Football transfers & Europa League

1. Man Utd confirm Di Maria exit
2. Wilshere out for two months with ankle fracture
3. Astra Giurgiu v West Ham & Vitesse Arnhem v Southampton (both 19:00 BST)
4. Aberdeen v Kairat Almaty (20:00 BST)
5. GET INVOLVED #bbcsportsday

Goodbye

And on that exciting note, we end Sportsday. Back tomorrow at 08:00 BST with more football news and news conferences ahead of the return of the Premier League season.

Until then.

Like a kid at Christmas

Edging closer now...

'Not my decision to leave United'

Big transfer news from earlier today saw Angel Di Maria leave Manchester United to join Paris St-Germain.

The Argentine has had his say at a news conference in Paris.

"Firstly it wasn't just my decision to leave, if I left it was also because they decided to sell me. They agreed. The three parties agreed, me, Manchester United and PSG agreed the deal," he said.

"Things didn't go well at Manchester United for various reasons but it's in the past."

"I'm really very happy to be here and I'm happy because I know my wife and child will be happy here too."

How to be a Fantasy Football champion

BBC

Have you selected your Fantasy Football teams left? Only got two days left to do it.

Want the formula on how to become a champion? Last season's Fantasy Premier League winner Simon March gives his 10-point plan for success.

Click here to read the piece

McCarthy signs new deal

Everton

Everton midfielder James McCarthy has signed a new five-year deal with the club.

The 22-year-old said: "I'm buzzing and delighted to be committing my future long-term to Everton.

"I've loved every minute I've been here, with the fans having made me feel so welcome from day one, as well as the players and staff."

10 questions to be answered

BBC Sport

BBC Sport looks at 10 questions that will be answered over the course of the 2015-16 Premier League season.

Is Raheem Sterling worth £49m? Can Louis van Gaal deliver the title for Manchester United? Can Harry Kane repeat his goal-scoring heroics? Tim Sherwood - genius or gilet model?

Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer, Jermaine Jenas and Ian Wright help examine what could be the key talking points of the next eight months.

Click here to watch the video

Packed Pittodrie

Scottish golfer Richie Ramsay is backing his hometown team in their Europa League third qualifying round second leg contest. The club have announced that tickets have sold out for the game...

Criminal record

BBC coverage

BBC London 94.9

West Ham travel to Romania tonight to face Astra Giurgiu in the second leg of their Europa League third round qualifier.

The tie is level at 2-2 after The Hammers let slip a two goal lead in the first leg at Upton Park.

You can listen to live UK only commentary of tonight's match and follow our live text including updates of Vitesse v Southampton here from 18:00 BST.

Whatever happened to Dmitri Kharine?

Well, the former Chelsea and Celtic player has just been appointed as a goalkeeping coach at League Two side Stevenage.

Russia international Kharine, as our picture below shows, played for Chelsea in their 1994 FA Cup final defeat by Manchester United, and was perhaps most famous for keeping goal in jogging bottoms rather than shorts.

Getty Images

Kharine joins Teddy Sheringham's backroom staff at Broadhall Way.

Teams primed for Netball World Cup

Getty Images

England and Scotland will meet on the opening day of the 14th Netball World Cup in Australia on Friday.

World number three side England will be favourites against 11th-ranked Scotland in the Pool B match, which begins at 05:50 BST at Sydney's Allphones Arena.

Wales, ranked eighth, take on Fiji in their first Pool D match at 00:50.

Sixteen teams will take part across 10 days, with Australia favourites to win their 11th title.

Click here for a full lowdown on the tournament

SFA ask for 'typical foreigner' explanation

SNS

The Scottish FA is investigating remarks attributed to St Johnstone defender Brad McKay.

The 22-year-old was widely quoted describing Hearts striker Juanma as "a typical foreigner" who "gets touched and goes down".

The governing body has approached the Perth club for an explanation.

Hammer blow to taxpayers?

Dan Roan

BBC sports editor

Getty Images

Does deal mean West Ham get stadium almost rent free?

The taxpayer will meet estimated running costs of up to £2.5m when West Ham move to the Olympic Stadium.

Click here to read the full piece

Willis wins

Great Britain's Andrew Willis has won his semi final of the men's 200m breaststroke at the World Championships in Kazan, Russia. His time of 2:08:72 saw him qualify in 5th place for the final tomorrow.

Getty Images

Think you know offside rule?

Premier League

Think again.

As the English football season gets under way this weekend, players and staff will also have to come to terms with new disciplinary rulings, a brand new ball plus the new offside rule.

Click here to read the piece in full

Vote closed

We asked you who will be the first Premier League manager to leave their post this season and 30% of you chose Liverpool's Brendan Rodgers. His closest challengers were Claudio Ranieri of Leicester (17%), Watford's Quique Flores (14%) and Manuel Pellegrini of Manchester City (12%).

'Get used to losing'

Getty Images

West Brom manager Tony Pulis says Bournemouth will need to get used to losing matches once the Premier League season starts.

