Sportsday - rolling football news

1. Celtic v Malmo (19:45 BST)
2. Chelsea close to deal for Man Utd target Pedro
3. Leicester sign Inler on three-year contract
4. Radcliffe says athletes should not release blood data
5. GET INVOLVED #bbcsportsday

Farewell

That's all for Wednesday's Sportsday Live. Don't forget there is full live text commentary on the BBC Sport website of Celtic against Malmo in the Champions League play-off. We'll have reaction from that game plus all the breaking transfer stories in Thursday's Sportsday Live from 08:00 BST. See you then.

What you may have missed...

Pedro might have had doubts about joining Manchester United but Red Devils midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (right) looks pretty pleased to be there. Here he is with his brother Tobi outside Manchester Town Hall.  

What you may have missed...

@nycfc

A New York sandwich shop have come up with a sandwich in tribute of New York City's Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

The sub features Genoa Salami, fresh mozzarella, fried zucchini and pickled blueberries.

Swindon's Stewart transfer 'messy'

Swindon Town chairman Lee Power says the proposed signing of Jordan Stewart from Glentoran has become "messy".

Power revealed a fee, reported to be £50,000, was agreed at the weekend for the 20-year-old forward.

However, the player failed to turn up at the County Ground as expected.

"We wanted Jordan in the squad for Tuesday, there are agents involved and every Tom, Dick and Harry," Power told BBC Wiltshire. "To be honest with you, it got a bit messy."

TEAM NEWS

Just over an hour to kick-off at Park Head and here's the Celtic starting XI...

Koeman expecting 'difficult' tie

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman is expecting a "difficult" challenge against FC Midtjylland in Thursday night's Europa League play-off tie.

Saints beat Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem 5-0 on aggregate in the previous round, but Koeman says tomorrow's game - the first of two legs with a place in the group round at stake - will be tougher.

He said: "It will be more difficult. They are the champions of Denmark and have a good organisation.

Countdown to kick-off

Ciftci back for Celtic game

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Celtic striker Nadir Ciftci returns for the first leg of their Champions League play-off with Malmo later, with the Turk still serving a domestic ban. Kris Commons has shrugged off a dead leg after missing Saturday's win over Inverness Caley Thistle. Scott Allan is in the 20-man squad after completing his transfer from Hibernian on Friday evening.

Radcliffe says athletes should not release blood data

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Three-time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe has backed the anti-doping agencies in advising athletes not to make their blood data public. In an interview with BBC sports editor Dan Roan, the 41-year-old Briton said the information is complicated and can be misunderstood and misinterpreted.

She also said she was proud of her career and had always been clean. "The whole point is you go through your career, you look back and say, 'That was the best I could do,'" she said.

Read the full story by clicking here.

Maitland-Niles 'to play for Arsenal'

Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy says he expects on-loan winger Ashley Maitland-Niles to become an Arsenal first-teamer in the future. The 17-year-old, who is on a season-long loan at Portman Road, has already made three substitute appearances for the Gunners.

"Wow. The talent of him; I think he's going to play for Arsenal, there's no doubt in my mind. We are just so lucky to have him," McCarthy told BBC Radio Suffolk.

Promising start for Team GB

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Great Britain's showjumpers have made a strong start in their pursuit of Rio Olympics qualification at the European Championships. Joe Clee (pictured), Ben Maher and Michael Whitaker all jumped clear rounds as the individual and team competitions got under way in Aachen, Germany.

Despite winning Olympic gold at London 2012, Britain have still to book a place in Brazil next summer, while other current non-qualifiers include Ireland, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland.

'Best Arsenal squad for years' = Arteta

Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta says the current squad the Emirates is the best the Gunners have had for "many, many years".

"I am really confident in this group - if we maintain it and start adding little things in the next few years then we have a very strong team and club," Arteta tells the London Evening Standard.

Arsenal have won one and lost one of their first two games.

Boyata braced for tough test

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Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata is expecting a tough test from Malmo when the two teams meet in the Champions League play-off later.

"We all want to get this qualification and we will give 100 % and that's all we can give to the team," the former Manchester City player says in the Celtic programme.

"It will be a really tough game. I watched Malmo in the Champions League last year. They had Juventus, Olympiakos and Atletico Madrid in the group and I remember watching the games because one of my friends was playing for Olympiakos. It will be a really tough game."

