Michael Ballack’s agent claims Chelsea have a “strong interest” in signing the German international.

Former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri has revealed his interest in becoming the next manager at Newcastle.

Andy Murray’s coach has warned the Scot’s fans that Tim Henman will be tough to beat in today’s clash at the Davidoff Swiss Indoors in Basle.

Arsenal have ruled out a move for Real Madrid midfielder Guti, despite the player admitting he would be keen on joining the Gunners.

A WAR of words has erupted between the Irish, Welsh and Scottish rugby unions following the collapse last night of the 2005-06 Celtic League season.

The Irish Rugby Football Union has today announced the cancellation of the 2005-6 Celtic League season following talks with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan is close to securing a drive with Jordan in this year’s Formula One world championship.

David Beckham is confident he will be fit for Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League match against Roma on Wednesday night.

Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu will start a programme of drug rehabilitation next month under the guidance of Tony Adams.

Wales defender Ben Thatcher could face a two-match ban after Poland forwarded a video to FIFA which they allege shows him stamping on an opponent.

El-Hadji Diouf has signed for Bolton on a year-long loan deal.

Patrick Vieira will stay at Arsenal this season, according to a close friend of the midfielder.

Real Madrid have given their clearest indication yet that they want to sign Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira.

Porto striker Benni McCarthy believes his coach Jose Mourinho could be heading to the Premiership this summer.

Chelsea captain John Terry has urged the club’s power-brokers to give public support to manager Claudio Ranieri.

England scrum-half Kyran Bracken has decided to retire from the international arena.

Southampton midfielder Mark Draper has retired from the game because of injury.

The Lawn Tennis Association have confirmed plans to restrict Wimbledon wild card entries for British players.

UEFA have not ruled out the prospect of Ryan Giggs being banned for the second leg of Wales’ Euro 2004 play-off with Russia – but it appears unlikely because of the timescale involved.

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore is keen to make a playing comeback next year.

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier insists he can cope with the criticism which has come his way following his side’s indifferent start to the new season.

Mike Tyson has filed for bankruptcy in the US Bankruptcy Court in a bid to resolve his financial problems.

DENNIS BERGKAMP will stay with Arsenal after agreeing a new one-year contract at Highbury.

Damien Duff has met Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri over a possible move to Stamford Bridge.

Leeds have gained a measure of revenge on Cardiff by signing Jody Morris from under the noses of the Welsh side.

Rangers are bartering with Sporting Lisbon over the price of striker Mario Jardel according to the player’s agent.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has suggested David Seaman will carry on next season – but possibly not as first choice.

England boss Clive Woodward has announced a team containing six changes for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship clash with Italy at Twickenham.

Robbie Fowler’s agent has scotched rumours that the Leeds striker’s move to Manchester City could be revived.

BRYAN HAMILTON has revealed that his shortlist of recommendations for the Republic of Ireland manager's job includes names from around the world.

Danny Mills has opened talks with Leeds over a new five-year contract, his advisor has revealed.

The FAI have not confirmed or denied Philippe Troussier's claims earlier today that he had been approached to succeed Mick McCarthy as coach.

West Ham’s veteran left-back Nigel Winterburn insists the Upton Park players are backing under-fire manager Glenn Roeder.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce insists midfielder Stig Tofting’s future with the club is still being reviewed.

Former Arsenal manager Bruce Rioch wants to become the new boss of First Division Ipswich Town.

Former Sunderland winger Chris Waddle believes Howard Wilkinson faces a tough job in winning the fans over at the Stadium of Light.

SUNDERLAND chairman Bob Murray wants to move quickly to replace Peter Reid after his departure from the club last night — and George Graham and David O’Leary are in the frame to step in at the Stadium of Light.

Hakan Sukur’s agent insists the Turkey international striker will not be moving to Rangers.

New International Rugby Board vice-chairman Syd Millar today insisted the domestic leagues in Britain must be prepared to alter their schedules to give the British and Irish Lions every opportunity of success.

Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has made a successful return to action after a long-term hip injury.

Talks between Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale and Rio Ferdinand could settle the England defender’s future today.

Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has cut short his holiday in France to have a showdown meeting with Rio Ferdinand tomorrow, but he has conceded he may be forced to sell the England defender if Manchester United come up with the money.

Rio Ferdinand would be ‘‘very happy’’ to join Manchester United because he wants to play for a ‘‘bigger and better club’’ than Leeds.

Leeds United and Middlesbrough today insisted there had been no contact between the clubs following reports that Steve McClaren is set to become manager at Elland Road.