Ronaldo: I’ll stay at Man Utd
A contrite and candid Cristiano Ronaldo last night confirmed that he will stay at Manchester United for at least another season - ending months of speculation that he would move to Real Madrid this summer. Writes Sachin Nakrani in the Guardian: "The winger admits he did desire a move to Real Madrid this summer for a "new challenge" and to be closer to his family but he has now committed his "heart and soul" to United and says he wants to help the club retain the European Cup next year." Meanwhile, writes James Ducker in the Times, Sir Alex Ferguson "could not hide his relief last night upon hearing that the player had drawn a line under the summer's most frenzied transfer saga, even if he did reiterate his desire to play for Real 'one day'." (Guardian, Times)
"The chance of being an hour's flight from my mother was very attractive. But I now want this to end. I was the one that was responsible for all this controversy but it was never my intention to cause friction between these two clubs." Ronaldo confirms that he will stay at least one more season at Old Trafford
Injured Gerrard to miss friendly
Steve Gerrard must sit out Liverpool's Champions League qualifier at Standard Liege next week after he aggravated a thigh injury during the club's friendly against Valerenga on Tuesday. Following a scan yesterday the Liverpool captain has been ruled out for a week but is hoping to be fit for the Premier League opener at Sunderland on Saturday week, writes Andy Hunter in the Guardian. "Gerrard's absence in Belgium on Wednesday, and the Olympic call-ups for the central midfielders Javier Mascherano and Lucas, will increase Rafael Benítez's desire to sign Gareth Barry this week." (Guardian)
Fans call for Smith’s sacking
Rangers fans have called for the sacking of Walter Smith after this week's disastrous 2-1 Champions League qualifying round defeat by FBK Kaunas – "by common consent the worst result in Rangers' history", writes Roddy Forsyth in the Daily Telegraph. "Rangers may have played a remarkable 19 games in Europe last season but now they are out of Europe before tiny Queen of the South have kicked a ball as one of Scotland's two representatives in the Uefa Cup, the trophy Rangers contested with Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester three months ago." (Daily Telegraph)
Keane makes £7m bid for McCarthy
Sunderland boss Roy Keane is setting his sights on Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy with a £7m bid... Aston Villa are reportedly close to securing Middlesbrough right-back Luke Young for around £5m and Reading left-back Nicky Shorey for £4m... Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan says Alan Smith still has a future at the club, despite reports linking the striker with a move to Everton... Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has been told he needs to sell players to raise the funds to buy Tottenham centre-back Younes Kaboul...
Transfer Talk: all the comings and goings of the close season 
Bold new order for England
Kevin Pietersen announced his first team yeserday, making good his promise to select a final XI with a bold and aggressive approach, writes Mike Atherton in the Times. Pietersen, who carried out his first public act as captain at the Brit Oval, restored Andrew Flintoff to No 6 in the team to face South Africa in the fourth Test starting today - ensuring England can play five bowlers. "Although Pietersen was at pains to suggest yesterday that Peter Moores, the head coach, had an equal say... there is no doubt that this is a team that carries the captain's stamp." (Times)
"In the short term, Pietersen may be very successful, but the balls-to-the-wall approach really isn't sustainable. He has been a single-minded player. It is not only about your own performance. That is going to be his biggest challenge." South African captain Graeme Smith is dismissive of his fellow countryman 'The Ego'
Gavin pulls out of Olympics
Frankie Gavin, the favourite for the Olympic lightweight title, has withdrawn from Team GB's boxing squad after failing to make the weight limit for lightweight competing. "Frankie has been working his whole boxing career towards the Olympic Games and he is obviously completely devastated," said Team GB boxing head coach Terry Edwards. "I would ask that his privacy is respected during this difficult period and he is given the time to come to terms with the situation." (Guardian)
Beijing 2008: speedy analysis, strong comment, enduring photographs
Transfer talk: The latest football transfer news and transfer rumours 
