Sportsday: Suarez appeal verdict - as it happened

1. Luis Suarez four-month playing ban upheld
2. Barcelona striker cleared to train and play in friendlies for club & country
3. Shane Long and Florin Gardos complete moves to Southampton
4. Celtic stay in Champions League as Legia Warsaw lose expulsion appeal
5. Swansea agree a deal for Napoli defender Federico Fernandez
6. England's Stuart Broad set to be fit for fifth Test

That is all on what has been a busy Sportsday. We have brought you transfers, news conferences and the outcome and subsequent reaction to Luis Suarez's appeal verdict.

He has been given the green light to train and will join his Barcelona team-mates tomorrow. Want to find out what he looks like in a Barca shirt? Join us tomorrow.

Football

Gillingham manager Peter Taylor expects goalkeeper Stuart Nelsonto be out for at least two months.

The 32-year-old, who was an ever-present for the Gills last season, injured ligaments in his thumb on the opening day of the new campaign.

Horse Racing

BBC

BBC Sport's Jamie Lillywhite at Fontwell Park: "No luck for Champion jockey AP McCoy in race two at Fontwell, where the heavy downpours have mercifully relented. McCoy won the first race easily but pulled up on the grey Mr Wiseman in the 17:40 BST, won by seven lengths by Hollow Penny, ridden by Richard Johnson.

The biter bit - or has striker got off lightly?

Luis Suarez's partially successful appeal will disappoint some but the result seems a sensible solution to most observers, writes Dan Roan.

Read more from the BBC's chief sport correspondent here.

Horse Racing

BBC

BBC Sport's Jamie Lillywhite at Fontwell Park: "The legendary AP McCoy has won the Grand National, Gold Cup, Champion Chase and Champion Hurdle to name but a few but he can now add the Sara Tiara Hat Company Novices' Hurdle at Fontwell Park to his collection. McCoy's mount My Direction, the 5-6 favourite, won by a good five lengths in the opening race at the annual Ladies Evening."

Premier League responds after FSF meeting

The Premier League releases a statement after meeting with a Football Supporters' Federation today.

The FSF led a march on the Premier League's headquarters to highlight the high price of tickets.

"The PL today met a representative group from the supporters who demonstrated outside our office," reads the statement. "We had a constructive discussion that identified areas where we can continue to meet with the Football Supporters' Federation."

Kelly makes Palace move

A busy day for transfers as Crystal Palace complete the signing of defender Martin Kelly joins from Liverpool on a three-year deal.

Football

Former Hull City striker Shane Long, who signed for Southampton today, on Twitter: "Looking forward to an exciting new challenge Southampton. Great club with a great history. Can't wait to get going now."

European Athletic Championships

Live video and text coverage is under way as Britain seek to add to their medal haul on day three of the European Championships in Zurich.

Football

Ipswich Town owner Marcus Evans concedes he thought reaching the Premier League would be straightforward when he bought the club.

Town are in their seventh full season under Evans and have not reached the Championship play-offs in that time.

In a rare and exclusive interview with BBC Radio Suffolk, the media-shy businessman admitted that he was preparing for immediate success. He says: "When I first bought the club I did expect it to happen far easier."

Gardos signs for Saints

@SouthamptonFC

Florin Gardos has not just been linked [see previous entry], he has only gone and signed for Southampton.

The former Steaua Bucharest defender signs a four-year deal.

Vlaar would be perfect addition - Koeman

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Southampton boss Ronald Koeman admits he would "really like" to take Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar to St Mary's, Metro reports.

"At the last World Cup, Vlaar became one of the best defenders at the tournament," Koeman said. "He's a perfect addition to every group and a real leader. I would really like to have him at Southampton."

Koeman is looking for a new centre-back after Dejan Lovren moved to Liverpool for £25m. Steaua Bucharest's Florin Gardos has also been linked with a move to Southampton.

Clarets ready for Premier League - Dyche

Burnley boss Sean Dyche is confident the Clarets are ready for the Premier League.

The Lancashire side play Chelsea at home on Monday, and Dyche says: "We go into the Premier League understanding the challenges and some of the powerful clubs and players that are out there, but we want to be relentless in our attitude and thinking towards games.

"We do take one game at a time, and we go into the season in a good frame of mind."

Could Pulis quit Palace?

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Tony Pulis is unhappy at the lack of transfer funds at his disposal at Crystal Palace and could leave the club before the start of the season, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Last season's Premier League Manager of the Year has reportedly held showdown talks with the Palace board, and his future at the helm of the London club is said to be "increasingly uncertain".

So far this summer, Palace have signed four players - Martin Kelly, Fraizer Campbell, Chris Kettings and Brede Hangeland. But the latter two were acquired on free transfers, and Pulis is apparently frustrated at missing out on key targets Gylfi Sigurdsson and Steven Caulker.

Suarez to start training on Friday

Luis Suarez will start training with Barcelona on Friday and will be presented to the club's fans on Monday, the Spanish giants confirm.

In a statement on their official website, Barcelona say: "Following the announcement of the verdict by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the appeal against the sanction imposed on Luis Suarez by Fifa, Barcelona hereby announces that the player will join the first team's training session scheduled for tomorrow Friday at 9.30 AM CET in the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

"Likewise, the public presentation of Suarez as a new FC Barcelona player will be held on Monday at the Camp Nou, on the occasion of the Joan Gamper Trophy match."

Villans strikers near injury return

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Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert says injured strike duo Christian Benteke and Libor Kozak could be back in action "in a matter of weeks".

Belgium international Benteke suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in training in April, which ruled him out of the rest of the season, including the World Cup.

Czech striker Kozak broke his leg in training in January.

Koeman coos over Long

More on Shane Long's move from Hull City to Southampton.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman tells the club's website: "Shane is a very good player. As a striker, he's different to Graziano Pelle, which is something we needed.

"He brings ambition and a great mentality. He's always running and always working, and he's very down-to-earth. He's a great person, and we need that type of player."

