Sportsday - rolling football news

1. West Ham & other UK clubs in Europa League action
2. England players 'go home as heroes' - Sampson
3. Man Utd's Javier Hernandez breaks collarbone
4. #mysportingtears: Your stories of sporting woe

Sportsday Live

That's it for Sportsday Live for Thursday. We'll have more of the same on Friday.

In the meantime, there is still plenty of action going on at Wimbledon and you can also keep up to date with the rest of the night's Europa League first qualifying round ties with West Ham in action at 20:00 against Lusitans of Andorra.

Have a good evening.

Warrington v Wigan (20:00 BST)

BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Wigan Warriors can close the gap on Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos with a win over Warrington Wolves in tonight's Super League game, which you can hear live on 5 live sports extra from 19:30 BST with kick-off at 20:00.

Recently retired St Helens full-back Paul Wellens joins commentator Dave Woods at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Brown giving Nadal a test

AP

Over at Wimbledon, things are getting interesting on Centre Court in the game between former champion Rafa Nadal and Germany's Dustin Brown.

It's one set apiece and Brown, whose Twitter name is @dreddytennis, has a break in the third set.

Follow the latest from SW19 on the BBC Sport website.

South Africa duo need more recovery time

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South Africa have sent the Sharks' pair of centre Frans Steyn and lock Pieter-Steph du Toit back to their province for rehabilitation having ruled them out of their Rugby Championship opener in Australia on 18 July.

Steyn has a pectoral muscle tear and Du Toit is recovering from a knee injury but coach Heyneke Meyer hopes they will be fit in time for the World Cup.

South Africa have five matches before the tournament, starting with a clash against a World XV in Cape Town on 11 July before facing Australia, New Zealand and Argentina in the Rugby Championship, and then a one-off test against the latter in Buenos Aires to finish off their preparations.

Lampard starts training in New York

Former Chelsea and Manchester City midfielder Frank Lampard has taken part in his first training session with New York City ahead of his Major League Soccer debut against Toronto on 12 July and his new team-mates are happy to see him.

"Obviously he has had a fantastic career so far, but he's just another guy out there," midfielder Tommy McNamara said on the MLS website.

"It's great to see that, great to see he knows everyone's name already and how he interacts like one of the guys."

De Gea spotted in Madrid

Reuters

According to the Independent and Spanish website AS.com, Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has been spotted arriving at Madrid's Barajas Airport.

However, rather than arriving for talks over his proposed move to the Bernabeu, the 24-year-old told journalists: "I am fine. I have just come home to have some rest."

Europa League latest

Welsh side Bala Town are already up against it in their Europa League first qualifying round first leg game in Luxembourg.

They trail Luxembourg Cup winners Differdange 03 3-0 after less than half an hour of the tie.

Pendleton makes racing debut

PA

Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton has completed her first horse race at Newbury.

Riding Mighty Mambo in a charity race, she was some way off the pace throughout the race but closed on the leaders on the final two furlongs.

She finished in a group disputing sixth place.

Australia are not invincible - Stokes

PA

England all-rounder Ben Stokes says he is not going to go "overboard" on the aggression but will be making every game of the Ashes against Australia a "battle".

Stokes says England have nothing to fear when they take on Australia saying they are "not invincible" and are just "normal blokes".

Paire gets warning for kicking chair

With the temperature still high, tempers got a bit overheated at Wimbledon on Thursday.

Watch as Frenchman Benoit Paire took out his frustrations on a line judge's chair during his match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain, and promptly received a warning from the umpire.

Rome to bid to stage 2024 Games

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

"Rome has entered the race to stage the 2024 Olympic Games. Organisers say it is "opportunity for growth and investment" for all of Italy."

Alashkert 1-0 St Johnstone

BBC Sport's Brian McLauchlin in Yerevan: "St Johnstone wilted in the heat of Yerevan as Mihran Manasyan's second-half strike gave Alashkert a deserved victory on their European debut."

Read more from Brian on the BBC Sport website.

Odemwingie given new one-year deal

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Stoke striker Peter Odemwingie has been given a new one-year contract extension.

The Nigeria international will remain at the Britannia Stadium until the end of the 2015-16 campaign but there is the option of a further 12 months.

Odemwingie, who joined the Potters in January 2014, recovered from a serious knee injury which sidelined him for eight months to return to action in April.

Bassett will recover - mum

AFP

Laura Bassett's mother says England's meeting with bitter rivals Germany in Saturday's third-place World Cup play-off will help her daughter recover from her last-minute own-goal heartache.

Marie and husband Keith watched from their home as Bassett broke down in tears after she deflected a cross to put Japan into the final.

"I know she will pick herself up," Marie told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire. "She has another game to get through which she'll relish, playing Germany."

Newly-wed Peers opts to change name

Ospreys and former Wales Under-20 lock Lloyd Peershas changed his surname to Ashley after getting married to wife Febe.

The couple share the same middle name and decided to use it as their new surname to become Mr and Mrs Ashley.

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David Myers: Losing crazy golf when I was seven playing against my mum

Dan Miles: Troy Deeney scoring to send Watford to Wembley play off final in 97th min straight after Leicester missed a pen.