RFL launch investigation

The Rugby Football League launches an investigation into alleged racial chanting during the Super 8s Qualifiers match between Wakefield and Bradford at Belle Vue last Saturday.

The Wildcats announced earlier this week they were looking into "misconduct and unacceptable behaviour of spectators" and now the governing body is to probe a number of incidents after receiving a report from its match commissioner.

Malmo 'to target Ciftci'

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Malmo plan to target Celtic forward Nadir Ciftci in the hope of getting him sent off, according to one of their players. The Swedes face Celtic in the first leg of their Champions League play-off at Celtic Park with the former Dundee United man expected to return to the line-up. Ciftci has been absent from domestic duty because of a suspension picked up for biting Dundee's Jim McAlister last season.

"He's like [Luis] Suarez," Malmo forward Vladimir Rodic told Swedish paper Sportbladet. "I hope he bites someone again against us and gets a red card to be out of the return game."

Red Wednesday

On BBC Radio Manchester'sRed Wednesday tonight at 18:00 BST they are talking Manchester United - hear from former Reds captain Bryan Robson and Denis Irwin on Barcelona winger Pedro heading to Chelsea rather than Old Trafford, and why Louis van Gaal needs another striker to support Wayne Rooney.

Test of knowledge

A Question of Sport Teaser

BBC

Remember we asked you to name the four teams in the this season's Uefa Champions League play-off round that have played in the final of the competition since 2000?

Well, the answer is AS Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen, Manchester United and Valencia.

West Ham 'reach deal' for Song

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West Ham United have reached agreement with Barcelona for the permanent signature of midfielder Alex Song.

Co-owner David Sullivan tells the KUMB (Knees Up Mother Brown) Podcast: "We have a deal in place with Alex Song subject to a medical. If the medical is ok, we'll take him. He's injured at the moment, which is something you've got to weight up. But we've got until 1 September to make a decision."

Giaccherini leaving Black Cats?

Sunderland's former Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini, 30 could leave the Black Cats before the end of the transfer window, reports Wednesday's Sunderland Echo. Giaccherini has been limited to 18 Premier League starts in two years because of injury.

Root a pleasure to watch

England captain Alastair Cook says he has never seen a player improve as much in a short space of time as star batsman Joe Root.

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Such has been Root's form during the past two months, he has displaced Australia's Steven Smith at the top of the International Cricket Council's Test batting rankings.

"He's improved leaps and bounds," said Cook ahead of Thursday's fifth and final Ashes Test of the summer at the Oval.

"I've never seen a player improve like that and it's a pleasure to watch him."

Countdown to kick-off

Finishing touches ahead of a huge night at Celtic Park.

Everton stand firm on £40m Stones

Phil McNulty

BBC chief football writer

"Another day and more speculation surrounding John Stones - this time that Chelsea are considering whether to make a fourth and final offer of £40m.

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My understanding is that Everton remain as unmoved now as they were a month ago when Chelsea made their first offer of £20m - but it would be a sign of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's determination (some might say desperation) to land Stones if they doubled their original bid.

Everton need to do business of their own and are interested in River Plate defender Ramiro Funes Mori and Dynamo Kiev playmaker Andriy Yarmolenko. But there does not seem the slightest appetite to sell Stones to fund those moves."

'Sunderland have to get it right'

Nick Barnes

BBC Newcastle commentator

Sunderland centre-half Younes Kaboul has been speaking to BBC Newcastle on Wednesday.

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The former Tottenham defender admitted he he could have no qualms about being dropped after being part of a defence that seven goals in the first two matches, as all he wants is the team to win.

"We've got to learn from the first two games and get it right against Swansea on Saturday," he said.

Man Utd in for Sadio Mane

Adam Blackmore

BBC Radio Solent sports editor

Here's Southampton's take on Manchester United bidding for Sadio Mane.

Who are Malmo?

Just under three hours to kick-off in the Champions League play-off between Celtic and Malmo. Here's some information about the team from Sweden.

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On the move

West Ham United midfielder Diego Poyet is on the move...

Pistorious release delayed

Oscar Pistorius will not be released from prison on Friday as planned, after South Africa's justice ministry announced its decision to review the decision.

In a statement, the ministry said the decision to release Pistorius 10 months into his five-year sentence was made "prematurely" and with "no legal basis".

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Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide in October last year after shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. She would have celebrated her 32nd birthday on Wednesday.

