Football transfers & season build-up

1. Villa sign Gestede & Veretout
2. Lambert signs for West Brom
3. Walcott & Cazorla sign new Arsenal deals
4. Mourinho silent on Stones bid
5. GET INVOLVED #bbcsportsday

Coming up

The third Ashes Test might have finished early but there is still plenty of of sporting action going on this weekend, including the Women's FA Cup final, the start of the Scottish Premiership and the semi-finals of rugby league's Challenge Cup.

You can keep up date with what's on the BBC on the BBC Sport website.

Sportsday Live will resume on Monday at 08:00 BST as the countdown to the Premier League season continues.

Have a good weekend.

Boro take Stephens on loan

Championship side Middlesbrough have signed 21-year-old defender Jack Stephens from Southampton on a season-long loan deal.

Stephens extended his contract with Saints until 2019 before completing his loan move to Boro.

Cuthbertson keen to reach Wembley

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Leeds Rhinos front-rower Adam Cuthbertson will play a key role for his side in Friday night's Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens which will be shown live on BBC Two from 19:30 BST with commentary on BBC Radio 5 live.

Cuthbertson has been one of the stand-out imports to Super League in 2015, but part of the credit for that must go to his British bulldog Bambi, as the Super League Show found out.

Rhinos aim for Challenge Cup final

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Leeds Rhinos will be hoping to beat rivals St Helens for a third time this season in Friday night's Challenge Cup semi-final, which will be shown live on BBC Two from 19:30 BST.

The Rhinos, who are the Challenge Cup holders, have won both meetings between the sides so far this season - they were 41-16 winners at Langtree Park in April and beat last year's Grand Final winners 46-18 at home at the start of July.

Saints are looking to reach a Wembley final for the first time since 2008, while holders Rhinos are aiming to reach their fifth final in six years.

Forest Green go vegetarian

National League club Forest Green Rovers have opted to have a completely vegetarian match-day menu.

The club stopped selling red meat burgers and sausages four years ago, and later chicken, but has now also dropped fish.

"Food is a really important issue for us," said club chairman Dale Vince, who also owns green energy firm Ecotricity. "It's a big environmental and sustainability issue, and it's a frontier we've been exploring for a few years now."

Neil 'bored' without football

Getty Images

Norwich City manager Alex Neil seems like the sort of person who lives and breathes football.

The 34-year-old. who is preparing for his first season in charge in the Premier League, tells BBC Look East that after a few days' holiday from football you can get bored.

But Neil says his children keep him busy.

Counting the cost

Notts County stand to lose money from playing in the Women's FA Cup, even if they win on Saturday at Wembley.

The Magpies have covered costs of hosting two rounds and are only partially subsidised for travel and accommodation, while the total prize money for winning is just £8,600.

BBC

*Fuel allowance per mile covered by the FA. Hotel allowance per person.

"I think that will have to be reviewed to take the game forward," manager Rick Passmoor told BBC Sport.

Clubs in the final do not directly get a share of gate receipts or TV revenue.

The game will be shown live on BBC One from 14:45 BST (not Scotland) with commentary on BBC 5 live, BBC Radio Nottingham, BBC London 94.9 and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Lambert confirmed at West Brom

Rickie Lambert poses happily with his new jersey...

BreakingWest Brom confirm Lambert signing

West Brom have completed the signing of Rickie Lambert from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee.

The England international has penned a two-year deal and goes straight into the squad for Friday night's game at Bristol Rovers.

Hayes ready to lead out Chelsea

Getty Images

Chelsea Ladies manager Emma Hayes has told BBC London how she dreamed of being Glenn Hoddle leading Tottenham out at Wembley when she was growing up.

Hayes's side face Notts County on Saturday in the Women's FA Cup final, which is being held at Wembley for the first time in the competition's 41-year history.

The game will be shown live on BBC One from 14:45 BST (not Scotland) with commentary on BBC 5 live, BBC Radio Nottingham, BBC London 94.9 and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Cherries 'must get used to losing'

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Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick says his side will have to get used to losing more games as they prepare for their first Premier League season.

But the Cherries defender believes his team-mates and supporters will be key to ensuring his squad stick together.

Elphick, 27, will lead his side out at home against Aston Villa on the opening day of the season on 8 August.

"The thing we'll have to get used to, is we're not going to win as many games as over the last three years," he said.

Make yourself at home

New Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is making himself familiar with his new surroundings...

Crawley sign Fulham's Donnelly

League Two side Crawley Town have signed Fulham defender Liam Donnelly on a one-month youth loan.

The 19-year-old, who can play at right-back or centre-back, is yet to make his senior debut for the Whites.

The Northern Ireland international will be with the Reds until 27 August.

Kante passes Leicester medical

Jason Bourne

BBC Radio Leicester

Getty Images

BBC Radio Leicester understands that N'Golo Kante has passed a medical at Leicester City.

The 24-year-old midfielder is set to join from French top-flight side Caen for fee reported to be in the region of £5.5m.

Darke misses out on time trial medal

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Handcyclist Karen Darke has finished fourth in the H3 time trial at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships in Switzerland.

The London 2012 silver medallist finished 19 seconds outside the medals and will now turn her attention to Sunday's road race.

