Sportsday - football transfer news

1. Transfer news as it happens
2. Nice prevented from registering Ben Arfa
3. Wilfried Bony signs for Man City
4. Messi move is unthinkable - Enrique
5. Defoe having medical at Sunderland
6. GET INVOLVED: Who's the best football club owner? #bbcsportsday

Now for the Cup

That's the end of Sportsday tonight, but if yesterday's FA Cup third-round replays are anything to go by, all the action is yet to come.

Head over to our live coverage for all the build-up to Ipswich v Sunderland, which is also live on BBC One.

Defoe passes medical

Well that was quick.

Jermain Defoe always had a good turn of pace. And the former England and Tottenham man must have raced through his bleep tests at Sunderland as we now understand he's passed his medical.

The 32-year-old is now even closer to making his return to the Premier League from MLS side Toronto.

Cellino set for appeal hearing

Italian businessman Massimo Cellino will seek to have his disqualification from owning Leeds United overturned at an appeal hearing on Thursday.

Cellino was barred by the Football League's board from being owner and a director of Leeds in December after it ruled his conviction for tax evasion was a "dishonest act".

Cellino's appeal will be heard by a three-person professional conduct committee, chaired by Tim Kerr QC. The outcome is likely to be known next week.

'I hate to lose' - Guzon

Guy Luzon is giving his first press conference since being appointed boss at Charlton.

"I hope that with every game the fans know that we have given 100 per cent," said the new man. "I'm the kind of guy who hates to lose and loves to win. Football is my love, it's my passion.

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"I'm a fan of English football. The tempo, rhythm and atmosphere is fantastic."

Israeli Luzon, 39, who has been out of work since leaving Belgian Pro League side Standard Liege last October, has signed a contract at the Championship club until the end of the 2015-16 season.

Liverpool footballer's Kinder Surprise

Dejan Lovren

Dejan Lovren had a surprise for us all on Instagram. The Liverpool defender has posted a picture of his Kinder Surprise collection - and it seems the defender is quite a collector of plastic figurines.

"Who remembers this? I am a true collector of Kinder eggs. Today, unfortunately, you have to spend five minutes to compile [the] toy," he posted on social media.

Where will he home all the kitsch toys? The 25-year-old probably has enough room in his trophy cabinet for his eyebrow-raising collection, and has had plenty of time to put them together while on the substitutes' bench.

Scarlets duo out

Scarlets full-back Liam Williams and prop Samson Lee will miss Friday's European Champions Cup trip to Leicester.

But Williams' shoulder injury should heal in time for Toulon's visit on 24 January, two weekends before Wales' Six Nations opener against England.

Di Maria backs Van Gaal's style

AP

Manchester United midfielder Angel Di Maria has given his full support to the new style of play boss Louis van Gaal has introduced.

Speaking to MUTV, the 26-year-old £59.7m club-record signing says the current squad is "beginning something new" under the Dutchman.

"There are some people saying we're not playing in a particularly good style or it's not the old Manchester United - but it's not," he said. "We've got a new style."

Hitch in Ben Arfa switch

AFP

Nice have been prevented by Fifa from registering new signing Hatem Ben Arfa.

The playmaker, a free agent after his release from Newcastle, joined Le Gym last Monday but was not available for Saturday's win over Lorient as he awaited international clearance.

The problem was due to the clause in Fifa's transfer regulations which states a player cannot play for more than two clubs in the same season.

Get involved - best footie owners

After the death of former Wolves owner Sir Jack Hayward, we asked who is or has been the best football club owner? Here's some of your responses so far...

Luke Wright: His silly outbursts aside, Dave Whelan has done an amazing job with Wigan. He took them from nothing and made them something. Winning the FA Cup was an incredible achievement but for them to stay in the top flight for as long as they did probably tops that in my eyes. Every single season they'd be predicted to go down by almost everyone, but always managed to defy the odds and stay up. Whelan deserves a lot of credit for that.

Samuel Watkins: Markus Liebherr and his family are the best owners Southampton FC have ever had. They rescued the saints and got us from the bottom of League One to third in the Premier League.

Keep them coming to #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Facebook page.

Bony's best goals

BBC Sport

As you've probably heard, Wilfried Bony has signed for Manchester City in a £28m deal. If you're unfamiliar with the Ivorian's work, you can watch his best Premier League goals for Swansea on this website. Our pleasure.

Cazorla has skills to be proud of

BBC Sport

That a Premier League footballer has impressive keepy-uppy skills is not a shock - but we should doff our caps to Arsenal's Santi Cazorla nevertheless as his footwork with a small ball, called a 'rattan', is stonkingly good.

Ainslie's team making progress

Jack Brockway

Four-time Olympic sailing champion Sir Ben Ainslie and wife Georgie Thompson have been rescued by Sir Richard Branson - while on their honeymoon

He may have been on honeymoon recently, but Sir Ben Ainslie's America's Cup campaign is making rapid progress with the most successful Olympic sailor of all-time confident his team can bring the Auld Mug back to Britain.

Ainslie's team, Ben Ainslie Racing, is advancing well ahead of the 35th edition of the America's Cup, to be held off the coast of Bermuda in 2017, and a state-of-the-art base in Portsmouth is set for completion next May.

"For us in sailing and me personally, there's no bigger challenge then putting together and running an America's Cup team," Ainslie said. "That's what gets me up in the morning. It is a huge challenge, a huge responsibility."

Broad praises England batsmen

Pace bowler Stuart Broad says England's current one-day batting line-up is the most powerful he has played with.

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England amassed 391-6 in their win over a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra, which followed a score of 364-6 against an ACT XI.

"Nearly 800 runs in our last 100 overs batting. Without doubt the most powerful batting line-up I've ever played with," Broad tweeted.

England open a tri-series with Australia and India on Friday.

