Sportsday: Euro 2016 qualifiers build-up

1. Euro 2016 qualifiers build-up
2. Former England wicketkeeper Prior retires
3. Athletes injured in Baku bus collision
4. GET INVOLVED #sportingfilmstars

Good evening

That's your lot for today, we started the day with a double fist-pump and we can end with one, as there is a feast of football for you to enjoy throughout the evening.

In the Women's World Cup it's Germany v Norway at 21:00 BST on BBC Three and China v Netherlands at 23:00 BST on the BBC Red Button and on BBC Sport.

Chile play Ecuador in the first match of the Copa America at 00:30 BST and you can follow it live on the BBC Sport website.

While England under-21s play Belarus at 19:45 BST as Gareth Southgate's side warm-up for the Under-21 European Championships.

Check the BBC Sport website for match reports and live text commentary on all the games.

'We can still qualify' - Bronze

Defender Lucy Bronze says England can still qualify for the Women's World Cup knockout stages despite their 1-0 defeat by France in their opening match.

Mark Sampson's side are bottom of Group F after Mexico and Colombia drew 1-1.

"We have no points but we know two wins out of two and we are qualified so it's fine.

"We performed well against France, the result was not the greatest but we still have every chance of qualifying."

Bees bring in midfielder Williams

Brentford have signed midfielder following his departure from League Two side Morecambe.

The 24-year-old has agreed a 12-month contract with the Championship club, with the option for a further year.

"Ryan is a player who we feel has a lot of unreleased potential and we can really help develop him," Bees co-director of football Phil Giles said.

West Indies v Australia

Jerome Taylor

Australia are 91-2 at lunch on the first day of the second Test against the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica.

Jerome Taylor got the early wickets of David Warner and Shaun Marsh but Steve Smith, 38 not out, and Michael Clarke, 35 not out, have steadied the ship.

'Underwear optional'

Getty Images

A football club in Dublin has come up with a novel way to piggyback on the influx of Scottish football fans over for the Euro 2016 qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday at the Aviva Stadium.

St Patrick's Athletic is giving free entry to anyone who wears a kilt to their league match against Limerick on Friday.

The club says underwear is optional but warns of the blustery conditons forecast.

Fifa set date for emergency executive committee

Fifa have set the date for the emergency executive committee - 20 July in Zurich.

The meeting will decide the date of the extraordinary elective congress which is scheduled to happen between December 2015 and February 2016 where members will vote for Sepp Blatter's successor.

Aberdeen sign City striker

Aberdeen have signed Manchester City striker Joe Nuttall on a two-year deal.

The 18-year-old, a product of City's youth academy, impressed recently during a trial with the Dons and has now clinched a move to Pittodrie.

He said: "I am very happy to be joining Aberdeen, as it is such an historic club with a fantastic following. I'm really looking forward to what will be an exciting project ahead."

£73m price tag for Courtois

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Chelsea have warned Real Madrid off making a bid for Thibaut Courtois by demanding £73 million for the goalkeeper according to the Daily Telegraph.

The paper reports that Real were prepared to pay almost £37 million for Courtois as their first choice replacement for Iker Casillas but then turned their attentions to Manchester Unite's David De Gea.

Adams relishes 'terrific' opportunity

Newly-appointed Plymouth manager Derek Adams says he is expecting a "terrific journey" with the League Two club.

The 39-year-old former Ross County boss has agreed a two-year deal to replace John Sheridan at Home Park.

"It had to be the right club for me and I feel this is the right club. I want to get this club back to where it believes it belongs," he told BBC Radio Devon.

'We can see the finish line' - Baird

AFP

West Brom defender Chris Baird claims Northern Ireland can "see the finishing line" as they look to book their place at a first ever European Championship.

Michael O'Neill's side have won four of their first five games to sit second in Group F and face Romania on Saturday.

"To qualify for a first major tournament in 30 years, a first Euros ever, would be massive not just for us but for the whole country,"

"Now that we're in this position we can see the finishing line in front of us and we want to get there sooner rather than later.

Nadal through to quarters in Germany

Rafael Nadal has beaten Marcos Baghdatis 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (4-7) 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals of the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart.

It was the two-times Wimbledon champion's first match on grass this season and followed his quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the French Open.

The World number 10 will now play Australian Bernard Tomic in the next round.

'I wasn't surprised by England' - Williamson

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New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson said he wasn't surprised by England's performance in the first ODI.

England scored 408-9 in their innings as they beat New Zealand by 210 runs at Edgbaston.

"To come out and get 400 on any surface - although it was a very, very good one - is a great effort."

"I'm familiar with most of the players, having played county cricket over here, and I knew to expect they'd play aggressively.

"There's a lot of strokemakers. It wasn't a surprise."

The second ODI is on Friday at the Oval and there will be live ball-by-ball commentary on Radio 5 live sports extra and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

'This is not a strip club'

Here's an interesting tale from Russia, where the country's main boxing promoter has moved to ensure scantily-clad "ring girls" will soon be a thing of the past.

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Many ring girls don bikinis, but in Russia's mainly Muslim Caucasus regions they already wear less revealing outfits

Andrei Ryabinsky, who runs Mir Boksa, says the women will have to cover up so that both fighters and fans of different cultures and religions feel comfortable.

"Muslim boxers take to the ring, and we respect them," Andrei Ryabinsky told the Tass news agency. "This is a serious international sporting event, not a strip club."

'The pressure is on' - McClean

Wigan's James McClean has challenged his Republic of Ireland team-mates to pile the pressure on Scotland by leap-frogging them back into contention for Euro 2016 qualification.

The Scots are currently level with world champions Germany behind Group D leaders Poland.

But victory for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium would see Martin O'Neill's side, who currently trail Scotland by two points, go above them.

"The pressure is on them as well - if they lose the game, we go ahead of them, so there's pressure on both teams and make no mistake about it, we'll be going out all guns blazing to try to get the win. It's like an international derby. Both teams don't want to lose."

Ingham and Swan sign York deals

York City goalkeeper Michael Ingham has signed a new one-year deal, while defender George Swan has joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ingham, 34, has made 255 league appearances for the Minstermen since joining from Hereford in May 2008.

Swan, 20, joined Wolves in September after being released by Manchester City but never made a first-team appearance for the club.

Haka tribute to Jerry Collins

Neemia Tialata

Ex-All Black Neemia Tialata has led an emotional roadside tribute to former team-mate Jerry Collins, who died alongside his wife Alana in a car crash last week.

Toulouse prop Tialata led a group of players, including Toulon's Ali Williams, in performing a Haka at the site of the accident near the southern French town of Beziers.

You can view footage of the Haka here.

Footballers on holiday

Rio Ferdinand

What footballers get up to on their holidays always provides some interesting sights.

We have had Chris Smalling and turtles, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with chimps, Wayne Rooney and pigs and now we have newly retired Rio Ferdinand with this character.