Talking during 5 live Sport's Premier League launch show, Pulis said: "They have to get used to losing next year, that's going to happen."

"Eddie Howe has to manage the expectation and disappointment. That's a different experience for him, it's something he'll have to learn very quickly," he added.

Not on the list

Will Watt from the Blackpool Gazette tweets...

Reading fined

Reading have been fined £100,000 by the FA following a pitch invasion at the end of their FA Cup quarter-final against Bradford in March.

The club had denied the charge.

Premier League predictor

BBC

Think you know your football? Test your expertise by playing our game and seeing how many Premier League results you can predict correctly.

Click here to take the predictor

Northants complete innings victory

Northants sealed a seasonal double over Kent by wrapping up a three-day win at Canterbury by an innings and 23 runs.

The home side, who trailed by 231 on first innings, were bowled out for 208 with Ben Sanderson taking 4-44.

It was their seventh defeat of a disappointing campaign, while Northants' third victory lifted them to fourth in the Division Two table.

Gloucestershire on top at St Helen's

BBC Radio Wales Sport's Nick Webb at Swansea:

"Glamorgan achieved a measure of respectability in the afternoon session as captain Jacques Rudolph battled his way to 68.

Listen live here

'Aberdeen must be patient'

Manager Derek McInnes insists there is no need for Aberdeen to go "gung-ho" as they seek to eliminate Kairat Almaty.

SNS

The Dons trail 2-1 from last week's first leg in Kazakhstan, meaning a 1-0 win would take them through to the Europa League play-off round on away goals.

"You don't have to score in the early stages of the game," said McInnes. "There has to be a measured approach and intelligence as well passion."

You can listen on BBC Radio Scotland 810MW/DAB/online and follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website

West Ham depleted in Romania

Andy Rowley

BBC London 94.9

West Ham have left most of their first teamers at home rather than travel to Romania to face Astra Giurgiu in their Europa League third qualifying round tie second leg.

Getty Images

Kevin Nolan and Carl Jenkinson are the only recognised starters with the party, with the contest poised at 2-2.

"It was always part of our plan, because of the start of the Premier League that we would come here with a strong team - but a team where some players have stayed at home," said manager Slaven Bilic.

Wallace misses out on medal

And Wallace finishes in fourth place in the men's 200m individual medley in Kazan.

Getty Images

His new Scottish record of 1:57:59 left him behind gold medallist Ryan Lochte of the USA, runner up Thiago Pereira of Brazil and Wang Shun of China, who was third.

There's still a chance of a British medal shortly when Lauren Quigley goes for gold in the women's 50m backstroke.

Getting into the mood

Britain's Dan Wallace goes in the final of the 200m individual medley in Kazan later on Thursday...

You can watch the action live on the Red Button and online now and on BBC Two from 16:00 BST

Caulker & Rodriguez in frame

Adam Blackmore

BBC Radio Solent sports editor

SaintsFC

Southampton could hand a competitive debut to on-loan QPR defender Steven Caulker as they prepare for what should be a routine passage into the play-off round after winning the first leg 3-0.

This second leg also looks to be the perfect fixture to ease Jay Rodriguez back into competitive action after his long injury lay-off.

Jordy Clasie is injured and Shane Long has also not travelled after picking up an illness.

Get Involved

We've been asking for your predictions for this season...

Dean McNamara: My heart says Man U to win Premier League, but head says Chelsea. Sorry but Watford, Norwich and Bournemouth to go down.

David Sanderson: Can't believe everyone thinks @WatfordFC will finish bottom! So much talent and depth in our squad this year.

Ged Lynam: Liverpool double: Mignolet to win the golden glove and Benteke the golden boot.

WICKET

Plum. Captain Alastair Cook trapped bang in front of the stumps by Mitchell Starc, who now has all three wickets. England lead by 36 though.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Fabianski signs new Swans deal

Polish International goalkeeper Fabianski, 30, joined Swansea on a free transfer from Arsenal in the summer of 2014 and has been linked with a move to Roma.

"Lukasz deserves it, he's had a fantastic season and it shows how committed he is to the club", said Swansea manager Garry Monk. "It's a great signing for the rest of his teammates showing how much he's enjoyed what we are trying to do here".

Gradel on Mourinho

After Jose Mourinho said Max Gradel "could play for Chelsea", Bournemouth's new signing has responded...

New deals for Everton duo

Getty Images

Everton pair James McCarthy and Kevin Mirallas are to sign new deals with the club.

McCarthy, 24, will pen a new five-year contract to ward off interest from Manchester City.

Belgian Mirallas, 27, will also get a contract extension having been the subject of a £6m bid from West Ham last month, reports the Daily Mail.

First manager to leave - vote

We're asking you who you think will be the first Premier League manager to leave their post?

You can make your selection on the right (if on a desktop computer) or by clicking the tab above (if you're on mobile or tablet).

The vote closes at 16:00 BST and usual terms and conditions apply.

Adebayor 'reluctant to leave London'

Mark Regan

BBC WM Sport

Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor's move to Aston Villa is on the brink of collapse as the player is understood to be reluctant to move out of the capital.

