Sportsday: live sports news

The president of Turkish side Besiktas has ruled out selling midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup in the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old Turkey international began his carer at Arsenal, but made just two League Cup appearances for the side and has caught the attention of Manchester United.

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“There is no way we can let that happen," the Daily Star report Fikret Orman as saying.

"After Euro 2016 I do not know if we will be able to keep him."

Liverpool Ladies will not renew four first-team players' contracts when they expire this winter, the Women's Super League One club have announced.  

The FACopyright: The FA

Veteran defender Becky Easton, Iceland midfielder Katrin Omarsdottir and Norway internationals Ingrid Ryland and Line Smorsgardwill all be released.

Easton, 41, and Omarsdottir, 28, both won two WSL titles, in 2013 and 2014.

Championship Nottingham Forest confirm midfielders Chris Cohen and Robert Tesche have both resumed full training, after lengthy spells on the sidelines.

The third cruciate knee ligament injury of his career meant that Cohen has not played competitively since September 2014.

Meanwhile, Tesche suffered a broken foot in Forest's first game of the current season.

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Manchester City are to design a new club crest following a consultation with their fans.

City have had three major badges since the 1930s and adopted the current design in 1997.

The existing crest is in the shape of an eagle, but the new design - which the club said would be unveiled in the coming weeks - will revert to the round shape of its two predecessors.

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The 2015 Rugby League season saw the Leeds Rhinos dominate proceedings winning the treble and England secured a 2-1 series victory over New Zealand.

The defending champions will kick-off the 2016 Super League season at home against Warrington on 4 February.

Head here to see the best action of the season

Joe Hart,Eden Hazard,Alexis SanchezandKevin De Bruyneare the only four Premier League players to feature on Uefa's 40-man Team of the Year shortlist.

In contrast, eight Barcelona players and six from Bayern Munich make the cut.

View the full shortlist and vote for your final XIon the Uefa website.

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Richard Rufus has left his posts at Charlton after being found to have overseen a multi-million pound fraud.

The 40-year-old accepted more than £16m from investors without authorisation and in breach of financial regulations, a case unconnected with the club.

Rufus, who played for Charlton between 1993 and 2004, has left his roles with the club's academy and Community Trust.

He was branded a fraudster by a specialist civil court judge at the High Court earlier this month.

Luther Burrellsays he hasno issue with Sam Burgessover the rugby league convert's World Cup selection.

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Northampton centre Burrell was left out of the England squad and Burgess, who has since reverted codes and returned to his former club South Sydney Rabbitohs, was included.

"I have got no grudge against Sam. He didn't put himself in the team. He had an opportunity of a lifetime and he was able to live that dream," Burrell told BBC Radio Northampton.

"For me, I had to get behind the team, stomach what happened and try to support them the best way possible."

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Australia's Casey Stoner, who won the first of his two MotoGP world titles with Ducati, is returning to the Italian team in 2016 as a test rider.

Stoner, 30, rejoins Ducati after a five-year spell with Honda, with whom he won the 2011 world championship, four years after his first. 

Surrey all-rounder Zafar Ansari hopes he can gain England recognition once he recovers from surgery on his thumb.

The 23-year-old missed the series against Pakistan in the UAE afterdislocating his thumb on the day he received his first Test call-up.

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"I knew immediately the England stuff was a write-off," he said.

"The thumb is obviously going to be a slow process but it is nice to have got it moving. Hopefully England opportunities will come again."

Former Leicester City striker Gary Lineker believes the club can qualify for Europe this season.

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"They're not just a freak side that is having a good run," he told BBC Radio Leicester. "They've done it since about March. That suggests there is a terrific spirit in the squad.

"If they keep players fit, I think Leicester can qualify for Europe.

"The Champions League won't happen. But I think Europa League is not impossible."

Fancy a little quiz this afternoon? Match of the Day Kickabout have put this together, where you have to guess the player they're describing. 

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Stoke City midfielder, Glenn Whelan, says he thinks the team is good enough to challenge for a place in the Premier League's top six this season.

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They have won four of their last six league games and haven't conceded a goal in their last three. 

Whelan told BBC Radio Stoke targeting the top six is realistic.

Quote Message: I think the belief in and around the squad is that we are good enough and we can go on, but you need to get the results from Glenn Whelan Stoke midfielder

I think the belief in and around the squad is that we are good enough and we can go on, but you need to get the results

One of the first votes of confidence to backfire was also one of the quickest.

Ron Atkinson was fired as Aston Villa boss on 10 November 1994 just a few days after then chairman Doug Ellis had given his manager a previously unprecedented public vote of confidence.

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You can see why Ellis' nickname is Deadly Doug...  

The Football Association has issued new guidelines to all involved with the game on how to deal with concussions.

The safety-first guidelines, which are available online, have been developed by an expert panel set up in April.