"Decent bit of lunch in Portugal today with this legend," tweeted the former England captain.

Wakefield eye fresh blood

New Wakefield coach Brian Smith is confident of being able to bring in new players to help the club's fight for Super League survival.

On the eve of his first game in charge, Smith discovered he has lost another of the club's regulars when the Wildcats announced they have released Australian centre Dean Collis with immediate effect.

Smith, who has succeeded fellow Australian James Webster on a short-term deal, does not anticipate much difficulty in bringing in reinforcements, although they are unlikely to arrive in time for Sunday's game at home to Salford.

"Sometimes they come to us," he said. "Our phones have been ringing the last few days so, without getting everybody too excited, something will happen in the next week or two.

"We've got some space now, finance-wise and quota-wise."

Summer of sport

It's shaping up to be a cracking summer of sport. So make sure you stay ahead of the curve by downloading Blue Peter's special wall chart. Get stuck in here.

Xavi - the architect of tiki-taka

Spanish newspaper AS have createdthis fantastic graphicof Xavi as the totemic midfielder completes his move from Barcelona to Al-Sadd in Qatar.

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Women's World Cup

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Fresh from their 10-0 drubbing of the Ivory Coast, Germany play Norway in group B of the Women's World Cup in Canada at 21:00 BST.

The match from Ottawa is live on BBC Three with coverage stating at 20:30 BST.

At 23:00 BST China play Netherlands in Edmonton in Group A. The match will be on the BBC Red Button and on the BBC Sport website.

Windies strike early

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West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin won the toss and put Australia into bat on the opening day of the second and final Test at Sabina Park.

So far, it's working for them as Jerome Taylor has dismissed David Warner for a three-ball duck. The Aussies are 16-1. Follow the action via our scorecard here.

Messi or Marta

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Brazilian superstar Marta is making all the headlines at the moment as she guides her team through the Women's World Cup. But how does she match up against arguably the best male footballer around right now, Lionel Messi? They're both at the top of their game but can you figure out who owns each stat? Have a go at this great little quiz from the team at MOTD Kickabout.

Barnet sign defender Hoyte

League Two newcomers Barnet have signed defender Gavin Hoyte on a two-year deal after his departure from Gillingham.

The 25-year-old right-back, a Trinidad & Tobago international, made 35 appearances for the Gills last season.

Alves gets Brazil call

AFP

Barcelona right-back Dani Alves has been added to Brazil's Copa America squad, to replace defender Danilo who sustained a right ankle injury in Brazil's warm-up against Mexico on Sunday.

Walsh staying with Saints

St Helens' Australian scrum-half Luke Walsh has committed himself to the reigning Super League champions until the end of 2016.

"It was an easy decision to make," Walsh said. "The club and the fans have been great to me, especially after the injury and it felt like the right thing to do. I now want to win things."

McAuley should get new deal - Brunt

AFP

Chris Brunt has told West Brom a new contract for team-mate Gareth McAuley is "a no-brainer".

McAuley's previous deal has expired but the 35-year-old defender is considering a one-year extension with the Baggies.

"He's a guy who plays every week in the Premier League," said Brunt. "People keep speaking about his age but if you see him day to day in training he's an extremely fit lad.

"For the age of him he's a bit of a freak really and for him to keep grinding the level of performance he does week in, week out... it's just a no brainer."

Women's World Cup

BBC Sport's Alistair Magowan from Moncton: "Only substitutes and players not used in the France defeat trained yesterday but the whole squad will be back on it today and in the mix for Saturday's crucial game against Mexico. We're hoping to speak to Fara Williams, who scored in England's 1-1 draw with Mexico in their opening game of the 2011 World Cup, and Eni Aluko, who received abuse on social media after missing chances in that game, so it should be an interesting afternoon."

Party time in Guam

They'll be partying on the streets of Guam tonight after their football team won their first ever World Cup qualifier, courtesy of an own goal by Turkmenistan defender Serdar Annaorazov.

Guam, a United States territory with a population of less than 200,000, was playing in its first home World Cup qualifier. The Pacific Island's last World Cup campaign was in 2000 when it was routed 16-0 by Tajikistan and 19-0 by Iran.

Next for Guam? India.

Iron sign Preston defender Laird

Scunthorpe United have signed Preston North End defender Scott Laird on a three-year deal.

The 27-year-old is the third player to join the Iron from the Lilywhites this summer after defender Scott Wiseman and midfielder Jack King.

Laird turned down a new deal with Championship side Preston to join League One Scunthorpe.

Rugby World Cup at Villa Park

Aston Villa

There are 99 days to go until the start of the Rugby World Cup and Aston Villa have tweeted this picture as the Midlands club get ready to host two matches. "Rugby post foundations going in today. Under 100 days to go until Villa Park will host pool matches between South Africa v Samoa and Australia v Uruguay."

Women's World Cup

BBC Sport's Alistair Magowan from Moncton: "Dark and gloomy here in Moncton today and the local newspaper carries reports of the Moncton Stadium organisers urging fans to turn up 90 minutes early for the second set of group games on Saturday. Supporters were still queuing 30 minutes after England kicked-off their opener against France last Tuesday. Only two entrances to the stadium hardly helped."

Bardet goes it alone

AFP

French rider Romain Bardet won the fifth stage of the Criterium du Dauphine after an impressive solo attack, while American Tejay van Garderen finished second to take the overall lead.

The relatively short but steep 161km stage - a replica of the 17th stage of this year's Tour de France - featured two category-two climbs either side of a sharp ascent up Col d'Allos.

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Walker unfazed by dad's Forest link

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Tyler Walker insists he is not fazed by the pressure of following his legendary father Des at Nottingham Forest.

Walker senior won 59 England caps and played 408 matches for the Reds during two spells totalling nearly 12 years.

Striker Tyler, 18, has made just seven first-team substitute appearances but has just signed a four-year contract and has already scored a goal - as many as his dad managed in 858 senior games.

"I don't really think about what my dad did," Walker told BBC Radio Nottingham.

Crisis? What crisis?

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Here's a little flavour of Sepp Blatter's latest column in Fifa's 'The Weekly' magazine...

"Fifa is going through difficult times," writes the president of football's governing body. "This makes me all the more proud that our organisation runs smoothly in a crisis. The ball keeps rolling on. In New Zealand, the world's best young players are currently competing at the Under-20 World Cup."

The column is published in full on Friday.

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Xavi unveiled in Qatar

Al Sadd

Former Barcelona and Spanish midfielder Xavi has been unveiled by Qatar club Al-Sadd.

Xavi, 35, left Barcelona after winning 25 trophies in 17 years at the club.

Get Involved

You lot really have excelled with this debate. Here's a few more sports personalities who look like film stars...

Schweinsteiger not rushing contract talks

EPA

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger says he is in no rush to sign a new contract with the Bundesliga champions amid reported interest from Premier League clubs.

The Germany captain still has a year left to run on his current deal in Munich.

