Hull Complete Snodgrass Deal

Hull have signed Scotland international Robert Snodgrass from Norwich.

The clubs agreed a fee for the 26-year-old on Thursday, understood to be a one-off payment of

Update - France Star To Become Arsenal’s First Summer Signing

Arsenal are set to complete their first signing of the summer with Mathieu Debuchy arriving from Newcastle United, according to reports in France.

Exciting Liverpool Transfer Target! 10 Things You Need To Know About Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez has long been a Liverpool target, with interest dating as far back as his Udinese days, and the rumours surrounding Luis Suarez and Barcelona suggest the Chilean forward could head to Anfield as part of a move. The number nine has a fascinating life story that involves triumph over poverty and incredible talent at a young age, so with that in mind, this are the ten things worth knowing about him.

At Last! Suarez Says Sorry And Vows Never To Bite Anyone Again

Luis Suarez has finally apologised for biting Giorgio Chiellini – and vowed it will never happen again.
The Uruguayan striker was kicked out of the World Cup and banned from all football for four months after sinking his teeth into

Southampton Star Lallana Completes Liverpool Switch

Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana has completed a £26m move to Liverpool.
The Saints star completed his medical last weekend and has signed a long

Gago, Zabaleta Stress Albiceleste Evolution

If you were coach of a team about to compete in the World Cup, would you want your side to arrive at the tournament firing on all cylinders, or  prefer your players to peak later in the competition?

It is a question with no easy answers. But once the tournament starts, all you can do is adapt to your situation as best you can. That is certainly the case with Alejandro Sabella's Argentina, who, ahead of their Round of 16 duel against Switzerland, seem to be hitting form at just the right time.

France Sink Super Eagles 2-Nil

France have marched through to the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Nigeria in Brasilia. Didier Deschamps' side were given a tough time of it by the African champions, but edged this tight encounter in the Estadio Nacional thanks to a Paul Pogba header and an injury-time own goal by Joseph Yobo.

World Cup: 11 Controversial Moments In Tournament History

Uruguay's Luis Suarez once again finds himself in the World Cup spotlight after allegedly biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini. 
BBC Sport picks out 11 other controversial incidents in the tournament's long history:

      1. Zinedine Zidane headbutts Marco Materazzi

Zinedine Zidane headbutts Marco Materazzi

France captain Zinedine Zidane headbutts Italy's Marco Materazzi in the chest during the 2006 final in Berlin and is sent off after the fourth official alerts referee Horacio Elizondo. Months later, it is claimed Materazzi had insulted Zidane's sister before the headbutt. 

Algeria Creates History As, Goals Record as Group Stage Ends

THE DAY REPLAYED – As the group stage reached its climax at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, Portugal, Ghana, Korea Republic and Russia were all left facing early flights home along with the 12 sides eliminated before them. The tournament has come to a close too for Luis Suarez, with the Uruguay striker suspended for nine matches and four months following an incident during La Celeste's meeting with Italy on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Algeria are revelling in a breakthrough moment after decades of frustration. Les Fennecs (Desert Foxes) recorded a 1-1 draw with Russia to seal their progress to the Round of 16 for the first time in the history, ensuring a place in the hearts of a nation for Vahid Halilhodzic and his men.

We Are Battle Ready Skipper Yobo

The Super Eagles have traveled to Brasilia for their game against France after meeting with federation officials

Nigeria have traveled to Brasilia on Friday for their World Cup second round game with France after resolving pay dispute late on Thursday.

The team failed to train on Thursday instead going into a meeting with officials over payment of their appearance fees by the Nigeria Football Federation.

FC Barca To Present Ivan Rakitic On July 1st

Ivan Rakitic will officially become an FC Barcelona player in the coming week.

Since Croatia are out of the World Cup in Brazil, the midfielder is free to travel to Barcelona and finalise the arrangements with his new club.

According to information on the Barcelona FC website, Rakitic would be posing for the traditional picture outside the club offices on Monday at 6.00 PM CET.