Get Involved

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You've been letting us know about your favourite #openingdaymoment on Twitter:

Mansoor Ayub: How can you forget Liverpool v Stoke last season. A Sturridge goal and THAT penalty save by Mignolet. Amazing debut.

Fred Holker: Blackpool's emphatic entrance to the Prem with a 4-0 win away at Wigan. Blackpool were everyone's 2nd favourite team.

Dominic Dietrich: Andy Todd's bullet header equalizer against Pompey for Derby just one minute after Utaka put Pompey in the lead!

McCoy in action at Fontwell

BBC Sport's Jamie Lillywhite at Fontwell Park: "AP McCoy at Fontwell Park's beautiful figure of eight track in the heart of West Sussex, a bevvy of beauties in the best dressed lady competition with £1,000 of vouchers to be won and...entertainment from er...Luke Friend.. well two out of three isn't bad.

"McCoy, champion jump jockey a record 19 times, had a nasty fall here last year but he has five rides tonight, where the going is good, good to firm in places, the weather is decidedly mixed, we have had some hefty showers in amongst the sunshine, and we get underway at 17:10 BST for the first of seven races."

Luis Suarez appeal verdict

More now on today's big story, the upholding of Luis Suarez's four-month ban from competitive football.

Professional footballers' union Fifpro says it's disappointed that the ban was not reduced.

"Fifpro remains of the view that the current sanctions are disproportionate in relation to his violation of the FIFA Disciplinary Code," the union says in a statement.

"Fifpro regrets that Cas has not decided to reduce the length of both bans in exchange for an obligation for Suarez to receive treatment."

Hales storm finally blows over

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Nottinghamshire's Alex Hales is finally dismissed after an absolutely blistering innings against Middlesex in the Royal London One-Day Cup at Lord's.

The opener made 141 off 96 deliveries before perishing to Dawid Malan.

He's put Notts in a mighty strong positon though - they're currently 217-1 after 31 overs.

Done deal

@SouthamptonFC

Southampton have completed the signing of Hull City striker Shane Long on a four-year deal, the South coast club have announced on their Twitter account.

No official word yet on the fee for that one, but £12m is the figure that's been widely reported.

Conte named Italy boss

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Former Juventus manager Antonio Conte has been named the new coach of the Italian national team, according to reports in Italy.

Conte is reported to have signed a contract worth 3m euros a year - which would make the second highest paid manager in international football, after Russia coach Fabio Capello.

Former Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli resigned after a disappointing World Cup in Brazil.

Luis Suarez appeal verdict

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

"CAS Secretary General says Luis Suarez can play friendlies for both club and country following today's decision."

This means Luis Suarez could make his Barcelona debut in Monday's Joan Gamper Trophy match against Club Leon, because it is not classed as a competitive game.

Kelly seals Eagles move

Liverpool defender Martin Kelly on Twitter: "Now to start a new chapter of my football career at Crystal Palace, a great club with unbelievable fans, excited already for the weekend. I would like to thank all the managers at Liverpool for making my wish from the age of seven come true, playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world."

Kane commits

@SpursOfficial

Tottenham confirm forward Harry Kane signs a new contract, committing his future to the club until 2019.

England women rebuild

England women are making a decent fist of their second innings against India in their one-off Test at Wormsley.

England, who trailed by 22 runs on the first innings, are 73-3 at tea. Lauren Winfield made 35, while captain Charlotte Edwards is unbeaten at the crease on 20.

Sergio cooks up a treat

@aguerosergiokun

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is fighting to be fit for the season ahead and could his diet play a key part? He tweets the above picture with the words: "With my friend!! El chef !! The Manchester City chef."

Ronaldo, Robben and Neuer in running for Uefa award

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Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben and Cristiano Ronaldo have been named as the final three nominees for the Uefa Best Player in Europe award.

Angel Di Maria, Diego Costa, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi, Philipp Lahm, James Rodriguez and Thomas Muller were on the original shortlist, but did not receive enough votes from a jury of European journalists to progress to the final selection.

The prize was inaugurated in 2011 by Uefa. Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery took home the trophy last season.

Legia Warsaw appeal

Reeb adds on Sky Sports that Legia Warsaw would be able to launch an expedited appeal to Cas against their expulsion from the Champions League, in order to have their case before Celtic play in the Champions League play-off round in their stead, but that the Polish club's legal need to act "in a matter of hours" to take advantage of that process.

Suarez appeal verdict

Cas secretary general Matthieu Reeb tells Sky Sports that the Fifa ban on Luis Suarez "went a little too far".

He says the panel took the view that excluding him from all football activity would effectively mean that he missed more than four months, and so they decided to allow him to train so that he is ready to play again as soon as his ban comes to an end on October 25.

"I hope he understands that it was a serious sanction and that he will never try this again," Reeb adds.

Get involved

John McEnerney: Suarez will be up before the CAS again, serial offender! A leopard doesn't change its spots, he's FCB problem now!

Jon Evans: I'd have thought Suarez would prefer the ban to take place in friendlies than tournaments? Strange thing to be happy about.

Swans close on Fernandez

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Swansea are close to sealing a deal for Napoli defender Federico Fernandez,BBC Wales are reporting.

The Welsh club, who see Fernandez as a replacement for the recently departed Chico Flores, have had a bid in the region of £7m accepted by the Italian club.

But the 25-year-old, who played for Argentina in this summer's World Cup, is unlikely to be available for Saturday's Premier League game against Manchester United.

Pochettino quiet on Schneiderlin

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has been speaking in his news conference ahead of this weekend's Premier League opener against West Ham.

He is asked about a potential move for midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who plays for Pochettino's former club Southampton: "I don't want to speak about a player at another club.

"We have an unbelievable squad. The club had a big investment last season. The most important thing is to develop our players."

Martinez suffers injury blow

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Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez will miss much of the season after tearing knee ligaments in the German Super Cup match against Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern said on its website that the Spaniard would be sidelined for "at least the rest of the year".