"I've agreed with chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge that we'll have a chat this summer to see how the future looks," Schweinsteiger told ARD television.

Rummenigge says he is "not aware" of any approach being made by Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, although he says Bayern would not stand in Schweinsteiger's way were he to seek a challenge elsewhere.

Giggs v Bale: how do they compare?

Ahead of Gareth Bale earning his 50th cap against Belgium, BBC Wales Sport have examined how the Real Madrid attacker compares to another Welsh great, Ryan Giggs. They have uncovered some interesting parallels...

BBC

Ashley wins Rangers court row

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Mike Ashley's Sports Direct has won a court injunction against Rangers disclosing confidential information about its retail deal with the club and has been awarded costs of £20,000 at the Royal Courts of Justice.

The injunction prevents Rangers revealing details of their contract to an extraordinary meeting of the Championship club called by Ashley and being held on Friday.

The Newcastle United owner and Rangers shareholder asked for the EGM to force the club to pay back a £5m loan.

Fenerbahce appoint Pereira

Earlier (09:54 BST) we told you how Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira was sacked by Greek champions Olympiakos after leading them to the league and cup double.

Now we can tell you the 46-year-old has been snapped up by Turkish side Fenerbahce on a two-year contract.

When football meets music

Looks like Northern Ireland had a special guest visiting their camp ahead of Saturday's game with Romania... 

Aberdeen forward Niall McGinn tweets this picture of him with Snow Patrol's Northern Irish frontman Gary Lightbody #topman.

Wakefield confirm Collis departure

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have confirmed that centre Dean Collis has left the club to return to Australia.

The 29-year-old joined the Wildcats in September 2011 from National Rugby League side Cronulla Sharks, and made 63 Super League appearances for Wakefield, scoring 12 tries.

Coe fleshes out presidency plans

With 100 days until the election of a new president of the IAAF, Lord Coe has expanded on his plans should he be elected to succeed Lamine Diack...

Konta through to last eight

Delyth Lloyd

BBC Radio 5 live

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British number two Johanna Konta is through to the quarter-finals at the Nottingham Open after coming from behind to beat Monica Puig of Puerto Rico 4-6 6-4 7-6 in the second round.

Konta will now face Monica Niculescu in the quarter finals on Friday.

England news conference

Fabian Delph on Aston Villa team-mate Jack Grealish, who is yet to choose between playing for England or Ireland at senior level:

"I will leave that to Jack, he is a young boy who has done really well. The decision is down to him, I will not put any pressure on him."

England news conference

Getty Images

Fabian Delph, who picked up a minor injury Aston Villa's FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal:

"I am fully fit now, I had a knock but have managed to settle it down and have trained every day since the last game.

"I am not a fan of being injured, it has been nice to get out there on the pitch and train."

Fifa communications chief quits

More on Fifa communications chief Walter de Gregorio being asked to quit his post by Sepp Blatter (14:05 BST).

It seems the president and general secretary Jerome Valcke were not in agreement...

Republic of Ireland news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Getty Images

More from Roy Keane on the selection quandaries facing Ireland manager Martin O'Neill for the key Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland:

"I think there is a lot of key decisions to be made, that's what we are here for it's what the manager is paid for.

"People keep talking the game up, it's a big game, but obviously with Martin's experience hopefully we pick the right starting XI.

"There's lots of stuff to look at; players carrying injuries, Robbie [Keane]'s lack of match sharpness, it's just about making the calculating decision hopefully that we'll get right."

All American Pharoah

Sports Illustrated

How about this for a striking cover? The latest issue of Sports Illustrated focused on American Pharoah, who became the first horse to win the US Triple Crown since 1978 when he won Saturday's Belmont Stakes in New York.

The three-year-old had earlier won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, emulating a feat last achieved by Affirmed 37 years ago.

Republic of Ireland news conference

BBC Radio 5 live's Juliette Ferrington has been in Malahide speaking to Ireland assistant Roy Keane ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland...

Fifa communications chief quits

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

"Walter De Gregorio is said to have confronted Mr Blatter over the article and asked if he supported the views expressed by Mr Stohlker. He was then subsequently asked to leave Fifa.

"A ill-timed joke by Mr De Gregorio on Swiss TV is also thought to have helped seal his fate. At the end of an interview he said: 'The FIFA president, the general secretary and the communications director are all in a car. Who's driving? Answer: The police.'"

Fifa communications chief quits

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

"Fifa communications chief Walter de Gregorio was asked to leave by Sepp Blatter, despite a statement from football's world governing body claiming he has "relinquished his office."

"The root of the disagreement between the two men stems from an article in a Swiss magazine called Klein Report which featured quotes from Klaus J Stohlker, a PR professional utilised on an ad-hoc basis by Mr Blatter.

"The article criticised Mr De Gregorio and Fifa's communications strategy. It was published on 2 June - the same day that Mr Blatter announced he would be leaving Fifa."

Enough to bring tears to your eyes

Getty Images

This is an ouch of the highest order - former rugby league prop Ben Ross has been rushed to hospital after breaking his arm... wait for it... in an arm wrestle on live television with another former player, Wendell Sailor.

We've seen the footage and it's doubtful we'll take part in such pursuits again. The full story is being reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

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Football

England news conference

England goalkeeper Joe Hart on England's defence who have conceded just one goal in five qualifying matches: "We have defended well as a team this year and really nailed it down. In the World Cup what was disappointing was conceding first in the two games, that is what put us out.

"But this year we have been solid at the back, we have so much attacking flair that we can help those boys do what they do up front."

Wimbledon on the BBC

The news that three-time Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick will join the BBC team at Wimbledon this year caught the eye of Roger Federer, who beat the American in the 2004, 2005 and 2009 finals...

Newcastle 'can join Europe's elite'

PA

Newcastle United can become one of the biggest clubs in Europe, according to new head coach Steve McClaren.

The 54-year-old former England boss was appointed on Wednesday and wants to end the club's 46-year wait for silverware as soon as possible.

"Speak to anyone in football, they'll say 'Newcastle United, what a big club'," McClaren told BBC Newcastle. "It can be in the top 10 in Europe, it has the ability to do that."

Hart happy at City

Joe Hart was also asked about the declaration from Manchester City's chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, that the club will be making some big signings this summer.

"It's kind of what we expect," said Hart. "He's been a great chairman, I put all my trust in him as a player. I'm coming into my peak as a footballer and I want to be at Manchester City because of the desires the club has. I think the club are really going places."

England news conference

England

Joe Hart on captain Wayne Rooney, who is three goals away from becoming England's all-time top scorer: "Wayne will get there, we all know that.

"He is our captain, a leader, talisman and I am looking forward to being in the team when he makes history. I am sure though he would take not scoring in the next five games if we win them all. But usually we win if he scores."

