Chelsea and Manchester City are in the hunt for Liverpool's Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso after his proposed £35m move to Real Madrid stalled.
Full story: Daily Mail

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will move for Roma's Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani - if Alonso moves to Real Madrid.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Tottenham and Fulham want Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch after his £12m move to Sunderland fell through. (Daily Telegraph)
606: DEBATE
Discuss Wednesday's transfer gossip

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will now turn his attention to Tottenham forward Darren Bent. (Daily Telegraph)

Another option for Bruce may be Bordeaux's Morocco international forward Marouane Chamakh.
Full story: The Guardian

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti anticipates Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko, who was on loan at AC Milan last season, will leave the club before the start of the 2009-2010 campaign, with Dynamo Kiev and Fenerbache interested.
Full story: The Guardian

The line of suitors eyeing a move for former England captain David Beckham is growing, with Chelsea, Tottenham and Fulham all ready to offer the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder a deal.
Full story: Daily Mail

Tottenham have tabled a £17m bid for Real Madrid's 23-year-old Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo.
Full story: Daily Mirror

And Spurs are weighing up a move for Manchester City winger Martin Petrov, 30, and could prize him away from Eastlands for £5m.
Full story: Daily Mail

And Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will beat Everton to the signature of Sheffield United defender Kyle Naughton. (The Guardian)

South African midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi is hoping to earn a deal at Fulham where he has been on a trial. The 24-year-old plays in his homeland for Golden Arrows. (The Guardian)

Fulham are set to make a £9m offer for Hull City defender Michael Turner, which includes striker Bobby Zamora going in the other direction. (Daily Mirror)

Burnley boss Owen Coyle is tracking £500,000-rated Norwich midfielder Darel Russell. (Daily Mail)

Wolves are considering a move for Celtic defender Stephen McManus. (Daily Mail)

Egypt striker Mido has returned to Middlesbrough after being fined for missing the start of pre-season training but the 26-year-old will be sold as soon as possible. (Daily Mail)

Middlesbrough are in talks with striker Leroy Lita, who was released by Reading at the end of last season. (Daily Mirror)

Sheffield United are set to sign Manchester City striker Ched Evans for £1.5m, rising to £3m on appearances.
Full story: Daily Mail

However, Ipswich boss Roy Keane hopes to hijack the deal for Evans and take the striker to Suffolk. (Daily Star)

Reading want Tottenham midfielder Adel Taarabt on a season-long loan deal. (Daily Mirror)

Cardiff boss Dave Jones wants to offload midfielder Paul Parry, 28, with Doncaster interested in a £500,000 deal. (Daily Mirror)

Ipswich manager Roy Keane wants defender Danny Simpson from Manchester United and midfielder Dean Whitehead from Sunderland in a £2m deal. (Daily Mirror)

Celtic boss Tony Mowbray is keen to sign left-back Marek Cech from West Bromwich Albion. (The Guardian)

Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee wants 21-year-old defender Reda Johnson on loan. The Benin international plays for French third division side Amiens. (Daily Record)

Stage 16 result:

1. Mikel Astarloza (Spa/Euskaltel) 4 hours 14 minutes 20 seconds
2. Sandy Casar (Fra/Francaise des Jeux) + 6 secs
3. Pierrick Fedrigo (Fra/Bbox-Bouygues) "
4. Nicolas Roche (Ire/AG2R) "
5. Jurgen Van den Broeck (Bel/Silence Lotto) "
6. Amael Moinard (Fra/Cofidis) "
7. Franco Pellizotti (Ita/Liquigas) +11
8. Stephane Goubert (Fra/AG2R) "
9. Christophe Moreau (Fra/Agritubel) + 59
10. Alberto Contador (Spa/Astana) "

Selected others:

12. Lance Armstrong (US/Astana) "
13. Bradley Wiggins (GB/Garmin) "
53. Charlie Wegelius (GB/Silence-Lotto) + 3 mins 55 secs
88. David Millar (GB/Garmin) + 20 mins 39 secs
150. Mark Cavendish (GB/Columbia) + 27 mins 36 secs

Overall standings:

1. Alberto Contador (Spa/Astana) 67 hours 33 minutes 15 seconds
2. Lance Armstrong (US/Astana) + 1 min 37 secs
3. Bradley Wiggins (GB/Garmin) + 1 mins 46 secs
4. Andreas Kloden (Ger/Astana) + 2 mins 17 secs
5. Andy Schleck (Lux/Saxo Bank) +2 mins 26 secs

Selected others:

9. Carlos Sastre (Spa/Cervelo) + 3 mins 52 secs
17. Cadel Evans (Aus/Silence Lotto) + 7 mins 23 secs
59. Charlie Wegelius (GB/Silence-Lotto) + 44 mins 42 secs
72. David Millar (GB/Garmin) + 1 hr 00 mins 14 secs
142. Mark Cavendish (GB/Team Columbia) + 2 hrs 15 mins 38 secs.

by Gareth Joy

FK PARTIZAN BELGRADE 8-0 RHYL FC

(Partizan win 12-0 on aggregate)

If Rhyl's 4-0 defeat at Belle Vue last Tuesday made tonight's meeting at Stadian Partizana a formality, then it actually felt more like an exhibition on Partizan's part.

Within just four minutes, Lamine Diarra had flicked on with a header past Lee Kendall to begin the inevitable. It almost seemed a foregone conclusion that Partizan's Brazillian transfer wonder Cleo would contribute in some form or other after scoring the second in North Wales last week. And there he was responding to a bad pass from Luke Holden, hitting overhead for the second time in the tie on 16 minutes. And again six minutes into the second half...and twenty one minutes after that (after another foul from George Horan).

Two minutes after Cleo's hattrick started came in Nenad Djordjević to make it three-nil. The night's other feature scorer, forward Brana Ilić ended a goal drought of just 19 minutes by gliding through the defence and way past Kendall's arms. His second of the night on 63 minutes was a curling job from a good 20 yards. The other goal came courtesy of Radosav Petrović (66 minutes).

Demolition job done - Partizan meet the Cypriot champions Apoel FC, marking down the 12-0 win as their greatest ever victory in Europe - and they did it with every bit of pride intact. The destitute Lillywhites, on the other hand - at the end of the heaviest defeat yet for a Welsh club in Europe... well, the acting coach Osian Roberts will probably say they gave it a good fight.

YELLOW CARD: George Horan (Rhyl - 72')
SUBSTITUTES:
PARTIZAN: Marko Jovanović on for Almami Moreira (60'), Rajko Brežančić on for Nenad Djordjević (60'), Miloš Bogunović on for Nemanja Tomić (70')
RHYL: Matthew Williams on for Luke Sherbon (65'), Paul Pritchard on for Lee Kendall (85')

Tottenham and Manchester City will offer England midfielder David Beckham a chance to return to the Premier League from the United States when Los Angeles Galaxy's Major League Soccer season finishes in October.
Full story: The Sun

Manchester City's Brazilian midfielder Elano, 28, could move on a season-long loan to German club Cologne or Inter Milan after being told not to join the club's pre-season tour of South Africa.
Full story: The Independent

And City are still confident they can complete a deal for Chelsea defender John Terry, with the Eastlands outfit ready to up their offer to £40m for the 28-year-old.
Full story: Daily Star

Everton defender Joleon Lescott will plead with manager David Moyes to allow him to speak to Manchester City over a move, with City expected to make an improved £18m offer for the England international.
Full story: The Times
Everton are on the verge of signing Sweden international midfielder Rasmus Elm, 21, from Kalmar. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill wants Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas in a £10m deal.
Full story: The Sun

And 26-year-old Jenas is also a target for Inter Milan, who will use some of the £40m they expect to receive from Barcelona for striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Full story: The Guardian

Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is a £3m target for Championship side Middlesbrough. Boro would also consider taking the 25-year-old as part of a a swap deal for Turkish striker Tuncay Sanli, who they value at £5m.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Tottenham look likely to miss out on Real Madrid's Dutch striker Klaas Jan-Huntelaar, who is set for £18m move to Stuttgart. (Daily Mirror)

Bordeaux's Morocco international striker Marauane Chamakh, 25, has given up hope of signing for Arsenal but will still consider a switch to the Premier League, with Sunderland, Blackburn, Tottenham and Fulham all interested.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena is being targeted by Italian side Napoli. (The Times)

