Sportsday - Lord Coe news conference

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More now on the decision by the England and Wales Cricket Board to do away with the coin toss in County Championship matches.

It had been suggested yesterday that the toss would be scraped in Division Two next season, with the visiting team given the option to bat, bowl or flip the small change regardless if pitch conditions were uncertain.

Today's announcement brings in a wider change - with Division One matches also involved - with a subtle difference. Visiting teams will be given the option to bowl or then proceed to a toss as normal. Teams will have to win the toss if they want to choose to bat first.

IAAF presidentLord Coethanks the media and heads for the exits as the news conference comes to an end.

Judging by the reaction from the press pack, this is not the last that he has heard about the ambassadorial role that he held with Nike.

More from Lord Coe on his decision to step down from his Nike ambassadorial role:

"I chose not to come to that decision sooner because I wanted to share today with my council colleagues, but also the internal governances we are putting ourselves under. I'm very open about this. In the time that I have been a Nike ambassador, even since I was an athlete back in 1978, this has been a long and historic relationship. I maintained it without any questions during the Locog years when Adidas were our partner, and during the BOA years. 

"The decision I chose to take in the last few weeks was one that I think reflected my absolute intention to focus as long and as hard as I can on steadying the ship that has been rocking rather badly recently."

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Coe is then offered a few words of support from Frankie Fredericks, the head of the Athletes' Commission, sitting next to him:

"We all serve as directors on boards of companies. The first thing the president did was to declare his interest. If a conflict arose during a meeting, he would have excused himself to go out. The interest was declared right from the start."

Head of the IAAF athletes commission Frank Fredericks: "Especially considering what Seb has given up. the athletes want someone at the top to be paid to deliver professional services for the sport."

Lord Coe: "The integrity unit will look at anti-doping but not exclusively anti-doping. The manipulation of sports competitions, age manipulations allegiances switches and the behaviour and conduct of third parties and representatives. 

"It is about bringing together these disparate elements. We want to get the unit up and running as soon as possible."

More from Lord Coe on whether he lobbied Lamine Diack about the hosting of the 2021 World Athletics Championships. 

"As an ambassador for Nike, I would have been discharging my duties as normal. 

"I was asked about the status of where (the bidding) process was. I made it clear that the best advice I could give anyone at this moment was to get back in the race and bid for the 2021 World Championships. I gave that advice to Eugene and to Gothenburg. 

"I was being asked that question on a daily basis by many people, including the media themselves - there was a high level of speculation around that."

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You can watch Lord Coe's news conference live by clicking on 'Live Coverage' above.

Lord Coe on Russia suspension from international competition and the possibility of their return: "We are not concerned by deadlines. It is up to the IAAF to decide when Russia are ready to return to the fold, in conjuction with WADA. 

"Their suspension was due to an anti-doping code violation and the implications that has for our ethics committee. As quickly as we can get our inspection team and the Russian federation to meet, that process can get in place. There is no reason that we cannot get that going over the next 10 days or two weeks."

Lord Coe is asked about suggestions that he lobbied Lamine Diack about the hosting of the 2021 World Athletics Championships. 

"The e-mail, which I didn't see until it was broadcast is very clear. I was in a conversation with a Nike official in discharging my ambassadorial role, discussing a range of issues. 

"I was asked specifically about my view of what was happening in that landscape (to host the 2021 championships). It wasn't the only question I'd had in that subject - there was a high level of speculation from both bidding cities as to what the process was going to be. I sought clarification from the president of the IAAF, who told me he saw no reason as to why that bidding process shouldn't continue. 

"The best advice I could give to any cities was to put your best foot forward and get into the bidding process."

You can watch Lord Coe's news conference live by clicking on 'Live Coverage' above. 

Lord Coe: I have not made this decision because of the email emerging, it is because I said before the election that I would make all the necessary adjustments in a systemic and considered way to my other activities. This was a review that was already taking place."

Lord Coe: "In any of the reviews show impropriety in any of the World Championship bids, then there will be a full review. 

"I have always declared my role with Nike as I have in a range of activities. I don't feel it was a conflict of interests, but it had undoubtedly become a distraction."

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Lord Coe has also announced that he will step down from his role with the BOA after the Rio Olympics next year. 

Lord Coe: In alignment with the internal governance and review, I have reviewed my portfolio of interests. I have sought advice from the IAAF ethics comission and have received confirmation from them that I could retain my roles with Nike and CSM if I was not involved in any decision relating to them.

"But it is clear that perception and reality have become horribly mangled. I have stepped down from Nike position I have held for 38 years.

"The noise has become intolerable and a distraction from the 18-hour days that we are working."

Some strong words from IAAF council member Stephanie Hightower. 

"Our entire system has failed athletes. All our council members are determined to rebuild trust amongst athletes and fans."

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A bit of an interlude as athletes representative Frank Fredericks announces the 2015 athletes of the year, American decathlete Ashton Eaton and Ethiopian middle distance runner Genzebe Dibaba.

He adds that all the athletes he represents support Lord Coe in his position. 

You can watch the IAAF news conference live by clicking on 'Live Coverage' above.

Lord Coe on today's IAAF Council meeting: "One of the prevailing sentiments in the IAAF Council was that there was not one person who underestimated the challenge in tackling the sport's problems and rebuilding trust.

"The Council gave full approval for the integrity unit. We looked at an organisational restructure, radically altering the way the organisations works and how it connects to the rest of the the athletics family. 

"We touched on the Russian situation, noting their acceptance of the suspension.

"I updated the council on the audit and asked all council members to register their interests."

The IAAF media conference - featuring an embattled Lord Coe - is about to begin.