Drew Thorpe: There may not have been tears, but watching Rosberg miss out on the title last year was the worst day of my life

Westley impresses for Essex

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BBC Sport's Stephan Shemilt at Essex v Australia: "Tom Westley might expect a call from his Essex colleague Alastair Cook for a spot of advice. Westley has a hundred against Australia, wonderful innings that has put the touring bowlers under the pump in their last warm-up match before the Ashes begin.

"Westley, promoted from number three because of an injury to Nick Browne, has shared a stand of 141 with Ravi Bopara as Essex have moved to 219-1.

"Of all the bowlers on show, the pick has been Peter Siddle, the man least likely to feature in Cardiff next Wednesday."

Alashkert 1-0 St Johnstone (16:00 BST)

BBC Sport's Brian McLauchlin in Yerevan: "The home side have continued to dominate and have deservedly taken the lead 14 minutes into the second half.

"A cross into the box by Karen Muradyan was thundered home from close range by Mihran Manasyan. It's no more than Alashkert deserve."

Jagielka backs Cleverley to impress

PA

Everton captain Phil Jagielka believes midfielder Tom Cleverley has proved his critics wrong.

The 24-year-old impressed for Aston Villa as they escaped relegation and reached the FA Cup final and having joined Everton on a free transfer this summer, Jagielka is looking forward to seeing the best of his England international colleague.

"He's really excited to come here because it is a fresh start for him," he told evertontv.

"He proved a lot of people wrong at Aston Villa and will fit into the manager's thoughts very well. He can play in a number of positions as well."

Alashkert 0-0 St Johnstone (16:00 BST)

BBC Sport's Brian McLauchlin in Yerevan: The second half is under way here with Saints boss Tommy Wright no doubt looking for a much better performance in the second 45 minutes."

Hiddink linked with Leicester role

AFP

The Mirror reports that Guus Hiddink has emerged as a potential rival to Neil Lennon for the Leicester job.

The 68-year-old Dutchman is available to succeed Nigel Pearson after leaving his role in charge of Holland's national team.

Former Celtic boss Lennon, who is in charge of Championship side Bolton, is also keen on the vacancy.

Rotherham sign Ledesma

Rotherham United complete the signing of attacking midfielder Emmanuel Ledesma, 27, subject to a medical and Football League ratification.

The Argentine joins the Millers on a permanent deal following a successful loan stint with the club last season from Middlesbrough.

Alashkert 0-0 St Johnstone

BBC

BBC Scotland's Brian McLauchlin in Yerevan: "It took half an hour for Saints to get their first shot on goal.

"Good link up play between John Sutton and David Wotherspoon on the edge of the box saw Wotherspoon's shot pushed around the post by Kasparov in the home goal.

"The players then took the first of two water breaks during the game to try to help them combat the searing heat!

"Murray Davidson is still feeling the effects of the early head knock and is replaced by Scott Brown just before half-time."

Cathcart signs new Watford deal

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Watford's Northern Ireland international defender Craig Cathcart, 26, signs a new four-year contract with the newly-promoted Premier League club.

#AskLewis

Rex Features

After a busy week which featured a guest appearance on The Graham Norton Show and a trip to Glastonbury, Lewis Hamilton has answered the best of the #AskLewis questions you sent to the BBC Sport website.

In the run-up to Sunday's British Grand Prix, the world champion explains what he enjoys about racing at home, his dream team-mate, favourite grand prix and the other Formula 1 team he would like to drive for.

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Ward through at Wimbledon

AFP

Earlier, we brought you the news that Andy Murray had reached the third round at Wimbledon.

And he has been joined by compatriot James Ward after he beat Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic 6-2 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-3 to reach the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time.

In the women's draw, Petra Kvitova, Caroline Wozniacki, Agnieszka Radwanska and French Open semi-finalist Timea Bacsinszky are all through but eighth seed Ekatarina Makarova is out after losing 6-2 7-5 to Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia.

You can follow the latest on the BBC Sport website.

'Tom Westley eyeing century'

If England need some advice on how to play the Australia attack, then they might want to speak to Essex's Tom Westley. Promoted from number three to open after an injury to Nick Browne, Westley is 91 not out at tea, Essex 170-1 on a glorious afternoon in Chelmsford. He's taken advantage of some pretty ordinary Aussie bowling. Mitchell Starc has been wayward and off-spinner Nathan Lyon has conceded 54 runs from five overs. Getting the bad balls out of the way before the Ashes, or a bigger problem?

Stephan ShemiltBBC Sport

Blackpool optimistic over Ranger

Football

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Cristian Montano also spent time at West Ham and Oxford United before joining Oldham

Bristol Rovers have signed former Oldham midfielder Cristian Montano, subject to international clearance.

Montano was one of 13 footballers arrested on suspicion of spot-fixing by the National Crime Agency in November 2013. He "vehemently denied" any involvement.

Montano was sacked by the Latics a month later only for the Crown Prosecution Service to drop their investigation into alleged spot-fixing.