"I gave it my best but probably realistically it wasn't my course with the climb but I did ok. I'm happy that Rio is flat," she said.

What's in a number?

Empics

Port Vale defender Adam Yates has admitted his disappointment at not being given his customary number two shirt for the forthcoming season.

The 32-year-old former Crewe Alexandra trainee, Vale's longest-serving player, signed a new one-year deal in June.

But he has been given competition at right-back by the arrival of Ben Purkiss, who has been given the number instead.

"I was not best pleased about it. I don't think anyone would be," Yates told BBC Radio Stoke.

Can wants midfield role

Getty Images

Emre Can played mostly as a defender last season for Liverpool but is hoping for more of a midfield role this season.

"The most important thing is I feature in the games for Liverpool - that's my number one intention," said the 21-year-old.

"A midfield role is preferable; of course it is the manager who decides who plays where.

"We'll see where he chooses to play me this season. It is up to the manager but my preference is midfield."

Get Involved

On the sixth anniversary of his death, we're asking for your Sir Bobby Robson memories...

Chris: Sir Bobby gave me first taste of champers aged 10 at ITFC FA Cup reception. Photo of him balancing cup on head is priceless.

Dov: Saw him at a book at a book signing. Recommended Mitchell Thomas for England squad. Sir Bobby said "Mitchell who??".

Will: 'If we're fluffy down here, and if you're fluffy in here (points to stomach and heart) we won't win this game...'

Scottish football returns

SNS Group Craig Williamson

The new Scottish Premiership season begins on Saturday, 1 August and, you can find out who can get clued up on the league's ins and outs here.

The opening round of the Scottish League Cup is also scheduled for this weekend.

Jovetic moves to Inter

Getty Images

Manchester City say striker Stevan Jovetic has signed for Inter Milan on an 18-month loan with a view to a permanent transfer.

The 25-year-old Montenegrin joined City from Fiorentina in summer 2013, but has struggled with injury.

However, Inter say he has gone on a four-year-deal.

Newcastle's Mbemba awaiting visa

Simon Pryde

BBC Newcastle

Getty Images

Chancel Mbemba says he's "very, very happy" to have joined Newcastle United and will be "very proud" to wear the shirt.

The DR Congo international defender received FA clearance on Thursday, but is now waiting for a visa and and will not be available for Saturday's friendly with Borussia Monchengladbach at St James' Park.

Dallas is Leeds bound

Phil Hay from the Yorkshire Evening Post tweets...

BBC Sport understands that a £1.25m bid has been accepted for the Northern Irish midfielder.

Hull move for Brentford's Odubajo

Getty Images

Further to the news we brought you about Hull triggering the £3.5m release clause for Brentford's Moses Odubajo (15:50 BST).

BBC Sport understands that Brentford have given the player permission to have a medical with their Championship rivals but any other interested clubs have three weeks to gazump Hull's offer thanks to a clause in the 22-year-old's contract.

Villa make Gestede capture

Barnsley sign Arsenal's Crowley

Barnsley have signed 17-year-old Arsenal midfielder Daniel Crowley on loan until 3 January 2016.

Crowley, who has represented England at Under-17 level, has yet to make his competitive debut for the Gunners.

He could make his Tykes bow against Chesterfield on Saturday, 8 August.

Villa make Gestede capture

New Aston Villa signing Rudy Gestede scored 22 goals for Blackburn Rovers last season and, in all, netted 34 times in 65 games for the Ewood Park club.

He joined Rovers from Cardiff for £200,000 in January 2014 and Villa boss Tim Sherwood said: "I've known about Rudy since he was at Cardiff City and he is a player I've always admired.

"His goalscoring ratio last season was fantastic and he is someone who certainly knows how to find the back of the net.

"He's a big, physical striker but he can play and I'm pleased to welcome him to the football club."

BreakingVilla make Gestede capture

Aston Villa website

Aston Villa have made their second signing of the day by bringing in striker Rudy Gestede from Blackburn for a reported £6m fee.

The 26-year-old has signed a five-year deal.

Kim maintains Turnberry advantage

AFP

South Korea's Kim Hyo Joo is continuing to set the pace at the Women's British Open at Turnberry.

Kim leads by one shot on eight under from clubhouse leader Suzann Pettersen.

Coverage continues on BBC Two and via the BBC Sport website.

Get Involved

On the sixth anniversary of his death, we're asking for your Sir Bobby Robson memories...

SNS

Frizz: Seeing the great man visit and watch tiny Gretna FC play in the Scottish league. Just because he was invited and loves the game.

So Beloved wins at Glorious Goodwood

Getty Images

So Beloved provided trainer David O'Meara with a significant triumph after winning the Betfred Mile at Glorious Goodwood.

Danny Tudhope's mount was in touch throughout and got up well to beat Belgian Bill by three-quarters of a length with The Rectifier back in third.

England win third Test

Michael Steele

It's all over at Edgbaston. England have chased down their 121 target to win the third Test of the Ashes and take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Ian Bell scored 65 not out to help steer the hosts to victory and you can get all the reaction via the BBC Sport website commentary here.

Hull move for Brentford's Odubajo

The Hull Daily Mail's Philip Buckingham tweets...

