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

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

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

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

Bolton manager Gary Megson claims he has ended his interest in Joey Barton.

Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion has defended his company following another attack by Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary.

Some say that FIFA never changes year after year, but this year’s inclusion of a ‘Story Mode’ means that there is one drastic new addition that nobody can diminish.

Luis Enrique has confirmed he will stay on as head coach of treble winners Barcelona by signing a contract extension.

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.

David Beckham has been named Britain's most famous black man.

Defenders John O’Shea and Kenny Cunningham have left the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of tomorrow’s friendly international with Norway in Dublin.

Manchester United earned around £50m (€61m) from this season’s Champions League — highlighting the impact of the financial blow from missing out next season.

Wayne Rooney has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho in England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal.

Wolves have rejected a takeover bid from the consortium headed by Graeme Souness.

New Aston Villa signing Phil Bardsley has been forced to delay his first appearance for the club.

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

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

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”.

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.