Martinez said he was "very sad", but promised to return "even stronger".

Vote Result: Opening Day Moments

It remains one of his most spectacular goals, and 37% of Sportsday readers say David Beckham's incredible lob against Wimbledon in 1996 is the best opening day moment in the Premier League.

Alan Hansen's famous claim on Match of the Day that "You can't win anything with kids" takes second, while Jurgen Klinsmann's diving celebration for Tottenham in 1994 comes third.

Gabriel Agbonlahor's seven-minute hat-trick v Manchester City in 2008 is fourth, ahead of Chelsea's 6-0 demolition of West Brom in 2010.

Van Buyten retires

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Belgian defender Daniel van Buyten has announced his retirement from all football at the age of 36.

The centre-back's contract at Bayern Munich expired at the end of last season, and despite an offer from Belgian club Anderlecht, he has decided to call it a day.

"When I commit to a project, I do so 100 per cent," van Buyten said. "My body tells me it isn't possible and I do not want to fall short of fulfilling the expectations of a club like Anderlecht."

Van Buyten won 84 international caps for Belgium and played in the 2002 and 2014 World Cups.

Luis Suarez appeal verdict

Luis Suarez will definitely miss the following La Liga games for Barcelona as a result of his playing ban: Elche (H), Villarreal (A), Bilbao (H), Levante (A), Malaga (A), Granada (H), Rayo Vallecano (A), Eibar (H).

Luis Suarez appeal verdict

Barcelona play in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Monday against Mexican side Club Leon and, according to reports in Spain, Luis Suarez could play in the fixture because it is not classed as a competitive game.

Luis Suarez appeal verdict

Cas's official statement says that the Fifa ban from "all football-related activity" was "excessive" and "not appropriate", in the judgement of the appeals panel.

According to Suarez's legal team, the new terms of the suspension will also allow the striker to play in friendly matches.

That could free him to play Uruguay's upcoming internationals against Japan and South Korea in September and Saudi Arabia in October.

Get involved

Allan McDevitt: Correct decision by CAS. Ban upheld and Luis Suarez should be allowed to train with team.

Paul Lummis: Glad the Suarez ban wasn't overturned, though he should have got a longer ban to begin with...

Legia Warsaw appeal

Legia Warsaw owner Dariusz Mioduski tweets: "Unfortunately for now football is not winning. We are going to CAS."

Luis Suarez appeal verdict

Cas says Fifa's four-month ban is "generally proportionate".

Just a reminder of how that upheld ban will affect Luis Suarez's participation in the new season. The Barcelona striker will not be able to play in any official matches until October 26.

The Uruguayan will miss nine La Liga games and three Champions League group-stage matches. He will return on the weekend of the Clasico fixture against Real Madrid.

It seems as though he will now be able to be unveiled officially as a Barcelona player at the Nou Camp, though.

Luis Suarez appeal verdict

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker: "Luis Suarez's appeal against a 4 month ban has failed. He is though, sensibly i think, now allowed to train with the team."

Luis Suarez appeal verdict

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

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"We will know for sure in the next few days and weeks, but this could be the end of the line for Luis Suarez in terms of having to serve the four-month ban."

Legia Warsaw appeal

Legia Warsaw have failed in their appeal against their Champions League expulsion for fielding an ineligible player against Celtic.

The Polish side brought on the suspended Bartosz Bereszynski with two minutes to go in the second leg of their 6-1 aggregate win over the Scottish champions.

Legia say they intend to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Luis Suarez appeal verdict

Here's the reaction of Luis Suarez's legal team:

"Luis Suarez has successfully appealed to Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne against Fifa's decision to ban him from all football-related activity for four months for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup.

"The player remains ineligible to play in official matches during that period, and his nine-match international ban remains in place, but Suarez's legal team of Irish barrister David Casserly, Brazilian lawyer Daniel Cravo and Spanish firm Pintó Ruiz y Del Valle, successfully argued that Fifa had misapplied its own rules when considering the case and the sanction it imposed was disproportionate.

"As a result, Suarez is now permitted to train and attend matches with his Barcelona teammates in preparation for the new season.

"The full details of the court's decision are not yet known, but will be published in the coming weeks. The urgent appeal was dealt with by the Cas in an expedited arbitration, with a hearing held last Friday. Although there is a possibility to appeal Cas decisions to the Swiss Supreme Court, the grounds for appeal are very restricted."

BreakingBREAKING NEWS

The Court of Arbitration for Sport upholds Luis Suarez's four-month playing ban but clears the Barcelona striker to train.

Luis Suarez appeal verdict

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

"Suarez appeal decision over punishment for biting Chiellini due at 14:00 BST. Such is the interest the Cas website appears to have crashed."

Suarez - how the controversy unfolded

Now, as the world waits for the result of Suarez's final appeal, BBC sports correspondent Dan Roan says he expects the controversial episode to take another twist.

"Don't be too surprised later today if the Court of Arbitration for Sport reduces FIFA's 4 month worldwide ban they hit Luis Suarez with for biting Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup," Dan says.

"Effectively, Suarez, Barcelona and the Uruguay FA have argued to Cas that Fifa's extension of the ban to apply to domestic matches was disproportionate. Fifa CAN apply such bans to club football, but its own rules suggest this is for exceptional off-field offences concerning the integrity of the game, like doping or match-fixing.

"Barcelona may well have their star signing available much sooner than they will have expected. This will cause consternation, especially in Liverpool, where many will wonder if the club should have received more money for their ex-striker, or even hung on to him and gone to Cas themselves!"

Suarez - how the controversy unfolded

The saga took its next turn on July 11, when it was announced that Suarez had agreed a £75m transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona. He became the third most expensive footballer of all time.

His ban did not prevent him from moving to another club, but the terms of the punishment - whereby Suarez is not allowed to enter a football stadium - did stop Barcelona from unveiling their new striker officially at the Camp Nou, forcing the club to release a doctored picture of Suarez wearing the Barcelona shirt.

