Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Michel Platini withdraws from Fifa presidential race
2. Son of Lamine Diack banned from IAAF for life
3. 17 FA Cup third round news conferences, including Sunderland and Stoke
4. Do Paralympians get the credit they deserve? Use #bbcsportsday on Twitter

Thank you and goodnight

Well, that was a madcap ending to Sportsday. You can continue to follow Sportsday on this very website, chiefly through this story, which will tell you all you need to know (further reporting and reaction to follow).

That is all from Sportsday for now, though. We will return tomorrow at 08:00 GMT.

Oscar on bust-up reports

Breaking away from Platini for a second and Chelsea midfielder Oscar has tweeted to tackle reports in today's papers which suggested he and team-mate Diego Costa had been involved in a training-ground bust-up...

'Maybe I'll come back in 20 years'

More from Michel Platini on his decision to withdraw from the Fifa presidential race:

"I had 150 associations thinking that I'm the right person to solve Fifa's problems. It won't happen. But there is no age limitation, so maybe I'll come back in 20 years. Who knows?'' 

'Bye bye Fifa, bye bye presidency'

Here are the quotes from Michel Platini himself, on why he has withdrawn as a candidate in the race to become the next Fifa president...

"I'm withdrawing from the race for Fifa presidency," Platini told the Associated Press in an interview. "The timing is not good for me. I don't have the means to fight on equal terms with the other candidates. I have not been given the chance to play the game. Bye bye Fifa, bye bye Fifa presidency.

"I'm taking this philosophically, let's wait and see what happens. But injustice is revolting me and I'm trying to fight it.

"I can't have any regret in that story because things fell upon my head while I haven't done anything wrong.

"I'm struggling to understand what happened, unless there was a will somewhere to prevent me from bidding."

Platini withdraws from Fifa presidential race

More details on Michel Platini's withdrawal from the race to be the next Fifa president...

The 60-year-old Frenchman has told the Associated Press that he remains determined to overturn the eight-year ban he was handed by Fifa's ethics committee last month, but that the deadline for the 26 February Fifa presidential election is too short and renders his candidacy impossible.

Platini withdraws from Fifa presidential race

You'll probably remember that Uefa president Michel Platini failed in his bid to have his 90-day provisional ban from football lifted last month.

Platini's request was denied by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which means the Frenchman will not be allowed to attend the Euro 2016 finals draw in Paris on Saturday.

The 60-year-old was suspended in October, along with Fifa president Sepp Blatter, while corruption claims are investigated.

Both deny any wrongdoing.

This now looks to have scuppered his hopes of succeeding Blatter at Fifa.

AFP

BreakingPlatini withdraws from Fifa presidential race

Big news! Suspended Uefa president Michel Platini has told the Associated Press that he is withdrawing from the Fifa presidential election.

LA in a glass case of emotion

Major League Soccer's newest club, Los Angeles FC, have revealed their crest ahead of the new season. You can have a gander at it on their official Facebook page.

It's got a wing on it. City of Angels, you see.

In addition, I've just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you, to stop what you're doing and listen.... cannonball!

Ahem, sorry, what I meant to say was that LAFC have also unveiled a new co-owner. Some bloke called Will Ferrell. Great Odin's raven!

PA

'Football owes duty of care to women like Carneiro'

FA Board member Dame Heather Rabbatts has told 5 live that football "owes a duty of care" to women like former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro. She told Afternoon Edition's Dan Walker that Dr Carneiro was one of "very few high profile women working at the top end of football."

Dame Heather has publicly supported Dr Carneiro, who has now begun an employment tribunal for constructive dismissal against Chelsea.

Dame Heather told 5 live that the case represented a "significant moment for football" and added "for us at the FA it means that we need to absolutely look at our processes again to ensure that women who are in the game get support".

Getty Images

'I will give everything I have'

And here is Alan Curtis himself, on his appointment as Swansea manager until the end of the season...

"It’s an honour to be asked to manage this club until the end of the season. If the club believes I am the right man to take things forward then I will give everything I have to the role. 

"As the weeks have gone on I feel I have grown into the job and I’m a lot happier now taking it until the end of the season. I firmly believe we can get the results required between now and the end of the campaign to push us up the table."

Reuters

'We've spoken to a lot of potential managers'

Huw Jenkins on the appointment of Alan Curtis as Swansea caretaker boss until the end of the season part 3:

"Finding a replacement hasn’t been easy because we didn’t want to make a short-term decision that would be detrimental to the club long-term. It’s a unique situation for us and I think we are only now appreciating what other Premier League clubs in our position have gone through in the last five years. 

"We’ve spoken to a lot of potential managers. Some didn’t want to leave the clubs they were at this late stage in the season, while others didn’t want to put their reputation on the line by joining a club at the wrong end of the table. 

"In the end, we felt the best decision was to keep things in-house and change as little as we can until taking stock in the summer."

AP

'Curtis represents what Swansea stands for'

Huw Jenkins on the appointment of Alan Curtis as Swansea caretaker boss until the end of the season part 2: 

“We believe there is nobody with more knowledge and experience of the club to do that than Alan Curtis. He has served Swansea City so well for more than 40 years and played an integral part in our recent success under the likes of Roberto Martinez, Paulo Sousa, Brendan Rodgers, Michael Laudrup and Garry Monk. 

“We have a person at the helm who fully represents all Swansea City stands for; has the respect of the players and who will provide the calm reassurance and encouragement of our footballing beliefs. 

“We have all been impressed with the way he has improved performance levels over the last five games. The players have obviously responded to him because we have seen an uplift in performances."

Reuters

'The right decision for Swansea'

In a lengthy statement on the Swansea website, chairman Huw Jenkins has discussed the decision to appoint Alan Curtis as caretaker manager until the end of the season. This is what he has had to say...

“We firmly believe it is the right decision for Swansea City. 

