Football news 

Johnson seeking route back to London

The Everton forward is expected to sign for Fulham in a club record £10.5 million deal as negotiations gather pace

• Wigan planning to re-sign Bullard

• Bobby Zamora a big hit for Fulham

Clubs must release players for Olympics

Sepp Blatter has confirmed that teams have to allow their under-23 players to compete in the tournament next month

• Blatter's quota system given 'red card'

• Barwick dances to the tune of Blatter

Villa close to securing Friedel deal

Window Watch: Martin O'Neill's side have agreed a fee for the American goalkeeper, while Manchester City want Tal Ben-Haim

• Wigan planning to re-sign Bullard

• Everton prepare £18m bid for Joao Moutinho

The pools become a whole new ball game

The New Football Pools to be launched as the three remaining games are merged into one as part of a £6m campaign

• Football pools shape up to take on national lottery

• Football pools merger threatened

Cricket News 

England declare peace over selection row

Geoff Miller, the national selector, held taks with Michael Vaughan to review the controversial side they picked at Headingley

Trescothick gives Durham hammering

Durham v Somerset: Somerset opener leaves Dynamos with hangover after their Twenty20 Cup quarter-final success

Wagh keeps things steady amid the swing

Nottinghamshire v Yorkshire: Charlie Shreck wreaks havoc but Matthew Hoggard fails to suggest a Test recall is imminent

Smith frustrates sloppy Middlesex

Middlesex v Worcestershire: Middlesex haemorrhage fifty extras as tailenders help visiting side to build commanding lead

Olympics News 

Gordon takes different type of stick

Scotland goalkeeper tries his hand at hockey as he lends his support to compatriot Alistair McGregor

• Britain set for large presence at Beijing

• McGregor closes in on Olympic dream

Clubs must release players for Olympics

Sepp Blatter has confirmed that teams have to allow their under-23 players to compete in the tournament next month

Changing times for sailors in Olympic Games

Ben Ainslie explains how professional era means the back-up team is bigger than the British sailing line-up in Qingdao

Gay to miss Powell showdown at Palace

American's withdrawal from Aviva London Grand Prix raises doubts about whether he will be fit to race for Olympic title

More Sport news 

Langer backs Montgomerie for Ryder Cup place

Former Europe captain believes the Scotsman would prove a better wild card than a less experienced candidate

• Harrington wants Montgomerie in Ryder Cup team

• Watching Monty's bark makes you grateful

Hickstead needs £250,000 or else

Sussex venue faces nightmare scenario: find new sponsorship by the end of July or the Nations Cup moves elsewhere

• Fast show from Sam wins big prize for Zoer

• Funnell holds his nerve in Derby

Sastre grabs yellow jersey

Spanish rider seizes lead of Tour de France from Frank Schleck after winning 17th stage from Embrun to Alpe d'Huez

• Dessel claims 16th stage in sprint finish

• The pain of pedal power

Calzaghe 'distraught' over wrist injury

Welshman will not be able to punch for two to three weeks setting back his September fight with Roy Jones Jr

racing and betting 

Murtagh's success leaves Fallon with no way back

Aidan O'Brien is unstinting in his praise of jockey whose 11 group one wins have helped to cement new riding arrangement

Callan the missing link in Poulter's birdie blitz

Jockey claims wake-up call was the inspiration behind Arsenal fan's bold showing in the Open at Royal Birkdale

Noseda hoping to bounce back

Newmarket trainer begins to see light at the end of the tunnel after reluctantly shutting up shop halfway through Royal Ascot