Bolton manager Gary Megson has made a £2m bid for Hull midfielder Sam Ricketts, 27. Full story: Daily Star

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce will end his interest in Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole after failing with a £6m bid. (Daily Star)

And Sunderland expect to find out on Tuesday whether they have been successful in their £12m bid to sign Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.
Full story: The Telegraph

Portsmouth want Espanyol's former Liverpool defender Steve Finnan, 33, to replace Glen Johnson, who has moved to Anfield. (Daily Mirror)

Birmingham have lined up a £4m offer for Reading's 27-year-old winger Stephen Hunt. (Daily Star)

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson wants former Reading striker Leroy Lita. The 24-year-old is a free agent. (Daily Star)

Rangers' Algerian international defender Madjid Bougherra has snubbed a £4m move to Bordeaux and will only leave the Scottish side for a team in the English Premier League. (Daily Record)

Hearts target Adam Nemec will decide whether to make a move from Genk to Tynecastle in the next 48 hours. (Daily Record)

WWWWWWIIIIIICCCCKKKKEEEEETTTTT for England. Fred Flintoff you LEG-END! Haddin gone in the 2nd over of the day!

Bumble is the twitman today eh! Keep it up Bumble...

Come on Swanny start turning it square. The Clarke wicket is crucial and he plays spin so well. Moving his feet first ball faced.

BOWLED HIM...SWANNY...CLARKE GONE...WICKET WICKET WICKET...AUS 356-7...

Not quite turning it square, but that was a great delivery, especially cause it was only the 2nd bowled by Swann. Only 3 wickets left...

FLINTOFF AGAIN! Bowled AGAIN! Well left Nathan (u did a KP)... Can Fred get a 'five-for' at Lords? Ill say he will!

Australia 363-8. England need two wickets. Australia need 159. Flintoff 4-69 bowling with real venom.

Runs still flowing for Australia, Johnson plays a wonderful off drive for four runs. Can the Australian tail wag enough for the World Record

Andrew Flintoff: Lords Honours Board: 5-82. Sounds Fantastic. Writing the Script. Crashed over Siddles stumps by the way...

Aus 389-9. Johnson moves past fifty, but this has been the Flintoff show. His 3rd five-wicket haul. One more wicket left.

I wonder if Glenn McGrath thinks this series is gonna finish 3-1? I bet his money is on Four-Nil to Australia? Even NOW!

England win. First time since 1934. Swann bowls Johnson. England win by 115 runs. Flintoff last game at Lords.

The fairytale of the British Open. The fairytale of the test match at Lords. The impossible challenge of the Tour De France. As for the European football transfer market, breaking records by the day for transfer fees paid, that just defies all logic.

Turnberry was supposed to be the setting for Tiger Woods to claim his 15th major and take him alongside the brilliant Roger Federer. Woods' form deserted him, he failed to even make it to the third day.

http://www.tudnofm.co.uk/blogs/sport.php/2009/07/17/tiger-woods-misses-the-cut-at-turnberry--1

What did happen was far more exciting, and nearly became one of the biggest sporting fairy-tales in the history of sport. Tom Watson, the British Open legend and five-times winner, on the verge of turning sixty, ranked 1374 in the world; led The Open by one shot stood on the middle of the 18th fairway and hit an eight-iron with such a sweet strike evoking memories of all those old battles with Jack Nicklaus, that when it was sailing through the air he must have believed he would be champion. The ball bounced through the green and landed in some light rough. Watson was left with a tricky shot, he left the ball eight feet away, and had a putt to win. Had the putt fallen into the hole, Watson would have been a near certainty to qualify, automatically, for the next Ryder Cup. He would have become World number 43 (rising over 1400 places). He would be close to the top of the money list, at 59 years old. How many sports can a player so far off the top levels of the game, so many years since his last triumph, still become champion? Very few.

Watson missed the eight-footer. The fairytale became a nightmare for Tom, as the crowd were reduced to silence on the 3rd play-off hole when he was hacking the ball out of the rough, holing out for a 7 to fall four shots behind the most unpopular winner of The British Open in years.Cink held it together, and because he took the least number of shots to win the tournament, is the deserved winner.