The decorated Paralympic athlete now looks set to stay in prison at least until the case has been looked over by South Africa's correctional supervision and parole review board.

What you may have missed...

A New York sandwich shop have come up with a sandwich in tribute of New York City's Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

The sub features Genoa Salami, fresh mozzarella, fried zucchini and pickled blueberries.

Man Utd bid for Mane

BBC Sport can confirm that Manchester United have bid Southampton winger Sadio Mane (see 15:36). The bid for the 23-year-old from Senegal was made last week. Mane was linked with a £15m move to Tottenham earlier this summer.

Gibson accused

Everton and Republic of Ireland star Darron Gibson has been charged in connection with an alleged hit-and-run crash that left a cyclist injured.

The midfielder, 27, was detained on Sunday after police received reports a cyclist had been struck by a car which then hit a pump at a petrol station.

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Mr Gibson is accused of driving with excess alcohol, after the crashes in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.

He is due before Trafford Magistrates' Court on 1 September.

Care appointed Harlequins captain

Harlequins have appointed England scrum-half Danny Care as their new captain, replacing international team-mate Joe Marler. Care has made 187 appearances since joining Quins in 2006.

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The 28-year-old is in England's World Cup warm-up squad, but has not started for his country since November 2014. "In Danny we have a player who, to me, epitomises how we play and what we are known for as a team," said Quins director of rugby Conor O'Shea.

Listen live

Unfortunately radio commentary is not available online for rights reason, but you can follow the Champions League play-off tie first leg with our live text commentary, which starts at 19:15 BST.

Curle puts the boots in

Carlisle manager Keith Curle says his team need to make a number of changes, including their boots, following some leaky defending at the start of the season.

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The Cumbrians conceded four goals for the second game in a row at Plymouth last night - their 4-1 defeat coming hot on the heels of a 4-4 draw with Cambridge on Saturday.

"Options, decisions, footwear and decision-making on the ball are all things that need to be tidied up," former England defender Curle told BBC Radio Cumbria.

Raikkonen will stay at Ferrari

Andrew Benson

Chief F1 writer

More on this story can be found here

Pakistan pair free to play again

Pakistan duo Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt will be eligible to return to competitive cricket on 2 September, the International Cricket Council has announced.

The pair have served bans for corrupt behaviour on the 2010 tour of England.

Omen?

No pressure there then.

Memphis or Depay?

Guy Mowbray

BBC Match of the Day commentator

'We're difficult to beat'

Celtic are in Champions League qualifying action in a few hours time, trying to do what Manchester United did last night.

And Hoops boss Ronny Deila is clearly in confident mood, claiming Malmo will find it difficult to beat his side if the Scottish champions are at their best.

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The Swedish title winners visit Celtic Park in Wednesday's Champions League play-off round first leg.

Deila said: "We want to be in the Champions League. That's the goal, I've said that since coming to this club. Now we have two games to reach it. The most important thing is to win and get a good result."

Regal display by Arabian Queen

Frank Keogh

BBC Sport

The 50/1 outsider Arabian Queen has sprung a huge shock to win Juddmonte International at York, beating Derby winner Golden Horn by a neck.

Test of knowledge

A Question of Sport Teaser

BBC

Time to test the old grey matter to get you in the mood for Wednesday night's European action, more of which in a moment. First a little question for you to ponder...

Name the four teams in the this season's Uefa Champions League play-off round that have played in the final of the competition since 2000?

Answers later on Wednesday.

Frey Forest move is off - Freedman

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Nottingham Forest will not be signing forward Michael Frey from Lille, says Reds boss Dougie Freedman.

Forest had been set to tie up a loan deal for the 22-year-old former Switzerland Under-21 international.

Freedman told BBC Radio Nottingham: "I am going to pull the plug, that will not happen now and it's a dead deal.

"He has not played since January. With the current situation we are in, I need players to come in and get up and running straight away."

Get involved - dodgy predictions

Greg Jones: I told my best mate that Drogba would score less than ten goals for Chelsea and be sold after one season.

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James Starr: I was once said Anderson was going to be 'The future of Manchester United'...to be fair I was 15.

Alex Dismore: Predicting that Martin O'Neil would be the one to get us (Sunderland) into the top half. Seems a long time ago now!

ASG: I predicted Napoli and then Barcelona to beat Chelsea in the CL the season they won it in 2012.

Mclean joins Barnet

League Two side Barnet have signed former Peterborough and Hull striker Aaron Mclean on a short-term deal.

