Sportsday - football transfer news

1. England U21 v Italy U21 (19:45 BST)
2. Farah coach Salazar responds to doping allegations
3. Liverpool sign £29m Firmino, subject to medical
4. Brit Konta causes second shock at Eastbourne
5. #bbcsportsday on 'plastic Brits'

And that's all the Sportsday there is for today.

Get yourselves over to our live coverage of England U21s v Italy U21s right here, and we'll see you tomorrow.

Have a good evening.

Broad show not enough

Yorkshire moved up to second in the table as they swept away Notts despite a superb bowling display by birthday boy Stuart Broad at Headingley.

The England paceman removed day two centurions Andrew Gale (148) and Jack Leaning (110) and finished with 7-84.

But Yorkshire's 430 all out gave them a 206-run lead and the visitors were soon in trouble in their second innings.

Ryan Sidebottom took 4-39 as Notts were dismissed for 198, despite 50 by Broad, to lose by an innings and eight runs.

Ings in for England

England boss Gareth Southgate has named his XI for the key under-21s game against Italy tonight.

Danny Ings and Jake Forster-Caskey both come into the starting line-up. Is that a lesser-spotted 4-4-2?

There will be full live text commentary on this site shortly.

England Under-21s: Butland (c), Jenkinson, Garbutt, Forster-Caskey, Stones, Gibson, Kane, Redmond, Chalobah, Ings, Lingard

Watson crashes out

And then there was one.

Heather Watson loses 6-2 6-3 against Sloane Stephens in the last-16 of the Aegon International in Eastbourne, leaving Johanna Konta as the last remaining British hope.

Watson lacked rhythm and intensity against the powerful American, who eased into the quarter-finals in one hour and 16 mins.

The Chennai Cobblers?

Unusual takeover of the day? Head down to Sixfields stadium in Northampton, where the club surprisingly announced this afternoon that they are being bought out by an Indian consortium.

"We've been looking for investment for a while, more on a 50-50 sale - but the buyers have said they want to take control of everything," said chairman David Cardoza.

"It's a bit out of the blue, but it's unquestionably in the best interests for everyone to get this deal done."

Read more here.

Ruddock out of Ireland squad

Rhys Ruddock's second broken arm in six months has cost the Leinster flanker a place in Ireland's World Cup squad.

Head coach Joe Schmidt admitted Ruddock would have made his initial World Cup training squad, but for the broken arm sustained while captaining Emerging Ireland against Uruguay.

Schmidt confirmed Paul O'Connell is the captain of his 45-man training squad, with Ruddock the main casualty.

What do England Under-21s need?

BBC Radio 5 live

England's Under-21s play Italy this evening in their final group game in the Czech Republic.

Reuters

But what are the permutations?

If they win they qualify for the semi-finals where they will face Denmark or Germany.

If they draw they must hope Sweden do not beat Portugal, otherwise they go out.

If they lose, they are out.

Kick-off is at 19:45 BST. There will be live text commentary on this website, and full radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 live.

India win third ODI

Half-centuries from India's Shikhar Dhawan and captain MS Dhoni helped set up a 77-run victory against Bangladesh in the third and final one-day international.

AP

Dhawan's 73-ball 75 and Dhoni's 69 off 77 balls laid the foundation for India's 317-6 in their 50 overs after Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza won the toss and put the visitors in to bat with threat of rain in the evening.

The rain, however, did not arrive and Bangladesh, who had comfortably won the first two ODIs of the three-match series, were bowled out for 240 in 47 overs.

See the full scorecard here.

Watson wobbling

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Not so elementary for Watson - Heather Watson that is. The British number one loses the opening set against Sloane Stephens in their last-16 tie at the Aegon International in Eastbourne.

Watson goes a double break down after her first two service games and, unsurprisingly, can't turn around the deficit.

The American cruises to a 6-2 success in the opener.

See if Watson can fight back by clicking here.

'Under-21s need more time'

Harry Redknapp said many of England's young players "think they have made it" as they prepare for Wednesday's crucial European Under-21 Championship game.

England will exit at the group stage for the second successive time if they lose to Italy and Redknapp, 68, said the players need more club game time.

"Half of them play in the Championship, half can't get a game," he said.

"The centre half, one of them can't get into Leicester's team. These guys need to play."

Football

England women captain Steph Houghton lends her support from Canada to the Under-21s ahead of their crunch clash with Italy this evening.

Bernie here to stay?

Max Mosley says he doesn't see Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone's role changing "unless he wants it to change".

PA

The Miami Dolphins American football team owner Stephen Ross is reportedly working with investors from Qatar to buy a stake in Formula 1 racing, including Ecclestone's shares.

"If it is taken over I don't really see Bernie's role changing unless he wants it to change," said Mosley. "He's the person who has managed to sell it everywhere. I'm sure CVC have had thoughts about an 84-year-old chief executive. The fact is there is no one else who does the job as well.

"He's really interested in what he does, he does it very well, so age tends to be flexible," he added later.

You can listen to the full clip from BBC Radio 5 live here.

Salazar addresses allegations

Athletics coach Alberto Salazar has written an open letter to address allegations that he has practised doping techniques on athletes.

Salazar has been accused of violating anti-doping rules, including claims he was involved in doping US record holder Galen Rupp - training partner of Britain's Mo Farah - in 2002.

The 56-year-old coach said he will "never permit doping".

He added: "I believe in a clean sport and hard work and so do my athletes."

Read the full - and very long- letter here.

Robson must 'be patient' - Keothavong

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Laura Robson must be "patient" as she comes back from injury, says former British number one Anne Keothavong.

Robson, 21, lost in her first match for 17 months, 6-0 6-1 to Russia's Daria Gavrilova on Saturday in qualifying for the Aegon International at Eastbourne.

"You don't expect to play your best when you first come back," Keothavong told BBC Sussex. "It takes a long time."

The defeat was Robson's first competitive appearance since a first-round loss at last year's Australian Open, before she underwent wrist surgery.

Nick Hope

BBC Olympic sports reporter in Baku

"Team GB followed up their haul of four medals on the opening night of junior swimming at the Baku 2015 European Games on Tuesday with three further honours 24 hours later.

"Luke Greenbank claimed 100m backstroke gold in the first final of the night, finishing in an impressive 54.76 seconds.

"The 17-year-old - who favours the 200m distance - believes competing at last year's Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, played a big role in his Baku performance."

Football

Robert Huth has left Stoke after six years to join Premier League rivals Leicester.

Elementary for Watson?

British number two Johanna Konta is there. Former world number one Caroline Wozniacki is also there.

But will that pair be joined by Heather Watson - Britain's leading female player - in the Aegon International quarter-finals in Eastbourne?

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Let's find out. Watson has just started her third-round match against dangerous American Sloane Stephens in the south-coast sun.

Click here to watch live.

Allan on the move

Celtic and Rangers have enquired about Hibernian's Scott Allan - although neither Glasgow club has made an offer for the midfielder.

SNS

Allan impressed for Hibs last summer

Allan moved to Easter Road in July last year after being released by English Premier League club West Brom.

The former Dundee United midfielder and Hibs missed out on promotion to the top flight last season.

Celtic manager Ronny Deila refused to talk about Allan or any players with other clubs when asked on Wednesday.

Bond will return...?

QPR have confirmed that first-team coach Kevin Bond is to leave the Championship club.

The 58-year-old, who previously managed Bournemouth, has a contract until the end of June and will depart Loftus Road when that deal expires.