Suarez's lawyers then secured a date for a final appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. His legal team argue that the four-month ban from all football activity breaches the player's "fundamental rights", and that the punishment should be limited to Suarez's participation in internationals.

Suarez - how the controversy unfolded

After the bite, Fifa moved to act quickly, banning Suarez for nine international games - ending his participation in the World Cup - and also handing down a four-month suspension from "all football-related activity". It was the most severe punishment ever given at a World Cup.

Uruguay immediately appealed the decision, and coach Oscar Tabarez stood down from two Fifa posts in protest at the decision. However, the initial appeal was rejected by Fifa.

Six days after the incident, Suarez admitted the bite and apologised to Chiellini via his website, vowing never to repeat the incident. Chiellini responded, accepting the apology and saying that he felt Suarez's ban should be reduced.

Suarez - how the controversy unfolded

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As we look ahead to the verdict on Luis Suarez's appeal (expected at 14:00 BST), it's worth having a quick recap of how we got to this point.

The trouble started in the 80th minute of Uruguay's World Cup group game with Italy, when Suarez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder.

Suarez received no punishment on the field as the referee did not witness the incident, but the bite generated widespread outrage as it was the third such misdemeanour of Suarez's career. He previously received a seven-match ban for biting PSV's Otman Bakkal while playing for Ajax in November 2010, and then a ten-game suspension for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic while a Liverpool player in April 2013.

After the match, Suarez protested his innocence, saying he had lost his balance and fallen on Chiellini.

Fans' federation stage ticket-price march

The_FSF

The Football Supporters Federation is leading a march on the Premier League's headquarters to highlight the high price of match tickets.

An FSF delegation will meet with League chief executive Richard Scudamore in London to express concern at the financial demands placed on fans.

"The Premier League has money coming out of its ears through rights deals," says FSF chairman Malcolm Clarke.

Cameras in dressing rooms?

Valencia boss Nuno Santo thinks clubs' dressing rooms should be open to TV cameras as they are in American sports.

Some FA Cup games in England have cameras in the changing rooms but it does not happen in the Premier League, La Liga or Champions League.

"I think eventually it will happen," Nuno tells BBC World Football Show. "It's part of the sport. It's part of the show. Why not? It will be a big challenge to all of us. There are no secrets in football."

Sri Lanka struggle

Pakistan end Day 1 of the the second Test against Sri Lanka marginally on top after an excellent fightback by their bowlers in Colombo. The hosts close on 261-8, with Angelo Mathews out to the final ball of the day.

Sri Lanka were cruising on 144-1, but four wickets from Junaid Khan and three from Wahab Riaz have left the match intriguingly poised. Mahela Jayawardene was out for 4 in his final Test match.

Burnley news conference

Burnley are holding their first news conference since returning to the Premier League. We will have Sean Dyche's quotes in Sportsday.

Vote: Opening Day Moments

With less than 48 hours until the new Premier League season gets under way, we want you to vote on some of the greatest opening day moments.

Watch the video and then cast your voting section on the this page. The vote will close at 14:00 BST and we'll bring you the result in this page shortly after. Full terms and conditions can be found here.

You can also tell us your own personal favourites on Facebook, Google+ and by tweeting us, using #OpeningDayMoment

Lopez's letter to Real fans

Goalkeeper Diego Lopez left Real Madrid for AC Milan earlier this week, and he penned a lovely open letter to Real fans.

He writes: "32 years ago I was born in a small village in the province of Lugo, Paradela. I dreamed about one day becoming a footballer, but I never imagined that I would one day play for my club, that of my heart, Real Madrid...I leave happy, because I have given my all. My only objective was to work day upon day with respect, dedication and to passionately defend the values of the best club in the world.

"For all of this I can say with great pride that every minute I spent with Real Madrid was like a gift sent from the heavens." Read the full letter on the Real Madrid website.

Broad on track for fifth Test

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Stuart Broad wore a splint on his broken nose as he took part in England practice on the eve of the fifth Test against India at The Oval.

Broad, 28, whose nose was broken during England's victory at Old Trafford, was absent from Wednesday's afternoon nets but returned to action on Thursday.

"I don't think it will affect his performance at all," says England captain Alastair Cook. "It is great news Broady has come through that blow, he likes playing in big games and this is a big game."

Reuters

Long offer too good - Bruce

Hull City manager Steve Bruce says Southampton's £12m bid for striker Shane Long was too good to turn down.

According to the Hull Daily Mail, Southampton's initial bid was close to the £7m Hull paid to sign the 27-year-old striker from West Bromwich Albion in January, but when that was rejected the offer rose to £9m and then on to the figure which was accepted by the club on Tuesday night.

"We'd not been looking to sell Shane but it's a fantastic offer and we've decided to accept it," Bruce tells the newspaper. "The challenge is always to become bigger and better and this money will be put towards strengthening again. Whether you are Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, everyone in football has got their price. Myself and the owners didn't want to lose Shane but we accept it's a very good offer, especially when you consider what we paid in January. I've got no issues."

Buckley a Black Cat

@SunderlandAFC

Sunderland complete the signing of winger Will Buckley from Brighton on a three-year contract.

Bjorn leads in Denmark

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Denmark's Thomas Bjorn makes a very strong start at the Made in Denmark tournament in Aalborg.

The 43-year-old currently shares the first-round clubhouse lead with Chile's Felipe Aguilar on five under.

A good result for the Dane in this event would all but assure him of an automatic place in Europe's Ryder Cup team.

The busiest man in football?

Managers often speak about wanting to build a football club from the ground up, but one boss taking charge of a side in the FA Cup this weekend took it a step further...

