Team news & season previews

1. Pellegrini extends Man City deal
2. Man Utd to face Club Brugge, Celtic draw Malmo in Champions League
3. Southampton to face Midtjylland in Europa League
4. Man Utd's De Gea to miss Spurs game
5. GET INVOLVED #mypremierleaguelife

Goodbye

And there endeth the session.

Unfortunately, Sportsday won't be back until Monday.

Fortunately, the Premier League starts tomorrow and we will have it covered across the BBC Sport website.

Here's a reminder of the opening games. Excited?

Until then.

.

The Football League is back

Getty Images

The Premier League might get under way tomorrow, but the action in the Football League starts tonight.

Brighton host Nottingham Forest in the opening game of the Championship season as 24 clubs start their marathon pursuit of a place in the top flight.

Forest won the last meeting 3-2 at the Amex Stadium in February. To find out if this evening's game is as exciting, follow our live text commentary from 19:00 BST.

Scottish Championship season starts

The Scottish Championship season begins in less than an hour, as Rangers host relegated St Mirren.

SNS

The Ibrox club, who lost in the play-offs last term, have won their opening two games of the campaign under new manager Mark Warburton, beating Hibs in the Petrofac Training Cup and Peterhead in the League Cup.

Goalkeeper Cammy Bell remains a doubt for Rangers with a minor knee injury, while striker Calum Gallagher could make his debut for St Mirren three days after leaving Ibrox.

You can follow updates on BBC Radio Scotland and the BBC Sport website

Football coverage on local radio

BBC Local Radio

With the new football season weekend only one sleep away, it might be worth pointing you into the direction of where to find all of our live online commentaries.

Our list of games are listed here including Premier League, the National Leagues and the Women's Super League.

Premier League on 5 live

BBC Radio 5 live

Some times and dates for your diaries here, this time what you can expect ahead of the weekend's Premier League curtain raiser:

Friday

• 19:00-21:00, Premier League Football Preview

Saturday

• 12:00-12:45, Premier League build-up
• 12:45-15:00, Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
• 15:00-17:00, Bournemouth v Aston Villa
• 18:06-20:00, 606: Football phone-in

Sunday

• 13:00-13:30, Premier League build-up
• 13:30-15:30, Newcastle v Southampton
• 16:00-18:06, Stoke v Liverpool
• 18:06-19:30, 606: Football phone-in

Signings to watch - Liverpool

BBC

Brendan Rodgers spent big to bring Roberto Firmino to the Premier League. The Brazilian impressed in the Bundesliga and will be hoping to do the same in England.

Signings to watch - Stoke

BBC

Afellay did not have the best of times at Barcelona, twice being sent out on loan. Now he is looking to rebuild his career in England and the talented Dutchman will add extra spark to the Stoke midfield.

Sunday's team news

PA

Stoke will be without captain Ryan Shawcross for at least two months, with the centre-back set to undergo surgery to treat a back problem.

Bojan could make his comeback from a knee injury but Marko Arnautovic is doubtful with a thigh strain.

Liverpool are without injured trio Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Jon Flanagan, but recent arrivals Christian Benteke, Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez could make their debuts.

Roberto Firmino, who joined from Hoffenheim this summer, lacks match fitness following an extended break after the Copa America.

Signings to watch - Southampton

BBC

The Netherlands international was brought in as a replacement for Morgan Schneiderlin. A tidy player in the middle of the park, Clasie will provide calmness and look the control the tempo of Saints' play.

Signings to watch - Newcastle

BBC

The young Serbian netted 20 goals in the Belgian league last season to finish as top scorer. "Alan Shearer is a hero of mine," he said after joining Newcastle. Not a bad way to endear yourselves to the fans.

Sunday's team news

Reuters

Newcastle may hand debuts to summer signings Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba.

Fabricio Coloccini's Achilles problem will be assessed, while Cheick Tiote, Emanuel Riviere and Paul Dummett are unlikely to be fit.

Southampton's Jordy Clasie and Shane Long missed out in midweek through injury and illness respectively, and will be monitored.

Ryan Bertrand, Gaston Ramirez, Florin Gardos and Fraser Forster are all ruled out.

Signings to watch - West Ham

BBC

The Hammers spent big money on bringing the France international to England. A Champions League experienced player, Payet has provided 51 goals over the past six Ligue 1 seasons.

Signings to watch - Arsenal

BBC

The Gunners have made just one major signing this summer, that of goalkeeper Petr Cech from Premier League champions Chelsea. Boss Arsene Wenger pulled off a coup by snatching the Czech stopper from their bitter rivals and it seems like a game-changer in their pursuit for the title.

Sunday's team news

AFP

Petr Cech is set to make his Premier League debut for Arsenal but Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck are ruled out with injuries.

Alexis Sanchez will not feature as he regains fitness following an extended break after the Copa America, although he could return on 24 August.

West Ham strikers Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll are both unavailable because of injuries, and loanee Carl Jenkinson is ineligible to face his parent club.

Pedro Obiang, Winston Reid and Matt Jarvis returned to training this week after minor injury problems and could be involved.

Signings to watch - Swansea

BBC

The Ghanaian comes to England after playing in France since 2006. The striker bagged 52 goals for Marseille and will be looking to fill a void left by the departure of Wilfried Bony last season.

Signings to watch - Chelsea

BBC Sport

Chelsea have been quiet in the transfer market, but have brought in striker Radamel Falcao. The goal machine stuttered at Manchester United last season and will be keen to rediscover his scoring form this term.

Saturday's team news

Getty Images

Diego Costa remains a fitness doubt for Chelsea after sitting out the Community Shield last weekend.

Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao are both vying to start if he is not available.

Jordi Amat is Swansea City's only doubt with a foot problem.

Summer signing Andre Ayew is likely to start but fellow newcomers Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Franck Tabanou and Eder are expected to be among the substitutes.

Signings to watch - Crystal Palace

BBC

Manager Alan Pardew pulled of a transfer coup by bringing Yohan Cabaye back to the Premier League. The Frenchman's guile will provide a boost for Crystal Palace in the middle of the park.

Signings to watch - Norwich

Getty Images

Norwich spent big money on exciting winger Robbie Brady to bring him to Carrow Road. Described by manager Alex Neil as "dynamic" and "energetic", Brady will add some pace in the final third for the Canaries.

Saturday's team news

Getty Images

Norwich are without summer signing Youssouf Mulumbu who fractured a metatarsal during pre-season.

Martin Olsson is still recovering from shoulder surgery but Robbie Brady and loanee Andre Wisdom could make their debuts.

Crystal Palace newcomers Yohan Cabaye and Connor Wickham are fit to play but Marouane Chamakh is injured.

Goalkeeper Julian Speroni has a finger injury so either Wayne Hennessey or new signing Alex McCarthy will start.

Signings to watch - Sunderland

BBC

The tenacious Frenchman spent part of last season on-loan at Inter Milan. Once linked with Real Madrid and Liverpool, he will add extra bite to a Sunderland midfield that already contains Lee Cattermole.

Signings to watch - Leicester City

BBC

Leicester headed to Germany to bolster their front line with the signing of Shinji Okazaki. Japan's top scorer with 43 goals - as well as hitting 12 in the Bundesliga last season - the 29-year-old knows his way to back of the net.

Saturday's team news

Empics

Claudio Ranieri takes charge of Leicester for the first time against Sunderland and will assess the fitness of new signings N'Golo Kante and Yohan Benalouane, who only arrived this week.

Christian Fuchs and Shinji Okazaki could make their debuts.

Sunderland's latest signing Yann M'Vila is unlikely to play because he has barely trained with his new team-mates.

Summer recruits Jeremain Lens, Younes Kaboul, Sebastian Coates and Adam Matthews may feature. Steven Fletcher should be fit but Wes Brown is a major doubt.

#MyPremierLeagueLife

Joe Tyrell: 4 Premier Leagues, 1 Champions League, a Europa League, 5 FA Cups, 3 League Cups. Not bad for 16 years #CFC

Andy Farrimond: Man Utd fan born in 1970 - Total attendance in my lifetime 99,486,497 that will go past 100 million this season.

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife, text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

Watford's Cathcart in buoyant mood

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Getty Images

The Watford players are in positive mood going into their Premier League opener.

Defender Craig Cathcart has been telling BBC Three Counties Radio that the momentum from winning Championship promotion has continued into pre-season and that he hopes it carries into the new season.

He is not concerned that pundits believe they face relegation. "I had it at Blackpool where people said we wouldn't get 10 points and we ended up with 39".

Bronze criticises GB Rio impasse

AP

England defender Lucy Bronze has criticised the home nations for their failure to agree to send a Great Britain women's team to Rio 2016.

The English FA was keen to send a side to Brazil, but they were opposed by Irish, Scottish and Welsh counterparts.

In a statement on Facebook, the Manchester City players said: "For us as players, as female footballers; whether Scottish, Welsh, Irish or English, we simply want the chance to represent our nation... in our sport!"

Go figure...

The Guardian have been number-crunching to produce this handy visual guide to the summer's comings and goings during the transfer window, breaking them down by age, nationality, position and cost.

Raheem Sterling's £49m move from Liverpool to Manchester City is the standout switch so far, but there's still plenty of time for the chequebooks to come out between now and September 1, when the window closes.

Getty Images

Ruud gets defensive

PA

"I love to see attacking football but a great defence is always the foundation for success, which is why I think Chelsea will retain their title because they have got the best defender in the world in John Terry."

The words of Match of the Day pundit Ruud Gullit there, who also extols the virtues of Mourinho's striking options and the potential still locked away inside Radamel Falcao.

You can read his thoughts in their entirety here.

Gold for Team GB

Getty Images

The team of Danny Wallace, Robbie Renwick, Calum Jarvis and James Guy have clinched gold for Team GB in the final of the men's 4x200m at the Swimming World Championships in Kazan, Russia.

It was a slow start from the Brits and the American's led up to the final 50m, but a superbly timed swim from James Guy clawed back over 1.5 seconds in the final 200m to give Team GB their seventh gold medal of the tournament.

Britain's men have never won a men's World Championship relay gold before...and this is an Olympic event too!

Signings to watch - Watford

BBC

Behrami returns to the Premier League after a previous spell with West Ham between 2008 and 2011. The Swiss international gives the Watford side some much needed experience as they look to avoid a return to the Championship.

Signings to watch - Everton

BBC

Everton went back to Barcelona to sign a player they were familiar with. Gerard Deulofeu returns to Merseyside following a successful loan spell at the club in 2013-14.

Saturday's team news

PA

Everton will assess Romelu Lukaku and summer recruit Gerard Deulofeu, who have both had hamstring injuries.

Kevin Mirallas and John Stones are expected to be fit but Steven Pienaar and Muhamed Besic are among the confirmed absentees.

Watford have made 10 new signings but are likely to be without injured pair Almen Abdi and Steven Berghuis, while Miguel Britos is suspended.

Jose Manuel Jurado is available after recovering from a muscle injury.

Decision time for Howe

Kris Temple

BBC Radio Solent

Eddie Howe says he doesn't yet know his Bournemouth starting XI for the big kick off, which is not surprising given he has made eight additions.

Getty Images

Big-money signing Tyrone Mings will surely start at left-back, while the absence of the injured Harry Arter in midfield hands a chance to the likes of Dan Gosling or Welshman Shaun MacDonald. It's two from three at centre-back, with last season's ever-present pair Steve Cook and Tommy Elphick now challenged by Sylvain Distin.

It remains to be seen where Howe will get the best of Ghana international Christian Atsu, and who supports Callum Wilson in attack is another big decision.

Joshua King, Lee Tomlin and Yann Kermorgant are all contenders, while Max Gradel is another costly import pushing for immediate inclusion.

Karanka signs new Boro deal

Getty Images

Head coach Aitor Karanka says his future at Middlesbrough was never in doubt after signing a four-year contract with the Championship side.

Karanka, 41, took over in November 2013 and took Boro to the Championship play-off final last season where they lost to Norwich City at Wembley.

His previously on-going contract was expected to expire in 2016.

"It's not about money or years, it's an amazing relationship, I'm at the best club for me," Karanka told BBC Tees.

Willis misses out

Reuters

Great Britain's Andrew Willis has narrowly missed out on a medal by four tenths of a second in the final of the men's 200m breaststroke at the Swimming World Championships in Kazan, Russia.

Willis finished with a time of 2:08.52 in a race won by German Marco Koch, USA's Kevin Cordes came second, with Daniel Gyurta on Hungary in third.

It's Germany's first world swimming champion for six years.

Willis says: "I have mixed emotions about that, I don't feel as gutted as last time. I have progressed through the rounds whereas last time I have done my best in the semi-finals. I am happy overall."

Teddy's still got it

"Sheringhaaam!" Who can forget the classic, instinctive commentary that accompanied Teddy Sheringham's equaliser for Manchester United in the 1999 Champions League final? His scuffed goal at the Nou Camp was more crucial than it was beautiful, but this one shows that the Stevenage boss, 49, can still score goals worthy of the highest prizes.

Watch Football Focus on Saturday, 12:10 BST, BBC One

BBC

Scrum-half Fages resigns from Salford

Salford scrum-half Theo Fages has resigned because of an alleged breach of contract by the club, reports BBC Radio Manchester.

The France international, 20, asked to leave the club last month, but Salford owner Marwan Koukash said he wanted a world-record transfer fee for him.

Football gossip

Blackburn Rovers manager Gary Bowyer has told the Lancashire Telegraph he has no desire to lose captain Grant Hanley - despite reports linking him with a move to East Lancashire rivals Burnley.

#MyPremierLeagueLife

Sir Fred Mutai: 9 League Titles, 2 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 Champions League, 1 Fifa Club World Cup, 6 Community Shields... #MUFC

Ash: The longest winning streak in #MyPremierLeagueLife was 8 matches. C'mon Newcastle!

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife, text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

British qualifier

Team GB have a reason to be proud... Ben Proud! The 20 year old finished third in his semi-final for the men's 50m freestyle. He qualifies fifth fastest overall.

Speaking to Sharon Davies after he said: "It's great to get the buzz from an excited crowd. I wasn't expecting to get to the final, and if I can execute the race well tomorrow I'll hopefully get close to my personal best"

He is the fastest Brit ever in the event - and only three have swam the event under 22 seconds.

Getty Images

Signings to watch - Aston Villa

BBC

Brother of Swansea's Andre, Jordan was brought in as a replacement for Christian Benteke. A Ghanaian international, he netted 12 goals in Ligue 1 last season.

Signings to watch - Bournemouth

BBC

A loan spell at Everton last season did not quite work out and Chelsea's Christian Atsu has a chance to showcase his skills at Bournemouth this season. A Ghanaian international, Atsu packs lots of pace and tricker and will cause Premier League defenders plenty of problems.

Saturday's team news

Getty Images

New signings Max Gradel, Lee Tomlin and Sylvain Distin could start for Bournemouth on Saturday.

Harry Arter will miss the club's top-flight debut because of injury, while loanee Christian Atsu is a doubt.

New Aston Villa captain Micah Richards, Jordan Amavi and Idrissa Gueye are among the visitors' likely debutants.

The game may come too soon for Jack Grealish, Carles Gil and Carlos Sanchez because of a lack of fitness, while Jores Okore is out after knee surgery.

Signings to watch - Tottenham

BBC

The defender impressed at Southampton last season and has now been snapped up by Spurs. The Belgian calmness and assuredness will give Mauricio Pochettino's side some stability at the back.

Signings to watch - Manchester United

BBC

Manchester United brought in the exciting Dutchman from PSV Eindhoven after French side PSG became interested in the player. Depay will add pace and trickery to Louis van Gaal's front line.

Saturday's team news

AFP

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea will not play against Spurs amid ongoing interest from Real Madrid.

