Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Mourinho feels his work was 'betrayed'
2. South Africa XI v England, Potchefstroom
3. Steve Borthwick appointed England rugby forwards coach
4. Get involved - Best Bosman transfers #bbcsportsday

Good evening

That is your lot from Sportsday.

Head over to our live pages for commentary of the FA Cup second round replays and nine matches in the Championship.

There is also commentary from QPR and Brighton on Radio 5 live and Hartlepool and Salford City on Radio 5 live extra.

Have a great night and we will be back tomorrow morning.

Team news

QPR: Green, Perch, Hall, Onuoha, Konchesky, Phillips, Faurlin, Sandro, Hoilett, Fer, Austin.

Subs: Smithies, Chery, Henry, Polter, Angella, Tozser, Emmanuel-Thomas.

Brighton: Stockdale, Bruno, Greer, Dunk, Calderon; van La Parra, Kayal, Stephens, Murphy; Wilson, Hemed.  

Subs: Maenpaa (GK), Chicksen, Huenemeier, Crofts, Forster-Caskey, Manu, Zamora.

'Fire in the belly'

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Young British sprinter Leon Reid is determined that his dream of competing at the Olympics will not be affected by a lack of funding.

Reid, 21, recently had his grant cut by British Athletics but is refusing to mope about the situation.

And the Bath-based 200m athlete says his tough childhood in and out of foster care has helped motivate him during a testing time. "It builds fire in the belly," Reid told BBC Radio Bristol.

Reid, who is fifth on the British all-time list for 200m, spent time in 14 different foster homes.

Lambert right for Rovers - Shearer

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Former Blackburn striker Alan Shearer has been impressed by the start made by new Rovers manager Paul Lambert.

The Championship side are unbeaten in five matches since Lambert, 46, replaced Gary Bowyer at Ewood Park.

"He's made a very, very good start," Match of the Day pundit Shearer told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"It might be too much to ask to get an automatic place but I don't see any reason why they can't get back in the play-offs."

Championship

The other matches in the Championship tonight are:

Cardiff v Brentford

Charlton v Bolton

Derby v Bristol 

Fulham v Ipswich

Huddersfield v Rotherham

Middlesbrough v Burnley

MK Dons v Sheffield Wednesday

Preston v Birmingham

There will be live coverage of these matches on the BBC Sport website from 19:00 GMT.

Championship

BBC Radio 5 Live

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Leaders Brighton face Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's QPR in the Championship tonight at 19:45 GMT.

That match is live on BBC Radio 5 live and on the BBC Sport website.

Coming up

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

Hartlepool and Salford City's FA Cup second round replay (ko 19:45 GMT)  is live on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 19:40 GMT.

FA Cup second round replays

We have live commentary from the FA Cup second round replays on the BBC Sport website and Radio 5 live tonight.

Salford City will be hoping to pull off Football League scalp when they face Hartlepool.

The sides drew 1-1 in Salford on 4 December.

The other ties are: 

Shrewsbury Town v Grimsby Town

Scunthorpe United v Leyton Orient

Walsall v Chesterfield

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Baines in a 'positive place'

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Some good news for Everton and England fans with Leighton Baines saying he is in a positive place.

The 31-year-old defender who has just returned after two ankle operations, played his first 90 minutes since May in the weekend's 1-1 draw at Norwich.

"This last 10 days or so I've felt great, everything I've done there has been no reaction and I'm close to being pain-free. I'm in a positive place."

'He will enforce his ideas'

Northampton lock Courtney Lawes, who played under Steve Borthwick when he was England captain, has been speaking to Radio 5 live.

"He is a very diligent man, very good player, he'll certainly have an idea of what he wants and he'll enforce that.

"You can see what he did with Japan this year, they were such a better team with him."

"Luckily I've played with him so he at least knows who I am, but it's going to be a big change, lots of things are going to be different, and just excited to see what the coaches bring to the England team."

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Watson splits with coach

British number two Heather Watson has parted company with her Argentine coach Diego Veronelli.

The 23-year-old from Guernsey appointed Veronelli in December 2013, but he is no longer able to commit to spending up to 40 weeks a year on the road..

Best Bosman transfers

Date: July 2014

Age: 25

Position: Striker

Earlier this decade, Borussia Dortmund became the main threat to Bayern Munich’s hopes of monopolising German football.

Dortmund won two successive Bundesligas and reached the Champions League final - so Bayern decided to sign their best player Mario Gotze.

To add further insult to injury, they also lured Poland striker Robert Lewandowski when his contract expired.

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Berahino builds bridges

It may be getting colder but relations between West Brom and their striker Saido Berahino could be thawing.

The 22-year-old fell out with the club's chairman Jeremy Peace in the summer after turned down four bids for him from Tottenham.

Berahino tweeted  that he was "sad" not to be able to say "exactly how the club has treated me" during transfer negotiations with Tottenham and suggested he would never play for the club again under Peace.

However, Berahino has now started following West Brom on Twitter again. 

Ahhh, isn't that the kind of feelgood story we want at this time of year!!

PA

Euro 2016 where to watch

The BBC will also be showing Germany’s opening game against Ukraine,  the Republic of Ireland's first match against Sweden as well as the opening games for Italy and Portugal. 

The opening match of the tournament between hosts France and Romania on 10 June and the Republic of Ireland’s games against Belgium and Italy will be on ITV.