The 32-year-old was a free agent after leaving League One side Bradford by mutual consent earlier this summer.

Low blow

Cruel Steve, cruel.

Don't go

Sergio Romero hopes fellow goalkeeper David De Gea stays at Manchester United beyond this transfer window.

De Gea, 24, has one year left on his deal and the Spain international has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

PA

United boss Louis van Gaal has picked Romero, 28, ahead of De Gea for the first three games of this season, saying the latter is lacking "focus".

"I hope De Gea stays here. He's a good team-mate who always works hard," said the Argentina international.

Mane to Man Utd?

Interesting story in the Daily Telegraph, which is reporting that Southampton have received an inquiry from Manchester United to sign Sadio Mane.

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"United are believed to have registered their interest last week with an initial bid which could partly explain why they stalled on completing a £21m move for Barcelona's Pedro, who is now set to join Chelsea," says the paper.

Mane, 23, joining Southampton from Red Bull Salzburg for £10m 12 months ago and scored 10 goals in his first season in English football.

Wrong door

While we're talking about the cricket, there was a great story ahead of the game when a South African dossier containing New Zealand's batting strengths and weaknesses was posted to a guest at the team hotel by mistake.

As the Guardian reports: "The schedule, addressed to the South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn, was instead slipped under the door of a hotel guest, who posted it on Facebook."

Facebook

Oops, someone's in trouble for that one.

Hefty total

The South African innings has come to an end in the first of three one-day internationals against New Zealand. Big score.

Feeling good

By all accounts, Luke Shaw had a fine match as United beat Club Brugge in the Champions league last night - and the lad himself has just been on Twitter.

Get involved - dodgy predictions

Tim Russell: My dad, watching Thierry Henry at Coventry in 1998: "This lad's never going to cut it in English football".

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Edward Keller: I predicted Portsmouth would qualify Champions League in the 09/10 season. How wrong I was.

James Pearce: In my works predictor game thinking Spurs & Sunderland would draw 1-1 in 2013/14. Spurs romped to a 5-1 win.

Shaun: Freddy Adu - The Next Pele.

MK Dons loan Poyet from West Ham

Confirmation of a story we bought you a short while ago...

MK Dons have signed midfielder Diego Poyet on a season-long loan from Premier League West Ham.

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The 20-year-old son of former Chelsea and Uruguay midfielder Gus played five times in the Europa League for the Hammers this season.

Tuesday night fever

With two points from three game since relegation from the Premier League, is Burnley manager Sean Dyche really in the mood for dancing?

Main man Amla

Hashim Amla has scored a century in the one-day match between South Africa and New Zealand. The hosts are set for a big score - with three overs of their 50-over innings remaining, they are 276-4.

I will retire if I lose - Macklin

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Three-time world title challenger Matthew Macklin says he will retire from boxing if he loses to Jason Welborn in Birmingham in October.

Birmingham-born Macklin, 33, is a former British and European Champion and is stepping down a division to light-middleweight for the fight.

"It's a step down for me but sometimes you have to regroup," Macklin, who has lost six of his 38 contests, told BBC WM 95.6. "If I lost I'd definitely retire. I still want to be a world champion."

Pedro poised for Chelsea move

Bookmakers have suspended betting on Spain forward Pedro signing for Chelsea from Barcelona.

The 28-year-old had been a target for Manchester United but earlier it emerged the Reds had pulled out of the deal and Chelsea are set to step in - tabling a £21m offer.

Pedro, who has played more than 200 games for Barca and has 51 Spain caps, is reported to be travelling to London to complete the transfer.

One-Day Cup live

BBC Local Radio

You can follow all of today's One-Day Cup action here with live commentaries coming from our BBC local radio stations.

Lancashire v Glamorgan - BBC Radio Lancashire and BBC Radio Manchester

Nottinghamshire v Hampshire - BBC Radio Nottingham

Sussex v Essex - BBC Sussex and BBC Essex

Warwickshire v Kent - BBC Coventry and Warwickshire and BBC WM 95.6

Get involved - dodgy predictions

We've been asking for the worst prediction you've made or heard.

Blackburn End: Uncle Jack Walker saying "we don't need Zidane, we've already got Tim Sherwood".

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Jūnia: I can't believe I'm gonna say this out loud, but in early 2011 I said Serena Williams wouldn't reach world number one again.

