Sportsday - football transfer stories

Twelve-time Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King says it was "truly sexist" for a male interviewer to ask Serena Williams and Eugenie Bouchard to "give a twirl" at the Australian Open.

The two players were asked to show off their outfits to the crowd after second-round wins in Melbourne.

"The Australian Open interviewer asking the women to twirl on court is out of line," King wrote on Twitter. "This is truly sexist. If you ask the women, you have to ask the guys."

We'll be shutting down this esteemed service soon but there's just time for a little more transfer tittle-tattle, this time from the Daily Mirror, who claim QPR boss Harry Redknapp is plotting a move to lure former AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato to the club on loan.

Cambridge United host Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round tomorrow night.

While the history of the Old Trafford giants is well documented, there are a few facts you may not know about the U's.

Some involve cows, goats and coconuts, and are well worth a look.

Just a reminder that BBC Radio 5 live's special programme marking the 20th anniversary of Eric Cantona's Selhurst Park kung-fu kick is on air right now.

You can listen here.

We told you earlier that New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has denied any knowledge of match balls being deflated to give his side an advantage in Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts.

We've been busy laying our mitts on footage of his news conference and you can now see it here.

The Daily Mail report Crystal Palace are close to signing Bolton winger Lee Chung-yong in a £1.5m deal.

The Bundesliga has increased revenues for the 10th straight season, with 13 of 18 clubs making a profit in the 2013-14 season.

The figures released on Thursday show the Bundesliga's revenue rising to 2.45bn euros (£1.89bn), a jump of 12.9% on the previous season.

Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, has taken legal action against French former F1 driver Philippe Streiff for comments he made about an investigation into compatriot Jules Bianchi's crash at last year's Japanese Grand Prix.

A statement said the FIA's president Jean Todt and medical commission president Gerard Saillant were dismayed to learn of Streiff's remarks, which appeared to question the motivations of the crash investigation panel.

"Philippe Streiff's insulting and defamatory comments are utterly unfounded and demonstrate malicious intent," the statement read.

Bianchi remains in hospital as the result of the serious head injury he suffered in a collision with a rescue vehicle at Suzuka in October.

Tom Wylie: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can't hit what the eyes can't see" - Muhammad Ali

Aidan Billingham: "I wouldnt say I was the best manager in the world, but i'm in the top one" - Brian Clough

Celtic manager Ronny Deila has confirmed that the future of on-loan Manchester City striker John Guidetti will not be decided this month.

The Swede has scored 11 goals in 18 loan appearances at Celtic and, although both City and the Scottish champions are willing to do a deal, but the 22-year-old is not prepared to commit himself quite yet.

"He wants to wait to see what his options are so there won't be anything final this month," said Deila.

And fancy watching a bit of ski halfpipe action right now? Tune into the live coverage at the World Championships right now on this website.

Meanwhile, over at the Africa Cup of Nations. Tunisia sit top of Group B after beating Zambia 2-1. the north Africans have four points, while the southern African rivals have one pint from two games.

The group's other two teams, DR Congo and Cape Verde Islands, face each other at 19:00 GMT.

We will have live text coverage of that match on the BBC African Football index.

Northants have signed South Africans Rory Kleinveldt and Richard Levi for all formats of the game this summer.

All-rounder Kleinveldt, 31, will be the county's overseas player, while Levi, 27, who returns for a third spell with the club, is a Kolpak signing.

"We are excited about Richard establishing himself in the four-day team as well as having his firepower in our one-day team. Rory will be a terrific bowler in English conditions," said head coach David Ripley.

You might have noticed a bit of an Eric Cantona theme on Sportsday today. The reason for this is that it is the 20th anniversary on Sunday of his infamous kung-fu kick at a spectator, while playing for Manchester United at Selhurst Park.

By way of remembering that extraordinary occasion, BBC Radio 5 live have a special programme today from 19:30 GMT.

Click here to read some eyewitness accounts of that night in 1995.

Kofi Tawiah Quansah: "That lad must have been born offside." - Sir Alex Ferguson on Filippo Inzaghi

Manchester City: Devante Cole has joined MK Dons until the end of the season & will be eligible for the play-offs should MK Dons qualify.

The 19-year-old striker is the son of ex-Newcastle and Manchester United player Andrew and has been developed at City's Academy.

A story you might have missed earlier:

Aston Villa have been fined £60,000 and warned as to their future conduct by the Football Association, after the club admitted failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from proactive behaviour.

It follows an incident which occurred during added time at the end of the game against Leicester City on 10 January.

Salford forward Andrew Dixon has joined Championship rivals Leigh after ending his loan move to Halifax early.

The 24-year-old rower has signed a two-year deal with the reigning champions.

Leigh head of rugby Derek Beaumont said: "I am delighted to capture a new young player to our side who has experience of around 100 Super League games in a position we are currently struggling with due to injuries."

Roy Eric Farthing: "If God had wanted us to play football in the sky, He'd have put grass up there" - Brian Clough

Matt Bone: "If you have everything under control, you're not moving fast enough." Mario Andretti

Swansea sign full-back Kyle Naughton from Tottenham for a transfer fee believed to be £5m.

The 26-year-old has agreed to a three-and-a-half year deal.

Andy Murray faces Joao Sousa of Portugal in the third round on Friday. The Scot is due on court at around 04:00 GMT and you can follow our live text commentary and radio commentary on the BBC Sport website and updates on BBC Radio 5 live.