Prompted by rising fears over head injuries across all sports, the FA's response has been well received.

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"They are a fantastic development and hopefully have the potential to impact on sport in England as a whole," said head injury expert Dr Willie Stewart.

"The guidelines clearly demonstrate the FA's strong leadership around this issue and provide clear information on the immediate management of the injury around the simple principle of 'if in doubt, sit them out'."

BBCCopyright: BBC

It is looking more and more likely that Kyle Edmund will make his Davis Cup debut and take the second singles spot for the final against Belgium, which begins on Friday.

The 20-year-old from Yorkshire practised with Andy Murray for the second day running at the Flanders Expo in Ghent.

"In sport you want to play, especially for your country," Edmund had said earlier. "You want to do your best. You just deal with it when it comes to it."

A win for Manchester United against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League on Wednesday will see them reach the last-16 of the tournament.

Captain Wayne Rooney is fit again after illness and manager Louis van Gaal was asked if he is guaranteed a starting place.

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"No, not automatically," said van Gaal. "It's always the decision of the manager. I compare players with each other, and I take into account how fit they are and how fit they show it in the training sessions."

The BBC Sport website will have live text commentary of the match and there'll be commentary on BBC Radio 5 live

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Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has compared the emergence of teammate Duncan Watmore with that of Gareth Bale at Tottenham.

Defoe played alongside Bale at Spurs and sees similarities between him and 21-year-old Watmore.

"In a funny way he reminds me of Gareth. When he came on the scene at Tottenham, he used to just get the ball and glide," the 33-year-old said. "If he can go on to do what Gareth has done then he'll be fantastic. He's the future of this club."

Most votes of confidence come via a club statement or a press conference but QPR chairman Tony Fernandes took to Twitter to regularly back under-fire boss Mark Hughes in late 2012...

• 1 October

• 29 October

• 16 November

• 23 November - Hughes is sacked

Manager Keith Curle has signed a contract extension with Carlisle United to run until June 2018.

The 51-year-old former England defender took over in September last year and has guided them to ninth in League Two this season, just two points outside the play-off places.

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Cambridge United have brought in Oxford United defender Cameron Gayleon a loan deal until January.

The 23-year-old former Shrewsbury full-back joined Oxford earlier this month on an initial one-month trial.

Gayle has since extended his contract with Michael Appleton's side for a further two months, which he will spend on loan at the Abbey Stadium.

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Andy Murray has responded to criticism from a former Davis Cup captain calling it "a bit of a shame".

Former GB captain David Lloyd accused Murray in an interview at the weekend of not doing enough to promote tennis in Britain.

Murray said: "It was a bit of a shame. But it's obviously not been the first time that's happened. It's a bit like background music - you know it's there but you're not really listening.

"We may not get the outcome that we want, but it won't be through lack of trying or lack of care from anyone in the team."

He may be the bookies' favourite to take over, but Gary Rowett is staying put... for the time being, at least.

Ian Holloway is perhaps best known for his amusing soundbites but the speed at which his backings turn into sackings also deserves recognition.

'Ollie' received the backing of Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish in October 2013 despite the newly-promoted side having won only one Premier League game.

Only 20 days later and Holloway had left by mutual consent after less than a year in charge.

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But the turnaround at Holloway's most recent club Millwall was even more efficient - backed by the club on 27 February this year only to be sacked on 10 March.

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal wraps up by saying Luke Shaw will have a scan on Friday to provide more information on the progress of his recovery.

The left-back suffered a double leg fracture against PSV Eindhoven in September.

The BBC has learned that Sepp Blatter will try and stay on as Fifa president - even if he is found guilty by Fifa’s ethics committee.

Blatter is facing a potential lengthy ban from football but friends of the suspended president have told BBC he is adamant only the 209 member associations of Fifa can dismiss him.

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Blatter won a fifth consecutive presidential term in May this year but, in the wake of US and Swiss criminal investigations, announced four days later that he would “lay down” his mandate and call for a fresh election.

A ballot to appoint a new president is due to be held in Zurich on February 26.

Louis van Gaal is looking ahead to Wednesday's Champions League group match against PSV Eindhoven. His Manchester United side lost the game in the Netherlands 2-1.

"The first match was very disappointing because of the result and the loss of Luke Shaw," said the Dutchman.

On Memphis Depay: "These types of players feel so much happier with freedom - he showed that in the first half against Watford."   

Today's question was: Which 6 men who've won both the World & UK Snooker Championships are in this weeks first round draw? 

Answers: Peter Ebdon, John Higgins, Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson Mark Selby and Mark Williams.

Well done if you got that. Another one tomorrow.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says captain Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial and Marouane Fellaini are all fit to face PSV Eindohoven in the Champions League on Wednesday but Ander Herrera and Phil Jones miss out.

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Jurors in the trial of former New Zealand cricket captain Chris Cairns have retired to consider their verdicts.

