West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is speaking at a news conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.

He said: "You can only look at the way Palace played at Arsenal and say they were thoroughly professional and unlucky not to take anything.

"We're bitterly disappointed to be sat here not with three points already, but the level of performance last week was really encouraging."

Image source, AFP

Tennis: World number one Serena Williams is the top women's seed as she attempts to win a third successive US Open title.

Cricket: England fast bowler Katherine Brunt is set to return to international action after eight months out in Thursday's one-day match against India.

Athletics: Britain's Harry Aikines-Aryeetey returns to Diamond League action on Thursday as one of 10 European champions competing in Stockholm.

Image source, AFP

Snooker: Former World Championship finalist Ali Carter says he will make a return to snooker in October after having chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer.

Hull boss Steve Bruce has reiterated his desire to reach the group stages of the Europa League ahead of tonight's tie against Belgium's KSC Lokeren.

"The Europa League is a fantastic competition and we're going to try to enjoy it. The people of Hull, as we saw last time with a full house, are delighted to see us play in Europe.

"We've got to try to do as best we can and see if we can get into the group stage."

You can follow live text commentary on tonight's Europa League matches on the BBC Sport website.

Manchester United may have made a losing start to their Premier League campaign, with defeat to Swansea last weekend, but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects United to be serious title contenders come the end of the campaign.

"Manchester United have the quality and Van Gaal will get the right balance. They will fight for the championship," he said.

Image source, Daily Star

So AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli to Liverpool then? The Reds are in talks to sign the former Manchester City man but the Daily Star , externalreports Liverpool want a good behaviour clause inserted in the contract and that the Italians are not keen.

Image source, BBC Sport

Luis Suarez helped Liverpool win the League Cup in 2011-12, but Mario Balotelli won more trophies in his time in England - the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title a year later.

Despite reports linking Turkish club Galatasaray, external with strikers Lukas Podolski and Joel Campbell, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists there have been no offers for any of his players.

He also says the Gunners are "open to strengthening their defensive department" but has backed new signing Calum Chambers to cope against Everton striker Romelu Lukaku on Saturday.

"It is a big test [for Calum Chambers against Lukaku] but it was also a test against Demba Ba," he said.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has started his news conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Everton.

He said: "Everton deserved to win [when the teams last met]. We beat them in the FA Cup. They are flirting with Champions League.

"We have young players, that means every year they can get better."

More from Everton boss Roberto Martinez:

"There's going to be many [rumours] because the window is still open. We're focused internally on the players we have.

"We've got two big games now and they will help tell us if we need anything, but I'm happy with the players we have."

Some early reaction to the news that Liverpool are trying to sign ex-Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

Andrew Stott:, external Balotelli could be the difference between first or seventh for Liverpool, another very gifted player just hope Rodgers can control him.

Jack Fletcher:, external What's going on at Liverpool. Balotelli isn't the replacement for Suarez, Sturridge is as good if not better. Just get Falcao.

Matt Price:, external Balotelli to Liverpool? I'll take him. He's a brilliant striker and will help our striker issue big-time.

Keep your comments coming in to us on Twitter, using #bbcsportsday.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has started his news conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League at home to Arsenal.

He confirms Seamus Coleman and Darron Gibson are available for the weekend with Ross Barkley, Arouna Kone and Bryan Oviedo the only players missing.

Image source, Independent

Former Manchester United striker Paul Scholes tells the Independent in his column, external he is "genuinely scared" for his former club.

"I'm sick of having to criticise the club to which I gave my life as a player," he said. "But United need to arrest their decline."

We have some early live sport for you today, as the Youth Olympics are under way. To watch the action, click on the live coverage tab at the top of this page.

Liverpool fans... what do you make of the news that your club are interested in signing Mario Balotelli? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter, using #bbcsportsday, leave a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page or text us on 81111 (UK only).

Ben Smith
BBC Sport

"Liverpool are in talks with AC Milan to sign Italy striker Mario Balotelli. Any deal would likely see him join on a permanent basis."

Image source, @MANUTD

But not every deal is just at the speculation stage. Manchester United have completed the signing of Argentina World Cup star Marcos Rojo in a £16m deal from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.

The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract, while winger Nani moves in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.

Rojo, a left-sided full-back who can also play in the centre of defence, played in six games as Argentina reached this summer's World Cup final in Brazil.

The transfer window closes on 1 September. Here are some of the best snippets from today's gossip column.

Striker Fernando Torres, 30, could leave Chelsea after they held talks with Roma about a swap deal involving 23-year-old Mattia Destro, regarded as one of the most coveted forwards in Europe. (Times - subscription only) , external

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool's bid for former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli, 24, collapsed after AC Milan refused to sanction a 'good behaviour' clause in the deal. (Daily Star), external

Arsenal have told Galatasaray they will sell forward Lukas Podolski, 29, but not the Turkish side's other target, 22-year-old striker Joel Campbell. (Daily Mirror), external

Disability sport: Scottish teenager Maria Lyle, 14, wins gold in the T35 100m at the IPC Athletics European Championships - setting a new world record in the process.

Tennis: Britain's James Ward comfortably progresses to the second round of qualifying for the US Open with a 6-2 6-2 victory over Bosnia's Aldin Setkic.

Image source, AP

Swimming: Roberto Pavoni secures Great Britain's 10th medal at the 2014 European Championships, taking bronze in the men's 200m individual medley in Berlin.

Basketball: Great Britain's men fail to qualify for next year's EuroBasket tournament as they lose 71-69 to Iceland at the Copper Box Arena in London.

Premier League: Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko signs a new four-year deal with the defending Premier League champions.

Premier League / Championship: QPR sign Netherlands international Leroy Fer from Norwich for a reported fee of £8m. The Canaries then sign Stoke striker Cameron Jerome for an undisclosed fee and ex-Sunderland defender Carlos Cuellar.

Championship: Fulham suffer a third straight defeat since being relegated from the Premier League after Bakary Sako's goal earns Wolves a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage.