Sportsday - football transfer news

1. Club Brugge v Manchester United (19:45)
2. Besiktas agree Valdes deal - reports
3. GET INVOLVED #mysportingfail

My Sporting Bail...

With that dreadful pun and this wonderful shot of Chris losing his head on the golf course, I will bid you farewell.

But not before pointing you in the direction of our live text and radio coverage of Manchester United's Champions League play-off against Club Brugge. You can find that here.

Thanks again for your company and your excellent sporting fails today. See you tomorrow bright and early...

Ready for action

Not long to go now...

In case you missed it earlier...

Not sure how his Manchester City team-mates will feel about his, but Yaya Toure has picked a rather Barcelona-stuffed dream five-a-side team on the club's website. 

Take a look at his selections here.

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In case you missed it earlier...

West Ham forward Enner Valencia has said sorry for a radio interview in which he claimed he was "not being supported" by the club over his current injuries.

The Ecuadorian striker hurt his right knee and ankle against Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League earlier this month, and reportedly said he was considering leaving London to see a doctor outside the club.

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But in a later statement, he said: "I would like to make clear that I have the utmost respect and confidence in the Club’s medical team and the specialists I was referred to and I would like to apologise to them and the Club for any issues arising from the recent press coverage."    

Footballer by day...

It's easy to forget that football can be considered the day job for many players. So, just what other strings have they got to their bows? BBC Sportshour have been taking a look. Who knew Arjan De Zeeuw was also a crime fighter?

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Edmund wins US Open qualifier

Kyle Edmundis through to the second round of qualifying for the US Open, beating Poland's Peter Polansky 6-3 6-4.

The 20-year-old is aiming to make his debut at the tournament, the only major he has yet to make a full senior appearance at.

Reuters

Top 10 'best kits'... agree?

Everyone remembers their first football kit (Peter Shilton's yellow keeper top with padded shoulder patches, Italia '90).

But which one can be considered 'the best'? Well, the Daily Record has listed a top 10 decided by industry experts. There are some crackers - and a controversial winner. For English readers, anyway.

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Hamilton sign Sendles-White

QPR defender Jamie Sendles-White is on his way to Hamilton having been released by the R's in the summer after failing to make a first-team appearance.

It marks two signings in 24 hours for Hamilton following the acquisition of forward Alex D'Acol from AEK Athens.

Club Brugge v Manchester United build-up

Louis van Gaal's side go into their second leg Champions League play-off tie against Club Brugge with a comfortable 3-1 aggregate lead under their belt.

Goals from new signing Memphis Depay did the damage at Old Trafford, along with a third from Marouane Fellaini.

Club Brugge, however, are unbeaten in 10 European home games, winning six and drawing four. 

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In case you missed it earlier...

Tottenham are in talks with Inter Milan over a move back to Italy for midfielder Erik Lamela, the Independent reports.

Spurs are thought to want £20m for the former Roma playmaker but the paper claims the two clubs are still "some way apart in negotiations".

empics

In case you missed it earlier...

AC Milan have revealed they have inserted a good behaviour clause into the contract of Mario Balotelli, which includes banning extravagant haircuts and clothing and committing him to a healthy lifestyle. 

Why, it's as if they don't trust him...

EPA

According to Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport, Balotelli - who has joined on a season-long loan from Liverpool - must not damage the image of the club and his Twitter, Facebook and Instagram posts will be closely monitored.

He will be banned from extravagant haircuts and clothing, from smoking and from visiting night clubs and must turn up on time from training.

Could Greg Rutherford jump...?

Fancy a quick quiz? Our CBBC colleagues have taken a fun twist on Greg Rutherford's achievements at the World Athletics Championships by asking you to judge just how far he covered with his gold medal-winning jump this week.

The width of a badminton court? Over Peter Crouch?! You decide...

BBC

Club Brugge v Manchester United - build-up

Bastian Schweinsteiger looks ready for tonight's match. Either that or he's doing his best Jonny Wilkinson impression.

Ewan wins fifth stage

Australian rider Caleb Ewan has captured victory on the fifth stage of the Vuelta a Espana with a sprint finish.

The debutant, who rides for Orica Greenedge, crossed the line ahead of favourites John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin) and Peter Sagan (Tinkoff-Saxo).

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Get Involved - My Sporting Fail

We couldn't have said it better ourselves, Chris...

Tweet us now at #mysportingfail or post on the  BBC Sport Facebook page.

Day out of The Barclays

Jason Day has pulled out of this week's US PGA tour event after tweaking his back.

His trainer says the Australian withdrew from the Wednesday pro-am at Plainfield Country Club because of a long-standing disc issue. 

EPA

Club Brugge v Manchester United - build-up

Manchester United's striking options have been the talk of the pre-match build-up so far, thanks mainly to the inclusion of Marouane Fellaini. 

On a wet night in Bruges it could prove to be a masterstroke though, the big man being well capable of making life very difficult for tiring defenders in the latter stages.

In his news conference, manager Louis van Gaal said the Belgian is likely to feature up front more often: "This year he'll be more a number nine or 10 than at six or eight."

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Coentrao swaps Madrid for Monaco

Defender Fabio Coentrao has joined Monaco from Real Madrid on a season-long loan.

The Portuguese left-back will have a medical on Thursday.

Reuters

Southampton news conference

That's all from Ronald Koeman. Some question marks still remain over the health of both Sadio Mane and Victor Wanyama, the latter falling foul of a stomach bug, the former struggling with a hip injury.

In terms of Thursday's match against FC Midtjylland, "win ugly" could be the modus operandi. Watch this space.

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Southampton news conference

Focus now turning to Thursday's game...

