Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. LIVE: Euro 2016 news conference
2. VOTE: Will Chelsea finish in the top four?
3. Eight Premier League news conferences
4. Yaya Toure announced African Footballer of the Year

Thank you and goodnight

That is all for Sportsday for this evening. We will return on Monday at 08:00 GMT. But between now and then there is a feast of sport to enjoy, including this weekend's Premier League action, covered via radio on 5 live and live text commentary on this very site.

Enjoy.

European Rugby Champions Cup

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

The European Rugby Champions Cup is back this weekend and there are five commentaries on 5 live Sports Extra:

Friday:

Commentary of Ulster v Toulouse from 19:40 GMT.

Saturday:

Correspondent Ian Robertson will be at Glasgow against Scarlets at 13:00 GMT. The Welsh side are top of the Pro12 having won 8 of their 9 matches this season.

From 15:10 World Cup winning fly half Dan Carter makes his debut for Racing Metro as they take on Northampton. And from 17:10 it is Exeter v Clermont Auvergne.

Ospreys are in the same pool as Exeter (Pool Two). They play Bordeaux-Begles at 17:15.

Sunday:

At 17:00, Wasps v Bath. Chris Jones will commentate for Sports Extra. Sara Orchard will be available for updates on 5 live.

Also on Sunday, English champions Saracens are away at French side Oyonnax. That kicks off at 13:00.

Will Chelsea make the top four?

Earlier we asked you if Chelsea would qualify for the top four. Well, the results to the vote are in and it is a resounding no, to the tune of 79%.

BBC Sport

McCarthy content with Ipswich squad

Getty Images

Championship manager of the month Mick McCarthy says he is happy with his squad and will not look to add to it in the January transfer window.

They are ninth in the table after taking 10 points out of a possible 12 in November.

"If I can get Ryan Fraser, Teddy Bishop and everybody fit, then let's give the lads who have been brilliant for Ipswich a chance without me bleating on about needing something else," McCarthy told BBC Radio Suffolk.

Clough to miss Gillingham v Burton

Rex Features

New Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough will not be in charge for Saturday's away match against Gillingham because of long-standing media commitments.

Coaches Gary Crosby and Andy Garner will take over for the game in Kent.

Chairman Ben Robinson said: "I was aware of Nigel's commitments when he was appointed."

'Bayern are favourites against anyone'

Getty Images

This may raise a few eyebrows in Barcelona. Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm believes his side will be favourites no matter which opposition they face in the last 16 of the Champions League.

"We will be favourites against each opponent. Then we want to advance to the next round," Lahm told TZ.  

Bayern qualified above Arsenal in their pool by winning five out of their six games, with only the Gunners beating them.

Januzaj unsure of United future

It wasn't that long ago that Adnan Januzaj was being hailed as the saviour of Manchester United. Now he is struggling to even get a game on loan at Borussia Dortmund and his Old Trafford future is in doubt.

"I have qualities that I demonstrated in Manchester. But it is difficult at the moment," he has told FourFourTwo magazine.

"I wasn't surprised to get loaned after scoring against Aston Villa. I wanted to go somewhere I can play more often. I am happy in Dortmund, but I need more matches.

"I don't know if I will play for Manchester United next season."

Reuters

Get Involved

You still have about 20 minutes to register your vote for whether Chelsea will finish in the top four of the Premier League...

Draw doesn't worry Hodgson

Reuters

There is a very real chance (50% to be exact) that England could be put in a group with another of the Home Nations at tomorrow's Euro 2016 draw. Not that this worries boss Roy Hodgson...

"I will take what comes," the England manager said. "I respect all the teams. I respect Wales and the Ireland teams. There is a good chance we will get one of those because three of them are in the same pot together. 

"It is not something that pleases or displeases me. It is just a fact of life and whatever teams we get we will do our best to beat them." 

Euro 2016 news conference

Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino: "Not a lot has been said about football this year and I hope next year we can be talking more about football. This is what the game and Uefa needs."

A fitting way to end the Euro 2016 news conference.

Euro 2016 news conference

One other piece of news, presented by Gianni Infantino at the start of this news conference is an increase in prize money for Euro 2016. The 24 national teams will share a total of €301m compared to the €196m distributed at UEFA Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine and the €184m in Austria and Switzerland.

All 24 teams will receive a participating fee of €8m with the most a team can earn in the tournament €27m.

Euro 2016 news conference

Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino on goal-line technology: "This is on the table for some time. We have decided that a decision on the use of technology will be taken at the next executive committee meeting. But there is a positive attitude towards it. It will be for the Euros and the club competitions, the Champions League and Europa League. That provides logistical and operational challenges."

Euro 2016 news conference

Euro 2016 president Jacques Lambert, discussing security at the tournament in light of the recent attacks in Paris: "The security of 2016 is a co-production between the French government, who are in charge of public order, and the organisers, who have the responsibilities of what goes on inside the grounds. 

"Since the 13th November, and the events at the Stade de France, we've taken security on to another level... We've had a lot of contact with the minister of the interior, prefecture of Parisian police. Our main priority is security."

