Ribery: Real Madrid could relaunch their bid to sign Bayern Munich's French midfielder Franck Ribery by offering two of their Dutch internationals plus €30 million to the Bundesliga giants, Marca reported yesterday. Real have been looking to offload Dutchmen Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Royston Drenthe and Rafael Van der Vaart.
Gerrard: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard faces a race against time to be fit for his side's Premier League opener at Tottenham on Sunday. Gerrard was forced out of the England squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly in Holland after suffering a groin injury. "I am not sure about Steven. As our game is on Sunday, then maybe Steven will have a chance. If it was on Saturday it would be more difficult," manager Rafael Benitez said.
Portsmouth: Portsmouth signed Belgium international Anthony Vanden Borre on a season-loan from Italian club Genoa yesterday. The 21-year-old, who can play at right-back or in midfield, was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but made his Belgium debut aged 16 in 2004.
Chelsea: Chelsea have signed a three-year partnership with online gaming firm 188BET with a focus on growing the club's brand in Asia. Without giving exact figures, Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon described the agreement as a "multi-million pound deal" that would help Chelsea develop their business.
Mexico win: A late strike from substitute Miguel Sabah gave Mexico a 2-1 victory over the United States in their World Cup qualifier. The Americans had taken the lead through Charlie Davies after nine minutes but Israel Castrol put Mexico level 11 minutes later. The win boosts Mexico's hopes of making the top three in the CONCACAF qualification group.
Lescott: Manchester City manager Mark Hughes believes he could still sign England defender Joleon Lescott from Everton before the transfer window closes. Hughes has had bids of £15m and £18m rejected by Everton. "We are still trying to speak to the people who will ultimately make the decision over whether or not the deal continues," Hughes said.
Mancienne: Defender Michael Mancienne signed a new four-year contract with Chelsea yesterday before agreeing to join Wolves on a season-long loan, the club said. The 21-year-old also had a loan spell with Premier League newcomers Wolves during their time in the Championship.
Vignal: English Premier League club Birmingham yesterday agreed to sign former Liverpool defender Gregory Vignal. Vignal will join Alex McLeish's promoted squad on a one-year contract if he passes a medical. The 28-year-old French left-back played for McLeish during a loan spell at Rangers and impressed the Blues manager during a trial this pre-season.
Athletics: Australia's Olympic pole vault champion Steve Hooker is in danger of missing the world athletics championships in Berlin after injuring himself in training. The 27-year-old Hooker tore a thigh muscle during a routine practice session in Germany, leaving him in a desperate race against time to be ready for the start of the pole vault competition on Thursday. Hooker became the first Australian male in 40 years to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics in Beijing last year.
Badminton: An Austrian doubles pair have pulled out of the world badminton championships due to concerns about security, the sport's governing body said yesterday. Peter Zauner and Juergen Koch allowed a walkover in the men's doubles to sixth seeds Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen of Denmark on Wednesday. Their withdrawal follows England's decision to pull out its eight-member squad on Sunday.