Southampton news conference

Manager Ronald Koeman now in the hot seat, talking midfielder Victor Wanyama, striker Sadio Mane (linked with a move to Manchester United) and Rodriguez's return for England. 

Southampton news conference

Rodriguez turns his attention to FC Midtjylland, who took a 1-1 draw away from the first leg...

Southampton news conference

A fit-again Jay Rodriguez speaking to the media...

Anscombe a doubt

Wales say that fly-half Gareth Anscombe is "continuing to be assessed" after he suffered an ankle injury in training.

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The New Zealand-born Cardiff Blues number 10 is among the contenders to make Wales head coach Warren Gatland's final 31-man World Cup squad when it is announced next Monday.

Southampton news conference

Happy birthday to you

Remember our little birthday quiz (check out the 14:33 entry if you can't).

Well, if you worked out the man celebrating is former Manchester City man Nicky Summerbee, you were spot on.

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Other sporting figures blowing out the candles on their cake today include golfer Howard Clark, 61, veteran of  six Ryder Cups; Roger Kingdom, 53, Olympic 110m hurdles champion in 1984 and 1988; and 1992 Olympic pursuit champion Chris Boardman, 48.

Happy birthday to one and all.

Get Involved - My Sporting Fail

Frank: Charity mile and tearing all the way through a ligament in my foot within the first 10 meters :(  

Max Baggins-Craig:  Tennis, important match, put wrong trainers on (not as much grip), ended up doing splits, spent 10 days bed-bound.

OleGunnarArchie:  Played through when on a hat-trick in a school match. Deputy head called me offside. Red carded for my reaction.  

Tweet us now at #mysportingfail or post on the  BBC Sport Facebook page.

Southampton news conference

Brit pair sign new deals

British MotoGP riders Cal Crutchlow and Bradley Smith have signed new deals with the Honda and Yamaha teams respectively for the 2016 season ahead of their home grand prix at Silverstone this weekend. 

Murray to fight Colombian Torres

Martin Murray will face hard-hitting Colombian Jose Miguel Torres in his first challenge at super-middleweight.

Fresh from defeat to Gennady Golovkin, the St Helens fighter will step between the ropes at 168lb in at the the First Direct Arena in Leeds on September 5.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “Torres always comes to fight, is exciting to watch and can really punch. He has been in at elite level and neither will take a step backwards in Leeds."

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Dundee Utd back in for McKay?

The Scottish Sun are reporting that Dundee United have made a fourth bid for Wigan's out of favour striker  Billy McKay.

Heavy weather for United

Looks like it's going to be a soggy - and possibly painful - night in Bruges for Manchester United. Rain and hailstones forecast, according to the club, ahead of their big game against Club Brugge.

United lead 3-1 from the first leg.

Get Involved - My sporting fail

Andrew Harvey : Playing tennis for uni my teammates watched on as I won a grand total of five points in a best of three-set match.

Richard : First appearance in a game of 5s. Tried to pull off a new trick. Still out injured four months later.

Bradley : On my debut I was put in defence, normally midfielder. 5 minutes in, corner. I mistimed jump, knocked my own keeper out.

Shaggy dog story

Wednesday is, apparently, national dog day - "the world's first holiday to celebrate all the great things dogs do for us and to promote adoption".

Of course.

Now, as far as I'm aware, no dog has ever done much for me but Harry Kane of Tottenham and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey seem enamoured with their canine friends...

Best foot forward

Real Madrid's Bale was been involved in a fitness scare when needed a scan on a toe following Sunday's goalless Primera Liga draw at Sporting Gijon.

IAAF must act on doping - Campbell

Former sprinter and BBC commentator Darren Campbell has said doping will "always happen" in athletics unless the sport's governing body makes a decision on lifetime bans.

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He said the recent 100m final at the World Championships in Beijing had been overshadowed by Justin Gatlin's characterisation as the "evil" face of the sport, having served two bans in the past.

"Where there are these situations where people have taken performance enhancing drugs a decision needs to be made whether they're allowed back in the sport or not," Campbell said.

Wilson loaned to Crewe

Liverpool's 18-year-old winger Harry Wilson has joined Crewe Alexandra on loan until January.

Wilson became Wales' youngest international when he appeared as a substitute against Belgium in 2013, aged 16 years and 208 days.

Shakes-Drayton keeps us on track

British 400m specialist Perri Shakes-Drayton and the team have wrapped things up on BBC Two for today. She's done our job for us though by plugging tonight's highlights show. Thanks, Perri...

Meeting of minds

Amazing who you bump into at your local golf course....

Mind you, judging by KP's tweet below, doesn't sound like it was a very pleasurable round...

Yaya's five-a-side dream team

Not sure how hisManchester Cityteam-mates will feel about his, butYaya Tourehas picked a rather Barcelona-stuffed dream five-a-side team on the club's website. 

Take a look at his selections here.

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'I have to bounce back'

"There's no getting away from the fact it's been a tough few games and a tough few weeks but I have to bounce back from it and I know I'll do that," continued Lyth.

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"I've been hitting the ball well all summer but I just haven't done it out in the middle in this Ashes series.

"I know I'm good enough at this level. I can do it, it's just about doing it consistently."

Lyth bares his soul

Adam Lythhas been reflecting, at some length, on his performances during the Ashes.

While England recorded a memorable 3-2 series victory, Lyth's performance as opener weren't particularly impressive.

"This experience has made me hungrier, you don't become a bad player overnight and you don't in five games either," he wrote on Facebook.

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"It's been an incredible few weeks and now I'm an Ashes winner, nobody can take that away from me.

"It could have gone better on a personal note but that's cricket and that can happen when you're facing one of the best attacks in the world on testing pitches."