Where to watch Northern Ireland

The BBC will show Northern Ireland’s opening match against Poland at 17:00 BST in Nice and their crucial final group game against world champions Germany at 17:00 BST in Paris. Their other group game against Ukraine at 17:00 in Lyon will be live on ITV.

Where to watch Wales

Wales begin their tournament on the BBC, with the match against Slovakia at 17:00 BST in Bordeaux on Saturday 11th June.

The England clash is also on the BBC at 14:00 BST on 16th June in Lens and they finish their group stage on ITV against Russia at 20:00 BST on Monday 20th June in Toulouse.  

Where to watch England

England's first game against Russia at 20:00 BST on 11th June in Marseille will be shown on ITV, followed by the Wales clash at 14:00 BST on BBC on 16th June in Lens. ITV will then show England v Slovakia at 20:00 BST on Monday 20th June in St Etienne.

BreakingBBC to show England v Wales

The BBC will show England v Wales at Euro 2016 after the BBC and ITV announced which games they are broadcasting for the tournament in France.

Best Bosman transfers

Date: July 2011

Age: 32

Position: Centre-midfield

Back in mid-2011, Italian midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo was clean-shaven and considered by Milan to past his best. Remarkable on both counts, we know.

But the then 32-year-old had struggled with injuries and form as Milan won their first Scudetto since 2004.

So off he went to fallen giants Juventus – and sparked a revival for the Old Lady which led to four straight Serie A titles.

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Leeds full-back Berardi sidelined

Leeds United full-back Gaetano Berardi could miss the next eight weeks with an ankle injury. The 27-year-old Italian was hurt in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Charlton.

Giants transfer-list Ferres

PA

England prop Brett Ferres has been put on the transfer list by Huddersfield Giants following an internal investigation "into behaviour away from the club".

Ferres, 29, signed a contract extension with the Giants in May but was suspended by them last month.

The club said the suspension had now been lifted, but he had been disciplined "in line with club policy".

Get Involved - Best Bosman transfers

In honour of the 20th anniversary of the Bosman ruling,we are asking you for the best ever Bosman signings...

Casillas' day

Anyone any idea what Porto and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas is on about here?

Iker Casillas

Goalkeeper scores wonder goal

It's the 120th minute and the keeper has the ball.

With his team winning 2-1 against bitter rivals Penarol,  Union Nacional under-14 goalkeeper Guillermo Centurion had a few options, lump the ball up the field or time waste.

But instead the youngster took a more unusual and inspired decision and scores an absolute wonder goal which you can watch here.

'Hernandez had 1% chance of playing'

Here is a story that will definitely not annoy any Manchester United fans...

Turns out their former striker Javier Hernandez was told by Louis van Gaal he only had a "one per cent chance" of playing up front for United.

This is Hernandez who has scored 19 goals already this season for Bayern Leverkusen, after joining the Bundesliga club in the summer.

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"I spoke with Van Gaal and he said that I only had a one per cent chance of playing in my position, so I headed to Bayer. "

Oh how United could do with some of the Mexican's goals now...

Happy holidays

Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil has it right, nipping off to get some winter sun.

He has posted his picture on Instagram with the caption '#alwaysassisting :) #mesutozil #ozil #özil#mesutözil'

It begs the questions; 1. Does he assist even when he is on holiday? 2.Do people really hashtag their own names? 3. Four times you have hashtagged your name Mesut- really?

Borthwick leaves Bristol

Chris Jones

BBC Sport

I understand Steve Borthwick today handed in his resignation letter to Bristol, amid the row over his appointment as England forwards coach. 

As far the RFU are concerned he is now the England forwards coach and no longer works for Bristol.

Bristol will not be adding to their earlier statement.

'Nine hours of talks' about Mourinho

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Chelsea's club chiefs held a nine-hour meeting to discuss the future of manager Jose Mourinho, reports the Daily Mail.

The papers says the marathon talks - when the board agonised over whether or not to sack the boss - took place the day after the 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

The subsequent Champions League win over Porto took the pressure off, but defeat to Leicester has, says, the paper, put the spotlight back on the manager.

Look away now Chelsea fans

Dutch courage

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Republic of Ireland will take on the Netherlands in their final friendly in Dublin before the Euro 2016 finals.

The match at the Aviva Stadium will be played on May 27, just over a fortnight before the Republic's Group E opener against Sweden, on 13 June.

The Dutch, who failed to qualify for the finals, beat the Irish 4-0 in the last game between the sides in 2006.

Martin O'Neill's men start preparations for France with friendlies against Switzerland and Slovakia in March.

Jaguar returning

Jaguar will return to motorsport in 2016 after 12 years away when they enter a team in electric racing series Formula E.

The Indian-owed manufacturer will replace the outgoing Trulli team for the 2016-17 season.

Formula E is currently in its second year, with Nelson Piquet Jr having won the inaugural 2014-15 championship.

Jaguar have not been involved in top-level motorsport since leaving Formula 1 at the end of 2004.

Messi and Neymar? Not good enough

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Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Neymar have been left out of Uefa's Champions League group stage XI, despite the pair contending for the Ballon d'Or award.

Luis Suarez, Barca's top scorer with five goals in Group E, also missed out.

The forward trio scored 10 goals between them as Barcelona became the first to qualify with 14 points.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo - who scored 11 goals during Madrid's group campaign - Zenit St Petersburg's Hulk and Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller make up Uefa's attacking unit in the 4-3-3 formation.  

