Louis Saha has pulled out of the France squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Lithuania because of a knee injury.

Wigan chairman David Whelan has sold his stake in the JJB Sports company he founded for £190m.

Wales skipper Ryan Giggs has confirmed he will retire from international football after their Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic in Cardiff on Saturday.

West Ham will wrap up their pre-season preparations with a glamorous friendly against Italian giants Roma at Upton Park on August 4.

Sunderland 1 Blackburn 2

Cristiano Ronaldo has described his three-match ban as “unjust” and claimed the provocation leading up to the incident with Richard Hughes at Portsmouth was “absurd”.

Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt has committed his future to the club after signing a one-year contract extension.

Veteran West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham is a target for A-League side Sydney FC, it emerged today.

Reading boss Steve Coppell has denied Ian Wright will join the club in a coaching capacity.

Wolves have completed a £1.5m deal for Plymouth striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

Liverpool have today confirmed they will appeal against the extended two-match ban handed to Javier Mascherano following his red card at Old Trafford on March 23.

Ireland and Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given will undergo surgery on him troublesome groin injury in Germany today.

Paul Ince has agreed a three-year deal to succeed Mark Hughes as Blackburn manager.

West Ham have confirmed they will not be appealing the red card shown to Carlton Cole in yesterday’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Manchester City star Robinho has revealed he aims to be in the running for the World Player of the Year award in future editions.

Barclays Premier League trio Anderson, Lucas and Jo have all been named in Brazil’s 18-man Olympic squad.

Tottenham manager Juande Ramos has called for a swift resolution to the uncertainty over Dimitar Berbatov’s future.

Blackburn have confirmed they have turned down a bid from Barclays Premier League rivals Manchester City for striker Roque Santa Cruz.

Ajax confirmed today they have opened talks with Real Madrid over the possible sale of captain Klaas Jan Huntelaar to the Spanish champions.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is not getting carried away with his side’s title hopes.