Image source, AS

AS meanwhile lead on a story of Real Madrid apparently applying pressure on Wales not to select Gareth Bale for Wales forthcoming friendlies against Northern Ireland and Ukraine.

Which is technically against Fifa rules , externalas the friendlies are part of the international match calendar., external But never mind.

Barca, shmarca. That's broadly the opinion of Joey Barton when asked to consider Leicester's chances in the Champions League next season. I've embellished slightly but he's under no illusions that the Foxes can compete on Europe's highest stage.

He joined Amy Lawrence, Danny Mills and Mark Chapman to discuss all things Arsenal, Wenger and beyond in the 5 live Football Daily Podcast on Wednesday night. 

Listen to it here or via the tweet below...

Image source, Getty Images

Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp - who joined Derby as a football advisor yesterday -  has been appointed as Jordan national team manager.

 "He is a world class manager with an internationally recognised record at the highest level. This is a fantastic step for the national game in Jordan, " said Prince Ali Al Hussein, President of the Jordan Football Association.

Image source, Sport

Here's a sentiment that we can all get on board with.

"Long live football" shouts the Barcelona-based Sport newspaper as they bask in their side's brilliance.

Image source, Daily Mirror

The Daily Mirror throw forward to tonight's Europa League action as Manchester United attempt to overhaul north-west rivals Liverpool's 2-0 aggregate lead in their last-16 second leg at Old Trafford.

“We always owe the fans a big result” said Van Gaal in apparent rousing battle cry,, external

"But in sport you can lose and you can win. That you have to accept." 

Oh.

Image source, Daily Telegraph

Barcelona's unholy attacking trinity dominate the backpage of the Daily Telegraph, but there is still space for Sprinter Sacre's repeat of his 2013 victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase on the front page of their sports supplement.

Image source, Gett

1902: Bobby Jones, arguably the finest amateur golfer of all time, was born. Jones won the Open three times and the US Open four times. In 1930 he achieved the grand slam of major tournaments. He died on December 18, 1971.

1947: World heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano won the first of his 49 professional fights when he beat Lee Epperson.

2009: Olympic bronze medallist Jo Jackson set a new world record in the 400 metres freestyle at the British Gas Swimming Championships in Sheffield.

2010: Portsmouth were hit with a nine-point deduction for entering administration, all but sealing their relegation from the Barclays Premier League.

2012: Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during the first half of Bolton's FA Cup quarter-final at Tottenham. He remained in hospital until April 16 and retired from professional football in August.

2014: The Football Association's membership committee made a "unanimous recommendation" to its council to reject Hull City's request to change their playing name to Hull Tigers.

Image source, The Sun

Does this work?

If so then expect the Sun to go with "Suar Luser" if Barcelona subsequently go out and their Uruguyan superstar blames the referee, the weather or the alignment of the planets.

Image source, Independent

That just about sums it up.

The Independent go with "Simply too good" to sum up defending champions Barcelona's dispatching of Arsenal at the Nou Camp.

With still another three rounds separating them from a successful defence of the European Cup, the Catalans are 6-4 favourites to retain the trophy.

Image source, Getty Images

Good morning and welcome to Sportsday.

Coming up today England coach Eddie Jones names his team for Saturday's Grand Slam decider against France in Paris at 10:00 GMT, before football counterpart Roy Hodgson names his squad for forthcoming friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands.

England women are in World T20 action, Jamie Murray could become the world's number one ranked doubles player with victory in Indian Wells and Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri speaks ahead of the league leaders clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Busy, busy busy.

Let's get down to work with a whip around the newsstand.