Philippe Troussier has been approached by the Ivory Coast to take charge of the national team at this year's World Cup, following the dismissal of Vahid Halilhodzic last month.

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal admits his side's progression to the Champions League quarter-finals does not guarantee that prized asset Franck Ribery is going to stay at the Allianz Arena.

Sunderland striker Darren Bent has revealed a dressing-room visit by owner Ellis Short helped galvanise the Black Cats for the demolition of Bolton on Tuesday, with Bent producing a particularly scintillating display on his way to a hat-trick in the 4-0 victory.

Cardiff and Southend have both been given stays of execution by the High Court, as they fight winding-up orders from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs that threaten their existence.

Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo believes the club desperately need some new signings this summer if they are to close the gap on reigning champions and current Serie A leaders Inter Milan.

Arsenal's 5-0 trouncing of Porto on Tuesday night has given Arsenal real hope of securing their first Champions League title according to Denilson, who is adamant the Gunners "have to win" the competition.

Nicklas Bendtner may have scored a headline-grabbing hat-trick as Arsenal beat Porto 5-0 to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League but he still has much to learn, according to Danish legends Brian and Michael Laudrup.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Wilson Palacios has admitted that he dreams of playing for Real Madrid, though he remains happy at White Hart lane at present. Palacios has been one of Spurs' most consistent performers this season, impressing with his energetic and combative approach in the heart of Harry Redknapp's midfield. His displays in the holding role have led to some comparisons with Claude Makelele, a player who made that position his own while at the Bernabeu, before moving on to Chelsea.... [read more]

Conference side Chester City have been wound up in the High Court over debts owed to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs in a brief hearing - but a fans' group have vowed to resurrect the club.

Steven Gerrard will not be subject to disciplinary action from the FA as a result of his alleged gesture at referee Andre Marriner.

Sir Alex Ferguson expects Federico Macheda to return from a long-standing calf problem in two weeks time, to provide a timely boost to Manchester United's limited striking options.

A first appearance at Emirates Stadium may have yielded a superb 5-0 win over Porto on Tuesday night, but Sol Campbell is not allowing himself to dream of making amends for the pain of 2006 and returning to the Champions League final in his second spell at Arsenal.

Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli admitted he was hugely disappointed with his team's elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich on Tuesday, but insisted his side has what it takes to recover their disappointing domestic season.

Franck Ribery believes Bayern Munich's dramatic progression to the Champions League quarter-finals at the expense of Fiorentina on Tuesday underlines the unity in the ranks at the Bundesliga club.

Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed reports that Manchester United's 'anti-Glazer' faction will disrupt the club's Champions League clash with AC Milan at Old Trafford on Wednesday, insisting he is confident supporters will unite to cheer on his players.

Rangers manager Walter Smith is hoping a break from league action will rejuvenate his players for the title run-in after watching them grind out a win at Kilmarnock.

Burnley manager Brian Laws has hailed Stoke as the "perfect model'' for newly-promoted Premier League clubs ahead of the Clarets' home clash with the Potters on Wednesday.

AC Milan coach Leonardo is not promising David Beckham a place in his starting line-up at Old Trafford tonight even though he is aware what a "special" occasion it is for the former Manchester United favourite.

Steven Whittaker's impressive goalscoring form continued as Rangers restored their 13-point advantage at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with a 2-0 win at Kilmarnock.

Arsene Wenger hailed the confidence of Nicklas Bendtner after the Denmark striker got back on the goal trail with a hat-trick as Arsenal secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Porto at Emirates Stadium.

Darren Bent chose the perfect moment to score his first hat-trick for Sunderland, with owner Ellis Short on Wearside to check on his investment.

Nicklas Bendtner grabbed a hat-trick as Arsenal cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with an emphatic victory over Porto at the Emirates Stadium.

Portsmouth 1-2 Birmingham: Jerome strikes twice

A stunning strike from Arjen Robben fired Bayern Munich into the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the expense of an unlucky Fiorentina at a wet and windy Stadio Artemio Franchi.

West Brom moved back into second place in the Championship as Robert Koren's stunning strike saw off relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at The Hawthorns.