You'll be able to watch Lord Coe's news conference live when it begins by clicking on 'Live Coverage' above.

Netherlands-based telecoms firm Altice has gazumped Canal+ as the exclusive broadcaster of Premier League matches in France and Monaco.

Altice, owned by French billionaire Patrick Drahi, will show matches from for three seasons from 2016-17 to 2018-19. 

While we wait for Lord Coe to speak, just to let you know that it's the innings break in Dubai - England scored an impressive 160-5 from their 20 overs. 

Sam Billings hit 53 off 25 balls, James Vince made 41 on his T20 debut.

You can listen to live commentary on 5 live sports extra, or follow the live text.   

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IAAF president Lord Coe's press conference, scheduled to begin at 1730 GMT, is yet to begin.

Journalist have just been allowed into the room where it is being staged and photographers have huddled around the top table, taking shots of the nameplates.

Brighton & Hove Albion have signed Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Rajiv van La Parra on a one-month loan deal until 2 January.

The former Dutch under-21 winger joins on a short-term deal, although he won't be eligible to face his parent club on New Year's Day.

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Albion boss Chris Hughton told the club website "He will give us pace and creativity in the forward areas, and supplements our existing wide options. 

"He is something different to the players we already have here, and I am delighted to have him on board."

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Chelsea are considering a move for former Blackburn strikerNikola Kalinicin the January transfer window according to Gazzetta Dello Sport,via the Express.

The 27-year-old has scored 10 goals in nine Serie A matches for current side Fiorentina so far this season.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen has admitted he has been "pretty average" this season.

The 2007 world champion is 131 points behind team-mate Sebastian Vettel heading into the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

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Raikkonen said he had been "better than last year", when he was trounced by ex-team-mate Fernando Alonso, but "still far away from what it should be".

The 36-year-old added: "But that's life and next year we'll try again."

Read the full piece here

Over in Monaco, IAAF president Lord Coe is preparing to give a press conference on the Russian doping scandal and his own position as an ambassador to sportswear giant Nike.

Coe has denied that holding the two posts simultaneously is a conflict of interest, but an email has emerged suggesting that he lobbied predecessor Lamine Diack in a bid to secure the 2021 World Championships for Eugene, Oregon - close to Nike's global headquarters.

Following the earlier arrival of Huddersfield striker James Vaughan, Birmingham City have now added Rotherham defender Greg Halford to their squad, also on loan until 2 January.

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You may have seen Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp being taught a few Scouse phrases by a young Liverpool fan.

Well the German revealed in the same interview that his biggest strength is that he can "talk like a waterfall".

He also reveals that one of his favourite bands of all time are rock gods Kiss.

"The singer has a very long tongue. It was crazy!" he explains.

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Huddersfield Town have re-signed Aston Villa goalkeeper Jed Steer on loan until 26 December. 

Steer, 23, spent two months with the Terriers earlier in the season, keeping two clean sheets in 10 appearances.

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says that signing the contract to leave boyhood team McLaren and join Mercedes was more nerve-wracking than being in a race.  

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"I was nervous as hell, I was like 'I can't believe I'm doing this'," he says in a new film previewed by UBS.

He adds that the move was motivated by the desire to prove that he could not only win titles in a different car, but also "captivate a group of people into wanting to work and give me the best car."

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Ravel Morrison is reportedly close to returning to England "for personal reasons" after an underwhelming spell at Italian club Lazio according to a report from calciomercato.it..

The 22-year-old, who joined Lazio when his contract at West Ham expired earlier this season, has made only three Serie A appearance for the the Rome club.

Feel free to revel in his extraordinary backheel volley in England under-21 training a couple of years back as you weigh up where he might end up next.

Tottenham have named a near full-strength for their Europa League tie with Azerbaijan side FK Qarabag with Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen both starting.

Tottenham take on Chelsea on Sunday lunchtime in the Premier League in the wake of their 5,500-mile round trip.

There is live text commentary on this website with radio coverage on BBC Radio London.

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Dink, flick, volley, goal!

Dover Athletic score a stunning team goal during their 1-1 draw against Chester in their National League match on Tuesday.

Watch the stunning effort here

The book charts top-level English football's change from marginalised working-class pastime to global entertainment.

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Belgium's world number 108Ruben Bemelmans - who will face Andy Murray in the first rubber in the Davis Cup final - has revealed that his last competitive match was for a French club in the country's tennis league eight days ago.

"You cannot compare this. I had arranged this already in the beginning of the year, otherwise I wouldn't have played," he said.

Bemelmans is only the third highest ranked of the Belgian players and the suspicion is captain Johan Van Herck may be saving number two Steve Darcis for the doubles and a potentially decisive fifth rubber.

"The weekend's going to be long. I think, with all the information I've had over the last two weeks practising, the way we want to attack the matches, we thought it was the best decision to put Ruben tomorrow," said Van Herck.

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Liverpool Ladies striker Rosie White has signed a new contract with the Women's Super League One club.

The New Zealand international, 22, joined the Reds in July after playing at the World Cup.

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Wales winger George North has signed a new deal with Northampton.

The 23-year-old joined Saints from Scarlets in April 2013 on a three-year-deal.

Helen Ward's hat-trick helped Wales women thrash Kazakhstan 4-0 to claim a first win of their Euro 2017 qualifying campaign.

After both sides missed chances in a goalless first half, Natasha Harding headed Wales in front five minutes after the break.

Substitute Ward then scored twice in two minutes before sliding in for her third in the closing stages.

Victory sees Wales leapfrog Kazakhstan and Israel into third place in Group 8.

Read the full match report

England have lost two early wickets after winning the toss and batting first in the first T20 international against Pakistan in Dubai. 