“Alan has been with us through good and bad times and was part of the management team that helped the club secure its Football League status over 12 years ago. 

“He is fully aware of the next important job he has ahead of him to dig deep and find the required levels of performance and motivation to secure our Premier League status – our main goal this season." 

PA

BreakingCurtis to remain in charge

Tom Garry

BBC Sport

Swansea City have announced caretaker boss Alan Curtis will remain in charge of the Premier League club for the rest of the season.

The 61-year-old took over after Garry Monk was sacked on 9 December.

Former Swans player Curtis has since led the side to one win, two draws and two defeats in five games at the helm so far, including three clean sheets.

Swansea lie 17th in the table, two points above the relegation zone, after Saturday's loss at Manchester United.

Getty Images

Brighton sign winger Knockaert

OfficialBHAFC

Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion have signed winger Anthony Knockaert from Belgian club Standard Liege for an undisclosed fee. 

The 24-year-old, who joined Standard from Leicester City last summer, has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Seagulls. 

"He was somebody I was interested in for a number of reasons," Albion manager Chris Hughton said. 

"He is a good technical player and has experience of the Championship."

Joe Cole joins Coventry

France win Euro 2016 (sort of)

Exclusive: France win Euro 2016... in a simulation of the event by the creators of Football Manager.

According to the simulation, the hosts will beat Italy 2-0 in the final thanks to goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Rafael Varane.

You'll be glad to know that both England and Wales make it out of the group stage. But both exit in the quarter-finals, with the former knocked out by Italy and the latter falling to Austria.

Unfortunately, neither Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland make it out of their group.

Have a look here.

Sanchez won't be risked

Doesn't look like we'll be seeing Alexis Sanchez in action for Arsenal this weekend. The Gunners face Sunderland in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday but the Chilean forward, who has been suffering from a hamstring injury, will not be risked.

"The bad news of the week is that Alexis is not quite ready," the Gunners boss told arsenal.com. 

"It is a precaution because of his hamstring, and it takes a few more days. He's not bad but he's not ready. 

"The thinking is to give absolutely everything to qualify. We are the holders of the cup and I know as well by experience that it is very important that you get in the competition and that you have a successful third round. It's a tricky one, always, the third round." 

PA

Stoke news conference

Stoke boss Mark Hughes is confident the club's ongoing contract talks with Marko Arnautovic will result in an agreement being reached. Reports have suggested 26-year-old Arnautovic, who is being linked with Paris St Germain, has rejected a new deal offered by the Potters and is holding out for one that would make him their highest-paid player. 

When asked about Arnautovic's situation on Thursday, Hughes said: "It is where it was just before Christmas I think. 

"As with all negotiations, usually people representing players go in high, we go in low and somewhere in the future we come to a middle ground and it gets done. That is what is happening in terms of Marko's situation. 

"We are having negotiations. Sometimes they take longer than others. But we are very hopeful Marko will be a big part of what we are doing going forward, and I think that is what he would like." 

Reuters

Euro 2016 ticket deadline looms

Fancy attending a Euro 2016 match in France? Well you better hurry up because there are only 11 days left to secure tickets for the event before the deadline to apply passes on 18 January.

Each of the competing teams has a dedicated portal, although this public portal allows fans to apply for any match in each of the ten host cities. It is also possible for fans who are not members of their respective FA’s supporters clubs to apply for tickets for the matches of their team.

You can find said portals here.

PA

Chelsea training bust-up

We love a good training ground bust-up. They only get reported every so often but when they do they are always a good source of drama. File this firmly under 'reported' but according to the Telegraph, Chelsea's Diego Costa and Oscar had to separated by "stunned" (aren't they always) team-mates in training on Thursday after a poorly-timed tackle by the latter.

A source told Telegraph Sport: “Oscar’s challenge was outrageous, it was straight into the knee of Costa and could have done him some real damage. That sparked a brawl between them and the other players had to stop it.”

EPA

'Austin of no interest to Palace'

Current Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew is clearly in no mood to take advice from his predecessors. He has hit back at Neil Warnock after the former Eagles manager said he thought Charlie Austin would be a good fit at Selhurst Park.

"Neil Warnock was the manager here and he didn't do very well so I am not really interested in his opinion," said Pardew. "Charlie Austin is of no interest to us."

That clears that up. 

PA

We are a match for Villa - Ainsworth

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth has told his players not to worry about the result against Premier League team Aston Villa in the FA Cup but the performance. 

"I've said to them enjoy yourselves with the total knowledge that my boys aren't going to make this a circus week and mess about," he said.

"What a challenge. What an opportunity against top players in the country and in Europe. I've told them not to be concerned about the result, worry about the performance. 

"On our day we are a match. We played Fulham earlier in the season who aren't a million miles away from Villa and we gave them a real good game. 

"It happens - this fairy tale, this moment of magic the FA Cup springs up and there hasn't really been one yet. There is that glint of light in me that thinks we could be the one this round."

Getty Images

Januzaj returns to Old Trafford

You may have seen today that Adnan Januzaj's loan spell at Borussia Dortmund has been cut short. United decided to recall the 20-year-old Belgium international forward from Germany after he started just three games.

Here is Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc telling Kicker what he thinks of the situation: "The loan wasn't a good deal for both sides all in all."

Yep. That just about covers it.

Reuters

Bristol City's £50k punt

Getty Images

Anyone got a spare £50k lying about that they fancy gambling on a French striker?

Bristol City do. 

The Championship side are closing in on the signing of Arnold Garita, a player that manager Steve Cotterill has described as a "punt".

Garita, 20, plays for Chateauroux in France's third tier and was at Ashton Gate on trial in November.

"Arnie is a £50,000 punt that will play in our under-21s," Cotterill told BBC Radio Bristol.

"We don't have anyone who is as physically strong as he is. He's raw, big, strong, tough and hungry."

Sunderland news conference

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has insisted did not intended to sound critical of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's methods, but had simply voiced an opinion when asked a question. 

