Real Madrid midfielder Ivan Helguera has heaped praise on the attacking abilities of David Beckham, but claims the England captain is not a patch on Claude Makelele when it comes to defending.

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary made two changes for his side’s second game in barely 48 hours against Portsmouth at Villa Park.

Derry City have unveiled plans to turn the club professional.

Newcastle were today facing up to the prospect of losing prize asset Jonathan Woodgate after Real Madrid tabled a £14m (€21m) bid for the England defender.

Nicolas Anelka returns to the Manchester City squad for Monday’s Barclaycard Premiership match at Leeds after suspension.

Arsene Wenger has revealed how he would like to sign England’s Euro 2004 sensation Wayne Rooney for Arsenal.

West Ham manager Glenn Roeder will again be without midfielder Steve Lomas, whose ankle injury is proving more of a problem than first anticipated, for tomorrow’s visit to Aston Villa.

Glamour model Jordan was expecting to give birth today after calling on doctors to induce her baby.

Controversial football analyst Eamonn Dunphy has been sensationally suspended from RTE’s World Cup coverage this evening.

Fulham will again be without three key players as they attempt to follow up their UEFA Cup success with victory against Charlton at Loftus Road on Sunday.

Elton John’s partner David Furnish today visited his friend Victoria Beckham and her newborn son Romeo.

David O'Leary insists he is still bitter towards Peter Ridsdale over his dismissal from Leeds United, as the ex-manager prepares to return to Elland Road.

Soft drink giant Pepsi is in talks with the Football Association about an estimated £20m (€30m) sponsorship deal, it was reported today.

Farnborough have been given an extra incentive to stage their FA Cup fourth-round tie against Arsenal at the Aimita Stadium.

England World Cup hero Nobby Stiles today said he was ‘‘feeling great’’ despite suffering a heart attack earlier this month.

Mark Hughes is to retire from playing football to become full-time Wales manager.

David Thompson will be back from suspension for the Boxing Day match against Liverpool, the club where he started his career, but Blackburn have a worry over David Dunn.

Victoria Beckham has arrived at a London hospital, prompting speculation that she is about to give birth to her second child.

Leeds United have signed Swedish international defender Teddy Lucic on loan from AIK Solna for rest of this season.

Mick McCarthy has announced his squad for the European Championships Group 10 qualifier versus Russia in Moscow on September 7.