Chairman Peter Coates shares manager Mark Hughes' ambition to maintain Stoke City's progression in the Premier League.
Matthew Rogerson
Late heroics from Johnathan Thurston saw North Queensland Cowboys get off the mark against Melbourne Storm in dramatic fashion on Monday.
Al Sadd hope to seal Xavi's signature and, with it, bring a touch of tiki-taka to Qatar.
Italy midfielder Andrea Bertolacci has failed to recover from a shoulder injury and will miss Tuesday's friendly with England in Turin.
Newcastle United have posted record profits, but their debt to owner Mike Ashley remains at £129 million.
Whistles from sections of the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard crowd failed to sour Alexandre Lacazette's first goal in French colours.
England's new aggressive streak is beginning to pay dividends, according to captain Wayne Rooney.
Portugal sit top of Group I after the latest round of Euro 2016 qualifying fixtures in which Gibraltar scored a landmark goal.
Alexandre Lacazette brought his fine goalscoring record at club level to the international scene in Sunday's 2-0 win over Denmark.
Richie Ramsay held off a late charge from Romain Wattel to claim the Trophee Hassan II in Agadir on Sunday.
Brazil's matchwinner against Chile, Roberto Firmino, is hopeful of earning a place in Dunga's Copa America squad.
Reported Manchester United target Mats Hummels would be open to leaving Borussia Dortmund, the skipper has revealed.
Strikes from Daniel Johnson and David Ball saw Fleetwood Town and Preston North End share the spoils in Sunday's Lancashire derby.
After late drama denied them a win over Netherlands on Saturday, Turkey turn their attentions to Tuesday's friendly with Luxembourg.
After recent injuries to Matteo Darmian and Manuel Pasqual, Davide Santon and Ignazio Abate have been called up to the Italy squad.
Prince Bishop, ridden by William Buick, claimed horse racing's most lucrative race with victory in the Dubai World Cup on Saturday.
Ducati's Andrea Dovizioso claimed pole position for the season-opening Grand Prix of Qatar in qualifying on Saturday.
Niall Canavan's late leveller helped Scunthorpe United salvage a 2-2 draw against fellow strugglers Notts County on Saturday.
Besiktas have dismissed reports in the Turkish media that they are readying bids for Petr Cech and Danny.
Having opted to stay at Atletico Madrid last year, Miranda says he wants to see out his contract with the club.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic would make the perfect signing for Manchester United according to former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
Having maintained coach Paulo Wanchope's unbeaten record in Friday's 0-0 draw against Paraguay, Costa Rica entertain Panama on Tuesday.
Joachim Low will hand Bastian Schweinsteiger his first Germany appearance since the World Cup final in Sunday's qualifier against Georgia.
Harry Kane appears set to start England's friendly against Italy, with Roy Hodgson lacking a number of attacking options due to injury.
Sven Bender is determined to ensure Borussia Dortmund give champions Bayern Munich a run for their money in the Bundesliga next Saturday.
Iran dented Chile's Copa America preparations with a well-deserved 2-0 win at the NV Arena in St Polten on Thursday.
A seven-under round of 65 saw Adrien Saddier lead the Trophee Hassan II after the opening round on Thursday.
Having been banned for three games due to a stamp on David de Gea, Martin Skrtel maintains the contact was accidental.
Amid speculation over a return to Atletico Madrid, Filipe Luis insists he is committed to Chelsea.
Netherlands can cope without key duo Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben in Saturday's qualifier against Turkey, according to Wesley Sneijder.
Following Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Australia, Germany coach Joachim Low stated the need for improvement from his side.
Despite welcoming back some familiar faces, Germany needed Lukas Podolski to rescue a 2-2 draw against Australia in Wednesday's friendly.
Farouq Miya's goal spoiled the party for Vincent Enyeama on Wednesday as Uganda caused a stir with a 1-0 win over Nigeria.
After a difficult campaign at Real Madrid, Raphael Varane says he has grown as a player through the adversity at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Diego Costa says he "takes a beating" in the Premier League but maintains he is enjoying the rough and tumble of the English game.
After five years with Hannover, captain Lars Stindl will move to Borussia Monchengladbach when the season finishes.
Atletico Madrid have been boosted by the news that coach Diego Simeone has put pen to paper on a new five-year contract.
UEFA president Michel Platini has warned of football returning to the "dark days" if the sport fails to deal with nationalism and extremism.
Diego Costa has left Spain's training camp to be treated for a hamstring problem sustained in Chelsea's Premier League clash with Hull City.
With Manuel Neuer due to miss out, Joachim Low will also make a number of other changes to Germany's side for their clash with Australia.
After agreeing a new contract with Atletico Madrid, Diego Simeone is keen to keep the club challenging at La Liga's summit.
Amid rumours that he is unhappy at Manchester United, Radamel Falcao is keen to ignore speculation and focus on proving himself at the club.
Jose Pekerman will begin to put the finishing touches on Colombia's Copa America preparations against Bahrain in Thursday's friendly.
With his future past the end of the season unclear, Southampton's Toby Alderweireld has hinted at interest in a possible move to Tottenham.
Following Joey Barton's comments about the reason behind QPR's struggles, Harry Redknapp has dismissed suggestions he is primarily at fault.
Manchester United have enjoyed proving the critics wrong under Louis van Gaal this season, according to defender Phil Jones.
Neymar will win the Ballon d'Or at least once in his career, according to Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez.
Borussia Dortmund got back to winning ways on Saturday as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's brace helped ensure a 3-2 win at 10-man Hannover.
Sam Allardyce was delighted to see his West Ham side turn performances into points following Saturday's 1-0 win over Sunderland.
Massimiliano Allegri wants Juventus to build on their Serie A dominance and feature regularly in the UEFA Champions League's latter stages.
Morocco international Mouhcine Iajour stole the show as Moghreb Tetouan hammered Kano Pillars 4-0 in the CAF Champions League on Saturday.
The BNP Paribas Open final will once again pit Novak Djokovic against Roger Federer after both won at Indian Wells on Saturday.
Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat was pleased with his side's effort during Saturday's 1-0 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League.
The first game of Dick Advocaat's Sunderland tenure ended in defeat as his side were beaten 1-0 by West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday.
St Johnstone compounded St Mirren's relegation fears as Brian Graham and Steven Anderson scored in either half to secure a 2-0 win.
Raheem Sterling's contract dispute with Liverpool is to be resolved at the end of the season, according to manager Brendan Rodgers.
With his Manchester City side on course for a season without silverware, Manuel Pellegrini has moved to brush aside criticism.
Stoke City will enter negotiations over a new contract for goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in the close-season, manager Mark Hughes has confirmed.
Mikaela Shiffrin heads into the final slalom event of the FIS World Cup season with a third consecutive Crystal Globe almost secured.
After Saido Berahino failed to make the England squad, West Brom head coach Tony Pulis does not think the decision will affect the striker.
Suzuki's Alex Lowes ended the second free practice session in Thailand atop the timesheets ahead of the second meeting of the 2015 season.
Roma's sporting director Walter Sabatini has acknowledged he made a mistake in not signing Mohamed Salah during the January transfer window.
Ronnie Moore has urged Hartlepool United to keep the pressure on those above them ahead of Saturday's League Two clash with Mansfield Town.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has backed match officials at the World Cup after criticism from its president on Thursday.
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza refused to be drawn into criticising the controversial no-ball midway through Rohit Sharma's century.
Peter Crouch has challenged Stoke City to bounce back against Crystal Palace and go into the international break on a high.
Leicester City have been urged by manager Nigel Pearson to approach Saturday's Premier League clash with Tottenham positively.
Ahead of Sunday's Clasico, Real Madrid star Gareth Bale can go a long way to answering his recent critics against fierce rivals Barcelona.
Nigel Pearson has called on his Leicester City side to retain belief that they can stave off relegation from the Premier League.
Rohit Sharma felt his maiden World Cup century against Bangladesh on Thursday was among the best innings of his career.
Geoff Parling has been named in England's starting XV for Saturday's crunch Six Nations clash with France at Twickenham.
Former Arsenal captain Frank McLintock hopes Gabriel Paulista's recent arrival can get the best out of centre-back Per Mertesacker.
Bhutan's love affair with World Cup qualifying continued on Tuesday as they moved past Sri Lanka 3-1 on aggregate.
Sebastian Vettel has been jokingly invited by Nico Rosberg to attend Mercedes' debrief at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Friday.
Nimes will be relegated from Ligue 2 at the end of the season after being found to have attempted to fix matches.
Lee Dong-gook scored his first goals since returning from long-term injury as Jeonbuk Motors beat Binh Duong 3-0 on Tuesday.
Besiktas must inflict a first defeat of the UEFA Europa League on Club Brugge this week if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.
Adam Johnson's bail has been extended as police continue to investigate allegations of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.
Nairo Quintana won his first Tirreno-Adriatico on Tuesday, after Fabian Cancellara clinched the seventh and final stage.
Police have arrested a fifth teenager on suspicion of involvement with an assault on a Watford fan earlier this month.
Presnel Kimpembe has signed his first professional contract with French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Lloyd Isgrove has agreed a two-year contract extension with Southampton, keeping him at the club until 2017.
Brendan Rodgers credited a change in formation and attitude as the reasons behind Liverpool's 1-0 win at Swansea City.
Filippo Inzaghi is hopeful he will not be given the sack by Milan following Monday's 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina.
Roma suffered a rare home defeat in Serie A on Monday as Rudi Garcia's side fell to a 2-0 defeat against Sampdoria.
Super-sub Joaquin had a hand in both of his side's goals as Fiorentina came from behind to beat Milan 2-1 on Monday.
Serge Aurier is under UEFA investigation after criticising the referee during Paris Saint-Germain's recent clash with Chelsea.
Former Arsenal captain Frank McLintock says a top-four finish and FA Cup success should be a minimum target for the club.
Early goals from Diego Costa and Dusan Tadic ensured a 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
England captain Wayne Rooney has been caught on video being 'floored' in a mock boxing bout with fellow player Phil Bardsley.
Kevin De Bruyne had a hand in all three Wolfsburg goals in Sunday's comfortable 3-0 Bundesliga win over Freiburg at the Volkswagen Arena.
Misbah-ul-Haq has backed his in-form Pakistan side to carry their recent improved run of results into the Cricket World Cup quarter-finals.
Manor will not face sanctions for their failure to race at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Assistant manager Neil McDonald says West Ham's players will not be allowed to coast to the end of the Premier League season.
Ayoze Perez is attracting the interest of Premier League champions Manchester City, according to Newcastle United boss John Carver.
Borussia Monchengladbach boss Lucien Favre has rubbished suggestions of Bayern Munich defender Dante returning to Borussia Park.
Arsene Wenger feels his Arsenal side are a "different team" compared to their early-season struggles.
Goalkeeper Adrian played in West Ham's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal with a dislocated finger, assistant Neil McDonald revealed.
Arsene Wenger was again left impressed by Olivier Giroud's mental strength following Arsenal's 3-0 win over West Ham on Saturday.
The Championship's top three put daylight between themselves and Derby County with convincing victories on Saturday.
Felix Neureuther could clinch the slalom title in the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup at Kranjska Gora this weekend.
Roberto Mancini maintains he is pleased with the commitment of his Inter players after costly errors led to a midweek European defeat.
England have made two changes to their XV for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Scotland at Twickenham.
Following Roma's 1-1 draw with Fiorentina in the UEFA Europa League, Rudi Garcia felt his side deserved victory.
A first European hat-trick from Gonzalo Higuain helped Napoli to a 3-1 victory over Dynamo Moscow in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
Roman Zozulya gave Dnipro a slender advantage over Ajax after scoring the winner in Thursday's 1-0 UEFA Europa League victory.
Cole Harden won the World Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival on Thursday after Tony McCoy clinched the Ryanair Chase.
Jurgen Klopp has received mixed injury news ahead of Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga clash with Cologne.
Benedikt Howedes wants Schalke to take the momentum from their victory over Real Madrid into Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Hertha Berlin.
Five men have been summonsed to appear at a magistrates' court in London in relation to the racial incident involving Chelsea fans in Paris.
Rafael Benitez says a number of Napoli fans have asked him to stay at the club amid speculation over his future.
Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will undergo scans on a hamstring strain on Wednesday.
Jordan Henderson is not taking the Liverpool captaincy for granted ahead of Steven Gerrard's planned departure.
Scotland's Majid Haq has been sent home from the Cricket World Cup after making a race-related remark on Twitter.
Cesc Fabregas feels Chelsea must gain a killer instinct if they are to win more silverware this season.