Allardyce had suggested that Klopp's style of football was the reason for the current injury crisis at Anfield, something the German rejects.

"I think the headline has upset him in the nationals," said Allardyce. "I got asked a question by a friend of mine, Alan Brazil, on talkSPORT, 'What do you think the injuries are down to?', and I gave an opinion. I answered it and never expected it to bring the headlines it's brought. 

"But if Jurgen is listening, I didn't mean to upset you or criticise your club in any way, I was just giving what I could see as as maybe one of the reasons why we get injuries.

"I was just trying to say that he hasn't experience this level of football before and maybe that might be one of the causes." 

PA

Fernandes defends running of QPR

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes has taken to Twitter to defend the way the club is being run...

Black Cats busy

Looks like Sunderland are going to be busy in the January window. Apparently, they have already been told that West Ham striker Andy Carroll is not available. And Sam Allardyce has confirmed that a move for 26-year-old Lorient centre-back Lamine Kone has fallen through after talks broke down.

However, according to the Sunderland Echo, Bayern Munich defender Jan Kirchhoff has rejected offers from three Bundesliga sides to move to the Stadium of Light for £750,000.

PA

"I'm glad he has time for Liverpool's problems."

BBC

Watch as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp responds to Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce's criticism that a recent spate of injuries to his players were down to his methods.

Oooh, miaow. 

Villa are fragile - Ainsworth

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth was in bullish mood today ahead of his team's FA Cup Third Round tie against Premier League basement club Aston Villa. 

The visitors haven't won a league game since the opening day of the season back in August as they head to Wycombe from League Two.

 "They are fragile in the Premier League without a shadow of a doubt", said Ainsworth.

"They have been shy of wins and we're going to go for it as Wycombe Wanderers do. We start games well, we'll be giving it our all. There will be respect shown of course but I'm hoping we'll get a bit of respect."

BBC Sport

Do Paralympians get the credit they deserve?

.

What's it like being a Paralympian in 2016?

Britain's Will Bayley won table tennis silver for Britain at the 2012 Paralympics in London and is targeting gold in Rio.

“I just want to be recognised as a world-class athlete not just as a person who has overcome a disability,” he told BBC Sport.

“I’m a good table tennis player and I want to be remembered as a good table tennis player.”

We're asking whether you think Paralympians get the credit they deserve. Tell us what you think using #bbcsportsday on Twitter.

Police investigate Hobden's death

Getty Images

Police are investigating whether Sussex bowler Matthew Hobden was asleep on the roof of a building before falling to his death.

The 22-year-old was found dead at a private property in the Forres area of Scotland after celebrating the New Year with friends.

His cause of death remains unexplained and Police Scotland say there are no suspicious circumstances.

The Mirror claims Hobden and other guests were star-gazing on the roof.

Ramage joins Sky Blues

Former Crystal Palace centre-back Peter Ramage has joined League One side Coventry City for the rest of the season following a trial.

The 34-year-old most recently played in the Indian Super League for Kerala Blasters, owned by cricket star Sachin Tendulkar.

Rex Features

Beat the manager...

In an attempt to improve "team bonding", League Two strugglers Yeovil Town have invited fans to go and have a game of pool with the players. 

Wonder if manager Darren Way will let this young lad win a game?

More women behind the wheel

Getty Images

Susie Wolff is launching an initiative aimed at increasing the number of women involved in motorsport.

The Scot, who retired from racing last year, is linking up with UK motorsport authority the MSA for the scheme.

The scheme will start with motorsport, but there are plans to expand it into other male-dominated environments.

Wolf said: "I never set out to become a role model but somehow I did.

"The opportunities are out there. We aim to inspire female talent to ensure in the long term our sport is diverse."

Lawrence joins Bristol Rovers

Getty Images

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Lawrence has signed for Bristol Rovers on a free transfer from Shrewsbury.

The 34-year-old has agreed a deal to the end of the season and Rovers boss Darrell Clarke described the signing as a "fantastic coup".

Hales 'deserves to keep place'

Alex Hales has done enough to keep his place in the England side, according to his county coach and national team selector Mick Newell. 

The 27-year-old Nottinghamshire opener scored 60 in the drawn second Test against South Africa.

"Alex is having to get stuck in and curb some of his natural instincts to score," Newell told BBC Radio Nottingham. "If he does grab this opportunity I think it will be great for him and good for England."

Reuters

Do Paralympians get the credit they deserve?

Britain’s Hannah Russell says more needs to be done to ensure Paralympians get a bigger profile.

The swimmer, who became a world champion following 2012, where she made her Paralympic debut, says wheelchair tennis player Jordanne Whiley is a case in point.

"Look at what she achieves, all the titles and championships," says Russell, 19.

"Paralympic athletes achieve a lot more than able-bodied athletes and the recognition needs to improve."

We're asking whether you think Paralympians get the credit they deserve. Tell us what you think using #bbcsportsday on Twitter. 

BBC Sport

New year, new hair

Check out DeAndre Yedlin's new 'do. Is this trendy, or did the barber go a bit awry with the razor?

Anyone got some superglue?

Spare a thought for Sir Matt. It seems his first Olympic medal has taken a bit of a battering. 

Southampton news conference

BBC

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has been asked about the future of midfielder Sadio Mane.

The Senegalese winger was dropped for the game against Norwich after turning up late for a meeting and has since been linked with a move to Manchester United.

"It's too easy to say after mistakes that players are showing they would like to move," said Koeman before their FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace. 

"The players know their positions within the club, and what we think about them. There's no reason to doubt them. 

"If there is any player thinking if his behaviour isn't good, it makes it easier for the player, then I'll put the player in the stands until the end of their contract. That's not how you do your job as a footballer."

Man Utd prospect joins Barnsley

Rex

Manchester United striker Ashley Fletcher has joined League One side Barnsley on a month's loan.