Toure wants African 'joy'

Reuters

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure says the Africa Cup of Nations will help bring some much needed joy across the continent.

"You can feel the joy in everybody. For three weeks, nobody will think about Ebola or war, or anything else. They will just focus on the football," the Liverpool Echo quotes the Ivory Coast international.

"For me, that's why it's very important to bring the people some joy because the continent deserves that."

'No stopping windsurfing's new star'

What did you do in the mornings before going to school?

Last-minute homework? A paper round, perhaps? Maybe pack your PE kit?

For 15-year-old Emma Wilson, it is often a case of spending two hours on the water to hone her windsurfing skills before heading off to lessons.

It has proven to be time well spent for the daughter of former world champion and two-time Olympian Penny Wilson, who won the Young Sailor of the Year award on Tuesday in recognition of a remarkably successful 2014.

Posh boss Ferguson charged by FA

Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson has been charged by the Football Association for alleged misconduct during Saturday's 2-0 loss to Colchester United.

The 42-year-old, son of former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, was sent to the stands after remonstrating with referee Jeremy Simpson at half-time.

Balotelli wasting talent - Mancini

PA

Former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said Mario Balotelli needs to "wake up" and realise he is wasting his talent - or end up like Brazilian Adriano.

"I have not heard from Mario since we worked together at Manchester City," the Inter Milan boss told Corriere della Sera.

"Mario is at risk of following the same path as Adriano. I hope that he wakes up one morning and realises that he is wasting everything."

Get involved - best footie owners

We asked who is or has been the best football club owner?

Jay Stewart: I don't think there was anyone out there better than Sir Jack Hayward. Possibly Jack Walker at Blackburn comes closest. Wolves was never a business for Sir Jack. He took us from the equivalent of a dungeon to highs we could never have dreamed of. £70m later he sells the love of his life for just £10 with the promise that £30m minimum is put into the club. From every single Wolves fan in the world, Sir Jack -we thank you. Rest in peace.

Sir Jack died yesterday at the age of 91.

Keep them coming to #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Facebook page.

Defoe to have medical at Sunderland

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Jermain Defoe is nearly back in the Premier League. Sunderland are set to confirm the signing of the former England and Tottenham foward from MLS club Toronto. The striker is expected to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours.

Sampdoria must increase Eto'o offer

Reuters

The Daily Mirror says Sampdoria have been told to match Samuel Eto'o's £60,000-a-week wages as Everton sanction the 33-year-old striker's departure.

Edu moves Stateside

Maurice Edu has completed a permanent move from Stoke to Major League Soccer side Philadelphia Union.

The 28-year-old United States international midfielder spent the recent MLS season on loan at Philadelphia, making 31 appearances.

'There'll be heated battles'

Rickie Fowler is relishing the chance to resume his rivalry with close friend Rory McIlroy despite the world number one's dominance over him in the last 12 months.

Fowler has been paired with McIlroy at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and said: "Rory is the best player in the world right now and proved that last year.

"I'm definitely looking forward to 2015, having some great match-ups with him. I feel like we're going to have some fun and heated battles at times."

The tournament starts tomorrow. We've no idea why but to advertise it, this photograph was taken...

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Wales opposition in action

BBC Wales Sport: Belgium have arranged a friendly with France on Sunday, 7 June - five days before they take on Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium in the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

They did something similar back in November before the 0-0 draw in Brussels, when they played a friendly against Iceland four days before.

From a great height

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Prince Harry must have been tempted to wear Cuban heels for this meeting, when he was presented with a basketball shirt and size 15 basketball shoe by NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony.

The unusual meeting happened during today's Coach-Core Graduation event at St James's Palace.

The event was held to celebrate the partnership between The Royal Foundation and the NBA, which was announced during The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's trip to the US in December 2014.

Allen beats Higgins

Mark Allen progresses to the quarter-finals of the Masters with a 6-4 victory over John Higgins. "Without question the best match of the week," says BBC Sport presenter Hazel Irvine. Two-time champion Higgins made three centuries but still could not get the better of his opponent.

I'm a Celeb's star to play non-league?

Bet you weren't expecting Jake Quickenden of X Factor and I'm a Celebrity fame to be appearing in today's Sportsday, but Conference North side Gainsbrorough Trinity are in discussions to sign the reality television star.

The 26-year-old was a youth-team player with hometown club Scunthorpe United.

Trinity boss Steve Housham told BBC Radio Lincolnshire: "He's a talented footballer. It's not like he's someone who's not kicked a ball before.

"The chairman is an ambitious guy and wants to get him down for a game."

Higgins misses out on 147

BBC Sport

Oof! John Higgins just misses out on a magical 147 at the Masters in Alexandra Palace. The Scot potted 15 reds and 15 blacks but fell short at the very end, having to make do with a 120 break. Mark Allen leads Higgins 5-4.

Bury bring in defender

League Two promotion chasers Bury have signed Bolton Wanderers defender Joe Riley on a two-and-a-half year deal, reports BBC Radio Manchester.

The 23-year-old had been on loan at Oxford.

West Brom in for Fletcher

West Bromwich Albion have made an enquiry for Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher.

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The Scotland international is out of contract in the summer and has yet to decide his future, reports the Daily Mail.

Scotland's Rennie retires at age 28

Bristol flanker Ross Rennie has announced his retirement with immediate effect because of injury.

The 28-year-old Scotland international has not played since October and had been seeking specialist advice about a neurological problem.

"I feel very privileged to have been a professional rugby player," said former Edinburgh player Rennie, who has 20 international caps.

Get involved - best footie owners

After the death of former Wolves owner Sir Jack Hayward, we asked who is or has been the best football club owner? Here's some of your responses so far...