Euro 2016 news conference

Jacques Lambert from the France 2016 organising committee is asked whether he is disappointed Michel Platini isn't present today, after he lost his appeal against his suspension earlier. 

"Yes", replies Monsieur Lambert. "He's been part of the organisation committee since the start. He may have lost this battle, but he hasn't lost the war."

Euro 2016 news conference

The first questions are inevitably about Uefa president Michel Platini having failed in his bid to have his 90-day provisional ban from football lifted.

Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino: "Uefa is functioning. The executive committee hopes that the process will be swift. It is right that there is a due process. Beyond that we should not participate in speculation."

Euro 2016 news conference

Getting underway in Paris now is a Uefa news conference, discussing all matters Euro 2016. We'll bring you all the key points here on Sportsday Live... 

Haryanto close to Manor deal

He is a way to spend £10m of state money.

The Indonesia government has seemingly guaranteed 15m euros of funding to the Manor F1 team to ensure countryman Rio Haryanto gets a 2016 seat.

The letter was tweeted by Indonesian news agency Juara.

Denton ready for first Bath start

New Bath forward David Denton says he is mentally and physically ready to make his first start for the club.

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The 25-year-old Scotland international joined from Edinburgh in November and, after two appearances from the bench, he will start against Wasps in the European Champions Cup on Sunday.

"It's been a whirlwind of a month for me. It all happened so quickly," Denton told BBC Radio Bristol.

"I appreciate the time the coaches have given me to get ready. I feel like I'm ready to give it a good shot."

LATEST GOSSIP

Getty

This one is coming out of leftfield.

Arsenal have agreed terms with Dynamo Moscow striker Aleksandr Kokorin ahead of a £4.3m January move according to Russian outlet Izvestia.

The 24-year-old would have been available on a free transfer in the summer apparently as his contract expires in the Russian capital, but Arsene Wenger has decided to stump up some cash to bring in his man early.

Kokorin has scored four goals in eight games in the Russian Premier League this season.

Reaction to Toure's win

BBC World Have Your Say are taking reaction to Yaya Toure topping the poll to become BBC African Footballer of the Year.

Get in contact via their Facebook page.

Get Involved

Armitstead raring for Rio

getty

Britain's Lizzie Armitstead - who won silver at London 2012 - believes that she is ready to go one better after being crowned world champion in Richmond, Virginia earlier this year.

"This year has been the best of my career and it has been one in which all the experience and hard work has paid off and the made the difference after my previous near-misses," she said. 

"People have been asking me how I would cope with the extra pressure of being a world champion but I see it as a really positive thing - I will go to Rio knowing I have performed on a big stage already, under massive pressure, and become the best in the world."

Cobblers saved

It is news we were expecting but now it is official, Northampton Town's future has been secured after an agreement was signed to stop a hearing that could have seen the club go into administration.

Toure wins BBC AFOTY

In good company

Federer & Hingis to play at Rio 2016

Roger Federer has confirmed that he will team up with Martina Hingis to form a Swiss super team at the Rio 2016 mixed doubles.

“I’m very excited about that because I haven’t played with her I guess in 15 years," he told Sport 360.

“I looked up to her when I was younger, I thought she was the most unbelievable talent. 

"She’s almost my age and she was winning grand slams while I was still at the national tennis centre, trying to make it on the tour and I couldn’t believe how good she was. I’m very excited about that.”

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BreakingBBC African Footballer of the Year

Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is named BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2015.

Getty

'I'll fight Joshua very soon' - Haye

Former world heavyweight champion David Hayehas vowed that he will meet the division's rising star Anthony Joshua in the ring "very shortly".

Joshua takes on Dillian Whyte - who inflicted an amateur defeat on him earlier in their careers - on Saturday. Haye meanwhile will make his return after three and a half years out of the sport against Italy's Mark di Mori on 16 January.

“Hopefully I get through my fight and he gets through his fights, then without a doubt our paths are going to pass very shortly – a world title, eliminator for a world title,”Haye said.

“If he keeps doing what he’s doing, there’s no doubt we’ll fight at some stage.”

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BBC African Footballer of the Year

We are very close to finding out the winner of the 2015 BBC African Footballer of the Year.

If you have access to BBC World News, World Service, you can get across our live announcement right now.

Algeria's Yacine Brahimi, the 2014 winner, is on the shortlist along with Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ghanaian Andre Ayew,Senegal's Sadio Mane and Yaya Toure of Ivory Coast.

Will Chelsea finish in the top four?

Claudio Ranieri says they can still do it, Jose Mourinho says he 'dreams' of it, but will Chelsea finish in the top four of the Premier League this season? 

Have your say by taking part in the vote above. 

Our full terms and conditions can be found here. 

Reuters

Jaguar to join Formula E

Getty Images

Jaguar Land Rover are set to enter the Formula E electric racing series in the 2016-17 season according to Reuters.

"We have some really important news coming up that will reinforce the momentum of the championship," Formula E chief executive Alejandro Agag told the news agency.

"While the Spaniard gave no names, an informed source told Reuters separately that Jaguar, owned by India's Tata Motors, were planning to enter in the 2016-17 season," their report continued.