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Kevin Bond has been at QPR since November 2012

Bond joined Harry Redknapp's backroom team in November 2012.

He stayed at the club alongside new boss Chris Ramsey when Redknapp resigned in February, before the club were relegated from the Premier League.

Football

Huth completes Foxes switch

Reuters

Leicester have completed the signing of defender Robert Huth from Stoke City for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old moved to the King Power Stadium on loan in February and played a key part in helping them escape relegation.

See all of the completed transfer deals here.

Wozniacki battles through

Second seed Caroline Wozniacki is through to the last eight at Eastbourne after beating Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-7 6-3 6-1.

She told BBC Sport: "It's all about momentum. I was 5-1 up in the first set and threw it away so in the third set I was determined not to do it again.

"I have another tough match now but I am just excited to play in the quarters."

Wozniacki will now play Andrea Petkovic.

Fan leaves Bishop Auckland £300,000

Real Results Marketing

Mr Rowell had been a supporter of the club for more than 70 years

A lifelong football fan has left his favourite amateur club more than £300,000 in his will.

Colin Rowell was an avid Bishop Auckland supporter and left the bulk of his estate to the Northern League club following his death in January at the age of 79.

Stunned officials said the bequest would help secure the County Durham club's future.

Mr Rowell, from nearby Cockton Hill, has no surviving family members and had been a fan for more than 70 years.

Read more here.

Ramsey wants to emulate Gerrard

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Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey says he wants to emulate ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in his style of play.

The 24-year-old Wales international says Gerrard's all-round game is the template for modern midfielders.

"I think a top-class midfielder needs to be able to tackle, get up and down the pitch, pass, create opportunities and score goals," Ramsey told Bleacher Report. "That's why I try to do everything, that's what I judge my game on.

"If you look at someone like Steven Gerrard, he combines all of those elements. That's what I want to [emulate]… so that's what I base my game on."

Glamorgan set testing target

BBC Radio Wales Sport's Nick Webb in Cardiff:

"Leicestershire need 324 to win after an another extraordinary display of hitting brought Glamorgan 193 for their last four wickets.

"Jacques Rudolph top-scored with a patient 74, but Andrew Salter, with a maiden half-century, and his fellow tail-enders swung merrily in the afternoon session.

"Earlier, Ben Raine's four-wicket burst blew away the top order, but his career-best 5-43 could not prevent Leicestershire from requiring the highest score of the match to win the game."

Salazar to make statement?

Dan Roan

BBC sports editor

We may well be hearing from Mo Farah's coach, athletics coach Alberto Salazar today, I understand.

Your say on 'plastic Brits' - #bbcsportsday

Reuters

Chris Parker: Brazilian parents, born in Italy, moved to Spain at 5; what nationality is Thiago Alcantara meant to be?

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago plays for Spain, while his brother Rafinha - at Barcelona - was on standby for Brazil's Copa America squad.

Tennis

Wozniacki levels it up

Reuters

Down in Eastbourne, second seed Caroline Wozniacki has levelled her match with Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Kuznetsova took the first set on a tie-break but former world number one Wozniacki has took the second set 6-3.

You can watch the finale of the match on BBC Two or in this page on the BBC Sport website and app.

What do England Under-21s need?

BBC Radio 5 live

England's Under-21s play Italy this evening in their final group game in the Czech Republic.

Reuters

But what are the permutations?

If they win they qualify for the semi-finals where they will face Denmark or Germany.

If they draw they must hope Sweden do not beat Portugal, otherwise they go out.

If they lose, they are out.

There will be live text commentary on this website, and full radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 live.

McClatchey announces retirement

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Former Commonwealth Games champion Caitlin McClatchey has announced her retirement from swimming.

The 29-year-old competed at three Olympics and won two gold medals for Scotland at the 2006 Commonwealths in Melbourne, in the 200m and 400m freestyle.

"I have some amazing memories and I am very proud of my achievements in the sport. My career highlight was when I became double Commonwealth Champion and won Scotland's first gold medal at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games," said McClatchey.

Yorkshire on course for victory

Reigning champions Yorkshire are just three wickets away from their fourth win of the season after demolishing Nottinghamshire's top order during the afternoon session at Headingley.

The visitors began their second innings 206 runs in arrears after Stuart Broad claimed 7-84, with Tim Bresnan finishing on 52 not out for Yorkshire.

Ryan Sidebottom removed Brendan Taylor in his opening over and has so far taken 3-21, with Michael Lumb's 47 the only contribution of note for Notts.

Your say on 'plastic Brits' - #bbcsportsday

Peter: ‏I am concerned we cannot produce top athletes. EPL and cricket import, our top tennis players and golfers are based abroad etc.

Liam Quinn: Plastic Brit debate on #bbcsportsday is ridiculous. You have to beat everybody, especially in athletics. What's the point if you can't?

Michael Laverton: Born abroad to Brits is fine by me but how an Aussie-born Hungarian can be British, I don't know.

Swan beaten in Wimbledon qualifiers

British teenager Katie Swan's hopes of playing in the main draw at Wimbledon have been put on hold.

The 16-year-old Bristolian shocked world number 118 Kristina Kucova in the first round of qualifying yesterday, but today lost 6-3 6-3 against Austria's Tamira Paszek - a two-time SW19 quarter-finalist - in the second round.

The 2015 Australian Open junior finalist is the latest British female to be eliminated after Tara Moore and Katy Dunne lost earlier at Roehampton.

Go Ahead Henk, watch the game

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One fan of Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles has been named on the board for one game - so he can watch a Europa League match.

They face Ferencvaros in the first qualifying round but cannot take any fans to Hungary because of a Uefa ban on the Budapest side.

Supporter Henk de Haan won a trip for himself and his wife at a quiz night before the draw, and the club have named him "temporary management member for international relations" so he can go.

It is a first away European match for the Eagles, who were relegated at the end of the season, since visiting Celtic 50 years ago.

Ramos in Real adios?

EPA

Real Madrid centre-half Sergio Ramos has been in the middle of the summer speculation wave over the last few weeks and Spanish newspaper AS now say that he has asked to leave.

Ramos has been at the Bernabeu since 2005 but wants a pay rise to 10m euros a year according to the newspaper. If he doesn't get a rise, he wants out.

Manchester United have been linked with him - could he be on his way to Old Trafford?

New contracts for Salford duo

Centre Junior Sa'u and prop Carl Forster have agreed new two-year contracts with Super League club Salford Red Devils.

The 28-year-old Sa'u, a former New Zealand and Samoa international, has scored 16 tries in 37 appearances since joining Salford at the start of last season from Melbourne Storm.

Former St Helens forward Forster, 23, has crossed once in eight league outings for the Red Devils in 2015.

'Liverpool have learned from mistakes'

Phil McNulty

BBC chief football writer

EPA

Liverpool have been active in the transfer market, the latest signing being the £29m purchase of Brazil forward Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim.

The fact that Liverpool have done the big deal early - and without complications - will act as a morale-booster to everyone at the club, including fans who were left in despair at the end of last season.

Their determination to do the deal for a player who had been linked with Manchester United and others across Europe can be seen by chief executive Ian Ayre being dispatched to Chile to swiftly finalise negotiations to ensure it got over the line.

Liverpool have suffered in the past when big targets such as Diego Costa, Willian and Henrikh Mkhitaryan have been spirited away to other clubs despite strong interest from Anfield - this time there were no mistakes.