Cairns, 45, faces perjury and perverting the course of justice allegations after the retired cricket star successfully sued Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi for accusing him of match fixing on Twitter in 2010.

The libel case netted Cairns £90,000, but he allegedly lied to the court when he said he had "never, ever cheated at cricket".

The all-rounder is also said to have perverted the course of justice by inducing fellow cricketer Lou Vincent to provide a false witness statement during a Skype call.

Cairns' friend and "legal adviser", barrister Andrew Fitch-Holland, 50, of Burton Road, Manchester, is also accused of perverting the course of justice. Both men deny the charges.

Manchester City are heading to Juventus for tomorrow's Champions League tie...

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England cricketer Stuart Broad has picked his 5-a-side team for Match of the Day Kickabout. You might be surprised who he picks at centre back...

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Norwich City striker Kyle Lafferty pushed his claims for a starting place in the Premier League by scoring for the club's under 21 side last night. 

Lafferty, who has played just 13 minutes of Premier League football this season, gave City the lead in a 2-0 win over Manchester United.

First team regulars Steven Whittaker and Graham Dorrans played the full 90 minutes in front of a crowd of just over 5,000.

Leicester's Tom Ford is taking on Scott Donaldson in the opening round of the UK Championship on Tuesday evening.  

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I'm afraid though you are going to have to wait a little longer for the Leicester "derby" between Mark Selby and Joe O'Connor as that's not until 14:30 on Thursday.

See the full schedule here

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French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve has confirmed that there will still be fan zones during Euro 2016 despite recent attacks which left 130 dead in Paris.

"The tragedy of November 13, which took place in part in the vicinity of a sports venue (the Stade de France), forces us to take the necessary measures to ensure the event takes place in the best conditions," Cazeneuve said.

"Everyone is mobilised. We'll do everything in our power to ensure that everything takes place in the best conditions and that the fan zones can be organised.

"The organisation of these fan areas are the subject of ongoing assessments that will lead us to update or change our plan of action."

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David Haye is back, so which retired sports people do you think could still cut it. Keep them coming...

Andrew Nesbitt: NUFC could use Shearer and Beardsley to come out of retirement. Solano & Rob Lee wouldn't go amiss either!

Haydn Reece: Has to be Paul McGrath his knees went years before he stopped playing. God knows we need a legend back in the team. 

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A couple of stats that illustrate the value of Harry Kane to Spurs....

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England second-row forward Dave Attwood has signed a new three-year deal at Bath.

Attwood, 28, has made 113 appearances for Bath since joining from Gloucester in 2011 and has won 20 caps for England. 

Ever wondered why the cricketing powers-that-be decided on pink as the colour for the ball in this week's day-night Test? And why are the players complaining that it behaves differently to the red ball?

Listen to a BBC Stumped exclusive interview with Brett Elliott, the brains behind the ball.

Australia and New Zealand contest the first ever day-night Test match using floodlights and a pink ball, starting at the Adelaide Oval at 03:30 GMT on Friday 27th November, with ball-by-ball commentary on 5 live Sports Extra.

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Arsene Wenger has criticised Uefa's drug regulations, saying current rules "basically accept doping".

The Arsenal manager's comments come after Dinamo Zagreb's Arijan Ademi was banned for four years for failing a test after his side's Champions League win over the Gunners in September.

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Dinamo have not been disqualified from the competition as regulations state two or more players must test positive before that punishment is considered.

Wenger said the rule was "surprising". He added: "I personally don't agree with the rule.

"You cannot say that they had a doped player but the result stands. That means you basically accept doping."

Wolves' highly-rated 20-year-old Dominic Iorfa has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal with the midlands club.

The full-back, an England Under-21 international, had been on a contract that expired at the end of the season 

Who would be Formula 1's tyre supplier? It's a thankless task, especially in this era of control tyres by a single company.

When Pirelli entered F1 in 2011, the idea was to make tyres a subject of positive discussion again, change the fact that they were generally only mentioned when there was a problem.

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Pirelli was tasked with producing tyres with a short life, that needed to be treated carefully, and which promoted pit stops and exciting racing.

Five years down the line, that's not quite how it has worked out.

Read the piece in full here

The manager job at Leeds was already a poisoned chalice but owner Massimo Cellino has turned it into a deadly dose of cyanide with his recent use of the vote of confidence.

Dave Hockaday lasted just four days after Cellino said the blame should lie with himself and not the boss.

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Uwe Rosler fared a little better, managing 20 days in limbo before he was dismissed by Cellino last month - his decision to welcome the owner's vote of confidence perhaps buying him some more time.

At least his successor Steve Evans seems to not be lacking in confidence, referring to himself in the third person since his unveiling at Elland Road...

Pietersen also said England should regret the decision to drop keeper Jos Buttler from the Test team but had no such remorse about his controversial autobiography.