You can listen to live commentary on 5 live sports extra, or follow the live text. 

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Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has joked his wife thinks he is having an affair with boss Graham Westley because of how much they talk.

Westley has lifted League One Posh to seventh since taking over in September.

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"My missus thinks I'm having an affair with him, because we speak so much," he told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

"I've never known a manager who wants to speak to me as much as him. We went out last week for dinner. I love his intensity and he loves my intensity."

Read the full piece here

Birmingham City have signed strikerJames Vaughanfrom Huddersfield Town in an emergency loan deal until 2 January.

Birmingham-born Vaughan, 27, hit 33 goals in 95 appearances sincejoining on loan from Norwich City, initially on a season's loan, in August 2012.

But he has lost his place at the Championship club this season, having made just four substitute appearances.

"When the possibility of a loan came up, James asked me if we would consider it," said Town head coach David Wagner.

Crawley Town have signed Ipswich Town's Josh Emmanuel on loan. The defender will be with the Reds until 2 January. 

Meanwhile Reds midfielder Conor Henderson has joined National League side Grimsby Town on loan until December 30th.

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Crawley manager Mark Yates told the club website "Josh is highly regarded by Mick McCarthy and we’re delighted he has agreed to let us have him for what is going to be a busy period."

Emmanuel  will be in the squad for Saturday’s trip to Carlisle United.

Sam Burgess's move back to South Sydney Rabbitohs has stalled as it will take the club over the NRL's salary cap.

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The 26-year-old quit rugby union after only a year - having played for England at the World Cup - to return to his former club in rugby league.

The deal was confirmed earlier this month but the Rabbitohs have been told they must release players in order to register Burgess, who helped them win the NRL title in 2014.

The club are yet to comment.

Read the full story here

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BBC Sport looks at the journey that the most talented African footballers have taken to the major European leagues and clubs over the past few decades

From the trailblazers of Eusebio, to the legends of Samuel Eto'o, Jay-Jay Okocha and Didier Drogba.

Watch the video here

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Manchester United reportedly had a £75m offer turned down in the summer, might Liverpool have more luck this January?

According to Sport Witness, via Bild, Jurgen Klopp is keeping a close eye on Bayern Munich's 26-year-old playmaker Thomas Muller as he negotiates a new contract at the Allianz Arena.

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Stoke manager Mark Hughes has given his backing to Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce as the right man to lift the Black Cats out of the relegation zone.

"Sam can manage at any level in the Premier League; top, middle or bottom. 

"He's got the qualities that teams at the bottom you would think would need - organisation, belief, giving them a game plan. Given what was out there Sam was the best choice for them."

The two teams meet at the Stadium of Light at 15:00 GMT on Saturday.

New Northampton Town owner Kelvin Thomas has also paid the full £166,000 owed to HM Revenue & Customs ahead of a winding-up petition hearing.

He told a news conference that £1m had been set aside for the initial investment.

Exciting times ahead for the Cobblers.

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Stoke manager Mark Hughes says that defender Ryan Shawcross may need to wait for a change in England manager before his international ambitions are realised.

"He's been outstanding. He certainly has the ambitions to get into the England squad but Roy Hodgson has stuck with the players that have got him through the qualification campaign. 

"Ryan may have to wait for a change of circumstance in order to get a chance."

Today's question was: England have won their last three T20 Internationals, but which four players have played in each game? 

The answers: Steve Finn, Alex Hales, Eoin Morgan and Jason Roy.

Well done if you got all those without cheating.

Number seven seed Barry Hawkins said he was fortunate to still be in the UK Championship after winning a nerve-racking final-frame decider against veteran amateur Andy Hicks in the first round.  

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Hawkins, the 2013 World Championship runner-up, was 3-1 and 5-4 down but came through on the final black against Hicks, the 122nd seed and one-time world number 17.

"He completely outplayed me at the start of the match," Hawkins said. "I am lucky to get through. I would have been devastated to go out."

Northampton's new owner and now executive chairman Kelvin Thomas has been speaking to the assembled media.

"Everyone has worked extremely hard to get this deal done but the hard work starts now," said Thomas.

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"We share manager Chris Wilder's determination and desire to drive this club forward and are looking forward to finding ways to involve the trust and all fans going forward."

The Cobblers are currently third in League Two, two points off top spot.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman sympathises with the situation Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini finds himself in. The Chilean's side have lost their last two games.

"Teams like City, they are used to having the pressure of winning games. If you don't win as a big team, there are always critics," said Koeman.

"They have some big injuries in key players at the moment and even for City that is difficult handle for the number of games they play."

A big blow for Southampton. Manager Ronald Koeman says striker Jay Rodriguez will be out for seven or eight weeks after undergoing surgery on Tuesday.

Earlier today we asked your opinion on Louis van Gaal's future as Manchester United manager.

And, from your responses on our vote, it seems like the Dutchman is a genuinely divisive figure.

The most popular answer, with 29%, was that the former Barcelona boss should be given until the end of the season and see where United finish.

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25% of respondents said that he has done well enough to see through the remaining 18 months of his contract.

But there was significant support at either end of the spectrum with 19% saying that he should be sacked immediately and 16% saying that his tactics were improving United into genuine title challengers.

A tenth of you thought he should be sacked in a fortnight's time if his side lose to Leicester and then exit the Champions League.

Leicester striker Jamie Vardy is on a remarkable run of scoring in 10 consecutive Premier League games. A goal against Manchester United on Saturday will see him break the record.

“Jamie Vardy is a champion. For me he’s a champion because he thinks more about the team than himself," said manager Claudio Ranieri.

“I hope for Vardy and for the fans that he breaks the record.”  

Surely Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri is kidding us with the following:

“We know that sooner or later we will lose. We just want to show our great character. The spirit of our group is so strong.  

“It's an open season but our goal is 40 points. I’m very curious about how we respond to these big matches.” 

The Foxes are on 28 at the moment so would need 12 points from their remaining 25 games.

Leicester's charismatic boss Claudio Ranieri is facing the media as his side face Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday (17:30 GMT kick-off).

The Foxes are top going into the game, with the Red Devils in second position.

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“I think we're building a very big construction. I believe in the next year Leicester will grow. We are very happy," said the Italian.

“Some people say Leicester can remain at the top, others say it’s just a moment. I'm glad for the fans but we’re just focused.”  

Lincoln City have signed Bristol Rovers striker Nathan Blissett on an emergency loan deal until 4 January, with a view to a permanent move.

The 25-year-old joined Rovers from Kidderminster last season but has made only three substitute appearances for the club this term.

Nathan is the nephew of Watford legend and former England international Luther.

Norwich boss Alex Neil is - understandably - expecting a difficult game against Arsenal on Sunday (16:15 GMT kick-off). The Canaries have won just one of their last eight league games.

 "You're always concerned when you don't win games. Over recent weeks, we've found a decent balance but we can still improve," he said.

"We're going to have to be a team that changes our style from week to week to get results.

"Arsenal will want to put points on the board. They've had a good season. They're the hardest attacking team to stop."

Norwich manager Alex Neil says defender and captain Russell Martin will return to the squad for Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal (16:15 GMT), but midfielder Alex Tettey (thigh) will miss out.

Russian athletics federation confirmed they understood that their reinstatement as an IAAF member would be accepted following the recommendation of the IAAF inspection team.

Russian athletics federation say they will cooperate fully and actively with the team. 

The IAAF took action after the publication of an independent World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) report that alleged "state-sponsored doping".

Its council members voted 22-1 in favour of Russia being banned.

Russia's athletics federation have accepted their full suspension from the IAAF for its alleged involvement in widespread doping without a hearing.

They were provisionally banned from international competition - including the Olympic Games - on 13 November.

Watford head coach Quique Flores doesn't regard the match against bottom club Aston Villa on Saturday as being any easier than games against the so-called 'bigger clubs' despite Villa's 4-0 defeat last time out against Everton: "I'm not thinking about the match against Aston Villa as it's easy as they are bottom. 

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"I don't think Aston Villa will be easier than Manchester United. This is my mentality. I know they are going to fight a lot, because they don't have another way - they have to go straight and to be positive and to try and smash our team because they don't have another solution."  

Watford head coach Quique Flores has been offering his opinion on the Jack Grealish situation at Aston Villa - the team his side face on Saturday. 

Grealish has been dropped from Villa's first team squad after off-field matters.

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Flores, who is missing Valon Behrami as well as Sebastian Prodl this weekend, said: "I realise he's important for Aston Villa; when he's playing it's a very different team but I understand the decision of the coach - when someone miss-trains out of the profession, the behaviour of the players is not of the best behaviour representing the club. 

"Sometimes these younger players they need to make mistakes and they need to learn about these mistakes."

The Norwich goalkeeper has been facing the media ahead of their side's Premier League home game against Arsenal on Sunday (16:15 GMT kick-off)

"All the ingredients are there. We just need to find the balance to get the three points we have often deserved,"  he said.

"I don't think I've been as good as I have been previously, but that's football. Form is temporary.

"The standards we've set ourselves have to remain in the 25 games we have left. We take each game at a time." 

After Edmund v Goffin and Andy Murray v Bemelmans on Friday, the Davis Cup will continue with Andy Murray and Jamie Murray taking on Steve Darcis and Kimmer Coppejans in the doubles on Saturday and then the reverse singles matches on Sunday.

However, captain Leon Smith can jig his team of four around with changes up until an hour before each day's play.

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Right, Kyle Edmund has been officially confirmed as Britain's number two.

He will open the tie in the opening singles rubber against Belgium's number one David Goffin at 12:30 GMT on Friday.

And the famous Belgians who stand in the way of Great Britain and their first Davis Cup success in 79 years are David Goffin, Steve Darcis, Ruben Emelmans and Kimmer Coppejans.

The Great Britain team to face Belgium has been confirmed as Andy Murray, Jamie Murray, James Ward and Kyle Edmund.

Doubles specialist Dominic Inglot misses out.

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Saracens and former England fly-half Charlie Hodgson will retire at the end of the season to become the club's head of recruitment.

"It was a difficult decision to make, but my body is now telling me that it’s probably the right thing to do," said the 36-year-old, who won 38 caps and also played for the British & Irish Lions. 

"I’ve been presented with an amazing opportunity to be here at Saracens in a different capacity, and it’s an opportunity I felt that I just couldn’t turn down."     

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This is how Belgium made their way to the Davis Cup final.

The headline is a 3-2 win over Argentina in the semi-final, the small print is two singles wins from David Goffin and a dramatic four-set success in the final rubber from one-time Nadal conqueror Steve Darcis.

The draw should be starting any minute...

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Colchester United have parted with boss Tony Humes, 49, by mutual consent after a run of one win in nine League One matches.

Tuesday's defeat by bottom club Crewe left the U's, who have the worst defensive record in the Football League this term after conceding 44 goals in 19 matches, one point above the relegation zone.

Chairman Robbie Cowling told BBC Essex that Humes had suffered "personal abuse" which had "crossed the line".  

It seems like doubles specialist Dominic Inglot is the man who will miss out for Great Britain's Davis Cup final meeting with Belgium.