"I know that he is desperate for another opportunity to play league football and I'm a firm believer in giving everyone a second chance," said Rovers boss Darrell Clarke.

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Alashkert 0-0 St Johnstone (16:00 BST)

BBC Scotland's Brian McLauchlin in Yerevan: "The home side started the match brightly and forced a corner in the opening minute.

"Saints midfielder Murray Davidson was forced off to receive treatment for a head wound as he helped clear the corner. He was off for six minutes.

"Alan Mannus was called into early action saving shots from Gevorg and Sirarhei as the home side continue to dominate."

Carney wants to play for England

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Castleford's Australian winger Justin Carney wants to play for England.

The 27-year-old former Canberra and Sydney Roosters player is in his third season in Super League and therefore qualifies on residential grounds later this year.

"I have thought about this in passing because I've been asked the question before by family and yes I would [play for England)," Carney told his club website.

"Now to some people that sounds totally ridiculous but to me this is my home now and I feel really at home at Cas. It's a chance to play international footy which I've never done before and I'll take any chance to do that."

Football

We asked earlier: Who are the eight players to score 100 goals in the Premier League that haven't played for England?

The answer... Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane, Robin van Persie and Dwight Yorke.

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Alashkert v St Johnstone (16:00 BST)

BBC Scotland's Brian McLauchlin in Yerevan: "Both teams will be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for Billy and Lisa Graham who were killed in the attack on tourists in Tunisia last week.

"Billy worked as a turnstile operator for St Johnstone and was a well known figure at the club.

"A one-minute silence will take place at next week's second leg in Perth."

Mitchell remains key for Worcestershire

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A tense final session is on the cards at Trent Bridge as Worcestershire require 135 more runs to win with seven wickets in hand.

Notts picked up two wickets after lunch, Tom Fell for 58 and teenager Joe Clarke, but captain Daryl Mitchell is currently unbeaten on 75.

There are 33 overs left in the day so the visitors will have to score at more than four an over if they are to reach the target of 324.

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Harris's Salford future in doubt

SWpix.com

Salford head coach Iestyn Harris's future is in doubt and he is unlikely to take charge of the team on Sunday against Catalans Dragons, reports BBC Radio Manchester.

The 39-year-old former Wales head coach, who took over in April 2014 from Brian Noble, is said to be "off sick" at the Red Devils but it is understood he is currently involved in talks with the club over severance terms.

Assistant coach Ian Watson took charge of training on Thursday and is likely to select the team for Sunday's home game against Catalans Dragons as the club, who are currently second from bottom in Super League, await the arrival from Australia of new director of rugby Tim Sheens.

Alashkert v St Johnstone (16:00 BST)

BBC

Here are the line-ups from the Europa League first qualifying round first leg from Armenia.

Alashkert FC: Kasparov, Fofana, Arakelyan, Poghosyan, Usenya, Minasyan, Muradyan, Veranyan, Bareghamyan, Artak Grigoryan, Narek Gyozalyan. Subs: Khachatryan, Dos Santos, Voskanyan, Ghazaryan, Manasyan, Karapetyan, Arman Hovhannisyan.

St Johnstone: Mannus, Scobbie, Shaughnessy, McKay, Brian Easton, Lappin, Davidson, Wotherspoon, MacLean, Sutton, O'Halloran. Subs: Clark, Wright, Anderson, Caddis, Brown, Kane, Thomson.

Referee: Jakob Kehlet (Denmark)

Football

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Cavanagh played for Accrington, Fleetwood, Rochdale and Accrington

Peter Cavanagh has retired from playing to join Everton's coaching staff just two months after signing for non-league Southport.

The 33-year-old midfielder had agreed to move to the Sandgrounders on a player-coach role for the season.

He will take a role coaching the academy at the Premier League side as part of Roberto Martinez's staff.

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Ipswich sign Arsenal winger on loan

@official_ITFC

Ipswich Town announce the signing of Arsenal's 17-year-old winger Ainsley Maitland-Niles on a season-long loan. The teenager has made three senior appearances for the Gunners and has Champions League experience.

Here we go again

There are plenty of other British teams in Europa League qualifying action today, starting with Alashkert v St Johnstone (16:00 BST). We will bring you updates from Armenia.

Also playing tonight are...

Differdange 03 v Bala Town - 18:00

Airbus UK Broughton v Lokomotiv Zagreb - 18:45

Newtown AFC v Valletta FC - 19:15

Glenavon v Shakhtyor Soligorsk - 19:45

Linfield v NSI Runavik - 19:45

Glentoran v MSK Zilina - 20:00

Shkendija v Aberdeen - 20:05

Jockey Creighton released from hospital

PA

Irish jockey Eddie Creighton has been discharged from hospital after making remarkable progress from a fall at Warrnambool racecourse in Australia on Saturday.

He was first taken to Warrnambool Base Hospital after sustaining a broken wrist and concussion in the tumble from The Walrus shortly after the start.

However, his condition deteriorated and he was transferred to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital but his condition improved dramatically over the last couple of days, resulting in his release.