Everton have also been credited with an interest in the right back.

Portugal U21 striker wings in to join Owls

Getty Images

Sheffield Wednesday have signed striker Lucas Joao from Nacional for an undisclosed fee while defender Tom Lees has signed a two-year deal extension.

Portugal Under-21 international Joao, 21, has signed a four-year deal with the Championship side.

Meanwhile, Lees, 24, will now remain at Hillsborough until the end of the 2018-19 season.

Who is Jordan Veretout?

Aston Villa on Twitter

Jordan Veretout is the fourth player to sign for Aston Villa from Ligue 1 this summer and follows the arrivals of Jordan Amavi, Idrissa Gueye and Jordan Ayew.

Nantes has been his only previous club and he had been there since 2003.

Veretout is a France youth international and helped his country win the Under-20 World Cup in 2013.

Get Involved

Max: C'est magnifique! Veretout will provide the elegance and guile that's been missing from Villa's midfield for years.

Dan Hayes: There's only one Jordan *insert confused jumble of surnames here*...

Jordan Veretout joins Jordan Amavi and Jordan Ayew in signing for Villa this summer

England inch closer to success

England are closing in on victory over Australia in the third Test at Edgbaston.

Follow the latest via the BBC Sport website.

Sherwood on Veretout capture

Aston Villa have signed French midfielder Jordan Veretout on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee .

"I'm really pleased Jordan decided to choose Aston Villa over the other options he had and opt to continue his development with us," said Villa boss Tim Sherwood of a player who had been linked with Liverpool, Tottenham and Leicester.

AVFC

"He is only 22-years-old but he is vastly experienced for someone that age. He has played over 140 games in Ligue 1 and is a really exciting young player.

"I know he is very highly rated over in France so we are delighted to get this deal over the line."

Villa make Veretout signing

BreakingVilla make Veretout signing

AVFC

Aston Villa have completed the signing of French midfielder Jordan Veretout from Ligue 1 side Nantes.

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Aluko confident over Chelsea form

Reuters

Ahead of Saturday's historic Women's FA Cup final at Wembley, in her exclusive BBC Sport column, Chelsea's Eniola Aluko says her team is not panicking about form.

"It's the biggest game in the club's history," says the England international. "But we have to play the game and not the occasion."

The game will be shown live on BBC One from 14:45 BST (not Scotland) with commentary on BBC 5 live, BBC Radio Nottingham, BBC London 94.9 and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Women's FA Cup final

Who is going to win the women's FA Cup final?

The FA

Who is going to win Saturday's women's FA Cup final between Chelsea Ladies and Notts County Ladies - the first to be played at Wembley Stadium?

Our pundits give their verdict in our match preview, which also tells you which player is hoping to earn her ninth winners' medal in the competition and why another player has had to instruct her father not to wear the opposition's kit

Get Involved

On the sixth anniversary of his death, we're asking for your favourite Sir Bobby Robson memories...

Laurence Moore: Favourite Sir Bobby Robson story? Easy. Saying 'Morning Bobby' to Bryan Robson. Bryan responds: 'You're Bobby. I'm Bryan.'

David Kerner: Met Sir Bobby at White Hart Lane as a uni student; he said he wished he'd gone to college, I said I wished I'd managed England.

Greg Morter: Sir Bobby jig after David Platt's volley for England v Belgium at Italia 90 always makes me smile.

'One day people will wake up'

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Reuters

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was asked about the Premier League's announcement this week that it would not adjust fixtures to help teams in the Champions League.

"My reaction is that here we have four teams in the Champions League and we will not make a big noise of it," said Mourinho.

"But one day when England has only three teams in the Champions League people will wake up."

Five new faces to watch

SNS

The on-loan Liverpool startlet, the former Ajax prodigy and the brother of a World Cup finalist are all among five new faces picked out by BBC Scotland ahead of the Scottish Premiership season starting on Saturday.

Read about that trio, and a couple of other notable arrivals, here.

Scottish football returns

The new Scottish Premiership season begins on Saturday, 1 August and, to get you into a lather ahead of the action starting, why not have a look at this selection of highlights from last season.

The opening round of the Scottish League Cup is also scheduled for this weekend.

Happy birthday

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Among those celebrating on Friday are former Derby, West Ham and Manchester City striker, and current Costa Rica coach, Paulo Wanchope (39), ex-Newcastle, Wigan and Sunderland defender Titus Bramble (34) and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka (26).

Mourinho quiet on Stones pursuit

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

PA

Chelsea have had a reported £20m bid for Everton defender John Stones rejected this summer.

Asked about the current situation in their chase for him, Blues boss Jose Mourinho said: "I don't speak about players from other clubs, especially now that competition starts.

"It starts for us and Arsenal now and next week starts for everyone."

Bedene loses out in Hamburg

Getty Images

British number two Aljaz Bedene is out of the Hamburg Open after losing in the quarter-finals.

Bedene was beaten 6-4 7-5 by eighth seed Fabio Fognini of Italy.

Jose Mourinho news conference

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and his side will face former keeper Petr Cech, who left the Blues to join Arsenal this summer, when they play the Gunners in the Community Shield on Sunday...

Jose Mourinho news conference

Here's more from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho on his side's game against Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday...