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"I was very annoyed at Jos Buttler's omission from the last Test against Pakistan as I knew he'd turn it around in the ODI series and it makes it hard to pick him for a Test match now," he added.

"I know the South Africans are excited are not having to bowl to Buttler in the first Test now.

"I don't regret the book at all - the people I put away are not involved in cricket or at least in the English set up anymore so there's no problem with anybody."

PACopyright: PA

Former Leeds prop Ryan Bailey will aim to re-ignite his career under his former boss Tony Smith at Warrington. 

The 31-year-old has signed a 12-month deal with the Wolves following his release by Castleford at the end of the 2015 season, with his contract containing a good-behaviour clause.

Smith said: 'It is no secret that Ryan has had a chequered past. However, he is fully aware of the special conditions set out within his contract and the standards expected of all Warrington Wolves players."

Sam Allardyce has received a few votes of confidence over his career but the ones he was given at Newcastle may have been the least believable.

In the run up to Christmas 2007, Big Sam was given repeated backings by owner Mike Ashley and then chairman Chris Mort despite the club's league struggles.

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They continued to laugh off reports the manager's time was up as late as 1 January 2008 only for Allardyce to depart just eight days later.

Rumours Big Sam named his Spanish villa 'Casa St James' with his pay-off money were recently debunked by the man himself.

And there ends the news conference between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko. The pair shake hands and will battle for the heavyweight title in Germany on Saturday. It should be a barnstorming affair.

Remember, BBC Radio 5 live will have live commentary of the fight on Saturday night..

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Wladimir Klitschko: "I am really happy that this fight is taking stage. We will see each other at the workout, the weigh-in and eventually the fight. I want to say thank you to the fans following this fight and it will be a sold-out stadium."

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Wladimir Klitschkoresponded to Tyson Fury by saying: "I have faced many fighters that were different. This time, I have a colourful guy who's young and wants the real challenge.

"I heard him say he's nervous, which means he's well-prepared which means he is alert. I'm nervous before every fight, this is fact. I always faced so many challenges."

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Tyson Fury: "I hope he has trained hard and I don't want to scare him off. I am going to wind it back in and face fight night. I did not believe this fight was going to happen, but I am coming and I am coming fast. Old guy versus new guy, old champ against new champ."

Tyson Fury is in playful mood ahead of his world heavyweight title fight against Wladimir Klitschko in Germany on Saturday.

"Training is training, same stuff different day, different place," he said. "I was injury free for my whole camp which is cool. We did not leave anything upturned.

"It all crashes down for me when I land in the town and see all the posters, I feel like I am in the fight. I am nervous, I am very anxious, all these people and cameras are making me shy. I am shaking. I hope it is giving Wlad confidence.

"Not really!"

Kevin Pietersen's current main focus may be his cricket camp for underprivileged kids but his thoughts on England's upcoming tour to South Africa are also understandably sought after.

The former England batsman believes the squad "lack experience" and elaborated on his recent criticism of the decision to drop Ian Bell.

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"It's only Alastair Cook, Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad who have played international cricket out there," he said.

"But so many of us got our predictions wrong for the Ashes and I don't want to predict anything again.

"If Ian Bell had made no runs in the first couple of Tests in South Africa then I would understand him being dropped but when you are embarking on a tour against the best side in the world you need experience."

Love a bit of lunchtime gossip:

Jenson Button fears a long, difficult winter is in store for McLaren-Honda as they seek to make the gains needed to get themselves near the front of the F1 grid. (Autosport)

Former FIA president Max Mosley thinks Ferrari's decision to veto a cost cap on engine supplies demonstrates the Italian team's "small-mindedness". (ESPN F1)

Felipe Massa says he is eager to extend his stay in F1 with Williams beyond the end of next year when his contract with the team comes to an end. (Motorsport.com)

Read the gossip column in full

Claire Rafferty has withdrawn from the England women’s squad ahead of their double-header against Germany and Bosnia & Herzegovina because of a knee injury.

Arsenal defender and former England youth teams’ captain Jemma Rose has been called up as a replacement.

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England travel to Duisburg on Tuesday where they will face European champions Germany in an international friendly on Thursday, before playing Bosnia & Herzegovina at Ashton Gate on Sunday.

The match is live on the BBC Red Button (kick-off at 17:00 GMT).  

Great Britain number on Andy Murray says he is "focused" on winning the Davis Cup against Belgium, despite security concerns in the country.

"Everyone was a little bit concerned. We obviously had to delay the trip by a day, which wasn't ideal, but I think was the correct decision," Murray told BBC Sport. 

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"Everything seems fine in Ghent. I know in Brussels it's a slightly different situation, but everything seems fine here. I feel pretty focused. 

"We wouldn't have been able to practise on the centre court here until Monday anyway, so it hasn't affected our practices at all."

The vote of confidence. Commonly known as the dreaded vote of confidence.