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England news conference

England goalkeeper Joe Hart on the criticism of England performance against Ireland: "We took everything we could from the Ireland game, I know it did not get too much love and it wasn't a thriller. We would have loved to have won the game 4-0 and make everyone happy.

"It will be seen as a good move if we get the result against Slovenia."

England news conference

Reuters

As promised here are the best bits from the England football team's news conference. Joe Hart was in good form, but there was no sign of Fabian Delph.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart's response when asked about the side's progress since last year's World Cup: "We've made as much progress as is possible. The nature of qualifying is that it's not to the level of a group stages of a World Cup but we've done the minimum. We've made strides, we're building a team and ethos and hopefully we can get as many qualifying wins to get to France as soon as possible."

Copa America

Marcos Rojo

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo has posted a picture of the Argentina squad to ahead of the start of the Copa America which starts tomorrow.

You can follow live text commentaries and reports on selected matches on the BBC Sport website and on the BBC Sport app.

Fifa communication chief quits

Over the past two weeks has there been a harder job in sport than Walter De Gregorio's?

Now De Gregorio has announced he is leaving his role as director of communications and public affairs with immediate effect.

Though he will serve FIFA on a consultancy basis until the end of this year.

Konta on court

Delyth Lloyd

BBC Radio 5 live

British number two Johanna Konta will resume her second-round match against Monica Puig at the Nottingham Open in a few minutes. The match is poised at one set all.

Listen to live commentary here

Murray & Peers advance

Getty Images

Britain's Jamie Murray and Australian partner John Peers are into the semi-finals of the Topshelf Open in 's-Hertogenbosch after beating Raven Klaasen and Rajeev Ram 6-4 7-6 (2).

England news conference

Right then, ladies and gentlemen... the England news conference has just started in Watford. We'll bring you the best of Joe Hart and Fabian Delph shortly.

Falcao to Chelsea?

Reuters

Jose Mourinho has dropped the biggest hint yet that former Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao is wanted at Chelsea.

The Blues boss says he is "hurt" that supporters of the Premier League think the "real" Falcao is the Colombian striker seen floundering on loan at Old Trafford, where he scored four goals in 29 appearances for United.

Mourinho told DirecTV Sports on Wednesday night: "If I can help Falcao reach his level again, I will do it. It hurts me that people in England think that the real Falcao is the one we saw at Manchester United."

Ince deal would break Derby record

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Derby County will have to break their record transfer fee to sign Hull City's Tom Ince, BBC Radio Derby reports.

Ince, 23, scored 11 goals in 18 games on loan at the Rams last season and has a year to run on his Hull contract.

But the loan agreement is understood to have included an option to buy.

The Rams' record signing, Wales striker Robert Earnshaw, cost £3.5m from Norwich City in 2007, but Ince is expected to cost less than the £6m which has been reported.

Wilson checks in at Cardiff

Cardiff Blues have named Danny Wilson as head coach on a three-year contract, following his departure from Bristol.

Wilson, who has previously worked with Scarlets, Dragons and Wales Under-20s, replaces Mark Hammett, who left just six months into a three-year deal. Hammett departed in February, asking to leave for "personal reasons".

"I'm looking forward to getting started... and building an environment, culture and squad that will take us forward," said Wilson.

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This is good, Cal. Very good.

Are there any female sport stars who have a film lookalike? We've not had any yet, so there's your challenge for this afternoon.

Port Vale need bigger crowds - Pope

Empics

Departing striker Tom Pope says Port Vale need to start attracting bigger crowds to remain competitive in League One.

Lifelong Vale fan Pope - who signed for fellow League One club Bury on Tuesday after being made a substantially better contract offer - says chairman Norman Smurthwaite is in an awkward position.

"People are choosing not to go," Pope, 29, told BBC Radio Stoke. "And Norman isn't going to carry on putting his money in forever if people aren't backing him or supporting him."

Breaking bones - and hopefully history

Breaking a bone while sleeping is not exactly a common occurrence, but that comes with the territory when trying to cycle 3,000 miles across the United States in under 13 days.

Just ask ultra-cyclist Shusanah Pillinger, who while attempting to become the first solo British woman to complete the Race Across America last year, succumbed to severe sleep deprivation on her bike and broke her collarbone.

Want to know more? Have a gander at this special feature written by BBC Sport's Phil Shepka & Sam Edwards.

England news conference

It seems England's news conference has been put back until nearer 13:30 BST, where Joe Hart and Fabian Delph will be speaking. 

In the meantime, here's a picture...

Slovenia hopeful of an upset

Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Nejc Pecnik is optimistic about Slovenia's chances of causing a huge upset against England on Sunday.

Slovenia, ranked 48th in the world, host England's final Euro 2016 qualifier of the season on Sunday.

"I think we have a good chance of a favourable outcome," said Pecnik. "The English have gone some time without any real competition as their championship ended a while ago.

"I believe that this could be to our advantage."

Forgive and forget?

Kevin Pietersen had earlier tweeted: "We may have had our differences, but I'd like to wish@MattPrior13all the best for his future...we did play some v good cricket together!"

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There's plenty of suggestions for sportsmen who look like film stars still coming through...

Goals, goals, goals

Missing domestic football already? How about watching this clip of the best goals from the Scottish Premiership in the season just finished.

Petrescu turns down Championship club

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Former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu has been named coach of Romanian league runners-up Targu Mures.

The 47-year-old has signed a three-year contract - rejecting an offer from a Championship club in the process - and said: "We aim to progress in the Europa League though it'll be difficult."

Guardian banned from Baku - reports

Guardian

The Guardian are reporting that the government of Azerbaijan has banned them from entering the country to cover the inaugural European Games, which begin on Friday.

The paper suggests the decision may to be linked to a trip to the country in December to report on preparations for the events, and a subsequent report which featured interviews with critics of the government.

Three Austrian synchronised swimmers were hit by a shuttle bus (11:44 BST) in Baku on Thursday while walking on a pavement in the athletes' village.

Mayweather tops rich list

AFP

He calls himself "Money" Mayweather so it is perhaps fitting that Floyd Mayweather has been topped business magazine Forbes' poll of the world's highest paid athletes for the second year running.

The top five as as follows...

1. Floyd Mayweather, US, Boxing = US$300m (£194m).
2. Manny Pacquiao, Philippines, Boxing = $160m (£103.4m)
3. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal, Football = $79.6m (£51.4m)
4. Lionel Messi, Argentina, Football = $73.8m (£47.7m)
5. Roger Federer, Switzerland, Tennis = $67m (£43.3m)

Tributes to Prior

He may have referred disparagingly to him as "The Big Cheese" and called him "the schoolyard bully who is also the teacher’s pet" but Kevin Pietersen has paid tribute to Matt Prior...

Stoke chairman in dark over Begovic future

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Stoke chief executive Tony Scholes admits he doesn't know if Bosnian goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will be at the Britannia Stadium next season.

Begovic, 27, is in the last year of his contract at Stoke and has been linked with a number of top clubs around Europe.