Oxford to break West Ham record

West Ham host Andorran side Lusitanos tonight (19:45 BST) in the Europa League first qualifying round first leg. And a record will be broken...

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Everton sign Henen

@evertonfc.com

Belgium youth international winger David Henen, 19, signs a three-year deal with Everton. Henen spent the 2014-15 season on loan at Goodison Park from Olympiakos and turned out regularly for the Toffees Under-21 side. He has now made the move permanent.

Moores role can boost Notts - Newell

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Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell says bringing in ex-England head coach Peter Moores to work as a coaching consultant will bring a much-needed fresh outlook.

Notts are bottom of Division One of the County Championship after eight games.

Their T20 Blast form is also patchy, with five losses from nine leaving them seventh in the North Group.

"He hasn't had anything to do with this club so maybe that it is a good thing," Newell told BBC Radio Nottingham.

'Lionesses have inspired thousands'

The Duke of Cambridge has praised the achievements of the England Women's football team at the World Cup in Canada.

Prince William said: "All football fans around the country will I hope join me in sending their thanks to the Lionesses for what has been a thrilling ride in the World Cup.

"We were reminded last night that part of what makes the game great is the emotional roller coaster it can send us on. I know the team are bitterly disappointed, but I hope more than that they will be proud of what they have achieved.

"They've inspired thousands of girls and boys around the country and entered history as one of England's great teams. I wish them the best of luck for their game on Saturday."

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QPR sign Polter

@QPRFC

Queens Park Rangerscomplete the signing of German striker Sebastian Polter, 24, from German club Mainz. Polter arrives on a three-year deal after Rangers agreed an undisclosed fee with the Bundesliga side for his services.

QPR were relegated from the Premier League last season but Polter is looking forward to toughing it out in the Championship. "It's a physical league, but I'm a physical player, a team player, and I feel I will adapt," he tells QPR's website.

Powell confident over Bolt

AP

Usain Bolt's Jamaica team-mate Asafa Powell believes the world record holder's struggle with injury and poor form is just a phase and not the beginning of the end for the sprinter.

However, Powell also suggests it might be wiser for Bolt, who pulled out of Saturday's Diamond League meeting in Paris with a pelvic problem, not to try to defend his 100m crown at next month's World Championships in Beijing.

"If he's not 100% then I think he should focus mainly on the relays or the 200, but hopefully he can get back in shape and feel like his old self. We all get injuries. I've been injured for years and I'm still running fast."

Murray through at Wimbledon

Britain's Andy Murray reached the third round at Wimbledon with a one-sided win over Dutchman Robin Haase.

The Scot, seeded third, won 6-1 6-1 6-4 on court one in far more comfortable conditions than Wednesday's record-breaking temperatures.

He will face Italian 25th seed Andreas Seppi or Croatian teenager Borna Coric in round three on Saturday.

Follow live text commentary and watch Wimbledon here.

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Tears. Lots of tears...

'Contador presented with a canary'

The Tour de France starts on Saturday. Three weeks of hard cycling and weird and wonderful moments.

Here's the first involving one the favourites Alberto Contador...

Lahm denies international return rumours

AP

Former Germany defender Philipp Lahm has denied reports he is set to come out of international retirement, insisting his decision to quit following the 2014 World Cup was final.

German newspaper Bild reported that both Lahm and Per Mertesacker were considering returning to the international team after the pair ended their association following the World Cup in Brazil.

But 31-year-old Lahm, who plays for Bayern Munich, told France Football: "I will not go back. Those who know me know that when I make a decision, it is final."

Wigan aim to close on Leeds

PA

Wigan Warriors can close the gap on Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos with a win over Warrington Wolves in tonight's Super League game, which you can hear live on 5 live sports extra from 19:30 BST.

Warrington will be without captain Joel Monaghan (strained calf) and second-row James Laithwaite (broken leg) while Ben Currie is suspended but Matty Russell is fit again and young forward Sam Wilde could make his debut.

Wigan captain Sean O'Loughlin has recovered from a thigh strain and centre Anthony Gelling makes his return from a hamstring injury while prop Ryan Sutton comes into the squad, with second-row John Bateman and full-back Ryan Hampshire dropping out.

Hammond staying at Leicester

PA

Leicester City's 32-year-old midfielder Dean Hammond has signed a new one-year deal.

His old deal ran out on Tuesday - the day manager Nigel Pearson was sacked.

Liverpool target Bacca agrees to join AC Milan

Sevilla agree to sell Colombia striker Carlos Bacca - a Liverpool target - to Serie A side AC Milan. La Liga's Sevilla and Milan confirmed on their websites a deal had been struck pending a medical but did not disclose terms.

Bacca, 28, has spent two years with Sevilla, helping them win the Europa League twice and finish fifth in La Liga last season.

Cattermole signs long-term deal with Sunderland

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Lee Cattermole has committed his long-term future to Sunderland by signing a five-year contract extension.

The 27-year-old midfielder, who had 12 months remaining on his existing deal, has now been tied up until the summer of 2021.

Last season was his first without a red card since 2007-08. But he did receive a joint-record 14 yellow cards in the Premier League.