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'I am innocent'- Blatter's letter

You may recall that earlier - 11:44 to be exact about it - we told you that suspended Fifa president Sepp Blatter had sent a letter to all 209 national football associations reiterating his innocence over ethics charges against him.

Well, if you're interested, here's the actual letter.

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Who is Marcelo Bielsa?

BBC

'A very, very strange character' - Swansea latest

BBC Sport's South American football expert Tim Vickery - talking about Marcelo Bielsa, the odds-on favourite to take over at Swansea - added: “He’s a very, very strange mental character.

“I’ve been at some of his press conferences and he’ll just stare at a fixed point in space. Some questions he’ll answer with a one-word answer; others he will go on for half an hour. He is a very, very strange man.

“He’s never worked in an English language context before – if he does get the job it will be absolutely fascinating to see whether he is successful with that.

“Usually, players absolutely rave about having worked with him."

'An influential name' - Swansea latest

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With ex-Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa the odds-on favourite to take over at Swansea City, BBC Wales has been talking to BBC Sport's South American football expert Tim Vickery.

“Marcelo Bielsa has had European experience in Spain and in France," said Vickery. "You could understand why he would be interested in working in the Premier League and you could certainly understand why Premier League clubs would be interested in him.

“Bielsa is one of the most influential coaches of the modern age.

“He’s launched a whole raft of disciples and imitators. And even people like Pep Guardiola - before Guardiola stepped up to become the Barcelona coach, one of the people he consulted was Marcelo Bielsa.

"So he’s a very, very influential name in football."

South Africa XI v England

Henry Moeran

BBC Test Match Special in Potchefstroom

England are 470-5 at the close of play on day one of the warm-up match against a South African Invitational XI in Potchefstroom.

Centuries from James Taylor (114) and Ben Stokes (158) were unquestionably the standout performances, with both men choosing to retire once they felt sufficient work had been done.

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No doubt the failures of openers Alastair Cook and Alex Hales (who made two and eight respectively) will be a concern at the top of the order, particularly with limited preparation time before the first Test in Durban on Boxing Day. However, runs for Taylor and Stokes, as well as Nick Compton who made 58 will offer encouragement about England’s strength in depth.

Day two begins at 08:00 GMT on Wednesday.

Borthwick to England?

As mentioned earlier, all may not be what it seems with Steve Borthwick's appointment as England forwards coach. 

Bristol Rugby, where he is currently forwards coach,have released a statement in the last few minutes...

“Steve Borthwick has today indicated to the Club that he wishes to join the RFU coaching team.

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“Bristol Rugby want to make it clear that we have not agreed that Steve Borthwick can leave our employment. Steve Borthwick is subject to a recently signed long term employment contract.

“Bristol Rugby did not give the RFU permission to speak with Steve Borthwick.

“Bristol Rugby will take all reasonable actions as necessary to protect the Club’s position and therefore will not be making any further statement at this stage.”

We haven't heard the last of this... 

NBA ref comes out

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Veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy has revealed he is gay after being the subject of homophobic insults from Sacramento guard Rajon Rondo.

Kennedy was confronted by Rondo after ejecting him on two technical fouls during the game between the Kings and Boston Celtcs in Mexico on 3 December.

"I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man," said Kennedy, an official for 18 seasons.

"My actions were out of frustration and emotion, period," tweeted Rondo. "They absolutely do not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community. I did not mean to offend or disrespect anyone."

Kings to discuss England role

The Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder has told the BBC that backs coach Alex King is set to meet Eddie Jones this week to discuss a position with England.

Malinder says there has been no official approach yet from the Rugby Football Union, but admits Saints won't prevent King from leaving if he was offered a role.

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Northampton backs coach Alex King

"There's no official contact from the RFU, but I understand that Alex is probably looking to meet Eddie sometime this week to have an informal chat," Malinder told BBC 5 live.

"You don't want to lose your best staff or best players but we understand how things work. If Alex wants to go and work for England I don't think club will prevent him from that." 

"I spoke to him this morning and he wants to have a chat, which is quite right, but he also understands what he has at Saints."

On the spot

Ferrari in quit threat

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All is not well in the world of Formula 1 with Ferrarisaying they could consider their future in the sport if the rules change in ways they do not like.

President Sergio Marchionne said quitting was "possible but very, very unlikely", adding that "Ferrari would find other ways to express its ability to race and to win".

"We cannot be put in a corner on its knees and say nothing," Marchionne said.

The warning comes as F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is pushing for the sport to switch to cheaper, simpler engines.

BreakingBorthwick still under contract?

The Steve Borthwick appointment may not be as straight-forward as it seemed. 

Bristol Rugby are adamant that Borthwick is still under contract with the club, and they have not reached an agreement with England. 

Expect to hear more on this... 

Best Bosman transfers

Date: July 1999

Age: 27

Position: Winger

McManaman was one of the first big-name English players to take advantage of the Bosman ruling – and arguably the most successful.

In his four seasons at the Bernabeu, the Scouser “won the hearts of Madrid's followers”. And that’s according to the Spanish giants official website.

He also won a host of trophies, including two Champions Leagues and two La Ligas.

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A modern man

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Valencia coach Gary Neville is using modern technology to get his ideas across to the players, with assistant Miguel Angel Angulo says the new boss is managing with the language barrier better than he expected.

"He has given an iPad to each player to help them follow training and different actions during games," Angulo said.