Read more of Phil McNulty's thoughts here.

Arsenal sign Romanian teenager

Arsenal have signed Romania Under-16 captain Vlad Dragomir, news agency Reuters report.

Midfielder Dragomir is said to have rejected offers from Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest to join the Gunners from ACS Poli Timisoara.

"I am very glad and I hope not to disappoint anyone. The Arsenal offer seemed the best to me, I felt that this is my place," he said.

Wozniacki suffers Eastbourne collapse

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An eventful afternoon of play in Eastbourne where second seed Caroline Wozniacki has just lost the first set to Svetlana Kuznetsova on a tie-break.

Former world number one Wozniacki was 5-1 up but her opponent then won four games in a row to take it to a tie-break, which Kuznetsova won 7-3.

You can watch the match on BBC Two or in this page on the BBC Sport website and app.

Question of Sport teaser

Earlier we asked: Birthday boy Lionel Messi has been in the Ballon d'Or top 3 since 2007 - who are the other seven players to appear?

Kyle Lord got it right on Twitter: "Kaka, C Ronaldo, Torres, Xavi, Iniesta, Neuer, Ribery."

Football

They're a healthy lot at Bury...

Competition is healthy - Campbell

British athletes should not fear foreign-born competitors declaring for Team GB, says former European 100m champion Darren Campbell.

It was announced on Tuesday that five athletes from outside the UK, including sprinter Zharnel Hughes, had been made eligible to represent Britain.

Hurdler Lucy Hatton and world indoor 60m champion Richard Kilty have both expressed their concern.

Campbell told BBC Radio 5 live: "Competition is healthy. I can understand why it would be unsettling, but if you're trying to be the best in the world then everyone needs to be beaten.

"It means the current British athletes have to be ready to go."

Your say on 'plastic Brits' - #bbcsportsday

Alex Boot: Nobody complained when Mo Farah won his gold in 2012.

Francis Breen: I'm Irish, I can identify as British if I want to, I don't, but to create a hierarchy and deny others who do is horrible.

Toy Shark: Perhaps you should be supporting the player for who they are and not for their nationality.

'Sell Benteke if he wants to leave'

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Former Aston Villa striker Tony Cascarino says the club should sell Belgium forward Christian Benteke - if he wants to leave.

Benteke, who scored 15 goals in 37 games last season, has two years remaining on his contract, which includes a buy-out clause, reportedly worth £32.5m.

Cascarino told the Express and Star: "You're fortunate to play for clubs like Villa and, I believe, if the player doesn't want to be there then you have to look elsewhere.

"He came back after injury and looked a shadow of the player for six months, he looked nowhere near the Benteke that ripped teams apart and took on teams on his own at times.

"And then he got back into the fold once Tim [Sherwood] got the job and looked the Benteke of old. But that's only over a four-month period."

Bayliss excited ahead of Ashes

New England cricket coach Trevor Bayliss has spoken on camera ahead of the pre-Ashes camp in Spain.

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Australian Bayliss will take charge against his home nation and is the first Aussie to coach England. He was asked about Kevin Pietersen - but played the question with a straight bat.

He told Fox Sports in Australia: "I'm looking forward to being involved in an Ashes series. It will be good fun. I'll do what I normally do and hopefully England play good cricket. It's a win win for the game of cricket.

"I don't think my involvement will mean an advantage for England, these guys play each other very often and know who everyone is. England have some new young players with plenty of skill and enthusiasm, they look like they are enjoying themselves.

"In Spain I will get to know the players, number one. A bit of planning for the Ashes. Kevin Pietersen is unavailable for selection, that's all I know. He's a good batter but he's not available, that's all I know.

"I'm confident of putting up a good show and if they play well England have a good chance of winning."

End of the road for Capello?

Fabio Capello's days as coach of Russia may be numbered after reports claimed that a meeting had been called to discuss his contract.

EPA

The 69-year-old's position has been in doubt since Russia lost a Euro 2016 qualifier to Austria this month, leaving them third in Group G and struggling to qualify for the finals.

His current contract is due to end after the 2018 World Cup finals, which are due to take place in Russia.

Earlier this month it emerged that a group of Russian football fans are attempting to raise 21.4m euros (£15.5m) to buy Capello out of his contract.

Your view on 'plastic Brits' #bbcsportsday

Darren Gregory: I, for one, don't celebrate the victory of an Australian who figured she'd make more money being British. Same as Bedene.

Andrew Priestley: The issue isn't where individuals are born, it's how they're nurtured that's the issue. Homegrown athletes shouldn't miss out.

Britons lose in Wimbledon qualifying

Obviously there is always a strong British presence at Wimbledon - and six more home players are today trying to join the likes of Andy Murray and Heather Watson in Friday's main draw.

Unfortunately, two of those hopes have already disappeared.

Tara Moore and Katy Dunne have both just lost in the ladies' qualifying singles second round at Roehampton.

But there is some good news. Dan Evans advances in the men's tournament with a 6-4 0-6 7-5 win against eighth-seed Matthias Bachinger.

'Plastic Brits?' Have your say #bbcsportsday

Five athletes, including sprinter Zharnel Hughes, from outside the UK have been made eligible to represent Britain. What are your views?

Jack Holman: As with all sports nationality comes down to more than paper. Just because you are born in a stable doesn't make you a horse

Lucas Farthing: The term 'Plastic Brits' is so cringeworthy and not even worth any discussion...Enough said

Kevin Roome: Works both ways as well remember that Aaron Cook switched to Moldova to better his chances

Adams reaches Baku final

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Britain's Olympic and Commonwealth champion Nicola Adams will fight for gold at the European Games in Baku after beating Turkey's Elif Coskun by unanimous decision.

The 32-year-old will fight former European silver medallist Sandra Drabik of Poland tomorrow.

Juventus make second big summer signing

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Juventus have signed Argentina forward Roberto Pereyra for £10m after a successful loan spell from Udinese.

The 24-year-old, who is currently at the Copa America, played 52 times last season as Juve won the domestic double and reached the Champions League final.

He is their second major signing this month, following on from £13.6m Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic.

St George's Park boring - Gerrard

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St George's Park cost £105m, takes up 330 acres, includes a replica of the Wembley surface and an altitude chamber to mimic a variety of playing conditions.

But, according to former England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, the FA's national football centre is "boring".

In an interview with Rio Ferdinand for BT Sport, Gerrard said: "It's an unbelievable site but they need to be a bit more realistic around it. They need to make it a little bit friendlier for the players.

"It's a top place to train and prepare but away from training pitch and the games, it can be boring. We need to create that atmosphere where England players are desperate to get away and do well."

F1 ownership update

Dan Roan

BBC sports editor

"Qatar is indeed part of a consortium that is in talks with F1's owners over a potential takeover of the motorsport series.

"However, negotiations are at an early stage and the group is just one of a number of potential bidders.

"Qatar Sports Investments, a part of the country's sovereign wealth fund, is backing RSE Ventures, the company of Miami Dolphins owner, 75 year-old tycoon Stephen Ross, and talks have taken place with F1 owners CVC Capital Partners.

"No formal bid has been made yet and there is no guarantee that CVC would sell."

Your views on 'plastic Brits' - #bbcsportsday

British number two Johanna Konta was born in Australia and switched her allegiance to Great Britain at the age of 21, back in 2012.