BBC Sport have grabbed an interview with Murray brothers Andy and Jamie as the Great Britain pair prepare to face Belgium in the Davis Cup final.

The two reflect on what it meant to play together in the contest.

"It's awesome to be in the final, a unique thing to do it as brothers at the highest level of sport," says Jamie.

"Walking out on Friday to represent our country, hearing your names read out, will be very cool. The hairs on the back of your neck stand up. It's an amazing opportunity."

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Andy adds: "It means a lot to everyone - five or six years ago we were way, way off, at the lowest level of this competition and now to be here is a great opportunity for us.  

Read on for more on that brilliant headline...

England must prove their World Cup win over Germany was not a one-off when they meet again in Thursday's friendly in Duisburg, says defenderLucy Bronze.

The Lionesses beat the European champions to finish third at last summer's tournament - the team's best ever finish.

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"We need to beat them again to prove that the bronze medal wasn't a fluke," said the 24-year-old right-back.

England then face Bosnia in a Euro 2017 qualifier on Sunday in Bristol.

Head here for full team news and quotes

The Davis Cup draw is coming up in 15 minutes.

If the Andy and Jamie Murray team up for the doubles rubber - as they did against France and Australia in previous rounds - - Great Britain could name both Kyle Edmund and James Ward as singles options in their final four.

Ben Franks hopes his first return to Twickenham on Saturday since the World Cup final will mark a perfect start to his London Irish career.

The New Zealand prop is set to make his first start for the Exiles against Wasps in the London double header.

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The 31-year-old played the closing 22 minutes of the 34-17 victory against Australia less than a month ago.

"I've never played anything other than a Test at Twickenham, so that's going to be exciting," he told BBC Sport.

Read the full piece here

England's Stuart Broad does not believe cricketers have changed the way they play since Phillip Hughes' death.

Friday is the first anniversary of the Australian's death, which came two days after he was struck by a bouncer.

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"I don't think it's affected the way players are bowling or batting," said Broad.

"When you're playing for your country against another country, it's full of passion and pride. You do everything you can to try to win that contest."

Read the full piece here

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Fifa president Sepp Blatter is not, despite his own claims, exempt from the judgement of the Fifa Ethics Committee claims a spokesperson for the committee. 

"The FIFA code of ethics applies to anyone who is involved in football worldwide and there are absolutely no exceptions whatsoever." said Andreas Bantel. 

Blatter's advisor claimed on Wednesday that only Fifa's Congress could remove him from office.

There has only been one time when I've been forced to remain indoors in the evening whilst covering a sporting event.

Only one occasion when the hotel door was physically barred from the inside and the management told us to stay put.

That was not in some far flung corner of the world. It was in Birmingham.

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The summer of 2011, when a Test match was played at Edgbaston in the context of urban unrest, with the riots across England. We did what we were told, but it felt wrong.

So far in Ghent, host to Britain's first Davis Cup final for 35 years and a city of stunning architectural settings, nothing has felt threatening.

Read the full piece here

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Leeds United have signed Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt on loan until the start of January.

The 26-year-old, who has not featured for Sunderland this season, could make his debut for the Championship side against QPR on Saturday.

The former Chelsea trainee is the first player to join Leeds since Steve Evans was appointed head coach last month.

A point off the top of the Premier League, but struggling in the Champions League and to live up to the tradition of attacking football established by Sir Alex Ferguson.

We asked for your take on how Louis van Gaal is doing as Manchester United boss today and we got several responses comparing the Dutchman to doomed predecessor David Moyes.

Just for the record...

David Moyes at Manchester United:

Matches: 51 Won: 27 Drew: 9 Lost: 15 Winning percentage: 52.9%

Louis van Gaal at Manchester United:

Matches: 66 Wins: 36 Draws: 17 Losses: 13 Winning percentage: 54.5%

Enough of an improvement after nearly 18 months and many millions spent?

Let us know on #bbcsportsday.

Wladimir Klitschko will knock out Tyson Fury when they fight in Dusseldorf on Saturday, says British heavyweight prospect Anthony Joshua.

Ukrainian Klitschko, 39, has been a world heavyweight champion since 2006, engaged in 27 world title fights and made 23 successful title defences.

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He will be defending his WBA, IBF and WBO belts against Britain's Fury.

"How great would it be if Fury won? But I'm picking Klitschko, in round five or six," Joshua told BBC Sport.

Read the full piece here

We've all had one of these...

China's Weiyu Zhu hit a 21-over-par 92 in the first round of the Australian Open as Jordan Spieth started the defence of his title with a 71.

The 26-year-old, a professional since 2011, started on the 10th with a triple-bogey seven and closed with a quadruple-bogey eight on the ninth.

He managed to birdie the seventh hole, but is 26 shots adrift of round one leader Lincoln Tighe of Australia. The world number 1022 upstaged the field with a five-under 66.

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Wrestler Wade Barrett is taking on all comers.

The WWE star was slapped by Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney as part of a show in the city earlier this month.

Former Manchester United midfielder turned pundit Roy Keane questioned Rooney's wisdom in getting involved in the stunt, calling it "nonsense".

Barrett has now called out the Republic of Ireland assistant manager as well. 

We'd pay to see that one...

National League club Woking could be taken over by a consortium headed by Ashley Read, whose company is one of their sponsors.

He has submitted a "statement of intent" to buy, which is due to be discussed by the Woking board.

"The club had debts of £437,000 in the last financial year, and I want to run it properly," he told BBC Surrey.

It's loan deadline day and the first deal of the day has gone through with Blackburn Rovers midfielder John O'Sullivanmoving to Rochdaleon loan until 3 January.

The 22-year-old agreed a contract extension at Ewood Park earlier this week to run until 2017.

