Port Vale have announced the signing of former England Under-19 defender Aziz Deen-Conteh on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 21-year-old ex-Chelsea player made seven appearances for Greek side FC Ergotelis last season.

Vale boss Rob Page told the club website:, external "I spoke to (Chelsea's U21 manager) Adi Viveash, who worked with him, and he speaks very highly of him."

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Asked further if he would now look at Keane's comments, O'Neill said: "It is not my job to read the newspapers every single morning, it's not, honestly. I have other things to do at this minute.

"I'm not saying they are more important, but they are issues I have to address. I might get a chance to go down and find out what was said on both sides, and then I will take a view."

OK, more now from Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill on the criticisms made by assistant Roy Keane about Everton pair James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman withdrawing from recent Euro 2016 qualifiers.

O'Neill said: "From my own perspective, regardless of what Roy has said, I think the situation was this: way back the two lads were not fit for the games against Gibraltar and Germany [in October], and obviously played for Everton a couple of days later. That is understandable.

"I had spoken to Seamus and Seamus just wasn't right. I didn't speak to James at the time, but there was a thought that he might have played against Manchester United then, but didn't do so.

"I hadn't really a problem with that at all, it was just that this particular time, James does have a muscle injury. He came here, he was wanting to try it and really wanted to give it a go.

"We always thought that time would be against us and I think he will be perfectly all right to play at the weekend for his club, and really there isn't much more I can say about it."

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Back to the Republic of Ireland press conference shortly, but we'll just break in for this...

Sunderland have admitted a Football Association misconduct charge and accepted a £20,000 fine for failing to control their players during the 1-1 Premier League draw at home to Everton on 9 November.

Gus Poyet's side surrounded referee Lee Mason after he awarded a penalty to the away side following a challenge by Connor Wickham on Seamus Coleman.

Leighton Baines scored from the resulting kick to make it 1-1 with 15 minutes remaining.

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We promised you news from the Republic of Ireland press conference and, if you've spent the last eight hours sitting anxiously waiting for some, good news ... the wait is over.

Martin O'Neill has faced the media and - surprise, surprise - found himself answering questions not about Tuesday's friendly with the USA but about comments made by his assistant Roy Keane.

Keane had earlier spoken about his concern that Everton trio Seamus Coleman, James McCarthy and Darron Gibson might be being pressured by their club into not playing for the Republic.

O'Neill said: "I haven't picked up on Roy's comments. I don't follow him around. I haven't had the chance to read what he has said."

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Chris Henry suffered "a temporary blockage of a small blood vessel in his brain" on the morning of Ireland's clash against South Africa, team bosses have confirmed.

Ireland's medics initially diagnosed a virus on the morning of the 8 November clash before suspecting a severe migraine, but specialists have since determined the Ulster flanker suffered a more unusual condition.

The 30-year-old missed Ireland's 29-15 Springboks victory and now "needs further investigation and specialist opinion," according to an Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) statement.

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Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria will be looking to put a recent dip in form behind him tomorrow by impressing for Argentina against Portugal at Old Trafford.

But even though the £59.7m buy from Real Madrid has not scored in four games for United, his national team boss Tata Martino feels he will prove a success in time.

Martino says: "Angel is one of the top, top players in world football, but when you don't understand the league, when you are not a total expert, it is hard to make an opinion.

"His start was exceptional. Generally when players get used to a new league, to a different style, to different teams. His form now is more typical of a player going to a club, as opposed to bursting into the team."

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Asked about Lionel Messi's credentials for the Ballon d'Or award, Argentina coach Tata Martino - who also used to be the forward's boss at Barcelona - says: "You can't take out of the deciding process I am Argentinian, my heart lies with Messi.

"I am not the best person to judge, I cannot separate sentiment from my objective decision. Whatever season Messi has had on footballing grounds, I would still vote for him.

"I would vote for him on footballing terms. You can't separate what he is like as a human from what he is as a player."

From the BBC Sport office in Salford Quays, we can see the floodlights at Old Trafford.

And tomorrow there is a rather tasty-looking game taking place at the stadium, with Argentina facing Portugal - or, put another way, Messi v Ronaldo.

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Argentina coach Tata Martino has been holding a press conference this afternoon, and says he would vote for Messi ahead of Ronaldo for this year's Ballon d'Or award - handed out to the world footballer of the year.

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Poor old Enzo Zidane has quite a bit to live up to.

But the eldest son of French legend Zinedine is making a good start.

Named after Uruguay legend Enzo Francescoli, 19-year-old Zidane jr made his debut as a substitute for Real Madrid 'B' in a 2-1 win over Conquense in Spain's Segunda B on Sunday.

The midfielder's younger brothers Luca, Theo and Eliaz attend Real's academy.

England's Lisa Whiteside has made a winning start at the Women's World Boxing Championships in Jeju City, South Korea.

The 29-year-old, from Preston, eased past Yana Burym of Belarus by unanimous decision in her first preliminary bout in the 51kg division.

Whiteside, a world bronze medallist at 57kg two years ago, is hoping to seize her chance in the absence of injured Olympic champion Nicola Adams.