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Marcos Rojo are not considered fit enough but there could be debuts for Memphis Depay, Morgan Schneiderlin and Matteo Darmian.

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could start after returning from a fractured wrist in the midweek friendly win over AC Milan.

Toby Alderweireld, Kevin Wimmer and Kieran Trippier may feature in defence. Ryan Mason, Roberto Soldado and Andros Townsend are all fitness doubts.

England on top

Only a matter of time before England wrap this up and regain the Ashes. Question is, when will they get to lift the little urn?

Click here to follow live text and radio commentary

County Championship Division 2

Glamorgan 299 v Gloucestershire 219-3 at Swansea

Essex 211-5 v Surrey at Colchester

Derbyshire 191-6 v Leicestershire at Grace Road

Listen to live commentary of each match here

County Championship Division 1

Worcestershire 250-8 v Nottinghamshire at New Road

Hampshire 146-5 v Warwickshire at Southampton

Middlesex 178-6 v Sussex at Lord's

Yorkshire 162 v Durham 48-3 at Scarborough

Listen to live commentary of each of the matches here

Why it's a good time to be a female footballer

BBC Newsbeat

Radio 1 and 1Xtra

In case it passed anyone by, there was a football World Cup this summer, where England reached the semi-finals.

AP

It's safe to say the women's game is going from strength to strength, something that hasn't passed Radio 1's Newsbeat by.

Watch their YouTube video about why now is a good time to be a female footballer.

Chelsea news conference

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is still chatting... although that is now just about that. The pressers are over.

Test of knowledge

A Question of Sport Teaser

BBC

You might recall we asked you earlier to name the four Spaniards who have managed in the Premier League.

The answers? Rafael Benitez, Roberto Martinez, Pepe Mel and Juande Ramos.

Get it right? Of course you did.

Chelsea news conference

More from Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho...

Chelsea news conference

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho says he will go with eitherLoic RemyorRadamel Falcaoif Diego Costa is unavailable for Saturday's game.

Chelsea news conference

Chelsea news conference

We will soon hear what manager Jose Mourinho has to say before his side's opener against Swansea.

BBC Sport

Record goalscorer Frank Lampard was born in June 1978, Chelsea have won 25 of their 35 trophies and promotions - with 13 of them coming after the midfielder joined from West Ham in 2001.

The Blues have scored 3,276 goals during Lampard's lifetime and the 37-year-old, now with MLS club New York City, grabbed 201 of them.

The most successful Chelsea manager in Lampard's lifetime? No prizes for guessing that one - it's current boss Jose Mourinho.

Take a look at his Premier League life

Advance Australia Fair

It may not be going too well for Australia's cricketers but the nation's swimmers have made a blistering start to Friday's evening session in Kazan.

Getty Images

Australia have taken three medals from the first two events, with sisters Bronte and Cate Campbell winning gold and bronze respectively in the women's 100m freestyle, while Mitchell Larkin triumphed in the men's 200m backstroke.

Football Focus

So, who's ready for it? Ready for what? Two words: Football. Focus.

It's back this Saturday at 12:10 BST on BBC One, where we'll hear the thoughts of Chelsea captain John Terry, Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew, Stevenage manager Teddy Sheringham and Stoke striker Peter Crouch.

BBC

If that's not enough, former England cricketer Graeme Swann is giving us his predictions for the opening weekend. Fancy a sneak peak at how he reckons the weekend will unfold? Have a look here.

Ashes fourth Test - Tea

.

You can list to Test Match Special online and on BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra and follow our live text commentary.

Done deal

Not a new signing but another player puts pen to paper on the ever of the new Premier League campaign...

Britain in medals bid

Friday is the sixth day of the swimming World Championships in Kazan, Russia.

There are a few British medal chances, with Andrew Willis in the men's 200m breaststroke final and also Team GB in the final of the men's 4x200m freestyle relay.

Getty Images

Team GB sit fourth in the medal table with 12 medals overall, but it's China who lead the way.

You can watch live here

Chelsea news conference

The Press Association are in place...

Done deal

The signings keep on coming. Anyone would think the new season is about to start...

Schweinsteiger ready for Brugge

Ask a simple question...

World Aquatics Championship

Some live coverage coming your way now in the form of the World Aquatics Championships. It's live online and on BBC Red Button from 15:30 BST, with BBC Two picking things up at 16:00 BST.

We've put it all in one place for you, right here.

EPA

On this day

2012: Sir Chris Hoy won gold in the men's keirin, his second at London 2012 and sixth overall.

Getty Images

Either/Or Challenge

The modern footballer. A consummate, assured professional who remains calm even at times of extreme pressure. Hesitation is a stranger to them. Ask them on the spot whether they prefer fishing or golf though, and it's a different matter.

Thankfully that's exactly what the Premier League have done to Mssrs Terry, Jedinak and company in their Either/Or Challenge. Watch it here.

@premierleague

On this day

1999: Newcastle striker Alan Shearer was sent off for the first time in his career as Aston Villa won 1-0 at St James' Park. Referee Uriah Rennie dismissed Shearer for a 71st-minute challenge on Ian Taylor.

Getty Images

Ruud Gullit was in charge at St James' Park back then. Watch what he has to say about Chelsea and their title defence chances here.

#MyPremierLeagueLife

Alastair Smith: #MyPremierLeagueLife total attendance at #nufc in my life time 75,904,837 Don't need an app to tell me best season 09-10!

Enyi Nnanta: #mypremierleaguelife So I share a birthday with vincent kompany and Steve claridge...not bad company.

Oliver Gray: In #MyPremierLeagueLife West Ham have played 1,625 matches and won 627.

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife, text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

The big kick-off

Charles Runcie

Head of Sport, BBC English Regions

Football commentary teams from BBC Local Radio stations will be at grounds the length and breadth of the country ever Saturday throughout the season.

Getty Images

They will be following their local teams to bring listeners informed and passionate commentary on their games.

Whether it's on BBC Local Radio or listening around the world via club websites, from Premier League giants to homely non-league clubs it's a valuable lifeline for fans, especially away games many miles away that they cannot easily travel to.

In addition, BBC Sport will be providing live text commentaries of selected Football League matches and written reports of every game in the Championship, League One and League Two.

Second Salford player resigns

Following on from the resignation of full-back Kevin Locke in June...

Football gossip

Reuters

The Birmingham Mail are the latest media outlet to report West Brom are hoping to smash their transfer record and sign striker Salomon Rondon from Zenit St Petersburg.

The 25-year-old, rated at around £15m has scored 28 goals in 57 games for the Russian outfit and is thought to have a medical booked in with the Baggies.

The opening weekend

Not forgetting League Two...

In total there will be 1,671 fixtures played across the second, third and fourth tiers this term, and we've picked out some of the key stories to follow over the next 10 months. Click here.

.

Australia on top?

Australia are 95-0 in their second innings, still trailing by 230-odd runs. No, not even England can throw it away from this position.

Click here to follow live text and radio commentary

The opening weekend

Some tasty looking matches in League Two as well on Saturday...

.

The opening weekend

Not long now...

The Championship season kicks off in a few hours time with Nottingham Forest travelling to Brighton. You can follow a live text on this site.

.

Birthdays

Lucky lad Dominic Cork, the former England bowler, celebrates his birthday today as he turns 44. We don't think he needs any presents, though. Like most England fans, all his birthdays came at once yesterday at Trent Bridge.

Getty Images

Wada launch doping investigation

Dan Roan

BBC Sports editor

Wada has said it was "very alarmed" after fresh allegations of suspected doping emerged in a leak of test data.

The Sunday Times and German broadcaster ARD/WDR had obtained access to the results of 12,000 blood tests from 5,000 athletes between 2001 and 2012.

According to the newspaper, the evidence revealed the "extraordinary extent of cheating" by athletes at the world's biggest events.

Liverpool news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers refused to be drawn on the future of Mario Balotelli when asked directly if he was part of his plans. Rodgers: "Nothing on outgoings at this stage. Every player knows exactly where they stand. It's unfair to talk about any individuals."

