excellent. It shows the passion our fans have for Europe.

"Normally I'd be on holiday, but I'd much rather be playing. To be back from injury is fantastic and I can't wait to get going again."

Wimbledon joins silence

The All England Club has confirmed that Wimbledon will be joining the national minute's silence planned for midday on Friday in memory of the victims of the Tunisia attack.

Richard Lewis, chief executive of the All England Club, said; "Wimbledon will be asking all those in the grounds at the time to observe the silence out of respect to the victims in Tunisia and their families."

On that day play on the outside courts will start at 12.15 BST instead of 11.30.

Monaco bound

Monaco has signed France Under-21 attacking midfielder Fares Bahlouli from Lyon on a five-year contract.

The highly rated Bahlouli was courted by other European clubs - including Premier League teams - but opted to sat in his homeland.

Moore claims brace against Aussies

Stephan Shemilt

BBC Sport at Chelmsford

"Allow me to introduce you to Tom Moore. Not heard of him? 23-year-old Essex seam bowler, picked up from club side Brentwood last year, playing his first game of the summer.

"Moore has just removed Chris Rogers and Michael Clarke in successive balls, halting an all-too-easy Australia start. Rogers may have got a bad decision to be caught behind for 21 before captain Clarke was brilliantly held at leg gully by Ryan ten Doeschate for a golden duck.

"So 60-0 became 60-2 and has now been pushed to 69-2 by the impressive David Warner and his new partner Adam Voges. Meltingly hot in Chelmsford."

Get involved

Scott Johnson: Funny how people said we should stick with Allardyce but now he's linked with their teams they don't want him.

Getty Images

Ted Baigent: If you want quick football at Leicester, Gus Poyet is definitely not the right manager. He plays at snail's pace.

'He's like a rash'

Neil Warnock was the Crystal Palace manager when Nathaniel Clyne made his professional debut in 2008.

He told Sportsworld on the BBC World Service that Clyne is "the best defensive right back that we've got in England", the move "won't faze him" and Liverpool is the "ideal" club for the player.

Getty Images

"Defensive wise he sticks to you, he's like a rash when he marks these top players," said Warnock.

"I think it's a position that Liverpool have lacked in the last couple of years and I think he'll revel in it. And eventually Roy Hodgson will make him his number one. You can't tell me that Phil Jones is better than Clyne at right back."

'Dream' move for Clyne

@LFC

Another Liverpool player paraded in the town this morning and Clyne, 24, who made 94 Premier League appearances for Southampton, said: "I'm delighted and it's a dream move for me to come here and play for such a big club like Liverpool with all of its history."

Liverpool seal Clyne deal

PA

But here's one to add to that list, Liverpool complete the signing of Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £12.5m, on a "long-term" contract, thought to be five years.

News at noon

Here's a round-up of what has happened so far today in the sporting world:

Nigel Pearson's sacking by Leicester was linked to his son's role in a racist sex tape in the owners' homeland of Thailand, the BBC has learned.

Getty Images

Three-time Champions League winner Samuel Eto'o has joined promoted Turkish top-flight side Antalyaspor, who are reported to be close to signing World Cup winner Ronaldinho.

Newly promoted Bournemouth have signed central defender Sylvain Distin on a free transfer.

Deulofeu delight at Toffees return

@Everton

New Everton signing Gerard Deulofeu admits he turned down offers from other clubs to return to Goodison Park after a successful loan spell in the 2013-14 season.

"I really enjoyed my time here," he said. "I felt loved by the Evertonians and I was surrounded by really good team-mates. I'm very happy to be back.

"Of course there were other options but I always said right from the start that I wanted to come back to Everton."

Get involved

Ben Wood: Fergie is coming out of retirement to get them in the top four.

Getty Images

In your dreams, Ben...

Anne Hogarth: Neil Lennon - made the move from Scotland, started in championship to find his feet and could now move to Prem. Just saying.