Williams aiming for Aintree double

Cornelius Lysaght

BBC Sport horse racing correspondent

Trainer Venetia Williams is set to aim wide-margin Cheltenham winner Aachen (1-45) at winning her Herefordshire-based stable a second Aintree Grand National in April. 

Williams is one of only three female trainers (Jenny Pitman and Sue Smith are the others) to have landed the famous prize having won it with 100-1 shot Mon Mome in 2009. 

You can see all of today's racing results here. 

LATEST GOSSIP

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Norwich and Northern Ireland winger Kyle Lafferty could be set for a return to Serie A side Palermo.

The 28-year-old had been linked with Leeds but the Yorkshire Evening Post report that Palermo, where Lafferty spent a successful 2013-14 campaign, want to bring him back to Italy.

I don't know about United return - Januzaj

Getty Images

Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj says that he does not know if he will return to Old Trafford from his loan spell with German side Borussia Dortmund.

“I don’t know," the 20-year-old Belgian replied when asked about his future beyond the end of the season.

“I wanted to join somewhere I could play and there were a few things behind that were a problem but I’m happy here. I just need more games to play and then I’ll be fine.”

Januzaj started his first game since October in Dortmund's Europa League defeat to PAOK and was rated a humiliating 1/10 by German newspapers WAZ and Ruhr Nachrichten.

Forest's Freedman harbours play-off hopes

Nottingham Forestmanager Dougie Freedman says the club are on course to come out of their transfer embargo, and believes their results over the next month will determine if they aregood enough to challenge for promotion.

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Forest made a slow start to the season and are 15th in the Championship, but three successive home wins have lifted them to within six points of the top six.

Freedman told BBC Nottingham: "Now you are seeing the club stabilising off the field and a consistency on the field, we are only going to get stronger. Right now we are in a good place." 

Follow live text commentary of Friday's two Championship matches, including Forest's game at Wolves, on the BBC Sport website from 19:30 GMT.

Homelessness big issue for Batth

Richard Harris, Express & Star

Wolves skipper Danny Batth is to help highlight the problem of homelessness by selling copies of the Big Issue outside the club shop for two hours on Saturday afternoon.

The 25-year-old has time available because their Championship game against Nottingham Forest takes place this evening.

"People wrongly stereotype Big Issue sellers. They think they must have a drug problem or something. The majority are either homeless or struggling in life," he said.

Ellis retires

Andy Ellis, one of England's leading doubles players in the last decade, has announced his retirement from the sport with immediate effect.

Ellis, the 28-year-old from Leeds, left the national training centre in MiltonKeynes to seek fresh opportunities outside of badminton following changes to partners within the world-class performance programme.

"It's the toughest decision I've ever had to make," said Ellis.

GB skaters named

Following last week’s British Figure Skating Championships, the national governing body, National Ice Skating Association, has selected the skaters who will represent Great Britain at the European Figure Skating Championships. They are:

Ladies -Danielle Harrison

(1st reserve - Karly Robertson, 2nd reserve - Nina Povey)

Men -Phillip Harris

(1st reserve - Peter James Hallam, 2nd reserve - Jamie Wright)

Pairs -Amani Fancy/Christopher Boyadji

Ice Dance -Penny Coomes/Nicholas Buckland

(1st reserve - Carter Marie Jones/Richard Sharpe)    

National Ice Skating Association

Chelsea news conference

John Southall

BBC Radio Five Live football reporter

Reuters

"We [press and Jose Mourinho] had a lively exchange over how Leicester's remarkable rise has mirrored Chelsea's decline. After fifteen games last season Chelsea were twenty six points ahead of them. My point being how can such a shift happen. The personnel is pretty much the same so how can Leicester go from the bottom of the Premier League to the top while Chelsea have dropped like a stone, so much so that they could fall into the bottom three this weekend, how is that possible ? You can hear Jose's response on 5 Live tonight from seven with George Riley.

"So after four press conferences in the space of eight days Jose will have to survive without us until Monday when the take on Leicester at the King Power Stadium. Anyone brave enough to predict which Chelsea will turn up?"

Chelsea news conference

John Southall

BBC Radio Five Live football reporter

Getty Images

"It was the engaging Jose at Cobham this lunchtime as he spoke to the media for near on an hour. He was fulsome in his praise for Leicester and an old adversary Claudio Ranieri, stressing that if Leicester managed to win the league it would be 'magnificent'. He also admitted he's been forced to change his original view that Leicester couldn't win the title.

"Other highlights included a belief that Chelsea will still finish in the top four despite the current gap of 14 points and he also revealed that he feels embarrassed by the warmth and positive reaction he gets from the Chelsea fans despite the current plight."

400 up for O'Shea

We can rebuild him. We have the technology

Reuters

Jack Rodwell. Remember him? He was once tipped for greatness after leaving Everton to join Manchester City for a lot of money. Like a few other notable English players, things didn't quite work out for him at City and he is now looking to rebuild a career at Sunderland. And Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce thinks the 24-year-old has a fight on his hands...

"Everyone is saying 'what's happened to Jack Rodwell?' and it's clear the number of niggling injuries he's had and the two years at Manchester City have caused him to lose his focus and his confidence. 