He said the scrutiny and pressure that he was under was no different "This has always been a club under huge scrutiny."

Liverpool news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Getty Images

It was a relaxed but business like performance in front of the cameras and media at the club's training ground.

Brendan Rodgers spoken openly about the 6-1 defeat at the Britannia Stadium last season, but was enthusiastic about an immediate return to Stoke on Sunday.

"For me it was the perfect fixture for us first up. I was happy that came out. We will certainly be better than we were last season. We lacked in everything that day."

Froch: 'Never say never'

BBC Radio 5 Live

Recently-retired boxer Carl Froch, when asked about a return to the ring on BBC Radio 5 live: "I’ve always said never say never, I think it would be a mistake. I don’t know how I’ll feel next year. I’m still fit. 

"I feel capable I could do it again but mentally the desire is not there, but if I wake up one morning in a few months and I fancy competing again, I think I’d be fit enough to do it."

PA

Thumbs up from Koeman

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is a doubt for the Saints' Premier League opener against Newcastle on Sunday after rupturing his Achilles tendon.

He seems happy enough with his progress though...

Baggies to splash the cash?

The Times are reporting a big incoming transfer deal for the Baggies...

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

Advocaat in fine fettle

Nick Barnes

BBC Newcastle commentator

Getty Images

Dick Advocaat is upbeat as Sunderland prepare to start to the season at Leicester City.

The Sunderland head coach feels the five-week pre-season was quite adequate and just wants to get started with a squad he feels is an improvement on last season but "he still hopes at the end of the period we still have one or two players more".

It's clear the areas he will be hoping to strengthen following the failed bid to sign QPR midfielder Leroy Fer and the sale of striker Connor Wickham to Crystal Palace.

Stoke news conference

And, of course, a line or two on that 6-1 end-of-season drubbing of Liverpool...

Liverpool news conference

Meanwhile, some armband news...

Stoke news conference

More from Stoke manager Mark Hughes...

Liverpool news conference

Liverpool news conference

Brendan Rodgers is facing the cameras ahead of his side's meeting against Stoke on Sunday.

BBC

Former captain Steven Gerrard has now gone but in the 35 years since his birth, Liverpool have won 34 of their 63 trophies and promotions, going through 12 different managers, seven of whom Gerrard played for.

The club who defeated them most often in his lifetime? Manchester United - Liverpool's all-time bogey team - having won 39% of matches between the two sides.

Take a look at his Premier League life

West Brom news conference

Mike Taylor

BBC WM 95.6 Sport

West Brom boss Tony Pulis: "The most important thing is going to be the next three weeks. If we can bring in the players we're looking for to enhance us as a team, we'll look forward to the season. If we don't, then we'll assess it again.

"We need to bring players in. And we need to bring good players in, that's the difference. Clubs can bring in 14 or 15 players, but you've got to buy good players. The important thing is people understand that and recognise that."

Getty Images

On the fact the transfer window stays open after the start of the season: "Absolutely ridiculous. They should close it this week. It should be all closed so nobody can do any other business. To keep it going for three weeks is ridiculous."

Stoke news conference

Mark Hughes discusses his options

Stoke news conference

Mark Hughes begins with news of injured captain Ryan Shawcross...

Done deal

Muniesa signs new Stoke deal

Stoke news conference

Mr Hughes is in the house...

Football gossip

The Manchester Evening News report Manchester City are poised to make a formal offer for midfielder Kevin de Bruyne but his agent has warned the Blues will have to meet Wolfsburg's asking price of £45m.

#MyPremierLeagueLife

David Langham: Makes me sad because it confirms that Nigel Pearson has likely been Leicester City's best manager :(

Jimbob Hedgehog: Massive LOLs - The side Norwich have beaten the most in #MyPremierLeagueLife is Ipswich Town.

Timothy See: Born nine pounds and Man Utd beat Ipswich 9-0 in the league three days later... Not a coincidence.

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife, text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

Stoke news conference

While we wait for Mark Hughes to appear for his news conference, Stoke have provided a bit of context to their weekend match against Liverpool.

• Liverpool return to the Britannia Stadium after being beaten 6-1 by Stoke on the final day of last season. No teams have played each other 'back-to-back' at the same venue in the Premier League before.
• Right back Glen Johnson's last involvement in a Stoke and Liverpool fixture was scoring the winner for the Merseyside club in their 1-0 win at Anfield in November.
• Peter Crouch is four goals away from scoring 100 in the Premier League. He has also netted exactly 42 for both Stoke City and Liverpool in all competitions.

Getty Images

Aguero salutes Dzeko

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero bids farewell to his former strike partner, who is poised to sign for Roma...

Rugby Union

BBC Radio Wales

Shaun Edwards admits Warren Gatland's experimental Wales are going into the unknown in tomorrow's first World Cup warm-up with Ireland.

The Six Nations champions visit Cardiff six weeks ahead of the opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup and Wales coach Gatland will trim his 46-man squad by eight or 10 players next week.

So while Wales have an experienced half-back pair of James Hook and Mike Phillips boasting 171 caps, Gatland has picked mostly fringe players and four debutants in a team led by centre Scott Williams.

Singleton remains a Rhino

Some positive news for Leeds ahead of their match against Warrington (20:00 BST). Prop Brad Singleton has signed a new four-year deal which ties him to the club until at least the end of the 2019 season.

Getty Images

The 22-year-old has scored eight tries in 24 appearances this season and is likely to step up when Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai retire at the end of the season. 

He said: "With that transition taking place, it would be silly to look elsewhere. There are some exciting roles to fill."

Stoke news conference

Maybe Mark Hughes is putting the final touches to his Fantasy Football squad, we just don't know. There's no word from Stoke at the moment, though.

We'll bring you his thoughts as soon as they drop.

County Championship Division 2

Glamorgan 299, Gloucestershire 75-2 at St Helen's

Derbyshire 77-3 v Leicestershire at Grace Road.

Essex 96-3 v Surrey at Colchester

Listen to live commentary of each of the matcheshere.

County Championship Division 1

Worcestershire 105-4 v Nottinghamshire at New Road

Hampshire 61-2 v Warwickshire at Southampton

Middlesex 83-2 v Sussex at Lord's

Yorkshire 94-7 v Durham at Scarborough

Listen to live commentary of each of the matches here.

Lunchtime viewing

Here's a round-up of today's best videos so far...

MOTD pundits on the season ahead: Ian Wright, Alan Shearer, Ruud Gullit, Jermaine Jenas and Danny Murphy offer their views on Arsenal, Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool's chances of challenging reigning champions Chelsea.

Memphis Depay's tattoos & how Stoke stand out: BBC Sport digs out a few quirky football facts before the new Premier League season kicks off on Saturday.

Season's starting too early - Wenger: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he is not a fan of the early start to this season's Premier League and he is disappointed that the clubs were not consulted.

#MyPremierLeaguelife

Fletch: Room to improve. #MyPremierLeagueLife supporting Sunderland was 39% worth it.

Timothy: Born 9 pounds and Man Utd beat Ipswich 9-0 in the league 3 days later... Not a coincidence.

Animashaun Bosun: 9 League Titles, 2 F.A Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 Champions League, 1 FIFA Club World Cup, 6 Community Shield... #MUFC #MyPremierLeagueLife.

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife, text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

Stoke news conference

Mark Hughes will soon be turning out for the cameras so in the meantime, here's Stoke chairman Peter Coates's Premier League Life.

BBC

Stoke have scored 4,537 goals and won eight trophies or promotions since chairman Coates was born in 1938. On average, 10% of the seasons he has been following the Potters have ended with an honour.

West Brom news conference

Stoke news conference

West Brom news conference

West Brom boss Tony Pulis is holding his news conference now but not before we look at a Premier League life. connected to them.

BBC

Striker Berahino was only 10 days old when the Baggies drew 1-1 at Barnsley in a First Division fixture in August 1993.