"He is doing better than I expected. I thought the language barrier would be more of a problem.

"Gary has already started to speak a little Spanish and he is improving quickly. There is a good understanding with the players asking him or me what is wanted.

""It won't take long before we can demonstrate the style of football that we want."

After 16 games last season...

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South Africa XI v England

Henry Moeran

BBC Test Match Special in Potchesfstroom

As England reached the 350 mark, James Taylor decided his work for the day was done, retiring unbeaten on 114. It’s another innings of great composure from the Nottinghamshire batsman, and he looks an increasingly important part of England’s batting lineup.

At the other end, Ben Stokes has shown that shoulder injury isn’t troubling him one bit – a 100 from 98 deliveries including 19 fours has accelerated England to the sort of total they would’ve earmarked at the start of the day. Stokes is 125* from 108 balls, with Jonny Bairstow now in to try and find some form alongside him.

England 355-4 after 70 overs.

Borthwick joins England set-up

England head coach Eddie Jones said he was "delighted" with the appointment of Borthwick.

"I have known him for a long time through Saracens and Japan and he has done fantastic work as a coach.

"Steve has a huge amount of international experience as a player and a captain and his coaching in Japan in recent years shows he can get the best out of the players at the highest level. He is a great addition and I look forward to working with him again as we look ahead to the start of the Six Nations next year.”

Borthwick joins England set-up

New England forwards coach Steve Borthwick, 36, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to join the England setup and to link up with Eddie again.

"This is a huge honour to be asked as these chances don’t come around often. We have an exciting group of players in England and I am really looking forward to the challenge and getting England beating the best teams in the world.”

Get Involved - Best Bosman signings

BreakingBorthwick joins England set-up

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Former England captain Steve Borthwickhas agreed to join Eddie Jones' coaching staff and has been appointed asthe forwards coach.

Borthwick will be reunited with Jones, who he worked under while coaching Japan, who memorably beat South Africa at the Rugby World Cup.

Best European XI?

Uefa have selected their Champions League team of the group stage..

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling and Chelsea's Willian are the only Premier League players on the list.

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski who has scored seven goals in the group stages also misses out.

Get Involved - Best Bosman transfers

Boumsong moved from Auxerre to Rangers on a Bosman in 2004.

Best Bosman transfers

Date: July 2001

Age: 26

Position: Centre-back

No-one had crossed the north London divide between Tottenham and Arsenal since goalkeeping legend Pat Jennings in 1977 – and few expected to learn of another when the Gunners called a news conference in July 2011.

Journalists presumed they were turning up to meet Arsene Wenger to discuss the arrival of Ipswich keeper Richard Wright.

Instead, Spurs captain Campbell was sat on the top table after claiming he had rejected offers from Barcelona, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich.

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Spurs fans were furious with Campbell - but he had the last laugh, winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cup finals until leaving Arsenal in 2010

Get Involved - Best Bosman transfers

It is 20 years ago today since the Bosman ruling was introduced and changed football.

Belgian footballer Jean-Marc Bosman's landmark case saw the European Court of Justice rule that players at the end of their contracts could move without a fee.

David Beckham, Sol Campbell and Steve McManaman  are among those to benefit over the years.

So to celebrate here on Sportsday we are taking a look at some of the best Bosman transfers.

Get in touch and let us know what you think the best ever Bosman signings were and why.

As usual tweet us your suggestions via Twitter #bbcsportsday.

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'We want to be best in the world'

Barcelona's performance at the Club World Cup will affect their attempt to win a league, cup and Champions League treble for the second time in a row, defender Javier Mascherano claims.

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Barcelona face Asian champions Guangzhou Evergrande in their semi-final on Thursday and either River Plate or Sanfrecce Hiroshima - champions of host nation Japan - in Sunday's final.

"It's important for us and for the club the fact that we can go there and compete to be the best in the world and above all, obtain the prize," Mascherano said.

Barca lead La Liga on goal difference from Atletico Madrid and have reached the last 16 of the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

Space XI

In honour of British astronaut Tim Peake we asked for your Space XI and here it is, thank you for all your suggestions.

Goalkeeper: Manuel Almoonia

Defenders: Kyle Astronaughton, UFO Ehiogu, Celestial Babayaro  

Midfielders: Hamann on the moon, Sputnik Barmby, NASA Chadli, Yossi Benayouniverse

Forwards: Henrik STARsson, Obafemi Martians, George Milky Weah

Subs: Edwin van der Star, Uranus Kaboul, Mars Bender, James B-E.T, Tom Hubblestone.

Stadium: Stadium of Light Years

Manager: Asteroid Hodgson

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'They want to be there'

Liverpool were drawn against German side Augsburg in the last 32 of the Europa League and the Bundesliga side's manager, Stefan Reuter, has suddenly become a popular person.

“It’s definitely an absolute highlight for our fans and all the people at Augsburg," the 1990 Word Cup winner told Uefa.com.

“During the draw my phone was vibrating constantly as so many people were asking for tickets already.

“They want to be there. This is an absolute highlight for us. For the club, it is the match everybody was dreaming of."

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Stokes 50*/Taylor 93*

Ben Stokes has blasted a half century in Potchefstroom in England's warm-up match against a South Africa Invitational XI.

The all-rounder brought up his 50 with a six and England are now 257-4 with James Taylor on 93.