How often does an under-pressure manager receive the backing of his chairman or club owner only to be sacked or leave 'by mutual consent' shortly after?

It's a well-trodden cliche and one that beleaguered Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez must now be fearing after receiving the 'full backing' of the most trigger-happy club in football.

What are your favourite examples of backing to sacking? Get involved on #bbcsportsday

EPACopyright: EPA

The David Haye comeback news conference was a rather dull affair, so we are hoping the Tyson Fury-Wladimir Klitschko one is a better spectacle.

Quotes from Dusseldorf are coming your way soon.

Bolton owner Eddie Davies will not expect repayment of his loans to the club in a bid to ease the takeover process, says advisor Trevor Birch.

A number of parties have expressed an interest in buying the club, who are bottom of the Championship, but nobody has yet been granted exclusivity for talks.

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"I wouldn't want to compromise the current negotiations, but Eddie is making it very attractive for an interested party to buy the club," said Birch.   

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After equaling the record for scoring in consecutive Premier League games, Leicester striker Jamie Vardy can break the record against Manchester United on Saturday.

But the big question is, how well do you know the Englishman?

Head here to take the quiz

The British Davis Cup team have been facing the media ahead of the final in Belgium, and the mood at the Flanders Expo is calm amid security worries elsewhere.

"I know Brussels is a slightly different situation, but everything in Ghent seems fine," Andy Murray tells BBC Sport.

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GB captain Leon Smith adds: "I think everyone was concerned, but what was important was to listen to our security guys, who are really, really good."

The British team are having their Davis Cup press conference today... it looks a bit nippy in Belgium... 

PSGCopyright: PSG

Paris St-Germain players will wear special shirts for their next two games as a tribute to those who died in this month's attacks in the French capital.

The shirts will carry the message "Je suis Paris" ("I am Paris").

The French champions said they were acting "in unison with the vibrant solidarity expressed by the French and international football community".

PSG visit Swedish side Malmo in the Champions League on Wednesday before hosting Troyes in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Want something to test the old grey matter? Here's our daily teaser from our colleagues at A Question of Sport.

Which six men who've won both the World and UK Snooker Championships are in this weeks first round draw?

Good luck - we'll bring you the answer later this afternoon.

With David Haye coming back, which retired sports people would you like to see return?

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It's a cold, wet and unremarkable morning at the Flanders Expo, where security is smilingly efficient, albeit dealing with a handful of media and staff for now. The Belgian team are practising on the newly-laid clay court, with early indications that the players have given it the thumbs up. We will find out more when both teams face the media this afternoon.

West Ham defender Doneil Henry has re-joined Championship club Blackburn on loan until 3 January.

The 22-year-old Canada international played three games for Rovers during a previous loan spell last season, which was cut short by injury.

Problems on and off the pitch?

Chelsea made a loss of £23.1m as they won the Premier League last season.

According to their annual financial results, the deficit kept them within Financial Fair Play (FFP) limits.

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"It was a primary aim in the past financial year to be one of the clubs with a continuous record of meeting the regulations," said chairman Bruce Buck.

The Blues, who made a record £18.4m profit last year, announced revenues of £314.3m, down on the 2013-14 high of £319.8m.

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Harsh Ryan, harsh.

Everton's chief executive has blamed Liverpool City Council for a lack of progress on building a new stadium, saying the club "cannot do it on its own".

Robert Elstone said the club needed the council to commit to investing in the project before it could go ahead.

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Plans for a new ground at Walton Hall Park were announced in September 2014.

But Liverpool's mayor said he had yet to receive any detailed proposals for the project.

Read the full story here

It had originally been thought that suspended Fifa president Sepp Blatter and vice-president Michel Platini could face seven-year bans from football if found guilty of corruption claims.

However, today's news - claimed, it is important to remember, by Platini's lawyer - suggests Fifa wants to go much further and ban the Uefa chief for life.

We'll bring you more on this story as it happens.

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Michel Platini is serving a 90-day suspension on corruption charges over a $2 million payment he received from Fifa president Sepp Blatter, who is also suspended

Platini's lawyer Thibaud d'Ales described Fifa's life ban demand as a "scandal" and "excessive".

Blatter's representatives refused to comment on whether the same request has been made against the Swiss official.

Fifa's investigatory chamber announced on Monday that it has opened a case and a decision is expected to be handed down next month.

Until then Platini is forbidden to take part in the race to become Blatter's successor as president of Fifa.

Sri Lanka has offered itself as a neutral venue for a proposed series between arch-rivals India and Pakistan to break a deadlock over where to play the matches.

"We have made the offer and we are awaiting a response," a Sri Lankan Cricket board official said.

India and Pakistan are scheduled to play two Tests, five one-dayers and two Twenty20 internationals in December and January.   

Talks at the weekend about where to stage the contests failed to end the stalemate.