The 20-year-old, who has yet to play a first-team game for United, could make his debut in Saturday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy area final first leg against Fleetwood. 

Ronald Koeman news conference

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has been speaking to the press before Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie with Crystal Palace.

The Dutchman says he doesn't intend to rotate his squad, and also spoke about the fitness of goalkeeper Fraser Forster, who's been out with a long-term knee problem.

Jenas retires

Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas formally announced his retirement from professional football today (although, to be fair, he's not strapped his boots on in anger for a while). 

His first club, Nottingham Forest, have wished him all the best, complete with a photo of Jenas and the great Brian Clough. Worth a share.

Brighton set for Knockaert talks

Championship promotion contenders Brighton & Hove Albion are set to hold talks with Standard Liege winger Anthony Knockaert.

Standard say they have reached an agreement with the Seagulls for the 24-year-old former Leicester player.

Knockaert spent three years with the Foxes before moving to Belgium last summer.

Getty Images

Australia v India live

Barnett off

After the club's heaviest defeat for almost 52 years, Tyrone Barnett has become the second player to leave Shrewsbury following Saturday's 7-1 loss to Chesterfield.

The 30-year-old striker has joined League One rivals Southend United on loan for the rest of the season.

Here he is doing the obligatory 'Holding the Shirt' picture with Shrimpers boss Phil Brown.

BBC Essex

Super League goes south

Think Rugby League is only enjoyed in the north of England? Think again.

Super League general manager Blake Solly is aiming to bring more games to London and the south east.

The Challenge Cup final traditionally takes place at Wembley and last year Wigan played against Catalans at Millwall's ground.

"We've realised that we've got some great showpieces to take to London," Solly told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"We know there's a market in London and the south east for big rugby league events but we've got to serve them up."

get

Hockaday leaves Kidderminster Harriers

Kidderminster Harriers have parted company with head coach Dave Hockaday after just three months in charge. 

Harriers chief executive Colin Gordon, who picked the team prior to Hockaday's arrival in October, is expected to take on more responsibility. 

Harriers lie bottom of the National League, 12 points adrift of safety, having won just twice all season. 

"We've talked at length and both agree that this is the right move forward," said Harriers chairman Rod Brown.

Empics

Southampton news conference

BBC Radio Solent's Chris Wise is in position at a rather empty-looking Southampton news conference.

Has he got the right day?

Chelsea v Scunthorpe (Sun, 14:00 GMT, 5 live commentary)

Crystal Palace news conference

And finally, some team-related news from Alan Pardew...

"Dwight Gayle and Connor Wickham should be available for Aston Villa [Tuesday 12 January]. Bakary Sako will be fit for Saturday. So that's great news for us.

"Sako's important because he can get a goal out of nothing. He's a weapon I haven't had for 5 or 6 games. He's got a shot in both feet that has more venom than 95% of the Premier League."

Getty Images

Tarashaj a Toffee

Everton are up and running in the window...

Crystal Palace news conference

Alan Pardew was also asked about potential Palace transfers this January, and had this to say...

"I've seen all the names that ave been linked with us and not one of them is true. Perhaps someone is giving out false information. We are looking at one or two, but not them.

"We all know the prize of staying in the Premier League this summer, so all the clubs will make a move who need to. There's less pressure on us.  

"[Chairman] Steve Parish and myself are in contact every day talking about the issues we have. This market will be very very difficult. Not just for me, but for all Premier League teams.

"I just want them to be good enough to play for CPFC. What's the point in bringing in strikers that aren't better than the ones I've got?"

Getty Images

Coe welcomes corruption report

Lord Coe has been reacting to the life bans handed out to three IAAF members, including Lamine Diack's son. 

“I’d like to thank the independent IAAF Ethics Board for their diligent and detailed investigation. 

"The life bans announced today could not send a stronger message that those who attempt to corrupt or subvert the sport of athletics will be brought to justice. 

"We continue to work with the French authorities’ investigation and the WADA’s Independent Commission.”

Getty Images

Crystal Palace news conference

Crystal Palace travel to Southampton this weekend for the FA Cup third round. Tough tie. However, if the Palace players need inspiration they need only turn to their manager Alan Pardew, who helped the club reach the 1990 final with a semi-final winner against Liverpool.

Pardew has been speaking today at his news conference...

"It's a massive competition for myself, growing up with the FA Cup," he said. "It's the trophy of the utmost importance to me. It's massive for me, massive for our fans and our players.

"We're going to try for a cup run. We'd have liked an easier draw, but there's not much we can do about that. We'll have 5,000 fans down there, so we have to do them proud."

PA

Sanchez to make changes

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Getty Images

Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores will make a number of changes to his starting eleven for the FA Cup tie against fellow Premier League team Newcastle this weekend. 

Flores has kept a very settled side all season and with his objective to stay in the top flight and with a midweek league fixture to come after the cup tie he will now rest some players.

"We need to manage the situation", he said.  "Three days after we have another challenge. 

"I don't think we are going to change 7 or 8 players because I want to recognise the team so maybe 4 or 5 players may come in. We don't want to change the personality of the team."

Quique Sanchez Flores news conference

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores has seen it all before and so laughed off what seemed like very fanciful newspaper reports linking his striker and captain Troy Deeney to Arsenal in a January transfer move. 

"I think it's completely impossible," he said. "His next step should be the national team. Why not? He is a reference of England with his style of English football. He is a passionate player." 

So Deeney not leaving in January and neither for that matter any of Flores's other top rated players including top scorer Odion Ighalo and dynamic midfielder Etienne Capoue

"I think the confidence of these players with Watford is very clear so I am completely sure these players keep here with Watford and after that I'm not sure."

Getty Images

Browne Jr. injured in car crash

United States Paralympic T44 athlete and double World Champion, Richard Browne Jr. has sustained broken ribs and a heavy concussion following a road traffic accident whilst in Florida.