WICKET

England have lost their second wicket as they chase 121 for victory. Opener Adam Lyth has been caught LBW by Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood and the hosts are 51-2.

Follow it all via the BBC Sport website.

Jose Mourinho news conference

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been speaking in the build up to his side's Community Shield game against Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday...

Guardiola undecided about future

EPA

Bayern Munich coach and Manchester City target Pep Guardiola says he is still undecided about his future at the German club with his contract due to run out the end of the season.

The 44-year-old added that he had not received any offer from any club and there is still time to discuss his future with Bayern officials, who are eager to keep him.

Bayern's season starts on Saturday when they take on Cup winners Wolfsburg in the German Super Cup.

Brewer Taft moves to Cambridge for six months

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League Two side Cambridge United have signed Burton Albion defender George Taft on a six-month loan deal.

The 22-year-old former England Under-19 international made 34 appearances for the Brewers last season as they won the League Two title.

Di Maria deal close to completion?

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Getty Images

Angel Di Maria's protracted transfer from Manchester United to Paris St Germain could be finalised later.

A fee of around £44m is understood to have been agreed.

The deal could be announced by PSG before the end of Friday but, as the player is still to sign his contract, it could yet run into next week.

Jose Mourinho news conference

BBC London's Emma Jones is waiting for Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to offer his thoughts ahead of the Community Shield...

Glorious Goodwood set for action

Day four of Glorious Goodwood gets underway at 14:00 BST.

The Betfred Mile (15:10 BST) and the Qatar King George Stakes (15:45) are the highlights of the day's action at the Sussex track.

WICKET

England have lost their first wicket at Edgbaston - captain Alastair Cook is out for seven as his side chase a total of 121 to win the third Test.

Follow it all via the BBC Sport website.

Cousins extends stay with Charlton

Empics

Charlton Athletic midfielder Jordan Cousins has signed a new four-year deal with the Championship club.

The 21-year-old came through the club's youth system and has made a total of 94 appearances for the Addicks from his debut in August 2013.

Craven congratulates Beijing

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International Paralympic Committee president Sir Philip Craven has sent his congratulations to Beijing after they won the vote to host the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

"In 2008 Beijing raised the bar for all future summer Paralympic Games, delivering an event that acted as a catalyst for a more inclusive Chinese society and increased participation in summer sport," he said.

"I am confident the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games can have a similar impact and China could emerge as a Paralympic superpower in winter sports, just as they are now in summer sports."

No need to push the button

Right, stand down. One of those harassed-looking IT types has just told us that all is well in the world and that this page should now update automatically again. As you were.

England chase victory over Australia

Action gets back underway at Edgbaston very shortly with England needing 117 more runs to beat Australia in the third Ashes Test and go 2-1 up in the series

Alastair Cook is not out on four while Adam Lyth is yet to score.

You can keep up with all of the action via the BBC Sport website - if your nerves can handle it.

Hull to sign Arsenal's Hayden

Getty Images

Arsenal defender Isaac Hayden is set to sign for Championship side Hull City on a season long loan, according to the Hull Daily Mail.

The 20-year-old would become Hull City's third signing of the summer and he could feature in the club's final friendly of pre-season at Sheffield United on Sunday.

Toure feels the love at Anfield

Getty Images

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has told the Liverpool Echo that he turned down offers from a host of European clubs to sign a new contract with Liverpool because he feels loved at Anfield.

"There were other offers but I couldn't leave one of the best clubs in the world," said the 34-year-old.

"For me, to be able to be at Liverpool - playing for this manager and being part of this squad and playing for amazing fans - is massive. I really enjoy being here. I feel loved and that's important. I am so lucky to be at a club like this and I want to help this club to get better."

On this day

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In 2009, former England and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson died aged 76. Robson, who had been fighting cancer for a number of years, played for Fulham and West Brom and also managed Fulham, Ipswich, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.

Send us your favourite Sir Bobby Robson memories to #bbcsportsday

Gillingham & Scally fined for 'race victimisation'

Getty Images

The Football Association have fined Gillingham and their chairman Paul Scally £75,000 each after they were found proven of misconduct charges.

The charges arose after an employment tribunal ruled striker Mark McCammon had been unfairly dismissed by the League One club and his sacking was an act of racial victimisation.

Scally said he was "shocked, stunned and angered" and confirmed he and the club would be appealing the decision.

McGinn completes Hibs move

SNS

Hibernian have completed the signing of midfielder John McGinn on a four-year contract after agreeing a development fee with his former club, St Mirren.

The 20-year-old had rejected the offer of a new contract with the Paisley club after their relegation.

"Once I weighed it all up, I quickly realised that Hibs was the right move for me at this stage," he said.

Push the button

It appears we may be having some technical difficulties at BBC Sport HQ which have affected the automatic refresh of posts on this page. So, if you don't want to be sitting staring at the same entry for hours, best refresh the page manually for the moment.

Petterson takes Turnberry lead

AFP

Norway's Suzann Petterson has the clubhouse lead in the second round of the Women's British Open at Turnberry.

Petterson followed up her opening round of 68 with a round of 69 for a seven-under total.

Leader Kim Hyo Joo is also on seven under in the early stages of her second round.