Watson can take the slightest comfort in knowing he was not the only player to let the Claret Jug slip through his grasp at Turnberry yesterday. Britain's Lee Westwood was two shots clear, and even had a chance to two putt from 40ft to make the play-off. Westwood expressed his disappointment after the round. If he keeps putting himself in with the opportunity, he will eventually win a major. However, him and Garcia keep giving themselves chances, but keep failing to win. European golf needs them tobecome more Harrington than Montgomery in the upcoming years.

http://www.tudnofm.co.uk/blogs/admin.php?ctrl=items&blog=22&p=1057

The Tour de France was clouded in tragedy, triumph, controversy and pure class. A spectator was killed in an accident with a police support veichle and two other fans were injured. Two riders were also shot at with an air rifle. Thankfully both are OK and have stated they intend to finish the race. Lance Armstrong (a pure inspiration for even attempting the race) was promoted to second place over the course of the weekend's action, however, this was behind his team-mate Alberto Contador. The victory on Sunday elevated Contador into first place, by over a minute, and highlighted the gulf in class between Contador and the rest of the field. Plenty of anaylsts have been saying for the first fourteen days of the tour that as soon as Contador decides to open the gap, he will and he can. On Sunday the Spaniard proved it.

http://www.tudnofm.co.uk/blogs/admin.php?ctrl=items&blog=22&p=1056

More and more and more money continues to be spent on footballers. Manchester City have long passed the amount spent by Chelsea in a single summer, and Real Madrid have long past the amount spent by anybody in a single summer. Ronaldo is the most expensive player in history. What is difficult to understand is the claim made by Adebayor that his transfer to Manchester City is a dream come true. These comments begger belief considering he delayed the transfer when he heard Chelsea might be interested.

Latest Transfer Gossip

http://www.tudnofm.co.uk/blogs/sport.php/2009/07/20/transfer-gossip-20th-july-2009

Finally history is going to be made at Lords today, England need five wickets to claim the first victory for over 75 years at the home of cricket. Australia need 209 runs to chase down the largest total since test matches began over a hundred years ago. What a weekend, and the result here at Lords will polish off the fingernails, and maybe add a few (more) grey ones.

Manchester City will up their bid to £40m to try to prise centre-back John Terry out of Chelsea's grasp.
Full story: Daily Mail

Toulouse striker Andre-Pierre Gignac has emerged as a target for Arsenal as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger looks to replace forward Emmanuel Adebayor, who has moved to Manchester City.
Full story: Daily Mail

Hull City are keen on Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin but want the Ukraine international on loan rather than as a permanent signing.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Manchester United are trying to negotiate down the price of Gremio midfielder Douglas Costa, while Chelsea, Real Madrid and Villarreal have entered the fray for the Brazilian.
Full story: Guardian

Everton are battling with Fulham, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven for Swedish Under-21 midfielder Rasmus Elm, who plays for Kalmar.
Full story: Daily Mail

Fulham have been offered the chance to sign Juventus midfielder Chritian Poulsen, who has turned down a £6m move to Fenerbahce. Full story: Times

AC Milan boss Leonardo has left the door open to Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham returning to the San Siro after the England international's successful six-month loan at the club earlier this year.
Full story: Independent

Blackburn's flirtation with signing former Inter Milan striker Christian Vieri has ended, with Rovers manager Sam Allardyce believing the Italian is too unfit.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is set to wrap up an £11m deal for Sheffield United full-backs Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker. (Daily Mirror)

Nottingham Forest are close to bringing in Tottenham defender Chris Gunter, Preston midfielder Paul McKenna and QPR striker Dexter Blackstock for a combined £4m.
Full story: Daily Star

A frustrating Saturday for Llandudno C.C as their match at Connah's Quay was abandoned because of late afternoon rain.

Tudno were looking to gain more than the 12 points they picked up to close the gap with current league leaders Pontblyddyn. They took the bat first and declared on 242-6 after 54 overs - Duncan Midgeley led the scoring table on 58 before being stumped by Darren Jones. Aled Williams was on 46, Kevin James on 45 not out, South African wonder Keegan Nagan and Owen Jones both claimed 23 with Martin Roberts on 19 and Matthew Lambe on 11 not out. Chris Hardy failed to score.

The Deesiders never caught up with the required rate - skipper Martin Burger providing the only high point of Quay's innings with 64. The rain came in after 30 overs with Connah's Quay on a disappointing 109-6. Llandudno slip from second to fourth in the table - but don't call any other team the new Premier League champions just yet.