Merritt to have kidney transplant

Earlier we brought the news that US 110m hurdler Aries Merritt is due to have a kidney transplant, possibly just three days after the final at the World Championships in Beijing (09:16).

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He's been speaking about why he decided to compete rather than rest ahead of surgery, saying: "I'm here for mental sanity. I don't want to be sitting in my house cooped up in bed waiting for surgery.

"After 2013 when they told me I would never run again my whole world ended. But here I am fighting. It shows I can overcome anything with a positive mind."

Well played

George Caulkin from The Times tweets this lovely tale...

Get Involved - My Sporting Fail

Nigel Man: My debut rugby match, I ran through their entire team & failed to score. I was told I ran into the post - I don't remember…  

Ouch. Sounds painful, Nigel. Not as painful as Phil Babb's encounter with the post that time though. We'll let you find that clip online.

Keep your sporting fails coming. Tweet #mysportingfail or post on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

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Question time

A Question of Sport Teaser

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t1s9

Earlier on we asked which three British athletes, apart from Greg Rutherford, have won World Championship gold in a field event.

The answers? Fatima Whitbread, Jonathan Edwards and Phillips Idowu.

Talk the talk

Rutherford became just the fifth British athlete to hold Olympic, world, European and Commonwealth titles at the same time when he won the long jump in Beijing on Tuesday.

In case you missed it earlier...

West Ham forward Enner Valenciahas said sorry for a radio interview in which he claimed he was "not being supported" by the club over his current injuries.false

The Ecuadorian striker hurt his right knee and ankle against Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League earlier this month, and reportedly said he was considering leaving London to see a doctor outside the club.

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But in a later statement, he said: "I would like to make clear that I have the utmost respect and confidence in the Club’s medical team and the specialists I was referred to and I would like to apologise to them and the Club for any issues arising from the recent press coverage."  

Softening the blow

Celtic will, however, have £2.13m to help ease their disappointment before they enter the Europa League. 

BBC Sport

So, even if Celtic do not gain a point in the Europa League they will be guaranteed £3.87m (£2.13m + £1.74m).

Nowhere near Champions League riches, but of some consolation nonetheless.

What you could have won

Celtic fans probably don't want reminding of this but failure to get past Malmo and make the Champions League group stages has cost them dear. 

BBC Sport

By way of comparison, Celtic earned £2.7m for winning the Scottish Premiership title last season.

In other words, prize money for the winning the Scottish title over 38 matches is about the same as two wins and two draws in the Champions League group stage.

Had Celtic progressed and not collected any points in the Champions League group stage, they would still have received £9.94m in prize money (£1.42m + £8.52m).

Real midfielder joins Sociedad

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Asier Illarramendi has completed his return to Real Sociedad, signing from Real Madrid in a £19m deal.

Illarramendi left Sociedad to join Madrid in 2013.

Cardiff sign Tamas

Norwich's third Afobe bid rejected

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Norwich City have had a third bid for Wolves striker Benik Afobe rejected, reports BBC WM 95.6.

The Championship club issued a statement last week saying neither the 22-year-old "nor any of Wolves' first-team forward players, will be sold this season", and said nothing had changed. 

Afobe has scored 16 goals in 26 appearances for Kenny Jackett's side since joining from Arsenal in January. 

Norwich also recently had a bid turned down for Stoke forward Jon Walters.

Northern Ireland squad for Euro qualifiers

Lafferty in Northern Ireland squad

Norwich striker Kyle Lafferty has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for their upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers after returning to training for the Canaries this week.

West Brom midfielder Chris Brunt has also earned a call-up despite limping off against Port Vale in the League Cup on Tuesday.

Reuters

Nottingham Forest striker Jamie Ward, also suffering with a hamstring problem recently, gets the nod, as does Jonny Evans, who has failed to feature for Manchester United so far this season.

Northern Ireland play Faroe Islands on September 4, then Hungary three days later.

Norwich back in for £10m Afobe?

Tim Spiers of the Express & Star says that Norwich have lodged a third bid - this time of £10m - for Wolves' England Under-21 striker Benik Afobe... 

Former England striker Andrew Cole has had something to say on the matter, too...

Happy birthday to who?

West Ham make Antonio move

Natalie Jackson

BBC East Midlands sports editor

West Hamand Nottingham Forest have had talks over the Championship club's wingerMichail Antonio... 

Celtic were not scared - Commons

More reaction from Celtic's Champions League play-off defeat to Malmo on Tuesday night. Midfielder Kris Commons has disagreed with manager Ronny Deila's claim that his team looked "scared" during the match. 

Watch the interview here.

BBC

'Do away with extra-time'

Cardiff City manager Russell Slade has called for extra time to be banished from early-round League Cup games that are tied at the end of normal time.

Empics

The Bluebirds lost 2-1 to an extra-time goal by Josh Murphy at MK Dons in the second round on Tuesday.

Slade said such fixtures should be settled by penalty shoot-outs after the end of 90 minutes, adding: "It's wrong to be doing 120 minutes. I'm sure that there's a lot of managers that would agree with me on that."

Get Involved - my sporting fail

Dan Warren:  snapped Achilles during basketball. Why a fail? I was 38 and coaching 10 year old kids at the time.

Jon Wilson: Opposing team takes a corner. Player behind me goes to clear it. I duck out the way. Ball hits my backside. Worst own goal ever.

Dan Clark: From kick off straight to opposing keeper. Followed ball whole way, keeper dropped at my feet, can't miss. WIDE!

Tweet us now at #mysportingfail or post on the  BBC Sport Facebook page.

Exeter 'let Sunderland off the hook'

PA

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale was proud of his side's performance in their League Cup second round defeat at Sunderland but was left frustrated that his players were unable to cause a shock.

League Two Exeter came from behind three times in the first half but were eventually beaten 6-3.