Jarrowroofing

Richie McLoughlin is manager, founder, chairman, treasurer and groundsman at Jarrow Roofing Boldon Community Association FC, positions he has held since 1987...

jarrowroofing

McLoughlin built the ground from scratch, including stands, dugout and clubhouse, using material from an old mining pit. Read more about his story here.

jarrow roofing

Does your club have an interesting FA Cup story to tell? Let us know on social media using #myfacupstory

England fight back

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A strong fightback from England women in their one-off Test against India as they dismiss the tourists for 114. Jenny Gunn finishes with 5-19, while Kate Cross mops up the tail to take 3-29.

England still have plenty of work to do though as they only made 92 in their first innings, so they trail by 22 runs heading into the second part of the match.

Pilkington closes in on Cardiff move

Norwich winger Anthony Pilkington is having a medical at Cardiff before moving to the Championship side.

Pilkington, who scored 15 goals in 62 starts for the Canaries, could make his debut against his former club Huddersfield on Saturday 16 August.

Cardiff are also understood to be interested in Reading centre-back Sean Morrison.

Burnell sixth in 10km

Disappointment for Great Britain's Jack Burnell in the 10km open-water event at the European Swimming Championships as he can only finish sixth.

Ferry Weertman of the Netherlands takes gold, with defending champion Thomas Lurz of Germany second.

Question of Sport teaser

Here is today's #QSTeaser from Question of Sport: Which six current Championship clubs have never played in the Premier League?

Send your answers to #QSTeaser and we will reveal the six around 14:00 BST.

Barthau signs for Broncos

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London Broncos have signed French international half-back William Barthau from Catalan Dragons on a two-year contract.

"I'm pleased we've secured William as he will fit into one of our key positions on the field," said Broncos coach Joey Grima.

Arsenal keen on Mbia

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Arsenal are weighing up a surprise move for former QPR midfielder Stephane Mbia, the Daily Star reports.

The 28-year-old midfielder is available on a free transfer after being released by the Hoops. He impressed during a loan spell at Sevilla last season, helping the Spanish club to win the Europa League.

Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace are also said to be interested in the Cameroonian.

Get involved

Barry Dunne: Tony Cottee's hat-trick for Everton against Newcastle in 1988. I thought he'd go on to score over 30 goals that season.

Get Involved

Don't forget to keep letting us know about your favourite #openingdaymoment on Twitter. Whether it's a blockbuster start or a first-day mauling, we want to hear from you about the moment that sticks in your mind from opening days gone by.

Here are a selection of your favourites so far:

Phil Slattery: Zola's chip to Poyet & him connecting with a jumping mid-air volley against Sunderland in 1999/00

Barry Dunne: Tony Cottee's hat-trick for Everton against Newcastle in 1988. I thought he'd go on to score over 30 goals that season.

Dublin Journos: Crespo's wonder strike to win it for Chelsea against Wigan

Brits ease through

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It's been an excellent morning for Great Britain's sprinters at the European Athletics Championships in Zurich. The three-strong 200m contingent of Adam Gemili, James Ellington and Danny Talbot have all cruised through their heats.

Gemili was the fastest of all the qualifiers, just ahead of France's Christophe Lemaitre, strolling his heat in a time of 20.39 secs.

The semi-finals take place this evening.

Swans duo head to Qatar

Defender Chico Flores and midfielder Pablo Hernandez leave Swansea for moves to to Qatar, joining Lekhwiya and Al-Arabi respectively.

Flores' move means he will be reunited with former Swansea boss Michael Laudrup, who is in charge of Lekhwiya.

Abidal bids adieu to Les Bleus

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Defender Eric Abidal has become the latest French player to announce his retirement from international duty.

"It's over," the 34-year-old said. "I have not held a press conference or said anything. I am saying it for the first time today but I am more than certain that I will no longer join the national team."

Abidal, who underwent a liver transplant in 2012, won 67 caps but was left out of the 2014 World Cup squad.

It's been a bad week for France manager Didier Deschamps, who has already seen midfielders Samir Nasri and Franck Ribery turn their back on Les Blues.

Spiderman strikes in Supercup win

As goal-scoring celebrations go, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's was pretty special...

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...the Borussia Dortmund striker headed in his side's second goal in Wednesday's German Supercup win against Bayern Munich...

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...Dortmund won the game 2-0, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan scoring the first.

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Atletico chase Schurrle

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Chelsea winger Andre Schurrle could be set for a move to Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, according to the Daily Mail.

The Mail reports that the two clubs have opened talks, with World Cup winner Schurrle having failed to command a regular starting place at Stamford Bridge last season.

Don't bet on this one happening though, as Jose Mourinho would apparently prefer to sell another foreign player rather than the versatile German.

Lavezzi to Liverpool?

Forward Ezequiel Lavezzi turns down a new contract at Paris St-Germain opening up the possibility of a move to Liverpool,reports The Metro.

Lavezzi has struggled to hold down a regular slot in the PSG team since his arrival from Napoli, but amid growing speculation over his future he was offered a new contract this week.

But reports say that Lavezzi's agent Alejandro Mazzoni turned it down during a meeting in Paris and now an angry PSG are ready to offload him, with Liverpool in pole position.

#PLPredictions

Dan Roan

BBC Sport

"1. Liverpool, 2. Chelsea, 3. Man City, 4. Arsenal, Bottom three: Southampton, Burnley, Leicester.

"Most people will understandably write Liverpool off having lost their best player & with the added burden of Europe again. But last season was no fluke. The runners-up have reinvested the Suarez cash wisely, and for the first time in years have proper strength in depth and a solid defence.

"In Sterling, Coutinho and Sturridge they also possess the kind of young, attacking talent that will only improve, and which can compensate for the departure of their former talisman. Liverpool can go one better than last year, and be the surprise champions the premier league so desperately needs. There will be life after Luis, just you watch."

GB sprinters shine

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Back to the European Athletics Championships in Zurich, and a terrific performance from Great Britain's trio of female 200m sprinters. Bianca Williams, Jodie Williams and Dina Asher-Smith all win their heats comfortably, and world junior champion Asher-Smith was arguably the most impressive of the lot, making light work of 100m silver medallist Myriam Soumare of France.