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Another day and another England player vents their frustration with the World Cup regime of former coach Stuart Lancaster.

Bath second row Dave Attwood failed to make the squad for the tournament and tells ESPN that plenty of the players who did "could not wait" to get back to their clubs.

"I jumped through every hoop they wanted me to," Attwood said. "Missing out on the home World Cup was devastating for me.  

"A lot of the players I know at England could not wait to get back into their club environments."

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England's Serena Guthrie is to make a one-off appearance for Jersey's Team Jets this weekend before returning to New Zealand, where she plays for Auckland-based Northern Mystics.

Jersey-born Guthrie has just been named the world's third-best player by the Guardian newspaper.

"I feel like everyone in Jersey's very supportive of me and my netball and people recognise me in the street, but in New Zealand it's ten-fold of that," she said.

NBA star Steph Curry reveals he is a big fan of Barcelona legend Lionel Messi and says there are similarities between the two of them.

"We both have a creative style, where it's just about a feel when you're out on the pitch or the court," Curry told BBC World Service.

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"I try to do some fancy things out there with both hands, making crossover moves and kind of having a certain creativity and flair to my game.

"And that's definitely the style that Messi has when he's out there in his matches. I love watching him play. I'm a big fan."

The moment you have all been waiting for this morning. Today's teaser question is: England have won their last three T20 Internationals, but which four players have played in each game? 

Answers will be revealed later on. No cheating!

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...in 1992, Eric Cantona made a shock move from Leeds United to Old Trafford for £1.2m. The Frenchman went on to score 82 goals in 185 appearances for the Reds, winning four Premier League titles and two FA Cups under Sir Alex Ferguson.

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An incredible day of cricket is over in Nagpur.

India are fully in control of the third Test against South Africa after the tourists were dismissed for 79 on a day in which 20 wickets fell.

India fared a little better, racking up 173 in their second innings and the Proteas are now deep in trouble at 32-2, still 278 short of victory on a pitch that is taking plenty of turn.

Full scorecard.

International footballer's union FIFPro has announced the final 55 players in contention for a spot on the 2015 World XI.

Nine Premier League players are on the list. They are: Eden Hazard, David De Gea, John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Wayne Rooney, Alexis Sanchez, David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure.

The players have been selected by professional footballers worldwide, with a new record of almost 25,000 players from 70 countries participating in this year’s ballot.

See the full list here

Sale Sharks have issued a sharp rebuke to former England second row Paul Ackford's suggestion that there are only four clubs - Exeter, Bath, Harlequins and Leicester - that new England coach Eddie Jones needs to bother with.

"Newcastle Falcons were also on the ‘don’t bother with’ list and I think Paul Ackford should be reminded that in 2003 when England lifted the World Cup, the scorers on the day were representatives of Sale Sharks and Newcastle Falcons," wrote a club spokesman.

"Instead of recruiting too many players from around the world we endeavour to retain the  North Wests' home-grown talent and give them the opportunity to play at the highest level. 

"This is surely critical for English Rugby going forward and therefore we believe we are due more respect."

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Watch the moment Celtic captain Scott Brown picked up an injury that could rule the midfielder out of action for up to three months.

The Scotland skipper lunged into a tackle to prevent Kilmarnock winger Tope Obadeyi racing clear and pulled up immediately in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Celtic Park.

Video available here

Celtic have been urged to give Scott Allan and Charlie Mulgrew a chance to plug the gaps left in midfield against Ajax in the Europa League on Thursday.

Allan has failed to become a regular since arriving from Hibernian while Mulgrew is just back from injury.

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But Celtic could have four key players missing through injury or suspension.

And former Celtic striker Scott McDonald told BBC Scotland he thinks Allan and Mulgrew could be vital in a Group A game the Glasgow side must win.

"I think the biggest question tonight is going to be who is actually going to play," he said.

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There was a lot of anger from Manchester United fans after yet another 0-0 draw on Wednesday night. 

So today on Sportsday we're asking what you think about Van Gaal. Have your say by taking part in our vote above. 

You can click here for our full terms and conditions. 

Remi Garde was in no mood to offer much on Jack Grealish but clearly he was annoyed at what he called 'falling below the standards of professionalism he should set himself'.

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Garde stressed the matter would now remain private and wouldn't say how long he'd be out of the first team squad,but he's exasperated that Grealish appeared to ignore last week's public warning from the manager that he should be applying himself more diligently to his football.

I understand Grealish accepts he needs to choose his friends more carefully and the time and place of his social activities. As a boyhood Villla fan & local lad, he knows he's got this one wrong.

As for Garde, his action and his demeanour today in front of the media show that underneath the urbane persona,the Frenchman is no soft touch.

Bit of F1 gossip for you to tuck into:

• Red Bull will revert to an old specification Renault Formula 1 engine for this weekend's race. (Autosport)
• Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone is confident the Italian Grand Prix in Monza can find the needed cash to stay on the calendar. (Gazzetta dello Sport via Associated Press)
• Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene has defended the team's decision to retain Kimi Raikkonen for the 2016 season. (Movistar, via Planet F1)

Full gossip column available here

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Former Brazil and Barcelona striker Romario's son Romarinho has joined Japan's Zweigen Kanazawa, the J-League second division club. 

The 22-year-old forward has made the switch after failing to establish himself at Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, where his World Cup-winning father spent four spells in an illustrious career.

"I'm pleased to join such a great club as Zweigen," Romarinho said in a statement on the club's official website. 

Kelvin Thomas' takeover of League Two side Northampton Town from David Cardoza will be completed on Thursday, BBC Radio Northampton reports.

A 15:00 GMT media conference has been called when ex-Oxford chairman Thomas' deal is expected to be confirmed.