Scotty Connelly: I said Alexis Sanchez wasn't going to cut it in the Premier League.

Jonathan Moyse: Sadly, since 1990, anyone who has predicted England would win the World Cup!

Well, since 1966 to be more accurate Jonathan...

Hammer heads to Dons

Could be a handy signing for MK Dons this, West Ham's highly-rated Diego Poyet 20-year-old midfielder joins for the remainder of the campaign.

Koeman on transfers

Ronald Koeman was also asked about the story that Southampton could make a move for defender Virgil van Dijk after Celtic's Champions League play-off tie with Malmo is completed.

"We need a fourth centre half in, we are working on it and we need time," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"I still believe we will get one before the transfer window shuts. Sometimes you have to wait to get the best one because clubs are competing in Europe."

The clubs were in contact earlier this summer but the Scottish champions are refusing to listen to offers until their attempt to qualify for the Champions League group stages is resolved.

'A player of great importance'

If you're struggling to read that, here's the Wolves statement in full:

"In response to some media speculation this morning, Benik Afobe was bought from Arsenal in January 2015, and other players arrived in the summer, to strengthen the team for the strongest possible challenge on promotion this season.

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Therefore, neither Benik nor any of Wolves' first team forward players, will be sold this season.

Benik has developed into a player of key importance to Wolves and the club's plans for this campaign. Wolves have previously resisted the opportunity to sell other key first team players in this and other recent transfer windows.

As far as the club is concerned there is no need for any further comments or speculation about this issue."

Wolves 'will not sell Afobe'

Wolves have responded to speculation linking striker Benik Afobe with a move to Premier League club Norwich City by issuing a thundering statement.

Let's just say they are not exactly thrilled by the rumours...

WWFC

One game at a time

Southampton travel to Watford in the Premier League at the weekend. They have just one point from their opening two matches.

Koeman issues warning

@southamptonfc

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman warns his side that FC Midtjylland will prove more difficult opponents than Vitesse Arnhem.

The Saints defeated Vitesse 5-0 over two legs in the last qualifying round of the Europa League.

"They have played Champions League qualification games," adds Koeman. "I have mentioned already the draw is more difficult than Vitesse because they are more physical and don't play so open as a Dutch team does. That makes it difficult."

Saints can surprise in Europe - Wanyama

Southampton can surprise some of Europe's most established clubs and go on a strong run in the Europa League, says Saints midfielder Victor Wanyama.

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"We don't have limits," adds the former Celtic player ahead of Thursday's Europa League play-off first leg with the Danish champions at St Mary's on Thursday.

"It's game by game. Hopefully we are going to do better and see what happens. I believe in our team in our manager I think we can do better."

Southampton news conference

Adam Blackmore

BBC Radio Solent sports editor

First up, some team news ahead of the Europa League play-off round tie with the Danish champions...

Chelsea agree £21m Pedro deal

Olympic champion Greg Rutherford is in Bejing ahead of the World Athletics Championships and is a little out of the loop...

To put you in the picture, here's where we're at...

Chelsea have agreed a deal with Barcelona to sign winger Pedro for a fee of £21m.

The 28-year-old, who was a target for Manchester United, is flying to London to finalise terms on the transfer.

Real Madrid unveil Kovacic

@realmadrid

New Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic says he has joined "the best club in the world" after signing a six-year contract from Inter Milan.

"I have spoken to [Real Madrid coach Rafa] Benitez briefly and I'm delighted to be working with such a great coach. I know Benitez from his time at Napoli." said Kovacic.

Afobe fits Norwich bill

Phil Daley

BBC Norfolk

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Norwich City always play their cards close to their chest when it comes to signings, so don't expect to see them confirming a new striker until they are sure a deal is done.

After missing out on Mattia Destro from Roma (11:24), the latest rumour is Wolves' Benik Afobe. Quick, strong and young fits the bill for manager Alex Neil, who has players which each of those attributes but none with all three.

Welcome to Manchester

Pedro might have had doubts about joining Manchester United but Red Devils midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (right) looks pretty pleased to be there. Here he is with his brother Tobi outside Manchester Town Hall.

Hazlewood to sit out fifth Test

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Australia seamer Josh Hazlewood is to be rested for the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval. Hazlewood, 24, has taken 16 wickets at an impressive average of 25.75 in the series despite the tourists surrendering the urn with a game to spare.