We mentioned earlier that Wayne Rooney was at Manchester United's training session earlier. Good news.

Oj the downside, BBC Radio 5 live's Juliette Ferrington tells us that Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phil Jones and Michael Carrick were all absent.

The Reds host PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford tomorrow.

It was hardly a classic but Sunderland's late win over Crystal Palace had added significance for Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce.

Alongside a vital three points, Big Sam secured his 150th Premier League victory as a manager.

Mark Chapman brings you reaction from the game and the panel discuss the growing pressure being heaped on managers Garry Monk and Rafael Benitez, the form of Leicester City, and the change in ownership at Northampton Town.

Download the podcast here.

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 A very happy birthday to former Scunthorpe and Yeovil Town defender Sir Ian Botham, who turns 60 today. 

How's this for bad luck?

Torquay's on-loan striker Achille Campion (great name) has been ruled out for around two weeks after suffering a broken nose against Lincoln.

That happened in his third game for the club. His first game got called off and he got subbed in the second after a sending off.

Well, they do say bad luck comes in threes.

International and domestic cricket at Edgbaston in 2015, was watched by 214,680 people, a 36% rise from the year before.

The biggest rise in attendance was for the T20 Blast competition, with crowds up 86% on 2014.

Warwickshire County Cricket ClubCopyright: Warwickshire County Cricket Club

Quote Message: It's fantastic to see such a big increase... and are working hard over the winter months to provide even more attractive Friday night games at Edgbaston from Colin Povey Chief Executive, Warwickshire County Cricket Club

It's fantastic to see such a big increase... and are working hard over the winter months to provide even more attractive Friday night games at Edgbaston

Good news for United fans ahead of their Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Skipper Wayne Rooney, who missed the trip to Watford because of illness, has trained today, as the below proves....

With David Haye back, which other retired sportsmen would you like to see return.

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England bowlerMark Woodlooks in decent spirits after undergoing surgery on the ankle injury that forced him to miss the ODI's against Pakistan - and is likely to rule him out of the squad for the upcoming Test series in South Africa.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Coneygree has been ruled out of Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury after a poor training season on Tuesday.

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Well, this is embarrassing. After announcing his huge comeback fight, David Haye's promoter opens the news conference out to the floor where the journalists are sitting.

"Any questions?" he asks? "No? OK. We'll wrap it up then."

Was expecting a rocket but it ended up being a firework that fizzles out after two seconds.

Quote Message: All empires crumble eventually, like the Roman Empire. What it takes to end an empire, like David's, is not always a better man or a stronger man but sometimes some guy who just turns up and believes and refuses to lay down and read the script. from Mark De Mori, Haye's opponent

All empires crumble eventually, like the Roman Empire. What it takes to end an empire, like David's, is not always a better man or a stronger man but sometimes some guy who just turns up and believes and refuses to lay down and read the script.

With David Haye back, we're asking which retired sports people you'd like to see return.

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Quote Message: I haven’t been at top or fought the likes of David Haye. But I’m glad it’s finally happening. I’m 33. People might say that’s a little old. But 30s are prime time for heavyweights. Every dog has its day and it takes someone like me, who's a bit sick in the head, who doesn’t believe he’s a sacrificial lamb, to take David, a millionaire, the extra mile and make him think 'I’m famous do I really need this?' from Mark The Dominator De Mori, David Haye's opponent

I haven’t been at top or fought the likes of David Haye. But I’m glad it’s finally happening. I’m 33. People might say that’s a little old. But 30s are prime time for heavyweights. Every dog has its day and it takes someone like me, who's a bit sick in the head, who doesn’t believe he’s a sacrificial lamb, to take David, a millionaire, the extra mile and make him think 'I’m famous do I really need this?'

Quote Message: One thing his team may not know is that 90% of my career I trained in my dad’s garage. I had a few fights with my wife in my corner. That’s the guy they have seen on Youtube and are preparing for. But I’ve lived in Croatia for the last two years and have gone from training in my garage to training with a coach who is a two-time Olympian. So I’ve gone from self-trained guy with my wife wiping blood from my face to being properly trained. My strength has gone to another level. from Mark De Mori, Haye's opponent

One thing his team may not know is that 90% of my career I trained in my dad’s garage. I had a few fights with my wife in my corner. That’s the guy they have seen on Youtube and are preparing for. But I’ve lived in Croatia for the last two years and have gone from training in my garage to training with a coach who is a two-time Olympian. So I’ve gone from self-trained guy with my wife wiping blood from my face to being properly trained. My strength has gone to another level.

Quote Message: We started working together and gelled straight away. David is definitely back and firing on all cylinders. It is now about making sure he can get through the training camps and come out unscathed. from Shane McGuigan, David Haye's trainer

We started working together and gelled straight away. David is definitely back and firing on all cylinders. It is now about making sure he can get through the training camps and come out unscathed.