Chelsea: Marko Marin has today moved on loan to Anderlecht...

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson has been given a four-game touchline ban after being found guilty of using abusive language towards a Bradford player with reference to nationality.

Robinson has also been fined £3,000 and will have to attend a Football Association education programme.

"I accept the punishment and respect the commission's ruling, however, I maintain that I didn't make any reference to the player's nationality," he said.

The incident is believed to have occurred during a confrontation with French defender Christopher Routis as MK lost 2-1 to Bradford last September.

The French Football Federation (FFF) has requested that Fifa make a clear ruling on the case of French international midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa's contested move to Nice.

Ben Arfa was on loan at Hull City from Newcastle United during the first half of the season and Fifa has said he cannot sign for Nice because a player cannot appear for more than two clubs in the same season.

Andre Soulier, president of the Professional Football League's (LFP) legal commission said they have asked the FFF to contact FIFA for a "clear and firm" ruling on Ben Arfa's case.

FIFA said that because the 27-year-old turned out for Newcastle's Under-21 team at the beginning of the season in an official match, he cannot join a third team in the current season.

Jonathan Sexton has been included in Ireland's 46-man Six Nations squad even though he appears likely to be ruled out of the first match in Rome.

Ireland face Italy on 7 February but Sexton's current stand-down period because of concussion is until 14 February - the day Ireland face France. Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien are named, too, even though they have yet to return to action after lengthy injury absences.

Kell Brook has admitted he feared he might never walk again after being the victim of a knife attack while on holiday in Tenerife last September. The IBF welterweight champion sustained serious injuries after being stabbed in the leg with a machete.

Brook said: "Lying on that hospital bed, right next to a window, no-one speaking English. I was wondering if I would walk again, never mind fight. I did not know. But now I am great, very fit and healthy. My leg is bang on fine and I've worked hard."

Sindre Fuglerud: When i score I dont celebrate. Does a postman celebrate when he delivers post? - Mario Balotelli

James Marsh: "We didn't underestimate them. They were a lot better than we thought" - Bobby Robson

Bradford City expect to sign Andrew Halliday permanently, and Francois Zoko on loan, before their FA Cup fourth-round trip to Chelsea on Saturday.

Halliday has made 15 appearances this term and the 23-year-old will join on a free.

Zoko, 31, is yet to start since but will extend his stay until the end of May.

Leftie Lib: "Mind you, I've been here during the bad times too - one year we came second." Bob Paisley

Paul Cliff: "Only those that have the courage to take a penalty miss them" Roberto Baggio 1994

Reading have signed Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has yet to play for Chelsea but made four substitute appearances in the Premier League while on loan at Burnley earlier this season.

Chalobah has also had loan spells at Watford, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough in the Championship.

Rangers goalkeeper Steve Simonsen has been charged by the Scottish FA for breaching gambling regulations.

The 35-year-old former Everton, Stoke and Sheffield United player stands accused of betting on 18 games between 15 January and 22 June of last year and a further 37 games between 6 September and 13 January this year. He has until Thursday, 29 January to respond.

There is no suggestion Simonsen gambled on matches involving Rangers.

Tottenham defender Kyle Naughton trained with Swansea City on Thursday, with the 26-year-old defender poised to complete a £5m move.

The full-back made 74 appearances for Spurs after joining from Sheffield United in 2009.

"Kyle's experienced at this level and brings Premier League pedigree," Monk said. "He's a good age for us and we look for players who want to prove a point and are hungry to do well."

1927: The BBC broadcast its first ever live commentary of a football match, between Arsenal and Sheffield United at Highbury.

1955: Joe Davis compiled the first official maximum snooker break of 147, playing against Willie Smith in Leicester.

1959: Britain's first world motor racing champion, Mike Hawthorn, was killed when the Jaguar he was driving went out of control on the Guildford bypass.

2006: LA Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors. It is the second highest points total in a single game in NBA history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain's haul of 100 in 1962.

Ursa Minor Threat: "Your ambition outweighed your talent" - Casey Stoner to Valentino Rossi after being wiped out at Jerez 2011 by him

Affronted of SW6: "Envy is the gun of the incompetent" José Mourinho

The Daily Record are reporting that Celtic midfielder Beram Kayal has agreed to sign for Brighton on a two-and-a-half year deal.

The 26-year-old Israeli midfielder has fallen out of favour under Ronny Delia.

Colchester United have made their second signing of the day, agreeing to take Millwall defender Matthew Briggs on loan for the rest of the season.

The deal follows the arrival of former Sheffield United striker Chris Porter on an 18-month contract.

Briggs started his career at Fulham, where he became the Premier League's youngest ever player when he made his debut aged 16 years and 65 days.

Ronald Koeman has warned Jack Cork that he has a week to sign a new contract at Southampton.

The 25-year-old midfielder's current deal expires in the summer and has yet to accept the offer of new terms.

"We are still waiting about the answer of Jack and we like to know it next week," the Saints boss said. "If Jack likes to stay I'm very happy, if he likes to move then that means that we need another midfield player."

Laura Thomas becomes the first Welsh winner of the women's World Indoor Bowls title with a victory over 2014 champion Katherine Rednall.

You can read the full story on this website.

Here are some of your favourite sporting quotes:

Goonerama: Carragher explains the glamour of attackers to Neville live on Sky: "No child wants to be Gary Neville when they grow up"

Soccer Bob: George Best - I blew all my money on booze, fast cars and women. The rest I wasted.