Nigel Everett: Elton John. Got on the board of his local club (Watford), bought in and became chairman then hired a young manager who took them from the old Fourth Division to second behind Liverpool in five years, and to Europe and an FA Cup final. Stepped down, then saw things were going downhill and stepped in again. Also brought in the whole family club ethos when the game was wracked with hooliganism and got players out to get involved in the community (despite opposition from the PFA to community work being in players' contracts).

Andy Watton: A few honourable mentions, but as a Rovers fan, there can be only one: 'Uncle' Jack Walker. Poured millions of his own money into the club and the town, creating jobs, memories and a legacy for the locals.

Keep them coming to #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Facebook page.

Massive Madrid bid for Pogba

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Real Madrid are poised to make a £77m move for Paul Pogba.

The Daily Star reports that according to media stories in Italy, Madrid want to make the Juventus and France midfielder next summer's Galactico.

Premier League clubs Chelsea, Manchester City and former club Manchester United are monitoring his situation.

African team on Tour

An African team will take part for the first time in the Tour de France when it starts in Utrecht next July.

The MTN-Qhubeka outfit will be one of 22 teams, each with nine cyclists, that will compete in the 102nd edition of one of the most gruelling events in world sport.

Boss 'happy' despite defeats

Celtic manager Ronny Deila has declared himself happy with his side's winter training camp in Gran Canaria.

The Scottish champions lost their two friendly games on the trip - 1-0 to PSV Eindhoven and 3-2 to Sparta Prague.

But Deila insists the warm weather camp has proved worthwhile.

Wolves sign Arsenal striker

Wolves have completed the signing of young Arsenal striker Benik Afobe for an undisclosed fee.

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The 21-year-old Londoner has scored 19 goals in 30 games since starting what was intended to be a season-long loan with League One side MK Dons.

Meanwhile, striker Kevin Doyle, 31, has returned to Molineux from his half-season loan at Crystal Palace, and forward Bjorn Sigurdarson, 23, has joined Danish side FC Copenhagen on loan until the end of the season.

Banned athlete investigation

A new doping scandal involving Russian athletes has erupted after the IAAF confirmed it is investigating allegations that race walker Elena Lashmanova, who won gold at the London Olympics, took part in a race in December despite being subject to a two-year doping ban.

Nice confident over Ben Arfa

Nice coach Claude Puel is confident there will be no last-minute setback to prevent the signing of Hatem Ben Arfa.

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The playmaker, a free agent after his release from Newcastle, joined Le Gym last Monday but is still awaiting international clearance from FIFA.

Puel said: "We are optimistic and positive that he can return to France, return to Ligue 1 and, I hope, explode with Nice."

Not literally, we hope.

Yeovil sign striker on loan

League One bottom side Yeovil Townhave signed Norwich City striker Jamar Loza on a month's youth loan.

The 20-year-old, who has won five caps for his native Jamaica, made his first-team debut for Canaries against Arsenal last season and has featured four times this season.

'I will return' - Crolla

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World title contender Anthony Crolla hopes to return to the ring as early as May, less than six months after burglars fractured his skull and broke his ankle.

Crolla, who had to postpone his world title shot against WBA champion Richar Abril as a result of his injuries, said: "I'm 100% certain I'll be back."

However, he added: "I'll probably need brain scans even before I return to sparring. But I honestly think I can be ready for May, late May. We'll see. I really believe that."

Wolves keen on young keeper

Wolves are understood to be keen on signing teenage Shrewsbury Town keeper Callum Burton, reports BBC Radio Shropshire.

The England Under-18 international, has got no further than the bench for Shrewsbury but made an impression when he had three games on loan with Conference outfit Nuneaton over Christmas.

Wolves currently have Tomasz Kuszczak as number two to first choice Carl Ikeme, while Aaron McCarey recovers from injury.

'Messi not leaving' - Barca

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Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is insisting Lionel Messi is going nowhere as speculation over the Argentine's future continues to mount.

Messi fuelled the rumour mill by saying: "I don't know where I'll be next year."

But Enrique told a press conference today: "We all think that Messi will be at Barcelona for the coming years, it is what all the fans want. We are not even planning a squad without Messi."

Serious injury to youngster

BBC Wales Sport: Wales Under 20's captain and Scarlets centre Steffan Hughes could be out for a year with a serious knee injury.

'I'm devastated' - Flower

Wigan prop Ben Flower has spoken of his 'devastation' after becoming the first player to be sent off in a Super League Grand Final.

The 27-year-old Welsh international is halfway through a six-month ban imposed for punching stand-off Lance Hohaia during the opening minutes of the Warriors' 14-6 defeat by St Helens in last October's title decider at Old Trafford.

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Speaking for the first time since the incident, Flower told Sky Sports News: "I think about it every day and if I could take it back, I would, every day of the week."

Flower added: "The game was so intense and I've just thrown a punch. I've got no recollection of throwing the second. I don't know why I threw it. I don't know why I couldn't hold myself back."

Get involved - best owners

Who is or has been the best football club owner and how did they have a positive impact on the club you support? Here's some of your responses so far...

Richard Fletcher: Invest over £100 million into a club, then sell it for a tenner under the condition the new owner invests £30 million into the team. Without doubt Sir Jack Hayward.

Tom Beech: Peter Coates - Stoke City. Born and bred in the Potteries. Supported the club all his life, invested a massive amount of money, knows the game inside out and understands the role of chairman (I'm looking at you Vincent Tan). Couldn't wish for a better owner. No outside interference on transfers or making the headlines for the wrong reasons, just a passionate fan like the rest of us (with a few self made billions in the bank! Which has also brought thousands of jobs to the area).

Jon 'T' Finlay: Niall Quinn all day long. Legend as a player, gave his testimonial money to local hospital children's ward (before then players never did that). Became manager, then chairman, bought the club and left us in a solid financial position with a billionaire backer. The man is pure class.

Keep them coming to #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Facebook page.

Hummels on way out?