DEPAY GETS HYUNDAI YOUNG PLAYER AWARD

The second day of last-16 ties at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ proved a productive one for the Netherlands’ Memphis Depay, as he advanced his claims to the Hyundai Young Player Award.

Sunday’s two matches featured only three candidates for the Hyundai Young Player Award, with the Netherlands’ Terence Kongolo and Memphis Depay starting their tie with Mexico on the bench and looking on helplessly as El Tri took the lead in Fortaleza. With time against the Dutch, Louis Van Gaal sent Depay on in a bid to exert more pressure on the Mexican back-line.

Nigerian Boxers Set To Depart For Cuba Training Tour

The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) will depart the country on July 1 for a training tour of Cuba ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Head Coach of the Federation, Anthony Konyegwachie says.
Konyegwachie in Abuja on Sunday said that necessary arrangements had been concluded for the team’s departure preparatory to the Games scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland.

I'm Convinced Germany Will Go Through - Boateng

Visitors to Jerome Boateng’s official home page are greeted by the words: 'Live your dream'. The player then explains the thinking behind this inspirational rallying cry: "You’re lying there, still awake. You have images in your head, images of your idols. And then you see yourself, right there in their midst. You know it’s a dream. But then you start fighting to make it come true."

Eagles Can Make History Today - Keshi

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi says a place in the quarter-final should take precedence over his record as the first African to lead an African team to the second round at the FIFA World Cup.

Last year he became the first black African coach to have won the Africa Cup of Nations in 21 years, and last Wednesday he helped Nigeria secure a place in the round of 16 at Brazil 2014.

Fab Four To Become Terrific Two

In the minutes that preceded the shot-stopping heroics which ensured the five-time world champions’ campaign would continue, a host of images flashed through Cesar’s mind: the misjudgement of a high ball that contributed to defeat by the Netherlands at South Africa 2010; the penalty save versus Uruguay – again in the Mineirao – in the semi-final of last year’s Confederations Cup; the faith Felipão showed in him even when out of favour at QPR; the spectacular second-half save to prevent Chile going ahead; and even his aunt’s living room in Duque de Caxias, 20 years ago.

I Got Very Emotional And Couldn’t Hold Back The Tears.

In the minutes that preceded the shot-stopping heroics which ensured the five-time world champions’ campaign would continue, a host of images flashed through Cesar’s mind: the misjudgement of a high ball that contributed to defeat by the Netherlands at South Africa 2010; the penalty save versus Uruguay – again in the Mineirao – in the semi-final of last year’s Confederations Cup; the faith Felipão showed in him even when out of favour at QPR; the spectacular second-half save to prevent Chile going ahead; and even his aunt’s living room in Duque de Caxias, 20 years ago.

I'm Proud Of My Players ~ Deschamps

France's superb showings at Brazil 2014 have been greeted by a wave of excitement back home, and also by more than a little head-scratching. After all, how did a side that laboured through qualifying suddenly become a well-oiled unit with a seemingly unquenchable thirst for goals, rattling in 26 and conceding three in eight games since their play-off opener against Ukraine? The euphoria of their second-leg success in that tie has been put forward as one explanation, while some have pointed to the absence of disruptive characters in the squad and the physical freshness of the players.

COLOMBIA VS URUGUAY 2-0 WIN [FULL TIME PHOTOS AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHT]

FULL-TIME: James Rodriguez made all the difference tonight and his efforts see Colombia go through to the quarter-finals, while simultaneously sending Uruguay home. The No10's first goal will surely be in contention for goal of the tournament, and despite a late flurry from La Celeste,

BRAZIL VS CHILE 2014 1-1 | ALL GOALS - WORLD CUP 2014

Another Man United signing! Red Devils agree deal with Dutch World Cup star

The Red Devils are desperate to replace Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, who have both left the club this summer, and have turned to the Dutch centre-back.

Serie A side Lazio had thought

Neymar? Robben? Medel? player of the World Cup so far[See Video]

With the group stages now over, we asked our team of experts who they have been most impressed with so far in Brazil.

