Bolton boss Sam Allardyce has emerged as a surprise favourite to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach.

Aston Villa’s record signing Juan Pablo Angel could find his place under severe threat with the arrival of Milan Baros from Liverpool in a £6.5m (€9.5) move.

West Brom today began drawing up their shortlist of candidates to become their new manager.

Newcastle boss Sir Bobby Robson restored winger Laurent Robert to the Newcastle starting line-up for this afternoon’s Barclaycard Premiership showdown with Liverpool.

Chelsea came from a goal down to claim the Premiership’s fourth Champions League place at the expense of a bitterly disappointed Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Vladimir Smicer is willing to commit his future to Liverpool - but admits he could yet be lured away from Anfield.

England and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has been ruled out of action for around three weeks after injuring his ankle in pre-season training.

Tension is running high at Anfield ahead of Liverpool's Premiership match against Leeds this morning.