And it's a double celebration for the 18-year-old, who breathlessly tells the BBC's Phil Jones that she's got the A-level results she wanted today.

100m champion and event favourite Dafne Schippers of Holland is also safely through.

Meanwhile, women's high jump favourite Blanka Vlasic of Croatia has withdrawn from the Championships due to a painful knee.

Manager, 22, to make FA Cup history

Other

It is not all about the Premier League this weekend because the FA Cup also gets under way.

There will be 368 teams from the lower echelons of English football taking their first step on the road to Wembley, among them is Romsey Town, whose manager James Phillips is set to make FA Cup history on Saturday.

The 22-year-old is believed to be the youngest ever boss in the competition, and he says: "I was one of those sad people after school who was sat there for hours playing Championship Manager. I always used to try and take a really small club up through the leagues. Now I'm doing it in real life. It's a little bit different with a bit more pressure."

Whittall joins Cambridge United

Cambridge United sign former Wolves midfielder Sam Whittall on a six-month deal.

The 20-year-old had been on trial with the U's this summer after being released by the Championship side.

"He is someone we kept our eye on last year. He's had a good grounding at a good club," U's boss Richard Money tells BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

Get Involved

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Andrew Priestley: Fabrizio Ravanelli's debut hat-trick for Middlesborough vs Liverpool in 1996. Cue three shirt-over-the-head celebrations.

Carl Eatson: Herr Klinsmann's celebration 'dive' against Wednesday. Funny, magical, legendary.

Terry Cooper: Chelsea 4-0 Sunderland in 1999. Rounded off with a magnificent goal by Poyet. Thought it would be our year that season!

England women to resume fightback

BBC

It is the second day of the women's Test between England and India and you can listen to Test Match Special commentary on 5 live sports extra and at the top of this page by clicking the 'live coverage' tab.

England were bowled out for 92 on the first day, before reducing India to 87-6 at Wormsley.

Contador set for return

Alberto Contador will compete in the Tour of Spain this month after recovering faster than expected from a shinbone fracture.

"I've been riding the bicycle for 10 days and yesterday was the first day I could climb a mountain pass without knee pain," the Tinkoff-Saxo rider says.

Contador, a two-time Tour de France champion, broke his shinbone during the 10th stage of the Tour last month and was expected to miss the Vuelta.

Jayawardene departs

If there is to be a fairytale farewell for retiring Sri Lanka legend Mahela Jayawardene, it will have to wait until the second innings of their match against Pakistan. The 37-year-old made only four before being trapped lbw by spinner Saeed Ajmal.

Sri Lanka are currently 172-3 on the first day of the second Test, leading the series 1-0.

Zlatan could quit in two years' time

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Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he expects to retire after his contract at Paris St-Germain ends in two years' time.

"I will be 34 next season and I don't see myself continuing to play at the top level after that," Ibrahimovic said.

That would set Ibrahimovic up for an international farewell at the Euro 2016 tournament in France.

Cutts both ways

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A nightmare for Great Britain pole vaulter Luke Cutts in the qualification rounds at the European Championships. The 26-year-old was superb in winning silver at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, but he's lost the mojo in Zurich - three failures at 5.40m and he's out. From triumph to disaster in a matter of weeks.

West Ham news conference

@whufc_official

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce holds his first news conference of the 2014-15 Premier League season, and speaks about his hopes for the coming campaign: "We're aiming for 10th or better and we want to score more goals than last season. That's achievable for us."

The Hammers are at Tottenham on Saturday, and Allardyce adds: "The season would lift off with a win first up. Every game is a big one from first to last and ironically we're playing one of our big rivals first.

"It's a very exciting fixture for the players and fans, a big local derby and we'll have to hit top form from the first minute."

Colombian sues Fifa over World Cup refereeing

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A Colombian lawyer is suing Fifa for 1bn Euros for moral damages caused by the refereeing at the World Cup.

74-year-old Aurelio Jimenez claims he was taken to hospital with cardiac and respiratory problems as a result of Colombia's 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the quarter-final - a match in which Colombian defender Mario Yepes had a goal disallowed and James Rodriguez was booked.

Jimenez says: "I decided to sue Fifa because in the World Cup there were many wrongdoings related to referees who damaged many countries , among them the Colombia team that suffered the corruption of referee Antonio Velasco Carballo, who annulled a fair goal of Mario Alberto Yepes.

"I felt very bad, I was heartbroken, my cardiac rhythm was altered and my relatives took me to the Emergency Room at the Hospital. I was surrounded by my grandchildren who were crying a lot."

Ox tips Chambers for the top

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes new Arsenal team-mate Calum Chambers has the potential to go to the very top.

"I'm just trying to take Calum under my wing and show him the ropes. He's a really good lad and the boys really want to go out of their way to help him bed in," Oxlade-Chamberlain said.

"We saw him play for Arsenal for the first time at the Emirates Cup and I thought he was superb for a 19-year-old playing centre-back, against really good players. I thought he looked very assured and he's going to be a great talent for the club."

QPR news conference

The future of Loic Remy is the main talking point at Harry Redknapp's news conference, and the QPR boss adds: "Loic's goal record in the Premier League is excellent. We'll need his goals. I'd take 15 each from him and Charlie Austin.

"There have been several clubs who have phoned up but they are not the kind of clubs he would want to leave QPR for.

"I don't think Loic would leave us late on. He's too decent a guy to walk away in the last week of the transfer window."

QPR news conference

QPR boss Harry Redknapp says attacking midfielder Adel Taarabt wants to leave the club: "He wants to move. We just need a club to come in and pay the money that the chairman is looking for.

"Adel hasn't done one day's training since we got back in pre-season. He just needs to get fit, whether he's here or not."

Costa Rica rise in rankings

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The latest Fifa rankings are out, and the big winners are Costa Rica, who have now overtaken the USA to become the top-ranked Concacaf team in 15th position.