Konta into Eastbourne last eight

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All over! Johanna Konta follows her career-best win by beating another top-20 player to reach the Aegon International quarter-finals in Eastbourne.

Briton Konta, ranked 146th in the world, has just won 6-4 4-6 6-3 against 14th-seeded Garbine Muguruza in their third-round match.

The success comes a day after the 24-year-old beat eighth-ranked Ekaterina Makarova - her first win against an opponent in the world's top 10.

The British number two will now meet Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic in the last eight.

Move exams to help cricket - Gatting

Former England captain Mick Gatting has come up with a revolutionary approach to get more youngsters playing cricket.

He believes that pesky exams get in the way of sport at school - so he suggests moving exams away from the summer. Who's in on that idea?

"The exams cause an awful lot of problems for sport," he said.

Chance to Shine / Brendan Foster

Mike Gatting visited George Eliot primary school near to Lord's cricket ground

"We want to push sports in this country," he said, as a way of tackling obesity and to give young people "a chance to get some self-esteem".

But he said pupils, parents and schools were under relentless pressure to prioritise exam results.

The teenage years were when sportsmen and women really developed their skills, he said.

Read more here.

People shouldn't 'keep changing countries'

Former British table tennis player Desmond Douglas, who was born in Jamaica, has been speaking to BBC Radio 5 live about so-called plastic Brits.

"I would say you need to live here between seven and 10 years. You need to serve your apprenticeship and then you can play for your country.

"You can't say one day I'll be American and the next British. It shouldn't work like that. They'll just keep changing countries for the fun of it."

Chelsea, Arsenal. Man City after Rahman

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Chelsea face competition from Arsenal and Manchester City for the signing of FC Augsberg left-back Baba Rahman, report the Evening Standard.

The Bundesliga side are said to have set a minimum asking price of £14.2m.

Broad on song ahead of Ashes

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Stuart Broad has found top form ahead of the Ashes series by taking 7-84 for Nottinghamshire on his 29th birthday in their Championship Division One game against Yorkshire at Headingley.

Paceman Broad finished off the home side's first innings by dismissing Jack Brooks and Ryan Sidebottom with successive deliveries, but Yorkshire's 430 all out has given them a lead of 205.

Hooper loves a goal

Gary Hooper on Instagram

Norwich striker Gary Hooper, 27, has posted this fact on Instagram.

He has previously played for Grays Athletic, Southend, Leyton Orient, Hereford, Scunthorpe and Celtic.

Cobblers set for Indian takeover

League Two side Northampton Town are set to be taken over by an Indian consortium after both parties signed a heads of terms agreement.

The buyout will see chairman and owner David Cardoza sell his entire stake.

"We've been looking for investment for a while, more on a 50/50 sale - but the buyers have said they want to take control of everything," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

The identities of the consortium members have yet to be disclosed.

Don't miss a ball of the Ashes

The Ashes begin on 8 July and the BBC will keep you across every ball, wicket and boundary.

BBC

Test Match Special will have live coverage of every ball of the five-match Ashes series on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and at bbc.co.uk/cricket.

You can follow it wherever you are, with commentary on your mobile or tablet via the BBC Sport App.

The BBC Sport website will bring you live text commentary every day from 09:00 BST, as well as all the latest news, features, votes and the best of social media.

Fans can also get push alerts via the BBC Sport app to know when a wicket has fallen.

If you are outside the UK you can listen to TMS's Ashes coverage via the England and Wales Cricket Board's YouTube channel (although some territories will be subject to ECB rights agreements).

Konta pegged back at Eastbourne

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Ah. It's not all plain sailing for in-form Johanna Konta at Eastbourne.

The British number two, ranked 126 places behind Spain's world number 20 Garbine Muguruza, is pegged back to 6-4 4-6 after losing her serve in the first game of the second set.

Desperate to know which way this last-16 match will pan out? Or just bored at work?

Whatever - it is worth watching live. Click here.

Bond to leave R's

QPR assistant boss Kevin Bond will leave the club at the end of the month when his contract ends.

The 58-year-old joined Harry Redknapp's coaching staff in November 2012.

Rangers were relegated to the Championship this summer under Chris Ramsey.

Open champion to collect over £1m

This year's Open Championship winner will collect more than £1m for the first time.

The R&A have announced that the player who triumphs at St Andrews will take home £1.15m, an increase of £175,000 on last year.

The total prize fund is £6.3m - an increase of £900,000

Rory McIlroy is the defending champion at the event, which begins on 16 July and is live across the BBC.

Your views on 'plastic Brits' - #bbcsportsday

Peter Franklin: The issue isn't where players were born, it's these ones that turn up in their 20s and start playing - that can't be right.

Jason Whitley: If you have citizenship or a UK passport you should be able to represent GB, only if you've not represented another country.

Jack Holman: As with all sports, nationality comes down to more than paper. Just because you are born in a stable doesn't make you a horse.

Broad checks Yorkshire progress

England's Stuart Broad has completed a five-wicket haul for Notts, but Yorkshire remain on top in their game at Headingley.

Broad removed second-day centurions Andrew Gale (148) and Jack Leaning (110) and added the wicket of Steve Patterson immediately before lunch to reach lunch with figures of 5-75.

Jonny Bairstow only managed 15 after returning from England duty, but Tim Bresnan was 48 not out at the interval, with Yorkshire 194 runs to the good.

Bouchard will play Wimbledon on 'one leg'

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We reported earlier how last year's Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard had retired from her third-round match at Eastbourne (12:11 BST entry).

The Canadian 21-year-old was trailing Belinda Bencic 6-4 3-0 at the Aegon International when she pulled out.

She has an abdominal strain but says she will definitely be playing at Wimbledon, which starts on Monday.

"At the end it was hard for me to put a serve in...it wasn't smart for me to take a risk and potentially be out for a long time."

On Wimbledon, she added: "I'm going to play no matter what, even if I'm on one leg."

Slow start could spell end for Rodgers - Berger

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could be out of a job if his side start the new season slowly, says former Reds midfielder Patrik Berger.

Berger, who made 149 appearances during seven years at Anfield, told the Daily Star: "He has to deliver this season and right from the start. If they find themselves behind the top teams right from the beginning then it is going to be tough for him to stay."

NHL in the desert?

BBC

If you've ever had the pleasure of visiting Las Vegas in the summer, then you'll agree that the heat of the Nevada desert seems a strange place to put an ice hockey team.

But that isn't stopping someone from trying! The New York Times report that there could be an NHL team in Vegas by 2017 after wealthy businessman Bill Foley secured deposits for 10,000 season tickets.

Konta a set up at Eastbourne

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A day after claiming the finest win of her career, British number two Johanna Konta is well on her way to causing another shock at the Aegon International in Eastbourne.

Konta, the world number 146, took the first set 6-4 in her third-round match against Spanish 14th seed Garbine Muguruza.

Yesterday, the 24-year-old beat eighth-ranked Ekaterina Makarova - her first win against an opponent in the world's top 10.

Watch the match - being played on a sun-soaked south coast - live here.

Draw looking likely at Uxbridge

BBC London 94.9's Kevin Hand at Uxbridge:

"Middlesex have reached lunch on the final day at Uxbridge on 251-5, leading by 175 in the second innings against Worcestershire.

"Australian Test hopeful Joe Burns was out for 87, 13 short of a hundred and an unlucky number in his country, just moments before the interval and the visitors will have a new ball available to them as soon as the afternoon session begins.

