FIFA to set up 11-strong taskforce to clean up corruption.

FIFA have announced they will set up an 11-strong taskforce to clean up and reform the governing body following its global corruption scandal.

In a press conference on Monday, President Sepp Blatter revealed the reforms will include term limits for officials, central integrity checks for executive committee members and disclosing all salaries and payments to FIFA members.

The Swiss chief refused to reveal his salary, however, saying he would do so when all the financial details are disclosed.

Blatter had earlier brushed off a stunt by an English comedian to categorically state he will not stand in next year's FIFA presidential election - and sent a 'good luck' message to Michel Platini, the man who is favourite to succeed him.

'THIS IS FOR NORTH KOREA 2026' - SEPP BLATTER SHOWERED WITH MONEY IN FIFA PRESS CONFERENCE

FIFA's executive committee has decided the date of the special congress to elect Blatter's successor to be February 26 next year - meaning the 79-year-old will remain in power for another seven months.

At a news conference in Zurich, the FIFA boss, for the first time since revealing his intension to resign in June, stated unequivocally that he will not stand again - and said he would try for a new career in radio.

Blatter, who was showered with fake money by British comedian Simon Brodkin - better known by stage name Lee Nelson - in a bizarre incident at the start of the news conference, said: "I will not be a candidate for the election in 2016 and there will be election for a new president. I cannot be the new president because I am the old president.

"I wish good luck to all the candidates and also to Michel Platini.

"On February 26 FIFA will have a new president and I think I will go back to my work as a journalist - this time I will go to radio as this is the most popular item in information."

Platini could make an announcement on his candidacy before the end of the week and released a statement welcoming the election date and the reform process.

He said: "I feel that the creation of a task force with internal and external members to deal specifically with reforms is an important step towards improving overall processes and transparency within the organisation. We must now make sure that the reforms outlined today will be undertaken in a swift and effective manner. As I have said various times in the recent past, we need to reform FIFA and we need to do it now.

"Regarding the election, we now have a concrete date which means we can look forward to new leadership which will surely bring with it new ideas and new solutions. This is an exciting time for FIFA because we can work together to improve it and restructure it for the good of the game."

Raheem Sterling to make his Manchester City debut Tuesday

New Manchester City signing Raheem Sterling is expected to make his debut for the club against Roma on Tuesday.

Sterling, 20, became the most expensive English signing after moving from Liverpool for a potential £49m fee.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini said the forward will take part in the International Champions Cup match in Melbourne, Australia.

"Raheem worked with Liverpool for three days and so he will play some minutes," said Chilean Pellegrini.

He added: "I know him. I've seen him play against us for the last two seasons, but I think it's important for him to try and have minutes with our team as soon as he can."

Other returning international players such as England goalkeeper Joe Hart, Spain midfielder David Silva and Bosnia-Hercegovina striker Edin Dzeko could also be involved.

Platini asked to stand for Fifa presidency.

              Michel Platini

Uefa boss Michel Platini has been asked by a majority of world football chiefs to stand for the Fifa presidency.

Platini is said to have had assurances of support from his own confederation, Asia, South America, plus North and Central America and the Caribbean.

It is thought 60-year-old Platini has yet to decide if he will stand.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter said on 2 June he would stand down and on Monday will announce plans for reform of football's world governing body.

Blatter will hold talks with Fifa's executive committee over a date for the new presidential election, with 16 December earmarked by several regional football confederations as their preferred option.

The 79-year-old was elected for a fifth term as president on 29 May but four days later announced his intention to relinquish the post amid two corruption investigations.

Former Fifa presidential candidate Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, who lost to Blatter in the May election, has called for the Swiss to leave immediately.

Sepp Blatter has been i Sepp Blatter

"President Blatter's resignation cannot be dragged out any longer. He must leave now," he said.

"He cannot be permitted to plan his succession and manage this election process. An interim independent leadership must be appointed to administer the process of the elections, in addition to the reforms that are being discussed prior to the elections."

Prince Ali, who gave no indication in his statement of whether he intends to run again for the Fifa presidency, said the December option is unfair on Fifa members.

"It will not be possible for any of the other football associations of the world to put forward credible candidates from our community,'' said the 39-year-old, who has been president of Jordan's national football body since 1999.

"It is their absolute right to be a part of this process, and to have time to carefully consider the future without being rushed into an early election."

Blatter is not expected to backtrack on his announcement to stand aside as president, despite appearing to suggest in June he was reconsidering his decision

Mourinho: Settled squad

The transfer window is open for six more weeks, during which time Jose Mourinho says he hopes to add a defender to his squad in addition to the two signings already completed.