Head coach Dick Advocaat said: "Lee is the controller of the side. He is a motivator, a leader and central to the success of our team. To know that he will be with us for many years to come is very important to the club."

Toshack praises Flynn

Former Wales manager John Toshack says Brian Flynn deserves praise for his role in the national team's development.

Toshack appointed the former Burnley player as manager of Wales' national youth teams in 2004 and he went on to develop players including Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey and discovered the Welsh credentials of Ashley Williams.

"Flynnie did a lot of work at intermediate level," Toshack said. "He did a terrific job going around the country getting these young players. We got them in and gave them a chance."

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Rugby Union

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Former Wasps winger Tom Varndell is to honour his contract with Bristol despite their failure to win promotion into the Premiership.

Bristol were beaten in the play-off final for the second-successive season which meant the 29-year-old Varndell had an option to trigger a clause and speak to other clubs.

However, he has decided to honour his deal and will play in the Championship next season.

Varndell is one of the most successful players in Premiership history, He has 425 points from 169 appearances and is second on the all-time list of try scorers with 85.

Sunderland keen on Lombaerts

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Sunderland are maintaining an interest in Belgium international defender Nicolas Lombaerts.

However, Press Association Sport reports that speculation that the Black Cats have had a £5m bid for the player accepted by Russian side Zenit St Petersburg are wide of the mark.

A former law student, the 30-year-old has been at Zenit since 2007 and has made 240 appearances for the club.

GB Women beat China at Worlds

Great Britain's women have made it three wins out of three at the Under-25 Wheelchair Basketball World Championship in China with a 70-45 win over the home side.

It follows earlier successes over Australia and Canada and they go into Friday's game against Japan as the only unbeaten side in the tournament.

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Busy day in Europe

Marseille

A few European transfers today you might have missed.

Marseille have signed Manchester City and Netherlands defender Karim Rekik, 20, and Monaco's Argentine winger winger Lucas Ocampos.

Europa League holders Sevilla have agreed terms to sign former France defender Adil Rami, 29, from AC Milan, subject to a medical.

And in a slightly bizarre one, Real Madrid have used a buy-back clause to re-sign 24-year-old winger Lucas Vazquez, having only sold him Espanyol last month.

Schweinsteiger can decide his future

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Bastian Schweinsteiger is currently in England - watching Wimbledon tennis

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola says rumoured Manchester United target Bastian Schweinsteiger can decide if he stays or goes.

The 30-year-old Germany midfielder has one year left on his deal.

Guardiola said: "If Schweinsteiger wants to stay here then that's perfect. He's a top player.

"Basti has to decide what he does alone. I told him, the future depends on you."

The Catalan stayed vague when asked about rumoured interest in United midfielder Angel Di Maria.

"It's the decision of the club, I just worry about myself," said Guardiola,

Essex get set to bat

BBC Sport's Stephan Shemilt at Essex v Australia: Lunch at Chelmsford, taken when the last Australia wicket fell. The tourists take the interval on 562 all out after a last-wicket thrash between Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon that added 73 runs.

"Before that, Mitchell Marsh was finally bowled by Matt Salisbury for 169.

"Essex now must strap the pads on and prepare to face Mitchell Johnson et al, knowing the scale of their task was not aided by a total of eight dropped catches."

Worcestershire keep victory hopes alive

Worcestershire kept alive their hopes of only a second County Championship win of the season when they reached the lunch interval with only one wicket down in pursuit of a 324 victory target at Trent Bridge.

Opener Daryl Mitchell (53no) and Thomas Fell (51no) shared an unbroken second wicket partnership of exactly 100 as they reached the break.

The visitors resumed on 13-0 and the only wicket to fall in the morning was Richard Oliver who was lbw to Ben Hilfenhaus for 11.

Lancashire start well in victory chase

Lancashire made a positive start in their chase to score 414 for victory.

Paul Horton (61no) and Karl Brown (53) set up a very interesting final two sessions and targeted a place in the record books as a win would be Lancashire's highest-ever successful fourth innings run chase - beating the 404-5 scored to beat Hampshire back in 1910.

England players reflect on heartbreak

Ward bids to advance

PA

As well as Andy Murray, who has just started his second round match against Dutchman Robin Haase, fellow Briton James Ward is also in action at Wimbledon today.

The British number three has taken the first set against Jiri Vesely and is 4-3 up in the second.

You can follow the latest on Murray, Ward and Caroline Wozniacki, among others, via the BBC Sport website.

McShane relishes Royals move

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Football

Empics

Luke Williams spent time on loan at Scunthorpe, Coventry City and Peterborough last season

Scunthorpe United have signed forward Luke Williams on a two-year deal - the eighth new arrival this close-season.

The 22-year-old was a free agent after being released by Middlesbrough.

Williams spent time on loan at the Iron last season, scoring two goals in six appearances and also had loan spells with both Coventry and Peterborough.

Rugby World Cup

England forward Ben Morgan says he is confident of recovering from a broken leg in time for the World Cup.

The 26-year-old number eight, who has 27 caps, suffered the injury in a club match for Gloucester in January.