Her win came after an opening day success for Sandy Ryan on Sunday, but fellow English fighter Stacey Copeland was beaten by world number two Elena Vystropova of Azerbaijan.

Charlene Jones of Wales advanced with victory over Caroline Veyre of Canada in the 60kg division.

Ireland endured mixed fortunes with a win for European bronze medallist Claire Grace at 69kg while team-mate Joanne Lambe went out.

League One's bottom club Yeovil have extended the loan spell of 19-year-old Crystal Palace defender Ryan Inniss by a further month.

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Northampton Saints centre Tom Stephenson believes he is still earning the right to play alongside his international team-mates.

The 20-year-old replaced Samoan George Pisi to partner England's Luther Burrell in Friday's loss to Exeter, his first Premiership appearance of the season after six outings last term.

"It's easier to play alongside Luther and George, but I still get really nervous when I step on to the pitch," he told BBC Radio Northampton. "I don't think I've earned the right to play with them yet but I think I'm getting on the right path."

BBC Radio 5 live

A quick mention for the BBC Radio 5 live Football Daily podcast, though which you can catch up on all the big news and debate, with analysis and exclusive interviews.

Stewart Downing, Pat Nevin, Robbie Savage and John Motson have all featured in the last few days, and you can catch up via our website.

Manchester United will reveal on Tuesday the first definitive figures on the financial cost of missing out on the Champions League.

The club have estimated that revenues will fall this season by up to £48m - a potential drop of 11% on last season's overall revenue figure of £433m - as a result of not being in Europe.

Publication of the club's first quarter results for the financial year 2014-15 should provide accurate figures about an overall percentage drop in income.

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Northampton Saints centre Luther Burrell has been called into a 28-man England squad for Saturday's autumn Test against Samoa at Twickenham.

Burrell, who scored three tries during this year's Six Nations, has been added to the squad along with James Haskell, Calum Clark, Richard Wigglesworth and Billy Twelvetrees.

Twelvetrees, who rolled an ankle playing for Gloucester last Friday night, will have his fitness assessed, Courtney Lawes is expecetd to be OK despite suffering what coach Stuart Lancaster described as a "stinger".

Bath's Kyle Eastmond, who suffered concussion during Saturday's defeat against South Africa at Twickenham, is going through the return-to-play protocols in the hope that he will be ready.

England squad: Joe Marler (Harlequins), Matt Mullan (Wasps), Kieran Brookes (Newcastle Falcons), David Wilson (Bath Rugby), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), Rob Webber (Bath Rugby), Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby), George Kruis (Saracens), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Calum Clark (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Wasps), Ben Morgan (Gloucester Rugby), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins, captain), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Tom Wood (Northampton Saints), Danny Care (Harlequins), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers), Richard Wigglesworth (Saracens), Brad Barritt (Saracens), Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints), Kyle Eastmond (Bath Rugby), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath Rugby), Billy Twelvetrees (Gloucester Rugby), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby), Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby), Marland Yarde (Harlequins).

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Roger Federer and compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka have, famously, one of the best friendships in tennis.

But according to John McEnroe, relations may have become a little strained after their epic semi-final at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Wawrinka appeared to offer sharp, unimpressed words towards his opponent's support team at courtside towards the end of their three-setter and McEnroe said: "Something went on in the locker-room, there was a long talk between the players that extended well into the night.

"And the stress of that - I can't confirm all of this - but a lot of this went on and I don't think that helped the situation."

The pair - if Federer is passed fit - are set to team up for Switzerland against France in this week's Davis Cup final.

Andrew Strauss on Alastair Cook: "When he's played well he's scored quickly, and he's led by example. Now he needs to do that again for the next six months.

"If he does that it sets the platform then it increases England's chances of winning.

"But also it makes him feel better about himself and makes him feel he's more worth his spot in the side and it will quieten some of the media questions that have been flying around - so there's a huge amount on his shoulders."

Strauss also warns that England must win the series in Sri Lanka, which starts next week, or else their long period of 50 over preparation could "erode confidence rather than enhance it".

The cricket World Cup takes place in Australia and New Zealand in February and March.

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Some very interesting stuff from Andrew Strauss today as he talked to the BBC about England's one-day side and the captaincy of Alastair Cook.

On the team, former England skipper Strauss said: "I would argue it's not the strategy which is wrong, it's that players haven't actually played well enough and it's very hard to score 400 in a one day international if you're not confident.

"Personally I think the England players, even throughout my time playing one day cricket, have played too fearfully, they've been far too fearful of getting out. And you can't make 400 if you've got that kind of attitude.''

Kenny Black will continue as caretaker manager of Motherwell while the club's board forms a shortlist for the managerial vacancy at Fir Park.

However, no permanent appointment will be made until ownership of the club is finally resolved, possibly this month.

A statement on the club website says 55 candidates from 20 countries have applied to replace Stuart McCall.

McCall resigned as manager of the Scottish Premiership club on 2 November with the team struggling to find the form of recent seasons.