1205: BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty, external confirms that Arsenal defender Gael Clichy is currently undergoing a medical ahead of a possible move to Manchester City.
1201: Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini admits that the club can no longer simply outbid other clubs for players because of Uefa’s financial fair play regulations. Mancini stated that financial fair play is for everyone, adding that the club would not “do what everyone thinks we will and pay £10m more than other clubs” for players. Independent, external.
1158: Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is the latest Blues player to back new boss Andre Villas-Boas to succeed at Stamford Bridge. “Whatever manager comes in we respect him, we are not kids, everyone thinks there are egos at Chelsea, but there aren’t and we have to make Chelsea the squad of a few years ago and win trophies,” said Cole. Chelsea official website, external.
1153: Castleford Tigers winger Kirk Dixon signs a new three-year contract extension with the Super League club. “I’m absolutely over the moon,” said Dixon. “Castleford is a club that I didn’t want to leave.” BBC Sport, external.
1147: Former West Brom boss Robert Di Matteo insists he will have no problems working as number two under new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas. The Italian recently joined the new backroom staff at Stamford Bridge, less than six months after being sacked by the Baggies. “It is obviously a challenge for me but I don’t anticipate any problems,” said Di Matteo. Chelsea official website, external.
1141: West Brom make a move to sign midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, who is available on a free transfer after deciding to leave Aston Villa, reports Sky Sports, external.
1137: Britain’s Wimbledon boys finalist Liam Broady says he will use the experience of losing in the final at SW19 as a spur to achieve success in the future. “I’m disappointed to lose but I’ll use it as motivation to come back, train harder, get fitter, get stronger, and try to win it next time instead of making the final. Because it doesn’t feel good to lose,” said Broady. BBC Sport, external.
1131: Tranmere accept an offer from Bayern Munich for 18-year-old striker Dale Jennings. “Bayern have made us a very good offer for Dale and we don’t want to stand in his way of making this incredible move,” said Tranmere manager Les Parry, reports Press Association.
1125: Following on from earlierWTA Tour women’s singles world rankings, external news (1016), American Serena Williams has dropped to 175th on the list, her lowest spot since 1997. Former number one Williams missed nearly a full year because of a series of health scares.
1117: Leeds Rhinos forward Ian Kirke signs a new two year contract with the club. “I am pleased to have agreed the new deal,” said Kirke. “It wasn’t something that was really weighing on my mind but it means that I can concentrate on my rugby for the next two years.” Leeds Rhinos official website, external.
1112: Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone declares runaway championship leader Sebastian Vettel the best driver in the sport. BBC Sport F1 gossip column, external.
1106: A court summons the Pakistan Cricket Board to appear on 26 July for ignoring leg-spinner Danish Kaneria for selection for the test side. Kaneria filed a court petition demanding that the PCB allow him to play test cricket or explain why he’s not considered for selection, reports Associated Press.
1103: Wales international Jamie Roberts says the recent spate of off-field controversies involving Wales rugby players should not act as a deterrent against enjoying a night out. “We can’t afford to go into our shells and become these isolated people,” said the 24-year-old. See BBC Sport, external.
1057: Virgin Racing, external have announced a long-term technical partnership with McLaren that will allow them to access their facilities including test rigs, driver simulator and wind tunnel. McLaren management and production staff will also be embedded within the Virgin team.
1051: The release of the Football Conference fixtures has been delayed, as have the draws for the preliminary rounds of the FA Cup and FA Trophy, because of Rushden & Diamonds’ appeal to the Football Association against their expulsion from the Conference. See BBC Sport, external.