"I think we've got to rebuild that and the only way to rebuild it is to make sure we keep Jack fit and training every day and that when selected he hopefully finds that confidence again. 

"Jack burst onto the scene with Everton at 17 years old but since he went to Manchester City he has not played as often as he would have liked and that was a big move that didn't pay off." 

Clotet thanks Swansea

Rex Features

Assistant manager Pep Clotet left Swansea along with Garry Monk this week. He has taken to Twitter to thank the club for his time there. He says:

"Working at @SwansOfficial, first as Academy consultant & then as Assistant Manager, has been a great journey that sadly comes to an end.

"I feel proud of our achievements and I'm confident we've left the foundations for the team to be where it deserves.  

"I'd like to thank the board, and particularly Huw Jenkins, for giving me the opportunity to join and for his trust on me to help the Academy & the First Team. Also thanks to the players and the staff, for their work and dedication.

"I must not forget the amazing ‘Jack Army’. Their unconditional support has made me feel part of the Swans family. Wish you all the best!"

Bristol Academy rebrand approved

The Women's Super League has approved Bristol Academy's application to change their name.

The club, relegated from WSL1 last season, will now be known as Bristol City Women's Football Club - but will remain independent of the men's team of the same name.

"Without this change, the club would not be able to survive in the medium term," said chairman Simon Arnold.

Taylor inspired by Vardy record

Getty Images

Bristol Rovers striker Matty Taylor says Jamie Vardy's record-breaking scoring feat for Leicester City has provided motivation for his own prolific run of form.

The 25-year-old has scored 12 goals in 14 games in his first season in the Football League, including a 12-minute hat-trick.

"He's had an incredible rise, it motivates people like myself who have played non-league and are making the step up. I'd like to do a similar thing, that would be great," he told BBC Points West.

Palace in Europe?

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are currently sixth in the Premier League, and when asked whether they could make Europe, Alan Pardew said "We're along way from there. 

"We'll start talking about that in March, if we're close. It's been a fantastic 2015 and we need to match this year next year. If we do, we could end up in the top six."

Getty Images

Man City news conference

Manchester City

Manuel Pellegrini on Raheem Sterling: "Raheem Sterling's not just a striker but one of his targets must be to improve the amount of goals he scores every season. Playing with Kun [Sergio Aguero], Yaya [Toure] and David [Silva] every day is important for a young player like Sterling. It will make him a better player."

Alan Pardew news conference

Crystal Palace

Alan Pardew is in confident mood ahead of tomorrow's match at Selhurst Park: 

"The team's as good as any. I was really pleased with the result at Everton. They were in top form and we took something out the game.  I was really pleased with that. In some ways it shows more about the team than beating Newcastle."

When asked whether Crystal Palace might be able to finish in the top four, he said "There are eight teams who could make the Champions League. We're probably on the fringes, the ninth team. It's a very tough league."

Man City news conference

Manchester City

Manuel Pellegrini on Garry Monk, who was sacked by Swansea this week: “In football you’re never surprised about anything but I’m sure Garry Monk is the same good manager he was last year. I don’t think Swansea's problem was the manager. Normally in England, some years ago, there was more patience."

Man City news conference

Manchester City

In better injury news for City, Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that Martin Demichelis is back and fellow defender Vincent Komapny will return to training next week.

Man City news conference

Manuel Pellegrini is chatting to the press and he has opened with some bad news about Sergio Aguero...

'Monk could come back stronger'

Reuters

He might not think so right now, but Garry Monk's sacking by Swansea could do him good in the long run. That is the view of Stoke manager Mark Hughes.

"Maybe he'll come back with a broader outlook," said the former Wales boss.

"It's a setback for him, but sometimes you need these setbacks to really shape you as a manager.

"It's always upsetting when a manager loses their role at a club and Garry obviously had a long history at his club.

"It wouldn't have been a decision anybody at Swansea, given his long period of service at the club, took lightly.

"It's sad for Garry, but having met him and come up against him, I'm sure he'll come back very strong."

Carsley leaves Brentford early

Lee Carsley has left Brentford following the recent appointment of Dean Smith as head coach.

Carsley, 41, was Under-21s boss at Griffin Park and took over as head coach on an interim basis after Marinus Dijkhuizen was sacked in September.

He had agreed to stay at the Championship club until the end of December as part of a handover process after Smith's arrival, but Carsley departed on Thursday after talks with co-directors of football Phil Giles and Rasmus Ankersen.

Rangers to honour Peralta

PA

Former Rangers player Arnold Peraltawas shot dead while on holiday in his hometown of La Ceiba. The Scottish club have released this statement:

"Rangers Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news about former player Arnold Peralta.

"The 26 year-old midfielder, who had an 18 month spell at Ibrox and helped the club win the League One title in 2014, was killed in a shooting incident in Honduras last night.

"Our thoughts go out to Arnold’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

"The club will pay its respects with a minute’s silence before tomorrow’s game against Morton. The players will also wear black armbands in his honour."

Manuel Pellegrini news conference

In this busy day of managerial news conferences, Manuel Pellegrini is up next.... 