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Quote Message: I could have picked an easier opponent. I could have fought someone who’d been knocked out a couple of time but I wanted to give people someone to get excited about. He is top 10. I don’t want to fight complete nobodies. I believe if I can do what I’m doing in the gym on 16 January then I’ll be better than I used to be. from David Haye British heavyweight boxer

I could have picked an easier opponent. I could have fought someone who’d been knocked out a couple of time but I wanted to give people someone to get excited about. He is top 10. I don’t want to fight complete nobodies. I believe if I can do what I’m doing in the gym on 16 January then I’ll be better than I used to be.

Quote Message: Muhammad Ali had three-and-a-half years out and he lost on his return but that was against Joe Frazier. This guy is no Frazier. Wladimir Klitschko came back after four years out but they got their titles back and I want to do that same. Boxing is in a really healthy place. from David Haye British heavyweight boxer

Muhammad Ali had three-and-a-half years out and he lost on his return but that was against Joe Frazier. This guy is no Frazier. Wladimir Klitschko came back after four years out but they got their titles back and I want to do that same. Boxing is in a really healthy place.

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Quote Message: I am looking forward to getting in the ring and hearing the fans get excited. I saw he is ranked in the top 10 and he was giving it large. We will see on 16 January whether the 'Dominator' can dominate the Hayemaker. I very much doubt that but there may be some question marks because I have been out of the ring for so long. from David Haye British heavyweight boxer

I am looking forward to getting in the ring and hearing the fans get excited. I saw he is ranked in the top 10 and he was giving it large. We will see on 16 January whether the 'Dominator' can dominate the Hayemaker. I very much doubt that but there may be some question marks because I have been out of the ring for so long.

Quote Message: It feels really good to be back. Physically, I am firing on all cylinders. I have been training with Shane McGuigan and I have got a new lease of life. I have been in the gym working hard and I needed a change from the injuries I got. Since I teamed up with Shane, I have gone from strength to strength. Everything has gone through there roof and I feel like a young fighter even at 35. from David Haye British heavyweight boxer

It feels really good to be back. Physically, I am firing on all cylinders. I have been training with Shane McGuigan and I have got a new lease of life. I have been in the gym working hard and I needed a change from the injuries I got. Since I teamed up with Shane, I have gone from strength to strength. Everything has gone through there roof and I feel like a young fighter even at 35.

With David Haye coming back, we're asking which retired sports people have still got it.

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The David Haye v Mark de Mori fight has now been confirmed for 16 January 2016.

Full quotes to come from the British heavyweight.

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The sponsors seem to have given the big announcement away. It looks like David Haye will be fighting Australian's Mark de Mori in his return bout.

No official announcement yet though.

How about this for a story?

Dundee could play Celtic in the United States next season, the first time a Scottish league game will have been held overseas.

The Premiership sides are in advanced talks and it is understood the only remaining requirement is the approval of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).

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A formal proposal is set to be put before the SPFL in the next few weeks.

Boston and Philadelphia are possible host cities.

Apparently, talks between Dundee and Celtic and representatives in the United States have been ongoing for some time. An interesting idea, though a bit of a long trip for the season ticket holders...

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Lots of speculation in the last 24 hours that Cristiano Ronaldo might be heading back to Old Trafford.

But hold your horses excited Reds fans.

The Daily Express reports that Ronaldo, 30, won't be leaving the Bernabeu to rejoin Manchester United - at least according to his agent.

And Ronaldo is more likely to join French side Paris St-Germain than move back to Old Trafford if he does opt to leave the Bernabeu, adds the Daily Telegraph.

Don't buy your United/Ronaldo replica shirts just yet then...

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Championship leaders Hull will be without skipper Michael Dawson for up to a month due to a hamstring injury.

The Tigers are on an impressive 11-match unbeaten run with Dawsona key figure in the back four.

But the former Tottenham captain limped off during  Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bristol City and the club has confirmed the 32-year-old "sustained a grade two hamstring injury".

David Haye is returning, so which retired sports stars could still cut it?

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A little more on Great Britain gymnast Brinn Bevan, who suffered a double leg break in a vault accident in Saturday.

Bevan, who won team silver at the World Championships in Glasgow last month, said: "The pain was excruciating as it was I could handle.

"But the disappointment and heartbreak of going from such a high of the world championships to the lowest low after a little mishap was hard for me.

"All my emotions just erupted and I've found myself constantly in tears."

Bevan's left leg landed off the mat in to a concrete floor, causing breaks to his fibia and tibia.

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Indian captain Virat Kohli has welcomed the introduction of day-night Test cricket, saying he hoped the experiment would work and make the traditional five-day game more popular.

"It is a landmark Test," Kohli said as Australia and New Zealand prepare to play the inaugural day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval on Friday.

"It is a big step towards changing something in Test cricket," the Indian skipper added.