EPA

Manchester Evening News reports that Manchester United target Mats Hummels could leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.

Snooker on the box

Get your TV on now if you're a snooker fan.

Mark Allen and John Higgins are locked at two frames apiece in their first round clash at the Masters. The match is live on BBC Two.

England lose series in Jamaica

England's women lost their series against Jamaica 2-1 after the hosts secured a 57-47 victory in the final match in Kingston.

They suffered a similar fate at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in the summer, when Jamaica pulled ahead in the dying minutes to win 52-48 and take the bronze medal.

The series starts the countdown to the World Cup in Sydney in August.

Czech match-fixing claims

Czech Football Association officials, referees, and club administrators are suspects in a bribery case that hit the Czech lower-leagues.

Police say five people are suspected of paying bribes, and 20 others allegedly accepted bribes to fix matches.

Investigators believe the bribes of unspecified sums were paid in cash to fix at least 10 matches from May to November 2013.

The suspects and the clubs involved have not been identified.

Lambert to leave Liverpool?

Reuters

Liverpool and West Brom are close to agreeing a move for striker Rickie Lambert, according to the Daily Star.

Sporting birthdays

Ruel Fox (soccer, 47) - former Norwich, Newcastle, Tottenham and West Brom winger.

Martin Bicknell (cricket, 46) - former Surrey seamer, born 1969.

Giancarlo Fisichella (motor racing, 42) - former Formula One driver with Ferrari, Minardi, Jordan, Benetton and Renault.

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Shawn Crawford (athletics, 37) - United States sprinter who won Olympic 200 metres gold in 2004 and silver in 2008.

Yohan Cabaye (soccer, 29) - French midfielder, who used to be at Newcastle before his switch to Paris St Germain.

Lineker pokes fun at Hodgson

BBC Sport

As has already been reported, England manager Roy Hodgson has been forced to cancel a dinner meeting with his players because they are too busy.

But Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker has his own take on the matter while also poking fun at Hodgson's top three picks in the Ballon d'Or ballot.

"England's footballers were said to be 'too busy' to have dinner with Roy Hodgson after it was decided that Roy would select the three courses," tweets Lineker.

Saints must learn lessons - Koeman

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Southampton manager Ronald Koeman says his players must learn from their FA Cup third round first-leg draw against Ipswich.

"If we play how we did in the second half, we have good possibilities," said the Dutchman before Wednesday's replay, which will be shown live on BBC One.

"The players are feeling well. If there is a good freshness, then I don't change a lot. We'd like to go on in the FA Cup."

Bale coming back?

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The Daily Express report that Manchester United have offered £117m for Gareth Bale, who is believed to be considering leaving Real Madrid. And according to sources in Spain, Madrid are ready to accept the offer.

On this day in sport

It was on 14 January 1928 that Jimmy McGrory scored a Scottish top-flight record of eight goals in one game for Celtic against Dunfermline.

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Two years ago, Rory McIlroy signed "a multi-year sponsorship agreement" with Nike, the sportswear company. The deal was reported to be worth as much as £150m.

It was also the day Nicole Cooke, the 2008 Olympic road race champion, retired from cycling.

New coach appointed

London Irish have confirmed the appointment of Tom Coventry as their new head coach from the start of the 2015-16 season.

The 48-year-old, currently assistant boss of New Zealand side the Chiefs, will come in following the departure of director of rugby Brian Smith.

The Exiles are 11th in the Premiership table with just four wins this term.

Get involved - best owners

After the death of former Wolves owner Sir Jack Hayward, we asked who is or has been the best football club owner? Here's some of your responses so far...

Gavin McCallum: Has to be Steve Gibson at Middlesbrough. Saved, rescued and invested in his hometown for no financial gains. Crucially, when things have gone downhill he has stayed, adjusting the model to continue to be able to develop and move the club forward in the modern era.

Sarah Scooby Rea: Sir Jack Hayward. Gave so much and only got £10 back. True gent and a Wolves legend.

David Pettett: 100% Steve Gibson. Saved Boro from extinction in 1986 and turned the club right around to what we are today. Superbly run club. True legend!

Paul Damerell: Markus Liebherr and his family since his passing. From League One with minus 10 points to third in the Premier League in six seasons [for Southampton FC].

Mat 'Hagrid' Nuttall: Jack Walker (RIP), Blackburn Rovers. His love for the club got us into, and won, the Premier League.

Keep them coming to #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Facebook page.

Everton's Parris set for City move

Manchester City have Bony, but Manchester City Women are close to doing a bit of transfer business today, set to sign Everton Ladies striker Nikita Parris on a season-long loan deal.

The England Under-23-international is the sister of Natasha Jonas - Britain's first ever female Olympic boxer.

"Nikita has big ambitions to be part of that England squad particularly with it being a World Cup year," said Everton boss Andy Spence.

Football

ManchesterCityFc

Wilfried Bony's Manchester City debut will be delayed as the Africa Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea runs from this weekend until 8 February.

Pellegrini on 'intelligent' Bony

Reuters

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini on Wilfried Bony: "He is an intelligent footballer who has skill and power. His goals record has been excellent since he came to England.

"He adapted very quickly to the game here and I think he will settle in at City quickly. We now have four top-class strikers and I am looking forward to seeing them work together."

Bony had 'extensive chats' with Toure

Striker Wilfried Bony has said he spoke with Ivory Coast and now Manchester City team-mate Yaya Toure before the move.

"The Premier League is a tough league. My power is to always be in the box and in the right position. I'm always working hard to be there to score the goals and to improve," he told Manchester City's official website.

"I speak with Yaya every day on international duty and I think he will help me to become a better player and a more clinical striker. I'll be playing with great players here at City and this is an opportunity for me to work hard and to take my chance."