You can watch live coverage from Turnberry now on BBC Two and also via the BBC Sport website.

Get Involved

R S: Pre-season routine you ask? Obsessing over the daily football transfer & preseason updates from BBC Sport.

Brian Pilton: I write down teams who I think will finish in the top three and the bottom three so I can see if I was right in May.

Ed Sullivan: Avoid all pre-season friendlies like the plague #Ashes

Stefan Glosby: I try to avoid football completely in pre-season. It can get so stressful at times, it's nice to get a few months off.

'Something smells at Liverpool'

Liverpool got rid of assistant manager Colin Pascoe and first-team coach Mike Marsh this summer following an end-of-season review.

BBC

BBC Sport pundit Alan Shearer said: "I'm not sure that you have a trusted lieutenant right throughout your career and then you come to the end of the season and because you've had a poor season say 'we're going in a different technical direction'.

"That doesn't sit easy. Something smells a little bit there. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will be under huge pressure."

Lambert set for Baggies medical

Getty Images

Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert is set to have a medical as he nears a £3m move to West Brom, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Once the 33-year-old completes his move to The Hawthorns that will leave the way clear for Liverpool's £32.5m summer signing Christian Benteke to take the Liverpool number nine shirt.

Friday Sports Panel

BBC Radio 5 live

The Friday Sports Panel, presented by Eleanor Oldroyd comes live from Edgbaston at 13:00 BST on BBC Radio 5 live.

Guests are England footballer Karen Carney, cricketer Becky Grundy and former player turned pundit Alec Stewart, as well as snooker player Neil Robertson.

Australia all out

The last wicket of Australia has fallen with the dismissal of Mitchell Starc and the tourists have been bowled out for 265.

England now need 121 runs for victory in the third Test and to take a 2-1 series lead.

Follow the latest from the third day of the third Test via the BBC Sport website.

Beijing to host 2022 Games

Telegraph

With it being confirmed that Beijing will host the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, might we direct you towards this from Oliver Brown in the Telegraph on the shift from "democracies to dictatorships". Ferocious stuff.

Pellegrini to bolster midfield?

Ian Cheeseman

BBC Radio Manchester

Getty Images

The fact that Manchester City have recruited Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph and are still likely to sign Kevin De Bruyne from Wolfsburg suggests that Manuel Pellegrini has learnt the lessons of last season and will play the vast majority of this term with one striker and an extra body in midfield.

Argentine trio Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta and Martin Demichelis are back after being granted an extended summer break following their Copa America commitments, but are unlikely to feature in Saturday's final friendly in Stuttgart. That means the next season blueprint may be put on hold in Germany.

QPR capture Perch

QPRFC

QPR have completed the signing of James Perch from Wigan Athletic on a three-year deal.

The 29-year-old has moved for an undisclosed fee.

"They showed a great desire to bring me here, and that helped make up my mind," Perch said. "I know players who have played here before and they spoke about the club in good terms, so it was an easy decision for me."

Villa close to sealing deals

Mark Regan

BBC WM Sport

Getty Images

Stand by your beds - it could be a busy day at Aston Villa.

Already on Friday, a £1m bid for West Brom defender Joleon Lescott has reportedly been rejected, a move to bring in midfielder Jordan Veretout from Nantes is very close to being confirmed and Rudy Gestede could also sign in a few hours after saying farewell to his Blackburn team-mates.

A deal to sign Emmanuel Adebayor is ongoing but may be the furthest away from being done at the moment.

Arsenal duo sign new contracts

Just a bit more on Arsenal duo Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla signing new deals with the club - the latter's contract is for two years.

Theo Walcott on Twitter

Bedene in quarter-final action

Getty Images

British number two Aljaz Bedene will be in action in the quarter-finals of the Hamburg Open on Friday afternoon.

Bedene takes on Italian eighth seed Fabio Fognini who he has lost to in his five previous meetings.

The match will not begin before 12:30 BST.

WICKET

Australia's Josh Hazelwood is the latest batsman to depart the scene at Edgbaston, caught by Joe Root off the bowling of Ben Stokes, leaving Australia on 245-9 - a lead of 100.

Follow the latest from the third day of the third Test via the BBC Sport website.

Wenger joy at double deal

Reuters

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott and midfielder Santi Cazorla have both signed new deals with the club, much to the delight of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

"Both are top quality players who are hugely important and influential to our squad," said the Frenchman.

"As well as their huge contributions on the pitch, they both have a great deal of experience and are very popular off the pitch.

"We're very pleased with them both signing contract extensions, as it provides our squad with further stability of quality."

Cazorla signs new Arsenal deal

The news gets even better for Arsenal fans as Santi Cazorla has also signed a new deal with the club along with team-mate Theo Walcott...

BreakingWalcott signs new Arsenal deal

David Ornstein

BBC Sport

EPA

Theo Walcott has signed a new four-year contract with Arsenal. The winger signed the deal on Thursday and the package is worth £140,000 per week.

Man City send Unal out on loan

Reuters

Manchester City have sent teenage striker Enes Unal out on loan to Belgian side Genk just weeks after signing the Turkey international from Bursaspor.

The 18-year-old made three appearances during City's pre-season tour of Australia but will head to Belgium in the hope of playing regular football this season.