Getty Images

The Togo striker has been in talks with Villa for weeks and look set to be reunited with Tim Sherwood, who was his boss at Spurs. But now the deal, while not totally dead in the water, is pretty close to it.

Villa fans will be philosophical as they have had a far busier summer than many would have thought and there are lots of players to get excited about. Furthermore, Sherwood has attacking options now with Rudy Gestede, Libor Kozak, Jordan Ayew and Gabby Agbonlahor.

Why has it taken Adebayor so long to realise Birmingham is a bit of a distance from London? Has it moved?

Expectations risen at Palace

Nick Godwin

BBC London sports reporter

Alan Pardew looked like a man who can't wait for the season to start. He's been backed strongly by his board and has plenty of options for Saturday's opener at Norwich.

Getty Images

However, because expectations have risen with the arrival of the likes of Yohan Cabaye and Patrick Bamford, he was keen to point out that whoever pulls on a Palace shirt this season will need to perform quickly or he'll get replaced.

Palace play Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City and Tottenham in the opening six weeks of the campaign. They'll need to settle quickly.

Shawcross out for two months

Getty Images

Stoke have confirmed that defender and club captain Ryan Shawcross is to have an operation next week on a recurring back problem.

The club say Shawcross will miss the first two months of the season.

Di Maria Leaves Man Utd

PSG

A reminder of the big transfer news from earlier today; Manchester United sold winger Angel Di Maria to French champions PSG.

Get Involved

Solomon Junior: Arsenal to finish 1st, Bournemouth to stay up.

It's Archie: I'm a Sunderland fan. Ideally I would like a solid mid-table finish, but in reality we will be in the relegation scrap.

Lessons for Lens

Nick Barnes

BBC Newcastle commentator

SAFC

Sunderland's new Dutch international midfielder Jeremain Lens says he's settling in well on Wearside, but that he'll be happier when he's found a house and sorted out everything else that he needs to do on moving to a new country.

Like all Dutch, his English is very good but he admits "I didn't really enjoy my time at school so we'll see how I improve my English".

Vote closed

The more observant among you will have noticed that our second vote of the day is now closed.

Watford are the team most likely to finish bottom of the Premier League, according to 36% of you.

Another 16% say Norwich, 15% Bournemouth and 13% Leicester.

Di Maria leaves Man Utd

The Times' chief football correspondent Oliver Kay tweets...

While the Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst adds...

McIlroy continues recovery

Rory McIlroy

Earlier we brought you pictures of Rory McIlroy's ankle injury and it seems his recovery is happening at a pace, as he has now posted an Instagram video of him practicing his driving.

The left ankle is taped up, but encouraging signs for the world number one as he bids to be fit to defend his US PGA title next week.

"Feels good to hit the driver again," wrote McIlroy.

Newcastle news conference

Steve McClaren on team selection...

Newcastle news conference

Now we have some of the key points from Newcastle manager Steve McClaren's news conference.

Leicester news conference

WICKET

Ian Bell gone for just a solitary run, as Mitchell Starc's full, in-swinging delivery traps him lbw.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Delfouneso joins Blackburn

Striker Nathan Delfouneso has joined Blackburn on a one-year deal.

The 24-year-old was at Blackpool last season, having started his career at Premier League side Aston Villa.

Leicester news conference

Claudio Ranieri's news conference has started and here is what he has to say about his team selection...

WICKET

Adam Lyth hung around for a bit, making 14 runs, but Mitchell Starc strikes to remove the Yorkshireman. England just 28 behind.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Leicester City news conference

Di Maria leaves Man Utd

PSG

"I am very proud, and can't wait, to wear the colours of Paris Saint-Germain", said Angel Di Maria after joining the French side.

"I want to win every competition we enter, both in France and Europe. I want to win the Champions League, which is a dream for all footballers, for a second time.

"We will do everything we can to bring Europe's biggest trophy to France and the fans of Paris Saint-Germain."

Bournemouth news conference

And a bit more from Eddie Howe's news conference...

Di Maria leaves Man Utd

BBC

Bournemouth news conference

Here are some of the key points from Eddie Howe's press conference...

Di Maria leaves Man Utd

Man Utd & PSG confirm Di Maria deal

BreakingDi Maria leaves Man Utd

Manchester United have confirmed the sale of winger Angel Di Maria to PSG.

Live on Thursday

10:25-18:45 The Ashes: England v Australia - 4th Test, day one, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

15:30-16:15 World Swimming Championships, BBC Red Button

16:00-18:00 World Swimming Championships, BBC Two

19:00-22:00 5 live Sport - The Ashes look back, BBC Radio 5 live

19:30-22:30 Super 8s play-off - Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

20:00-22:00 606 phone-in, BBC Radio 5 live

Bournemouth news conference

Eddie Howe is in place, his first news conference of the season for the Premier League new boys...

Swansea news conference

Swansea press conference coming up...

Coloccini extends Newcastle contract

Coloccini, who has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace said: "Headlines and speculation are normal when a player only has one year left on their contract, but the Club have shown they want to keep me and that has made me feel very happy and very proud.

