Football news  

Ferguson resigned to losing Vidic

Real Madrid are confident of signing the defender but United are determined he will not leave cheaply

• Ferguson fears Vidic’s head has turned

• Ferguson: we must improve to win title

Wenger chasing Chelsea while Grant gets mean

Arsenal manager’s prediction that Chelsea could drop points has proved correct and his side are looking to take advantage

• Arsenal hoping for good news on Fabregas

• Wilshere ready for a big year in 2010

O’Neill rues two defeats in three days

Aston Villa manager distraught after seeing his side's Premier League progress come grinding to a halt over festive period

• Aston Villa still lack that touch of special magic

• Torres leaves Villa out in the cold

Irvine sacked as manager of Preston

Derek Shaw, the chairman, says he was forced to act because club have picked up only seven points over past two months

• Hughes gives Notts County added belief

• Hughton enjoys room at the top despite draw

Cricket news  

South Africa given nowhere to hide

South Africa v England: The home side capitulated in the face of an energetic attack led by Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann

Gavaskar: Broad plays 'cowardly cricket'

Former India captain claims the England bowler gets away with petulance and dissent because his father is an ICC referee

Swann taking advantage of new spin on attack

Contrary to established thought, England have benefited from the early introduction of the Nottinghamshire bowler

Sangakkara signs for Lancashire

The Sri Lanka captain follows Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya as the county's overseas player

Rugby news  

Flutey return is good news for England

Back ready to take his first step onto the playing surface in four months during Brive's clash with Clermont Auvergne

Foden senses chance to break for limelight

The Northampton player wants to prove a point to Martin Johnson now that he has settled into his role at full back

Parks’ passion is to land silverware

Glasgow fly half insists club's strongest squad can keep winning, stay top of the Magners League and claim more trophies

Venter's unbeaten run comes to an end

London Irish 23 Saracens 19: Toby Booth hails smart play as Irish earn rub of the green against Premiership leaders

More sport  

Wade holds nerve to win battle

Englishman beats Michael van Gerwen 4-2 in tense encounter at the Ladbrokes.com PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace

Visa dispute leaves LTA with another post to fill

Ann Quinn has departed at the end of a year in which she spent four months locked out of the country by a visa dispute

Murdoch determined to end years of frustration

Great Britain curler is still haunted by his loss to Markku Uusipaavalniemi at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin

Van Barneveld defies odds to finish on cloud nine

Darts: Dutchman lands nine-dart finish for the second consecutive year to defeat Brendan Dolan 4-0 at Alexandra Palace

Racing and Betting News  

Ferguson uses transfer system

Sir Alex's growing appetite for jumps racing prompts switch of codes for formerly useful Flat performer Broomielaw

Amos finds driving ambition frozen out

Lengthy journey to Ireland with Lie Forrit proves futile after trainer judges parts of Leopardstown course to remain hazardous

Big Buck's tightens grip on World Hurdle

Reigning champion sees off Karabak and Diamond Harry, the young pretender, in emphatic fashion at Newbury

Friend brings Thomas change of fortune

Nicholls-trained chaser enters Gold Cup picture by seeing off the best of the Irish in rearranged Lexus Chase