Unal, who has one senior international cap, scored 24 goals in 25 games for Turkey's under-16 side and in 2013, at the age of 16, became the youngest goalscorer in the Turkish top flight when he struck against Galatasaray.

Leicester close to Kante deal?

Jason Bourne

BBC Radio Leicester

Getty Images

Leicester City could be closing in on a new signing, with reports in France suggesting that midfielder N'Golo Kante is set to join the Foxes.

Caen have apparently accepted an €8m euro (£5.6m) bid for the 24-year old.

Earlier this week City boss Claudio Ranieri said he hoped new signings would arrive by the weekend.

WICKET

England have been frustrated by Australian duo Peter Nevill and Mitchell Starc this morning but have finally made the breakthrough.

Steven Finn has had Nevill, who made 59, caught behind to leave the tourists on 217-8 and a lead of 72.

Follow all the action with BBC Sport's live text commentary or on Test Match Special.

Test of knowledge

A Question of Sport Teaser

BBC

Can you name the four Englishmen since 2000 to have scored in the Community Shield final for the winning team?

Toney trains with Newcastle

Pete Cooper

Northamptonshire Live

Northampton Town striker Ivan Toney will train with Newcastle over the next two days as the Premier League consider whether to move for the 19-year-old.

For more on the story, follow BBC Local Live: Northamptonshire.

Europa League vote

We asked if you would you like your club to play in the Europa League?

And it was a close run thing, with 52% of you saying yes and 46% no.

The 2% who didn't know can now go off and have a think about it.

Get Involved

Anthony Saverton: I organise a weekly predictions game with my family and my preseason has been getting ready for 8/8. Sleepless nights.

Elaine Fitzpatrick: Wash my scarf #washoutlosingvibes

Gary Hornsby: Follow my team across Asia and USA, admiring a plethora of new signings. I'm kidding, I'm a Coventry fan. We lost to Cambridge.

Trump wants apology from BBC man

AP

The Turnberry course, which hosts this week's Women's British Open, is owned by billionaire businessman Donald Trump.

Trump gave a press conference at the course on Thursday but was questioned by BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter about his recent remarks that some Mexican immigrants to the USA bring drugs and crime.

However, Trump did not take kindly to being questioned on the subject and, as you can hear, he wants an apology from the BBC man.

Beijing edges close vote

The Director of Communications for the International Olympic Committee tweets... 

Turnberry's shots of the day

There was plenty of high-quality golf on show on Thursday's opening day of the Women's British Open at Turnberry.

BBC Sport looks at some of the best shots of the day and England's top-ranked Charley Hull features alongside USA's Paula Creamer, who produced a beautiful approach onto the 18th green.

Ashes update

Play is under way on the third day of the third Test and England have taken to the field without bowler James Anderson.

Anderson is out of the rest of this game and the fourth Test with a side strain.

Follow all the action with BBC Sport's live text commentary or on Test Match Special.

Beijing's 2022 Games bid

Reuters

Beijing's successful bid put a strong emphasis on its extensive Olympic experience from 2008 and they plan to use many of the venues which featured then, including the iconic Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube as well as media and broadcasting centres within Beijing's Olympic Park.

The plan also includes the mountain zones of Yanqing and Zhangjiakou, 90km and 160km away from Beijing respectively, although the International Olympic Committee has expressed some concern about the minimal annual snowfall and the need to rely almost entirely on artificial snow.

Beijing earns 2022 Games

The Chinese city will become the first to host both a Summer and Winter Games, having held the 2008 Olympics.

In addition, Lausanne has been awarded the 2020 Winter Youth Olympics.

BreakingBeijing to host 2022 Games

Beijing will host the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics after beating Almaty in a vote in Kuala Lumpur.

Notts County players practising in goal

BBC

Notts County goalkeeper Carly Telford has told BBC Sport that team-mates have been practising with the gloves this week, just in case they are needed as injury cover for the Women's FA Cup final at Wembley.

Telford is the Magpies' only goalkeeper eligible to face Chelsea on Saturday, so will start despite making her first appearance in 11 weeks in their 2-1 loss to Arsenal last Sunday after recovering from a dislocated shoulder.

The England goalkeeper said she is "fit and ready" to play 120 minutes if needed.

Rutherford continues good form

Reuters

Olympic champion Greg Rutherford warmed up for the World Championships which begin in Beijing on 22 August by winning the long jump at Thursday's Stockholm Diamond League meeting.

The 28-year-old, who is looking to add World Championship gold to his Olympic, European and Commonwealth titles, jumped 8.34m and leads the Diamond Race standings by five points.

You can see highlights from Stockholm on Saturday on BBC Two at 13:00 BST.

Heskey set to sign new Bolton deal

BBC Radio Manchester

Getty Images

Bolton Wanderers are close to agreeing a new deal with Emile Heskey, as well as signing Stephen Dobbie and Lawrie Wilson.

Former England striker Heskey, 37, spent six months with Bolton last season scoring his only goal on his debut.

Dobbie, 32, was released by Crystal Palace this summer and right-back Wilson, 27, was let go by Charlton.

