Sunderland have beaten Liverpool to the signature of England Under-21 international Connor Wickham, joining the Reds in paying over the odds for an English player. Read more

The wheels in Cesc Fabregas’ move to Barcelona have finally been set in motion. It has been a long time coming and if the transfer does go through, it can be considered to be a happy outcome for all parties. Read more

Northern Irish champions Linfield will have to overcome top seeds BATE Borisov if they are to progress to the third round of Champions League qualifying, after drawing the Belarusian champions in their two-leg second round clash. The IFA Premiership title winners will be out to gain an advantage in the home first-leg tie to be held at Windsor Park in mid-July, before heading to Belarus. BATE came through this qualifying stage to reach the Champions League proper back in 2008/09, the first side from Belarus to achieve the feat. Anyone looking at the Champions League specials will know why they’re favourites to progress. Read more

New Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has dampened expectations ahead of his first season at Stamford Bridge saying: “don’t expect something from one man”.
The Portuguese manager was confirmed as the new Blues boss on Wednesday after Chelsea activated the £13.3 million release clause from his contract with former club Porto and arrives in London having signed three-year-deal with the club. Anyone who follows the in-play football betting will know there will be a lot of weight on his shoulders. Read more

Inter Milan have denied speculation they are about to launch a bid for unsettled Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, saying a transfer is “out of the question”. Read more