"We ran out of legs, but I feel disappointed that we let them off the hook," Tisdale told BBC Radio Devon. "We leave happy with our overall contribution but a bit disappointed that it's finished 6-3."

Advocaat 'wants six signings'

Nick Barnes

BBC Newcastle's Sunderland commentator

Dick Advocaat’sgrowing frustation at a lack of movement in the transfer window was magnified bySunderland’sfirst half defensive display against Exeter City in the League Cup on Tuesday. 

The Premier League team, almost at full strength, conceded three goals to the League Two team. 

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Advocaat has been calling for at least two players in the attacking midfield and striking positions, but now says Sunderland need at least six new players, including at least one defender. 

Given that they have conceded 11 goals in only four matches, you can see his point...

Bolt, Gatlin win 200m semi-finals

Business as usual for Usain Bolt in his 200m semi-final. He pretty much jogs over the line in 19.96 seconds. Britain's Danny Talbot clocks a personal best time but only manages sixth.

Bolt's main rival Justin Gatlin is also through to Thursday's final, winning his race in 19.87. Perfectly poised...

Live TV, radio and text coverage here.

EPA

I had to make changes - Ramsey

Murray Burnell

BBC London

QPR manager Chris Ramsey says he has no regrets about making 10 changes to his side after Tuesday's Capital One Cup shock exit at the hands of Carlisle.

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Grant Hall was the only survivor from the side that beat Rotherham United in the Championship last Saturday, with five players making their full home debuts.

“I didn’t do it for any other reason than you have to use your squad," Ramsey said. "If we had drawn Manchester United or Manchester City, I would have played the same team."

Hughes wins 200m semi-final

Easy does it for Zharnel Hughes in his 200m semi-final. Or at least he made it look easy. The British runner won his race in a time of 20.14 seconds, edging out Jamaica's Nickel Ashmeade, who took the second qualifying spot.

Next up, a certain Justin Gatlin...

Live text, TV and radio coverage is here.

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Watford consider Britos appeal

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Watford may appeal the sending off of defender Miguel Britos in Tuesday's League Cup defeat at Preston. 

The Uruguayan centre back has already gained himself a reputation since joining in the summer. He was banned for the first two Premier League games for an alleged head butt for his previous team Napoli and was shown a straight red at Deepdale for violent conduct, having already been booked.

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Britos, then, will not be breaking into the Premier League team any time soon and neither for that matter will quite a few others. Quique Flores made 11 changes for the cup tie and not many, if any, will have convinced the coach they should be playing at Manchester City on Saturday.

Huge effort

There has just been an astonishing moment in Beijing.

Kenya's Julius Yego has won world javelin gold with the third longest throw of all time.

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Yego's monster third round effort of 92.72 metres was the longest since Jan Zelezny threw 92.80 in 2001. The Czech also holds the world record of 98.48m, set in 1996.

 Yego only took up the javelin when he realised he was too slow to be a sprinter and learned the technique by watching videos on Youtube.

Smash and Grabb

Heard about Grabban-gate?

BBC Norfolk asked Norwich boss Alex Neil about his striker Lewis Grabban - but the Canaries gaffer wasn't for saying why Grabban wasn’t at the game.

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The Daily Mail may have shedded some light. "Lewis Grabban went AWOL from Norwich's team hotel after Canaries manager Alex Neil told him he was a substitute for their Capital One Cup tie with Rotherham," the paper reports.

"The forward, who is desperate to return to Bournemouth before the transfer window closes, fled the hotel without telling team-mates or the manager that he was leaving."

Bournemouth have made three bids for the player.

McCarthy may ditch kids for Man Utd

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Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy has hinted that he may abandon his rotation policy in the League Cup after being given a plum draw at Manchester United. 

Town made seven changes for Tuesday's 4-1 second-round win at Doncaster. 

"I've just answered a question 'so you'll stick with the kids whatever the draw is?' and I said "yes". [After the draw] I'm not so sure now," he told BBC Radio Suffolk.

Question time

A Question of Sport Teaser

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t1s9

Time to get your thinking caps on.

Aside from Greg Rutherford, which three British athletes have won gold medals in World Championship field events?

Answers later this afternoon.

Cipriani to be axed

Chris Jones

BBC 5 live rugby reporter

I understand Danny Cipriani will be left out of England's 31-man World Cup squad.

With Owen Farrell and George Ford set to be named as the two fly-halves, along with Mike Brown and Alex Goode as the full-backs, there will be no place for Cipriani.

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The Sale back impressed off the bench in the defeat by France in Paris last weekend, but hasn't done enough to force his way into head coach Stuart Lancaster's final party.

The squad will be confirmed on Thursday at 13:45.

'I can win US Open'

Former world number one Rafa Nadal has had a bit of a shocker of a year by his standards thus far, but he is feeling confident about his chances of winning for a third US Open.

Ahead of the start of the tournament next week, Nadal said: "I have been playing well the last couple of weeks. I think I'm in better shape than a few months ago. I'm confident that I can play well."

Nadal won the US Open in 2010 and 2013 but missed last year's tournament due to illness and injury

Meanwhile, here he is doing what appears to be some kind of Irish jog alongside Maria Sharapova at a promotional event.

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Gloucestershire v Hampshire - under starter's orders

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan: "After a fourth inspection we will finally have some play here in Bristol with a reduced One-Day Cup match of 34 overs between Gloucestershire and Hampshire beginning at 13.45 BST."

We'll have commentary from BBC Radio 5 live sports extra here as and when play gets under way. 

'Farewell, not goodbye' from Balotelli

Mario Balotelli has used his official Facebook page to wish Liverpool well ahead of completing his return to AC Milan on a season-long loan deal..