"I hope it works. I hope it can be another option as well."

With David Haye returning, we're asking which retired sports stars could still cut it.

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British gymnast Brinn Bevan has suffered a double leg fracture after a vault accident.

He has posted this rather gruesome image on Instagram of an X-ray of the injury.

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Looks bad - and we can only hope he recovers soon.

So then, former world champ David Haye is to return, three years after quitting boxing.

Which got us thinking this - which other former sports stars could still cut it?

That's the question we're throwing you to you, dear Sportsday readers, now throw us some answers back.

Tweet us at #bbcsportsday with your nominations and we will publish the best.

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Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, 30, has been offered the chance to end his career in the Chinese Super League, according to today's Sun..

The paper says the Asian game has been flooded with cash after signing a huge TV deal worth more than £830m and wants a world superstar to sign up.

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Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says he can "only smile" about a schedule that see his side return from a 12-hour round trip to play Qarabag in Europe just two days before they face Chelsea in the Premier League.

Spurs must board a six-hour flight to Baku in Azerbaijan for Thursday night's Europa League game - then face Chelsea on Sunday.

"It is like the week when we played Monday (against Aston Villa), Thursday (against Anderlecht) and Sunday (against Arsenal), three times in six days. And now it's the same," he said.

"I laugh. I only smile."

We think that's sarcasm.

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Not long to go now till former world heavyweight champion David Haye announces he is to return to the ring after an absence of more than three years.

Haye has called a news conference for 10:00 GMT at London's O2 Arena at which his next opponent will also be present.

Haye, who has not fought since he stopped fellow Briton Dereck Chisora in 2012, has been training with Shane McGuigan - son of former world champion Barry - and wants to reclaim the world title he lost to Wladimir Klitschko in 2011.

We'll bring you full coverage of Haye's news conference as soon as it gets under way.

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Scarlets scrum-half Aled Davies has signed a new deal with the Welsh region until 2018.

The 23-year-old has made 72 appearances for the Scarlets and took over as first-choice scrum-half last season when Wales international Gareth Davies was injured.

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So Real Madrid's big press conference - held on Monday night - turned into .. well, a bit of a damp squib really.

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez has been told he retains the club's full backing following the 4-0 home defeat by Barcelona.

Following a board meeting, club president Florentino Perez said: "He has all our support and confidence. Rafa has only just started his job here. Let him keep working and he will achieve his objectives."

However, and slightly ominously, Perez added he could "only talk about this moment".

Watch this space...

Speaking of Fury and Klitschko, what a lovely picture this is.

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Strange to think they'll be knocking seven bells out of each other come Saturday evening.

Fury also suggested a radical idea - legalising drugs to make the sport "fully fair" although also acknowledge taking such drugs can have a long-term impact on a person's health.

In response to Fury's claims, British Boxing Board of Control general secretary Robert Smith said the governing body was doing more in and out of competition tests than ever before.

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"We’re dealing with human beings and the vast majority of people stick by rules, they don’t think it’s sensible to take drugs but the odd minority think they need to to compete at the highest level," Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I think legalising it is wrong – we want a level playing field with everybody not taking drugs and I think every sport in the country would agree with that."

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British heavyweight Tyson Fury - four days before his world title against Wladimir Klitschko in Germany - has got the boxing world in a tizz by claiming the sport has a "big problem" with doping.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, Fury said: "I can look at a man and tell you if he's full of drugs by one glance at his body with his top off.

"Boxing has got a big problem with drugs. But it doesn't bother me because at the end of the day it's about determination over drugs."

All of which leaves the Premier League table like this

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Only four managers have won more games in the Premier League - Sir Alex Ferguson (528), Arsene Wenger (422), Harry Redknapp (236) and David Moyes (190). 

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It was Jermain Defoe's seventh goal of the season, and underlines his importance to the club despite recent reports suggesting he might leave in January.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce said: "He is a classy finisher. If you want somebody to chase down what looks a lost cause [it is him].

"Defoe not giving up is why the defender and the goalkeeper messed up."

The win moved the Black Cats up one place to 18th in the Premier League table on nine points, one behind north-east rivals Newcastle. Palace remain 10th on 19 points.

Hands up. How many people saw this coming?

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Can't see many hands.

Jerman Defoe's strike - pictured above, capitalising on a mix-up between Scott Dann and Wayne Hennessey - gave struggling Sunderland a vital and unexpected win at Crystal Palace.

s Big Sam beginning to work his magic? Certainly looks like it.

This was the very definition of a coupon buster.

Fasten your seatbelts, there's loads going on today.

Louis van Gaal and Manuel Pellegrini face the media, Arsenal and Chelsea are in Champions League action, David Haye will announce his return, there's a GB Davis Cup presser ... plenty, then, to keep us going.

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Sit back and enjoy another Sportsday, here are the morning papers...