Better news though for the second team in Division One. Tudno's score of 164 in the 52-over game was never going to be matched by Rhewl's slow response. Michael Kitchen was the top scorer for the Seasiders on 47 followed by Neil Gallagher's 36 and Jack Thornton's 28. When it came to the visitors' innings, Jon Eccles was the bright spark in an otherwise paltry home performance - hitting 48 before being caught LBW by Neil Gallagher (in the middle of a brace that claimed the lower middle batting order). A number of single-digit run scores later and the Rhewl total amounted to 99 all out - a win for Llandudno 2nds by 65.

The 3rd XI's Division Five match at home to Northop was cancelled. Tonight, the first team travel to Lune Road Ground to play Lancaster CC's first XI in a friendly.

Looking ahead to next weekend's fixtures:
Saturday 25th July - Llandudno 1st XI vs Mochdre CC (North Wales Premier League), Llay Welfare 1st XI vs Llandudno 2nd XI (North Wales Division One), Llandudno 3rd XI vs Pwllheli 2nd XI (North Wales Division Five)
Sunday 26th July - Marchwiel and Wrexham Friendly XI vs Llandudno Friendly XI (North Wales Development Division)
The other results from the North Wales Premier League this weekend:
- Bethesda CC - Bethesda (114 all out) vs Hawarden Park (117-1): Hawarden win by 9 wickets
- Ty Newydd Ground, Bangor - Bangor (182-6) vs Pontblyddyn (114 all out): Bangor win by 68 runs
- Gwydir Park, Llanwrst - Mold (189-9) declared vs Llanwrst (165 all out): Mold win by 24 runs
- Chirk CC - Menai Bridge (213-6 declared) vs Chirk (168-4 after 44 overs) - match abandoned
- Mochdre CC - Brymbo (129 all out) vs Mochdre (130-3) - Mochdre win by 7 wickets

Stewart Cink claims Victory in the British Open

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf/8158269.stm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/jul/19/open-tom-watson-stewart-cink

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/golf/2543475/Stewart-Cink-beat-Tom-Watson-in-a-play-off-to-win-the-138th-Open-Championship-at-Turnberry.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=axiqYEK4PBsA

Stage 15 result:

1. Alberto Contador (Spa/Astana) 5 hours 03 minutes 58 seconds
2. Andy Schleck (Lux/Saxo Bank) + 0:43
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita/Liquigas) + 1:03
4. Frank Schleck (Lux/Saxo Bank) + 1:06
5. Bradley Wiggins (GB/Garmin) + 1:06
6. Carlos Sastre (Spa/Cervelo) + 1:06
7. Cadel Evans (Aus/Silence Lotto) + 1:26
8. Andreas Kloden (Ger/Astana) + 1:29
9. Lance Armstrong (US/Astana) + 1:35
10. Kim Kirchen (Lux/Columbia) +1:55

Selected others:

19. Rinaldo Nocentini (Ita/AG2R) +2:36
47. Charlie Wegelius (GB/Silence-Lotto) +4:58
103. David Millar (GB/Garmin) +12:11
130. Mark Cavendish (GB/Columbia) +18:12

Overall standings:

1. Alberto Contador (Spa/Astana) 63 hours 17 minutes 56 seconds
2. Lance Armstrong (US/Astana) +1:37
3. Bradley Wiggins (GB/Garmin) + 1:46
4. Andreas Kloden (Ger/Astana) +2:17
5. Andy Schleck (Lux/Saxo Bank) +2:26
6. Rinaldo Nocentini (Ita/AG2R) +2:30
7. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita/Liquigas) +2:51
8. Tony Martin (Ger/Columbia) +3:07
9. Christophe Le Mevel (Fra/FDJ) + 3:09
10. Franck Schleck (Lux/Saxo Bank) +3:25

Selected others:

11. Carlos Sastre (Spa/Cervelo) + 3:52
14. Cadel Evans (Aus/Silence Lotto) + 4:27
59. David Millar (GB/Garmin) + 40:34
64. Charlie Wegelius (GB/Silence-Lotto) + 41:46
139. Mark Cavendish (GB/Team Columbia) + 1:49:01