Manchester City news conference

Ben Smith

BBC Sport

Really interesting press conference from Manuel Pellegrini who, perhaps understandably, was in great spirits following news of his contract extension. He was unusually smiley, very relaxed and even wished every journalist in the room his good wishes for the new season.

Getty Images

In terms of the subjects tackled? He was asked about the ongoing rumours around Pep Guardiola and refused to rule out the possibility of the Spaniard replacing him at some stage. He also spoke about Raheem Sterling, a player he expects to improve at a rapid rate here at City.

He also said he expects Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri and David Silva to be fit to face West Brom on Monday after the trio missed the club's awards event on Wednesday because of a sickness bug.

Manchester City news conference

Ian Cheeseman

BBC Radio Manchester's City commentator

West Ham news conference

On reports of signing Raul Jimenez from Atletico Madrid...

#MyPremierLeaguelife

Ben Locke: Liverpool's top manager in #MyPremierLeagueLife? Paisley!

Shaun Gibbs: The side #NCFC have beaten the most in my lifetime according to the BBC #MyPremierLeagueLife is Sheffield United. Very random.

Phil: In #MyPremierLeagueLife Sunderland won 813 and lost 808 matches.

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife, text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

West Ham news conference

West Ham news conference

Football

Manchester City news conference

Pochettino positive

Jeanette Kwakye

BBC London

Mauricio Pochettino is in there, honestly, and he been talking to the media ahead of Saturday's season opener.

BBC Sport

The Tottenham manager said he knows he has to pad out his squad but insists the performances of his younger players in pre-season serve as an inspiration and prove his philosophy is working.

The Argentine believes Spurs can achieve more this season in all competitions, that Manchester United will provide a stiff opening test, and that Harry Kane can have another outstanding season.

West Ham news conference

West Ham news conference

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic is holding his news conference now, meaning we can take the opportunity to give you a glimpse of midfielder Mark Noble's Premier League Life. and a snapshot of West Ham's vital statistics.

BBC

Of all the figures above, there's one other that doesn't bode well for this weekend's opener against Arsenal - they're the team who have beaten the Hammers most often in his 28 years.

Manchester City news conference

Grieving Neville to stay with England

Head coach Tracey Neville will stay with the England team for the rest of the Netball World Cup in Australia despite the death of her father.

Neville Neville, 65, passed away in hospital in Sydney on Friday - the same day as England's opening match.

PA

His daughter wiped away tears as the national anthem was sung before her side beat Scotland 60-19 in Pool B.

Tracey's brothers, former Manchester United duo Phil and Gary, are reported to have attended the game.

The Friday Sports Panel

BBC Radio 5 live

A former world super-middleweight champion, a gold medal-winning diver and a chap we all affectionately know as 'arry are joining Ore Oduba on The Friday Sports Panel today for a bit of lunchtime chat.

That's right, BBC Radio 5 live will be gathering the thoughts of Carl Froch, Rebecca Gallantree and Harry Redknapp at 13:00 BST. You can listen via this page in the 'Live Coverage' tab or go to the website here.

Getty Images

Cryptic clue from McIlroy?

Injured world number one Rory McIlroy - who missed the Open after damaging his ankle while playing football in July - has hinted at a return to action at the US PGA Championship.

The holder has tweeted...

Rory Mcilroy | Twitter

The competition starts on Thursday 13 August, with coverage on the BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 live

Manchester City news conference

Destination unknown

Mark Pougatch

Presenter, on BBC Radio 5 live

That depends how the Australians get on chasing England's declaration of 391-9 at Trent Bridge. You can follow all the action from the fourth Ashes Test here.

Should the contest be over by close of play on Friday, Mark will be presenting Saturday 5 live Sport from Bournemouth v Aston Villa.

The show is on BBC Radio 5 live from 11:00 BST

Man City news conference

He's just signed a new deal at the Etihad, so let's see what sort of mood Manuel Pellegrini is in as he prepares for his news conference. Until then, have a gander at City legend Uwe Rosler's Premier League Life.

BBC Sport

Manchester City have scored 3,539 goals since Rosler was born, with the German netting 69 of them between 1994 and 1998. If fans are expecting to add to the 17 trophies and promotions won in Rosler's lifetime this season, they might be in for a shock. My Premier League Life predicts City fans will have to wait until 2018 for their next piece of silverware.

Manchester City news conference

Ben Smith

BBC Sport

A packed press conference theatre awaits Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini. 

The club have, of course, announced a new deal for the Chilean in the past hour or so and that is bound to attract a number of questions, as will the £49m man Raheem Sterling. 

City do not play until Monday, when they start with a potentially tricky trip to West Brom

England declare

Excellent declaration from England captain Alastair Cook, as his team make 391-9, he puts Australia back in to bat 10 minutes before tea. A tricky little period to negotiate. Could be three or four down before they get a chance to get stuck into their sarnies.

Click here to follow live text and radio commentary

Europa League draw - reaction

Champions League draw - reaction

Celtic's captain has been giving his thoughts on the news that the Scottish champions will meet their Swedish counterparts in the play-off round...

On this day...

2014: England's Stuart Broad took six wickets for 25 runs as India were bowled out for 152 on day one of the fourth Investec Test.

There must be something about the first week of August for that man.

Getty Images

Test of knowledge

A Question of Sport Teaser

BBC

Kettle on, it's time for Friday's teaser...

Watford's Quique Flores will become the fifth Spaniard to manage in the Premier League, who are the other four?

Palace reject Bournemouth's Murray bid?

The Guardian report Crystal Palace have rejected a bid of around £3m from Bournemouth for Glenn Murray, with the Premier League new boys expected to return with an improved offer after the weekend.

Sunderland news conference

Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat says new signing Yann M'Vila is unlikely to face Leicester City.

Who are Midtjylland?

So, Southampton will face Midtjylland but who are the Danish side?

• Founded in 1999
• Current domestic league champions
• Furthest they've reached in Europe? Second round of Uefa Cup in 2002-03
• Current West Ham defender Winston Reid is a former player
• Matthew Benham - owner of Championship side Brentford - is the club's major shareholder

The draw in full

.

.

#MyPremierLeagueLife

Lyle: Man United played 1472 matches in #MyPremierLeagueLife. We won 894, drew 311 & lost 267.

Lavu: In #MyPremierLeagueLife Arsenal have played 1,568 matches and won 856.

Rich Laverty: Off to a good start: Man Utd won 3-0 in the first match of #MyPremierLeagueLife.

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife, text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

Long way to go

That breaks the record set by Aberdeen when they travelled to Kazakhstan to face Almaty in the third qualifying round.

Raring to go

Europa League draw

In true Bullseye fashion, West Ham and Aberdeen fans, here's what you could have won:

Astra Giurgiu v AZ Alkmaar

Bordeaux v Kairat Almaty

Mind you, West Ham would have been seeded to would have been in a different pot to Astra, but you get the point...

Sunderland news conference

BreakingSouthampton face Danish champions

Southampton will face Midtjylland in the play-off round of the Europa League.

Ties to be played 20 and 27 August.

Europa League draw

One for the stattos..

That's how you don't do it

A couple of videos for you to watch as a BBC commentator shows how football is not played. Here and here.

Pellegrini extends deal

Europa League draw

They told us the draw would take place at 12:00 BST, and we believed them. How foolish of us. More faffing around.

Southampton fans, still time to make a quick cuppa before finding out who your club will face.

Sunderland news conference

Sunderland's news conference is next up at 12:00 BST, so to whet your appetite and segue neatly into our My Premier League Life feature, here's some facts and stats about what former keeper Jim Montgomery, 71, has experienced over the years.

BBC

During his lifetime, Sunderland have had 32 managers, the most successful of whom was Bob Stokoe, who followed up FA Cup success with the 1975 Division Two title.

When will the next piece of silverware be landing on Wearside? According to My Premier League Life, it was due in 2013...

Oh when the Saints...

Adam Blackmore

BBC Radio Solent sports editor

Southampton's return to Europe has been a huge success, with 50,000 fans over two legs watching them ease past Vitesse Arnhem into the play-off round, whilst getting a highly competitive, confidence-building workout ahead of the new Premier League season.