Richard's manager, Ian Byers, said: "Richard is badly shaken up and in a lot of pain at the moment, but he was very lucky. Doctors have advised that he should rest for 3 weeks, which will impact on his winter training and may mean that we have to review his early season race plans. 

"However, Richard has overcome far greater adversity in his life and I am confident that he will be in top shape and ready to challenge for a place on the US Olympic team over 200m and to contend for two individual gold medals at the Rio Paralympic Games.”

Getty Images

Blake struggling for Rio sponsorship

Getty

ParalympicsGB men's team captain Paul Blake believes sponsors are more interested in supporting "athletes with a disability you can see".

The 25-year-old, who won silver and bronze medals at London 2012, has cerebral palsy and is struggling to find backers to supplement his funding for the Rio Paralympics.

"I can only do so much in keeping on handing out begging letters, I've got to focus on training as well," he said at the launch of Supercharge ParalympicsGB, a campaign to encourage the public to generate funds for the team.

Liverpool news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

"Jurgen Klopp has admitted he will make changes to his side for this weekend's FA Cup third-round match with Exeter.

"'That is the thing we have to do now, said Klopp. 'We have to take the situation like it is and we go to Exeter - I will be there for sure, I'll take a few players with me. It's a great tournament, we have to make decisions in this moment for the team so we have to make changes, that is all I can say because I don't know who is available. 

"'Now it's Exeter then we have five or six days until we play Wednesday, so it's nearly a break! Then we play Arsenal and Manchester United. No big space to enjoy but what we saw at Stoke was a brilliant performance of my team, especially the first half, we will always have a team on the pitch and that's okay. 

"'We time for a few players to recover and come back and be available for Arsenal. The squad is big, with all the young players it's really big, and we have to use this quality now and that is what we are doing.'"

Gareth Barry: One of the best?

Here is some more of your reaction to Roberto Martinez's assertion that Gareth Barry is one of the best English players ever...

Sean McColl: Surprised by those career stats on Barry extremely good for a defensive mid. International level never good enough though.

The Football Guru: Barry vastly underrated. Man Citys first PL title owed hin a big debt, but one of the best English players ever is pushing it.

John Ghoti: Barry is average, the only area he's top is avoiding bookings he deserved. His stats are sign of a lack of quality DMs.  

Bolton fans unite

BBC

Bolton Wanderers fans have united to form a supporters' trust in light of the club's financial problems.

Over 1,000 fans turned up at the Macron Stadium to vote for the creation of the trust.

The Championship strugglers have been put up for sale by owner Eddie Davies, with debts of £172.9m and a winding-up petition.

Gareth Barry: One of the best?

Here is some of of your reaction to Roberto Martinez's assertion that Gareth Barry is one of the best English players ever...

Ad Stroud: He may be underrated in the Premier League, but England performances weren't the best. Good at passing sideways.

David Lindley: Regarding Gareth Barry. there's a big difference between quality and longevity.....  

Life ban for Diack's son

The son of ex-world athletics chief Lamine Diack is one of three officials given life bans from the sport.

Papa Massata Diack, a former consultant for the IAAF, former All-Russia Athletic Federation chief Valentin Balakhnichev and coach Alexei Melnikov were last month charged with breaches of the IAAF's code of ethics.

Ex-IAAF anti-doping director Gabriel Dolle was also charged and has been banned for five years.

Xibaaru Senegal

Papa Massata Diack

Ladies Day at Lakeside

Phil Cartwright

BBC Sport at Lakeside

It's Ladies Day at Lakeside but don't expect any fancy frocks or flowery hats at Frimley Green - not on the stage, at least.

It's all about the tungsten on the oche as the four women's quarter-finals take place today.

Two-time defending champion Lisa Ashton plays nine-time winner Trina Gulliver in the last match of this afternoon's session.

Watch live coverage on BBC Two and online from 13:00 GMT - you'll also be able to see defending men's champion Scott Mitchell in second-round action against fellow Englishman Mark McGeeney.

Phil Cartwright

Ranieri fined for speeding

Getty Images

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has been fined £700 after admitting speeding on a road in Cambridgeshire.

The 64-year-old was caught speeding at 96mph in a 70mph zone on 13 October.

He admitted the offence and was fined at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. He did not attend court. 

Ranieri was also given five points on his licence and ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £70 victim surcharge.

England's May to miss Six Nations

England and Gloucester wing Jonny May has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

The 25-year-old limped off during his side's Premiership draw with Harlequins last month.

It means he will be absent for the Six Nations, which starts in February.

Getty Images

BreakingIAAF bans

Barry one of the best?

Gareth Barry: One of the best English players ever. Discuss.

OK, before you all pile in, here are some facts (courtesy of Opta) to help you make up your mind...

Everton (and former Aston Villa and Manchester City) midfielder Barry has played 582 games in the Premier League - third in the all-time list behind Ryan Giggs (632) and Frank Lampard (609).

Since Barry's Everton debut (on 14 September 2013) he has made the second most passes in the Premier League (5497) and the sixth most tackles (228).

In total during his Premier League career he has scored 50 goals and has 62 assists to his name.

OK, get arguing...

AFP

Get involved

 Do Paralympians get the credit they deserve? Use #bbcsportsday on Twitter or get involved on BBC Sport's Facebook page.

Nicola Jade: "Nowhere near enough! They basically do the same job as able bodied athletes but with an added challenge..They are superhuman."

Lewis Wright: "They unfortunately do not. Mike Kenny - 16 golds and yet he will be unknown to considerable numbers of people."

"It's never going to be like London again"

How did London 2012 influence interest in the Paralympics and Paralympians?

According to Jordanne Whiley, a big British hope for wheelchair tennis gold in Rio, it had a huge impact.

"London completely changed people's views about Paralympic sport," she told BBC Sport.

"Now we've got bigger crowds, more interest from the public, more sponsorship and more media coverage."