Speaking to the Stoke Sentinel, Scholes said: "We would very much like him to extend his contract, but I think Asmir has said it himself, he is keeping his options open and seeing what might be available for him.

"My hope is that he decides that we are the best option for him and that he extends his contract.

Touching distance

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Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill says a win over Romania in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier in Belfast will put his team on the brink of the finals.

Victory would move the Northern Irish to 15 points in Group F, above leaders Romania, with four games to play. Two other qualification rivals - Finland and Hungary - meet earlier in the day.

"Eighteen points is going to guarantee a top-three finish," said O'Neill. "But 18 points in our group may guarantee you automatic qualification."

Gayle to leave early

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We mentioned earlier (11:25 BST) that Chris Gayle might be leaving Somerset one match ahead of schedule. The club have now confirmed that the batsman is leaving to ensure he is "100% fit" for the start of the Caribbean Premier League.

Somerset director of cricket Matt Maynard has said: "Although slightly disappointed that Chris is unavailable for the Glamorgan game, his contribution to Somerset CCC during his stay has been immense."

The West Indies batsman will miss the T20 Blast match against Glamorgan on Saturday and his final match will now be on Friday.

Tributes to Prior

Fashion conscious

ALAMY

Lewis Hamilton's social media accounts regularly showcase the full glamour of what being Formula 1 world champion can deliver.

If he is not wearing some astoundingly outlandish clothing, he is mixing with celebrities aplenty.

"Last night catching up with my beautiful big sis Naomi Campbell," he posts on Instagram after meeting the supermodel.

Konta back in action

Delyth Lloyd

BBC Radio 5 live

Delyth Lloyd

Great view from the side of Centre Court at the Nottingham Open.

The second round continues from 12:00 BST, with the second match on court the resumption of British number two Johanna Konta's contest against Monica Puig. It was one set all when play was suspended on Wednesday

Listen live here

Walsh signs Manchester City deal

The FA

England Under-19 striker Keira Walsh has signed her first professional contract with Manchester City Women.

Walsh described the deal with the Women's Super League One side, which runs until the end of the 2017 campaign, as "a dream come true".

She added: "It's a privilege to be signing a contract at a club with such ambitious projects."

West Ham hopeful on Song

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West Ham are still hopeful of signing midfielder Alex Song from Barcelona on a permanent deal, according to joint chairman David Sullivan.

Former Arsenal midfielder Song spent last season on-loan at Upton Park.

"I can assure you we have not given up on Alex Song yet. Before Christmas, Alex was outstanding and if we believe we can get him back to that sort of form and maybe with a new manager we can, we would very much like Alex to come."

Get involved #sportingfilmstars

Today, we're asking which sporting stars are rather like certain film characters. You can use #sportingfilmstars to get involved.

England news conference

We are still waiting for the England news conference to start.

When it finally gets under way, manager Roy Hodgson is expected to be joined by goalkeeper Joe Hart to talk about their Euro 2016 qualifying match against Slovenia on Sunday.

Update on injured swimmers

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Here's a statement from the Austrian Olympic Committee, regarding the three Austrian synchronised swimmers involved in an "incident" in the Olympic Athletes village at the Baku 2015 European Games.

It transpires they were hit by a shuttle bus while they were walking on the pavement.

"Verena Breit got off lightly with slight injuries - a bruise on her right thigh - and was transported back to the Olympic Village after an hour.

"The other two girls were brought to the University clinics of Baku, where they received initial treatment. It was decided there, that they should be transported back home immediately. Vanessa Sahinovic unfortunately is severely injured, suffering a polytrauma and multiple fractures; Luna Payer was diagnosed with injuries on her arms, which need further medical clarification".

Ross has his eyes on Yaya

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Your homework for the summer is to study two of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Who do you choose?

If you're Ross Barkley, it's Yaya Toure and Mesut Ozil.

"I've been watching clips on Yaya Toure and Mesut Ozil," the Everton midfielder told thefa.com. "Ozil is so calm in possession and picks the right passes, which is something I've got to get a bit better at.

"I just observe, just watch clips on YouTube and the spaces he moves into. With Yaya Toure [it is] the breaks forward he does and the counter-attacks. When he gets the ball his distribution is really good, too."

Wales news conference

Dafydd Pritchard

BBC Wales Sport

Wales' Euro 2016 qualifier against Belgium may be their most important match for more than a decade, but there has been a relaxed atmosphere at today's news conference.

Captain Ashley Williams fielded questions about Belgium and Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini easily enough, but the Swansea centre-back was caught off guard when a Belgian journalist asked him to translate the motto on Wales' crest - 'Gorau chwarae, cyd chwarae'.

Williams laughed and explained he doesn't speak Welsh. Fortunately, the national team's press officer does and was happy to explain that it means 'Best play is team play'.

Spurs are major disappointment - Redknapp

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Can you remember life before Harry Redknapp joined Twitter? No neither can we.

The former Tottenham manager has been back on social media today to tweet his thoughts about his former club and it doesn't make pretty reading for chairman Daniel Levy.

"Tottenham have been a major disappointment since I left. I had two top four finishes, we finished fourth twice and should have finished higher in all honesty. But this year it's been a disappointing year."

Stoke still keen to keep Begovic

PA

Stoke City are still keen to talk about a new deal for first-choice goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, despite continued speculation about a possible move away from the Britannia Stadium.

The 27-year-old only has a year left on his current deal and chief executive Tony Scholes told BBC Radio Stoke: "I don't know who he might be speaking to. That's not accusing him of anything. That's the reality of it.

"He's away on holiday at the moment. But we hope to sit down with him and his representatives again in the near future."

Wales news conference

BBC Wales' man in Cardiff tweets...

Tributes to Prior

Get Involved

Paul Atkinson: Been eating egg curry (09:49) for years ever since I had it in British Airways canteen in the 70's. Delicious and very filling.

Delicious? Sorry Paul, we're not having that...

Gayle on his way

Getty Images

Chris Gayle will play the final game of his brief stint at Somerset on Friday, after the club agreed to let him return to Jamaica one match ahead of schedule, reports the Bristol Post.

But, hopefully, not before one last night out with sparklers (09:10).

How's stat?!

Matt Prior career highlights

Getty Images

• 2010: Named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year
• 2011: Makes his maiden Ashes Test hundred against Australia in Sydney and finishes the five-match series with 23 catches - an Ashes record for an England wicketkeeper
• 2012: Included in the ICC's Test team of the year
• 2013: Makes an unbeaten, match-saving century to help England stave off defeat in the Auckland Test against New Zealand. Is subsequently named England men's cricketer of the year

Matt Prior career highlights

AFP

Following his retirement, we take a look back at some of Matt Prior's highlights during his 14-year career.