Mario Balotelli

Get Involved - My Sporting Fail

Kanjo:  While playing sevens, ran with the ball for half the field only to look back at the last moment and hit the post head on.

Edd Green: One off the lead in a golf tournament, went out that night, woke up late, got lost on way to event. Missed the tee-off.  

Jason Rowe:  500-mile round trip to help my old team out as they were short of players. Gave a penalty away and sent off after 10 minutes.

Tweet us now at #mysportingfail or post on the    BBC Sport Facebook page.

Chris Coleman news conference

Chris Coleman was all smiles ahead of the latest round of Euro 2016 qualifers, and why not? 

Fresh from a family holiday, he spoke at a busier news conference than usual with the knowledge that his Group B table toppers could seal qualification for a major tournament for the first time since 1958 with these next two games. 

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"This period of my career is my biggest," Coleman said. "I know what the dangers are. 

"You can feel it around the country; the belief is there, the excitement is there, the anxiety. The pressure is massive but this is what we've always wanted."

Valdes exits United?

Sky Sports are reporting that Besiktas have agreed a deal to sign Manchester United keeper Victor Valdes.

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Does this affect David de Gea's situation? Does it mean he is more likely to stay?

Probably not, it is two separate issues - though time will tell.

Chris Coleman news conference

Dafydd Pritchard

BBC Sport Wales

Kenyans fail doping tests

The Guardian's chief sports correspondent tweets...

Seventh? See kids, drugs are for mugs...

Chris Coleman news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Wales' attacker Gareth Bale has been nursing a toe injury and has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid... 

Chris Coleman news conference

Mourinho v Madrid?

UEFA's new seeding system means Jose Mourinho faces the possibility of his Chelsea side being in the same group as his old team Real Madrid when the draw for the Champions League takes place in Monaco on Thursday.

The new system will see the pot of top seeds made up of the champions Barcelona and seven other domestic champions from the leading European leagues - including Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

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Real Madrid will be in pot two along with Arsenal, Manchester City and - pending their likely qualification - Manchester United.

As English clubs cannot be drawn in the same group, it means there is more of a chance of Chelsea being drawn against Real.

Get Involved - all gone wrong

Gary Timms : Run out without facing a ball. We were a man short so I was generously invited to bat again. Out for a golden duck.

Chris Watts : Burst through 2 tackles in a rugby match, on the try line, spun round reached out, placed the ball over the dead ball line.

Robert Webb : Off the 18th tee at my local golf club, the ball hit the 1st tree and came back and hit me in the belly.

Chris Coleman news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

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Golden boy Rutherford

Man of the moment Greg Rutherford is enjoying yet another moment in the sun as he parades his long jump gold medal in Beijing. 

Read Tom Fordyce's assessment of Rutherford's performance here.

Gatlin did school tour to make amends

Justin Gatlin's agent Renaldo Nehemiah also revealed the sprinter had done a national tour of schools in the US telling kids about the dangers of drugs and decisions he made.

"He humbled himself for months and months and it was never widely reported," said Nehemiah. 

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“Therefore no one believes he has ever made amends or apologised but if you don’t live in our country then you wouldn’t know that.”

Nehemiah added: “66 people competing in Beiljing have had doping offences, four people in the 100m race. He shouldn't be the guy who has to take the brunt of all the criticism and condemnation, albeit I understand he is the only guy who threatened the throne of Usain Bolt – which couldn’t happen in many people’s minds.” 

Gatlin 'unfairly bearing brunt of criticism'

And while we're on athletics, American sprinter Justin Gatlin is unfairly carrying the burden of all drugs cheats - at least according to his agent.

The 33-year-old, who has twice been banned for doping offences, was one of four men in the 100m final to have tested positive for banned substances during their careers.

Reuters

Renaldo Nehemiah said his charge "shouldn't take the brunt of all the criticism", adding: "He was the only one who threatened the throne of Usain Bolt and that couldn't happen in many people's minds."

Women's pole vault

Medal ceremonies over, it's time for the action proper to start at the World Athletics Championships. First up, it's the women's pole vault, featuring GB's Holly Bradshaw (nee Bleasdale).

We've got live TV, radio and text coverage here.

PA

Chris Coleman news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Kenyans fail doping test

Kenyan runners Koki Manunga and Joyce Zakary  have tested positive for doping at the World Athletics Championships, the IAAF has announced.

The 400m runners were targeted in pre-competition tests at their team hotel and have been handed provisional bans.

Premier League contenders - who needs what?

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty has been casting his eye over the mixed fortunes of the Premier League's main contenders and looks ahead to their transfer requirements as the deadline approaches on September 1.

Fine reading for Manchester City fans. Must try harder for everyone else. Take a look at it here.

AP

Hennessey reaches milestone

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Hennesseylost out to Alex McCarthy in the battle to deputise for the injured Julian Speroni atCrystal Palace.

Gloucestershire v Hampshire - no play yet

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan: "The ground staff at Nevil Road have worked tirelessly to get the pitch ready for today's One-Day Cup quarter-final game between Gloucestershire and Hampshire , but despite there being no rain, we still have no play.

"With the outfield drenched, due to rain overnight, we'll have another inspection at midday. It's looking like we might see a reduced over rate of 40 overs."

We'll have commentary from BBC Radio 5 live sports extra here as and when play gets under way.

Get Involved - My Sporting Fail

Mark Darling : Bangor Uni, last defender as our corner got cleared over my head. Clearly outpaced, panicked, in off the bar from 35 yards.

Nicholas Wright: Rugby wing for school team, ball in hand to score against enemy team. Dive for line. Tackled onto flag. Fail. Arm broken.