Bony 'really proud' to join Man City

ManchesterCityFC

"As a player it's always good to be part of one of the biggest clubs in the world and it's a good opportunity for me to be in that situation now - I'm really proud," Bony told Manchester City's website.

"I felt excited to wait for this moment and now it's come, it's fantastic.

"I think it's a great decision for me. Manchester City are in the Champions League. It's a motivation for me to give my maximum to be in that place."

Bony to wear No14 shirt

PA

Wilfried Bony will wear the number 14 shirt for Manchester City. A shirt, as someone on Twitter has pointed out, that has been previously worn by Roque Santa Cruz, Jo, Kiki Musampa and Gareth Taylor. Absolutely no pressure on the Ivorian, then...

Bony 'honour' at joining Man City

bbc

You can read all about Wilfried Bony's £28m move from Swansea to Manchester City on the BBC Sport website.

"It's a great feeling for me, it's a big honour to be here and it's a great challenge," the 26-year-old said.

Bony is currently on international duty with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The two clubs agreed the terms of the deal at the weekend, with £25m cash up front and a further £3m in performance-related add-ons.

Bony completes Man City move

BBC Sport

"Everyone at Swansea City would like to thank Wilfried for his superb service to the club, and wish him well for the future," reads a statement on Swansea City's official website.

Swansea on Bony move

Swansea City have confirmed Wilfried Bony's transfer to Manchester City for an "undisclosed fee" but describe the deal as a club-record transfer.

The 26-year-old Ivorian became Swansea's most expensive signing when he joined from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 for £12m.

It is believed the striker has moved for around £28m, making him one of the most expensive African footballers in history.

Man City sign Bony

BBC Sport

Manchester City have announced they have signed Wilfried Bony from Swansea. "We are delighted to announce the signing of Wilfried Bony," tweeted the club.

Brit Dowsett breaks collarbone

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British cyclist Alex Dowsett has broken his collarbone in a training crash, putting his bid to break the UCI hour record on 27 February under threat. The Essex rider is likely to undergo surgery on Thursday.

Ronaldo's son star struck by Messi

BBC Sport

His father may have just been voted the world's greatest footballer, but Cristiano Ronaldo's son was still lost for words when he met the world's second best player, Lionel Messi, at the Ballon d'Or awards.

A video has been circulated showing the moment Ronaldo junior met Messi, but was too shy to say anything to the Barcelona star.

Ronaldo is heard telling Messi: "My son watched videos of you on the internet and always talks about you."

Defoe deal edges nearer

Sunderland are "hopeful" of concluding a deal to bring striker Jermain Defoe back to the Premier League as they continue advanced talks with him.

Press Association Sport understands the two parties are close to thrashing out a deal which would see the 32-year-old end an 11-month stay in the MLS with Toronto FC and return to English football.

Wednesday's back pages

BBC Sport

Marca have an interview with Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos.

Trott back with a bang

Jonathan Trott has hit a double century in the first unofficial Test of England Lions' tour in South Africa.

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Trott was 211 not out as England declared on 624- 8, a superb reply after South Africa A's first innings total of 504-8 declared.

It was the 32-year-old's first century in international cricket since leaving the 2013-2014 Ashes series with a "stress-related illness".

Dunfermline fanatic in Whitehall

Want a slightly odd story this Wednesday lunchtime featuring Scottish football, Wikipedia and Whitehall? Your luck is in...

A Whitehall civil servant has spent hours at work updating Wikipedia entries on Scottish football clubs and players, BBC Scotland has found.

Changes to the Dunfermline Athletic squad and individual players' goal tallies account for some of the 45 edits made in the last week alone.

But the identity of the government's Scottish football fanatic is unknown.

Full story here.

Bony pictured with Man City shirt

BBC Sport

BBC Sport's John Bennett tweets: Wilfried Bony with a Man City shirt alongside Ivory Coast FA President Sidy Diallo in Abu Dhabi.

Henry has Gerrard regret

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Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry has said it would have been a dream to play alongside Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.

"We had so many battles and I always used to say to him: 'It would have been an honour to play with you'," said the retired Frenchman.

"He is the dream for any striker. Ask Fernando Torres. Ask Luis Suarez. Ask any striker who has played with him. He still does it. That through-ball along the ground or in the air is a dream for any striker."

Ballon d'Or voting unfair - Kroos

AP

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos says he was surprised Lionel Messi came second in the Ballon d'Or voting, saying Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer should have challenged eventual winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

"It's surprising and a little unfair that Manuel Neuer finished behind Messi," the German told Sky Sports.

"I thought it would be a close call between Manuel and Cristiano. Manuel Neuer was the best goalkeeper by a long way.

"Cristiano was the best outfield player. It was between the two of them really. Manuel would have been a worthy winner but Cristiano deserved it too."

West Brom groundsman gets frosty reception

BBC Sport

Jack Frost covered most of the UK overnight, which has added to the workload of quite a few groundsmen. "Two hours to get training on," tweeted West Brom's groundsman Philip Kingston.

Get involved - best footie owners

After the death of former Wolves owner Sir Jack Hayward, we asked who is or has been the best football club owner? Here are some of your responses so far...

Steven Wybar: Sir Elton John, whose achievements in football should be applauded as much as his achievements in music.

Lane Husband: Sir John Hall. The one man to show ambition at Newcastle and back the manager. Plus, he also expanded St James' Park and invested wisely, more often than not. Nearly took us to the Premier League title. Oh, to have those days back! Not now under C-ashley. Those days are gone.

Scott Wright: Steve Lansdown, Bristol City FC. He has single-handedly kept the team afloat with his personal money, including covering debts and paying for transfers. We are now developing our ground. Lovely man as well on the few occasions I have had the privilege to meet him.

Keep them coming to #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Facebook page.

'England youngsters need more credit'

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Burnley manager Sean Dyche says English football has been "brainwashed" into playing down its qualities and has called for the country's emerging stars to be given greater encouragement.