So there you go. Real Madrid sign one of the most hyped teenage football prospects in the world.

"My goal is to become the best player possible. It isn't important if I play in the first or second team," said the 16-year-old at a news conference on Thursday.

On what type of footballer he is:

"I'm a player who likes to have the ball, to combine and to keep it. I had a minor issue with my foot, but now I'm ready. I'm fit to train."

On the pressure of being a Real player:

"I don't feel pressure. Playing for Real Madrid is very different to playing for my previous team. I'll try to enjoy this dream to the full. I've trained a lot. My father has been very important for me. Training with him is what has allowed me to make it here."

Africa Cup of Nations live text is now creaking into life in another corner of the BBC Sport website. Zambia v Tunisia has just kicked off, with DR Congo v Cape Verde at 19:00 GMT.

Snooker has submitted a bid to be included in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

The Japanese host city is permitted to add one sport to the list already approved by the International Olympic Committee and the World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association believe the fact it is watched by nearly half a billion people worldwide and played competitively in over 90 countries makes the sport a viable candidate.

Chairman Jason Ferguson said: "There are few sports which can match the skill and concentration of snooker; our players are pushed to their limits in mind and dedication. You do not have to look far to see the fundamental principles of the Olympic Movement being promoted at the highest level within our sport."

Let's move away from sporting shocks, but stick with the Eric Cantona theme by revealing your favourite sporting quotes.

"When seagulls follow the trawler it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea," said the Frenchman after winning his appeal against a two-week jail sentence for kicking a spectator at Crystal Palace.

They can be weird, wonderful or unintentionally funny.

Tweet them using # bbcsportsday

Blowing out 51 candles on his cake today is Nigel Benn, the former world middleweight and super-middleweight champion.

Also celebrating are former Chelsea and France defender Frank Leboeuf (47), ex-England, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore (44) and Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate (35).

Nottingham scrum-half Finlay Barnham has retired at the age of 24 after taking medical advice following a six-month spell on the sidelines recovering from concussion.

"After receiving the same advice from three medical professionals, it became clear I needed to make this decision," said Barnham.

Is Philipe Coutinho the answer to Liverpool's goalkeeping problems?

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has denied any knowledge of match balls being deflated to give his side an advantage in Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The NFL is investigating whether the Patriots used deflated balls to gain a better grip in the win that secured them a Super Bowl berth against the Seattle Seahawks.

"I was completely and totally unaware of this until Monday morning," Belichick said. "I have no explanation for what happened. In my entire coaching career, I have never talked to a player or staff member about football air pressure."

Your nominations are still coming in for the most shocking moments in sport.

Hassan Tambuwal: Roy Keane horrific tackle on Alf-Inge Haaland in 2001.

Alex Hoggard: The Ben Flower punch in last year's Super League Grand final.

Ben Pugsley: Graham Poll's 3 yellow cards to Croatian Josip Simunic in 2006 World Cup v Australia.

Let us know your favourite via #bbcsportsday, text 81111 (UK users only) or post on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Remember we told you about Tim Cahill's overhead kick for Australia? Well, you can now watch it by clicking the highlights tab at the top of this page...

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett has told BBC WM that he does not anticipate any transfers in or out of his first-team squad before Saturday's Championship home game against Charlton Athletic.

Full-back Scott Golbourne has been passed fit to play following a foot injury that has sidelined him for the past two months.

Wolves have won all four of their Championship matches since Christmas to climb back up to eighth in the table, just a point shy of the play-off places.

Martin Canning will be officially named as the new manager of Hamilton Academical on Friday, despite the 33-year-old caretaker player-coach having overseen three consecutive defeats following Alex Neil's departure to Norwich City.

Dumbarton assistant manager Guillaume Beuzelin, a former Hibs midfielder, is being brought in as part of the new coaching team.

Manager Brendan Rodgers insists the title was never a target for Liverpool this season: "The reality for us was 'could we finish in the top four?'. With so many changes we weren't going to challenge for the league. We were looking to win a trophy and then come next summer we will be ready to challenge for the title again."

BBC F1 pit-lane reporter Tom Clarkson: "I'm out in Mexico City at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, which this year is returning to the calendar for the first time since 1992.

"A fair bit of work still needs to be done to get the track ready, and aficionados will be sad to learn that the iconic and super-fast banked Peraltada corner has been cut in half. The cars will join it halfway around after a new stadium section.

"Simulations predict a 328km/h (203mph) top speed along the pit straight, the second fastest average speed of the year, after Monza. There are two underground stations outside the Autodromo to transport the predicted crowd of 120,000 to and from circuit."

Michael Essien's agent has claimed that the former Chelsea midfielder has rejected both West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers.

The AC Milan player's contract expires in the summer but the Ghanaian has no intention of returning to England.

"Essien will not play in the Premier League for any club other than Chelsea," agent Fabien Piveteau told Calciomercato. "We had offers from West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers but we refused."

Hampshire batsman James Vince will captain the England Lions in their five-match 50-over series against South Africa A.

The 23-year-old takes over from Jonathan Trott, who led the team in the two unofficial Tests, which both ended in draws.

"We have already seen from the four-day games that South Africa are tough opponents, and if anything their squad for the one-day series looks ever stronger. But we also have some new faces in our squad and it is a challenge we are all relishing," said Vince, who hit an unbeaten 152 in the second 'Test'.

The United States Anti-Doping Agency has announced that former Team Sky doctor Geert Leinders has been banned for life for multiple doping violations.