Christopher Hatton: John Carver. Reach for the stars.

Angus McGillivray: I agree they should not be sacking Pearson - there aren't many top-flight managers but there are lots of experienced players who'd like a shot at management.

New Norwich kit is a throwback

@NorwichCityFC

Another new kit - inspired by a very old one. No it's not Manchester United - or Newton Neath - this is the new Norwich home shirt, said to be inspired by 80 years at Carrow Road,

To mark the 80th anniversary, the club has taken inspiration from the 'half and half' home kit which was adopted in 1927 and worn for a total of 20 years.

Fans would have had time to get used to it those days, what do present day Canaries make of this one? Please let us know at #bbcsportsday

French Fancy

Sylvain Distin has joined Bournemouth - and they are getting a man who is pretty experienced when it comes to Premier league football...

BBC Sport

Eto'o heads to Turkey

Three-time Champions League winner Samuel Eto'o has joined promoted Turkish top-flight side Antalyaspor, who are reported to be close to signing World Cup winner Ronaldinho.

Getty Images

The ambitious club also stated they would recruit another "big name" and "set the world on fire".

"I have signed a three-year contract," said former Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Everton striker Eto'o, 34.

The Cameroonian enjoyed much of his success at Barca from 2004 to 2009.

Gerrard gets Oscar

Steven Gerrard on Instagram. "Day 3 in LA and I get a OSCAR in my hands thanks to the late Mr Lew Wasserman . Respect".

Instagram

Gerrard has moved to the US as he prepares to begin life as an LA Galaxy player.

Wasserman, by the way, was a studio executive, who was given the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 46th Academy Awards in 1974 by Sir Alfred Hitchcock.

Davies announces Preston departure

Veteran forward Kevin Davies has taken to twitter to announce that he is not being offered a new deal by Preston North End.

The 38-year-old, who won his only England cap in 2010, joined North End in 2013 on a two-year deal after 10 years at Bolton Wanderers.

He made 43 appearances last season as Preston were promoted to the Championship and along the way he netted his 150th career goal.

@kevin_Davies

Kevin Davies tweets the news of his Preston North End exit

Get involved

Billy Dolton: I think its a crazy time to sack Nigel Pearson right in the middle of the summer transfer window when Leicester are in the process of buying new players and i think Pearson should be re-instated as manager.

Stuart Cox: Big Sam. Change their style of play from entertaining to very dull then see why West Ham wanted to change a mentality of "just being" and not believing. Get a manager to inspire the players more and start upsetting the usual suspects in this league.

Getty Images

Damien Morris: I feel the new Leicester boss should be Michael Laudrup. He plays a brand of football that would really excite all the fans.

Alex Loukopoulos: Sam Allardyce for me. If Leicester want Premier League survival they should hire him. Don't think Dyche will leave Burnley.

Distin joins Cherries

PA

Premier League newcomers Bournemouth sign former Manchester City and Everton defender Sylvain Distin, 37, on a one-year contract.

Costa lot

Getty Images

Bayern Munich have agreed to pay 30 million euros for Shakhtar Donetsk's Brazilian winger Douglas Costa.

The Bundesliga champions have pounced with Franck Ribery sidelined with a long-term injury and Arjen Robben 32 in January.

Australia bat first at Chelmsford

Stephan Shemilt

BBC Sport at Chelmsford

"Pity poor Ravi Bopara. Two years ago, England came to Essex for an Ashes warm-up on a scorcher and Bopara won the toss and had to let England bat. Fast forward to today and the stand-in Essex captain has had to do the same for the tourists.

Reuters

"For Australia, the picture of their team for the first Ashes Test week has become clearer with Ryan Harris being ruled out of this game with knee soreness. That surely means he can't push past Josh Hazlewood into the XI for Cardiff.

"Perhaps the only battle that remains is Mitchell Marsh v Shane Watson for the all-rounder's slot. At five and six in the batting order, they may have a long wait on a flat pitch under a burning sun."