Part one features Ray Parlour, Adrian Durham

‘I’m Innocent!’ Liverpool Star Suarez Claims He Did NOT Bite Chiellini

Luis Suarez has strongly denied claims he bit Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, despite being already found guilty by world football governing body, FIFA.

Suarez was embroiled in fresh biting controversy last week after appearing to bite the Azzurri man on the neck during Uruguay’s

Nigeria Makes top ten goals of the World Cup [See Video]

Check out some of the best goals we’ve seen in the group stages from what is shaping up to be one of the best World Cups ever...

See video below:

Furious Uruguay Coach Claims Suarez Is Being Made A 'Scapegoat'

Uruguay boss Oscar Tabarez  has continued to defend disgraced striker Luis Suarez and accused FIFA of making him a "scapegoat".

The Liverpool striker was banned for nine international matches and received a four-month worldwide football ban on Thursday for biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini in La Celeste's 1-0 victory on

The Sharp Ends Begins

MATCHDAY PREVIEW – It is Round of 16 time at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ and the knockout phase begins with a pair of all-South American ties. Brazil and Chile get the ball rolling, and the host nation can take comfort from their clear supremacy in this fixture down the years, having won 48, drawn 13 and lost just seven of their 68 previous meetings – not to mention their haul of 159 goals for and 58 conceded. Games between Uruguay and Colombia have generally been more even, in contrast, La Celeste enjoying the upper hand thanks to 18 victories, nine draws and 11 defeats.

A Seleçao prevailed in two of their Group A contests and were held by Mexico in the other, but they – and star player Neymar – look to be positively growing in strength. That said, Chile will be no pushovers as they proved in a tough Group B, where they kicked off with a stylish 3-1 success against Australia before sinking holders Spain 2-0 and putting up solid resistance in a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands. They collected a few yellow cards along the way, though, and like Brazil have four key players risking suspension if they are booked again.

The World Cup Group Stage In Quotes

With 48 of the 64 games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ now in the rear-view mirror, FIFA.com takes a moment to look back over some of the most memorable quotes from the group stage.

Group A
"I don't think Neymar has even started his World Cup yet." Brazil midfielder Willian after A Seleçao swept Cameroon aside 4-1

"That was just frustration as a result of how the game was going. They're not bad guys – on the contrary, they're friends. They're always having fun together." Cameroon defender Stephane Mbia gives his insight into the altercation between Benjamin Moukandjo and Benoit Assou-Ekotto at the end of Cameroon's 4-0 loss to Croatia

We Have To Go For The Cup - Sneijder

Wesley Sneijder was the undisputed star of the Netherlands' last FIFA World Cup™ campaign, and ended the tournament clutching the adidas Silver Ball. But while the challenge of going from runner-up to winner, from silver to gold, has consumed him ever since, it seemed that he might not get the chance.

A discordant relationship with Louis van Gaal has, after all, plagued the last two years of the midfielder's career, and led to suggestions that he would be omitted from the Oranje team - perhaps even from the squad - at Brazil 2014. The first major decision Van Gaal had taken after assuming control was to strip Sneijder of the captaincy, and he was openly critical of the fitness and form of this former talisman. "I have the idea he doesn't get it," the manager added ominously.

Tourists Go Gaga Over Suarez Billboard, Laser Beams Kill Russians, And The Top Tweet Of The Cup [See Video]

IT used to be that the most snapped tourist attraction in Rio was the Christ the Redeemer statue. Today, however, it’s a billboard poster of Luis “the Irredeemable” Suarez.

The must have souvenir of a trip to Copacabana Beach today isn’t a string bikini or a Neymar top but a selfie with your body part stuck in the snarling jaws of the Uruguayan Suarez.

Woods Struggles In Return; Chalmers Takes Early Lead

BETHESDA, Md. — Tiger Woods was back on the PGA Tour for the first time in more than three months Thursday and said he felt “fantastic.”

He was talking about his back, not his game.

One day into his most recent return from injury, that’s what mattered to him.