Your thoughts on the Premier League

Paul Bennett: The Leicester City players are playing most weeks at present, if they move to bigger clubs in January how often will they play?

Hassan Anfield: Even if they can sign Messi, Ronaldo, Suarez & Neymar in Jan. There's no way for chelsea to finish in the top four this season.

Gumbo74: Leicester should cash-in on Mahrez & Vardy now. They are all but safe.(take a strong Chairman not to). They will slide after January. Liverpool to finish top four.

Yarde extends Harlequins contract

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England international Marland Yarde has signed a new undisclosed-length contract with Premiership club Harlequins.

The 23-year-old wing, who has won seven international caps, has scored nine tries in 30 outings for Quins since joining from London Irish in 2014.

"Since joining, I've enjoyed being part of a great team with some exceptional players," said Yarde. "We have a side that is truly capable of beating anyone and I'm excited to be a part of that."

Ross the boss

SNS

Scottish Championship strugglers Alloa Athletic have appointed Jack Ross as their new manager following the resignation of Danny Lennon.

Ross, 39, has agreed a deal that runs initially until the summer of 2016.

The former St Mirren defender has coaching experience from stints at Dumbarton and Hearts, where he departed in October.

League could 'implode'

The Women's Super League could "implode" because of agents inflating transfer deals, according to Doncaster Rovers Belles manager Glen Harris.

In July, Chelsea signed Reading's Fran Kirby for a British record fee,thought to be between £40,000 and £60,000.

"Nearly every player I've spoken to this year has an agent," said Harris. "They are trying to put deals on the table that are unrealistic."

Harris said the way agents treat young players could be viewed as "grooming".

Read the full report here.

Reus sidelined

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High-flying Borussia Dortmund must do without Marco Reus for the rest of 2015 as the Germany winger has a groin injury.

Reus limped off just before half-time in Sunday's 4-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

It's the third time this calendar year that the 26-year-old has been out with a groin injury having missed games in April and again last month.

South Africa XI v England

Henry Moeran

BBC Test Match Special in Potchefstroom

Tea in Potchefstroom, with England 235-4.

A decent afternoon session for the tourists that saw both Nick Compton and James Taylor reach half centuries, and after the early wobbles this morning it’s been much more impressive from England as they put on 145 for the loss of just one wicket.

Compton’s 58 showed skill and composure, but he’s been outshone by Taylor who has batted beautifully for his 85*. Another bright spark for England is the return of Ben Stokes who – after shoulder injury – seems to have suffered no recurrence or pain on his way to 43*.

The next men due in are Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes.

#spaceXI

Thanks for all your entries, you have risen to the occasion. We will bring you the final XI shortly.

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BreakingSwans chairman Jenkins in South America

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BBC Wales Sport understands that Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins is currently in South America, as he steps up his search for a replacement for Garry Monk.

Former Argentina and Chile manager Marcelo Bielsa is the bookmakers' odds-on favourite to be the new Swans manager, after Monk's departure last Wednesday.

Bielsa, 60, has also previously managed Marseille, Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol.

AEK Athens boss Gus Poyet was thought to be in the frame, but the Greek club told the BBC on Monday that they had not received an approach from Swansea regarding Poyet.

Juve bid for Oscar?

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Italian champions Juventus are keen on signing Chelsea's 24-year-old Brazil midfielder Oscar, reports the Daily Mail.

Manager bans disruptive players

Rex

AFC Telford boss Rob Smith has vowed to bar disaffected players from the dressing room during their Christmas programme.

The Bucks are bottom of National League North and Smith claims certain players are trying to upset team-mates.

"I've got people who have got the commitment to get us out of the mess we're in. But the rest of them can go as far away from this club as possible, as far as I'm concerned," he told BBC Radio Shropshire. 

Your thoughts on the Premier League

Dominic Draper: Chelsea could realistically get relegated. Clubs below them are fighters who are used to the battle to stay up.

Mr Sheep: With Chelsea's current lack of form, they may struggle to keep hold of their best players in January. Just a thought.

Michael Lunt: All this talk of Leicester unable to win, no team has been winning as consistently as Leicester so far. Don't see why not.

Taylor reaches half century

Pay up

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Premier League champions Chelsea have been warned that Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Alex Teixeira could cost them at least £7m more if they fail to sign him in January, reports today's The Mirror.

The 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder, who has scored 26 goals this season, is set to cost a lot more next summer, says the paper, if Chelsea decide against making a move in the next transfer window.

Get Involved

Simon: Astaroid Hodgson

Jake Wilson: Milky Way-ne Rooney

Adam Smith: Stadium: Sun Siro

pista: Has to be Stadium Of Light Years with Starsène Wenger in charge

McIlroy is Europe's no. 1

Northern Ireland's McIlroy, 26,  won three tournaments in 2015 including the end of season DP World Tour Championship last month, where he successfully defended his Race to Dubai crown.

It is the third time in four years he has won been named European Tour Golfer of the Year.

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BreakingMcIlroy takes top honour

World number three Rory McIlroy has been named the European Tour's golfer of the year.

The accolade comes despite McIlroy missing several months of the season - and the chance to defend his Open title - after he ruptured an ankle ligament playing football with friends.

Euro 2016 referees named

England's Martin Atkinson and Mark Clattenburg and Scotland's William Collum are among the 18 referees picked for Euro 2016.