England remain 20th, sandwiched between the traditional footballing powerhouses of er, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Ecuador.

Germany, Argentina and the Netherlands are the unchanged top three.

QPR news conference

Journalists at the QPR news conference appear to be just reeling off a list of players that have been linked with a move to Loftus Road over the summer.

Among the names mentioned, boss Harry Redknapp denies interest in Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, adding: "There is no truth in that. None whatsoever. There's a number of good players we're looking at. We're interested in a few players. If they're do-able, we'll do it."

Jayawardene faces final Test

Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene is at the crease in his final ever Test. Pakistan's Wahab Riaz has dismissed Kumar Sangakkara for 22, but the hosts are still in a relatively strong position on the first day in Colombo, at 157-2. Opener Upul Tharanga is unbeaten on 77.

QPR news conference

QPR boss Harry Redknapp is speaking now in his news conference, he talks first about striker Loic Remy: "I am not trying to sell him because I don't want to sell him. Looking at the prices for strikers at the moment, he should be a £20m striker.

"We want him to stay and we hope he does stay."

Get Involved

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We've been asking you to tell us your favourite opening day moments on Twitter and you haven't let us down:

Chris Collins: 1996. Becks hit 'that goal' v Wimbledon. Begged my parents for the same football boots because I thought they were magic.

Mikey Delap: Hammering Wolves on the day Brett Emerton looked like a unstoppable world beater on debut.

Danyal: Aguero's fantastic debut against Swansea where he got two goals and an assist. The atmosphere was brilliant.

Keep letting us know on Twitter using the hashtag #openingdaymoment

Premier League news conferences

We've heard from Everton boss Roberto Martinez, we've only seen a picture of some empty chairs at West Ham and we are about to hear from QPR boss Harry Redknapp.

Plenty of news conferences today, and we will bring you all the key lines in Sportsday.

Fred scores again

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Okay, so it hasn't quite been a drought of Ricky van Wolfswinkel proportions, but after a torrid World Cup, Brazilian striker Fred could have been forgiven for wondering if he'd ever find the net again.

But the 30-year-old is back among the goals, scoring for Fluminense against America-Natal in the Copa Brasil. That's the good news.

The bad news is that his side somehow contrived to blow a four-goal aggregate lead against their second-tier opponents and crashed out of the competition. Fair to say the cup competitions haven't been kind to Fred recently...

Kompany backs England

Have you lost all hope in the England football team following the desperately disappointing World Campaign in Brazil? Well, don't despair just yet. Manchester City and Belgium skipper Vincent Kompany reckons glory for the Three Lions might not be too far away.

"England will play a World Cup final in the next four competitions for the simple reason that no other country has as much resources to put into facilities," the defender said. "People talk about the great facilities in England but they've only been here for two to three years. You have to wait."

So by Kompany's reckoning, England will finally reach a second World Cup final by 2030 at the latest. Put the date in your diaries...

Everton news conference

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Christian Atsu is up now at the Everton news conference and the softly-spoken winger says he is proud to have joined the club.

"It is a really good move for me because they play good football and are a hard-working team. They also have a great coach with fantastic fans.

"This is my first season in the Premier League and it is a really high level or me. It is a big opportunity to prove myself."

Suarez awaits appeal decision

Here's more from Dan Roan on the Suarez appeal:

"Suarez is the first case of a club ban being handed out for an on-field offence committed while playing for a national team. So his lawyers will have argued that Fifa applied its own rules in a way that were never intended to be used.

"Barcelona may well have their star signing available much sooner they will have expected. This will cause consternation, especially in Liverpool, where many will wonder if the club should have received more money for their ex-striker, or even hung on to him and gone to Cas themselves."

Don't forget, that verdict is expected at 14:00 BST. We'll bring you that news as soon as it breaks.

Suarez awaits appeal decision

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Will Luis Suarez get his worldwide ban from all football-related activity reduced at the Court of Arbitration for Sport?

BBC sports correspondent Dan Roan says: "Don't be too surprised later today if Cas reduces the punishment handed to Luis Suarez for biting Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup.

"Effectively, Suarez, Barcelona and the Uruguay FA have argued that Fifa's extension of the ban to apply to domestic matches was disproportionate.

"Fifa CAN apply such bans to club football, but its own rules suggest this is for exceptional off-field offences concerning the integrity of the game, like doping or match-fixing. Zinedane Zidane's headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final did NOT earn him a worldwide ban."

Everton news conference

Everton boss Roberto Martinez on winger Christian Atsu, who has signed on a season-long loan from Chelsea: "Christian can develop unforgettable memories at Everton and we hope at the end of this 10-month period he is a better player.

"I expect a bit of an adaptation period because he has not played in the Premier League, how long that is going to be is impossible to tell.

"Physically he is in a good moment and it is more about just giving him the time to adapt. The way he played in the World Cup with Ghana, the way he adapted to the conditions in Brazil, I am confident his adaptation period will be short."

BBC Radio 5 live reporters Juliette Ferrington at the Everton news conference: "Atsu will be available for Saturday's game at Leicester City after passing a medical today and getting a work permit."

Get Involved

As we all know, Saturday is the day the Premier League kicks off again, and we want to hear from you about opening days gone by.

What's the opening day moment that sticks in your mind? It can be anything from a new signing banging in a few goals in a barnstorming debut, to a pitiful defeat that left you longing for the summer break again.

Let us know on Twitter using the hashtag #openingdaymoment

Everton news conference

BBC

Everton manager Roberto Martinez poses with new signing Christian Atsu, who will wear the number 19 shirt this season.

Martinez says he is very happy with his signings so far and says the club are aiming to continue progress made from last season.

"The players are fighting for the places, they are desperate to compete," says Martinez.

Solid start for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have made a very respectable start in the second Test against Pakistan at Colombo. The hosts are currently 104-1 after 39 overs. Upul Tharanga is closing in on a half-century, while Kaushal Silva was out for 41.