Gestede on way out, Rhodes staying

PA

Blackburn Rovers striker Rudy Gestede has said his goodbyes at the club as he closes in on a £6m move to Aston Villa, according to The Lancashire Telegraph.

But Rovers's owners are determined not to let fellow forward Jordan Rhodes make a move to Middlesbrough after turning down a £12m bid from their championship rivals.

Europa League vote

You may have noticed - either on the right hand side of this page or by clicking the 'vote' tab above - that we're asking if you would want your club to play in the Europa League.

The vote closes at 11:00 BST and the usual terms and conditions apply.

Games hosts to be named

The wait is almost over for Beijing and Almaty. The announcement is due at 10:30 BST...

Ashes podcast

In Freddie Flintoff's Alternative Ashes Legends, Andrew Flintoff focuses on those who have played a smaller, yet still crucial role in some of the great Ashes series of the past.

Those men include David Steele, who was called up in 1975 to make his Test debut at 33 and after facing the combined pace of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson was subsequently voted Sports Personality of the year after just three Tests.

Listen to Flintoff's podcast here.

Anderson sidelined for England

England bowler James Anderson is out of the rest of the third Ashes Test and the fourth test at Trent Bridge.

Just to recap, he was forced off the field on day two of the third Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston with a side strain.

The England bowler visibly winced after two balls of his ninth over, bowled one more delivery and then left the field, with spinner Joe Root finishing his over.

Follow all the reaction and the events of today's play with BBC Sport's live text commentary or on Test Match Special.

Anderson out of fourth Test

A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board has just been released saying: "England bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of remainder of the current Ashes Test with a side strain.

"Anderson will be unavailable for the fourth Test beginning on Thursday, 6 August at Trent Bridge and his availability for the final Test in the series will be determined in due course."

Reuters

IOC to decide 2022 hosts

EPA

The International Olympic Committee has begun the voting procedure to determine the host city for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Beijing and the Kazakhstan city of Almaty are bidding for the honour.

The IOC has decided to vote by paper ballots after problems with the electronic voting.

The announcement will be made later on Friday morning.

Van Ginkel ready for Colonia test

Graham McGarry

BBC Radio Stoke Sport

Getty Images

Stoke City midfielder Marco van Ginkel is looking forward to the challenge of facing two quality teams over the weekend.

The Potters, who are taking part in the Colonia Cup, will come up against both FC Koln and FC Porto.

The on-loan Chelsea player thinks the games are a perfect warm up to the season curtain raiser against Liverpool.

Wickham poised for Palace

Getty Images

The Northern Echo are reporting that Sunderland have sanctioned Connor Wickham's departure to Crystal Palace in a deal worth £9m in an attempt to free up a sizeable chunk of the club's wage budget.

The 22-year-old striker is talking terms with Palace, with the London club hoping to complete a deal imminently.

Sunderland to go back for Sow

Getty Images

Sunderland will make an improved bid for Fenerbahce striker Moussa Sow after having a £12.5m offer turned down, according to The Daily Star.

West Ham are also interested in the 29-year-old Senegal international.

Action back underway at Turnberry

AP

Action is back underway at the Women's British Open at Turnberry

Leader Kim Hyo Joo of South Korea, who heads the field on seven under, gets her second round underway at 12:32 BST. Of the early starters, Suzann Petterson of Norway and another Korean So Yeon Ryu have both moved onto six under along with world number two Lydia Ko of New Zealand, who resumes at 11:26.

Catch up with the Pint-sized Ashes

BBC

Friday's play at the third Ashes Test in Edgbaston gets underway at 11:00 BST. If you missed Thursday's excitement, you can catch up with the Pint-sized Ashes.

Australia 'pathetic', says Boycott

Reuters

Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott is never short of an opinion or two and he has had his straight talking say on Australia's performance in the third Test of the Ashes series.

"They are novices at playing the moving ball," Boycott said on BBC Test Match Special. "It was an embarrassing day for Australia. Their batting was as pathetic as it was in the first innings."

Boycott said Australia captain Michael Clarke is "under the cosh" and "lucky to be averaging 18".

You can follow the day's play with our live text commentary

Aberdeen 'not positive enough'

Alasdair Lamont

BBC Scotland

SNS

Derek McInnes says Aberdeen paid for a poor start in their Europa League first leg defeat by Kairat Almaty.

Two goals down in Kazakhstan, McInnes said his side faced an "uphill struggle" before Kenny McLean scored an away goal in the 2-1 loss.

"We didn't start with enough positive play," McInnes said. "In the second half everybody saw the Aberdeen team that I wanted to see from the first minute."

Get Involved

Manchester City have been in Australia, Liverpool went to Malaysia, and both Chelsea and Manchester United toured the United States. Pre-season preparations have grown ever more elaborate in recent times and that got us thinking...

What is your pre-season routine as a fan?

You might not be doing sprints down the local park, but are there any superstitions you follow? Anything in particular you feel the urge to do before the action gets underway?

Let us know via #mypreseason, text 81111 (UK users only) or post on Match of the Day Facebook

West Ham worry over Valencia

Andy Rowley

BBC London 94.9

Getty Images

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he fears a serious injury to striker Enner Valencia, who will have a scan on his knee on Friday. The forward was injured during the 2-2 draw in the Europa League third qualifying round first leg against Romanian side Astra.