Coach Darren Lehmann has opted to sit him out of the finale due to a heavy recent workload and unspecified 'niggling problems'. Josh has played six Tests since the West Indies tour and the last nine Tests for Australia, as well as playing an important part in the World Cup," said Lehmann.

Glenagles a non-starter at York

Gleneagles will not run in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York on Wednesday, said trainer Aidan O'Brien.

The much-anticipated clash between 2,000 Guineas victor Gleneagles and Derby winner Golden Horn and had been in doubt because of rain at York racecourse.

Thauvin having Newcastle medical

Mick Lowes

BBC Newcastle football commentator

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BBC Newcastle understands Marseille winger Florian Thauvin is currently finalising a medical ahead of signing a five-year deal with Newcastle United for a fee in the region of £13m.

The 22-year-old year old would become Steve McClaren's fourth major signing of the summer, with Remy Cabella joining Marseille on loan as part of the deal, with a view to a permanent transfer to the south of France.

Pedro poised for Chelsea move

Sir Shomes: I truly wonder whether the happy Cesc Fabregas and miserable Victor Valdes had parts to play in the Pedro saga...

A very fine point, Sir Shomes. Might an out of favour Valdes, a team-mate of Pedro's at Barcelona, have been less thsn glowing about life at Old Trafford?

Man Utd target Pedro to Chelsea?

Liverpool duo to face off

Liverpool fighters Callum Smith and Rocky Fielding will put their unbeaten records on the line when they meet for the vacant British super-middleweight title on 7 November.

Smith [17-0, 12KOs] and Fielding [21-0, 12KOs] are two of the biggest prospects in the 168lb division and will battle it out at the Echo Arena for the title vacated by Smith's brother Paul.

'No agreement with any club'

Former Newcastle United and Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton responds to reports that he is close to joining Championship Nottingham Forest...

Happy birthday

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Well done to those of you who worked out that the former Everton player and World Cup winner celebrating his 42nd birthday on Wednesday is Marco Materazzi. The Italian was, of course, the man headbutted by Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final.

Aside from Materazzi, Hull's former Newcastle defender Ryan Taylor is 31, two-time Ryder Cup player Gordon Brand Jnr is 57 and Mary Joe Fernandez, a former doubles champion at the Australian and French Opens, is 44.

Pistorius release in doubt?

The head of South Africa's Department of Justice could "intervene" to prevent Oscar Pistorius' early release from prison.

Speaking just two days before the Olympic athlete is expected to leave jail and move to house arrest, the department said Justice Minister Michael Masutha is checking to see if the decision by a parole board in June was correct and "in compliance with the law".

"He [Masutha] is seeking legal opinion on whether he is empowered by law to intervene if necessary," the department said.

Van Dijk one of four in Southampton's sights

Richard Winton

BBC Sport

Southampton could make a move for defender Virgil van Dijk after Celtic's Champions League play-off tie with Malmo is completed.

SNS

The clubs were in contact earlier this summer but the Scottish champions are refusing to entertain offers until their attempt to qualify for the group stages is resolved.

Dutchman Van Dijk, 24, heads a list of four centre backs Southampton are monitoring - a list which also includes Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly - and would cost the Premier League club a reported £12m.

Get involved - dodgy predicitions

Back to that question we were asking earlier - what's the worst prediction you've heard/made?

Adam Terris: Upon a win again Kilmarnock, my friend's dad predicted Hibs were on the verge of a golden era. We got relegated that season

D. P. Hodgson: After a couple of promising performances for Man City, I started referring to Georgios Samaras as the 'New Bergkamp'.

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Richard: I said Luiz Suarez wouldn't amount to much at Liverpool. Hey, look, I'm an Evertonian ok.

Andy Read: Every time a Liverpool fan says the immortal 'This is our year'.

Anderson 'gutted' to miss Oval Test

More from England captain Alastair Cook after bowler James Anderson was ruled out [see 12:20 entry] of the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia at the Oval, which starts on Thursday.

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"Unfortunately he's not going to make it," Cook said. "He's gutted about it. He's made really good progress from where he was at Edgbaston but this is a week or so too soon.

"He bowled in the nets yesterday but at about 60-70 per cent and that's not how you go into a game. He's really gutted. The medical team have been brilliant with him but he's still about a week away."