Getty Images

New loan signing Steven Caulker has now started two games in five days, while the return of Jay Rodriguez had boosted Ronald Koeman's attacking options.

Gaining a competitive edge through these two ties ahead should help Saints against Newcastle on Sunday, albeit summer signing Jordy Clasie and striker Shane Long are doubts through injury and illness respectively.

Manager Ronald Koeman is also a doubt as he needs to have surgery in the Netherlands on his Achilles' tendon before returning to England.

Who might Southampton face?

saintsfc

Europa League draw

#MyPremierLeagueLife

Tristan Jones: Get in! #MyPremierLeagueLife supporting Liverpool was 70% worth it.

Kevin Rooney: The longest winning streak in #MyPremierLeagueLife was 9 matches. C'mon Newcastle!

Andrew Davis: The side Southampton have beaten the most in #MyPremierLeagueLife is Crystal Palace.

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife,text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

Mulumbu out for Norwich

Getty Images

Get changing that Fantasy Football team if you had Norwich's summer signing Youssouf Mulumbu. The midfielder has had an operation on a fractured metatarsal and will miss the match against Crystal Palace on Saturday, PA reports.

However, new signings Andre Wisdom and Robbie Brady could both be included in the squad.

'We think we can win competition'

Getty Images

Manchester United club secretary John Alexander: "We're absolutely delighted to be back in the competition. We're back where we want to be.

"Belgian football is right at the very top and we have two Belgian players in the squad who keep us abreast of what's going on there. We go into any game with confidence. We'd like to think we can win the competition."

Norwich move for Mbokani?

Rob Butler

BBC Radio Norfolk

Getty Images

Had a chat with Norwich manager Alex Neil after the news conference. It seems as if there may be something in the Dieumerci Mbokani rumours. Watch this space on that one.

The Carrow Road club have been linked with the Congolese Dynamo Kiev striker

Hull move for Maloney?

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Chicago Fire revealed this week that they had received a bid from Hull and turned it down. 

Who are Club Brugge?

Premier League side Manchester United will have been happy to avoid Lazio and Monaco, as they face Club Brugge, but who are the Belgian club?

• 13 time domestic league champions
• European Cup runners-up in 1978, losing to Liverpool in the final
• Former notable players include Daniel Amokachi (Everton), Paul Okon (Leeds) and Ronnie Rosenthal (Liverpool).

Tie to be played on 18/19 and 25/26 August.

Aston Villa news conference

Mark Regan

BBC WM Sport

So Tim Sherwood, bang on time but up against the clock, sits down and gets tucked into his first pre-match press conference of the season. He hasn`t spoken to the press at all over the summer and seems unsure of what will unfold at Bournemouth.

He says he's happy with how his squad has shaped up - "we needed change" were his words and you can`t really argue with that after the last couple of seasons. But it will take time to settle.

PA

He was reluctant to talk about the departures of Fabian Delph or Christian Benteke preferring to focus on working with the players he's got and getting them to gel as quickly as possible.

That's his first task really, to get the new boys to find their feet in a league that will be as unforgiving as ever.

Champions League draw

Scottish side Celtic face a tricky Champions League play-off round against Malmo, but who are the Swedish side?

• 18 time domestic league champions
• European Cup runners-up in 1979, losing to Nottingham Forest in the final
• Former notable players include Stefan Schwarz (Arsenal), Martin Dahlin (Blackburn) and a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Tie to be played on 18/19 and 25/26 August.

It's all happening in the football world...

.

Pellegrini extends deal

There were summer reports that Manuel Pellegrini was set to be replaced by Pep Guardiola next summer, not so.

The City manager's backroom team of Ruben Cousillas, Xabier Mancisidor and Jose Cabello have also had their contracts extended until 2017.

Getty Images

Ferran Soriano, City's chief executive, said: "We are delighted to reach this agreement with Manuel Pellegrini, who has already contributed so much to the development of Manchester City in his first two years with us and we look forward to further progress in the seasons ahead.

"This agreement allows Manuel to focus on the challenge of guiding a team capable of both fighting for domestic titles and competing for European honours."

BreakingMan Utd face Club Brugge

Manchester United will face Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off round. Ties to be played 18/19 and 25/26 August.

Pellegrini extends deal

More from the news that Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has extended his deal through to June 2017.

He told City's website: "I am proud to manage Manchester City and am therefore very pleased to have agreed this contract.

Getty Images

"I have a very good quality group of players and a great team of people to work with on and off the field and at all levels of the Club.

"I am focussed on the coming season and confident that my team and I will respond to the constant support shown to us by everyone including of course our fantastic fans."

BreakingPellegrini extends deal

Getty Images

Big news in the Premier League...

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini extends his deal through to June 2017.

BreakingCeltic to play Malmo

Celtic will face Malmo in the Champions League play-off round. Ties to be played 18/19 and 25/26 August.

The Ashes

We can't guarantee a repeat of Thursday's extraordinary scenes at Trent Bridge, but England fans can at least follow an Ashes Test match without biting their fingernails to the bone, for once. Australia fans, we're not sure we have any words of comfort. Follow live text and radio commentary here. They are under way.

Getty Images

Catch up on Thursday's incredible day of cricket by watching Pint-sized Ashes here.

Champions League draw

As ever, the time given for a start was 11:00 BST, but there's plenty of faffing around with explanation of procedures and highlights from last season.

Bear with us, Manchester United and Celtic supporters...

Sing like a Canary?

"Everybody else feels as if it's Christmas Eve but to me it's just the start of the season." We can't tell whether Norwich manager Alex Neil is just playing it cool or is, well, incredibly cool about their Premier League opener.

PA

He's been speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk about their 2015-16 campaign and preparing for Crystal Palace on Saturday. Listen to the full interview here.

County Championship live coverage

BBC Local Radio

Follow live ball by ball coverage of today's County Championship matches from some of our local radio stations here.

Yorkshire v Durham - day one - BBC Radio Leeds

Hampshire v Warwickshire - day one - BBC Radio Solent

Middlesex v Sussex - day one - BBC London 94.9

Worcestershire v Nottinghamshire - day one - BBC Hereford and Worcester

Essex v Surrey - day one - BBC Essex

Leicestershire v Derbyshire - day one - BBC Radio Leicester

Glamorgan v Gloucestershire - day two - BBC Radio Wales

Coming up...

Here's what you've got in store across BBC TV and radio today. Cricket, chat, swimming, a Premier League preview (in case you don't get enough here) and a bit of rugby league. Set your alarms now...

BBC

#MyPremierLeagueLife

Iain Wilson: Man Utd have won more since I was born - must be a good luck charm! That said, Sir Alex might have played a part :)

Jitesh Mistry: #MyPremierLeagueLife is brilliant - confirms Jose Mourinho is God and we beat Spurs most of the time

Columbo: #MyPremierLeagueLife apparently supporting #saintsfc has been 40% worth it... I'd say it has been more like 100%!!

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife,text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

Will Celtic progress?

Ready to go...

Neville Neville has died

The father of former England footballers Gary and Phil Neville, Neville Neville, has died.

He was in Australia to watch his daughter and England coach Tracey at the netball world cup.

More from the Manchester Evening News here.

Who might Man Utd & Celtic face?

.

Manchester United and Celtic will find out their Champions League fates from 11:00 BST and both will face one of five opponents. The ties for the play-offs will be played on 18/19 and 25/26 August.

Stay tuned as the draw comes through...

Man Utd news conference

David Ornstein

BBC Sport

Some key points from the United news conference. Louis van Gaal said:

• "Angel Di Maria started very well. He knows the answer better than I know. It happens and there's only one solution - what he's done."
• "The squad is still in process because we are living in a crazy football world. The transfer window is still going on and competition starting, you never know what happens."
• "I don't know about David de Gea. That is in process. I cannot lead this process, I can only watch and observe and that is what I am doing, but I am not participating in it."