Infernal City

Lazio have won just two of their last nine games in all competitions and are 12th in Serie A.

Louis Van Gaal news conference

Simon Stone

BBC Sport

Louis van Gaal was less confrontational than anticipated at Carrington this morning.

The Manchester United manager made some reasonable points, namely that the Europa League will be a tough competition to win.

But in saying it is hard managing expectations built up from 10 years ago, Van Gaal is hardly endearing himself to the club's supporters, who have gorged on trophies from the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

And it was hardly a robust defence of Ryan Giggs' position as assistant manager when Van Gaal was asked about reports of interest in the Welshman from managerless Swansea.

FA Cup third round coverage

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The BBC's FA Cup third-round coverage will include live television coverage of Exeter v Liverpoolon Friday 8 January at 19:55 GMT followed byTottenham Hotspur's home match against Leicester Cityon Sunday 10th January at 16:00 GMT.

Both matches will be broadcast live BBC One and presented by Gary Lineker.  

BBC Waleswill broadcast live coverage ofOxford United vs Swansea Cityat 12:00 GMT on Sunday 10th January.

BT Sportwill broadcast Wycombe Wanderers v Aston Villa (Saturday, 12:45 GMT), Manchester United v Sheffield United (Saturday, 17:30 GMT) and Chelsea v Leyton Orient or Scunthorpe United (Sunday, 14:00 GMT).

Jose Mourinho news conference

Jose Mourinho is asked about Garry Monk's sacking... 

"I'm always against the sacking. I think the end of season is the moment to change things, analyse the work of the season and believe that the best thing is to change. 

"But clubs have the power, the owners, CEOs, it's their decision. Obviously I feel very sorry for him - obviously I feel he did work that impressed last season. Even at the beginning of this season he was doing well and showing some great qualities as a manager. 

Getty Images

"To be sacked, I think you only need to have a job. When you have a job, you run the risk of being sacked. This is a new tendency in English football. The opinion makers have an influence, lots of people without ethics are surrounding always the houses with problems. I think in the end Garry was one more victim."

I wonder which 'houses with problems' he's referring to...

Chelsea news conference

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on Cesc Fabreagas: "Cesc Fabregas is in the same moment as the team. It is an intimate relationship. The team is not playing well and it is difficult for the players to play well.

"Last season, you could go through the whole team: Courtois - amazing, Ivanovic - amazing, Cahill - amazing, John - amazing. Now, there are only one or two.

"But every minute I see him on the pitch he is totally committed."

Chelsea news conference

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "We like to play at Stamford Bridge. The fans are being absolutely incredible with us. I don't even know how to react to how nice they are. When they sing my name, I am a little embarrassed.

"Chelsea fans' memory is amazing. If not, they don't treat me and the players like this."

Jose Mourinho news conference

Jose Mourinho is asked about the contrasting fortunes of Leicester and Chelsea this season

"It's incredible, but do you want to speak about how bad we are doing, or how well they are doing? I think they deserve us to speak about how good they are doing."

Undeterred by this deflection tactic, the BBC's John Southall keeps the same line of questioning: 

"If you want a stupid answer, I can give you a stupid answer. A stupid answer is easy to give. I think just an answer they deserve is to speak about how well they are doing. I would love to be in their position, obviously, but the reality is I am pleased where they are. 

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"One year ago they were bottom of the league, Ranieri was sacked from Greece after losing to the Faroe Islands, now he's the top manager in the Premier League, and the players are in the top of the league - this is fantastic."

Is it difficult to predict what is coming next with CHelsea? 

"I think you're right. We had some good results that we could say 'this is the end of such a bad period', but we are always having some negative results that bring us back to a position that we are not very proud with. I think the performance on Wednesday in a high level pressure match - I think the answer was so good that I don't see any reason for the players not to have the same kind of answer."

Chelsea news conference

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "I think that the bad results are not normal, but the chance for every manager to do his work is and finish what he started is. What is not normal is what is happening now.

"I imagine myself finishing my contract with Chelsea. I have three and half years on my contract. After that I imagine myself coaching - not every club, there are some clubs I will never manage - but every club in the world."

Chelsea news conference

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on his side's title defence: "I don't know if it is eight, seven, five or six players who are underperforming. We were miles away from our level at the start of the season and when you are waiting for some top performances from individuals it makes a difference.

"Overall over the last month I think we are improving - against Tottenham and Porto - it is not just little moments."

Chelsea news conference

Jose Mourinho is asked whether CHelsea can still finish fourth: 

"Before we lost the last 3 points against Bournemouth, I was convinced of fourth, of a great December for us. I have to be honest and say the last defeat was something that I was far away from believing was possible.

"The reality is that some clubs are doing so well, and some are not capable of doing what people are used to. It's not possible for clubs to win 3, 4, 5, 10 matches in a row now.

"Maybe we have a chance to dream with a great finish and finish fourth. While it is mathetmaticall possibly, we have to try."

Getty Images

Chelsea news conference

Chelsea

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on Premier League leaders Leicester: "They deserve to be where they are. I said a few weeks ago that I did not believe that they could be champions, maybe I need to reconsider. It would be something magnificent, something to impress the football world.