Stuart Lancaster has to finalise his 31-man squad by 31 August, but Morgan told BBC Points West: "I know I've got a mountain to climb but I've got my climbing shoes on and I'm raring to go."

Nelson to miss British Championships

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European 100m bronze medallist and 4x100 relay gold medallist Ashleigh Nelson will miss this weekend's British Championships in Birmingham.

"In the end it boiled down to whether I was happy to compete this weekend carrying this niggle and not running as fast as I know I can, or sacrificing a huge part of this year to sort it once and for all," she said.

"Myself, my coach and my support team have decided that the long term strategy is most sensible with Rio 2016 and London 2017 being my biggest priority."

Jones defeats world number one Selby

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Welshman Jamie Jones hammered world number one Mark Selby 5-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

The 27-year-old, who is ranked 38 in the world, will play either England's Ali Carter or fellow Welshman Michael White in the last eight.

Also through to the quarter-finals in Bendigo are Judd Trump, Stephen Maguire, Martin Gould, John Higgins and Joe Perry.

Murray's No 1 fan

www.andymurray.com

How does Britain's Andy Murray prepare for a match at Wimbledon? With his pet dog, of course.

"Whether I win or lose my little man still loves me," writes Murray on Instagram ahead of his match with Robin Haase.

Follow the match by clicking here.

Latest gossip

West Ham co-chairman David Gold has confirmed the club are working to secure Carl Jenkinson's return to Upton Park.

The Arsenal full-back, 23, spent last season on loan with the Hammers and manager Slaven Bilic is hopeful of retaining his services for the new campaign.

"We are very working hard to try and get Carl back here," Gold told Talksport.

Hand grenade found at Red Star ground

An unexploded hand grenade has been discovered at Red Star Belgrade's ground ahead of a Europa League qualifier against Kazakhstan's Kairat in Serbia.

Police say the "rusty" explosive was discovered on the roof of one of the stands during a routine check. The bomb has been taken to a safe location for controlled detonation.

Belgrade media says it is likely the grenade has been on the roof for a while and is not linked to Thursday's first qualifying round tie.

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Will Short: As a Portsmouth fan, tears of joy in 2008 when we won the FA Cup. Tears of sadness five years on (2013) as we dropped into League Two.

Nic: Commonwealth Games hockey final England vs Australia. Aussies get last minute goal to force penalties, we lose.

Dave Green: Each time the BBC shows Stevie G donking in 'that goal' against my beloved Hammers in the 2006 FA Cup. Broke my heart that did.

Thursday's back pages

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The Lionesses might have missed out on making the Women's World Cup final but they have inspired a whole new generation, the London Evening Standard reports.

Rain stops play at Chelmsford

BBC Sport's Stephan Shemilt at Essex v Australia: "The rain that was expected has arrived at Chelmsford, sending the players to the pavilion with Australia 479-8.

"Josh Hazlewood was the last man to go, a second wicket of the morning for Jamie Porter, with Ryan ten Doeschate holding a very good catch at third slip.

"The omnipresent Mitchell Marsh remains, though, now 161 not out. When does his case for Ashes selection become unarguable?"

Defender McShane agrees Reading deal

Reading FC

Readingsign defender Paul McShane on a three-year contract following his release by Hull City.

McShane, 29, becomes the club's third signing in the space of four days following deals for striker Orlando Sa and midfielder Stephen Quinn.

The Republic of Ireland international has Premier League experience with Hull, Sunderland and West Brom.

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Keep your sporting tear-jerkers coming.

Danny Clark: Twelve hour round coach trip to Wembley for the Middlesbrough v Norwich play off final for us to be 2-0 down after 10 minutes.

Tom Gooch: Rebecca Adlington winning two Beijing golds.

Marian Buhociu: When Romania lost the WC 1/4 final against Sweden on pens being 2-1 up in ET. Never cried for football since.

Nottingham Forest sign Ward

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Nottingham Forest announce the signing of Northern Ireland winger Jamie Ward, 29, on a four-year deal. Ward was at Championship rivals Derby County last season.

Fulham sign Swansea defender Richards

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Championship club Fulham have signed Swansea City defender Jazz Richards for an undisclosed fee, following a loan spell at Craven Cottage last season.

The 24-year-old Wales international has agreed a three-year contract, with the option of a further year.

"When I was on loan here last season I settled in straight away and I enjoyed the style of football. That made me want to come back," he told the club website.

LATEST GOSSIP

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Liverpool look set to lose out on the signing of Carlos Bacca with the Sevilla forward set to undergo a medical in the next few days to complete his transfer to AC Milan.

According to Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan representatives have travelled to Barranquilla, Colombia, where Bacca is currently on holiday, to oversee a medical.

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Izrael: When Zambia lost to Nigeria 2-1 in the Afcon Final in 1994, the Victoria Falls had nothing on me that day!

Rachel Major: Early this morning, some of them sad, some tears of pride after our lionesses lost the semi final.

Joshua Scott: Last day of season when Manchester United had league won until Sergio Aguero did his thing and ruined everything, I cried for about an hour.

