Former Leeds favourite David O'Leary emerged as a shock contender to take over at Elland Road last night. (Daily Mirror)

Sven-Goran Eriksson is ready to turn to Celtic's Alan Thompson in his renewed search for a left-sided midfielder for England (Daily Mail).

England's striker worries ahead of Sunday's game against Denmark eased when it was announced Wayne Rooney will be present when the squad assembles in Manchester today. (The Indepedent)

Manchester United will today take on the might of the Football Association, Fifa, the Government and the tough-talking head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, Dick Pound, in a bid to save Rio Ferdinand from a lengthy ban. (Daily Express)

Sven-Goran Eriksson last night claimed that England can become kings of Europe next summer. (Daily Star)

Craig Bellamy's long-term future at Newcastle United is in question. (The Guardian).

England's long-term health will be discussed in the House of Lords today, with peers fearing that the next wave of imported players, expected to flood in within the year when a host of ex-Eastern Bloc countries are granted EU membership, will further restrict British talent. (Daily Telegraph)

Dennis Bergkamp has blasted Ruud van Nistelrooy to reignite the war of words between Arsenal and Manchester United. (The Sun)