"However it's been a slow track for batsman and bowlers alike to this stage and barring a calamitous collapse by either side a draw is the heavy favourite."

Check out all of the latest cricket scores here

Raine burst rocks Glamorgan

BBC Radio Wales Sport's Nick Webb in Cardiff:

"Ben Raine's second five-wicket haul of the season saw Leicestershire fight their way back into contention as he tore through the Glamorgan top order.

"The all-rounder claimed four for two in 17 balls at one point as the dismissal of Colin Ingram for 60 sparked a collapse.

"Jacques Rudolph batted through the morning session to reach 35 not out, while the in-form Graham Wagg struck some firm blows just before lunch, which Glamorgan reached 159 runs ahead."

Happy Birthday Lio, from Rio

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand has posted a video on Instagram wishing Lionel Messi a happy 28th birthday.

"Mr Lionel Messi 28 years old happy birthday. 4 trophies at Barca including four Champions Leagues. Salute the man," he posted.

Payet to become a Hammer?

West Ham are confident of signing French winger Dimitri Payet from Marseille for £12m by the end of the week, say the Evening Standard.

Baby in one hand, ball in the other

Jon Soohoo

Hartley not only fed his son while fielding the ball but beat Adrian Gonzalez to the catch

Keith Hartley, a 29-year-old Chicago resident, made a stunning catch in the match between Chicago Cubs and LA Dodgers - while feeding his baby.

Baseball spectators are typically ejected from a stadium for "fan interference" if they make a catch which prevents a fielder from doing so, but Hartley was not asked to leave.

Read more here.

Jones set for long-term Man Utd deal

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Phil Jones is set to commit his future to Manchester United by signing a new long-term contract, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Despite closing in on Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, United are still keen to keep the 23-year-old England international at the club.

Your say on 'plastic Brits' #bbcsportsday

Ian Reeve: The real plastic Brits are the ones that are against it now but will be cheering when they start winning medals.

Darren Ramage: You notice it's fringe players or athletes who mostly complain about plastic Brits?

Alex: The beauty of Britain is that people who were not born here can become British and represent their country.

Mr Hind: Richard Kilty should concentrate on running and not mouthing off. He's more famous for whining than athletics. Just shut up!

'Plastic Brits tag unfair'

British heptathlete Louise Hazel believes it is unfair to use the term 'plastic Brits' to label athletes who want to compete for Britain.

Five athletes - including highly rated sprinter Zharnel Hughes - switched allegiance to Britain on Tuesday.

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Louise Hazel won gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and also represented Britain at London 2012

Hazel told BBC Sport: "I think what's unfair and morally unfair first of all is to label these athletes plastic Brits.

"If you think about what any athlete wants, they want the best for themselves. Whether that means going to Team GB or the USA they are going to go to where's going to be best for them.

"Where it becomes a morale argument is about how British athletes, who've grown up here, trained here for all of their lives, used our facilities are now struggling to make the team."

What do you think? Let us know your opinions by tweeting #bbcsportsday

Huth to join Foxes on permanent deal

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More on Leicester's £3m signing of Stoke City centre-half Robert Huth, as reported by BBC Radio Stoke.

Former Chelsea man Huth, 30, has been at Stoke since 2009 and has made 187 appearances for the club.

He fell out of favour under current boss Mark Hughes and spent the second half of last season on loan at Leicester.

Reina makes Napoli switch

A transfer you may have missed earlier on saw former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina move from Bayern Munich to Napoli.

Reina, 32, played for Napoli for a season on loan in 2013-14 before joining Bayern last summer.

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Pepe Reina has won the FA Cup, League Cup, Uefa Super Cup, Coppa Italia, Bundesliga, two European Championships and the World Cup

He played in just two Bundesliga games as understudy to Manuel Neuer and has now returned to Naples to be first choice.

"Pepe Reina asked us to release him from his contract, because he has the chance of regular first-team football as first-choice Napoli goalkeeper," Bayern's deputy chairman Jan-Christian Dreesen said.

"As a player, but especially as a person, he fitted in outstandingly with our team, so we naturally agreed to his request."

Athletics

Teenage sprinter Zharnel Hughes' decision to run for Britain and not his home country of Anguilla has re-opened the debate over 'British' sportsmen and women and who should be able to compete for which country.

But this is not a new debate.

As chief sports writer Tom Fordyce wrote back in 2013, this debate was raging on as far back as the 1936 Winter Olympics, when Team GB's ice hockey team was made up of Canadians.

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Vintage Ice Hockey action of 1936.

Indeed, the first man to win a medal for Great Britain at a modern Olympics, way back in 1896, was Charles Gmelin, born in Krishnagar, India.

But who should qualify? As Fordyce points out: "Identity is a complex, often illogical sense, rather than a simple set of universal rules. If each of us were asked to define Britishness, we'd come up with 60 million nuanced versions.

"It can't be purely political, or else we would have had one-party rule for the past century. It can't be a single language, or else you could count out large chunks of Wales."

Football

Your say on 'plastic Brits' #bbcsportsday

Andy Leighton: Without #plasticbrits, England wouldn't have a cricket, rugby, football or athletics squad....

Grammakid: All it takes is Zharnel to win the 100m and as Mo Farah, he will be a revered as a British icon

Yansb: Kids born in Switzerland to Canadian and British parents - can they represent GB?

Tom Ruhrmund: Dexter, Lewis, Denness, Greig, Lamb, Hussain, Strauss & Pietersen all born outside England. All England Test captains.

Leicester linked to Nzonzi

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Leicester will have a £7m bid for Steven Nzonzi rejected by Stoke City, according to Sky Sports News.

The 27-year-old French midfielder cost the Potters £3m from Blackburn four years ago.

Stoke's player of the year scored in the final-day 6-1 rout of Liverpool.

Bouchard Eastbourne tournament is over

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Wimbledon finalist and seventh seed Eugenie Bouchard has retired from her third-round match against Belinda Bencic at the Aegon International.

Bencic was leading 6-4 3-0 when Bouchard called for a trainer and then said she could not continue playing.

Welsh to confirm 'home' within days

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London Welsh will tell supporters "within days" where they will play their home matches in the 2015-16 season, BBC Radio Oxford reports.

The Exiles have made the Kassam Stadium - the home of Oxford United - their ground since 2012, but talks are understood to have been held over a move away from the city.

The club still have two years left on its contract to play in Oxford.

Gold v Hearn

Twitter

West Ham co-chairman David Gold and former Leyton Orient chief Barry Hearn have been 'exchanging pleasantries' after Hearn's BBC interview about the Olympic Stadium.

Hearn believes full details of the Hammers' 99-year deal as anchor tenants should be made public after the £272m spend on transforming the venue into a football arena took total stadium costs past £700m.

Your say on 'plastic Brits' #bbcsportsday

Lee Hambly: So anyone born to parents overseas in the forces isn't allowed to represent their nation? Sort yourselves out.

Will Lindley-Nash: Mo Farah, Bradley Wiggins, Andrew Strauss, John Barnes, Douglas Jardine etc etc etc Very long list. Why start complaining now?

S. Wright: I was born to English parents living on a British Army base in Canada so where would that leave me?

What do England Under-21s need?

BBC Radio 5 live

England's Under-21s play Italy this evening in their final European Under-21 Championship group game in the Czech Republic.

Reuters

But what are the permutations?

If they win they qualify for the semi-finals where they will face Denmark or Germany.