Play delayed at Wimbledon

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Light rain at Wimbledon means the start of Thursday's play, which was due to get under way at 11:30 BST, has been delayed.

The roof on Centre Court is closed so play there will get underway at 13:00 but Andy Murray's second round match, which is first on Court One at the same time, may be delayed with more rain forecast for SW19.

You can follow the latest action on the BBC Sport website.

Timlin signs new Southend contract

Southend midfielder Michael Timlin played in their successful League Two play-off campaign with 15 stitches in a head wound.

Well, the 30-year-old's reward is a new two-year contract with the Shrimpers.

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Timlin was involved in a nasty clash of heads during the first leg of their semi-final with Stevenage. He played in a headguard in the second leg and scored one of the goals that took Southend to Wembley, where they beat Wycombe on penalties to win promotion.

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A BBC World Service sports reporter has a confession to make...

Question of Sport teaser

Who are the eight players to score 100 or more goals in the Premier League that haven't played for England?

We'll let you know the answer this afternoon.

West Brom on their travels

The hills are alive to the sound of...the Baggies! 

Five weeks before the start of the Premier League season, West Brom are off on their travels.

Essex v Australia latest

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BBC Sport's Stephan Shemilt at Australia's tour game against Essex: "Much cooler today in Chelmsford, where the clouds have rolled in and rain threatens. Australia, 440-6 overnight, have lost their first wicket, with Mitchell Starc caught at second slip by Nick Browne, who immediately sprinted off with a finger injury.

"First-day centurion Mitchell Marsh remains, looking to push his 145 not out to a score that rams home his case for selection in the first Ashes Test on Wednesday.

"Then, at some point, the Aussie quicks will get their go at the Essex batsmen."

Bala fans face 300 mile round trip - for home game

Welsh Premier League side Bala Town face a 300-mile round trip for a HOME game if they progress in the Europa League.

The Lakesiders are in Luxembourg to face FC Differdange 03 in a first qualifying round tie, with the return leg at Rhyl next week.

But should they advance, Bala's second qualifying round home tie against Turkish side Trabzonspor will be played 150 miles away at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Bala's ground has a capacity of just 3,000 and Trabzonspor's security concerns have seen the tie moved to the Welsh capital.

British trio qualify for final

Pentathlon GB

Double Olympian Nick Woodbridge, Jamie Cooke and Joe Choong have all qualified for the men's individual final at the 2015 Modern Pentathlon World Championships in Germany.

"I had a good start in the fence and from there my day was always going to be more comfortable," said Woodbridge, who won silver in 2013.

"I don't want to put any pressure on myself for the final but I hope to gain some confidence after a difficult 18 months and secure some good Olympic qualifying points."

Liverpool's Rolser joins Bayern Munich

Liverpool Ladies winger Nicole Rolser is leaving the club to join Bayern Munich.

"When I first joined Liverpool we were a team in a transition period but I now leave behind a club that has won back-to-back league titles as well as establishing itself as a Champions League side," says the 23-year-old German.

Cancellara says 2015 could be final Tour

EPA

Swiss time trial specialist Fabian Cancellara admits that this Tour de France could be his last.

Cancellara has won eight Tour stages over the last decade, and seven of those were in races against the clock.

With Saturday's opening stage of the 2015 edition a 13.8km time-trial in Utrecht, the 34-year-old is hoping for one last stage victory before potentially heading off into retirement.

"I'm confident and looking forward to it. There will be a few riders I'll have to look into but in the end it's you and your bike. You have to give maximum effort in those 13km."

Cricket

Worcestershire have all 10 wickets remaining as they look to score another 310 to beat Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, having closed day three on 13-0.

The visitors are looking for only their second Championship win of the summer - and first since beating Somerset in early May.

In Division Two, leaders Lancashire will have an even tougher task when they resume on 19-0 against Northants at Old Trafford, needing another 394 for what would be their seventh victory this season.

If the Red Rose county reach their target of 414, it would their highest successful fourth-innings run-chase, surpassing the 404-5 scored to beat Hampshire in 1910.

Listen to radio commentary of every game here.

On this day

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Fifteen years ago today, France became champions of Europe as David Trezeguet's golden goal downed Italy in the Euro 2000 final in Rotterdam.

Back in 2010, Manchester City signed Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure on a five-year deal for a fee of about £24m.

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John McEnerney: When I called my dad to tell him Seve Ballesteros had passed away we were both in tears, what a hero AND inspiration Seve was! The King!

David Strover: I cry around this time every year when all my club's best players - Southampton - leave for clubs paying more money.

Purple Dayz: Each time Kevin Nolan took the field for West Ham last season.

Hull rivals to merge youth set-ups

Rain at Wimbledon

The umbrella sellers at Wimbledon could be in for a good day... 

Happy birthday to...

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Tottenham left-back Danny Rose turns 25 today, while Bolton midfielder Lee Chung-yong is 27.

Former Wigan and West Brom strikers Marc-Antoine Fortune and Nathan Ellington both turn 34.

And it's also a happy birthday to former Lions rugby players Alan Tait, 51, and Tim Rodber, 46.