BBC Sport

However, wheelchair racer Hannah Cockroft says London generated a buzz that may be tough to repeat.

"It's never going to be like London again," said the 2012 double gold medallist. "We are not going to be able to create that hype again.

"The Games drew sports fans and non-sports fans. We have to be realistic."

Vardy & Alli provide 'wake-up call'

PA

The rise of Jamie Vardy and Dele Alli should be a wake-up call to big clubs about talent in the lower leagues, according to Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony.

"I'm sick of seeing 80-90% of the transfer money leaving the country. The Premier League need to do something in my opinion because it's ridiculous," he told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"It doesn't do England or Great Britain any good, and it certainly doesn't do the Football League any good."

Cech lets the train take the strain

Two days after helping Arsenal to a 1-0 win over Newcastle....

Liverpool interested in Ranocchia

Mani Djazmi

BBC World Service

"Liverpool are interested in Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia, although they have not made a bid for the 27-year-old.

"The BBC understands that Norwich have offered around 10 million euros for the player, along with a salary in the region of 3 million euros per year.

"Ranocchia, who's played 20 times for Italy and over 120 times for Inter, was captain last season.

"But he's been relegated to the bench in the current campaign, in which Inter lead the Serie A table. "It's understood that Inter's depth of defenders means they are happy to let him go, but he's in two minds about the move."

Gardner to Forest?

Getty Images

Forest have made enquiries to re-sign Gary Gardner on loan from Aston Villa, reports BBC Nottingham Sport.

The 23-year-old midfielder spent the second half of last season with the Reds, scoring four goals in 18 Championship appearances.

Forest have also been heavilylinked with Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell, with the Nottingham Post saying the club are one of several second-tier sides hoping to complete a deal for the 21-year-old.

Liverpool news conference

Juliette Ferrington

BBC Sport

"Injuries dominated today's Liverpool press conference.

"Philippe Coutinho is unlikely to be back until February after Klopp said: 'Phil is more serious than Dejan, (who is more serious) than Kolo but none of these are available for tomorrow. With muscle injuries you don't know. Kolo was cramp and that is not a problem but after three days it is not possible to play next game, but for next week it should not be a problem. With Dejan will be available after Manchester United and Phil needs one, maybe two or three weeks longer.'"     

Juliette Ferrington

Allardyce v Klopp

There's a war of words developing between Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and his Sunderland counterpart Sam Allardyce.

The pair had a tete-a-tete during their Premier League meeting last week, and after calling Klopp a "soft German", Allardyce has now said the Reds' injury crisis is down to the manager working his players too hard. 

Here's what Jurgen had to say about the matter, via BBC Sport's Juliette Ferrington:

Do Paralympians get the credit they deserve?

A campaign to boost the profile of Paralympians and generate extra funding in the run-up to the 2016 Games in Rio was launched today.  

But should the names of Ellie Simmonds, David Weir, Jonnie Peacock, Hannah Cockroft, Aled Davies and Jordanne Whileybe better known than they are?  

We want your thoughts - use #bbcsportsday on Twitter on have your say on the BBC Sport facebook page.   

Britain have been set a target of 121 medals for in Rio. It’s a bold target, but how have GB done at previous Games?

BBC Sport

Birthday boy Hamilton

Happy 31st birthday to everyone's favourite diamond-encrusted Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Getty Images

Also celebrating today is Eden Hazard - Chelsea and Belgium forward - and Swansea winger Wayne Routledge.

Byram move 'a long, long way off'

A couple more bits from the Leeds United news conference...

• Sam Byram's transfer away from the club is "a long, long way off" according to Steve Evans, although that comes with the suggestion that it does look increasingly likely to happen during this window.
• Evans has enquired about loan moves for Aston Villa's Jack Grealish and Stoke's Peter Crouch and has been told neither are available. He is still chasing Norwich striker Kyle Lafferty, with Leeds wanting a loan move and the Canaries favouring a permanent deal.

Getty Images

Jurgen Klopp news conference

Jurgen Klopp's news conference has started... we'll let you know what he says. 

The players he's referring to are messrs Coutinho, Lovren and Toure, all of whom had hamstring injuries in the 1-0 win at Stoke.

Traore out for 10 weeks

Getty Images

Aston Villa broke the news earlier that winger Adama Traore has been ruled out for up to 10 weeks after breaking a bone in his foot.

Traore, 19, went off in Saturday's 3-1 defeat by Sunderland after providing the assist for Carles Gil's goal.

The Spaniard joined Villa from Barcelona for £7m in the summer and has made 10 appearances, scoring one goal.

Manager Remi Garde said of Adama: "He can bring some stuff which is exceptional but then I still feel he needs to work on the collective game and be more involved in the game every minute, not only when he has the ball at his feet."

He won't have the ball at his feet for a while now, Remi. 

Jurgen Klopp news conference

Mike Hughes

Reporter, BBC Radio Merseyside Sport

Getty Images

It'll be fascinating to hear what Jurgen Klopp has to say as he looks ahead to his first taste of FA Cup football. 

Friday night's third round tie at Exeter encapsulates the romance of the world's greatest knock out competition. 

However he'll be more concerned with Liverpool 's lengthening injury list and their shortage of central defenders. 

He may also be surprised at the suggestion that the style of play he's introduced at Anfield is leading to more soft tissue injuries. 

Today's news conference starts at 11:00 GMT. 

Remi Garde news conference

Getty Images

Aston Villa boss Remi Garde said last weekend’s defeat by Sunderland had made the club less “attractive” to potential January signings, but said some targets are “still very motivated to join.”

He added: “The group has been suffering for a long time now, since the beginning of the season. We need fresh players to regenerate this group. Sometimes the spark needs to come from outside. Hopefully this is what will happen in the transfer window.

“If I can attract the first one, maybe the others will follow. I think when you are a good player it shouldn’t take you so long to settle in."