"Captaining Newcastle makes me so proud. I am not from this city or this country, and so to be given the responsibility of wearing the armband every week is a very special thing."

Get Involved

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Anyone else suspect Phil is being sarcastic?

See what you think of his predictions for every Premier League team and let us know your own thoughts.

Coloccini extends contract

As expected Newcastle have confirmed the following about their captain...

Who will finish bottom - vote

We're asking you who you think will finish bottom of the table this season.

You can make your selection on the right (if on a desktop computer) or by clicking the tab above (if you're on mobile or tablet).

The vote closes at 14:30 BST and usual terms and conditions apply.

The answers

A Question of Sport Teaser

BBC

You may recall we asked you to name the eight European tennis players since 2008 to have won a ladies singles grand slam title.

The answers? Victoria Azarenka, Marion Bartoli, Kim Clijsters, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Petra Kvitova, Ana Ivanovic, Francesca Schiavone and Maria Sharapova.

Crystal Palace news conference

Alan Pardew on their start, as they face Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City in their first five games: "The start will be difficult. Our first few weeks are very, very tough. Perhaps the most difficult of any Premier League side."

Getty Images

On injuries: "Marouane Chamakh is probably the one we're still working on, but he's training. I won't involve him this weekend or at Arsenal."

On Norwich: "It's nice to see Norwich back. They do things the right way and are a great club. They have an exciting manager who hasn't put a foot wrong."

On squad: "We're going to be very, very strong off the bench this season. There will be temptation for me to change things, but it must be right."

Glamorgan struggle early on

BBC Radio Wales Sport's Nick Webb at Swansea:

"Glamorgan were in trouble early on against the Gloucestershire seamers after choosing to bat, with Liam Norwell claiming two wickets in an over. Jacques Rudolph was left to hold the innings together as the batsmen struggled to cope with movement in the air with the tide in."

Listen live here

Kent still struggling against Northants

BBC Radio Northampton's Alex Winter at Canterbury:

"Kent resisted dutifully on the second evening but have failed to show the same resistance this morning losing four wickets for 31 runs. They still trail by 81 with just five wickets left in their second innings."

Listen live here

Crystal Palace news conference

Alan Pardew on whether he will make anymore signings: "I doubt it, I'm very happy with what we've got. There may be some players moved out.

"Dwight Gayle will not go anywhere unless his valuation is met.

"Yohan Cabaye could play in any of the top four sides. Trust me, he can. Will he play against Norwich? Yes.

Getty Images

On new signing Bakary Sako: "He's quick, strong. His goal record is what attracted me to him. He scores from wide. He will be in competition with Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha."

Bournemouth news conference

Bournemouth

We haven't forgotten about Premier League new boys Bournemouth. Manager Eddie Howe will now face the cameras at 14:00 BST, an hour later than scheduled.

Crystal Palace news conference

Alan Pardew: "I like to think we're an exciting team. It's dangerous to say that, but I think we're good to watch.

"Success for us is a season that replicates the second half of last season. A commitment to win games and entertain."

Crystal Palace news conference

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew is in place. Standby for the latest from his news conference...

Shawcross 'big loss' for Stoke

Graham McGarry

BBC Radio Stoke Sport

Getty Images

Stoke will be without captain Ryan Shawcross for their Premier League opener against Liverpool.

The club are waiting the results of a scan that the centre back had this week on his troublesome back, with fears that he could face a lengthy lay-off.

But goalkeeper Jack Butland said: "To lose him is a big loss, but we do have other players who are more than capable of filling the void while he is not there."

Quiz time

Getty Images

On your lunch break at the moment? Take our quiz.

Klinsmann's dive, Beckham's lob, "you can't win anything with kids".

How well do you remember some of the great Premier League opening-day moments?

Click here for the Premier League opening day quiz

Given determined to play

Graham McGarry

BBC Radio Stoke Sport

Getty Images

Stoke goalkeeper Shay Given says he does not plan on spending all of this season on the bench.

Manager Mark Hughes has already confirmed that Jack Butland will start the season as his first choice and, while Given told BBC Radio Stoke that he respects the decision, he wants to force himself in to the starting XI.

"I am desperate top play I will never lose that whatever age I am," he said. "It's up to me to prove to the manager and coaches I can still do a job."

WICKET

Crazy cricket at Trent Bridge! Stuart Broad, eight wickets for 15 runs. Remarkable figures. England will bat before lunch.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Bolton sign Gouano & reject Ream bid

Bolton Wanderers have signed centre-back Prince-Desir Gouano on loan from Italian side Atalanta, and have turned down a bid from QPR for defender Tim Ream.

Getty Images

Former France youth international Gouano, 21, started his career at Le Harve and moved to Juventus in 2011 but he failed to make an appearance.

After joining Atalanta last year he was loaned to Portuguese side Rio Ave.

Ream, 27, has been playing for the USA in the Gold Cup this summer and is contracted to Bolton until 2017.

Salah to Roma?