Following the departures of Chelsea legends Didier Drogba and Petr Cech, the manager moved quickly to replace them, bringing in Falcao on loan to complement Diego Costa and Loic Remy up front, while adding Asmir Begovic to challenge Thibaut Courtois for the goalkeeping spot.

Mourinho has been discussing the new pair, one of whom he has already had the chance to work with in these first few days of pre-season in Montreal. He has also assessed the overall make-up of his squad which he hopes to guide to a second consecutive Premier League title.

‘It’s a big challenge for Begovic because he has Courtois, an amazing goalkeeper who immediately made a great impact when he arrived in England,’ said the boss.

‘But I wanted to replace Petr not with a good goalkeeper but with a very good goalkeeper. I think we have in our squad two of the best five goalkeepers in the Premier League. Begovic is going to compete with Courtois. The one with more clean sheets is the one that has to play, but I am so happy and so calm because we have two fantastic goalkeepers.

‘Falcao comes to us with motivation,’ continued Mourinho, turning his attention to the Colombian striker who will meet the players for the first time on Tuesday.

‘He is very disappointed and frustrated because people in England may think he is not a fantastic player because of last season, but he’s in a great moment of his career with many years in front of him to be back to a certain level.

‘We don’t put any pressure on him. We want him to feel completely free to work and wait for goals and happiness and for sure it will come.’

Mourinho doesn’t expect much more transfer activity at Stamford Bridge this summer but there is one position he feels needs strengthening to add to the world-class talent which delivered the Premier League and the Capital One Cup last term.

‘I am looking for a defender to finish the balance in our squad and after that we are ready to answer to anything that can happen with our players,’ he explained.

‘If one of our players wants to leave or we agree a deal for a player to leave we have to answer immediately because at this moment we have balance and quality in numbers. We cannot lose that balance.  

‘To go to next season with basically the same squad that we had last season, when our direct competitors are investing a lot, is a big challenge. That’s something I understand and accept - it’s a compliment to us that the other teams are buying so much.

‘They will improve immediately with the new players, and for us there is only one way to improve, which is to work fantastically well and to improve what we have which is the same as last season.’

Sergio Ramos wants Manchester United move

United reportedly failed with a bid for the Spanish star and new Madrid captain last month, with the Red Devils hoping to use goalkeeper David de Gea, who wants a move to the Spanish giants, as leverage in the deal.

Any agreement for Ramos appeared to have fizzled out, but Lowe revealed that both players involved in the saga are still keen for their respective moves to materialise.

“David de Gea wants to go to Real Madrid and Sergio Ramos does want to move to Manchester United,” he said.

“That would imply that this should happen but we’ve got a long way to go still.

“United’s position with Ramos is relatively clear. If Real do not allow them to sign Ramos, they will not let De Gea go.”

De Gea has one year left on his contract at Old Trafford, and Lowe believes United are prioritising keeping the player more than any potential transfer fee recouped from selling to Madrid.

“The two deals at the moment are dependent. If he [De Gea] has to stay for a year and then go on a free next summer, so be it. But they have the ability to use De Gea as leverage to get Ramos.”

Lowe also revealed that new Barcelona signing and Liverpool target Arda Turan will be allowed to leave the club on loan this season, with the Turkish midfielder unable to play until January 2016 while the Catalans’ transfer ban still applies.

The European champions' new £24m man will be cup tied if he plays Champions League football during that period, so Barca coach Luis Enrique will only advocate a move if he joins a side outside Europe’s elite competition.

Lowe added: “They are looking at the possibility of him going out on loan. They don’t want to put themselves in a position where he couldn’t play Champions League football.”

Christian Benteke to undergoes medicals at Liverpool

Striker Christian Benteke is due to have a medical at Liverpool after they reached an agreement with Aston Villa over his £32.5m transfer.

The Reds' club doctor will now travel to the UK from the team's tour of Australia to complete Benteke's medical in the next 48 hours.

However, the 24-year-old Belgium international will not join up with his new team-mates on the tour.

Benteke joined Villa from Genk in 2012 for £7m, scoring 49 goals in 101 games.

Liverpool made a move for the striker after receiving funds from the£49m sale of Raheem Sterling to Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Benteke, who still has two years left on his Villa contract, scored 12 goals in 12 games last season to help Tim Sherwood's side avoid relegation from the top flight.

Juan Mata: I'm aware of Man Utd rebuilding programme

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has said he was told about the size of the club's rebuilding task before he joined in January 2014.