Remi Garde news conference

Pat Murphy

BBC Radio 5 live

Remi Garde knows the football phrase banana skin when it's put to him. Aware that many expect Wycombe to give his Aston Villa side a hard game in Saturday's FA Cup, Garde pointed out that there are shocks in all cup competitions all over the world.

He said two vital Premier League matches next week complicate Saturday's team selection.

Getty Images

After breaking the news that Adama Traore's broken metatarsal in his right foot could keep him out for up to ten weeks, Garde stressed that the player is far from the finished product, despite the occasional spectacular cameo this season. 

You get the feeling that Adama wasn't one of those he was counting on, every minute of every game for the rest of this season.

Garde was smart enough to see the question coming about whether the players will have reduced wages next season, if Villa go down. He declined to comment!

West Ham news conference

One final bit from West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, who has hinted that the club may not be entering the transfer market this January.

"We coped well with the injury situation, but we don't want to be in that position again. We are not going to be that active," he said.

"We're not going to buy just because we can. But if an exceptional deal comes available, then maybe."  

EPA

Hammer time

There is mixed news for West Ham, emerging from this morning's news conference with Slaven Bilic. Midfielder Dimitri Payet (he of all the assists) is back training and is only the matter of match fitness away from returning to first-team action. Yay! Defender Winston Reid is also back and has been training for the last two days. Also yay!

However, forward Manuel Lanzini looks likely to be out for a few weeks with another thigh problem. Boo!

PA

West Ham news conference

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has made the club's stance on Andy Carroll pretty clear...

"We never said we were willing to sell Andy, not me, not the chairman. He's a very popular player," said Bilic at this morning's news conference.

"We do not want to sell him. I think he likes it here, he's very important in the dressing room. I know he is happy here. 

"Two goals in two games, the rumours start. The only way to stop the rumours is to play badly."  

AFP

Brentford reject bids for duo

Brentford head coach Dean Smith has confirmed they have rejected transfer bids for key players Alan Judge and James Tarkowski.

Championship rivals Burney are interested in centre-back Tarkowski while midfielder Judge is wanted by Sheffield Wednesday.

"We have turned both bids down because we want to keep our better players at the club," Smith said.

 "These clubs are interested but they are from the same league as us."

Rex Features

Get involved

Daniel Robertson: They're amazing people who overcome their difficulties to compete at the top level and they deserve more credit for doing it.

Andrew Wakefield: Dame Sarah Storey is a genius, a privilege to watch her race. At least she was "damed" after 2012, why not David Weir?

Paul Clarke: The onus is on the media to give Paralympians a platform. Sadly, media drives this country.

Do Paralympians get the credit they deserve?

Getty Images

Dame Sarah Storey, David Weir, Ellie Simmonds and Hannah Cockroft all tasted success in London and will be targeting more gold in Rio.

But who are the rising stars of the GB team?

BBC Sport profiled six of them. 

On Sportsday, we're asking whether Paralympians get the credit they deserve - send us your thoughts using #bbcsportsday on Twitter on have your say on the BBC Sport facebook page. 

Heskey out, Ameobi in

Getty Images

No, we haven't travelled back to the early noughties. This is real time team news.

Bolton manager Neil Lennon has revealed Emile Heskey will miss out on his side's FA Cup third round tie with Eastleigh on Saturday with a calf strain, but he'll have another veteran forward at his disposal in the form of Shola Ameobi. 

Bolton are struggling in the Championship and, in true FA Cup fashion, will not be taking the lowest ranked side in the competition lightly. 

"We'll be banging the drum to the players about not underestimating Eastleigh. That is imperative," Lennon said of their National League opponents.

"If we turn up with the right attitude and combat the conditions, then we'll be fine. We're not playing too badly at all."

Traore sidelined

News from Aston Villa. When it rains, it pours...

Man United Mane approach rejected

Rex Features

Manchester United have failed in their latest attempt to sign Southampton forward Sadio Mane, the Daily Mirror reports.

Saints are understood to have rejected a bid for the Senegal international. 

The 23-year-old was left out of their defeat at Norwich on Saturday for failing to attend a pre-match team meeting.

Cook 'going nowhere'

More information on the story we mentioned not long ago about Leeds' Lewis Cook. BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope is at United boss Steve Evans' presser...

Get involved

Hannah Trickey: I don't think that the Paralympians get the credit they deserve. That's why a lot of them struggle financially.

Phil Bygrave: "No they don't ! I can't imagine the effort involved to do what they do."

Oli Burbidge: Narrow-minded people will always try to put them down, comparing them to able-body Olympians. Well, 90% of those people can't do half of what Paralympians can achieve.  

Do Paralympians get the credit they deserve?

Britain won 120 medals at the 2012 Paralympics in London, 34 of them gold.

Eight of those gold medals were won by cyclist Dame Sarah Storey and wheelchair racer David Weir.

But just who are GB's top medal performers in Paralympics history?

BBC Sport

After a campaign to boost their profile and generate extra funding in the run-up to the 2016 Games in Rio was launched today, we're asking whether Paralympians get the credit they deserve. 

We want your thoughts - use #bbcsportsday on Twitter on have your say on the BBC Sport facebook page.   

Warner hits century in drawn Test

Opener David Warner hit an unbeaten 122 as Australia drew a rain-affected third and final Test against West Indies.

A draw was inevitable after only 86.2 overs were possible on the first four days after heavy rain in Sydney.

The West Indies, who resumed on 248-7, were 330 all out before Warner hit an 82-ball century, the quickest ever at Sydney, as Australia reached 176-2.

Australia were already 2-0 up in the series, but the draw stops them from moving top of the Test rankings.

Getty Images

Nothing Cook-ing for Cherries

Getty Images

Speculation surrounding AFC Bournemouth and a move for Leeds United teenager Lewis Cook is wide of the mark, BBC Radio Solent reports. 

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has told BBC Radio Leeds the midfielder is "happy at Leeds and we're proud of that." 