Mohamed Salah

Chelsea midfielder winger Mohamed Salah, who spent part of last season on-loan at Fiorentina, has indicated that he may be joining Roma.

The 23-year-old, who refused to return to Fiorentina for a second loan spell, has changed his Twitter bio.

It now reads 'footballer for AS Ro...& Egypt."

Crystal Palace news conference

Nick Godwin

BBC London sports reporter

BBC Sport

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew now has some pretty nice selection headaches ahead of the season opener against Norwich.

Who's going to play up front? Who's going to play in goal? Julian Speroni is injured and Alex McCarthy and Wayne Hennessey are both keen to stake a claim to be number one.

Hopefully we'll get an inkling shortly.

Crystal Palace news conference

BBC London's Nick Godwin has his day planned...

We'll bring you the best of what Pardew has to say as soon as we have it after 13:00 BST.  

European papers

Abola

"Benfica steals Mitroglou from Sporting," is the headline on Portuguese sports paper Abola.

It refers to Fulham's Greece striker Kostas Mitroglou who is set to leave Craven Cottage for Benfica, just 18 months after signing for £11m.

Mitroglou made three appearances and failed to score for the Cottagers during his injury-affected time with the club and was loaned to Olympiakos last season.

WICKET

Stuart Broad took his 300th wicket earlier this morning, he's rapidly closing in on his 400th. Mitchell Johnson is a gonner.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Vote results

The vote is now closed and the results make for interesting reading.

A total of 29% of you think Chelsea will retain the Premier League title, with 26% favouring Arsenal and 23% going for Manchester United. Perhaps surprisingly, only 5% plumped for Manchester City.

Liverpool attracted 8%, Tottenham 3% and 'other' garnered 4% of the vote from some of the more radical among you.

WICKET

We have had to wait for a while but another man down for Australia, Michell Starc this time. Same bowler though, Stuart Broad with his sixth for the match.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

European papers

AS

While AS go further and say "Without Cristiano (Ronaldo) it is not the same."

European papers

Marca

Spanish newspaper Marca laments the lack of the 'BBC' (Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo) for the defeat to Bayern Munich in the Audi Cup final.

A Question of Sport Teaser

BBC

Who are the eight European tennis players since 2008 to have won a ladies singles grand slam title?

WICKET

Shiver me timbers, Australia seven down. Steven Finn sends Peter Nevill back to the hutch for two.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Retro shirts

Premier League

Everyone loves a retro football shirt and the Premier League have put together a gallery on Instagram of each club's first ever Premier League kit.

Who could forget Manchester United's lace-up collar or this Norwich masterpiece?

Premier League

Who will win the Premier League - vote

You've got 10 minutes left to have your say...

We're asking you who you think will win the title this season.

You can make your selection on the right (if on a desktop computer) or by clicking the tab above (if you're on mobile or tablet).

The vote closes at 12:00 BST and usual terms and conditions apply.

When Messi met Totti

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi and Francesco Totti are two of the ultimate one club players.

And the pair who together have won almost everything in the game, came face to face last night when Roma took on Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Messi posted this picture on Instagram with the caption: "A phenomenon."

WICKET

Getty Images

Stuart Broad, brilliant. Michael Clarke, brainless. The Australia captain slashes at a ball which is caught at first slip. Five wickets for the England man from just 19 balls. Not played 40 minutes yet.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Number 10 for Pogba

He has been linked with a £71m move to Manchester City.But could this move from Juventus indicate that midfielder Paul Pogba is, in fact, staying with the Italian champions.

The France international has been handed the number 10 shirt for the season, previously worn by Carlos Tevez and Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero.

WICKET

Madness at Trent Bridge, madness. What a catch from Ben Stokes. Adam Voges gone for 1.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Balotelli & Borini no closer to exit

Ben Smith

BBC Sport

Liverpool have added some significant firepower over the summer but have struggled to offload players. Italian strikers Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli remain at Anfield, despite Brendan Rodgers being keen to sell both.

Getty Images

With regards Borini, Fiorentina have expressed an interest and talks have taken place but he remains on Merseyside and is training at Liverpool's Melwood complex on Thursday. And I am told Liverpool have had absolutely no firm interest in Balotelli at this stage.

But the likelihood is that both will leave the club before September's transfer deadline.

And what of incomings? Liverpool's summer spending is likely to be over but a loan deal or two may yet be possible.

WICKET

What is going on at Trent Bridge? Stuart Broad with his third of the match, they've barely been playing for 15 minutes. Shaun Marsh now going for a duck. Quack.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Who will finish where?

Phil McNulty

BBC chief football writer

Reuters / Getty / PA

The phoney wars of pre-season friendlies and the Community Shield are over and the real business of the Premier League begins this weekend.

So it is once again time to dust off the crystal ball and take a guess on how the top flight will unfold over the next nine months.

Can Jose Mourinho and Chelsea's grip on the crown be released? Can Arsenal finally turn promise into a Premier League title? Can Brendan Rodgers rebuild Liverpool from the wreckage of that 6-1 humiliation at Stoke City on the final day of last season?

