Newcastle manager Chris Hughton says he values central defender Steven Taylor highly, after the central defender was placed on the transfer list, and believes their next opponents Wolves were "outstanding" last season.

Highlights of the first practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix as Fernando Alonso leads the way in wet conditions at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. (UK users only)

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson says they received a fax from Inter regarding the transfer of midfielder Javier Mascherano, but it was a "joke" and paying "lip service" to Rafael Benitez's wishes.

Aston Villa interim manager Kevin MacDonald says his players are disappointed after a 3-2 defeat at Villa Park sees them crash out of the Europa League to Rapid Vienna.

Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt admits he did ask the club if there was any interest in him from other clubs but says he will be staying at Liverpool after they explained they didn't want him to leave.

Roberto Mancini explains his team selection for the Europa League match against FC Timisoara and is pleased with the side's 2-0 victory.

Graham Gooch says he has no concerns over any of England's batsmen despite some recent poor form and believes Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen are just lacking a bit of confidence.

Manchester City's football administrator Brian Marwood dismisses some accusations levied at the club as "laughable" and says the large sums of money spent on new players are justified as they look to build a sustainable future.

Usain Bolt feels Tyson Gay needs the "extra push" of competition to beat his current world record and also says he has used his time off to recuperate before returning to action in October.

Mark Webber says there are no worries in the Red Bull camp over making changes to the front wing on their car and feels he has as good a chance as any to win the world championship. (UK users only)

Sebastian Vettel insists his and Mark Webber's Red Bull cars have always complied with the rules and says he has forgotten about the Hungarian Grand Prix where a mistake cost him a win. (UK users only)

After nearly a month away from F1 Lewis Hamilon is in a relaxed mood going into the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend but knows McLaren still have a lot to do if they want to catch the Red Bulls. (UK users only)

Inter Milan manager Rafael Benitez says the technical director and chairman sign players, not the coach, when asked if he would sign anybody from his former club Liverpool.

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez says it is "disappointing" that Birmingham counterpart Alex McLeish has made his interest in French winger Charles N'Zogbia public, and believes a shorter transfer window would help players focus on the season.

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher personally apologises to Rubens Barrichello for nearly running his ex-team-mate into a pit wall at the Hungarian Grand Prix. (UK users only)

UEFA President Michel Platini says the England 2018 bid campaign needs to act quickly to appoint a chairman - or a president as Platini calls it - otherwise it could damage their hopes of hosting the World Cup.

Chief executive of England's 2018 World Cup bid Andy Anson rejects speculation about the wording of the statement made by Fifa bid inspection leader Harold Mayne-Nicholls with regard to England's hotel facilities and the involvement of the deputy prime minister.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says new signing Sebastien Squillaci of France is "suited" to the English game, but calls for the transfer window to be closed sooner for the domestic market.

Australia's Ricky Ponting tells TMS's Jim Maxwell he thinks there are some "vulnerable" batsmen in England's team, singling out Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Strauss for their lack of recent Test centuries, and Jonathan Trott for his inexperience.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp reveals he does not intend buying any more players unless he receives a big offer for one of his own and says his side can not afford to let their Premier League form slide for Saturday's clash with Wigan, after qualifying for the Champions League group stage.