Cellino is further reported to have said that it is not true he is selling the 18-year-old to Bournemouth in this transfer window. 

Cook has made 61 appearances for United and is an England under-19 international.

"I would return to Man Utd"

BBC

It all ended a little acrimoniously back in 2014, but former manager David Moyes said he would be open to a return to Manchester United in the future.

Speaking on the Clare Balding Show, Moyes said he "wouldn't have done anything differently" during his time at Old Trafford. 

You can watch his chat here, with the full interview on Thursday at 22:00 GMT on BBC Two.

Do Paralympians get the credit they deserve?

BBC Sport

Do Britain’s Paralympic stars get enough credit and recognition?

A campaign to boost their profile and generate extra funding in the run-up to the 2016 Games in Rio was launched today.

But should the names of Ellie Simmonds, David Weir, Jonnie Peacock, Hannah Cockroft, Aled Davies and Jordanne Whiley be better known than they are?

Do their achievements match those of GB’s Olympians? And will the stars of 2016 be given enough plaudits?

We want your thoughts - use #bbcsportsday on Twitter on have your say on the BBC Sport facebook page. 

Broady out of ASB Classic

British number three Naomi Broady has lost in the quarter-finals of the ASB Classic against American Sloane Stephens.

Broady twice had chances to win the first set, but went on to lose the match 7-6 6-3 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Broady beat Jelena Ostapenko in the last round, in a memorable match in which the Latvian escaped disqualification despite appearing to throw a racquet towards a ball boy.  

Getty Images

Jenas officially retires

Getty Images

He hasn't played a game since April 2014, and spends most of his time in the BBC Sport studios, and now Jermaine Jenas has officially retired from football.

"I have officially retired. I tried my best to come back from the knee injury but unfortunately that is the end of my career," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

The 32-year-old started his career at Nottingham Forest before spells at Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa and QPR.

Morgan heads home

Getty Images

Wales back Matthew Morgan will join Cardiff Blues at the end of the current season after deciding to leave Championship side Bristol.  

The 23-year-old, who has five international caps and featured at this year's World Cup, will make the switch when his contract ends in May.

Tributes paid to Allin

Tributes have been paid to Tom Allin, following his death at the age of 28.

Former England internationals Marcus Trescothick and Ashley Giles have tweeted their condolences, along with current England Women's batsman Heather Knight.

Fast bowler Allin dies at 28

Getty Images

 Former Warwickshire fast bowler Tom Allin has died at the age of 28.  

Allin, who played one first-class match and one List A game for the county before leaving in 2013, also represented Devon and Cardiff MCCU.

Police said he was found at the base of a bridge near Bideford on Monday. They are investigating the circumstances of his death but are not treating it as suspicious.

Allin is the second cricketer to die in a matter of days, following the death of Sussex bowler Matthew Hobden at the age of 22.  

LATEST GOSSIP

Could Gareth Bale and Ronaldo both be on their way out of Real Madrid?

Could they both be heading to Manchester or Paris in the summer?

Find out in Thursday's gossip column.

Getty Images

Januzaj returns

Getty Images

Adnan Januzaj is back at Manchester United after the club brought his season-long loan at Borussia Dortmund to an end. 

United have requested the 20-year-old Belgium international forward's return because of a lack of games.

Januzaj has made 12 appearances for the Bundesliga club, which has included only three starts, and he has not featured since a Europa League defeat by PAOK Salonika on 10 December.

"Oh I say! Brilliant!"

How about a bit of early morning nostalgia courtesy of Stuart Pearce, Gazza and Chris Waddle?

Click here to watch five of the best free-kicks from the FA Cup.

BBC

Simply the best?

Getty Images

Gareth Barry is "one of the best English players ever". 

Not a sentence we expected to be writing today.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has been waxing lyrical about the midfielder, who was man of the match in their 2-1 win over Manchester City in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg.

"I have never seen a player with such an incredible professionalism as Gareth Barry," added Martinez.

"The reason we have so many developing young players is there are leaders in the mould of Gareth. It is no coincidence when we have Gareth Barry around them."  

Thursday's papers

Spain's Sport newspaper celebrates Barcelona's 4-1 win over rivals Espanyol with the headline "The King is Messi". 

Messi scored twice, while Gerard Pique and Neymar also got on the scoresheet in the Copa del Rey last-16 tie, in which Espanyol finished with nine men. 

.

Thursday's papers

The Times call Romelu Lukaku a "hobbling hero" after he scored the winner for Everton in their Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg win over Manchester City - before limping off.

Boss Roberto Martinez says the 19-goal striker took a knock to his ankle. No word yet on whether he'll be fit for the FA Cup third round tie with Dagenham on Saturday.  

.

Thursday's papers

Big Sam Allardyce just won't let it lie with Jurgen Klopp....

.

After calling his Liverpool counterpart a "soft German" last week, the Sunderland manager has now said Klopp is putting "extra physical demands" on players - and that is the reason for the Reds' recent injury crisis. 

Make your mind up, Sam. 

5 live Football Daily podcast

For more reaction to Everton's 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Wednesday night, including interviews with Manuel Pellegrini and Roberto Martinez, you can subscribe to and download the 5 live Football Daily podcast. 

Getty Images

Thursday's papers

The Daily Star also feature outgoing Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola on their back page.

The paper claims Chelsea still want the 44-year-old to be the club's new manager next season, despite the Spaniard being heavily linked to Manchester City.

.

Thursday's papers

.

Could we be seeing Messi in the Premier League next season?

The Sun report that the Argentina and Barcelona striker could join Pep Guardiola at Manchester City - should the departing Bayern Munich boss make the switch to the Etihad in the summer.

Good morning

...and welcome to Thursday's Sportsday live.

We'll bring you all the day's breaking news and the best of social media, as well as the build up to this weekend's FA Cup third round. 

More of that later. First up, the morning's back pages....