Options for Pulis

Steve Hermon

BBC WM Sport

Just further on Saido Berahino, manager Tony Pulis won't want an unhappy player unsettling his squad and he has bolstered his striking options this summer with the signing of Rickie Lambert and the record capture of Salomon Rondon, perhaps with a view to preparing for life without the England Under 21 International.

Money talks

Rob Gurney

BBC WM Sport

West Bromwich Albion rejecting Tottenham's initial overtures for Saido Berahino is just the opening salvo in what could become a protracted saga in the closing weeks of the transfer window.

There are fewer more determined chairmen in the game than Jeremy Peace and Daniel Levy, so it'll be really interesting to see who wins this particular battle of wills.

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Should Spurs come back with an offer in excess of £20m - as has been reported - then that will be very difficult to refuse.

Furthermore, by saying they don't want to sell, Peace is leaving the ball in Berahino's court. If the striker indicates he wants to go, then that will accelerate the process.

Either way, this whole scenario still has some distance to run.

Spurs Berahino chase still on

The Evening Standard is reporting that Tottenham are planning to lodge a second bid of £22m for West Brom striker Saido Berahino.

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The Baggies released a statement on their website yesterday saying they had rejected an offer from Spurs - understood to be in the region of £15m - and claiming the 22-year-old is not for sale.

Tottenham are prepared to trreble Berahino's £15,000-a-week wage, according to the Standard.

World Athletics Championship

This is the BBC Sport team which will present unrivalled coverage of the World Athletics Championships which take place from 22-30 August in Beijing.

BBC Sport

They also look like they may make a decent band. Perhaps they could perform GB's entry for next year's Eurovision Song Contest...

But back to the athletics. BBC TV, radio and online will cover every event, showing 70 hours of action across BBC One and BBC Two and an hour-long evening highlights show. Do not miss it.

Coverage begins with a World Athletics Championships: A Beijing Special on BBC Two on Friday, 21 August at 19:00 BST

Man Utd target Pedro to Chelsea?

Inler set for debut

Leicester have confirmed that Inler will be available to make his debut on Saturday, when the Foxes host Tottenham aiming to make it three wins from three.

Where does Inler fit in?

Jason Bourne

BBC Radio Leicester

Leicester City's capture of Gokhan Inler could be the final piece of Claudio Ranieri's jigsaw before the closure of the transfer window next month.

LCFC

The Italian head coach has gone on record stating he wanted a midfielder to replace Esteban Cambiasso and the Swiss international looks like he's his man.

Before the announcement, Ranieri said: "Inler is a good player with a good career. He's another leader, another central midfielder who can play very well with the ball."

But who will Inler replace in a City side that have won their first two Premier League fixtures?

Pique hit with ban

Barcelona centre back Gerard Pique has been banned for four matches after he was sent off for insulting a linesman in Monday's Spanish Super Cup second leg against Athletic Bilbao.

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Barca can appeal and may get the sanction reduced, but if that fails the Spain international will miss the the club's opening four La Liga matches, including Sunday's trip to play Bilbao and the game at Atletico Madrid on 12 September.

Pique apologised for his dismissal via his Twitter account on Tuesday, but denied using insulting language.

Cullen gets Leinster job

Leo Cullen has been appointed as the new Leinster coach on a two-year deal.

Former Ireland international Cullen succeeds Matt O'Connor who departed from the job after the Irish province's disappointing campaign last season.

Inpho

Cullen, 37, was forwards coach during the last year of O'Connor's reign and was installed at interim coach after the Australian's exit in May.

The new Leinster coach, who won 32 Ireland caps, captained the province to their three Heineken Cup triumphs.

Get Involved - Man Utd out of Pedro race

Myles: He might be good, but not bothered #MUFC aren't buying Pedro. Rather get a no. 9 in. Wingers: Depay, Young, Januzaj, Valencia.

Steven Gilroy: Very happy with our options out wide. Depay, Januzaj, Mata, Young and Valencia. We need a striker not another winger.

Jade Babb: #mufc #ridiculous won't pay £30mil for Pedro, here comes 4th place again.

Leicester sign Inler

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Inler has more than 80 caps for Switzerland and has played for his country at two World Cups and Euro 2008.

Foxes boss Claudio Ranieri has been chasing a new midfielder after failing to persuade Esteban Cambiasso to stay at the club, and has already signed N'Golo Kante from Caen to beef up his options.

BreakingLeicester sign Inler

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Leicester have confirmed they have signed Napoli midfielder Gokhan Inler.