The man denied access to the Paris Metro by a group of Chelsea fans would never consider attending their clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
Alex Song wants West Ham to mirror Monaco's performance at the Emirates Stadium in Saturday's Premier League clash with Arsenal.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has claimed he would never have allowed Nemanja Matic to leave the club.
Swansea City defender Jordi Amat has agreed a one-year contract extension with the Premier League club.
Everton's Kevin Mirallas wants to capitalise on home advantage when Dynamo Kiev visit Goodison Park in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
Gerardo Martino has named his Argentina squad for two of the final three friendlies before the Copa America in June and July.
Kevin de Bruyne says Wolfsburg cannot use tiredness as an excuse for not performing in Thursday's UEFA Europa League clash with Inter.
Pep Guardiola claims Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League opponents Shakhtar Donetsk offer as much threat as the Bundesliga's top sides.
Barcelona forward Pedro has revealed he will consider his future with the club come the end of the season.
After a helicopter crash led to the death of three French sports personalities on Monday, a host of fellow athletes paid their respects.
Burnley have completed the signing of Norwegian midfielder Fredrik Ulvestad on a three-year deal, subject to clearance.
Wales have named an unchanged XV for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Ireland at the Millennium Stadium.
The Olympic flag at IOC headquarters will be flown at half-mast following Monday's helicopter crash that killed three French sportspeople.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency has welcomed the findings of a report into how cycling's governing body, the UCI, handled doping.
Roberto Mehri is due to make his Formula One debut for Manor at the season's opening race in Melbourne this weekend.
Swansea City full-back Angel Rangel has agreed a new one-year contract extension with the Welsh club.
Bradford City forward James Hanson has warned that facing Reading in the FA Cup quarter-finals will be harder than playing Sunderland.
Gary Liddle will face an old team-mate after poor weather did not ruin his chances of playing Bradford City's FA Cup tie against Reading.
Tamim Iqbal felt Bangladesh were rewarded for their patient batting approach during Wednesday's six-wicket victory over Scotland.
Former Leeds United president Massimo Cellino will serve an extended ban after settling his case with the Football League.
Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood is eager to see another "old-fashion derby" showdown when West Brom return to Villa Park in the FA Cup.
Bradford City have been challenged to produce a season-best performance in their bid to beat Reading and reach the FA Cup semi-finals.
Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against Reading in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final.
Former Senegal international Aliou Cisse has been named coach of the country's national side.
Sergio Busquets will miss Barcelona's La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano after suffering ankle ligament damage against Villarreal.
Jonas Gutierrez's return brought St James' Park to life in Newcastle United's defeat to Manchester United, according to John Carver.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has been charged by the Football Association after his touchline spat with Hull City counterpart Steve Bruce.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels Alexis Sanchez proved his resilience in ending his goal drought during Wednesday's 2-1 win over QPR.
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini says Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony are feeling the effects of their Africa Cup of Nations exploits.
Emre Can will be capable of playing for any club in the world, according to Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called for teams to be punished with points deductions and relegations if fans are guilty of racism.
Vincenzo Montella says Fiorentina will offer Juventus a stern test in the Coppa Italia despite several injury concerns.
Evian leapfrogged Lorient in the Ligue 1 table with a 1-0 victory at the Parc des Sports on Wednesday.
Barcelona beat Villarreal 3-1 at El Madrigal to book their place in June's Copa del Rey final courtesy of a 6-2 aggregate success.
Barcelona face an anxious wait on the fitness of Sergio Busquets after he was forced off in Wednesday's Copa del Rey clash with Villarreal.
Marco Reus has escaped any significant damage after going off injured in Borussia Dortmund's win over Dynamo Dresden.
Hoffenheim's head of international relations and scouting says Bundesliga clubs have little chance of challenging Bayern Munich's dominance.
Kurumi Nara was given a stern test by Magda Linette before progressing to the third round of the Malaysian Open on Wednesday.
Ahead of the 20th MLS season, which starts on Friday, we take a look at the issues set to dominate the discussion.
Kashiwa Reysol and Jeonbuk Motors continue to lead the way in Group D of the AFC Champions League after convincing wins on Tuesday.
With Dani Alves' future at Barcelona uncertain, agent Dinorah Santa Ana Da Silva says the player is close to signing for another club.
Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng rejected an approach from Barcelona in the close-season.
Serie A strugglers have replaced coach Stefano Colantuono with former Lazio boss Edoardo Reja.
Aston Villa's last-gasp win over West Brom can turn their Premier League season around, according to Tim Sherwood.
Saint-Etienne needed penalties to see off third-tier Boulogne and reach the Coupe de France semi-finals on Tuesday.
Marco Reus only suffered a dead leg during Borussia Dortmund's win at Dynamo Dresden on Tuesday, according to coach Jurgen Klopp.
Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen very nearly suffered another DFB-Pokal upset at the hands of Kaiserslautern on Tuesday.
Borussia Dortmund were given a scare by an injury to Marco Reus as they secured DFB-Pokal progression against Dynamo Dresden on Tuesday.
Former 'Invincible' Edu has heaped praised on Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez, describing the Chilean as a "phenomenon".
John Carver says he understands why some Manchester United fans may be growing frustrated with Louis van Gaal's style of play.
Juventus were angered by their inability to see off 10-man Roma in Monday's 1-1 draw at Stadio Olimpico.
Bruno Moreira's rather fortuitous first-half goal gave Pacos de Ferreira a 1-0 win over Belenenses on Monday.
Roma kept their slim Serie A title hopes alive as they salvaged a 1-1 draw with leaders Juventus, despite Vassilis Torosidis' dismissal.
Manuel Pellegrini is keen to see a reaction from his stuttering Manchester City side against Leicester City on Wednesday.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have claimed doping took place at German clubs Stuttgart and Freiburg in the 1970s and '80s.
England winger Adam Johnson has been suspended by Sunderland as police look into alleged sexual activity with an underage girl.
A 27-year-old man has been arrested amid reports that an England footballer is alleged to have had sexual activity with an underage girl.
Milan have been dealt a double injury blow after midfield pair Riccardo Montolivo and Nigel de Jong suffered muscle problems at the weekend.
Mauricio Pochettino says Tottenham cannot dwell on their League Cup final defeat as they prepare to face Swansea City.
Leicester City's Nigel Pearson says he understands the pressure Manuel Pellegrini is under at Manchester City ahead of Wednesday's meeting.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho described his side's League Cup triumph over Tottenham on Sunday as "beautiful".
Standings leader Marcel Hirscher clinched a fourth consecutive FIS World Cup men's giant slalom victory in some style on Sunday.
City rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both suffered frustrating Sundays as they were held to draws in La Liga.
Jose Mourinho is back on the trophy trail with Chelsea after a 2-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday sealed League Cup success at Wembley.
Real Madrid failed to restore their four-point gap at La Liga's summit after being held 1-1 at home by Villarreal on Sunday.
Mats Hummels feels the switch has flipped for Borussia Dortmund going into Tuesday's DFB-Pokal clash with Dynamo Dresden.
A lack of cutting edge cost Liverpool in their UEFA Europa League exit at the hands of Besiktas on Thursday, according to Brendan Rodgers.
Tommy Robredo booked his spot in the quarter-finals of the Argentina Open on a mixed day for seeds.
Romelu Lukaku was Everton's inspiration again on Thursday, scoring twice in the 3-1 win over Young Boys to seal UEFA Europa League progress.
Garry Monk has distanced himself from comments allegedly made by a Swansea City director towards Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.
Schalke boss Roberto Di Matteo says he is already in a "frenzy" ahead of his first Revierderby against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Southampton, Tony Pulis insists he is not getting carried away by West Brom's resurgence.
Toby Alderweireld is close to returning from a hamstring injury, Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed.
Nabil Bentaleb insists Tottenham do not view Thursday's UEFA Europa League clash with Fiorentina as a distraction in their season.
Kevin O'Brien has been fined for showing dissent to the umpire during Ireland's victory over UAE in Brisbane on Wednesday.
Dimitar Berbatov suggested Arsenal underestimated Monaco during the Ligue 1 club's 3-1 UEFA Champions League win on Wednesday.
Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal face an extremely difficult task to stay in the UEFA Champions League after a 3-1 first-leg loss to Monaco
Arsenal have it all to do in their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie with Monaco as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat on Wednesday.
Dougie Freedman's unbeaten start at Nottingham Forest continued with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth on Wednesday.