"They are there because they are doing well. We are where we are because we are under-performing. It is the same players and coach that we had last year."

Get Involved

After Teofilo Gutierrez got booked for stealing a referee's vanishing spray to write his name on the pitch when celebrating a goal, we're asking about when celebrations went wrong... 

Craig Hughes: Steve Morrow for Arsenal is the obvious one when he fell off Tony Adams after the 1993 League Cup Final

Send us your suggestions using #bbcsportsday on Twitter.

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"Expectations are very high"

Louis Van Gaal has been speaking a lot about expectations at Manchester United in his news conference today. 

"I am working very hard to do what we can do. The problem is that we have to meet with the expectation. At a club like Man Utd they are very high," he said. 

"You have to manage expectation and get good results. I think you can also see a lot of positive things," said the Dutchman, whose side are three points off the top of the Premier League.

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"We are now in the Europa League. We have to try and win that. It is not easy. But people don't want to hear it. For them they have to win. But you cant compare with 10 years ago."

When asked to clarify what he meant, Van Gaal said "There is an evolution in football. That kind of stuff. Then you can make your own opinion. I was given a task to improve this team and win a title when it is possible. We are in that process."

LATEST GOSSIP

Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg are reportedly in discussions with former AC Milan and Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti to replace Andre Villas-Boas who has already announced he will leave the club at the end of this season.

Editor-in-chief of Express.ru Artur Petrosyan claims that Ancelotti could be paid £11.6m a season if he takes on the role.

"Europa League is a big competition"

Manchester United

Van Gaal is asked by one journalist whether 'just' winning the Europa League would be enough for him. He doesn't take well to the question:

"You think it is 'just'. That is the start of our conversation. I have already won it once with Ajax. I was so proud that I won it. I don't have the same opinion as you. You will write tomorrow it is nothing. For me it is a big competition."

Neymar injured in training ground trick - reports

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Barcelona forward Neymar has injured himself in attempting to pull of a 'sombrero' trick on team-mate Luis Suarez according to reports.

The piece of skill - that involves rolling the ball up that back of your leg and flicking it forwards over your own head and an opponents - is a regular in the Brazilian's arsenal.

However Sport newspaper - in a report quoted by the Daily Mirror - claim that he injured himself as he chased with Suarez to regain possession.

The Brazilian is already ruled out of most of the Club World Cup which Barca play their first match in on 17 December and may miss the final after his latest mishap.

LVG: Giggs should speak to me first

With two papers linking his assistant Ryan Giggs with a move to Swansea, Louis Van Gaal says if his number two hears anything from Swansea, he should speak to him first, before adding that he never believes stories in the papers. 

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Van Gaal: I have no doubts about myself

Louis Van Gaal is asked if he had any doubts about himself after the Champions League exit: 

"No doubts. I don't have any. You can lose and win in sport, you have to accept it. I am working very hard to do what we can do. The problem is that we have to meet with the expectation. At a club like Man Utd they are very high."

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Essex sign Kiwi pace bowler

Essex have signed New Zealand A fast bowler Matt Quinnon a three-year contract.

The 22-year-old, who has taken 62 first-class wickets, holds a British passport, so he will not count as an overseas player.

Man United news conference

Manchester United

Man United news conference

Manchester United

And we are up and running over at the Aon Training Complex where Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is briefing the media ahead of United's match against Bournemouth on Saturday.

World Twenty20 schedule

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England's women have been drawn in Group B of the 2016 World Twenty20, along with West Indies, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Group A comprises Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Ireland.

England fixtures:

17 March: Bangladesh (Bengaluru)

22 March: India (Dharamsala)

24 March: West Indies (Dharamsala)

27 March: Pakistan (Chennai)

World Twenty20 schedule

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England's men have been drawn alongside West Indies, holders Sri Lanka and South Africa in the group stage of next year'sWorld Twenty20 in India. 

The quartet will be joined by the winners of Group B, which consists of Zimbabwe, Scotland, Hong Kong or Afghanistan.

India are in Super 10 Group Two along with Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Group A winners - which will be either Bangladesh, Holland, Ireland or Oman. 

England fixtures:

16 March: West Indies (Mumbai)

18 March: South Africa (Mumbai)

23 March: Group B winners (New Delhi)

26 March: Sri Lanka (New Delhi) 

Roll up, roll up

Late Late Show

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton showed off his unicycling skills on the Late, Late Show on US television last night.

The one-wheeled circus run-about has a lot to answer for. It was the start of Hamilton's feisty rivalry with Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.  

"Probably the first bit of real competition we had was when Nico used to ride a unicycle everywhere," said Hamilton back in 2014 as he recalled their boyhood days in karting.

"So I thought 'I've got to learn to ride this unicycle. I've got to be better than him'. I spent all my time outside the go-kart learning to ride this unicycle."  

Lewis Hamilton

West Brom news conference

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West Brom boss Tony Pulis is under no illusions that his side's fortunes this year rely on the form of Saido Berahino. The striker has scored three goals this season, having bagged 20 last campaign. He played and scored in the under-21s' 2-1 defeat at West Ham this week and Pulis had this to say at his press conference ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool...