Click here to read the full piece

WICKET

This is getting silly now. Mark Wood coming to the party now, gets David Warner for a duck. Quack.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

WICKET

Another for Stuart Broad, he is firing on his home ground. Steve Smith goes for just six. England not missing the injured Jimmy Anderson at the moment.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Who will win the Premier League - vote

Right, time to have your say ahead of the Premier League kick-off.

We're asking you who you think will win the title this season.

You can make your selection on the right (if on a desktop computer) or by clicking the tab above (if you're on mobile or tablet).#

The vote closes at 12:00 BST and usual terms and conditions apply.

WICKET

Stuart Broad gets his 300th Test wicket. A beauty of a delivery and Australia opener Chris Rogers goes for a duck.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Happy birthday

Getty Images

Among those celebrating today are Fenerbahce's former Manchester United forward Robin van Persie (32), Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis (30) and Stoke City stalwart Andy Wilkinson (29).

Paris St-Germain news conference

No prizes for guessing what this news conference could be about, a certain Argentine perhaps? 

Paris St-Germainhave announced a news conference for 17:30 BST at a five-star hotel in the centre of Paris.

We will unfortunately have to wait until later for any announcements on whetherAngel Di Mariahas finally joined PSG from Manchester United.

McIlroy's reveals extent of injury

Rory McIlroy

It was the ankle injury that rocked the golf world.

World number one and defending champion Rory McIlroy was forced to pull-out of The Open after rupturing his anterior ligament on 4 July while playing football with friends.

And now the 26-year-old has revealed the extent of the injury in these photographs, with the caption "4 and a half and 3 and a half weeks ago respectively... I've come a long way since."

He is now back in the gym and could yet defend his US PGA title next week.

County Championship and One Day Cup live

BBC Local Radio

BBC local radio stations will be bringing you live coverage of today's county cricket.

County Championship division two commentaries of Glamorgan v Gloucestershire (day one) and Kent v Northants (day three) plus One-Day Cup matches Leicestershire v Durham and Middlesex v Nottinghamshire will be available throughout the day here.

Bristol City sign Fredericks

How quickly things can change in football...

09:41 BST: So Steve Cotterill, any new signings coming in for Bristol City? "Who knows? You never know."

10:27 BST: Bristol City announce the signing of Ryan Fredericks.

Cotterill was keeping his cards close to his chest, but within the hour, City brought in the wing-back from Premier League side Tottenham. The 22-year-old has signed a three-year deal at Ashton Gate.

Watford news conference

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Getty Images

Jose Mourinho has real competition this season: Watford boss Quique Flores is seriously cool.

His first Premier League news conference is done and dusted. He was calm, confident and assured despite survival being the major talking point in the room.

There will be commentary of the game on BBC Three Counties Radio and online on Saturday

England win the toss

...and decide to bowl against Australia at Trent Bridge. The right choice? We shall soon find out. Remember, the hosts hold a 2-1 lead in the series.

England: Cook, Lyth, Bell, Root, Bairstow, Stokes, Buttler, Moeen, Broad, Wood, Finn.

Australia: Warner, Rogers, Smith, S Marsh, Clarke, Voges, Nevill, Johnson, Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon.

Click here to follow live coverage of the fourth Test

Things got Messi at the Nou Camp

AP

He's not usually a dirty player but Lionel Messi appeared to headbutt a Roma defender in Barcelona's 3-0 pre-season friendly win at the Nou Camp.

The Argentina forward, 28, was booked for the incident, in which he also grabbed the throat of France international Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.

Click here to watch the little man get stuck in

Latest Fifa rankings

Wales have achieved their highest ever Fifa ranking in the latest standings. Chris Coleman's side are now ninth, just a place behind England who are in eighth.

1. Argentina 2. Belgium 3. Germany 4. Colombia 5. Brazil 6. Portugal 7. Romania 8. England 9. Wales 10. Chile

Selected others: 32. Scotland 40. Northern Ireland 50. Republic of Ireland

Click here to see the rankings in full

Mixed fortunes for GB

It's been a quiet start to Thursday for Great Britain's swimmers in Kazan.

After double gold medallist Adam Peaty failed to qualify for the 200m breaststroke semi-finals, Molly Renshaw also missed out on a spot in the semi-finals of the women's 200m breaststroke.

However, GB's women's 4x200m freestyle relay team progressed to their final - later on Thursday - in seventh place.

Who is Toney

Newcastle

Northampton-born Ivan Toney made his senior debut for his hometown club in 2012 aged just 16 - becoming the youngest first-team player in the Cobblers' history.

Last season, he made 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals.

"Being a young lad who is scoring goals in the Football League was a great thing, " said Toney. "Now I want to progress here and eventually do it in the Premier League."

Thursday's action

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Newcastle sign Toney

It has now been confirmed by Newcastle and they have indeed signed teenager striker Ivan Toney, 19, from Northampton Town for an undisclosed fee.

Toney signs for Newcastle

BBC Northampton reporter Joe Townsend informs us that Newcastle have signed Northampton forward Ivan Toney.

