Image source, PA

Is Paolo Di Canio set for a return to English football? He might well be...

Press Association Sport are reporting that the former Swindon and Sunderland manager has contacted Championship side Rotherham about their vacant managerial position.

Perhaps Paolo just wants to work with the club's honorary presidents: The Chuckle Brothers?

If today is your birthday you share it with among others former AC Milan and Netherlands midfielder Frank Rijkaard who is 55 today and five-time major winner Martina Hingis who turns 35.

It's also happy 29th birthday to Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud and New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill, while former Northern Ireland and Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll is 38 today.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

We assume you mean Jean van de Velde, who famously - leading the Open in 1999 at Carnoustie by a mile - needed only a double bogey at the 18th to seal victory ... but had an utter nightmare.

He shot a seven, including removing his shoes and socks at one point and thinking about playing a shot out of the water. It meant he finished tied with Justin Leonard and Paul Lawrie - the latter winning a play-off.

The BBC's TV coverage of The Open will change from live to highlights one year earlier than planned.

From 2016, the BBC will show extended TV highlights, provide live radio coverage and continue to cover the tournament online over the four days.

Peter Allis will remain part of the BBC team covering The Open.

Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said it was "critical the BBC targeted its resources to provide maximum value for money for licence fee payers".

The oldest of golf's major championships will be broadcast live on Sky from 2016.

Image source, Getty Images

Metro, external: Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon - still going stronger than ever at the age of 37 - has revealed his desire to play in the Premier League before calling time on his illustrious career.

Some of the best from the BBC Sport Facebook page, external...

Lazza Curtis, external I remember a runner thinking they had won a long race in a big stadium - miscounted laps and crossing the line with hands in the air ... and suddenly realising the bell had gone to show there was another lap as he watched the other athletes running off into the distance.

Ken Gorry, external 10-years-old, goalkeeper, playing in a cup final, a long ball was played over the top. Ran out misjudged the bounce went straight over my head and bounced into the empty net.

Image source, Getty Images

The Guardian:, externalSam Burgess is set to be dropped from England’s starting line-up for Saturday’s crucial World Cup game against Australia, with Jonathan Joseph returning to the midfield.

However, Joseph, who missed the Wales game because of injury, still has to prove his fitness before getting the nod.

From The Sun's cricket correspondent...

Image source, Getty Images

Sale Sharks have signed winger Nev Edwards on a one-year deal following a trial.

The 27-year-old has previously played for Bedford Blues, Rosslyn Park and London Irish.

"He's dynamic, he's got things with ball in hand that other players haven't got - he's got a lot to do, but he's impressed," director of rugby Steve Diamond told BBC Sport.

Image source, Getty Images

Police say four people have been arrested after an altercation at Southwell racecourse in which jump jockey Aidan Coleman was allegedly punched.

Coleman, 27, is said to have suffered minor injuries after members of the public broke into the changing room.

Coleman told the Racing Post: , external "Two of them burst into the changing room and when they were asked to leave it all kicked off.

"I think they had drunk that much they didn't know what they were doing."

Image source, Getty Images

The Guardian, external says Chelsea are set to sign former AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia on a short-term basis as cover for injured first-choice Thibaut Courtois.

Meanwhile, according to the Daily Mirror,, external Blues skipper John Terry, 34, has had several offers from Chinese clubs, while Turkish side Fenerbahce have stepped up their interest in the former England captain.

Image source, Getty Images

Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from next week's China Open in Beijing.

The Russian world number three has been struggling with injuries since July, after she lost the Wimbledon semi-final to Serena Williams.

She retired less than three sets into her match against Barbora Strycova at this week's Wuhan Open, citing an arm problem.

"I am very disappointed to have to pull out of the China Open this year and not have the chance to defend my title," Sharapova said.

Image source, Getty Images

The Daily Mail, external is reporting that Manchester United are prepared to terminate the contract of out-of-favour goalkeeper Victor Valdes but only if the Spain international leaves the Premier League.

And while we're talking cricket...

Sussex have announced that Chris Liddle, Ashar Zaidi and Steffan Piolet have all left the club, following the end of the 2015 season.

"I’d like to thank all three for their contribution to Sussex Cricket and wish them all the best for the future," said manager Mark Robinson.

Image source, Getty Images

Some cricket business to attend to and Chris Rushworth has been named the Professional Cricketers' Association's player of the year, with Tom Curran winning the young player award.

Paceman Rushworth took 100 wickets across all three formats for Durham, including 83 Championship wickets.

Surrey seamer Curran, 20, claimed 105 wickets in all formats and helped Surrey secure the Division Two title.

Gloucestershire's Michael Klinger was named One-Day Cup and T20 Blast player of the year.

Dan Roan
BBC Sports editor

Image source, Getty Images

"When the Football Association board meets at Wembley on Wednesday, one topic will be of particular interest.

"The latest twist in the unravelling of the basket-case that is Fifa.

"Because, with less than four weeks until nominations close for February's election of a new president of football's world governing body, the FA knows that mounting uncertainty surrounds the candidacy of the man - Michel Platini - it is backing to lead football into a new era."

Read Dan's excellent piece on the latest goings-on at Fifa here.