South Africa XI v England

Henry Moeran

BBC Test Match Special in Potchefstroom

Nick Compton will have done his chances of getting the number three spot in Durban no harm with an impressive 58. He bought up his fifty from 107 balls, showing patience and occasional flourishes in an innings that eventually ended with a plum LBW decision. Compton was almost on his way back to the pavilion before the umpire raised his finger.

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James Taylor has quickly moved to a half century from just 66 balls, batting with the fluidity and confidence of a man very comfortable with his game. He’s still there on 56*, joined in the middle by Ben Stokes, who is testing his shoulder after a nasty injury towards the end of the Test series against Pakistan. 

England 162-4 after 41 overs, they can bat for a maximum of 100.

Get Involved #spaceXI

We are asking for your suggestions for a Space XI and you have come up with some absolute corkers, but we desperately need a stadium name and a manager. Get your thinking caps on and tweet us #spaceXI.

Jamie O'Donnell: Edwin van der Star 

Sunny Gill: Toby AsteroidBelt 

Adam Keyes: Jermaine UFO 

Blatter writes to national associations

'I am innocent' says Blatter

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Suspended Fifa president Sepp Blatter has sent a letter to all 209 national football associations reiterating his innocence over ethics charges against him.

A spokesman for Blatter told BBC that Blatter is in a “fighting spirit” ahead of his personal hearing with Fifa’s ethics adjudicator on Thursday.

Verdicts against Blatter and Platini are expected before Christmas.

Compton out for 58

Nick Compton has gone for 58 to leave England 155-4 in their warm-up match against a South African Invitation XI in Potchefstroom.

James Taylor has reached his half-century and has been joined at the crease by Gary Ballance, who is fighting for a place in the starting XI to face South Africa on Boxing Day. 

Get Involved #spaceXI

British astronaut Tim Peake, who is currently on his way to space, has reportedly taken a Stoke City flag with him on his six-month trip.

He was persuaded to take the flag by a lifelong Potters fan.

To mark Tim's historic journey we want your Space XI, tweets us with your suggestions to #spaceXI

Trust fund for Lomu children

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A trust fund has been set up for Jonah Lomu's children after it was revealed the New Zealand rugby union great had almost no savings when he died.

Lomu died at the age of 40 in November having been diagnosed with a rare and serious kidney condition in 1995.

The chief executive of the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association said Lomu's generosity had left him with virtually no money at the time of his death.

"Jonah's family have not asked for this assistance," said Rob Nichol.

Lucky escape

Compton has now made his 50 - good stuff on his first England appearance in three years - with James Taylor on 39. England are 128-3 in the first warm-up game of their South Africa tour, against a South African invitational XI.

West Brom weigh up move

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West Brom are considering a move for Besiktas strikerKerim Frei, 22, if a move for QPR forward Matt Phillips falls through, reportsThe Mirror.

Frei has previously played for Fulham in the Premier League.

#SpaceXI

In honour of British astronaut Tim Peake - who, as we're sure you're aware, has just successfully blasted towards space (and looks remarkably calm about it all) - we are asking for your Space XI.

Randomly anyone remember when two astronauts turned up to Villa Park two seasons ago?

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Ton up

England, remember, are three down - Alastair Cook, Alex Hales and Joe Root losing their wickets in the morning session.

Nick Compton is with James Taylor at the crease.

Get Involved #spaceXI

We want to hear your Space XI 🚀🌟

El double E ess: Henrik STARsson.

Dominic: Rocket Santa Cruz & Jupiter Hoilett

Alex: Obafemi Martians

Moniz relies on 'street-wise' approach

PA

Notts County boss Ricardo Moniz says his 'street-wise' personality helps him cope with hand-to-handle players.

"We have a few characters which a lot of clubs and coaches would run away from. I think you should guide them in a good direction and be a leader," he told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"If people are not different, we only create robots. It starts with the youth, sometimes difficult characters are sent away but they are the best."

Space XI

Gianfranco Solar anyone?

BBC

Lambert extends unbeaten run

Blackburn Rovers extended their unbeaten Championship run to eight games as they were held to a goalless draw by Nottingham Forest.

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It means Rovers boss Paul Lambert continues his unblemished record since taking over and, not surprisingly, he was pretty chuffed afterwards.

"We dominated the game against a good side so from that point of view I'm delighted with the effort," said Lambert.

"Taking 11 points from 15 is a massive return and I can't fault the lads for the way they are playing and the effort they have given."

Space XI

With British Astronaut Tim Peake about to take off into space, we're asking for your Space XI. 

Will_Enever: Wayne Moon-ey 

Jon Barbuti: NASA Chadli.

And well done to our colleague Saj Chowdhury who is light years ahead of the rest of the office. His favourite one so far - Sputnik Barmby.... 

Get involved by using #SpaceXI on Twitter. 

Happy birthday Jesse

Aw,how nice.

Stones bid still on

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Chelsea will resume their £40m bid to sign Everton's England centre-half John Stones, 21, as soon as the transfer window opens in January, according to the Daily Express.

Space XI

It can't have escaped your attention that a Briton is about to launch into space. 

In light of that, we want your Space XI. 

Gianfranco Solar? Orion Shawcross? Send us your suggestions using #SpaceXI on Twitter, and we'll put a team together later today. 

We're ignoring one of our colleagues who wants 'John Extra-Terry-estrial' in there.

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Major Tim Peake

Get Involved

LJ Messam: Leicester top five. Foxes would snap your hand off for that high a finish preseason. Still cant see them as serious challengers.