If they draw they must hope Sweden do not beat Portugal, otherwise they go out.

If they lose, they are out.

There will be live text commentary on this website, and full radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 live.

Gerrard in the city of angels

Twitter

Steven Gerrard is set to make his MLS debut for LA Galaxy on 18 July against San Jose - and the city is readying itself for his arrival.

Billboards are starting to appear across LA featuring the former England captain.

How many people in LA recognise him do we think?

Seedings confirmed for Wimbledon

BBC tennis correspondent Russell Fuller

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"Grass court performances over the past two years carry extra weight in the men's seedings, but with the exception of last year's semi-finalist Milos Raonic moving ahead of David Ferrer into seventh, the top eight seeds reflect the world rankings.

"It means that Murray - as the third seed - could expect to play either the top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic or the seven time champion, Roger Federer, should he reach the semi-finals."

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Pompey sign McGurk

League Two side Portsmouth have signed Burton Albion striker Adam McGurk on a two-year contract.

The 26-year-old scored seven goals, including one against Portsmouth, in 41 appearances for the Brewers during their League Two title-winning season.

Yeovil sign Ipswich defender Sowunmi

League Two side Yeovil have agreed to sign defender Omar Sowunmi from Ipswich when his contract expires on 1 July.

The 19-year-old, who failed to make a senior appearance for the Championship Tractor Boys, has signed a one-year deal with the Glovers.

Your say on 'plastic Brits' #bbcsportsday

Kevin Bennett: Why can't they represent the country of birth? I would not consider myself anything other than English or Great British.

Graham Wright: The beauty of international sport is the chance of any country becoming the best. This is ending with athletes changing nation.

Brad Chuck: #PlasticBrits seems to be a hot topic on @BBCSport website today. Represent where your heart lies, not where your wallet fills.

Tony Baker: In sport you should only be able to represent the country YOU were born in...anything else is fake.

Fox to leave Colchester

Former Norwich midfielder David Fox has decided to leave Colchester United so he can return to a club in the north-west of England.

The Staffordshire-born 31-year-old made 33 appearances for the U's last season, helping Tony Humes's side avoid relegation from League One on the final day.

Blackpool bring in Celtic's Herron

League One side Blackpool have signed Celtic midfielder John Herron on a two-year deal.

The 21-year-old progressed through the youth system at the Scottish Premiership champions, but after just two outings was told he be would be released this year.

Kovacic next Liverpool target?

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Liverpool are keen to follow their signing of Roberto Firmino by recruiting Mateo Kovacic from Inter Milan, reports the Evening Standard.

The Reds are said to be in talks over a £21.3m deal.

Williams undergoes foot surgery

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Wales full-back Liam Williams has undergone surgery on a foot injury and could be a doubt for the Rugby World Cup, which starts in September.

He will continue his World Cup preparations within the Welsh camp but no timescale has been announced for his recovery.

Williams, 24, has won 23 caps and can also play on the wing.

Wales have already lost centre Jonathan Davies for the tournament, staged by England, because of a knee injury.

Your say on 'plastic Brits' #bbcsportsday

Vincent Johnson: If you have the right to be British, and most importantly feel British, I don't see how it's an issue.

Matchday Memories: It's pretty simple, if you think you are British, have British roots go for it. Just want to win? Forget it.

Daybrook Red Outlaw: Plastic Brits are nothing new, Tony Greig, Zola Budd and it happens all over the world as well. No shame in it at all.

Berahino back on track

West Brom forward Saido Berahino will be fit for the start of the season after recovering from his knee injury.

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Berahino was ruled out of the Under-21 European Championship on the eve of the tournament but should be fit to face Manchester City on 8 August.

West Brom's performance director Dr Mark Gillett said: "Saido has got a ligamentous tear of his knee which does not require surgery but careful rehabilitation for up to four weeks.

"We are grateful to the England medical staff for putting Saido's welfare first."

England Under-21s face Italy in their final group game this evening.

Mind the ball

BBC Hereford & Worcester's Dave Bradley has just had his laptop destroyed by an errant ball as he prepares to commentate on the final day of the County Championship game between Middlesex and Worcestershire at Uxbridge.

You can still listen to live commentary of a laptopless Bradley, as well as commentary from every other match on the BBC Sport website. All the games are starting now.

Deulofeu close to Everton move

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Barcelona's Gerard Deulofeu is set to complete his move to Everton in the next 24 hours, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The 21-year-old spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Goodison Park but had an unhappy time when he went to Sevilla last season.

Brady has 'Deflate-gate' hearing

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has made his appeal against the four-match ban he received for his part in 'Deflate-gate'.

Brady presented his case during a 10-hour hearing on Tuesday.

Reuters

The 37-year-old was punished by the NFL (National Football League) after it was decided he was "generally aware" of a scheme to deflate footballs.

The incident happened in the Patriots' play-off win over Indianapolis Colts, which sent them to the Super Bowl.

An NFL investigation claimed the Patriots had deflated match balls to give themselves an advantage in their 45-7 victory. They went on to win the Super Bowl XLIX.

Moeen freed for Worcestershire duty

England all-rounder Moeen Ali has been allowed to play for Worcestershire in this Friday evening's T20 Blast game against Northants at New Road (17:30 BST).

Moeen, who is currently on County Championship duty against Middlesex at Uxbridge, will play his final game before linking up with England via their training camp in Spain this weekend to prepare for the Ashes.

Moeen will be up against Northants pace bowler David Willey, who was part of England's T20-winning team against New Zealand at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Colin Munro, who earned a recall to the New Zealand side for the game at Old Trafford, will be alongside Moeen in the Worcestershire team.

Question of Sport Teaser

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Birthday boy Lionel Messi has been in the Ballon d'Or top 3 since 2007 - who are the other seven players to appear?

Answers this afternoon.

Former All Black Berryman dies

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Former All Black Norman Berryman has died at the age of just 42 after a heart attack.

The winger played one Test for New Zealand in 1998 and recently played in a tribute match to Jerry Collins - who died in a car crash earlier this month.

Berryman won three Super Rugby titles in three years with the Canterbury Crusaders from 1998-2000, then moved to France and played for Castres and Bourgoin-Jallieu.

Kilbane on 'plastic Brits'

Kevin Kilbane

BBC Radio 5 live

Kilbane, who was born in England, but chose to play football for the Republic of Ireland, has been speaking about Team GB recruiting non-British-born athletes.

"I don't agree with it if it's done for financial reasons. Representing your country has to be for other reasons, not financial gain."

Your say on 'plastic Brits' #bbcsportsday

AJ: Three have legit Brit-ness, Anguilla-born or parent. Are you only true British if you've been rained on 350 days of the year?

Mark Higginson: Representing your country should be an honour not a business decision.

Josh Booth: They should have to either be born here or have strong British ancestry - you can't just come over and expect it.

DS North: Terry Butcher was born in Singapore - don't see anyone complaining that he played for England.

Why do English players get drunk? - Redknapp

Former Tottenham and QPR boss Harry Redknapp has been back in the newspapers this morning - and he's not happy with the conduct of young English players.

Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish was recently pictured lying in the street while on holiday in Tenerife.

"Why do they have to go out and act like idiots, get drunk, falling over? They're professional footballers," Redknapp told the Independent.

PA

"Jack Grealish, he's had an excellent year, an excellent second half of the season, plays in the Cup final and then goes and does that.