Dyche claims "shining lights" such as Danny Ings and Harry Kane are under-appreciated compared to foreign stars.

"I think we're all guilty of it at some point," Dyche said. "We've all been brainwashed by it, that we're not as strong nationally. We've just got to be careful."

Cardiff striker in Spain switch

Cardiff City striker Javi Guerra is in Spain completing the formalities on a loan deal to La Liga outfit Malaga, report BBC Wales.

Norwegian striker Jo Inge Berget has returned to Cardiff City from a loan spell at Celtic. But he is surplus to requirements and looks set to leave.

London Marathon will be Radcliffe's last race

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Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe will race her final marathon at this year's London Marathon in April, organisers have confirmed.

The world record holder, who last competed over 26.2 miles in Berlin in September 2011, will bring the curtain down on a glorious marathon career on 26 April.

The 41-year-old is a three-time winner of the London Marathon, but last took part in the race nine years ago.

League Two game rearranged

BBC Radio Lancashire: Accrington Stanley's game with Bury that was postponed on Friday will now be played on Tuesday 27 Jan, kick off 7:45pm.

Aston Villa news conference

Paul Lambert was asked about Aston Villa's lack of goals - 11 in just 21 Premier League games.

He managed to successfully sidestep answering, instead reverting back to talking about new signing Carles Gil and said: "He can certainly play the game of football, technically he is really good.

"He is really comfortable with the ball and I am looking forward to working with him."

Whether it helps improve Villa's record in front of goal remains to be seen.

Aston Villa news conference

Paul Lambert has been speaking to the media today.

His Aston Villa side aren't in action until Saturday, when they host Liverpool.

Instead Lambert was there to discuss new signing, attacking midfielder Carles Gil, who has joined from Valencia for £3.2m on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

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"I'm not going to put masses of expectancy on him," said Lambert. "He is only 22 but he has great potential.

"He has been in La Liga, at a massive club, played against great players, and I think he is somebody who will excite the fans."

Wednesday back pages

BBC Sport

"The Ballon d'Or collective," says Madrid-based Spanish newspaper AS alongside a picture of the Real Madrid squad, including Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Arsenal must pay £31m for playmaker

AP

The London Evening Standard says Palermo have placed a £31m price tag on Arsenal target Paulo Dybala.

Get involved - best footie owners

We asked who is or has been the best football club owner? Here are some of your responses so far...

Nick Allen: Sir Jack Hayward was an absolute saviour for Wolves. He rebuilt our club in an amazing way, and was a true gent of the game.

Will Marks: Southampton probably wouldn't even be a football club right now had it not been for Markus Liebherr.

Andrew D Hipkins: Sir Jack Hayward (Wolves) Jack Walker (Blackburn). Some modern chairman should have a serious look at these men.

Keep them coming to #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Facebook page.

England win tour game

It's all over in Canberra, where England have beaten the Prime Minister's XI by 60 runs in a one-day match.

England, batting first after winning the toss, scored 391 for six with Ian Bell top scoring with 187.

The PM's XI were then bowled out for 331, though not before Australian World Cup squad member Glenn Maxwell smashed a brilliant 136 off 91 balls.

'Out of order' - Henry

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry is in all the newspapers today, and quite outspoken he is too - criticising fans who barracked manager Arsene Wenger at a train station following defeat in Stoke.

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"I thought it was a joke," said Henry, who left New York Red Bulls and retired from football last month.

"You can be upset, I totally understand that. But what happened at Stoke was totally unnecessary.

"Fans do have a voice, I totally understand that, but what I saw after the Stoke City game was out of order."

Jewell West Brom break-up not mutual

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Paul Jewell has said his departure from West Brom was not by mutual consent and the former Wigan boss has said the matter is now with his lawyers.

Jewell left his role as joint-assistant head coach, just a week after he joined new boss Tony Pulis' team.

Del Potro reaches last eight in Sydney

Reuters

Defending champion Juan Martin del Potro came from a set down to beat top seed Fabio Fognini 4-6 6-2 6-2 in the Sydney International.

"I thought I played better. I feel better on the court, especially in the end of the match," said Del Potro, who will play Kazakhstan qualifier Mikhail Kukushkin in the quarter-finals.

"I serve well, I hit good forehands, and my backhand's improved a little bit. I need to keep playing with these guys, hitting the ball as fast I can and keep trying."

Palermo warning

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has warned any potential suitors chasing forward Paulo Dybala that the Argentine will not leave Sicily for less than 40m euros (£31m).

Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have been linked with the 21-year-old.

Get involved - best footie owners

After the death of former Wolves owner Sir Jack Hayward, we asked who is or has been the best football club owner and how did they have a positive impact on the club you support? Here's some of your responses so far...

Kevvy: Markus liebherr! He saved the Saints from extinction and catapulted us from bottom of League One to the Premier League.

Stu Lawson: Mohamed Al Fayed clearly, apart from "that" statue of course.

Ben: Abramovich. Great having an owner that genuinely loves football and cares about your club.

Keep them coming to #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Facebook page.

Tredwell turns the screw

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A couple of quick wickets from James Tredwell has swung things back in England's favour in their one-day clash against an Australian Prime Minister's XI.

The home side are 280 for 6 after 39 overs in response to England's huge 391 for 6 off 50 overs - which included Ian Bell posting England's highest ever one-day score as he hit 187 in a majestic knock.

Huth charged by FA

PA

Stoke defender Robert Huth has been charged for misconduct by the Football Association for comments posted on social media. The German has until 18:00 GMT on 21 January to respond.

Januzaj on the move?

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The Daily Mail reports that Adnan Januzaj is set to leave Manchester United on loan after making just two starts in the league for the Old Trafford club.

Coventry named London Irish boss

London Irish have confirmed the appointment of Tom Coventry as their new head coach from the start of the 2015-16 season.