• 2001: Makes his county debut as a 19-year for Sussex
• 2003: Scores more than 1,000 first-class runs as Sussex wins maiden County Championship title
• 2007: Scores 126 not out on his Test debut against West Indies at Lord's
• 2009: Tastes Ashes success with England for the first time as England beat Australia 2-1

'He did what we all dream about'

PA

Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson paid tribute to Matt Prior, who is retiring from all forms of cricket: "It is a sad day when a cricketer of such talent and character and who has achieved so much, and has the ability to achieve so much more, is forced to retire through injury.

"Matt has done great things for the club but more importantly, has done what we all dream of, which is play for his country with honour and distinction."

The 33-year-old scored more than 13,000 first-class runs with a top score of 201 not out.

Austrians injured in Baku 'incident'

Nick Hope

BBC Olympic sports reporter in Baku

Three Austrian athletes, due to compete in the inaugural European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, have been injured following an "incident" at the Transport Hub in the Athletes' Village earlier today.

An official statement read: "Medical services responded to an incident this morning which led to three Austrian athletes being immediately transported to hospital. At this time we are unable to give further details but an update will follow later today."

The Austrian team will be issuing their own update in the next hour.

'I'm immensely proud of my career'

More from Matt Prior after the three-time Ashes winner announced his retirement:

"I have always tried to play with pride and passion and have a deep belief that the team will always come first, a value that will never leave me whatever I go on to do.

"Although I haven't achieved all the goals I had set out to, I feel immensely proud of what I have done in my career. Sadly it is now time to move on."

'His style will live on in the memory'

PA

Former England captain Andrew Strauss, in his new guise as the ECB's director of cricket, paid tribute to his former team-mate.

"Matt has had a wonderful career as a wicketkeeper-batsman for both Sussex and England," said Strauss. "Matt's contribution both on and off the field was immense.

"It is a huge shame that his career has come to an end in this way, although his athletic wicketkeeping and counter-attacking batting will live long in the memories of both his team-mates and England supporters."

Prior 'embodied England team'

England batsman Nick Compton, speaking to Sky Sports about Matt Prior: "He embodied everything about the England team under Andrew Strauss - he had energy in the field, lifted the dressing room and rallied people around him.

"He did a lot for England at a time when they needed a boost. There are lots of fond memories of him, he played with freedom, took it to the attack, had a lot of character and showed a lot of fight."

'Today is a sad day'

Matt Prior played the last of his 79 Tests against India in July 2014 before undergoing an operation on his Achilles.

"Today is a very sad day for me as I am forced to announce my retirement from the game I love.

"I had been hoping and expecting to be fit for the start of the 2015 season. Unfortunately, this has proved impossible, and I have now had to reach this decision."

BreakingMatt Prior announces retirement

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England and Sussex wicketkeeper Matt Prior has retired from all forms of cricket on medical advice. Prior made his Test debut against the West Indies at Lord's in 2007 scoring 126 not out in the first innings

He went on to win 79 caps for England scoring 4099 runs at an average of 40.18 including seven centuries.

Working with Eubank

BBC Radio 5 live

Channel 4

Britain's first female boxing manager says working with Chris Eubank was "like a Salvador Dali movie".

Shaa Wasmund said the former super-middleweight champion offered her the job when she was just 22, after she interviewed him for a newspaper.

"There was some kind of warped sense of reality, everywhere I went I wasn't sure what was happening," said Wasmund. "I think I had more fun that year than it's actually humanly possible to have and be paid at the same time."

It does sound a laugh. Listen to more of the interview with 5 live here.

Clasie out of Dutch squad

EPA

Netherlands midfielder Jordy Clasie has been ruled out of Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier in Latvia because of stomach flu. He joins defender Ron Vlaar on the sidelines, leaving a party of 21 to travel to Riga on Thursday for the Group A match.

The 23-year-old Clasie, who plays for Feyenoord, has 11 caps and was in the Dutch squad that finished third at last year's World Cup in Brazil.

The Netherlands, who beat Latvia 6-0 in Amsterdam in November, lie third in their group, six points behind the Czech Republic and five behind Iceland.

Clasie, incidentally, is reported to be a target of Southampton and Sunderland.

Wales news conference

On this day

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In 2008, Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was announced as Chelsea's new manager.

Wales news conference

The Splash brothers

Getty Images

A pair of Filipinos have created a splash in more ways than one after footage of their botched dives at the South East Asian Games caused such a stir that authorities demanded answers.

Footage of John Elmerson Fabriga and John David Pahoyo has gone viral after both athletes, on their fourth dive in the men's 3m springboard, landed nearly horizontal, scoring zero points.

Their performance has made waves with Philippine Sport Commission chairman Richie Garcia, who is reportedly seeking an explanation from aquatics chief Mark Joseph.

More on that - and the video in question - here.

Football

Rumble on the Humber

Luke Campbell

"Let's do this!" posts Luke Campbell on Instagram, looking ahead to his WBC world title eliminator against Tommy Coyle in Hull in August.

As well as the usual outlets, tickets for the fight are also on sale at the Coyle family's fruit and veg stall in Hull city centre. Of course they are.

Wales news conference

Getty Images

Wales captain Ashley Williams is first up...

Williams on injury to Belgium's Marouane Fellaini: "Personnel doesn't matter too much. They've got quality throughout."

Bantams snapping up season tickets

Bradford City have confidently upped their season-ticket target to 17,500 after sales broke 10,000 this week.

The club had originally aimed at selling 15,000 when the cut-price £149 deal was launched. But chief operating officer James Mason told the Telegraph & Argus: "We see no reason why we can't now look at 17,500."

Chadli wants Benteke at Spurs

AFP

Tottenham midfielder Nacer Chadli says he hopes Belgian teammate Christian Benteke joins him at Spurs this summer.

Chadli told Sky Sports News he would love to play alongside the Aston Villa striker at White Hart Lane.

"I hope it's going to happen but first they have to attract him and there are a lot of clubs who want him - and Christian has to make his choice. Hopefully he's going to choose for us."

Benteke scored 15 goals in 34 games last season and has two years left on his current contract, which includes a buy-out clause, reportedly worth £32.5m.

Football

BBC Wales' man in Cardiff tweets...  

Wales news conference

.

We're expecting the arrival of Wales manager Chris Coleman any time soon to look ahead to Friday's crucial Euro 2016 qualifier.

We'll bring you the best of that news conference as soon as we have it...

Wales and Belgium share the summit of Group B at the halfway stage of the qualification campaign.

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McGuigan staying put

Byron McGuigan has earned himself a full-time stay at Exeter Chiefs by winning a one-year contract extension.

The 25-year-old three-quarter moved to Sandy Park in November as injury cover for Chrysander Botha, but has impressed enough to claim a new contract.

Lovely, lovely horse

Greg Norman

Greg Norman loves an Instagram post. Last week, the former world number one revealed a Christmas present bought for him by his wife was a giant sculpture of himself.

Today he posts "reunited with my boy Duke".

Is it just us or does Norman look uncannily like his horses?