Baggies fail in Marshall bid

BBC Radio Wales

Manager Russell Slade insists Premier League West Bromwich Albion's estimated £5m bid for Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall fell well short of Cardiff City's valuation.

Slade admits the Championship club would sell if the offer "was right" but the Cardiff boss said last week's didn't tempt the Bluebirds.

#MyPremierLeagueLife

Rob Collins: Back of the net! Spurs have scored 3,506 goals in #MyPremierLeagueLife - how many has your team got?

@DrEvans_ManUtd: I share a birthday with Tyler Blackett. I wish it were Cantona - my favorite Utd player ever. Maybe just after CR7

David Hughes: Bad omen? Everton lost 3-1 in the first match of #MyPremierLeagueLife.

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife,text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

Man Utd news conference

BreakingMan Utd news conference

Getty Images

Big news coming out from Manchester United is that goalkeeper David De Gea will not be involved on the opening day against Tottenham.

"David shall not play so I don't have any concerns [about him not being ready]," said manager Louis van Gaal.

"I think about the human being more than the player and I don't think he can handle that."

Young signs new Man Utd deal

More to come from Watford

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Watford's next signing is expected to be a goalkeeper.

With recent addition Giedrius Arlauskis suspended for the first two games, Udinese keeper Rafael Romo is set to join on a loan deal.

Meanwhile, moment of the day from the Hornets training ground on Thursday was when new academy coach Harry Kewell walked into the players lounge. The television was showing the Ashes and the Aussie's face was a treat.

More British success

At the World Swimming Championships in Kazan, Great Britain's men's 4x200m freetsyle relay team are through to tonight's final in third fastest.

Jazz Carlin qualified for tomorrow's 800m final in 5th place.

Fran Halsall and Ben Proud are through to the semi-finals of the 50m butterfly and freestyle respectively.

While Lizzie Simmonds also progressed from the 200 backstroke heats.

Tottenham Hotspur news conference

The 2014-15 season saw Harry Kane come kicking and screaming onto the international stage, but what else has happened in the Tottenham dangerman's 22 years on this Earth?

BBC

In the 98,820 minutes Spurs have played in Kane's lifetime, they've always been in the top flight, but the club have won just two trophies - the League Cup in 1999 and 2008. They start their 2015-16 campaign against Manchester United on Saturday, let's see what Mauricio Pochettino has to say. His news conference is up next.

Man Utd news conference

Aston Villa news conference

Mark Regan

BBC WM Sport

Tim Sherwood confirms the deal for Emanuel Adebayor 'isn't happening at the moment'. Meanwhile, Callum Robinson is off to Bristol City on a season long loan.

Sherwood also wary of 'carnival' atmosphere at newly promoted Bournemouth. 'They are riding high and we have to be ready for that'. The Villa boss wouldn't be drawn on the departures of Delph and Benteke in his first media appearance since they left.

Howson agrees new Norwich deal

Norwich City midfielder Jonny Howson has signed a new four-year deal with the Premier League club.

The 27-year-old has played 110 games for the Canaries since joining from boyhood club Leeds United in 2012.

Last season, Howson scored in the Championship play-off semi-final first-leg against Ipswich as Alex Neil's side won promotion from the second tier.

Man Utd news conference

Man Utd news conference

New deal for United winger...

Man Utd news conference

David Ornstein

BBC Sport

The Jimmy Murphy building at Carrington is the venue and the world's print and broadcast media are in position ahead of Louis van Gaal's arrival.

By the way, I had a quick peek of the training pitches - some of which a relatively new, on Van Gaal's insistence - and they look absolutely immaculate.

Man Utd news conference

Even the man who left a mark like no other on the Premier League may be surprised by some of the stats that My Premier League Life has unearthed. But Sir Alex Ferguson may be glad he wasn't old enough to remember Manchester United's first game after he was born - a 4-3 defeat at Liverpool in the North Region War League.

BBC Sport

United have won 67 trophies and promotions in their 137-year history, and in the 73 years since Ferguson's birth, they've won 58. Ferguson, manager from 1986 until 2013, led the club to 38 of them. Over to you, Mr Van Gaal...

Man Utd news conference

David Ornstein

BBC Sport

All attention will be on one man at 10:00 BST as Louis van Gaal holds his first pre-match news conference of the season.

Getty Images

Questions remain over a squad that has had around £80m spent on it with about £44m recouped. What went so wrong for Angel di Maria? Will David de Gea be leaving? Who is the superstar signing that Van Gaal has hinted at?

Back on the pitch, who does Van Gaal want in the Champions League qualifying play-off? The draw for that is at 11:00 BST. And are United now in shape to challenge for silverware again after two barren years?

Aston Villa news conference

Villa boss Tim Sherwood is chatting to the media and we will bring you the best of his quotes when we have it...

Arsenal news conference

John Southall

BBC Radio 5 live

Getty Images

A few key points from the Arsenal news conference:

• Arsene Wenger confirmed that midfielder Jack Wilshere is expected to be out for a month with a hairline cracked fibula suffered in training
• He said Chelsea are favourites to win the league
• And confirmed that winger Serge Gnabry has joined West Brom on loan

Football gossip

The gossip keeps coming with the Premier League and Football League kicking off this weekend...

Fulham and Hammersmith Gazette: Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou is set to sign on loan for Portuguese side Benfica. The 27-year-old, who joined the Cottagers for a club-record £12m fee from Olympiakos in January 2014, could make the switch permanent for £4.2m at the end of the season .

Liverpool Echo: Everton are close to securing a loan deal for 19-year-old left-sided midfielder Tomas Andrade from River Plate.

East Anglian Daily Times: Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy refused to be drawn on reports that the club have bid £250,000 for Hearts' 19-year-old defender Jordan McGhee.

#MyPremierLeaguelife

Tony Smith: Room to improve. #MyPremierLeagueLife supporting West Brom was 32% worth it.

Stephen Shaw: #mypremierleaguelife First game, 3-1 defeat to Bristol R. Yep, pretty much story of my life, losing to some team or other.

Jack Kirby: According to #MyPremierLeagueLife, Pochettino currently has a better win % than Sherwood. Eat it, Tim.

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife,text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

Can Australia hit back?

Getty Images

It's a big ask for the Aussies after yesterday's chastening day, but the boys from down under have to pull themselves together and get back on the pitch. How big a lead will England build up? Could the Ashes be won today?

Click here to follow live text and radio commentary

Aston Villa news conference

From Arsene Wenger, one of the Premier League's elder statesmen, to one of the new kids on the block, 19-year-old Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish. Here's his Premier League life stats. Also stay tuned for the Aston Villa news conference as they travel to Bournemouth for Saturday's opener.

BBC Sport

Grealish's first game after being born in September 1995? A 2-0 win over Wimbledon thanks to two goals from Dwight Yorke. And here's one to get him fired up - Villa have won just one trophy, the 1996 League Cup, since then.

Done deal

Clubs throughout Britain remain very. very busy in the transfer market...

BreakingKoeman could miss Southampton opener

Manager Ronald Koeman could miss Southampton's Premier League opener at Newcastle on Sunday. 

The Dutchman ruptured his Achilles taking training on Wednesday ahead of the Europa League third qualifying round second leg match with Vitesse Arnhem. 

Koeman remains in the Netherlands and will see a specialist, who will decide whether to set the injury in plaster or operate.  

Arsenal news conference

And finally, it's bad news for the Gunners, as Arsene Wenger confirms Alexis Sanchez will miss the opening game...

Butland ready for Stoke 'honour'

Graham McGarry

BBC Radio Stoke Sport

Getty Images

Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland says he knows how big a responsibility it is being the Potters number one.

Manager Mark Hughes has said the 22-year-old will start the season in goal against Liverpool on Sunday.

Butland told BBC Radio Stoke: "It will be a great honour. I can't wait to get out there myself, we're all excited and eager for the start. This is as good as it gets."

