News Headlines

In praise of … Roy Hodgson | Editorial

He is a multilingual, has coached in seven countries and has a better career average of wins than Harry Redknapp's The reaction to the surprise news that Roy Hodgson is a chat away from being named as England football manager was depressingly negative in some quarters. One headline mockingly...

Soccer AM's raspberry blowing the perfect remedy for pre-match tension | Martin Kelner

If anything, the programme is more enjoyable than when I last saw it and remains a reliable source of light relief I was once mistaken for Martin Keown. Not on a football field – that could never happen, he's an inch-and-a-half taller than me – but by a TalkSport producer who rang me...

Sometimes we really are in it together. So enjoy | Observer editorial

Our social bonds can be cemented by everything from football to politics and we loosen them at our peril As every Mancunian football fan will tell you, tomorrow evening sees the most hotly awaited derby in Premier League history when Manchester City and Manchester United square up for the last time...

Chelsea, Tottenham in talks for Porto star Hulk

Chelsea are regarded as favourites for Porto star Hulk. read more

Fulham on brink of deal for FC Twente winger Nacer Chadli

Fulham have a deal in place for FC Twente winger Nacer Chadli. The Cottagers are ‘99 per cent’ certain of landing Chadli of FC Twente . read more

Chelsea close in on signing Hulk

Chelsea are closing in on a £35million deal for Hulk after the Porto striker's agent admitted he was in talks with four Barclays Premier League clubs. Tottenham are also interested.

Liverpool: Reds linked with midfielder

Reports in Portugal have linked Liverpool with a move for Benfica midfielder Nolito as they look to cash in on him.

Athletic Bilbao to face Atletico Madrid in Europa League final

Fernando Llorente scored late as Athletic Bilbao overcame Sporting Lisbon and set up an all-Spanish Europa League final with Atletico Madrid after the 2010 champions finished off Valencia on Thursday.

Athletic 3-1 Sporting (agg 4-3)

Fernando Llorente fired Athletic Bilbao into the Europa League final with an 88th-minute strike as his side overturned a first-leg deficit to see off Sporting Lisbon at San Mamés. Marcelo Bielsa's men, who accounted for Manchester United early in the competition, looked set to take the tie...