The Belgian was sanctioned for violations committed while with the Rabobank cycling team between 1996 and 2009.

Ross County have completed the signing of the released Celtic central defender Marcus Fraser.

Fraser, a Scotland under-21 international, made one start and one appearance as a substitute for the Scottish champions.

England's Alison Waters beat defending champion and world number one Nicol David 3-1 to reach the Tournament of Champions semi-finals in New York, but did she have a slight advantage?

This picture seems to suggest she swapped her racquet for a lightsaber - it seems that David felt the Force.

McLaren Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso: Good morning! One week to see the car, 10 days to the test..!

Premier League: Spurs' first goal v Sunderland on 17 January has been credited as a John O'Shea own goal.

O'Shea will no doubt be delighted.

Cambridge United have signed Tottenham Hotspur defender Dominic Ball on loan until the end of the season. The 19-year-old, who is yet to play a first-team game for Spurs, is eligible to face Manchester United in Friday's FA Cup fourth-round tie.

West Brom manager Tony Pulis on interest in Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher: "He is talking to three or four clubs. Wwe showed an interest and he'll make a decision and we'll wait and see."

On trying to sign Wigan's Callum McManaman: "Along with two or three others, we're exploring the situation and whether it's a good deal for us. Both clubs have got to agree and it's got to be right for the player. It's the most difficult window I've had because I've not had time to get things in place."

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson is speaking ahead of his side's FA Cup tie at Tottenham on Saturday.

On player availability: "Esteban Cambiasso and Dean Hammond have been training this week. They're in contention, but Matty James is suspended. Matt Upson has been training, but Chris Wood has had an ankle knock this morning."

On the transfer window: "We will try to do what is right with regards to where we are. It remains a difficult one to achieve because we are going for players that other clubs don't want to lose themselves."

On the FA Cup: "It's nice to progress in cups. Winning games in whatever competition is more beneficial. First and foremost is picking a side that is capable of winning the tie."

Brendan Rodgers on the cup: "The FA Cup is up there with priorities. Next season we will be able to challenge for the league again."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says Daniel Sturridge remains unavailable this weekend but confirms that a new contract for Raheem Sterling should be concluded very soon.

Charlton Athletic have confirmed that new coach Guy Luzon has finally been granted a work permit and can take charge of the team.

The Israeli, 39, was forced to watch from the directors' box at Watford last weekend but will be in the dugout for Saturday's trip to face Wolves.

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew speaking ahead of his side's FA Cup tie at Southampton on Saturday:

On January signings: "I've enquired on three or four players to find out if they're available."

On forward Wilfried Zaha: "He's a player that needs to get his career on the move again. He's had a decent couple of games and made an impact. Wilf has got the ability but you need the strength, power and mental strength to be a Premier League player."

On striker Dwight Gayle: "I really like him, I think he's always been a talent and I think Palace did a good job in bringing him here."

On Southampton: "They have a terrific group of young players complimented by international players - they're the model club at the moment. We play them twice in quick succession so we have to concentrate hard. It's always nice to go back to your old club and I'm looking forward to it. I enjoyed it there and I only have good feelings."

Daniel Sturridge is edging closer to a Liverpool comeback and posted this picture on Instagram with Mario Balotelli: "My man!!! We're gonna be linking up soon!!"

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman expects defender Toby Alderweireld and midfielders Victor Wanyama and Morgan Schneiderlin to return in "around two weeks" after injuries.

Koeman on forward Jay Rodriguez: "It's going well, but he's not close to [rejoining] the group. He needs more time."

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman on Saturday's FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace:

"Of course, the Premier League is the most important [competition] but I believe in winning.

"I'm lucky that I don't have a lot of numbers of players to think about making changes. "We'll put out the strongest team that we can. We've had some days off this week and the players are back in freshness. We had a great week last week with good results in difficult games, and we'd like to go on."

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman on Crystal Palace: "They have a spirit in the team and confidence. They've had a great start [under Alan Pardew]. They are now more difficult to beat than they were on Boxing Day."

Koeman on Alan Pardew: "I think he's more happy now than he was before, and that's important."

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman ahead of his side's FA Cup fourth round tie against Crystal Palace on Saturday:

"I have my eyes on young players from the Netherlands. Not now, but for next season."

The United States women's team goalkeeper Hope Solo has been suspended for 30 days by US Soccer following an incident during a training camp.

"Hope made a poor decision that has resulted in a negative impact on US Soccer and her team-mates," head coach Jill Ellis said.

Solo's reaction is above.

Here is a screenshot from sporten.com of Real Madrid's new signing Martin Odegaard (centre) with Los Blancos legends Sergio Ramos (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Birmingham City winger Demarai Gray has won the Football League's Young Player of the Month award for December.

The 18-year-old has been linked with several Premier League and Championship clubs.

But, as BBC Sport's Ged Scott discovered, the player himself and Blues manager Gary Rowett are not allowing any speculation to distract them.

BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker with San Francisco 49ers quarterback legend Joe Montana: If this chopper goes down I doubt I'll feature in tomorrow's headlines

Here's a strange one...

Earlier this month, West Ham apparently stuck a deal "well in excess of" £2m to bring Hamilton Academical defender Stephen Hendrie to Upton Park and agreed terms with the player. Yet since then, all has gone quiet.

"I couldn't care if I never heard from them again," Accies' vice-chairman Ronnie MacDonald told BBC Sport Scotland. "It's one thing a deal between clubs falling down, but I think it is totally unfair on the player."