"Not that long ago I was in the same hotel in Sardinia as Cristiano Ronaldo for 10 days, with my wife and family. I saw him every day. You can see he looks after himself. Has his dinner, possibly has a glass of wine, but he's not going out every night.

"Why do these English players have to go and get silly drunk, and lay in the street and fall over? It's alright for his mate who's doing it, who's cleaning windows, if that's the way he wants to live. But footballers, the amount of money they get, they get that money to be dedicated to their profession, to make sure that they set a good example to young kids who want to be footballers. I've got no time for players acting stupid and getting drunk, I can't have it."

Thorp not happy with 'plastic Brits'

Former Olympic hurdler Angie Thorp has been speaking on BBC Radio 5 live about foreign-born athletes declaring for Britain.

"They live in a different country - you're not good enough to make that team and you change allegiance. People decide they want to be at an Olympic Games and that's why they change allegiance. They don't live here or train here.

"I'd like personally to see that rostrum, with athletes wearing a medal, thinking 'I'm British and proud' but that's not happening, they're thinking 'I've got a gold medal' and that's selfish. Wearing a Great Britain vest is an achievement in itself. They should be living in this country or have lived here for a while."

Cricket

How's this for commitment...

New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor played against England in last night's Twenty20 international at Old Trafford, scoring 17.

Now he is on an aeroplane flying to the West Indies so he can play tonight in the Caribbean Premier League. 

He will turn out for St Lucia Zouks against St Kitts and Nevis Patriots at 23:00 BST. 

Team-mate Martin Guptill - who scored six last night - is with him and will be on the opposing side.

We are impressed.

Murray seeded third for Wimbledon, Nadal 10th

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Two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal could meet Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer as early as the quarter-finals after the Spaniard was seeded 10th for the third Grand Slam of the year.

World number one and defending champion Djokovic is top seed, Federer is second while Britain's Murray, the 2013 winner, is third.

Serena Williams is top seed in the women's draw with defending champion Petra Kvitova second.

County Championship preview

SWPIX.COM

Defending champions Yorkshire will look to continue their dominance when they resume on day three of their Division One match against Nottinghamshire this morning.

Andrew Gale and Jack Leaning struck unbeaten centuries as Yorkshire ended day two on 302-3 in their first innings, a lead of 78.

Elsewhere, Middlesex are 64 runs ahead of Worcestershire with seven second-innings wickets remaining on the final day of their contest, while the Division Two match between Glamorgan and Leicestershire looks evenly poised heading into day three.

Listen to live ball-by-ball commentary from BBC local radio here.

Dolphins owner wants to buy F1

Dan Roan

BBC sports editor

The owner of American football franchise the Miami Dolphins has held talks with F1's owners over a potential takeover of the motor series, the BBC understands.

Stephen Ross, a 75 year-old tycoon, has been in negotiations in the US with CVC Capital Partners, which owns a controlling stake in F1. His company RSE Ventures is reportedly being backed by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), an arm of the country's sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority. QSI owns French football club PSG.

A senior source at Formula One Management told the BBC that talks between Ross and CVC were at a very early stage, and insisted there was not yet any formal offer.

Qatar has been interested in hosting a Grand Prix for several years, but it is understood it cannot currently do so because nearby F1 host Bahrain has a veto on other races in the Middle East. No deal has yet been struck for Qatar to stage a race.

F1 has been the subject of several potential suitors in recent years, none of which have resulted in a formal offer.

Your say on 'plastic Brits' #bbcsportsday

Lee: The idea that you should only represent the land you were physically born is absurd, backward and closed-minded.

Jacob Cookson: If any Brit has the skill and desire to represent us, let them! It's not about where you were born, but where you call home

Saints legend Wellens retires

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St Helens legend Paul Wellens has retired at the age of 35.

The full-back, who has played for Great Britain and England, spent his whole career with the Saints, scoring 1,005 points in 495 games.

"I've had an ongoing hip problem for around 12 months and tried my hardest to battle on through," he said.

"I knew something was substantially wrong there and I want the fans to know I have exhausted every angle possible in trying to find a way to get fit and playing.

"I will now have substantial surgery on my hip as it is having an effect on my quality of life. Small things like being able to kick a football around with my son, I can't do that so I have to get it right and focus on the next stage of my life."

U21s should go for it - Southgate

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England can "accelerate" into the European Under-21 Championship semi-final tonight, says manager Gareth Southgate.

A win against Italy in their final group game will secure a last-four spot and, after beating Sweden in their second match, Southgate wants rid of the fear factor.

"The worst that could happen is gone," he said. "They didn't want to be a group who go home without a win again. Now that has gone, let's go for it."

England's youngsters returned from the 2013 European Championship in Israel without a point. This evening's match kicks off at 19:45 BST and there will be live text and BBC Radio 5 live commentary on this website.

Leeds Rhinos make signing

Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos have signed Brisbane prop Mitch Garbutt, 26, on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Leeds coach Brian McDermott said: "I have spoken to a number of people in Australia who rate him and the job he can do for a team.

"He is someone I have been looking at for some time and I think his style of play will fit well within our team and the Super League competition."

Turan heading to England?

Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan wants a move to the Premier League this summer and has three offers from top English clubs, according to his agent.

EPA

The Turkey international, 28, has two years left on his contract with Madrid - is he on his way to the Premier League?

"His intention is to leave Spain this summer," Turan's agent Ahmet Bulut told Spanish sports newspaper AS.

"His will is to leave and to play in the Premier League, that is the path he would like to take to continue his career.

"We are currently in talks with three teams but I cannot reveal the names of the clubs.

"However, I can tell you that they are the best in England and in European football."

Well, one or the other I would suggest Ahmet...

Your say on 'plastic Brits' #bbcsportsday

Andy Robbins: They've all been British citizens since birth. What's all the fuss about?

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LiRedRooster: If they are genuinely British - fine. If they are given Brit status for their sporting prowess - wrong

Darragh Murdoch: Remember nations bickering over Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj? He was born in Belgium, He should play for Belgium

Your say on 'plastic Brits' #bbcsportsday

Five foreign-born athletes declared for Great Britain yesterday, including promising Anguillan teenage sprinter Zharnel Hughes.

Some of Britain's great sportspeople were born outside the country - including Mo Farah, Kevin Pietersen, Bradley Wiggins and John Barnes.

So we want to know your thoughts on people born outside Britain representing Team GB or England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Let us know using #bbcsportsday on Twitter.

Hatton warns new GB rival

British Athletics' decision to allow five new athletes to compete for Great Britain has caused some dissent among the ranks.

And hurdler Lucy Hatton says none of the athletes who changed allegiance on Tuesday will get "her spot" on Great Britain's team.

Kettering's Hatton, 20, won silver in February's European Indoor 60m hurdles, and over 100m has a qualifying time for the World Championships and Rio 2016.

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Lucy Hatton is the sixth fastest British female 100m hurdler ever

But American-born and newly eligible Cindy Ofili has that mark too.

"I'm a British girl and I'll be on both teams. If you want to be GB, we girls aren't going to roll over - bring it on," Hatton told BBC Radio Northampton.

"She's not taking my spot. Fair enough if she needs to come over because America's a bit too hard for her at the moment.

"But try and run in the wind, rain and cold because it's not as lovely as it seems."

Bamba agrees permanent Leeds deal

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Championship side Leeds have signed defender Sol Bamba on a permanent basis after an undisclosed fee was agreed with Italian side Palermo.