The 48-year-old, currently assistant boss of New Zealand side the Chiefs, has been appointed following the departure of director of rugby Brian Smith.

"The owners have a clear vision of where they want to take the club," Coventry told the club website. "It is a challenge I am immensely excited by and I cannot wait to get stuck in when I join.

Get involved - best footie owners

We asked who is or has been the best football club owner and how did they have a positive impact on the club you support? Here's some of your responses so far...

Tatenda Ziyambi: Hicks and Gillet for Liverpool. They showed us what rock bottom is, so when we finish seventh I'll say we've been through worse.

Realio: Unsurprisingly at my club FC United the very best owner it's had is us, the fans. So, how is Glazer faring?

Jonny L: Dean Boyle for Huddersfield. He's a fan done good. Transformed the club on and off the pitch

Matt Partridge: SISU/Otium at Coventry City, been quality since they walked through the door seven years ago.

Keep them coming to #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Facebook page.

Ibrahimovic goal spells trouble

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Paris St-Germain's 1-0 League Cup victory at St Etienne was held up for 10 minutes last night after fans hurled objects following a controversial goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Trouble flared in the 72nd minute when striker Ibrahimovic chested the ball over the line. St Etienne argued the ball had not crossed the line but the goal stood.

A plastic water bottle was also thrown, while St Etienne coach Christophe Galtier urged supporters to calm down.

Wednesday's back pages

Daily Express

More on Radamel Falcao in the Daily Express, with the focus on comments from the Man United striker's agent saying anyone else would play him - a reference to Louis van Gaal's decision to drop the Colombian for Sunday's defeat to Southampton.

Beattie in for Gills job

Former Accrington Stanley manager James Beattie tells BBC Radio 4 "I've applied for the Gillingham job, just waiting to hear back now".

Bony deal latest

There has been an angry response from Swansea over the announcement from the Ivory Coast Football Federation that Wilfried Bony's move to Manchester City has been completed.

"The club has not confirmed anything and say Ivory Coast have no right to comment on anything to do with the club," BBC Wales Sport report.

Maxwell leads fightback

Ian Bell has posted England's highest ever one-day score today, hitting 187 in a majestic knock against an Australian Prime Minister's XI.

But amazingly he might have a bit of competition when it comes to best batsman of the day.

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In reply to England's mammoth 391 for 6 off 50 overs, Australian Glenn Maxwell belted a century off just 66 balls.

Maxwell eventually fell for 137 but it means it's game on - Prime Minister's XI are 222 for 4 after 31 overs of their innings and have a real chance of pulling off what would be an incredible victory.

England's bowlers needless to say - including Stuart Broad and Chris Jordan - are getting thumped all over the place.

Live commentary here.

Wednesday's back pages

BBC Sport

Italy's Corriere dello Sport says Juventus could make a move for PSG's Edinson Cavani should they receive a "super offer" for midfielder Paul Pogba.

Bony deal close but not done

Contrary to the Ivory Coast's tweet which said Wilfried Bony's deal to Manchester City had been completed, Manchester City have told BBC Sport the deal is close to being done but there is still some paperwork to be finalised.

Wednesday's back pages

BBC Sport

Italy's TuttoSport leads with Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. "As in the summer of 2001 with Zidane will Real Madrid president Florentino Perez make a mega offer for the Frenchman?" asked the paper.

Wednesday's back pages

Independent

Interesting line in today's Independent about the FA's intentions to close a work permit loophole to protect English talent.

"The FA is determined that this month will be the last transfer window in which clubs will be able to use a discredited appeals process to sign the non-European Union players who, the governing body fears, block the progress of young English footballers into Premier League squads," the paper reports.

Eto'o out the door?

A lot of speculation today about the future of Everton frontman Samuel Eto'o.

Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has hinted that the 33-year-old could be on his way out of Goodison Park and left him out of last night's FA Cup third-round replay at West Ham.

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"A couple of clubs contacted us in the last 12 hours so I decided to leave him out," said manager Roberto Martinez.

One of those clubs is understood to be Sampdoria, though no deal has yet been done.

Bony deal to Man City done?

Reuters

The Ivory Coast Football Federation has tweeted (in French) to say Wilfried Bony has signed for Manchester City from Swansea.

Foxes snare Maloney

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Leicester City have agreed a fee with Wigan, believed to be in the region of £1m, for Scotland midfielder Shaun Maloney, reports BBC Radio Manchester.

Get involved - best owners

It is a sad time for all connected with Wolves at the moment.

Sir Jack Hayward, who rebuilt Molineux and got the club back on its feet, has died at the age of 91.

A big loss to the game. But that got us thinking about football owners and chairman and it's the subject of our debate today.

We want to know who is the best owner you have ever had and how did they have a positive impact on the club you support? It might be that they took the club through the divisions, rebuilt a decrepit old stand, or introduced your favourite pie at the refreshments kiosk.

Whatever, let us know right now at #bbcsportsday or at the BBC Facebook page.

20 pens, just for you

We've already mentioned West Ham's thrilling penalty shoot-out win over Everton in the FA Cup third round replay last night.

Well, now you can watch all 20 penalties in this nice little video.

Watch out for Hammers goalkeeper Adrian throwing off his goalkeeping gloves before calmly converting the decisive spot-kick, as if he knew he wouldn't be needing them again. That's confidence for you.

Wednesday's back pages

The Mirror

The Mirror is gloomy reading for Harry Redknapp, the paper claiming defeat to Manchester United and the QPR manager faces the sacked.

Hodgson's England meeting scrapped

You may recall that about a month ago, Roy Hodgson announced his England players would get together at the end of January for a team-bonding session.

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Not any more. The England boss has been forced to cancel the meeting because the players are too busy.