York City have signed Walsall left-back Malvind Benning on an initial one-month loan deal.

The 21-year-old has played 15 times in League One this season, but his last start came in October's defeat by Crewe.

League Two side AFC Wimbledon have signed Reading striker Craig Tanner on loan until the end of the season.

The move comes after the 20-year-old signed a new contract with the Royals, which will keep him at the Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2017.

Tanner made his debut for Reading in August and has scored one goal in five appearances for the Berkshire club.

Can you picture Lee Westwood in little more than a pair of red shorts gambolling across a beach? Maybe best not...

Reports on Wednesday painted the golfer as a hero after he helped pull a businessman - who suffers from Parkinson's disease - from the sea in Barbados. But the 41-year-old was keen to avoid any Baywatch comparisons.

"Don't get Baywatch images in your head! The gentleman was struggling to get back up the beach and I helped him out," Westwood told the Telegraph.

BBC coverage of the FA Cup fourth round tie between Cambridge and Manchester United on Friday 23 January:

MOTD Live: 19:30-22:00, BBC One.

BBC Radio 5 live: 19:55-22:00.

Peterborough United boss Darren Ferguson has received a two-game touchline ban and a £1,000 fine for misconduct.

The 42-year-old was sent to the stands at half-time of last week's 2-0 loss to Colchester after remonstrating with referee Jeremy Simpson.

In a personal hearing on Wednesday, Ferguson admitted to using improper language and/or behaviour.

Kyle Naughton is believed to have agreed to join Swansea on a three-and-a-half year deal after leaving Tottenham, reports the London Evening Standard.

The defender is understood to have passed a medical and was due to be presented as a Swansea player today after the Welsh club paid Spurs close to £5m for the 26-year-old.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been speaking ahead of his side's FA Cup fourth round tie at League Two Cambridge United.

On goalkeeper Victor Valdes: "I have read in the media he is picked. That is a little bit strange. I cannot answer the question. I will give you my line up."

On midfielder Darren Fletcher's future: "He is a Manchester United player. He is one of my three captains."

Asked having won cups in three countries, what the difference is in England: "It is more important for the fans here. That is the difference. The attendances are much higher."

Playing against Cambridge: "For me there is no change. We prepare for Cambridge like we prepared for QPR. In our mind we might believe we are playing a weaker opponent. But still we have to beat them."

Australia reach the Asian Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over China. Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill scored twice, which included an overhead kick.

Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett says Bakary Sako's future will not be decided until the end of the season, when his present contract expires.

The 26-year-old winger, currently away on African Cup of Nations duty with Mali, signed a three-year deal when he arrived from St Etienne in August 2012.

"His next contract is a very important one and I would not say it's not going to be at Wolves. But he'll make the decision based on the potential on us going forward and what else he can get," Jackett told BBC WM 95.6.

Colchester United have signed striker Chris Porter on an 18-month deal after his release by Sheffield United.

The 31-year-old, who has not played since November, spent three and a half years with the Blades, scoring 23 times in 118 games.

Porter, who scored four times as the Blades reached the FA Cup semi-final last term, started his career at Bury.

Man Utd: Louis van Gaal tells #MUTV that Ashley Young, Chris Smalling & Jonny Evans will miss tomorrow's game vs Cambridge but Luke Shaw & Robin van Persie are available.

We will have quotes from manager Louis van Gaal's news conference ahead of Manchester United's Friday night FA Cup fourth round match at Cambridge very soon.

The Martin Odegaard news conference is being streamed by Real Madrid right now.

The Spanish European champions reached an agreement to sign the 16-year-old Norwegian forward from Stromsgodset on Wednesday.

Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason: "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract.. Thank you for all the support and messages! It means a lot."

Briton Kell Brook is to defend his IBF welterweight title against Romania's Jo Jo Dan, reports Sky Sports News.

BBCCopyright: BBC

In the week following his shock announcement that he is standing for the presidency of Fifa, David Ginola has been hard at work in a classroom in south Wales.

The 47-year-old Frenchman blurred the lines between sporting brilliance and the glamour business in his playing heyday - but this week it's been about homework and text books as he studies for his Uefa A licence in Newport.

You can watch the full interview on Sport Wales at 19:00 GMT, BBC Two Wales, Friday, 23 January.

Real Madrid: Welcome to Martin Odegaard, our new player! / ¡Bienvenido a Martin Odegaard, nuestro nuevo jugador! #HalaMadrid #Odegaard #RealMadrid #MartinOdegaard

Scotland's Marc Warren is a shot off the lead with three holes to play of his second round at the Qatar Masters.

Warren is eight-under, one behind clubhouse leaders George Coetzee (Rsa) and Bernd Wiesberger (Aut). Branden Grace (Rsa) is also nine-under after 30 holes.

ECB statement:

"In the last few days, the ECB received an email from an Australian man demanding a five figure sum to prevent a story about our one-day captain Eoin Morgan appearing in the national newspapers in the UK and Australia.

"The allegations related to a brief relationship Eoin had with a woman from Australia five years ago. Following liaison with the Metropolitan Police, our support team on the ground in Australia investigated the blackmail.

"This involved approaching the man in question who, when confronted, admitted and apologised for his actions, blaming jealousy [he is presently in a relationship with the woman concerned].

"The ECB will not allow anyone to disrupt our team's performance on the field of play. We are wholly focussed on winning cricket matches. This matter has now been brought to a conclusion and we will not be seeking further action against the individual at this stage."

