Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre claims they signed Philippe Coutinho at a reduced cost despite his £142m (€161m) transfer fee being the second-most expensive in history.

Physical assault must be "strongly condemned", French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said, after an MP hit another politician with a motorcycle helmet in a violent fight.

What it says online and in the papers.

Philippe Coutinho has submitted a transfer request that has been rejected by Liverpool.

More than 1,000 firefighters backed by planes dropping water and fire retardant have been battling wildfires that billowed smoke into the sky over the Cote d'Azur in southern France and forced the evacuation of at least 12,000 people.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said France must break the addiction to public spending that has left its economy trailing peers as he outlined plans to rein in the budget and cut taxes.

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has vowed to bring the country's budget deficit under the European Union limit of 3% this year in his first major speech on the government's economic and social priorities.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have pledged to work closely together to draw up a "road map" of reforms for the European Union.

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Edouard Philippe, a relatively unknown 46-year-old politician, as prime minister.

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet believes the fact they are not reliant on one player means the club are better prepared for a title challenge than the last time they were in this situation.

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By Brendan O’Brien

Joseph Gordon- Levitt worked closely with the original Twin Towers tightrope walker to recreate

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was both disappointed and encouraged by his side’s 1-1 Europa League draw in Bordeaux.

An emotional Sebastian Vettel paid tribute to Jules Bianchi by dedicating his thrilling Hungarian Grand Prix triumph to the fallen Formula One star.

The world of Formula One, led by world champion Lewis Hamilton, turned out en masse for Jules Bianchi’s funeral yesterday.

THE entrance to a person’s home says a lot. It is often a scream from the inner Edvard Munch. 

Elitism has never been part of Richard Clayderman’s repertoire, he tells Ed Power

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson highlighted the Anfield pitch as a factor in the Reds' frustrating FA Cup draw with Blackburn.

Liverpool vice-captain Jordan Henderson insists they will not get carried away with beating reigning Premier League champions Manchester City as the memories of last season’s title heartbreak provide a reminder of what can go wrong.

RBS Six Nations

ENGLAND: Singer Myleene Klass has written a scathing retort after receiving a “bonkers” email from school mothers suggesting parents donate money to buy their children birthday gifts including a Kindle.

Liverpool have announced playmaker Philippe Coutinho has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

There will be no route back to Italy for Mario Balotelli this January, according to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

Paul Lambert insists justice has been done after Aston Villa won their appeal against Gabriel Agbonlahor’s red card.

Gabriel Agbonlahor’s red card against Manchester United has been overturned after Aston Villa won their appeal.

West Brom 1 Aston Villa 0

Marussia have expressed shock and anger at claims made against the team and Jules Bianchi relating to the circumstances of his crash in the Japanese Grand Prix that has left him fighting for his life.

The father of Jules Bianchi admits his son's situation is "desperate" and that it is a "miracle" he is still alive, but believes he will "not give up" his fight for life.

Ireland’s Dan Martin continued his superb run of form when winning stage four of the Tour of Beijing in China yesterday.

Aston Villa have signed former Arsenal and Fulham defender Philippe Senderos.

Aston Villa have announced the signing of former Arsenal and Fulham defender Philippe Senderos. Senderos, 29, has agreed a two-year deal that will take effect from July 1.

PREMIER LEAGUE:

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard continues to deliver in the big moments but manager Brendan Rodgers insists his side are no longer reliant on the midfielder - or anyone else – for inspiration.

The 40th anniversary of the death of one of our truly great female writers will be remembered at the 2014 Limerick Literary Festival from tonight until Sunday. Many well-known names will participate in the festival which honours Limerick-born novelist and playwright Kate O’Brien.

Liverpool 4 West Ham United 1

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hopes the “massive lift” the impending return of suspended striker Luis Suarez will bring can offset the loss of creative midfielder Philippe Coutinho.

King Philippe I has become Belgium’s seventh monarch during a national holiday following the abdication of his father Albert.

Belgium has a new king after Philippe succeeded his father, Albert, following the monarch’s abdication.

Belgium’s King Albert is to abdicate in favour of crown prince Philippe.

Stealing a march – or should that be swim – on next month’s 3D re-release of ‘Finding Nemo’, ‘Sammy’s Great Escape’ is a sweet and inoffensive computer animation with a gentle message about mankind’s plundering of underwater resources.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ***

Loosely based on a true story, Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache’s crowd-pleasing comedy has smashed box office records in France and charmed audiences around Europe.