Kharisu Mahmud: Leicester chances of winning the league is slim...but Chelsea will definitely survive the relegation battle .

Burgess is back

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Sam Burgess will return to rugby league in an All-Stars game on 13 February.

Burgess, 27, rejoined South Sydney Rabbitohs after cutting short his time in rugby union following England's ill-fated World Cup campaign.

Burgess, whose move has not yet been sanctioned by the National Rugby League, has been named in a World XIII to play an Indigenous Australian side.

England trio James Graham, Gareth Widdop and Burgess' younger brother Tom, have also been picked.

Bath props earn Ford recommendation

Bath head coach Mike Ford has revealed he recommended prop duo Henry Thomas and Nick Auterac to new England boss Eddie Jones at a recent meeting.

Jones met Ford at Bath's training base on Friday to talk about the Premiership club's England contingent.

"I gave him a couple of names such as Henry Thomas and Nick Auterac in particular," Ford told BBC Points West. "We exchanged numbers and he's keen to build up a good relationship."

Get Involved

Alstallio: Two-horse race after Monday between Arsenal and Leicester. Man City will be out of it soon and Chelsea are slipping on all that oil.

Iain Wilson: Mourinho saying Chelsea aren't in a relegation battle. Is that only because they're not battling at all?

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Chris: What's happening now at Chelsea could have happened at Man Utd if LvG hadnt stopped us conceding goals.  

South Africa XI v England, lunch, day 1

Henry Moeran

BBC Test Match Special in Potchefstroom

England have reached lunch at 90-3 with James Taylor 12 and the impressive Nick Compton on 36.

Having had openers Alastair Cook (2) and Alex Hales (8) out cheaply in the first few overs, it fell to Compton and Joe Root to try and gain some momentum. Root led the response with a quick-fire 28 (all of his runs came in fours), but was then caught behind to leave Compton the task of building an innings and catching the eye of the England coaching staff.

He's looked rarely troubled, timing the ball nicely and – crucially – leaving the ball with confidence and assurance. Alongside him, Taylor – looking every inch the Test batsman – has played solidly for his 12 and offered a good steadying hand at a time when England needed it.

Just a reminder – England can bat for a maximum of 100 overs. At lunch on day one they’re 90-3.

Lunch-time

Jenkins signs new deal

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Cardiff Blues back-rower Ellis Jenkins has signed a new long-term deal with the Welsh region.

Jenkins, 22, has made 49 appearances for the Blues and the former Wales Under-20 captain is rated as one of the brightest prospects in Welsh rugby. 

No plans to put his feet up

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Roger Federer, the 17-time Grand Slam singles champion, does not intend to retire after next year's Olympics.

The Swiss will turn 35 during the Rio Games, where he will play in the singles and mixed doubles, although he has not decided on the doubles.

"I've planned all of 2016, you know all the way through the Rio Olympics and beyond," he said.

"No plans to retire yet. I don't have a definite date even though that would help to make things easier to plan."

Scarlets pounce

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Scarlets have signed fly-half Rhys Patchell from Cardiff Blues for next season.

Patchell, 22, is the second new signing by the Scarlets after centre Jonathan Davies also agreed to join the Welsh region for 2016-17.

Root doing so well... oh, hang on

The danger of tweeting.

First...

Then...

Oops.

Nick Compton is still there on 31. James Taylor joins him at the crease.

BreakingBolt to warm-up in London

Usain Bolt will warm-up for the Rio Olympics by competing at the 2016 London Anniversary Games.

The six-time Olympic champion will return to the track where he won triple gold at the London Olympics in 2012 to take part in the event from 22-23 July, which is part of the IAAF Diamond League series.

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Football

After last night's 2-1 win for Leicester over Chelsea, we want your thoughts on two main issues today. 

Can Leicester win the league? Can Chelsea get relegated, and why? 

Send us your thoughts using #bbcsportsday on Twitter

Rex Features

Gary's pants idea

You sure about this Gary?

'We've come a long way' - Ramsey

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has warned England ahead of next year's European Championship finals that Wales have come a long way in a short space of time.

Wales have not scored against England since 1984, and have lost all four matches between the sides since, but Ramsey said: "It's going to be a very exciting game.

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"To be fair, I wanted England and I think it will be a great game for everyone who's involved in what'll be seen as a derby if you like.

"We've come a long way since we last played England (a 1-0 scoreline in their last encounter in a Euro 2012 qualifier). I'm sure it'll be a lot closer this game -- and it could go either way."

Much happier

BBC Sport

Here's someone who was a bit cheerier. Leicester's table-topping manager Claudio Ranieri.

Click here to what he had to say in the aftermath of the win over Chelsea.

An angry man

BBC Sport

Jose Mourinho was not a happy chappie afterwards. You can hear for yourself - click to watch his interview.

England vs SA XI

Henry Moeran

BBC Test Match Special in Potchefstroom

England’s new-look opening pair of Alex Hales and Alastair Cook could only muster six runs between them before the captain was trapped in front for two in the third over. Not a good dismissal for Cook, as he misread late swing to leave the umpire with a simple decision.

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Hales didn’t last much longer, bowled for eight shouldering arms to a delivery that nipped back at him. It was the sort of dismissal many fear could be Hales’ undoing in Test cricket – poor shot selection early in the innings costing him his wicket and putting England under early pressure.

