PREMIER LEAGUE:

Fulham have sacked manager Martin Jol after defeat at West Ham on Saturday extended their run of consecutive defeats to six games.

EUROPA LEAGUE:

Jose Mourinho suffered his first defeat in his second coming as Chelsea manager as birthday boy Steven Naismith celebrated his first league start of the season in perfect fashion.

The FAI have confirmed the departure of Giovanni Trapattoni from the Republic of Ireland job.

Swansea’s Spanish stars face a daunting trip to Valencia in their first-ever Europa League group stage campaign as long-haul journeys to Russia, Moldova and northern Norway beckon for Tottenham.

Willian is expected to spurn the advances of Tottenham and sign for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in the next few days.

Tottenham have put Gareth Bale’s transfer to Real Madrid on hold as they look for new signings after being snubbed by Willian.

Jose Mourinho expects Chelsea to sign Willian from under the noses of Tottenham.

Jose Mourinho expects Tottenham target Willian to sign for Chelsea.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG:

Tottenham technical director Franco Baldini is in Madrid for talks over the sale of Gareth Bale, it is understood.

Arsenal are hopeful that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s verdict on his knee injury proves to be on the pessimistic side.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has challenged his players to rise above the negativity surrounding the club’s disappointing start to the season and deliver the required performance in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie against Fenerbahce in Istanbul tonight.

Liverpool have agreed in principal to sign Valencia defender Aly Cissokho on loan with a view to permanent deal, it is understood.

Gerardo Martino last night emerged as the likely replacement for Tito Vilanova as Barcelona coach.

Manchester United have confirmed the departure of first team coach Rene Meulensteen.

Newcastle 1 Anzhi Makhachkala 0 (Newcastle win 1-0 on agg.)

Newcastle 1 Anzhi Makhachkala 0 (Agg: 1-0)

Anzhi Makhachkala 0 Newcastle 0

Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse is out of tomorrow night’s Europa League clash with Anzhi Makhachkala with a virus.

Winger Hatem Ben Arfa was on the plane when Newcastle headed for Moscow today ahead of the Europa League last-16 first-leg clash with Anzhi Makhachkala.

QPR owner Tony Fernandes has vowed to maintain his financial backing of the club even if he steps down as chairman.

Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea moved into profit last year thanks to the proceeds of a share deal as well as their exploits in winning the Champions League, the Premier League club’s annual accounts showed.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers flatly rejected suggestions he is looking to sell keeper Jose Reina and placed his faith in the Spain international to regain his best form.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has flatly rejected suggestions he is looking to sell goalkeeper Jose Reina and placed his faith in the Spain international to regain his best form under him.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has backed Luis Suarez to continue inspiring his team as the striker faces predecessor and former Anfield hero Fernando Torres this weekend.

Anzhi Makhachkala 1 Liverpool 0

Liverpool 1 Anzhi Makhachkala 0

Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones feels training every day with the likes of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard has given him plenty of preparation for facing Samuel Eto’o.

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina is “getting better” ahead of next weekend’s Merseyside derby.

Liverpool 2 Udinese 3

Neil Lennon played down the possible impact the Luzhniki Stadium’s artificial surface might have on Celtic’s chances in tonight’s Champions League Group G clash with Spartak Moscow.

Former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp appears not to have ruled out the possibility of becoming manager of Russia.

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has brushed aside speculation about his future and insists he is looking forward to the new season at Anfield.

The first thought to flash through Aiden McGeady’s mind when the pain shot through his ankle at Spartak Moscow’s Spanish training camp earlier this month was that his dream of playing in this summer’s European Championships was over.

Blackburn are in talks with Anzhi Makhachkala over the possible transfer of wantaway defender Christopher Samba, it is understood.

Blackburn manager Steve Kean has revealed he has a bodyguard with him at all times.

The Italian press have been left stunned by Fabio Capello’s resignation as England manager but are already focusing on his next destination.

Roberto Mancini has admitted he doesn’t know whether Carlos Tevez will still be a Manchester City player tonight.

JUAN MATA is adamant Fernando Torres will eventually come good for Chelsea after watching the £50 million man fail to take advantage of his long-awaited recall.

Juan Mata is adamant Fernando Torres will eventually come good for Chelsea after watching the £50m man fail to take advantage of his long-awaited recall.

Nicolas Anelka has admitted he is resigned to leaving Chelsea amid reports he will be allowed to leave the club in January.

Guus Hiddink has revealed he is still in touch with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich but the Dutchman has no plans to make a swift return to football after leaving his post as Turkey coach.