Football news  

Chelsea step up chase for Agüero

The London club fear a repeat of the Robinho transfer with Manchester City joining their pursuit of the Argentina striker

• Chelsea launch £45m bid for Aguero

• Aguero deserves Ballon d'Or, says Messi

‘Wolves Ten’ happy to stay in reserve

The players dropped for the defeat by Manchester United last week say manager Mick McCarthy’s controversial decision paid off

• McCarthy vindicated as Wolves ease to victory

• United punish men of mystery

Ferguson will not spend in January

Manchester United manager has reiterated that he will not go into the transfer market to solve his defensive injury crisis

• Pitiful United put to the sword by Fulham

• Fulham run riot against tame United

Beware those who promise the world

John Terry must read the small print in his dealings with those who do not necessarily always have his best interests at heart

• Is giving up a way to fight for survival?

• Cascarino: don’t let the culprits go to ground

Cricket news  

Trott shows courage to stand his ground

Partnership of 145 with Pietersen was a vital part of England securing a draw, but the issue of ancestry refuses to go away

Ponting slides down world rankings

The Australia captain’s disappointing form in the recent series against West Indies is reflected in his decline in status

Onions is no 'Bunny' in the headlights

Paul Collingwood shows gratitude to his Durham team-mate as England are saved by tailender's heroics

South Africa and England show how Test cricket retains its ability to fascinate

From Centurion to Perth, there was plenty to savour as the long version of the game produced some thoroughly absorbing play

Rugby news  

Dupuy appeals against six-month ban

Stade Francais scrum half launches challenge against heavy suspension imposed after stormy Heineken Cup tie against Ulster

Pearce heralds rise of young men in black

At the age of 22 and only step away from the Guinness Premiership, one of the young stars of refereeing is turning heads

Celtic tiger has not lost its teeth

Munster and Leinster blazing the trail as Ireland hold a powerful hand going into the closing stages of the group phase

Armitage’s return boosts club and country

The full back has demonstrated the attacking threat he poses once again and will be welcomed back by London Irish and England

More sport news  

Schumacher sticks neck out for Mercedes

The German said to have had no recurrence of his injury and aims to add to his seven world titles on likely return next year

• Ferrari president confirms Schumacher’s return

• Brawn's Schumacher move may work

Whitlock bids to cast magic spell in war of the wizards

Hirsute Australian cuts an unusual figure even by the standards of darts, a game notable for some eccentric shapes and sizes

• Art for darts' sake: names roll off tungsten

• Webster holds nerve to overcome Walsh

Henin to take up Sydney wildcard

Former world No 1 has been granted a wild-card for the Sydney International as she steps up her comeback from retirement

Britain coach confident despite defeat in Duel

Dennis Pursley sees many positives from the loss to the US, in particular, the performances of Adlington and Spofforth

Racing and Betting News  

Everyone's a winner thanks to late change of mind at Kempton Park

Alan Lee says the track, which could see history made by Kauto Star on Boxing Day, came close to becoming a racing netherland

McCain success story has plenty more chapters

Trainer has thrived since inheriting Cheshire yard from his father, with 100 winners this season being a possibility

Henderson well placed for Christmas assault

Barbers Shop, Binocular and Long Run will represent the Lambourn handler in the big races at Kempton on Boxing Day