However, the early wickets have given an opportunity to Nick Compton to stake his claim for the number three position. Compton is battling Gary Ballance for the nod in the first Test in Durban, and the Middlesex man has batted watchfully so far for his 15. He’s joined in the middle by Joe Root, who once again looks in fine touch.

41-2 after 10 overs.

Terry v Savage - Round Three

Remember when John Terry called out Robbie Savage? 

And then Savage responded? 

If you thought it had stopped there, think again. Because Savage joined in again last night on 5 live Sport. 

"I'm going to criticise John Terry again because he's the captain of that team and they looked a better side when he went off. If he wants to question me again I don't really care because tonight he was awful once again."

You can hear it all here. 

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Leading the way

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Olympic champions and world number onesCharlotte DujardinandScott Brashhead the fieldat the London International Horse Show at Olympia on Tuesday.

Dujardin, 30, set world records in winning the freestyle dressage and grand prix events last year.

The double Olympic and world champion will ride Uthopia instead of her usual horse Valegro in Wednesday's freestyle.

Brash, the first rider to complete the sport's grand slam, competes in the World Cup showjumping on 20 December.

Stat attack

• Leicester have scored in every Premier League game this season.
• Jamie Vardy has now scored or assisted in 14 consecutive Premier League games.
• Only Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (18) has netted more goals in Europe's top five leagues this season than Jamie Vardy (15).
• It was Chelsea and Jose Mourinho's ninth defeat in the Premier League this season - the same number as in 2013-14 (6) and 2014-15 (3) combined.

Deadly duo

As for the game itself, that man Jamie Vardy's 15th goal of the season put Leicester ahead before half-time and Riyad Mahrez's brilliant curling strike just after the break sealed the win for Claudio Ranieri's side.

Chelsea substitute Loic Remy pulled one back but the home side survived in relative comfort to move back ahead of Manchester City at the top of the table.

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Vardy, who is the Premier League's top scorer, was playing non-league football four years ago and arrived at Leicester for about £1m in 2012.

Mahrez was playing in the second tier in France before the Foxes signed him in January 2014 for a reported fee of £400,000.

"No-one can buy Vardy or Mahrez in January," said Ranieri, 64. "They don't have the money and they don't have a price."

The almost unbeatables

'We're not in a relegation battle' - Mourinho

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Chelsea only lost three times in the whole of last season as they cantered to the title by eight points from Manchester City.

They now find themselves at the wrong end of the table and come up against second-bottom Sunderland on Saturday.

"I accept we are in the relegation zone but I don't accept we are in a relegation battle," said Jose Mourinho.

"You look at the table and we are there but you think you are in a relegation battle if you think you are there for three or four months. I don't think that.

"To turn things around, I know only one way - working at the top level."

England two down

Oh dear, not going well this is it?

Just to transcribe for older readers, Root66 is Joe Root and 'thecompdog' is Nick Compton.

Ooo, these pesky youngsters and their trendy Twitter handles...

'Betrayed'

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But no doubt what the real big news is today - Jose Mourinho's reaction to defeat at Chelsea.

Managers often shield their players, taking the criticism themselves and attempting to maintain confidence.

Not this time.

Mourinho, sick to the back teeth after a ninth Premier League defeat in 16 games, said he felt like his work was "betrayed".

"One possibility is that I did an amazing job last season and brought the players to a level that is not their level and now they can't maintain it," said the boss. Ouch.

Early setback

And talking about that England warm-up match - which started at 08:00 GMT - there's been a very early wicket.

It's not ideal news either - skipper Alastair Cook going for a paltry two after facing just seven balls.

So Alex Hales already has a new partner, with Nick Compton joining him at the crease and getting an early chance to stake a claim for a Test spot.

The opening Test against South Africa starts on Boxing Day.

Compton in for England

And another snippet... Nick Compton has been given an early chance to restate his England credentials after being included at number three in the first tour match against a South African Invitational XI in Potchefstroom.

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Compton played the last of his nine Tests in May 2013 but has been given first opportunity to replace Ian Bell at first drop.

Alastair Cook won the toss and chose to bat first in the three-day game, during which England will use 13 players, including the uncapped left-arm seamer Mark Footitt.

Gary Ballance and James Anderson will not bat in the first innings but will play some part in the match, with Chris Jordan, Samit Patel and Jos Buttler left out entirely.

Bairstow signs new deal

Some breaking news from the world of cricket before we get stuck into the footie... England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow has signed a new three-year deal with Yorkshire.

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The 26-year-old is currently in South Africa with the Test squad, with England beginning a three-day warm-up match in Potchefstroom on Tuesday.

Bairstow will remain with the county champions until at least 2018 after scoring 1,108 first division runs at 92.33 last season.

"I'm delighted to be signing a new contract with Yorkshire," said Bairstow.

5 live Football Daily

There's a lot of fallout and a lot of reaction to get through from last night's Leicester-Chelsea match - you can listen to it all by downloading the 5 live Football Daily, including interviews with Claudio Ranieri and Jose Mourinho. 

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Tuesday's papers

The Times

Tuesday's papers

Daily Mail

Tuesday's papers

The Guardian

Tuesday's papers

The Mirror

Tuesday's papers

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Tuesday's papers

Independent

Contrasting fortunes

Tim Peake is about to go up.

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Jose Mourinho, it seems, is going down.

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More trouble and strife at Chelsea.

Welcome to Sportsday, first the papers..