Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel believes a “brutal” £29 million transfer fee puts new signing Roberto Firmino under immediate pressure.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists expectations still need to be handled carefully regarding Daniel Sturridge but he was delighted that the fit-again striker is back and scoring.

Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling admits he has had to rein in some of his youthful exuberance in order to become a serious striker.

Liverpool have completed the signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Emre Can after a deal to bring the Germany Under-21 international was agreed last month.

Liverpool have made their second signing of the summer after agreeing a deal for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Emre Can.

Arsenal 3 - Fenerbahce 0

Arsenal are without midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for tonight’s crucial Champions League play-off first leg away to Fenerbahce.

IT was an unfortunate reflection on the quality of Saturday’s match that the latest meeting of Liverpool and Manchester United will only be remembered for a controversy over alleged racism.

THE neglected, rabbit-eared television set flickers high on the wall in the corner of the bar. Though ignored, Galway’s Joe Canning nervelessly taps over another free on a night in Semple Stadium that would ultimately see Cork slip quietly from the All-Ireland hurling championship.

ALBERT RIERA struck astoppage-time winner as European champions Spain bounced back from a half-time deficit to defeat Turkey inIstanbul and further strengthen their stranglehold on Group Five.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has laughed off a link with the family of terrorist Osama bin Laden as he looks for new investment in the club.

Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi’s proposed move to Ipswich could fall through as he waits for a Barclays Premier League lifeline.

Switzerland 1 Turkey 2

SWITZERLAND and Turkey renew rivalries tonight in a game both teams must win to keep their Euro 2008 dream alive (kick-off 7.45pm).

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan will return to his desk to find his recruitment plans in a state of flux.

THE shocks continued in the Kerry Agribusiness Irish St Leger at Limerick on Sunday night and Graigues Shadow has now been established as a clear favourite to win the final of the 550 yard classic next Saturday.

Newcastle have confirmed they have agreed terms with Turkish side Fenerbahce for the transfer of midfielder Emre.

THE Kerry Agribusiness Irish St Leger, which is due to commence at Limerick on Saturday night, with the remaining first round heats on Monday, has attracted a top-class entry, including Nawhobberthadda, Royal Treason, Knowsley Jake, So Senor, Line Of Fire and So Determined.

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan will be forced to make changes for Sunday’s Barclays Premier League trip to Everton.

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan will look to field the same side yet again for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League trip to West Ham.

Newcastle midfielder Geremi believes tomorrow’s derby clash with Sunderland is even bigger than Real Madrid’s rivalry with Barcelona.

Newcastle striker Mark Viduka should be fit for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash with Reading after another injury scare.

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan will be without Brazilian defender Claudio Cacapa for Sunday’s Barclays Premier League trip to Tottenham.

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has no fresh injury problems ahead of tomorrow’s crucial Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.

Striker Mark Viduka could return to spearhead Newcastle’s bid for Barclays Premier League safety at Birmingham on Monday evening.

Manager Kevin Keegan is back at Liverpool tomorrow still looking for his first win since his return to Newcastle.

Striker Obafemi Martins returns to Newcastle's squad for tomorrow's Premier League home match against Blackburn.

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan will be without Stephen Carr and Emre for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Newcastle could be boosted by the returns of Shay Given and Obafemi Martins for tomorrow night’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.

Jose Enrique will return to the Newcastle squad for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League trip to Aston Villa.

JUST when Kevin Keegan required a suitable diversion to deflect attention away from the myriad deficiencies affecting his newly-inherited team, Michael Owen leapt towards the heavens to buy the self-styled Geordie Messiah invaluable time.

Newcastle 1 Middlesbrough 1

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton was handed his first start of 2008 as manager Kevin Keegan once again went in search of his opening victory since returning to St James’ Park.

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan will attempt to reopen the supply lines to star striker Michael Owen as he plots his first victory since he returned to the club.

Newcastle midfielder Emre returns to the squad for Sunday's derby clash with Middlesbrough after completing his three-match ban.

Newcastle striker Mark Viduka will return from injury for tomorrow night’s Barclays Premier League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan welcomes back midfielders Nicky Butt and Alan Smith from suspension for tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth round trip to Arsenal.

Kevin Keegan’s first major decision as Newcastle manager was to appoint Michael Owen as captain for this evening’s Premier League match with Bolton.

Michael Owen will be handed the captain’s armband tonight as Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan attempts to draw a line under any conflict between the two men.

Newcastle 4 Stoke 1

Newcastle 4 Stoke 1

Newcastle’s caretaker manager Nigel Pearson is facing a major selection headache ahead of tomorrow night’s FA Cup third round replay against Stoke.

NEWCASTLE were yesterday closing in on their man as they stepped up efforts to lure Harry Redknapp to St James’ Park.

Newcastle will be without striker Obafemi Martins and captain Geremi for Sunday’s FA Cup trip to Stoke after the pair headed off on African Nations Cup duty.