Oluwasola Oloruntobi : Attempted a 180 degree turn from 20 yards out and hit a shot which was narrowly wide but referee awarded a goal. Celebrated. Then he later changed his mind, chalked it off, and we lost 1-0.

Wales squad announced

Wales, who are currently three points clear at the top of Group B, travel to Nicosia to face Cyprus on 3 September before playing Israel at the Cardiff City Stadium on 6 September.

Wales squad announced

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

This group of players could send Wales through to their first major tournament since 1958 after these latest round qualifiers...    

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Tottenham's Ben Davies, James Collins of West Ham, and Wolves' David Edwards all return.  

Allen misses out for Wales

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

Allen's absence was expected as the midfielder has failed to recover from a hamstring problem.

The Liverpool player was suspended for the game in Cyprus, but it was hoped it might recover in time for the sellout home game in Cardiff against Israel.

John Stones latest

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Everton have yet to make any official response on whether they have received - let alone rejected - the transfer request from defender John Stones as he tries to push through a move to Chelsea. Take it as read, though, that the request has been made.

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Manager Roberto Martinez has been particularly vociferous in his insistence that Stones will stay - even if he requests a transfer - so it would be very interesting to see his stance should he eventually leave.

Everton - who are believed to be keeping quiet until after Wednesday's League Cup tie with Barnsley - will surely reject the request because to do otherwise accepts Stones will leave and hand control of the situation to Chelsea as they weigh up whether to make a fourth bid.

Ready and waiting

Rob Phillips

BBC Wales Football Correspondent

Allen & Matthews doubts

Dafydd Pritchard

BBC Sport Wales

Coleman to confirm squad

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

In Cardiff for Chris Coleman's latestWalessquad announcement for their next two Euro 2016 qualifiers against Cyprus and Israel.

It could be the games that clinch their place in France next year and seal their first appearance at a major tournament since 1958.

BBC Sport

Gareth Bale is available for the Group B Table Toppers despite suffering with a toe problem.

The squad is due to be announced at 11.30 BST.

Get Involved - My Sporting Fail

Gappistan Radi o: As school captain, defending 39 off 4 overs, used a bowler who hadn't bowled that day. 26 conceded, lost game

Michael West:  Head butted a goal post about 10 minutes into my debut for a new club. Was already 7-1 up and in A&E an hour later

TheFilmChap: Through on goal only goalkeeper to beat, slipped and fell in the mud. Game had to be stopped as opposition and my team were laughing.

Birthdays

Many happy returns to former cyclist Chris Boardman. He turns 47 today.

PA

Dodoo interests Bury after hat-trick

It's one way to make an impression - score a hat-trick on your senior debut. That's what Leicester's Joe Dodoo did against Bury last night.

And, after knocking his League One side out of the League Cup, Bury boss David Flitcroft says, not surprisingly, that he may look to sign the 20-year-old on loan.

PA

"He's left a massive impression on us and I'll certainly be trying to chat to (Leicester manager) Claudio Ranieri," Flitcroft told BBC Radio Manchester. "Forget his ability, I love his character.

"I love the way he did his work, went about his work, celebrated his goal. He feels the emotion of football and he looks a real threat."

But whether the Foxes will be prepared to let him go after last night's exploits remains to be seen..

Get Involved - My Sporting Fail

fqiren:  Misjudged a long-range shot from the midway line, punching it into my own net instead of over the bar. Never played again.  

Nicholas Wright:  Rugby wing for school team, ball in hand to score against enemy team. Dive for line. Tackled onto flag. Fail. Arm broken. 

Tweet us now at #mysportingfail or post on the   BBC Sport Facebook page.

Returning home

Real Madrid midfielderAsier Illarramendi has told reporters he is "pleased" to be returning to boyhood club Real Sociedad after a disappointing stint at the Bernabeu.

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The deal is expected to be confirmed shortly with Spanish media reported Sociedad have agreed to pay around £12.4m for Illarramendi having sold him to Real for close to £29.3m two years ago.   

World Athletics Championships

Remote controls at the ready. BBC Two are going to Beijing via Salford for the World Athletics Championships at 11:00 BST. We can just about see Gabby Logan in the block opposite if we squint.

Highlights today include Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin in the men's 200m semi-finals, Eilidh Child in the women's 400m hurdles final and Dina Asher-Smith, who goes in the women's 200m heats.

You can find live text, TV and radio coverage here.

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Get Involved - all gone wrong

Look away now if you're the squeamish type...

Can I have my shirt back

As we're talking about sporting failures, Ipswich Town's Larsen Toure had such a moment during his team's League Cup win over Doncaster Rovers.

The French winger threw his shirt into the away end after he match finished 1-1 in normal time, not realising there was another 30 minutes of extra-time to go.

"He needs help", joked manager Mick McCarthy. "We'll have to get him some treatment or something. I think some of the fans were telling him actually. As much as they wanted his shirt, I think they realised he needed it for another 30 minutes."

Gloucestershire v Hampshire - rain delay

The One-Day Cup match between Gloucestershire and Hampshire has been delayed for rain but that's not stopping the Test Match Special team.

Find today's commentary here.

Silent protest

Fans of German second division club Union Berlin are planning a 15-minute silence at the start of their home game against RB Leipzig on Friday to protest against the big-spending club backed by energy drink maker Red Bull.

They have moved up from the fifth tier in 2009 to the second tier last year, winning promotion three times in five seasons, and are signing some of the country's top players. 

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"Leipzig has spent vast amounts of money on new players, almost all of whom had offers from the top division," Union fan group 'Scene Koepenick' said in an open letter.

"We will fight for the preservation of football culture and that is why we call on a 15-minute silence."

Get Involved - all gone wrong

C-Moon 0073:  U-12 breaststroke final, 1968. 3m clear, went for the wall, missed, didn't even get 3rd - I'm short sighted!