The FA said clubs were in favour of the meeting, but due to a busy schedule no suitable date could be agreed by all parties involved.

Ah well, the best laid plans and all that.

Full story here.

Villa news conference

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert is speaking to the media at 09:30 GMT.

It's mainly to discuss new signing Carles Gil, an attacking midfielder bought in from Valencia for £3.2m on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

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But Lambert can expect plenty of other questions too, from being charged by the FA over the conduct of his players during Saturday's defeat at Leicester, to the unhappiness of some supporters over his team's form.

We'll bring you the best of what's said.

Wednesday's back pages

The Sun

Let's begin a round-up of what the morning papers are talking about with The Sun. They focus on what they say is a big-money offer from Sunderland to bring Jermain Defoe back to the Premier League from Toronto.

West Ham's FA Cup penalty triumph over Everton also gets a mention, as does the warning to Manchester United from Radamel Falcao's agent.

Snow joke

Photos of the day ... taken during last night's FA Cup third round replay between Wolves and Fulham at Molineux.

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This is what we don't see enough of in football, snow-covered pitches and a garishly coloured ball.

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It looks freezing, so exactly the kind of night where you do not want the match to drag on and go to extra time and penalties. Guess what happened? Hope those in the stands had thermal bobble hats.

Defoe set for Premier League return

Here's a decent quiz question? Can you name Jermain Defoe's last appearance in English football?

We'll tell you the answer in a moment, but the point is that it might not be much longer before we see the former Tottenham striker back in the Premier league.

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According to The Sun, the 32-year-old has agreed a £14m deal with Sunderland.

The Black Cats are set to give Defoe a three-and-a-half-year contract worth £80,000 a week.

And the answer to the teaser? Sunday 9 February last year, in Spurs' 1-0 home win over Everton.

Murray seeded sixth

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While we're talking tennis, Britain's Andy Murray, a three-time finalist, will be seeded sixth for the Australian Open, with Serbia's Novak Djokovic the number one seed.

Five-time champion Serena Williams is top women's seed, while Britain's Heather Watson will have no protection in Friday's draw.

The tournament, the first Grand Slam of the year, begins on Monday.

Double success for Brits

Good news on the tennis front overnight.

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Britons Kyle Edmund and Liam Broady are within two matches of the Australian Open main draw after winning on their debuts in the qualifying event.

Edmund, 20, beat France's Tristan Lamasine 6-4 6-2 and faces American Austin Krajicek - a distant relative of ex-Wimbledon champion Richard - next.

Broady, the 21-year-old world 193, made light of 73 ranking places to beat Uzbek Farrukh Dustov 6-4 6-3.

It wasn't so good for a third Briton, Brydan Klein, who lost to Australia's Dane Propoggia.

Falcao's future in doubt

Now, it may seem like Radamel Falcaohas only just arrived at Manchester United. - but the striker may not be at Old Trafford next season.

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"He will play in one of the very best clubs in the world next season, whether that is Manchester United or not," said his agent Jorge Mendes.

The Colombian earns £265,000 a week - that's Falcao, not Mendes - and has scored three goals in 13 appearances since signing from Monaco in a £6m season-long loan in September.

Bell brilliance

Away from the footie, England's cricketers are in action as we speak and no doubt who the man of the day is so far.

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Opener Ian Bell plundered 187 off 145 balls to steer England to an imposing 391 for six against a Prime Minister's XI in Canberra.

Bell was out on the penultimate ball of the innings as England made full use of winning the toss at Manuka Oval.

Fellow opener Moeen Ali and number three James Taylor both contributed 71.

England are now bowling. Live commentary here or take a look at the scorecard.

Liverpool in for Lavezzi

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Liverpool's bid to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has been boosted.

According to the Daily Express, the Ligue 1 club are willing to let him go and are lining up Benfica winger Nicolas Gaitan as his replacement.

Clarke Carlisle 'awake'

Some heartening news to bring you this morning - former Premier League defender Clarke Carlisle, who was seriously injured in a collision with a lorry last month, is awake in hospital.

His wife, Gemma Carlisle, tweeted: "Thank you again for asking after Clarke. He's still in hospital but is getting better and stronger each day."

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She was asked by another Twitter user: "Is he awake yet Gemma? Hope he's well soon from a football fan." Mrs Carlisle replied: "Yes."

The 35-year-old former Professional Footballers' Association chairman was seriously injured following the collision on the A64, near York, on December 22 and remains in a Leeds hospital.

FA Cup action

So what's next for West Ham? Well, it's a trip to Bristol City, the Robins making the fourth round courtesy of victory last night over Doncaster.

In the other two FA Cup replays, Chesterfield beat Scunthorpe and Fulham knocked out Wolves on penalties after a 3-3 thriller at Molineux.

There are three more third-round replays tonight, Bradford v Millwall, Tottenham v Burnley and Ipswich v Southampton - the last of which is live on BBC One from 19:30 GMT.

And, though we're sure we don't need to tell you, there will also be live text and radio coverage of all of that on the BBC Sport website.

'I knew I'd score' - FA Cup hero

If last night's football passed you by, you made a big mistake.

West Ham and Everton were involved in an FA third-round replay thriller at Upton park.

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It finished 2-2, with the Hammers eventually winning 9-8 on penalties - with keeper Adrian firing in the winning spot-kick.

Adrian said afterwards: "I felt relaxed and I didn't have nerves. I thought 'I'll take off my gloves, this game is over' and I struck the ball."

Now there's a chap clearly not suffering from a lack of self-confidence.

Morning all

Question: What's the best, most comprehensive rolling sports news service around?

What do you mean you don't know? Why it's Sportsday of course and, blow me, it's time for another one to start right now.

We'll bring you all the transfer news and gossip, plus the rest of the sporting news as it happens, and the best of what's on social media.

Can't say fairer than that, can we? Right, on with the show...