The 30-year-old Ivory Coast international, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Elland Road, has agreed a two-year deal with the option of a third.

He becomes Leeds' third summer signing following the recent arrivals of goalkeeper Charlie Horton from Cardiff City and striker Lee Erwin from Motherwell.

Germany or Denmark may await U21s

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We might be getting a bit ahead of ourselves here but England Under-21s will face Denmark or Germany in the European Championship semi-final - if they get that far.

Denmark won Group A with six points from three games after beating Serbia 2-0 in Prague last night, while Germany came second after a 1-1 draw knocked out hosts the Czech Republic.

Gareth Southgate's side will qualify from Group B if they beat Italy on Wednesday (kick-off 19:45 BST). A draw could also be enough.

England beat Kiwis in T20

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The reinvention of the England cricket team continues.

After a dismal World Cup in which they were knocked out in the first round, they are now thrilling us all with their attacking approach and one-day form.

Last night's 56-run Twenty20 victory over New Zealand came after a 3-2 win in the one-day series.

"Sometimes it might not come off, but when we do play that way we win games of cricket," said limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan.

Your say on 'plastic Brits' #bbcsportsday

Five foreign-born athletes declared for Great Britain yesterday, including promising Anguillan teenage sprinter Zharnel Hughes.

Some athletes aren't happy with the news, with Richard Kilty particularly vocal.

But some of Britain's great sportspeople were born outside the country - including Mo Farah, Kevin Pietersen, Bradley Wiggins and John Barnes.

So we want to know your thoughts on people born outside Britain representing Team GB or England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Let us know using #bbcsportsday on Twitter.

Cavani may miss Copa quarter-final

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Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani could miss the Copa America quarter-final with Chile after his father was involved in a fatal car crash, says national team coach Oscar Tabarez.

Luis Cavani knocked down and killed a 19-year old motorcyclist on Monday night, judicial sources in Uruguay said.

The elder Cavani was driving a truck owned by his son and was detained by police in the town of Salto, the officials said.

Tabarez said of his player: "He is affected by it, as anyone in a similar situation would be. We'll let time pass so he can adapt to the situation."

The match takes place at 00:30 BST on Thursday.

Lloris & Kane offered Spurs' incentives

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino hopes to convince two of his most in-demand players to stay by making goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, 28, captain and appointing 21-year-old forward Harry Kane as vice-captain, according to the Daily Mirror.

Striker Bradshaw extends Walsall deal

Empics

Walsall striker Tom Bradshaw has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the League One club until the summer of 2017.

The 22-year-old scored 20 goals in 37 games for Walsall last season and helped the Saddlers to the Football League Trophy final.

"It was a great year for me personally last season and there is no reason why, as a team, we can't be challenging for the play-offs this time," Bradshaw told the club website.

Vieira says City will not be ripped off with Sterling

Patrick Vieira, Manchester City's academy development executive, has denied they are in danger of being ripped-off over potentially signing Raheem Sterling, say the Daily Star.

Read our full gossip round-up here.

Happy birthday to...

Reuters

Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi turns 28 today. He is celebrating by preparing for Friday night's Copa America quarter-final with Colombia.

Other football birthday boys include ex-Liverpool man Luis Garcia, former Celtic free-kick king Shunsuke Nakamura and ex-Barcelona and Boca Juniors playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme (all 37). Kevin Nolan turns 33 and Micah Richards is 27.

England cricket player Stuart Broad is 29.

Allen retires at 28

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Leicester Tigers centre Anthony Allen has announced his retirement from rugby because of a knee injury at the age of just 28.

Capped twice by England in 2006, he joined Tigers in 2009 from Gloucester and made 124 first-team appearances in six seasons with Leicester.

He played in four Premiership finals and was man of the match as Tigers beat Northampton Saints at Twickenham in 2013.

Allen played his last game in the Premiership fixture at Harlequins in January.

On this day

EPA

A year ago today, Luis Suarez tried to eat Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay's World Cup Group D match, earning himself a four-month ban.

At the same time, England were drawing 0-0 with Costa Rica to finish bottom of the group.

It's got to be said 24 June hasn't been a great day for England recently. Three years ago, they lost to Italy on penalties in the Euro 2012 quarter-final.

Perhaps not a good omen for England U21s playing the Azzurri tonight (19:45 BST KO, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Baggies to make Ba highest-paid player?

Birmingham Mail: West Brom are prepared to make former Newcastle and Chelsea striker Demba Ba their highest-paid player, with the 30-year-old telling his current club Besiktas he wants to return to England rather than play in China for Shanghai Shenhua.

Read our full gossip round-up here.

Arsenal Martinez hopes over

Getty Images

Arsenal's hopes of signing Colombia's Jackson Martinez, 28, are over after the Porto forward agreed a four-year deal with Atletico Madrid, report AS.

The fee is said to be 35m euros.

Read our full gossip round-up here.

Liverpool sign Firmino

Ben Smith

BBC Sport

"Liverpool are genuinely delighted to have completed this deal with such speed.

"Brendan Rodgers has been keen to prioritise quality over quantity this summer and the Brazilian has shown he can produce at the very highest level, having scored four goals in nine games since being called up by his country last November.

"He has adapted to life in Germany well which suggests he can settle quickly on Merseyside. Is it a gamble? Liverpool have only once paid more money for a player - £35m for Andy Carroll. But the hope this time, is that the signing of Roberto Firmino is remembered for all the right reasons."

Read about Liverpool's £29m signing from Hoffenheim here.

Liverpool sign £29m Firmino

EPA

Liverpool haven't been hanging around in the transfer market this summer, having already signed striker Danny Ings, keeper Adam Bogdan, defender Joe Gomez and midfielder James Milner.

Now they've made another one, capturing Hoffenheim's Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino on a five-year deal for a fee of about £29m.

The 23-year-old's deal is subject to a medical, which will take place after he returns from Chile, where he has been playing for Brazil in the Copa America.

It is the second biggest fee the Reds have paid for a player, only beaten by the £35m spent on Andy Carroll four years ago.

Man Utd want Ramos-De Gea straight swap

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Manchester United are ready to play hardball with Real Madrid and demand a straight swap deal involving David De Gea and Sergio Ramos, according to the Daily Star.

They say that Real president Florentino Perez values defender Ramos at £40m and wants keeper De Gea plus £20m in cash from United.

But Old Trafford chief executive Ed Woodward only wants a straight swap without any additional payment.

Today's back pages

Daily Mirror

The Daily Mirror reports on former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's comments that being left out of his side's Champions League game against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu last season "pushed" him into deciding to "move on and try something different".

Gerrard admitted to being "devastated" by manager Brendan Rodgers's decision.

Today's back pages

Guardian

The Guardian lead on an interview with a former member of athletics coach Alberto Salazaar's camp, and have also spoken to ex-QPR boss Harry Redknapp, who tells them he is ready for a return to management.

Today's back pages

Times

The Times lead on Liverpool's £29m signing of Hoffenheim's Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino, which has now been confirmed this morning.

Read our story here.

Good morning and welcome to another Sportsday. You know the drill by now. We'll be keeping you up to date with all the football transfer news and gossip, as well as the big sporting stories.

We kick off by looking at today's back pages. The Sun say West Ham have told striker Andy Carroll that he is a "central figure" in their plans and they want him to be an "Olympic champion" when they move to their new stadium in August 2016.

Sun