The full statement in available on the ECB website.

The England and Wales Cricket Board release a statement revealing police investigated an attempt to blackmail England one-day captain Eoin Morgan.

To mark a special programme on Radio 5 live on Thursday from 19:30 GMT recalling the day 20 years ago that Manchester United's Eric Cantona kung-fu kicked a member of the crowd at Crystal Palace, we are asking you for your memories of shocking moments in sport.

Ben O'Loughlin: Ben Thatcher's forearm smash on Pedro Mendes, absolutely horrendous.

Tomos Hughes: The All-Blacks' spear tackle on Brian O'Driscoll in the '05 Lions tour still beggars belief.

Greg Heath: Frank Rijkaard spitting (twice) at Rudi Voeller in World Cup Italia 1990, absolutely disgusting!

The Press Association are reporting that Georgios Samaras is expected to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal on a six-month loan deal after failing to impress at West Brom.

The Greece international striker joined from Celtic in the summer but has made just eight substitute appearances without scoring

BBC Sport's Simon Stone: After Yeovil in the last round, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has an FA Cup trip to Cambridge to look forward to at today's media briefing.

Van Gaal has brought a new phrase into English soccer vocabulary to describe such meetings "death or the gladioli". Presumably he likes the smell of flowers..

If you want to get yourself in the mood ahead of the women's World Indoor Bowls final between Kathryn Rednall and Laura Thomas, why not watch highlights of their respective semi-finals?

Chelsea make a £16m bid to sign midfielder Douglas Costa, 24, from Shakhtar Donetsk, says the Daily Mail.

The move comes as Fiorentina reject the Blues' valuation of Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado.

Incidentally, the highlights of a couple of Wednesday's other Scottish Premiership matches are also available to watch.

Dundee 1-0 Kilmarnock

St Mirren 1-1 Dundee United

What constitutes a good day at work for you? Surviving it?

For a striker, it usually involves scoring goals, so it's safe to say Partick Thistle's Kris Doolan had a good one on Wednesday after he scored three goals and claimed a disputed fourth against Hamilton Academical.

It nothing else, it's worth watching the highlights just to see Doolan's outrageous backheeled effort...

Aston Villa are fined £60,000 and warned as to their future conduct by the Football Association, after the club admitted failing to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from proactive behaviour.

It follows an incident which occurred during added time at the end of the game against Leicester City on 10 January.

Arsenal: @ArsenalLadies have completed the signing of Vicky Losada from @FCBMasia

London's Evening Standard are reporting that West Ham are close to agreeing a deal to take Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher on loan for the rest of the season.

The 30-year-old Scot has also apparently been interesting Valencia and West Brom despite hardly featuring under Louis van Gaal this term.

Lancashire have confirmed the signing of South African batsman Alviro Petersen after he retired from international cricket.

The 34-year-old, who stood down earlier this month after scoring 2,093 runs in 36 Tests with five hundreds at an average of 34.88, has signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year.

Is it just us, or does the transfer window seem quite relaxed and slow-paced this month?

Even the tabloids seem to be struggling to work themselves into a lather at the moment, although the Express are trying gamely with their suggestion that Tottenham hope to beat Manchester United and Arsenal to the £20m signing of Everton's 24-year-old Irish midfielder James McCarthy.

Mauricio Pochettino is apparently pondering a player-plus-cash deal involving defender Younes Kaboul or winger Aaron Lennon.

Alastair Cook will not be twiddling his thumbs while his England team-mates are competing at the World Cup.

The Test captain is confirmed as part of the MCC squad for the Champion County match and Emirates T20 tournament in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

He made himself available for the trip in March in order to gain match practice ahead of England's three-match Test series against the West Indies in April.

The MCC squad will arrive in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday 17 March before taking part in the Emirates T20 tournament on Friday 20 March in Dubai which also features Lancashire, Sussex and Yorkshire.

Veteran Australian Lleyton Hewitt has been knocked out of the Australian Open by German Benjamin Becker.

Hewitt, a finalist in 2005, won the first two sets but was overcome by his fellow 33-year-old 2-6 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-2.

You can follow commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra. All the latest scores are on the BBC Sport website.

Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason has signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal with the club.

The 23-year-old has made 18 appearances this season following loan spells with Swindon Town, Millwall, Doncaster and Yeovil.

The academy graduate, who supported the club as a boy, said: "I'm buzzing about it. I'm delighted and I can't wait to crack on now."

Rafael Nadal, who was taken to five sets by qualifier Tim Smyczek at the Australian Open, tweets: Thanks for your messages of support. Yesterday was tough. Today I had a light training session & everything went fine.

Reading have finally completed the signing of Slovenian left-back Jure Travner until the end of the season after receiving international clearance.

The 29-year-old, most recently with Azerbaijan side FC Baku, has been training with the Royals for several weeks.

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal have to "try and sort out" the signing Villarreal centre-back Gabriel Paulista this month.

The 24-year-old Brazilian defender reportedly has a £16m buyout clause in his contract.

"Talks are slowly progressing but there is a chance we can strike a deal," Wenger said. "If the price is right, we will pay.

"We want the player and don't necessarily want to do it in the summer - we have to try and sort it out now."

Luke Daniels has joined Scunthorpe from West Bromwich Albion for an undisclosed fee, on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper arrives after the Iron lost both Sam Slocombe and Jamie Severn to broken arms in the

Daniels played just three times for the Baggies in an 11-year spell, but has made a total of 119 career appearances.