'Inspirational squad'

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand on England women's World Cup campaign...

St Helens sign full-back Quinlan

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St Helens have signed Australian full-back Adam Quinlan on a deal to the end of the season.

Centre Mark Percival became the club's sixth-choice full-back against Widnes last Sunday with Jonny Lomax, Shannon McDonnell and Tom Makinson all injured and Paul Wellens and Lance Hohaia retired.

Quinlan, 22, is expected to arrive in time for the home game against Huddersfield next week.

The only way is up for Leeds, says new boy Wood

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New Leeds United striker Chris Wood says he believes the club have "turned a corner".

The 23-year-old joined the Elland Road side from Leicester for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal on Wednesday.

"I did my research, looked behind the scenes and spoke to the owner and I think the club is on the right path," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"It's going to take a lot of work for things to come together but I think they have the right people on board to do that."

Brentford sign Bjelland

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Championship side Brentford announce the signing of Denmark international defender Andreas Bjelland, 26, from FC Twente for a club-record £2.1m on a three-year contract.

Bjelland has won 21 caps for Denmark and has played three of their five qualifying matches for Euro 2016.

'Tremendous effort'

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After England's agonising semi-final defeat to holders Japan at the Women's World Cup, we want to know your top sporting tear-jerkers. Tweet #mysportingtears, text 81111 (UK only) or post a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Andrew D R Potts: Every time Mike Ashley tells us Geordies 'the club is not for sale'.

Mike Woods: When David Beckham left Manchester United.

Rob Dennis: Wycombe Wanderers losing on penalties this year in the play-offs after being 1-0 up with less than 30 seconds left.

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Firth forced to pull out of Worlds

Paralympic champion Bethany Firth pulls out of the Great Britain team that will compete at the IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow later this month.

The 19-year-old from Northern Ireland fractured has her wrist in training and will no longer be able to compete at the competition.

Firth switched nationalities from Ireland to GB last year and was going into the Glasgow event as world record holder in all four of her events.

'I have a clean conscience'

A Sepp Blatter interview with a difference...

The Fifa president tells German magazine Bunte: "I am a religious person and pray, too. I own a golden cross that has been blessed by Pope Francis. I believe I will go to heaven one day. But I believe there is no hell. I disagree with the Pope on that."

Blatter adds: "I have a clean conscience. If somebody accuses me of being corrupt, I ask him whether he knows the meaning of that word. Whoever calls me corrupt will have to prove it, but nobody can prove that because I am not corrupt."

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Manchester City

Layla Astley: As a Manchester United supporter, the first time I saw the "Welcome to Manchester" sign with Tevez on it. Gutted.

Hohluhmayyor: I am not Brazilian but I almost shed tears for the Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany at the World Cup.

Women's World Cup

Figures just in... a peak audience of 2.4m watched last night's England v Japan semi-final on BBC 1. An average audience of 1.7m viewers watched the match.

Jordan on Hamilton, McLaren & more

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Ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix, BBC F1's chief analyst Eddie Jordan took some time out to answer some questions.

You can find out more about his views on the future of the sport, the problems facing McLaren and his fashion sense.

'You are an inspiration'

A message from the manager of the England women's team...

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David Grundy: When Chesterfield Boys lost in a replay to Swansea Boys in the semi-final of the English Schools Shield in 1956. I was in goal!

Tommy Peasnell: Usually when an England manager says we will win a tournament I cry with laughter!

Scott Davidson: Felt like crying when I missed a black off the spot at snooker for a 51 break which would've been my highest beating my current high of 46!

LATEST GOSSIP

Are Aston Villa about to make a signing? The Daily Telegraph's man in the Midlands seems to think so.

McDowell bids for hat-trick

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Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell hopes to beat the thunderstorms and create a piece of history at the French Open this weekend.

The Ryder Cup star would also become just the sixth player, after Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, to claim a hat-trick of European Tour titles in the same event and also become the first player in 77 years to win three French Opens in a row.

But two thunderstorms have delayed the opening morning's play in Paris.

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We're feeling your pain, Callum...

Hammers go again

West Ham's 2015-16 competitive season starts again tonight - 40 days after their final game of 2014-15. They host Andorran side Lusitans in the Europa League first qualifying round.

New Hammers manager Slaven Bilic will not be in charge, with academy boss Terry Westley naming the team.

US requests Fifa extraditions

The United States asks Switzerland to extradite seven Fifa officials who were arrested in May as part of an investigation into alleged corruption, the Swiss Federal Office of Justice announces.

Six of the seven, including Fifa vice-president and former Concacaf president Jeffrey Webb, were arrested during a dawn raid on a Zurich hotel days before Fifa's Congress, plunging the world governing body into crisis.

On Wednesday evening, the United States formally requested their extradition, although the process is likely to be a lengthy one as the seven can challenge any extradition ruling, and can appeal to two higher courts.

McDonald extends Leicestershire contract

Leicestershire head coach Andrew McDonaldsigns a contract extension that will keep him at Grace Road until the end of the 2017 county season.

The 34-year-old, who won four Test caps for Australia, was appointed last November.

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