Lucrative new deal signed

British horse racing has secured its biggest ever commercial deal, with an extended sponsorship between the British Champions Series and Qipco that is believed to be worth more than £50m. The new deal runs until at least 2024.

The British Champions Series comprises 35 top flat races and runs from May to October, culminating at Ascot.

"We are proud to support British racing and its wonderful heritage," chief of private investment firm Qipco, Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, said.

Bend it like Bale

Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale looks to be getting his eye in before Wales take on Belgium in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Friday.

The Real Madrid forward posted this picture to Instagram, writing: "Last days preparation for Belgium today. Cannot wait for the game tomorrow now."

There is no indication if he actually scored his free-kick.

Double signing for Dragons

Newport Gwent Dragons have completed deals for Scarlets centre Adam Warren and London Welsh wing Nick Scott.

Warren made his Scarlets debut in 2011 and featured in Wales' non-cap international against the Barbarians in 2012.

Former England Under-19 cap Scott reunites with Dragons boss Lyn Jones, who coached the 25-year-old at London Welsh.

Back pages

Abola

Portuguese newspaper Abola say QPR striker Adel Taarabt is nearing a move to Benfica and was spotted in Lisbon yesterday.

Get involved

Martin McHugh: Is that Curry Egg (09:49) before or after it's been eaten? Anything looking like that should be avoided at all costs.

Keane staying in LA

PA

If, like me, you were sleeping at midnight you might not have seen that Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has signed a new deal with Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy.

Keane, 34, has scored 55 goals in 91 games since moving to the USA in 2011.

The length of the deal has not been announced but head coach Bruce Arena said: "We're very pleased Robbie will continue to be a member of the Galaxy in the coming years."

A member of the Galaxy. Got a ring to it, that.

Forlorn pursuit?

We told you earlier (08:18 BST) that one of Steve McClaren's comments after being announced as Newcastle's new manager was that he wanted to win a trophy. Well, Martin Hardy of the Independent adds a little context to that statement...

Martin Hardy

Swimming numbers drop

A further drop in the number of people swimming once a week has once again dominated the latest grassroots sports participation figures, Sport England has announced.

The statistics, covering the six month period from October 2014 to March 2015, show that 15.5 million people did some kind of sport once a week, every week - 222,000 fewer than six months ago.

But swimming, the country's most popular sport with more than 2.5m people taking part weekly, has seen 144,200 fewer people taking to the pool in the last six months and 390,700 in the last year. The long term trend is also concerning, with 729,000 people stopping swimming in the last decade.

Back pages

Tuttosport

Over to Italy now and Tuttosport focus on Juventus' pursuit of Chelsea's Brazilian midfielder Oscar.

Pereira leaves Olympiakos

Reuters

Greek champions Olympiakos have sacked Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira after six months in charge at the club, during which time he led them to a Greek league and cup double.

Local media said the 46-year-old had angered Olympiakos owner Vangelis Marinakis when it was reported he held talks with Scottish club Rangers last month.

Curry egg? Curry? And egg?

BBC

Southeast Asian Games organisers have launched an investigation into suspected food poisoning after "a bout of loose stools" struck several athletes in the cycling competition.

Malaysian rider Muhammad Fauzan Ahmad Lutfi blamed his dinner of chicken and curry egg for his performance after he finished 11th in the men's time trial.

Two things: what is 'curry egg'? And why would you risk riding a bike after eating it?

The BBC Good Food Guide can shed more light.

Champions League squad of the season

Getty Images

Uefa have announced their Champions League squad of the season and there is space for only one Premier League player.

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic is the sole representative from England's top division.

Meanwhile there are 10 players from Barcelona's treble winners and five Juventus stars in the 18-man squad.

Squad in full: Goalkeepers: Ter Stegen, Buffon Defenders: Ivanovic, Pique, Mascherano, Chiellini, Alba Midfielders: Rakitic, Marchisio, Busquets, Iniesta, Pirlo, Kroos Forwards: Suarez, Messi, Morata, Neymar, Ronaldo

Plymouth appoint new manager

Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth Argyle have confirmed former Ross County manager Derek Adams as their new boss.

The Scot, 39, succeeds John Sheridan, who left the League Two side following their play-off semi-final defeat by Wycombe.

Adams was sacked by Ross County in August having led them to the Scottish Cup final in 2010 and into the top flight in 2012.

Where next for Barry Hayles?

Truro City FC

Former Fulham and Jamaica striker Barry Hayles has been released by Truro City at the age of 43.

Hayles, who won 10 caps for his country, first joined the Cornish club in 2010 and had three spells with them.

And after a 26-year career on the biggest, and smallest stages, he still has a lot to offer, according to Tully.

"I'm sure he'll be out there playing somewhere because he's got the bug to play football," he told BBC Sport.

Sri Lanka name Test squad

Sri Lanka have recalled batsman Jehan Mubarak to their Test squad after an absence of nearly eight years, and aggressive one-day specialist Kusal Perera has also being named in a 15-man squad for next week's opener of a three-Test series against Pakistan.

Squad: Angelo Mathews (captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kithruwan Vithanage, Jehan Mubarak, Kusal Perera, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Tharindu Kaushal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal (subject to fitness).

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Bilic's first signing

AFP

Cheer up Pedro, you're off to West Ham

In case you missed it, West Ham announced yesterday evening that they have signed Spain Under-21 midfielder Pedro Obiang from Italian club Sampdoria for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old is the first acquisition for new manager Slaven Bilic, who was unveiled on Tuesday.

Coleman's 'more excited than ever'

Reuters

It's a big night for the Welsh football team tomorrow, who host Belgium in a massive, huge Euro 2016 qualifier.

Coleman's side are unbeaten in their qualifying campaign and are second on goal difference behind leaders Belgium.

"I'm as excited as I've ever been in my career, player or manager," Coleman told BBC Wales Sport. "I'm under more pressure than I've ever been as well.

"But I'll accept the pressure with the little bit of success that we've had."

On this day

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In 2012, England drew 1-1 with France in their opening match at Euro 2012, with Samir Nasri cancelling out Joleon Lescott's opener.

More history for LeBron?

AP

Just across the pond, LeBron James is closing in on what would be the greatest feat of an already storied NBA career after putting his Cleveland Cavaliers in position to end 50 years of heartbreak.

Five years after he was vilified in Cleveland for leaving the team in pursuit of championships, James has helped to put the Cavaliers two wins away from an upset victory over the top-seeded Golden State Warriors in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.

Gayle strikes London

It would appear West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle had a big day yesterday. First he met David Beckham while out shopping…

Chris Gayle

Then he hit the town in London and seemed to enjoy people turning champagne bottles into sparklers...

Chris Gayle

Rain, rain, go away...

AP

Heavy rain forced the second day's play to be abandoned without a ball being bowled in the one-off Test between Bangladesh and India in Fatullah on Thursday.

On a curtailed opening day, India reached 239-0 after just 56 overs. Shikhar Dhawan is 150 not out of 158 balls.