Ian Bett:  Playing rugby at uni, ran back to gather ball in our 22, attempted overhead kick to touch - straight into face. 5m lineout.

Tweet us now at #mysportingfail or post on the  BBC Sport Facebook page.

Finding his range

Scottish golfer Carly Booth - a Liverpool fan - met an Anfield midfielder earlier on Wednesday... 

"James Milner working on his golf game this morning," she writes on Instagram. "Gave him a little pep talk about Saturday's game. No pressure now..."

Carly Booth

Everton bid for defender

Daily Mail: Everton have bid £5m for Tottenham's Argentina defender Federico Fazio after Stones asked to leave Goodison Park.

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The 28-year-old had been in talks with West Brom, the paper says, but talks broke down at the weekend.

Gloucestershire v Hampshire - rain delay

BBC Sport's Nabil Hassan: "Wednesday's One-Day Cup quarter-final between Gloucestershire and Hampshire, which was due to begin at 10.30 BST, has been delayed because of rain. 

"There will be a further inspection at 11:00 BST with a start time hoped for around midday. The forecast in Bristol is good though and we should get a full day's play."

We'll have commentary from BBC Radio 5 live sports extra here as and when play gets under way.

Get Involved - all gone wrong

Chris Steele: I once made the best run to score a try in Rugby, I must have dodged half a dozen tackles, I was Martin Offiah, I was Johnny Wilkinson... only to drop the ball before putting it down over the try line *facepalm*.

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Mark Jackson: I hit a screamer from about 12 yards out straight at the keeper who, rather than diving, hit the ball straight back down the line of flight into my face (now 4 or 5 yards from his right foot) . . . . Cue broken glasses.

Alan Cowlishaw: I attempted to score a goal with an overhead kick. I had been successful before but there was one time where the ball rebounded off my own head out of the penalty area. hahaha Everyone fell about laughing.

Notts bowling display pleases Patel

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Samit Patel says he is proud of his side's bowlers after Nottinghamshire secured a One-Day Cup semi-final spot, beating Durham by 49 runs in a rain-affected last-eight tie at Trent Bridge.

"It was a credit to our bowlers. I am thrilled to bits to get to the semi-final," the Notts all-rounder, who took 4-11, told BBC Radio Nottingham. "Winning games for Notts - that's what I pride myself on."

Notts will play either Kent or Surrey in the last four.

Van Dijk 'may leave Celtic'

Virgil van Dijk admits he is pondering his Celtic future after the Champions League play-off loss to Malmo.

The Dutch defender described Celtic as "an amazing club" following the 4-3 aggregate defeat to the Swedes, but admitted: "If the right opportunity comes and it's the right opportunity for me then I'll consider it, yes."

Southampton have talked to Celtic about the 24-year-old, who moved to the Glasgow club for £2.6m from Groningen in June 2013 on a four-year deal.

Reuters

Inter 'want £20m Lamela'

Tottenham are in talks with Inter Milan over a move back to Italy for midfielder Erik Lamela,the Independent reports.

Spurs are thought to want £20m for the former Roma playmaker but the paper claims the two clubs are still "some way apart in negotiations".

Empics

PSD in the house

British 400m specialist Perri-Shakes Drayton is in the building somewhere...

Get Involved - all gone wrong

James Thacker: U12 football, managed to dribble round the whole team, round the keeper and just tapped it. Celebrated, but was cleared away.

We feel your pain, James...

Tweet us now at #mysportingfail or post on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Reuters

Women's 10,000m runner Molly Huddle also celebrated a touch early in Beijing this week - she was beaten to bronze on the line by US team-mate Emily Infeld

Behave yourself

Balotelli's first spell at Milan was relatively successful and uneventful, although there was the odd misdemeanor.

He lost his temper in front of the cameras after his performance was criticised by Italian television pundits, telling his interviewers that they did not understand football and throwing his microphone down.

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He was also booked for making a vulgar gesture at Cagliari supporters, served two three-match bans and was caught smoking in the toilet of a train by a ticket collector.

However, these incidents paled in comparison to some of his antics at Manchester City, where, most famously, and as you do, he set fire to his house after letting off fireworks in his bathroom.

Behave yourself

AC Milan have revealed they have inserted a good behaviour clause into the contract of Mario Balotelli, which includes banning extravagant haircuts and clothing and committing him to a healthy lifestyle. 

Why, it's as if they don't trust him...

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According to Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport, Balotelli - who has joined on a season-long loan from Liverpool - must not damage the image of the club and his Twitter, Facebook and Instagram posts will be closely monitored.

He will be banned from extravagant haircuts and clothing, from smoking and from visiting night clubs and must turn up on time from training.

Everton silent on Stones

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Stones has handed in a transfer request following Chelsea's repeated attempts to buy him.

The Premier League champions have had bids of £20m and £26m rejected for the 21-year-old England international, with a further £30m attempt also reported.

Fellaini the forward

Some interesting quotes from Man United boss Louis van Gaal in today's papers.

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Van Gaal told the Daily Star he is building a side capable of winning the Champions League, while the Daily Telegraph says the United gaffer has told them Marouane Fellaini -, usually a central midfielder - will operate as a forward for this season.

Get Involved - all gone wrong

Your turn to get involved now please (basically because we're already flagging a bit).

Remember this memorable picture from the World Athletics Championships...

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Poor old Rolanda Bell of Panama went for a dip in the Women's 3000 metres steeplechase. Then there have been Mo Farah's stumbles and Katarina Johnson-Thompson's nightmare in the long jump ... which lead's to Wednesday's talking point:

We want to know when things have gone wrong in your own sporting 'career', the mishaps, the dramas or the plain bizarre.