Who is Yann M'Vila?

The 25-year-old Frenchman began his career at Rennes, playing over 100 games for the side in Ligue 1. His performances led to links with clubs such as La Liga giants Real Madrid and Premier League side Liverpool.

Sunderland | Twitter

A move to a 'big' club failed to materialise, and instead moved to Russia to play for Rubin Kazan. He spent part of last season on-loan at Inter Milan, a spell which was cut short by the Italian club.

Capped 22 times by France, he now has a fresh start in the North East under the guidance of manager Dick Advocaat.

Watford news conference

Watford manager Quique Flores: "I have confidence in my players, they are an amazing group and I am happy with their work and they will improve with time. It is important they try and give their best for the first match on Saturday."

He's not the most talkative, the Spaniard, perhaps understandably After all, our Spanish is decidedly ropey.

BreakingWilshere fractures ankle

David Ornstein

BBC Sport

Getty Images

Jack Wilshere has suffered a hairline fracture to his right ankle.

It happened when he received a heavy tackle in training on Saturday ahead of the Community Shield.

He will not require surgery to the small bone crack, but a very approximate lay-off of around six to eight weeks is expected.

Sunderland sign M'Vila

More on the news that Sunderland have signed midfielder Yann M'Vila on a season-long loan deal.

Sunderland | Twitter

"I'm very happy. I had a very good feeling training with the team; every player welcomed me and the feeling was very good with them so I'm excited for the start of the season," he told the club website.

"I've also wanted to play in the Premier League for a long time so I'm very happy to be here."

M'Vila becomes the club's fifth signing of the transfer window.

BreakingSunderland sign M'Vila on loan

Sunderland have completed the season-long loan signing of midfielder Yann M'Vila.

Ashes fourth Test

The most unpredictable of Ashes Series' continues today as the fourth Test begins at Trent Bridge (11:00 BST). England currently hold a 2-1 lead over Australia, and a victory in Nottingham will see them regain the little urn.

Here is how the pitch is looking, courtesy of former England captain and Test Match Special commentator Michael Vaughan. Jonathan Agnew advice is "Overcast and grassy... looks like a bowl first."

Michael Vaughan

Click here to follow all the action on our dedicated live page

Spot of bother for Spurs

EPA

The new Premier League season starts on Saturday, but Tottenham Hotspur are stuck in Germany.

The English side played in the Audi Cup at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, beating Italian side AC Milan 2-0. After the match, manager Mauricio Pochettino tried catching an early flight back to England, but were refused permission by Germany authorities.

It meant an overnight stay in Munich, before attempting a return home later on Thursday. Not ideal preparation for the new campaign, reports the Daily Mail.

Everton news conference

Roberto Martinez on Saturday's opponents Watford: "Watford have a manager [former Valencia coach Quique Flores] with really strong experience at the highest level. They will be a very dangerous team this season.

"It is not the normal newly promoted side. From the manager to the amount of players with strong experience at a high level. Straight away they will know what they do and this is a team ready to compete at the highest level."

Everton news conference

Getty Images

Roberto Martinez on defender John Stones, who has been the subject of a £20m bid from Chelsea.

"John is one of the outstanding young talents and you will get that interest. It has been handled in a good manner and that has been a positive. The only focus is on Watford, John is an Everton player and we have nothing to comment.

"You should not worry about problems you cant affect or control. We are not a club who try to sell a player."

Everton news conference

Roberto Martinez on his injury list: "The injured players are very close. Tony Hibbert has a problem with his knee and he will out for a longer period and Steven Pienaar is one of the injuries that make us sad. He works so, so hard and it was a real shame to have that setback.

"Aiden McGeady has been carrying a hamstring problem and hopefully we can get that right. Gerard Deulofeu is not going to be fit for the weekend."

Watford news conference

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

BBC Sport

Watford manager Quique Flores is in the building...

We'll bring you the best of what he has to say shortly.

Everton news conference

AFP

Roberto Martinez: "We know where we are and what we needed. We need to bring three players into the squad to allow us be in the shape we want to be.

"Overall I am very pleased but to be competitive we need the three new signings and will work hard to get them."

Everton news conference

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is now in place, ready to face the cameras and we will be bringing you all the headlines from his news conference.

Champions League update

Getty Images

CSKA Moscow beat Sparta Prague 3-2 on Wednesday and 5-4 on aggregate to join Celtic and Manchester United in the Champions League play-off draw.

Elsewhere Club Brugge overturned a first-leg deficit and beat Panathinaikos 3-0 to progress 4-2 on aggregate.

Former Manchester United players Robin van Persie and Nani will not be tasting Champions League football this season after Fenerbahce lost 3-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Astana, BATE Borisov, FC Basel, FK Partizan, Malmo, Skenderbeu, and Maccabi Tel-Aviv are also through to Friday's draw.

Watford news conference

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

BBC Sport

Sopwell House in St Albans - described as a chic, elegant Georgian mansion and used by many teams, including England - is the setting for Quique Flores's first Premier League news conference.