"We want him back in the fold and as good as he was last year. He was a top player for us last year. 

"Saido asked to play (in the under-21s). He wanted to have a game. His attitude was first class and he scored a good goal. 

"He needed a game to get closer to match fitness and, over the Christmas period, with the amount of games, it's good he has got game time." 

Man Utd news conference

Simon Stone

BBC Sport at Carrington

  "What mood will Louis van Gaal be in when he addresses the media this morning?"Van Gaal is generally on the front foot in these exchanges. But after Manchester United's Champions League exit, Van Gaal is under pressure.

"Will he be showing the strain ahead of Saturday's trip to Bournemouth?"    

Simon Stone

November awards

Yep, it's not been a bad month for Leicester. 

Vardy won Player of the Month last month, too, becoming the fifth player to retain the award. Can you name the other four? 

Get Involved

Sporting Lisbon's Teofilo Gutierrez knows how to celebrate.

The Colombian marked scoring his side's third in their Europa League win over Besiktas last night by pick-pocketing the referee and using his vanishing spray to try and write his own name on the pitch.

He got a yellow card for his trouble. Well worth it though some might argue...

Click on the tweet below for video of the incident.

We're asking about when celebrations have gone wrong. Did your star striker tweak a groin celebrating a goal? Or did one of your teammates once put their back out attempting a backflip? Send us your suggestions using #bbcsportsday on Twitter. 

BT Sport

LATEST GOSSIP

Reuters

Bologna have told the London Evening Standard that they have turned down bids of £14.5m for 18-year-old midfielder Amadou Diawara from both Chelsea and Manchester City.

A price north of £36m has been quoted for a player who has been compared with Yaya Toure after making 15 Serie A appearances this season.

Team Sky's fresh kit

Team Sky have released their new kit for 2016.

Their request for feedback has backfired slightly with several social media users pointing out that it looks like a version of the Estonian road champion's jersey.

An educated man

PA

Norwich news conference

PA

Norwich suffered a blow last week with defeat at Watford, but boss Alex Neil is determined to put that right this coming weekend against Everton at Carrow Road.

"After a loss it takes a day or two to shake off. We've moved on now and are looking for a response," said Neil. "In football, it's all about the next game. There will be tough times but that's what makes you.

"Everton have top-quality players. They have a strong squad and we need to counteract that."

Neil added that midfielder Wes Hoolahan was fit and is included in the squad for Saturday's game, which will be live on BBC Radio 5 live from 12:45 GMT.

Beckham gets the blues

Instagram

Former England captain David Beckham caught Noel Gallagher and his High Flying  Birds at London's Royal Albert Hall last night.

By his account, the music was good, the stage dressing less so.

"Amazing evening only disappointment from the night was the color and size of this flag ... Cheers Noel if only it had been RED," said the former Manchester United midfielder in his Instagram post.

Tony Pulis news conference

Tony Pulis has confirmed that Stephane Sessegnon (hamstring) will miss Sunday's trip to Liverpool. Claudio Yacob is back from suspension.  

Arsenal news conference

Arsene Wenger's news conference is done and dusted at the club's London Colney base.

Norwich news conference

Arsenal news conference

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on the demands of fans: "On one side people want you to have seven strikers, on the other side when you rest one they ask you why you are not playing him.

On reports linking the club with Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama: "I rate the player, but we are not on the case."

Arsenal news conference

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "I am not in the job for chasing my own ego. I like doing well and doing well for all the people who care about Arsenal."

He adds that, contrary to reports, there is "no chance" of midfielder Jack Wilshere being fit by the end of December.

Arsenal news conference

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reacts to the sacking of Swansea manager Garry Monk earlier this week.

Arsenal news conference

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "I think it could be as many as six to eight teams competing for the Premier League title."

Wenger adds that he has no new names on his long injury list ahead of the weekend meeting with Aston Villa.

Bournemouth news conference

PA

Having won at Chelsea, the fixture lists doesn't get any easier for Bournemouth, who host Manchester United this weekend. However, Cherries boss Eddie Howe is relishing the challenge of another big fixture.

"Manchester United are 4th and near the top of the league, we know how difficult this game will be," Howe said at this morning's press conference.

"That's the beauty of the game - when one game is done you're looking to the next. We are proud to be hosting Manchester United. It's a big game in this club's history."

There was good news from Howe on the injury front, with goalkeeper Adam Federici's ankle injury not as bad as first feared. Also, midfielder Marc Pugh is back in training.

Arsenal news conference

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on his January transfer plans: "We will be out there and seeing what we can do, but we have the whole of December to go and we are in a strong position in the Premier League. But we are short and it is important that we don't lose any more players."

Arsenal news conference

Arsenal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has sat down for his news conference and is speaking about their Champions League qualification: "It was a fantastic performance but now we are in the last 16 let's focus on the Premier League where we are in a fantastic position."

LATEST GOSSIP

Reuters

Liverpool have first refual on Birmingham attacker Demarai Grayaccording to Bleacher Report.