Tweet us now at #mysportingfail or post on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Merritt to have kidney transplant

"I'd rather be out enjoying life because who knows, this could be my last championship if the surgery doesn't go well." 

Those are the remarkably frank words of US hurdler Aries Merritt, who is due to have a kidney transplant the same week that he competes in Beijing and go for 110m hurdles gold.

EPA

Merritt, 30, learned in 2013 that he has a rare genetic disorder and will have surgery back in the US on September 1 - three days after the final. His sister LaToya is his donor.

He said: "The more I train the worse my kidneys get, that's why I am getting a transplant."

Stone(s) me

The Guardian is reporting that Chelsea will make a fourth and final offer worth £40m for Everton defender John Stones after the 21-year-old England international handed in a transfer request.

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Chelsea's first game following the international break is a trip to Goodison Park on 12 September. Could be tasty.

Blood and thunder

Aston Villa's League Cup third round tie against Midlands rivals Birmingham might be worth watching.

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Villa boss Tim Sherwood has promised fans that his team "won't leave anything on the pitch" (presumably in terms of effort, not nicking the cornerflags and the goalposts).

"We will give them the fans a performance," added Sherwood.

Expect a lively game.

Barca 'rubbish Neymar talk'

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has dismissed talk that 23-year-old Brazil forward Neymar, a reported Manchester United target, could be sold. - Catalunya Radio (in Catalan)   

Reuters

Zenit St Petersburg will resist any attempt by Chelsea to sign Argentina defender Ezequiel Garay if they pursue the 28-year-old as an alternative to John Stones - Telegraph

Everton have bid £5m for Tottenham's Argentina defender Federico Fazio, 28, after Stones asked to leave Goodison Park - Daily Mail

Draw in full

As well as Arsenal-Tottenham, there are three all-Premier League ties... Sunderland host Manchester City, Norwich host West Brom and Leicester host West Ham.

Here's the draw in full.

BBC Sport

Tottenham take on Arsenal

Talk about a mouth-watering draw. Tottenhamwill host north London rivalsArsenalin the League Cup third round - one for the fans to look forward to.

HoldersChelseabegin their defence of the trophy with a trip to League One Walsall, whileAston Villawill host local rivals Birmingham City.

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Elsewhere,Manchester UnitedandLiverpoolwere given home ties against Ipswich Town and Carlisle respectively.

On this day

In 2009, Holland winger Arjen Robben joined Bayern Munich from Real Madrid.

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It's fair to say he's not done too badly since the switch.

Headline round-up

A few snippets you may have missed from overnight...

Aljaz Bedene, Britain's number two, overcame two match points to beat top seed Gilles Simon at Winston-Salem and progress to the last 16.

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Nottinghamshire reached the One-Day Cup semi-finals with a rain-reduced 49-run quarter-final victory over Durham.

And it was a clean sweep for GB athletes at the World Championships in Beijing overnight. Jenny Meadows, Lynsey Sharp and Shelayna Oskan-Clarke are into the 800m semi-finals, Lawrence Clarke qualified for Thursday's 110m hurdles semi-finals and Sophie Hitchon progresses in the hammer throw.

Deadly Defoe

League Cup round-up

Plenty of League Cup second-round action last night. Aston Villa needed extra time and a Scott Sinclair hat-trick to see off League Two Notts County,Leicester made it four matches unbeaten for Claudio Ranieri with a 1-4 win over Bury and Newcastle thumped Northampton 4-1 to progress.

There were also wins for Bournemouth,Crystal Palace,Stoke,West Brom and Sunderland, for whom Jermain Defoe hit a hat-trick.

PA

Watford were the only Premier League casualties, losing 1-0 to Preston at Deepdale.

Find the rest of last night's results here.

Live on Wednesday

BBC Sport

Live on Wednesday

So to today's action and it's a game of two halves.

Cricket, athletics and hockey to see you through until 19:00 BST, when football takes over as Manchester United take on Club Brugge in the Champions League.

BBC Sport

Still in Europe

Celtic will now compete in the Europa League and find out their opponents in Friday's group stage draw.

Among the teams in Europe's second-tier competition are Liverpool and Tottenham.

The club, though, won't get anywhere near the same financial rewards, as this illustrates.

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'We looked very stressed'

Celtic were "scared and frightened" in their Champions League exit to Malmo, said boss Ronny Deila.

The Scottish champions went out 4-3 on aggregate after a 2-0 defeat in Sweden.

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Deila said: "The hype about the Champions League is big, everybody wants it so badly. You have to deal with it but we looked very stressed.

"We didn't look like we wanted to go out and play football. We have a lot of young players coming through but this was a hard lesson for us."

Staying on course

Want to see the moment Farah almost fell?

BBC Sport

Then by jove you can, by clicking here.

Awkward moment

Britain's Mo Farah had a scare when he was almost pushed over on the final bend of his 5,000m heat, but showing the balance of a ballet dancer he recovered to qualify for Saturday's World Championships final in Beijing.

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Farah, who claimed his sixth successive global title when he won 10,000m gold at the weekend, was touched on the back by Canada's Mohammed Ahmed but just about managed to stay on his feet.  

Wednesday's back pages

The Times

Wednesday's back pages

Daily Mail

Wednesday's back pages

Daily Telegraph

Wednesday's back pages

The i

Wednesday's back pages

The Guardian

Wednesday's back pages

Daily Express

Going, going, gone

This fella stumbled.

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These fellas fell, and fell heavy.

Reuters

Farah is through in Beijing but Celtic crashed out of the Champions League, a huge blow for the club and its fans.

We'll reflect on that, as well as all the League Cup action, plus bring you the day's breaking news.

It's Sportsday, here are the papers.