However, all eyes are on Mahela Jayawardene, who as we mentioned earlier is playing in his 149th and final Test. The 37-year-old is in next.

Sri Lanka won the first Test in the series by 7 wickets.

Sporting birthdays

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Barrie Leadbeater (cricket) - former Yorkshire player and umpire, born 1943.

Earvin 'Magic' Johnson (basketball) - star of the United States' 1992 Olympic gold medal-winning 'Dream Team', born 1959.

Rameez Raja (cricket) - former Pakistan right-handed batsman, born 1962.

Paul Broadhurst (golf) - member of the 1991 Ryder Cup team, born 1965.

Jason Leonard (rugby union) - former England and Lions prop who won 114 caps and defied a career-threatening neck injury, born 1968.

Jay-Jay Okocha (soccer) - former Bolton, Hull and Nigeria midfielder, born 1973.

Matthew Etherington (soccer) - Former West Ham and Stoke midfielder, born 1981.

Cameron Jerome (soccer) - Stoke striker, born 1986.

On this day

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Most golfers wait many years for that elusive first major to come along.

But on this day three years ago, Keegan Bradley clinched the US PGA title in his first ever major appearance, becoming only the fourth golfer in history to achieve the feat. The American defeated compatriot Jason Dufner in a play-off, after coming from four shots back with just three holes to play.

On a topical note, both Bradley and Dufner (who won last year's PGA) finished outside the automatic places for this year's USA Ryder Cup team - with three wild card places up for grabs, they could well be two of the men to benefit from Tiger Woods's withdrawal.

Global gossip

Before we wrap up our morning press review, there's just time for a whistlestop tour of the continent, by way of today's gossip columns:

Liverpool have initiated transfer talks with Italian side Sampdoria for 27 year-old Argentine goalkeeper Sergio Romero, reports Tuttosport in Italy.

Inter Milan have joined West Ham and Schalke in the race for Parma's 26 year-old French forward Jonathan Biabiany, reports French newspaper Le Figaro.

Spanish paper Marca says Real Madrid are waiting for the right transfer offer for their 27-year-old German midfielder Sami Khedira.

Kompany renews mind games

The Sun

What have you missed most about the Premier League soap opera while it's been away? The handbags? The refereeing controversies? What about the mind games?

Well if you plumped for the latter, the wait is over - the mind games are back, and according to the Sun, it's Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany who has struck the first psychological blow in the title race by declaring that he finds it funny when people talk up other clubs' chances of claiming City's Premier League crown.

The question is, will he still be laughing come the end of the season?

Conte to decide on Italy offer

Corriere dello Sport

Italy have been looking for a new national team coach since the resignation of Cesare Prandelli following their disappointing World Cup.

The Azzurri could well have found their man as Corriere dello Sport suggests that former Juventus boss Antonio Conte will decide today whether to take on the role. Conte is apparently keen to undertake a hands-on technical role.

Better off without Suarez?

Metro

Meanwhile on the back page of the Metro, a controversial claim from Reds legend Didi Hamann, who reckons Liverpool are better off without Suarez.

The Uruguayan may have hit 31 goals last season, but as his new club Barcelona wait nervously on the result of his appeal, Hamann reckons Liverpool are well rid of all that stress.

The back page also features an image of Mo Farah, who added to his already considerable haul of major championship gold medals with victory in the European 10,000m last night. Team-mates James Dasaolu and Tiffany Porter also struck gold.

Suarez Day

Mundo Deportivo

On the continent, another striker dominates this morning's headlines.

51 days ago, Luis Suarez bit Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup game between Uruguay and Italy, 44 days ago the striker was banned from all football activity for four months and today he will discover if that suspension stands when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) delivers its verdict later.

The whole of Barcelona are on the edge of their seat. As Mundo Deportivo suggest, today is Suarez Day.

Welbeck goes to Hull?

Mirror

The Daily Mirror leads this morning on what could be one of the day's biggest developing transfer stories - the news that Hull manager Steve Bruce is apparently readying a £14m bid for Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck.

Shane Long is close to joining Southampton for £12m and the paper reports that the Tigers are ready to break their transfer record to get England international Welbeck as his replacement.

Spurs seal Yedlin deal

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Spurs have signed defender DeAndre Yedlin from Seattle Sounders on a four-year contract.

The right-back will stay with the American club until the start of the 2015-16 season before joining Tottenham.

Yedlin, who impressed on international duty during this summer's World Cup, said: "I'm very excited to come to the Premier League and challenge myself against some of the best players in the world."

Woods out of Ryder Cup

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But before we get to that, a couple of big news stories to bring you. First of all to golf, and 14-time major winner Tiger Woods has ruled himself out of contention for this year's Ryder Cup.

The 38-year-old American has been suffering from a back injury, and says he's been advised by doctors not to play.

Woods failed to qualify for the team automatically, but had been one of the contenders to receive a wild-card pick from captain Tom Watson.

Coming up

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The big story we'll be keeping you updated on today is Luis Suarez'sappeal against his four-month ban for biting. The Barcelona striker is expected to hear the result of his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport at 14:00 BST.

Today is the day that the Premier League press conferences return - stay with Sportsday and you won't miss any of the best quotes and team news from those throughout the day.

We'll also be keeping you across events at the European Athletics Championships, where Great Britain are looking to add to an already impressive haul of four golds following success for Mo Farah, Tiffany Porter and James Dasaolu last night.

Lastly, there's a bit of cricket to keep your eye on: England's women are in action against India in a one-off Test at Wormsley, while Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardene starts his last ever Test today.

Good morning

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The Premier League season is almost upon us - just two days remain until the whistle blows on another season of sporting drama. But before that, of course, there's still plenty of drama off the pitch.

Sportsday is your port of call today for all the latest transfer news, rumours and breaking developments from the beautiful game as it gears up for the big kick-off once again.