The 31-year-old, who will cost the Foxes a reported £3m, signed for Napoli from Udinese in 2011.

All the best

Essien's influence on new Chelsea signing

New Chelsea defender Baba Rahman says Michael Essien helped influence his decision to join the club. Essien, 32, won two league titles, four FA Cups, one Champions League and one League Cup during nine years at the club.

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Rahman, who has joined from Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, is the third Ghanaian to sign for Chelsea following Essien and Christian Atsu.

"Yes, I watched him [Essien] whenever I could. In Ghana they only showed the Premier League at that time so I was always watching him, he was a great player for Chelsea," Rahman, 21, tells Chelsea's website.

Get Involved - Man Utd out of Pedro race

A Halpern: One mistake is ok...this many? Ed Woodward should go back to banking. It doesn't matter whether Pedro is right for us or not.

John Davies: Let's hope they have something special to make up for Pedro, Bale? Muller? Ibra?

Abdullah Ibrahim: Man Utd are too slow in the transfer market which give their rivals the opportunity to beat them to players.

BreakingAnderson out of Oval Test

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England bowler Jimmy Anderson will not play in the final Ashes Test of the summer, which starts at the Oval on Thursday. Anderson has not recovered from the side strain that ruled him out of the last Test against Australia at Trent Bridge.

Man Utd target Pedro to Chelsea?

Get Involved - Man Utd out of Pedro race

David Hilton: Can't say I'm too bothered about #MUFC not signing Pedro, don't think he was right for us. Would much rather we sign Muller.

Esther Gore: More failings again Man Utd, way too slow on transfers.

Stuie Neale: Man Utd now know what it feels like to miss out on transfers.

Man Utd target Pedro to Chelsea?

Barton for Forest?

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From Pedro to ... Joey Barton, obviously.

The former QPR, Manchester City and Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton, 32, is poised to sign for Nottingham Forest on a long-term deal, the Sun is reporting.

'Man Utd say Chelsea will sign Pedro'

More on reports Pedro is heading for Chelsea - instead of Manchester United. Here's some information from the Independent's chief sports writer...

Pedro flies in after £20m Chelsea bid

Ben Smith

BBC Sport

Just spoken to a contact at Barcelona. I'm told Pedro boarded a plane at 11:30 local time (10:30 BST) to fly to London to finalise his move to Chelsea. The bid from Chelsea is 28m euros (£19.7m) plus a further 2m euros (£1.4m) in add ons.

Pedro - what the papers say

Why does Pedro seem likely to end up at Chelsea rather than Man United? here's what some of the papers are saying.

Daily Mail: "Pedro was understood to be unimpressed by United's pursuit after failing to be convinced that they really wanted him to join."

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The Guardian: "United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward flew to Spain earlier this week and had been confident a deal would be concluded once the precise structure of the payments over a £22m move had been agreed."

Daily Express: "Manchester City have also been linked with Pedro, but he looks poised to move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho made a dramatic late hijacking for the forward last night."

Man Utd target Pedro to Chelsea?

Let us know your thoughts at #bbcsportsday

Man Utd target Pedro to Chelsea?

Spanish paper Marca are saying that Chelsea and Barca agreed a fee late on Tuesday of €28m plus another €2m in add-ons, bettering the offer of €25m plus €5m from United.

AS are reporting that talks between United and Barca collapsed over the amount and form of payment.

Man Utd drop Pedro interest

David Ornstein

BBC Sport

BBC Sport can confirm that Manchester United are no longer interested in signing Pedro.

Man Utd target Pedro to Chelsea?

Phil McNulty

BBC chief football writer

So it now looks like Manchester United's lengthy pursuit of Barcelona's Pedro will end in the player moving to Chelsea. He will be a fine addition for Jose Mourinho as he is a player loved at the Nou Camp even among the superstars such as Lionel Messi.

Big blow for Manchester United and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who had been trying to close out a deal only to see Chelsea move in, with Pedro now looking certain to end up at Stamford Bridge.

Why Pedro's a wanted man

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BreakingMan Utd target Pedro to Chelsea?

David Ornstein

BBC Sport

Several media organisations are reporting that Manchester United are no longer in contention to sign Barcelona winger Pedro and that he is instead due in London today for a medical and to sign for Chelsea.

I understand Chelsea are keen to complete the deal.

Reading between the lines it seems more advanced than that, but Chelsea at this stage are declining to comment.