It claims that the Reds will be given the chance to match any accepted offer for the 19-year-old as part of a deal that took Jordon Ibe to Birmingham on loan in the 2013-14 season.

Gray reportedly has a £3.75m release clause in his contract, which he is keen to take advantage of in January.

BreakingMichel Platini loses appeal

Michel Platini has lost his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to have his 90 day provisional suspension from football overturned, but Fifa have been ordered not to extend it. 

In a statement, the panel said they "determined that maintaining the provisional suspension for the remainder of the 90 days does not cause irreparable harm to Michel Platini"

You can read the full decision on the CAS website. 

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News conferences coming up

They don't mess around these Premier League managers.

If 09:00 GMT is good enough for double maths, it is good enough for a load of tired cliches and soundbites.

We are awaiting the start of news conferences at Arsenal, Norwich and West Brom.

All are expected to get under way any minute now...

Sonny Bill back to Toulon?

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There is a morsel of interesting transfer gossip from over the Channel. 

British journalist Gavin Mortimer has been hacking through French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique and reports that it believes that Sonny Bill Williams fancies another stint at Toulon next season.

Williams commits to Scarlets

Wales centre Scott Williams will stay with Scarlets until 2018 after signing a new deal, ending speculation over his future.

Williams, 25, had been in line for a fresh national dual contract in which the Welsh Rugby Union would pay 60% of his wages.

But the WRU withdrew their offer amid an accusation of a bidding war among Wales' regions over Williams.

Scarlet clearly could not wait to announce the news - posting a tweet before 06:00 GMT this morning.

Manchester United cancel Christmas party - report

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Tis the season to be jolly.

Not if you are a Manchester United player though. 

According to the Daily Mail, the squad, led by captain Wayne Rooney, canned plans to go out for a Christmas party in Manchester on Sunday night because they "did not want to be seen out celebrating at a difficult time for the club."

Newspaper round-up

The Age

Down Under in Australia, it is the massive 449-run partnership between Adam Voges and Shaun Marsh on day two of the Test against the West Indies in Hobart that is capturing the headlines.

The pair fell just two short of matching Australia's record Test partnership, set when Don Bradman and Bill Ponsford put on 451 together at the Oval in the 1934 Ashes series.

Australia declared on 583-4 and the West Indies faltered to 207-6 by the end of play. 

Newspaper round-up

Sport

Over in Spain, Barcelona-based sports daily Sport claims that Juventus striker Paulo Dybala would prefer a move to Barcelona over Real Madrid as he wants to play alongside compatriot Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp.

Newspaper round-up

The Sun

The Sun have two big calls on the Premier League managerial merry-go-round. They claim that Manchester United number two Ryan Giggscould be tempted back to his native Wales to take charge of Swansea, while Jose Mourinho could be offered the chance to return to former club Real Madrid.

Newspaper round-up

Times

This is more like it.

The Times claim that Manchester United have put in "considerable groundwork" on deals to bring Real Madrid kingpin Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, sign his Bernabeu team-mate Gareth Bale and lure Brazilian attacker Neymar from Barcelona.

Oh, and "they are continuing to monitor developments with Robert Lewandowski, the prolific Bayern Munich striker, and Harry Kane at Tottenham Hotspur."

Big talk.

Newspaper round-up

Daily Star

Manchester United have the best defensive record in the Premier League - having conceded 10 goals - but only the eighth best attacking - with 20 goals scored.

So, they are apparently going to shell out £50m on a centre-back in the summer.

Everton'sJohn Stonestops their list of end-of-season targetsaccording to the Daily Star.

5 live Sport podcasts

Want something to listen to to liven up your Friday morning commute? 

There are three podcasts from Thursday night's 5 live Sport available to download now: 

"This won't get sorted by July"

French journalist Julien Laurens confirms it is very unlikely Karim Benzema will play at Euro 2016.

There's plenty more on that and more in the 5 live Football Daily. 

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As if that wasn't enough football for you, you can also listen to the Managers' Question Time special including West Brom manager Tony Pulis and Burnley boss Sean Dyche in front of a live audience. 

Pulis says that England is the greatest country in the world for professional football. Is it? 

BBC Sport

Could Geraint Thomas one day win the Tour de France? 

An in-depth interview with Team Sky's Welsh rider, who describes himself as 'a little fat boy inside'. 

Could he become the third Brit to wear the yellow jersey in Paris? 

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Newspaper round-up

Daily Mail

The Daily Mail lead with a report that Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney could get a lucrative offer to finish his career in China.

The 30-year-old, who still has three years to run on his Old Trafford contract, will apparently be offered £25m a season to reunite with former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson at SIPG Shanghai in the Chinese Super League.

Welcome to Sportsday

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Good morning and welcome to Sportsday. 

We have a packed day of Premier League press conferences with Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal doubtlessly getting spiky, Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger reflecting on his side's Champions League great escape and Jose Mourinho on his side's flat-lining title defence.

There is also a look ahead to Saturday's Euro 2016 draw, the announcement of the BBC African Footballer of the Year and more reaction to the ECB's handling of Somerset bowler Craig Overton's disciplinary case.

But first, a look at the morning newspapers.