Woods opened with two straight bogeys, made five more bogeys in a seven-hole stretch around the turn at tough Congressional and finally found his groove late in the opening round of the Quicken Loans National for a 3-over 74.

Nadal Moves On

LONDON — Uncle Toni’s reaction said it all.

This one meant a lot to him and to the tennis player he coaches, his No. 1-ranked nephew Rafael Nadal, who was in a tough spot Thursday,
one point from trailing two sets to none against the same guy he lost to — in the same stadium, same round — two years ago at Wimbledon.

As the younger Nadal began turning things around, evening the match at a set apiece on his opponent’s double-fault, the older Nadal dispensed with any sense of decorum, leaping out his Centre Court seat, punching the air, and shouting “Vamos!”

Algeria Creates History As, Goals Record as Group Stage Ends

THE DAY REPLAYED – As the group stage reached its climax at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, Portugal, Ghana, Korea Republic and Russia were all left facing early flights home along with the 12 sides eliminated before them. The tournament has come to a close too for Luis Suarez, with the Uruguay striker suspended for nine matches and four months following an incident during La Celeste's meeting with Italy on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Algeria are revelling in a breakthrough moment after decades of frustration. Les Fennecs (Desert Foxes) recorded a 1-1 draw with Russia to seal their progress to the Round of 16 for the first time in the history, ensuring a place in the hearts of a nation for Vahid Halilhodzic and his men.

Luis Suárez Suspended For Nine Matches And Banned For Four Months From Any Football-Related Activity

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has reached a decision in the case related to Luis Suárez of Uruguay following an incident that occurred during the FIFA World Cup™ match between Italy and Uruguay played on 24 June 2014.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided that:

· The player Luis Suárez is regarded as having breached art. 48 par. 1 lit. d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) (assault), and art. 57 of the FDC (an act of unsporting behaviour towards another player).

Transfer Rumours And Paper Review – Thursday, June 26

All the latest transfer-related stories in Thursday's newspapers...

Barcelona are still interested in Liverpool striker Suarez and ready to offer £80m player-plus-cash deal that could include wingers Alexis Sanchez, 25, and Pedro, 26. (Daily Mirror)

However, Arsenal and Manchester United are set to battle it out for Chile international Sanchez. (Daily Mail)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied any interest in signing AC Milan and Italy striker Mario Balotelli, 23. (Daily Mail)

Carew: Suarez Is 'Sick And Needs Help'

The Liverpool striker was banned from all football activity for four months following his bite on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini, the third time he has been punished for sinking his teeth into an opponent.

And Carew admits he cannot understand why the Uruguayan would do something like that, and says the time has come for him to face his demons.

The former Aston Villa striker told talkSPORT’s Ian Abrahams: “He needs help, he’s sick. You can’t do what he’s doing without having some kind of problem.

“I’ve never seen anything that stupid. Not even the craziest, most aggressive footballer in the world would do something this stupid, and for the third time.

Check Out Which Teams Will Meet In The World Cup Last 16!

So that's the World Cup group games finished and while European heavyweights Spain, England, Italy and Portugal are out there is still plenty to look forward to.

It has been an enthralling tournament in Brazil so far and we can expect more of the same in the last 16 particularly with the likes of the Selecao meeting Chile and the Netherlands facing Mexico.

There also remains the potential for further upsets in the knockout stages as Nigeria meet France, Algeria mark their first appearance in the last 16 by facing Germany and Switzerland play Argentina.

Benzema Expects Tough Nigeria Test

Karim Benzema believes France are in for another thorough examination of their qualities against Nigeria in the Round of 16, after their rugged encounter with Ecuador.

Les Bleus had been free-scoring in their opening two games of the FIFA World Cup™ but had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, a result that also guaranteed top spot in the group for Didier Deschamps' side.

Benzema had three goals before the match but missed a number chances to keep pace with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Thomas Muller as the leading scorers at the tournament so far. The Real Madrid striker insisted, however, that was not important and that the French team must now focus on their next challenge.

