Chelsea to bank £13m for Zhirkov August 1, 2011 CHELSEA are poised to rake in £13m by offloading versatile Russia international Yuri Zhirkov to ambitious Anzhi Makhachkala. The move would help balance the books and free up squad space as the west Londoners prepare a third bid thought to be around £30m for Tottenham’s Luka Modric. Spurs have resisted Chelsea’s £22m and £27m offers [...]
Analysis: Are Red Bull really in crisis? August 1, 2011 JENSON BUTTON and McLaren’s win in Hungary on Sunday means Red Bull, previously so dominant with six victories in the first eight races of the year, have since failed to win in three (below left). But has the notion of their deterioration been overplayed? McLaren may have outscored them at the weekend, but it was [...]
Ashton laughs off kit row as Johnson axes Worsley and Strettle from squad August 1, 2011 ENGLAND wing Chris Ashton has defended the team’s New Zealand-baiting black away kit, insisting players don’t care what colour they wear. Martin Johnson’s men will debut the controversial change strip, which has riled the likes of All Black great Jonah Lomu, against Wales on Saturday. Ashton (far right) said: “You are more worried about playing [...]
Li reaps £45m from historic slam title August 1, 2011 FRENCH OPEN champion Li Na has illustrated the huge commercial value of Chinese athletes by becoming the world’s second highest earning sportswoman off the back of her first grand slam title. Li has signed sponsorship contracts worth up to £45m since her breakthrough triumph at Roland Garros in June and is now second only to [...]
Newcastle release Barton August 1, 2011 FOOTBALL: Newcastle United announced yesterday that Joey Barton will leave the club on a free transfer, despite having a year remaining on his contract. The club were expected sell the 28-year-old this summer but no offers were tabled.
Wales sweat over skipper Rees August 1, 2011 RUGBY UNION: Wales are hopeful their captain Matthew Rees will be fit to lead his country at next month’s World Cup despite being ruled out of Saturday’s game warm-up against England with a neck injury.
Bell benefits from India’s spirit levels July 31, 2011 ENGLAND batsman Ian Bell admitted he was fortunate to have been reinstated after a controversial run out, instigated by his own “stupidity”, largely overshadowed a brilliant match-turning century. Promoted to No3, a position he had struggled to assert himself in previously, Bell took the game away from India with an innings that belied the delicately [...]
Wilshere a major doubt for England match as wasteful Arsenal are booed July 31, 2011 ARSENAL midfielder Jack Wilshere looks set to miss England’s friendly against Holland next week after picking up an ankle injury yesterday. Wilshere (right) was withdrawn after just seven minutes of a 1-1 draw with New York Red Bulls, which saw the American side pip the Gunners to the Emirates Cup. The 19-year-old is expected to [...]
Button brings up double century in grand manner July 31, 2011 BRITAIN’S Jenson Button crowned his 200th Grand Prix appearance with victory in Hungary and admitted he would need the upcoming summer break to recover from the celebrations. The McLaren driver, who awoke yesterday to a hoax story posted on his personal website by hackers claiming he was in a “critical condition” following a “serious accident”, [...]
Henry steals, and spoils, show July 31, 2011 ARSENAL (1) vs NEW YORK RED BULLS (1) Former Gunner denied cameo for his old team but has the final say THEY might have flocked to see him and swooned at his every touch, but Arsenal fans probably didn’t bargain for their returning hero Thierry Henry spoiling their afternoon. The Gunners’ all-time record scorer, visiting [...]