On the agenda no doubt will be signings (I believe there will be more to come to add to the 10 so far) and survival (will the ambition be more than just staying up?).

Peaty's treble hopes end

Jo Currie

BBC Sport in Kazan

Adam Peaty's hopes of adding the 200m breaststroke world title to the 100m and 50m golds he won earlier this week are over after he failed to qualify for Thursday's semi-finals.

The Briton finished 26th in this morning's heats, but team-mate Andrew Willis qualified second fastest.

Everton news conference

Press Association Phil Medlicott is enjoying the breakfast at Everton and we will be bringing you the best of Roberto Martinez's news conference from 09:00 BST.

Depay wants number seven shirt

AFP

Manchester United's new signing Memphis Depay does not lack confidence.

And following Angel di Maria's exit the Dutch forward has told Louis van Gaal he wants the Argentine's number iconic seven shirt, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Tottenham eye Austin

Getty Images

As we mentioned earlier, the Daily Mirror report that Tottenham have contacted Queens Park Rangers to register their interest in England striker Charlie Austin.

Premier League rivals Newcastle, West Ham and Leicester are also keen on the 26-year-old, but have refused to meet QPR's £15m price-tag.

The Mirror say Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will meet the asking price and may even offer a player on-loan.

Murray 'exhausted' after defeat

Getty Images

British world number three Andy Murray has suffered a surprise second-round defeat to unseeded Russian Teymuraz Gabashvili in the Washington Open.

Murray, 28, chose to play an extra tournament in the run-up to this year's US Open, which starts in New York on 31 August.

But after a bye to the second round, the top seed lost 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7-4) to the 30-year-old world number 53.

"I was exhausted at the end because my body was really tired," said the Scot.

Don't leave me hanging

Gareth Bale

When Toni Kroos failed to high five Gareth Bale as he walked past the bench after being substituted in Real Madrid's defeat to Bayern Munich, the video soon began trending on Twitter.

Bale later posted a picture on Instagram as he finally got his high five, with the caption "Left me hanging for a while Toni Kroos."

Celtic & Man Utd's draw

So who could Celtic face in the Champions League play-off round? Well we have drawn up a handy table to show you their potential opponents.

And Celtic are not the only British team in the draw, with Manchester United also one tie away from the Champions League group stages.

Louis van Gaal's side will be hoping they avoid a long trip to Moscow or a tricky tie in Rome.

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Celtic reach Champions League play-offs

Getty Images

Celtic secured their place in the Champions League play-off round with a 0-0 draw against Qarabag on Wednesday night.

The draw in Baku gave Ronny Deila's side a 1-0 aggregate win over the Azerbaijani club in the third qualifying round.

Celtic will be seeded in the champions' side of the draw when it takes place on Friday.

"We'll take what's coming and I don't think that team will be better than the team we met today," Deila told BBC Radio Scotland.

Thursday's diary

And there are some important games later on Thursday in the Europa League third qualifying round second leg...

19:00 BST

• Astra Giurgiu v West Ham
• Vitesse Arnhem v Southampton

20:00 BST

• Aberdeen v Kairat Almaty

Thursday's diary

We've got a hugely busy day ahead of us so make sure you're hydrated and well fed. Here's some of what you can expect...

09:00 BST

• Everton news conference
• Watford news conference

11:00 BST

• Fourth Ashes Test

13:00 BST

• Bournemouth news conference
• Crystal Palace news conference

14:00 BST

• Newcastle news conference
• Swansea news conference
• Leicester City news conference

Back pages

Guardian

The Ashes and Adam Peaty's historic gold medal haul in the World Aquatics Championships dominate the front of the Guardian's sport section.

The paper also suggest that Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini is closing in on a £45m deal for Wolfsburg's former Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

Back pages

Daily Star

Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger's feud also dominates the back of the Daily Star. The Chelsea manager says he will back the new managers' code as long as the Arsenal boss follows suit.

Back pages

Sun

The Sun lead on the story that Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho can continue their long running feud, according to Premier League boss Richard Scudamore.

It is also reported that Manchester City players Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri and David Silva are struggling to be fit for the start of the season after suffering a stomach bug.

Back pages

Daily Mail

Jack Wilshire's latest injury problem leads the back of the Daily Mail. The paper say the Arsenal midfielder is set for a long period on the sidelines after suffering a hairline fracture on his ankle.

Back pages

Mirror

The Daily Mirror report that Tottenham have joined the race to sign QPR's England striker Charlie Austin for £15m, while there is a new injury nightmare for Arsenal's Jack Wilshire.

Good morning

Good morning, whisper it quietly but there are only two days to go until the start of the football season.

If is like Christmas Eve Eve.

To whet your appetite we have coverage of the season's first Premier League news conferences, reaction to Celtic's Champions League play-off progress and, later, Aberdeen, West Ham and Southampton are in Europa League action.

Add into the mix the small matter of the Ashes fourth Test, the World Aquatics Championships and our usual news on all the latest football transfers and it makes for one great Thursday.