The 25-year-old Ecuador striker scored before being stretchered off.

"I am worried," said Bilic. "It looks serious but we won't know for sure until he has a scan. This is the reason I am unhappy."

Pressure off for Southampton

Adam Blackmore

BBC Radio Solent sports editor

Despite not hitting their stride, Southampton got the result they wanted - a result that takes the pressure of next week, with the return trip to Arnhem coming just ahead of their Premier League opener at Newcastle.

Getty Images

Sadio Mane and Victor Wanyama were the stand-out performers for Ronald Koeman's side, and while full-back Cedric Soares and goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg had solid debuts, Jordy Clasie struggled to make an impact before suffering a hamstring injury.

Overall, Saints will be very happy with their return to Europe, and if Koeman gets the two or three players he still wants before the end of the window, his side have every chance of repeating their achievements of last season.

Beijing v Almaty

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent Richard Conway and BBC sports editor Dan Roan are keeping their eyes on the announcement of the host city for the 2022 Winter Olympics...

Chiriches poised for Napoli move

Andy Rowley

BBC London 94.9

Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal for defender Vlad Chiriches to join Serie A side Napoli for an undisclosed fee.

Chiriches, 25, moved to Spurs from Steaua Bucharest for a reported fee of £8.5m in August 2013. But the Romania international has struggled to gain a first-team place and made just 43 appearances in two seasons at White Hart Lane.

Balotelli in limbo

England coach and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has responded to the story that Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has no future at the club...

Balotelli has no future with Reds

PA

If you need your football gossip hit before getting going for the day, well here it is:

Italy striker Mario Balotelli, 24, has been told he has no future at Liverpool and has not been included in the squads for friendly games against HJK Helsinki in Finland on Friday or Swindon Town on Sunday. The player has been asked by manager Brendan Rodgers to train away from the first-team squad. (Independent)

Chelsea are prepared to bid up to £30m to land Everton's England defender John Stones. But the Toffees hope interest from Manchester United in the 21-year-old will push the price up closer to their valuation of £34m. (London Evening Standard)

Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria, 27, will join Paris St-Germain in the next 48 hours for £44m. The Argentine's exit will pave the way for United to sign Pedro for £22m.(Daily Express)

You can read more here.

Aberdeen grab away goal

SNS

Scottish side Aberdeen were also in Europa League action and they lost 2-1 to Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan but Kenny McLean's away goal gives the Dons hope.

Mikhail Bakaev fired the hosts ahead in the third qualifying round first leg and Bauyrzhan Islamkhan doubled the Kazakh side's advantage with a stunning 30-yard strike.

McLean's emphatic finish halved Aberdeen's deficit and means they can progress with a 1-0 win next week. Kairat visit Pittodrie for the return leg next Thursday.

Southampton ease to win

PA

Southampton's first European match since 2003 ended with a 3-0 victory over Vitesse Arnhem in their Europa League third qualifying round tie.

Graziano Pelle opened the scoring with a right-foot shot after Sadio Mane's neat ball in.

Dusan Tadic converted a penalty to double the lead after Mane was tripped in the area on the stroke of half-time.

Substitutes Shane Long and Juanmi combined late on as Long headed home for Saints' first win in European competition since 1981.

Hard work for Hammers

PA

West Ham are making hard work of their attempts to qualify for the Europa League group stage.

They suffered a setback as they were held after leading 2-0 against Romania's Astra Giurgiu. Goals by Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate put the Hammers in control of the third qualifying round before James Collins's dismissal changed the game.

Fernando Boldrin made it 2-1 before debutant Angelo Ogbonna headed past his own keeper while attempting to clear.

West Ham now face a tough test in the second leg in Romania on 6 August.

England concern over Anderson

Reuters

As good as it got for England yesterday as there was cause for concern over key bowler James Anderson.

Anderson was forced off the field on day two of the third Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston with a side strain.

An England and Wales Cricket Board statement read: "James Anderson has a tight side and will be assessed overnight and in the morning."

We're expecting more of an update today so stay tuned.

FINNtatstic, FINNished, FINN's famous five

Reuters

Take whichever headline you like from today's back pages but it's all about one man and that is England bowler Steven Finn.

After two years in the international cricket wilderness, he has returned to help put England on the brink of victory in the third Ashes Test against Australia.

The Middlesex paceman took 5-45 on day two of the match at Edgbaston as Australia crumbled to 168-7 in their second innings - a lead of just 23.

Today's play is scheduled to get under way at 11:00 BST.

Friday's papers

Daily Telegraph

Friday's papers

Daily Star

Friday's papers

Daily Mirror

Friday's papers

Daily Express

Friday's papers

Independent

Friday's papers

The Sun

Welcome

PA

Comebacks, drama, red cards, matches abandoned - it's all been happening in the Europa League with Southampton, West Ham and Aberdeen having all been in action.

We'll cover all that through the morning as well as plenty more, including looking at the latest goings on in the transfer market and build up to the Community Shield between Arsenal and Chelsea on Sunday. Yes people, that's this Sunday as the English football season's curtain raiser takes place at Wembley.

So, a hearty Friday welcome and let's start with the back pages...