Korean Republic Loses 1-0 To 10 Man Belgium

Korea Republic have exited the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ after a 1-0 defeat to ten-man Begium in Sao Paulo. Jan Vertonghen scored the only goal of this Group H fixture as Marc Wilmots side maintained their 100 per cent record despite the first-half dismissal of Steven Defour.

As his side were already assured of qualification, Wilmots opted to rest several of his established stars, with Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and captain Vincent Kompany among those dropping to the bench. The result was a largely underwhelming performance, although Les Diables Rouges did create the better of the first-half's chances. The most glaring of all was spurned after 25 minutes by Dries Mertens, who had time, space and the goal at his mercy but - in one of the misses of the tournament thus far - somehow contrived to balloon wildly over from eight yards.

Portugal Wins 2-1 Over Ghana But Both Goes Out

Portugal beat Ghana 2-1 but fall out of World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner for Portugal as they beat Ghana 2-1 in Brasilia in Group G on Thursday but both sides still crashed out of the World Cup.

Manchester United confirm Herrera Arrival - Sealed Deal

The Red Devils had an inital £29million offer turned down on Thursday morning before returning with a reported £32m bid, which triggered the 24-year-old's release clause.
Herrera, who has been capped by Spain at U20, U21 and U23 level, becomes new boss Louis van Gaal's first signing at Old Trafford.

Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs told the club's official website:“Ander is a fantastic young player, with great energy and creativity. We believe him to be one of the brightest young prospects in Spain and I am certain he will be a big hit with the United fans.

Colombian World Cup Star On His Way To Manchester United or Tottenham?

Manchester United and Tottenham have been put on red alert after the agent of Colombian star James Rodriguez stated he is keeping his options open over a big summer move.

Manchester City Agree £12m Deal For Porto Star

Manchester City are set to make their second summer signing by bringing in Porto's Fernando for £12million.

Ecuador 0-0 France: Antonio Valencia Sees Red As South Americans Bow Out

France set up a last 16 meeting with Nigeria as Ecuador bowed out of the World Cup angry and frustrated.

Nigeria 2-3 Argentina: Messi Magic Sets Up Victory As Both Sides Go Through

Lionel Messi is fast confirming he can be rightfully seen as Diego Maradona's equal after producing the goods for Argentina once again.

Exclusive - Manchester United Must Try And Get Pogba Back, Claims Dublin

Former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin claims Paul Pogba is exactly the sort of player the Red Devils need.

Honduras 0-3 Switzerland: Liverpool Target Shaqiri Sends Swiss Into The Last 16

Liverpool fans will certainly be happy if they sign Xherdan Shaqiri particularly after watching the midfielder send Switzerland into the World Cup's last 16.

Liverpool Transfer Updates! Reds Star Set For Summer Exit

Liverpool winger Luis Alberto is on the verge of joining Malaga on a season-long loan.

Croatia 1-3 Mexico – Man United Misfit Inspires Mexicans To Decisive Victory

Manchester United misfit Javier Hernandez may have found himself in the shadows for club and country last season, but the ‘Little Pea’ came off the bench to help inspire Miguel Herrera’s Mexico to a well deserved 3-1 victory over Croatia.

Liverpool, Man City And Man United Handed Hope As Barcelona Star Asks For Future Talks

Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have received encouragement in their pursuit of Pedro as the winger wants talks with Barcelona's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta before deciding whether to remain at the Catalan club.

'Van Gaal Will Turn Cleverley Into Pirlo' - Netherlands 2-0 Chile Reactions

The Netherlands ensured they topped Group B with maximum points following a regimented 2-0 victory over Chile in Sao Paulo,

Premier League Sides Want AC Milan Starlet

Several unnamed English clubs have made enquiries over the availability of AC Milan starlet Andrea Petagna, according to the player's agent.

Australia 0-3 Spain: Defending Champions Exit World Cup With A Cheer

Spain at least ensured their tragic World Cup title defence ends with some cheer, after goals from David Villa, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata sealed a straightforward win over Australia.