I suspect the Bangladeshi bowlers weren't too upset about the rain.

England U21s 'have a chance'

BBC Radio 5 live

England Under-21s kick off their European Championship campaign a week today against Portugal and former coach Peter Taylor has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 live about the team's chances.

"England have a good chance, we're getting better and still producing players," said Taylor. "More importantly, there is communication between the clubs and the FA now.

"Usually we get to tournaments and don't take the strongest team but this time it's one of our strongest teams. I fancy our chances and in Danny Ings, Harry Kane and Saido Berahino we have players who can score a goal."

On this day

Getty Images

In 2009, Manchester United confirmed they had accepted a world-record bid of £80m for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

Get involved #sportingfilmstars

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Bullet Tooth Tony or Vinnie Jones?

Today, we're asking which sporting stars are rather like certain film characters. You can use #sportingfilmstars to get involved.

Ben Paddon: Do you know what? Vinnie Jones reminds me a lot of Bullet Tooth Tony from 'Snatch'.

Copa America ready to get under way

AFP

World Cup runners-up Argentina start as favourites to win their first Copa America title in 22 years when this year's tournament kicks off in Chile in the early hours of Friday morning.

Argentina were beaten by Germany in last summer's World Cup final and will hope to go one better in the Copa, with Barcelona forward Lionel Messi captaining them. Barca team-mate Neymar is captain of Brazil but the third member of their attack, Luis Suarez, is suspended and misses out for holders Uruguay.

The tournament begins with hosts Chile facing Ecuador in Santiago on Friday morning, kick-off 00:30 BST.

The BBC Sport website and app will have live text commentaries and match reports on the key games - including the opener and all of the knockout stages.

Historic win for SCA

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

"Team SCA, the first all-female crew to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race in more than a decade, became the first all woman crew to win a leg of the race in 25 years.

"The girls crossed the finish line through the night to take Leg 8, from Lisbon in Portugal to Lorient in France, to seal a comfortable win with the next boat at least 12-13 miles behind them.

"The team is skippered by British sailor Sam Davies."

The best freebies

What do you make of this line-up?

BBC

If you wanted to put this team together over the summer, it would cost you nothing. Zilch. Diddly squat.

That's because it's an out of contract XI which we, the good people of BBC Sport, have put together. Have a look here.

On this day

Getty Images

In 1952, Denis Compton hit his 100th first-class century and went on to make another 23 tons before retiring in 1964.

City now 'an institution'

PA

We touched on it earlier, but there's been some interesting comments coming out of Manchester City, where chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak believes leading players now want to join for more than just money.

"We're a club players want to come and play for," said Al Mubarak. "We were having to pay big premiums to attract the players we wanted to attract given we weren't in Europe.

"We're in a different position. We're an institution today."

Happy birthday

Getty Images

Among those celebrating today are Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, the former England captain who helped popularise women's cricket. She might not thank us for mentioning it, but today she turns 76.

Also blowing out 76 candles will be three-time Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, while another former driver, Frenchman Jean Alesi, is 51 today.

Get involved #sportingfilmstars

Well, then. How about that?

Armstrong's comments give us the perfect opportunity to ask which sporting stars are rather like certain film characters. Let's be nice, though...

You can send your suggestions to our special hashtag, #sportingfilmstars, send a text to 81111 or post to the BBC Sport Facebook or Google+ walls.

Armstrong: 'I'm like Voldemort'

AP

You seen this one? Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong has compared himself to Voldemort - the primary antagonist in Harry Potter.

"I'm that character in Harry Potter they can't talk about," he said. "Voldemort? It's as if you can't mention him.

"I'm the one everybody wants to pretend never lived. But that will not be the case for ever because it can't be the case forever. That won't work, people aren't stupid. We know what happened."

Hammer time

Randy Lee

Cole Hammer (right) will be the third-youngest player to play at a US Open

What were you doing when you were 15? Perhaps you are 15?

Whatever it was/is... I bet it doesn't include playing at the US Open.

Unlike Cole Hammer, of Houston, who will become the third-youngest golfer to play in the event, which takes place from 18-21 June at Chambers Bay, after he qualified in Texas.

To be fair, at 15, I'd won the Champions League with Bury on Football Manager. Beat that, Cole.

Jurgen's smiling today

Elsewhere in the world of football, the USA came from a goal down to beat world champions Germany 2-1 in a friendly in Cologne.

And the Fifa stuff keeps on rumbling - now it's Brazil legend Zico who says he is "saddened" by the corruption crisis and he says he will stand as president of football's governing body.

Still rebuilding his reputation?

Phil McNulty

BBC chief football writer

"Steve McClaren, unfair as it may seem, still carries the nightmare of his struggles as England coach wherever he goes.

"He is remembered by many - harshly given the courage he demonstrated in relocating to the Netherlands to rebuild his career by winning Eredivisie with FC Twente - as 'the Wally with the Brolly' standing forlorn holding an umbrella throughout a Wembley storm in November 2007 as England lost to Croatia and failed to reach the following summer's European Championship.

"McClaren was sacked by the Football Association inside 24 hours and the stigma is still there, a dent in the credibility of man so many players regard as one of this country's most innovative, imaginative coaches."

McClaren in at St James' Park

PA

Where better place to start than Newcastle though? The Magpies have invested in Steve McClaren as they look to put last year's torrid brush with relegation behind them. What do you make of the appointment, Geordies?

McClaren, who has signed a three-year contract that could be extended to eight years, said: "This club has waited far too long to win a trophy. That's one of my primary objectives."

How many Newcastle managers have said that down the years?

Gossip column

AFP

Let's be honest. One of the first things you do every morning - even before you let the dog out - is check the gossip column.

In there today, you'll find a story which suggests Iker Casillas could be on his way to Arsenal. There's news of a speeding ban for Jose Mourinho (no bus jokes, please) and find out why there are red faces all round for Christian Benteke's agent and West Ham chairman David Gold. For very different reasons.

Go on, steam into gossip. The boss won't mind - he's reading it too.

Back pages

In Spain, Marca focuses on the meeting between Spain and Costa Rica and the fact Iker Casillas, Keylor Navas and David De Gea will all be involved in the same fixture - but which one will be lining up in goal for Real Madrid next season?

Marca

Back pages

Meanwhile, in the Express, Michael Owen says Liverpool fans should not be losing any sleep if Raheem Sterling does, as expected, leave the club this summer.

Express

Back pages

OK, I might have been a tad optimistic there but let's make sure we count down the hours to tonight's barbecue tea in style.

We'll start with a look at the morning papers. First of all, here's the back page of the Sun, which claims Manuel Pellegrini will be given a blank cheque to make Manchester City the kings of Europe.

The Sun

Good morning

The sun is shining. Fist-pump.

You're more than probably at work. No Fist-pump.

Sportsday live has opened for business. Double fist-pump.