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Thomas last week cast doubt over whether his takeover would go through, but Cardoza and his father Anthony have now agreed to sell their stakes.

The club currently face both an administration and winding-up petition.

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India are in complete control of the third Test against South Africa in Nagpur after bowling out the visitors for 79 in their first innings and then registering 173 in their own second innings to set the visitors an imposing 310-run victory target with three days of play remaining.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took his 14th five-wicket haul in tests while left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja bagged four on a spin-friendly track.

India lead the four-Test series 1-0. You can read the full scorecard here.

Cricket's first day-night Test using a pink ball is an "exciting concept", says Australia captain Steve Smith.

Australia and New Zealand play under floodlights at the Adelaide Oval in a bid to boost attendances.

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"I can't wait to get out and give it a crack," said 26-year-old Smith. "We are creating history."

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum echoed Smith's enthusiasm as he said day-night Tests could be "outstanding for the game moving forward".

Read the piece in full here

Jamie Vardy's rise to the top of the Premier League scoring charts from the reserve team of a side in seventh tier of English football in seven seasons has been catching the attention of the media around the world.

The Wall Street Journal have written a lengthy feature on the 28-year-old which includes a great quote from Andrew Pilley,Vardy's boss at Fleetwood Town.

“There was no great secret to Jamie. He was ridiculously quick - it was almost like cheating,” said Pilley.

Meanwhile over in Germany...  

BBC Sport looks back to September 2014, when Jamie Vardy - now the Premier League's top scorer - tormented Manchester United on his first top-flight start for Leicester City.

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Vardy made four goals and scored one as the promoted Foxes twice came from two goals down to beat the 20-time champions 5-3 in front of a delirious home crowd.

The two sides will meet once again at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, with Leicester top of the table and United second.

Watch the video here

According to a report in the Metro today, Arsene Wenger met former Gunners midfielder Edu in his current capacity as Corinthians director of football to discuss a possible move for striker Alexandre Pato.

Wenger has offered his usual straight bat when asked about January transfer business...

Jack Grealish has been dropped from Aston Villa's first team squad and will continue to train with the under-21 side for the foreseeable future. 

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Manager Remi Garde says Grealish fell short of the professional standards he expects after visiting a Manchester nightclub just hours after the 4-0 defeat at Everton. 

Then on Sunday he was out with a party of friends in a Birmingham hotel bar, with training due the next day.

Garde wouldn't be drawn on when the player would be restored to the 1st team squad.

With Arsenal two points off the top of the table, Arsene Wenger is asked about his side's title credentials. He admits that this season "is a big opportunity for us".

However he refused to rule out the possibility of Chelsea, recovering from 14 points adrift to defend their title. 

"Mathematically you cannot rule anyone out," Wenger added.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been asked about the spreading retail madness - Black Friday.

The Frenchman knows nothing about it.

Here is his response as reported bythe Daily Mirror's John Cross.

Do you know what Black Friday is?”

“No. What is it?”

“I love a bargain, who doesn’t love a bargain?”

“Why should anyone buy two tellys if you need only one?

“I bought Vieira for 2.5m and it was a bargain. I spent 40m on Ozil and it was a bargain because he is a top player.

“If I find the right quality I will do something.”

Theo Walcott, who has been out since late October with a calf strain, will not be part of Arsenal's squad for Sunday's meeting with Norwich.

The 26-year-old has another "few steps" to go through before he is ready to make a comeback says manager Arsene Wenger.

One Manchester United fan was clearly very angered by his side's performance in their 0-0 draw against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday. 

What do you think? Would United be better off under Moyes? Send us your thoughts using #bbcsportsday on Twitter 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could return for the match against Norwich.

He adds that Alexis Sanchez has a small hamstring concern, but the club medics say that he is OK to play and that now may not be the time to rest the Chile international.

Arsene Wenger is in the building at the Gunners' London Colney training base and is talking about his side's weekend visit to Carrow Road and bouncing back from defeat to West Brom last time out in the Premier League.

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The Daily Mail have an interesting profile on Great Britain Davis Cup captain Leon Smith ahead of their historic final against Belgium tomorrow.

Smith, who was Andy Murray's first travelling coach, recalls sharing boiling hotel rooms together during Andy's early days on tour, "unusually intense practice sessions and his own father's business making leather suits for comedian Billy Connolly.

Great Britain must grab their chance when they take on Belgium in their first Davis Cup final for 37 years, says Andy Murray.

Britain will try to win the competition for the first time since 1936 when they face Belgium in Ghent from Friday.

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The draw for the best-of-five format will take place at Flanders Expo at 13:00 GMT on Thursday.

"It means a lot to everyone to be in this position," the British number one told BBC Sport.

Read the full piece here

World number ten Mark Allen says he is in ideal form to have a good run at the UK Championship at the York Barbican.

The 29-year-old Antrim man gets his tournament under way on Thursday morning when he takes on China's Zhao Xintong.

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"I feel good, my form is good on the table, and things have been good off the table for a long time now," Allen told BBC Sport.

"I am in a good place and it's starting to show in the results."

A Toffees legend faces his old club on Saturday.

"Sylvain Distin has a lot of memories of Everton and the game will be a good chance to see him. He had a terrific career here."

And that wraps up the first Premier League news conference of the morning. Don't worry though, plenty more to come throughout the day.

More from Everton boss Roberto Martinez, whose side travel to the south coast on Saturday (15:00 GMT kick-off).

"Bournemouth have a clear understanding of what they want to do. There are reasons why they haven't replicated their early form," said Martinez.

"When you have two or three players out long-term it has an impact. Nevertheless, it will be a test for us."   