Arsenal news conference

Arsenal news conference

Arsenal news conference

#MyPremierLeagueLife

Ryan Tasker: #MyPremierLeagueLife says supporting @ManUtd was 79% worth it... the Treble and knocking @LFC off their perch... more like 100% worth it!

Adam Bath: Off to a good start: Villa won 2-1 in the first match of #MyPremierLeagueLife

Joshua Murphy: No surprise to who Chelsea have beaten most in my life time... you guessed it - Tottenham

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife,text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

Latest gossip

In the mood for some gossip? Good, here is some more...

Birmingham Mail: Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor's move to Aston Villa looks to be off as the 31-year-old is refusing to move to the Midlands.

Daily Mirror: Villa will also miss out on defender Joleon Lescott, with West Brom set to offer the 32-year-old a new deal.

The Sun: And Villa boss Tim Sherwood has offered £5m for Spurs winger Aaron Lennon, 28.

Norwich news conference

Norwich news conference

Top stories

Some more news nuggets in case this is your first glance at the BBC Sport website this morning...

Aberdeen lose qualifier: Aberdeen fell at the Europa League third qualifying round for the second year running as Kairat Almaty held on for a draw at Pittodrie. The Kazakh side stretched their 2-1 aggregate lead from the first leg on 59 minutes and Kenny McLean's headed equaliser wasn't enough to help Aberdeen close the gap.

Mayweather hits back: American Floyd Mayweather has defended picking Andre Berto as his opponent in what could be his last ever fight. Britain's Amir Khan had been hopeful for a lucrative bout with the unbeaten welterweight champion.

England net first win: England secured a comfortable 60-19 win over Scotland on the opening day of the Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia.

Arsenal news conference

Mr Wenger is almost ready for his 09:00 BST meeting, but before that, here's a glimpse of his Premier League life. We're assuming the Frenchman an Arsenal fan.

BBC

One figure's standing out there - 110,832,684, which is how many people have attended Arsenal games in Wenger's lifetime. Has anyone beaten that so far?

Norwich news conference

Rob Butler

BBC Radio Norfolk sport

Norwich news conference

Premier League new boys Norwich City are first up this morning.

But first, here is a snippet for Canaries fans from our new interactive feature 'My Premier League Life'.

BBC

Actor Fry's beloved Canaries won their first game after his birth - a 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the old Third Division South in August 1957, and have since won 1,090 more.

Fry, who presents popular BBC comedy quiz show QI, shares his birthday with former Chelsea full-back Jose Bosingwa.

Father-to-be Murray

Some breaking news from the world of tennis...

British number one Andy Murray and wife Kim are expecting their first child. Don't worry though tennis fans the baby is due in February and so it shouldn't impinge on any Wimbledon preparations.

It's going to be emo-tional

Seems like there's an emoji (they're the cartoonish icons you often see popping up on text messages and tweets nowadays) for every occasion. Thankfully the Premier League's social media gurus are big fans of them as well. They've rolled out icons for 20 team hashtags and all 10 matches this weekend, just in case you forget what your club's badge looks like. I'd use the sarcastic wink face one right now if our system supported it.

@alextrickett

News conferences

A quick run down of the news conferences you have to look forward to...

08:45: Norwich, 09:00: Arsenal, 09:30: Villa.

1000: Manchester United, 10:00: Spurs, 12: 00: Sunderland

12:15 Celtic

12:30: West Ham, 12:45: Man City, 13:15: West Brom

13:30: Stoke, 14:00: Liverpool, 16:00: Chelsea

All times BST

England off to a strong start in Sydney

Getty Images

Tracey Neville's England side secured an empathetic opening victory in the Netball World Cup, beating Scotland 60-19 in Sydney.

England are ranked third in the world and are expected to be in the mix for a medal come the finals next weekend.

They will face their toughest test of the group stage on Saturday (08:20 BST), when they play Jamaica in Pool B.

#MyPremierLeagueLife

Steve Hulse: The side Stoke have beaten the most in #MyPremierLeagueLife is West Bromwich Albion.

Olasunkanmi: Get in! #MyPremierLeagueLife supporting Chelsea was 60% worth it.

Daniel Wilks: Arsenal are due to win their next trophy in 2018. Can you wait that long?

You can have a go at 'My Premier League Life' here and share the results via #MyPremierLeagueLife,text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

LATEST GOSSIP

The rumour mill is in full swing - as you would expect.

AS via Radio Cadena Ser: Manchester United's hopes of signing Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos have been revived with the 29-year-old growing frustrated by the Spanish giants' reluctance to meet his demands for a £135,000-a-week contract extension.

Daily Mirror: However United are reluctant to meet the £23m buy-out clause in Barcelona attacker Pedro's contract. The Old Trafford club believe the 28-year-old lacks resale value and think £17m is a fair price.

Daily Star: Arsenal are still confident of signing Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, 27, despite Gunners boss Arsene Wenger dismissing the move.

BBC Sport gossip.

Top stories

A hectic day of Premier League news conferences is about to begin but here are some of the morning top stories...

Champions League draw: Manchester United and Celtic will find out on Friday who they will face in the Champions League play-off round. United will meet either Club Brugge, CSKA Moscow, Lazio, Monaco or Rapid Vienna, while Celtic will face Maccabi Tel Aviv, Partizan, Malmo, KF Skenderbeu or FC Astana.

Hammer blow: West Ham were knocked out of the Europa League in the third qualifying round following a 2-1 defeat by Romanian side Astra Giurgiu to lose 4-3 on aggregate.

Pint sized Ashes: Watch a summary of the first day's play at Trent Bridge.

BBC Sport predictor

.

If you are in the mood for a bit of fun this morning why not have a crack at BBC Sport's predictor game while you are at it?

Map out the road to Premier League glory by predicting the scores for all the games this season.

See how your guesses fare against other supporters and pundit Mark Lawrenson, plus get feedback from BBC Sport's team including Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.

#MyPremierLeagueLife

Now you've had a go at 'My Premier League Life' why not share your favourite results with us? Tweet #MyPremierLeagueLife,text 81111 and post on BBC Sport Facebook and our Match of the Day Facebook page.

We also want to know what is the biggest thing in your life that you've missed to watch football/sport?

My Premier League Life

BBC

Excited about the Premier League's return? This will get your pulses racing even more.

We have launched a new interactive feature that gives you the goals, the stats, the history as you've never seen them before .

If you haven't already had a go at "My Premier League Life", what are you waiting for? Click here and enjoy.

BBC coverage

That is probably enough for any Australians online for the moment - although you can listen to the second day at Trent Bridge on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and follow on our live text commentary. We will also bring you updates here.

Back pages

It doesn't look as though the Australian newspapers are particularly happy though...

.

Back pages

And the last one Ashes related... well, from England anyway.

Daily Mirror

Back (and front) pages

And still they come... (Sorry, any Aussies should perhaps come back in about 10 minutes)

A stunning picture on the front of the Daily Telegraph...

Daily Telegraph

Back pages

A few more Ashes-themed back pages...

.

Metro (top left), Daily Mail (top right), Daily Star (bottom left), Daily Express (bottom right)

Back pages

The Sun

A few imaginative headlines around Australia's Ashes humiliation as you can imagine...

Good morning and what a morning it is to be an English (and Welsh) cricket fan.

Could today be the day Alastair Cook & co win the Ashes? Unsurprisingly the papers are full of the stunning first day of the Test at Trent Bridge.

We have plenty to bring you today, including 12 pre-match news conferences, breaking transfer news, our nifty interactive 'My Premier League Life' feature, the launch of the new predictor game, updates from the cricket, plus all the breaking news.

If that is not enough, Manchester United and Celtic will find out their Champions League opponents, while Southampton discover who they will play in the Europa League.

First for the day's newspaper round-up though...

Here we go again.

Yes, just after a little more than two months of inactivity, the English football season is back.

Later on Friday the domestic campaign kicks off with Brighton v Nottingham Forest in the Championship - as well as Rangers v St Mirren in the Scottish Championship - before a full weekend of Premier League and Football League fixtures over the weekend.

So the newspapers are full of it this morning then? Not a chance...