Nottingham Forest defender Jack Hobbs says the first-half performance in the 3-2 defeat at Fulham was not good enough.

A Ross McCormack hat-trick left them 3-0 down after 35 minutes and they could not fully recover despite two goals in reply from Henri Lansbury.

Hobbs told BBC Radio Nottingham: "We put up a good fight in the second half but the first half was not acceptable. Collectively, we were all off it. We need to be a lot better. We were slow, lethargic and just not sharp enough."

Twenty years on, the kung-fu kick former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona launched at Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons, moments after being sent off at Selhurst Park, still resonates as one of sport's most extraordinary events, even by the standards of football's melodramas.

BBC Sport have spoken to many of the main protagonists in this astonishing incident, described as "the most famous common assault case in the history of the English legal system", and you can read their recollections here.

He might have romped through the opening two rounds in Melbourne, but the issue of Andy Murray's coaching choices remains on the agenda.

Ahead of the sixth seed's third-round meeting with Portugal's Joao Sousa (Friday, 04:00 GMT approx), former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic says the Briton made a mistake splitting from coach Ivan Lendl and striking up a partnership with Amelie Mauresmo.

"For me that's maybe his biggest mistake, letting Ivan go," Ivanisevic told BBC Sport. "It was a perfect match. They won two Grand Slams, he played the best tennis under Ivan, they were similar tennis players."

We asked you for your memories of shocking moments in sport - it's 20 years this Sunday since Manchester United's Eric Cantona kung-fu kicked a member of the crowd at Crystal Palace.

There is a special programme on Radio 5 live on Thursday from 19:30 GMT.

Richard Alpin: Schumi taking out Hill at Adelaide in 94 that was Hill's Championship!

Dai Ellis: I think the most shocking thing in football has to be Cardiff getting in the premier league ! Lol

Ian Coady: The most shocking moment was seeing Fabrice Muamba have his heart attack just in front of me.

Cricket Australia have confirmed that Moises Henriques will replace injured all-rounder Shane Watson in the Australia squad for Friday's tri-series match against England.

Lee Ryder, chief sports writer of the Newcastle Chronicle, tweets: "No truth in #nufc in talks with Bernd Schuster."

It had been claimed that the former Real Madrid coach was in the frame to succeed Alan Pardew at Newcastle after his odds were slashed by several bookmakers.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

Bayer Leverkusen forward Son Heung-Min scores twice as South Korea defeat Uzbekistan 2-0 after extra time to progress to the semi-finals of the Asian Cup.

Two-time champion Victoria Azarenka has knocked out eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki in straight sets with a 6-4 6-2 second round victory.

You can follow reaction and updates on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra. All the latest scores are on the BBC Sport website.

British tennis player Jamie Murray: What do you do on a day off in Melbourne? Get down the local bowling club of course! #seasoningthejack

You can watch live coverage of the World Indoor Bowls Championships now on the Red Button and this website.

World number six pair Chris and Gabby Adcock will lead a 12-strong England squad at next month's European Mixed Team Championships.

Seeded England, who won bronze in 2013, face Ireland and hosts Belgium in the group stages in Leuven from 11-15 February.

Singles: Rajiv Ouseph, Toby Penty, Fontaine Chapman and Chloe Birch. Doubles: Chris Adcock, Gabby Adcock, Andy Ellis, Marcus Ellis, Chris Langridge, Peter Mills, Heather Olver and Lauren Smith.

Mark Cavendish was once again left to admire young rival Fernando Gaviria after the Colombian beat him into second place to win stage three of the Tour de San Luis.

For the second time this week in Argentina, 20-year-old Gaviria burst clear of the Manxman in the final stages as the riders raced from Concaran to Juana Koslay.

Etixx-Quick Step's Cavendish tweeted: "Well, 2nd again in @TourSanLuis to @77Gaviria. He has this phenomenal acceleration that's hard to close a gap to.. Impressive. Congrats!"

To mark the 20th anniversary of Eric Cantona's attack on a Crystal Palace supporter at Selhurst Park in January 1995, we asked what you consider to be sport's most shocking moments.

Adele Price: Beckham's kick in the world cup, getting sent off and then becoming England's number 1 villain

Yomi Oyesanda: Kieran Gibbs's red card instead of Oxlade Chamberlain

Nick Sharp: Tyson taking a chunk out of Evander Holyfield's ear, disgrace

Let us know via #bbcsportsday, text 81111 (UK users only) or post on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on midfielder Santi Cazorla, who produced a brilliant performance in the recent league win at Manchester City:

"He's very talented. He's added another dimension to his game since he's played centrally.

"In the recent games he's been in the best form of his career. He's a perfect example."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he will offer defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin, 23, a new deal. The Frenchman has been with the Gunners since 2008, but has been sent to three clubs on loan since. He has recently impressed upon his return to Arsenal.

"I saw that he made huge improvements in training so I sent him on loan for match practice," says Wenger.

"He took that challenge and he's done very well. We will offer him a new deal."

Wenger on the match against Brighton: "For us the challenge is to turn up with the same spirit [shown in the win at Manchester City] and show that we can be consistent with our attitude."

He adds: "Midfielder Mesut Ozil is likely to start."

Arsenal's new signing Krystian Bielik will not feature against the Seagulls.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger: "He has only just come from Poland so he is not fit because they had a winter break. He won't play"

Wenger on transfers: "We are ready to pay the price for a player if he is good enough. If the price is right, we will pay"

We have some team news ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup fourth round trip to Brighton on Sunday.