Here we are again... third news conference in four days for Arsene Wenger. Next up: Norwich away.  

• Have the lessons of West Brom been learned?
• Any injured players back? 
• Which Arsenal will we see at Norwich ? 

All will be revealed with Wenger part 3 at 09:30 GMT. 

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Another Spanish manager has also taken his seat. We'll bring you the best quotes from him shortly.

Spanish playmaker Gerard Deulofeu played a crucial role in Everton's 4-0 victory over Aston Villa last Saturday.

"We all know the incredible world class talent Gerard has," says Roberto Martinez. "He looks free and happy, and has a connection with the fans." 

Meanwhile, a player has returned from injury, but is he fit to face Bournemouth on Saturday?

"Leighton Baines is physically ready. It is just about getting his confidence back. We need to be very careful. We will take it day by day."  

The first Premier League news conference of the day in under way and Everton boss Roberto Martinez is in place.

"We have 18 weeks where we can concentrate on domestic football. We want to see how far we can take ourselves and the victory against Aston Villa was a good start," says the Spaniard.

"We have players coming back and you want situations where you have to make decisions about who to pick. Every player wants to play and be part of a winning team. Our good form comes from competition for places."

Will this be the weekend that Leighton Baines makes his Everton comeback after injury?

We'll get the latest news from Roberto Martinez shortly.

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Baines aggravated an ankle injury on the eve of the new season but has now made a complete recovery. The Everton manager reckons it's now just a case of building up his fitness levels.

Everton are away to Bournemouth on Saturday after their 4-0 demolition of Aston Villa last weekend.

Zoe Smith broke two British records in her weightlifting World Championship final to boost her prospects of selection for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Smith, 21, set a new 'snatch' personal best of 97kg in the -63kg weight division as she finished ninth overall.

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Her subsequent 124kg 'clean and jerk' and overall total of 221kg beat Michaela Breeze's previous GB record.

However, GB need to secure more ranking points at the European Championships in April to secure a place in Rio.

World number six Judd Trump made light work of both a cold and 124th seed Hammad Miah to progress to the second round of the UK Championship in York.

The 2011 winner hit breaks of 77, 64 and 75 to seize control at 3-0 on his way to a 6-1 win against Miah.

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Trump, 26, said: "I'm just happy to get through. I feel a bit ill and have not been able to practise much, but I've a three-day break now so should be fine."

There were also wins for Shaun Murphy, Mark Williams and Joe Perry.

See Thursday's schedule here

Good news for UK Sport, who have been given a 29% increase in funding in the government's autumn Spending Review.

The agency, which looks after Britain's elite Olympic and Paralympic athletes, was fearing a cut to its budget.

However, together with National Lottery funding, its income should now reach around £148m in the years building up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The government says it is committed to building "on the success of Olympic and Paralympic games at London 2012".

Read the piece in full here

Manchester City were picked apart by Liverpool's 'gegenpressing' last weekend.

Barcelona's 'tiki-taka' reduced Real Madrid to tears in El Clasico.

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We love a new addition to the footballing lexicon, from the brilliant 'Raumdeuter' (literally a space investigator - used to describe Thomas Muller's knack of finding space) to the sensational 'Anschlusstreffer' (the goal that reduces the deficit to one, eg brings the score to 2-1 rather than 2-0).

We asked BBC Football users for their new suggestions to add to the football dictionary. Head here to read our favourite 10

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Only one Englishman in the Champions League team of the week, which is dominated by Paris St-Germain players after thrashing Malmo 5-0.

Mesut Ozil of Arsenal is also included after playing a crucial role in his side's victory over Dinamo Zagreb.

Read about each player here

Meanwhile, there's little good news from across the city...

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini says it is "impossible to know" how long goalkeeper Joe Hart will be out for after he was injured in Wednesday's Champions League defeat at Juventus.

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The 28-year-old was replaced by Argentine Willy Caballero, 34, in the closing stages of the 1-0 loss.

"He has a hamstring problem," said Pellegrini. "We hope we don't lose him, but if for some reason he cannot play I have trust in Willy Caballero."

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal said he is "worried" by his team's lack of goals, after a 0-0 draw against PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford leaves their Champions League hopes in the balance.

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Victory for United would have taken them through to the knockout stages, but the Red Devils could only claim a point.

The top three sides in the group - Wolfsburg, United and PSV - are now separated by only two points.

Watch the Dutchman's reaction here

A bit of gossip to warm you up on this dull, dreary Thursday morning:

• Manchester City have turned down a £10m offer from Juventus for 28-year-old France midfielder Samir Nasri. (Daily Mirror) 
• Head coach Steve McClaren has confronted several senior Newcastle players. The former England boss is furious with the attitude of some of his squad, following their 3-0 defeat by Leicester. (Daily Telegraph) 
• Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has told United striker Wayne Rooney, 30, that China would be a "great place" to finish his career. (Evening Standard) 

Three not enough for you? Head here for the full gossip column.

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The Sun go with a Radiohead single. Manchester United need a win against Wolfsburg in Germany on 8 December to guarantee progression to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Manchester United fans weren't happy post-match on 5 live Sport last night - plenty of them phoned in to Mark Chapman on the 5 live football social. You can hear more, with interviews and reaction to the United draw and Manchester City's defeat, by downloading the 5 live Football Daily podcast. 

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Another goalless draw for Manchester United in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven, with a smattering of boos at the final whistle.

"Anything's possible. We can win anywhere," said manager Louis van Gaal. Need to score goals to win games, Louis!

Meanwhile, there are nine Premier League news conferences on Thursday so we'll look at those plus all the breaking news. 

First, the papers...