Attacking midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and defender Hector Bellerin will have tests on Thursday on their respective injuries. Midfielder Serge Gnabry is back in training, but striker Danny Welbeck is still out with a hamstring injury.

Deloitte's annual football rich list once again sees Real Madrid sit top of the pile, but what can the findings tell us about the English game?

Fourteen Premier League clubs make this year's top 30 and, with bidding now open on the next tranche of television rights, the forecast is for that number to rise still further in the next few years.

BBC Sport takes a closer look at some of the report's findings...

Two-time champion Victoria Azarenka has taken the first set 6-4 against eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki.

You can follow commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra. All the latest scores are on the BBC Sport website.

Amid all this transfer tittle-tattle, there is some actual live sport happening today.

This afternoon, BBC2 will bring you the women's final at the World Indoor Bowls Championships (13:00 GMT) between Kathryn Rednall and Laura Thomas from Potters Resort in Hopton-on-Sea.

Rednall, 19, became the youngest-ever champion last year and is looking to become only the fifth woman to win it more than once.

Andy Murray was not hugely impressed by the reaction to Rafael Nadal battling five-set victory over Tim Smyczek.

The Spaniard required treatment from the doctor for stomach cramps in the third set and repeatedly doubled over in distress before beating the qualifier 6-2 3-6 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 7-5.

Murray, who beat home hope Marinko Matosevic 6-1 6-3 6-2, tweeted: "When I cramped and won in the us open last year I was a "drama Queen, unfit, needs to see a shrink, faker" weird...

It might be worth a wee look at the highlights tab at the top of this page if you want more on Tottenham's narrow Capital One Cup win over Sheffield United.

In there are interviews with respective manager Mauricio Pochettino and Nigel Clough, as well as a brief discussion on Spurs striker Emmanuel Adabayor.

Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old Norwegian prodigy Martin Odegaard from Stromsgodset.

But why were so many of the world's best clubs squabbling over a wee boy? This clip might explain things...

From 19:30 GMT on Thursday, BBC Radio 5 Live are running a special programme to mark 20 years since Manchester United's Eric Cantona launched himself into the crowd at Selhurst Park.

It was a remarkable moment in time but what other incidents could be considered among sport's most shocking moments?

Let us know via #bbcsportsday, text 81111 (UK users only) or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

Scotland international Sean Maitland is to leave Glasgow Warriors and join London Irish next season.

The New Zealand-born winger, who toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2012, signed for the Warriors in October 2012 and has scored 11 tries in 38 appearances.

"I'm looking forward to my new challenge in London next season," the 26-year-old said. "But all my focus will be on the Warriors until then, starting with a massive game against Bath this weekend."

It may well be little more than a negotiating tactic but Fiorentina are denying that winger Juan Cuadrado is heading to Chelsea.

After the Colombian winger scored in the 3-1 Coppa Italia win over Atalanta on Wednesday, coach Vincenzo Montella said: "To date, there is no chance that Cuadrado leaves Fiorentina. He knows that some things are exaggerated. It is just talk - he is removed from everything."

Make of that what you will...

Andros Townsend's penalty ensured Tottenham will go into the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final with an advantage over Sheffield United.

Spurs had been frustrated by the League One side before Jay McEveley's handball in the 74th minute gave them a spot-kick, which Townsend converted.

Eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki is trying to recover after struggling in the early exchanges against former world number one Victoria Azarenka.

The Belarussian, wearing a luminous yellow outfit, is 3-1 up with two breaks of serve although the Dane has just broken back.

You can follow commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra. All the latest scores are on the BBC Sport website.

Mark Pougatch is joined by David Pleat and Jermaine Jenas to dissect Tottenham's 1-0 win over Sheffield United in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final. You can hear from Nigel Clough after his side battled bravely and proud Blades fans. Plus, reaction from the Championship as Brighton beat Ipswich and Fulham beat Forest.

Both the Star and the Sun are reporting that Jordan Henderson and Diego Costa tussled in the tunnel at Anfield following the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg draw between Liverpool and Chelsea.

A cracker to complete the day's play at the Australian Open - with what looks like the women's match of the tournament so far.

Eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki is under way against two-time champion Victoria Azarenka on the Margaret Court Arena.

You can listen to commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra.

Like Fakenham, racing at Warwick today goes ahead as planned after an early inspection.

A quick flick through today's papers now, and The Times leads on Chelsea's pursuit of Juan Cuadrado...

If you stayed up to watch the overnight action in the Australian Open second round, we doff our bunnets to you.

If you didn't, we can tell you that top seeds Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic progressed with the minimum of fuss in the broiling heat of Melbourne.

The 33-year-old American saw off Russia's Vera Zvonareva 7-5 6-0 and the Serb swatted aside Andrey Kuznetsov 6-0 6-1 6-4 .

Defending champion Stan Wawrinka also advanced, beating Marius Copil 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.

Let's start with a little bit of gossip...

Leading the news is that Chelsea have entered talks with Fiorentina over a deal to sign Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado, 26, during January. Different papers have slightly different nuances but most agree that an offer in the region of £21m has either been made or is pending and that the likes of winger Mohamed Salah, 22, or forward Andre Schurrle, 24, could be moved on to finance the deal.

Morning all and welcome to another edition of Sportsday.

Sadly we can't greet you with bacon rolls and coffee but what we can offer is an appetising menu of sport...