United have not won a trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement two years ago and a seventh-place finish in 2014 is their worst in the Premier League.

Ten players have joined since Mata's switch for a then club-record £37.1m  under Ferguson's successor David Moyes.

"They told me 'you are very important, you are one of the first'," Mata said.

The Old Trafford club completed the double signing of Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and France international Morgan Schneiderlin on 13 July.

Schneiderlin scored five minutes into his first United appearance with the only goal against Club America on the tour of the United States.

"I knew the club was going to have these kind of signings," Mata said.

The total amount spent on the 10 players is £228.1m, a figure which does not include the £6m loan fee for striker Radamel Falcao, who has since joined Chelsea.

Mata, who has scored 16 goals in 50 competitive games for United, added: "We know there is still a lot of work to do.

"It's not just about bringing good players in. It's about playing well and winning trophies."

Man Utd's 10 signings since Mata's arrival
Luke Shaw (from Southampton) £27m	Ander Herrera (from Athletic Bilbao) £29m
Daley Blind (from Ajax) £13.8m	Marcus Rojo (from Sporting Lisbon) £16m
Angel Di Maria (from Real Madrid) £59.7m	Victor Valdes (unattached) Free
Memphis Depay (from PSV Eindhoven) £31m	Matteo Darmian (from Torino) £12.7m
Morgan Schneiderlin (from Southampton) £25m	Bastian Schweinsteiger (from Bayern Munich) £14.4m

Mourinho admits the Blues have made an offer for John Stones

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted his club made a bid for John Stones but says any deal for the defender is in Everton's hands.

The Toffees are believed to have rejected a £20m offer for the 21-year-old, who has four England caps.

"We made a bid because we like the player,” Mourinho told Sky Sports News.

“We don't make bids for players we don't like, but I respect Everton. It's up to them – everything is in their hands.”

Any move would see Everton make a huge profit on a player they signed for £3m from Barnsley in 2013.

"I don't speak about [Stones] because he's not my player,” Mourinho added.

“We've made the bid and the bid is there. Everton have the power to accept or refuse the bid.

"This is a problem between John Stones and Everton.

"When the transfer window is open, every club and player is open to bids.

"Bids come for our players and we make bids for other players. The process can be so simple.

"I would advise Roberto Martinez to do the same thing I do. If I don't want to accept any offer, I say 'I don't accept any offer'. He can make it very, very easy.”

STONES URGED TO RESIST CHELSEA

Martinez expressed his frustration news of the bid had become public.

"There is the disappointment of a club making a statement to the press and making it openly,” the Spaniard said after his side’s 3-1 pre-season loss to Arsenal in Singapore.

"I don't think we'd do it and speak about a player. John Stones is an Everton player, full stop."

Stones said at a sponsor's event on Friday night: ''I am very happy at Everton."

Louis van Gaal: There could be a surprise striker signing

Louis van Gaal has declared himself with Manchester United’s attacking options but hinted he could make a ‘surprise’ striker signing this summer.

The Dutchman appears short on numbers in the forward department having allowed Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie to leave Old Trafford.

In United’s first pre-season outing, he played Memphis Depay, usually a winger, in the number 10 position just behind Wayne Rooney in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Van Gaal insists he has plenty of options, with Javier Hernandez set to be given the chance to rescue his United career, but he has suggested that another forward could be on his way.

“I am not worried about depth of forwards. We still have Rooney. He can play in the striker's position," Van Gaal said after the 1-0 win over Club America.

"We also have Chicharito (Javier Hernandez), (James) Wilson and maybe a surprise, you never know. It is a process. I am not worried about that position."

Hernandez appeared certain to follow Falcao and Van Persie out of the club after spending last season on loan at Real Madrid.

But Van Gaal has confirmed the Mexican will be part of his plans this term.

"Hernandez is coming on July 25," he added.

"He can prove himself and now Falcao and Van Persie are gone so his chances are better now."

Pele hospitalize after two of surgery

Brazil legend Pele has had treatment in hospital two months after having prostate surgery.

Local media reports say the 74-year-old was suffering from a trapped nerve and has had back surgery at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo.

Pele, a three-time World Cup winner, was treated for a urinary infection eight months ago after having kidney stones removed.

He should be released in the coming days, according to reports.

Mirtes Bogea, a press officer for the Albert Einstein hospital, said she was not allowed to say when Pele was re-admitted or why.

Pele, who was named Fifa's Player of the Century, scored a world record total of 1,281 goals in 1,363 games during his 21-year career, including 77 in 91 appearances for Brazil.

He has only one kidney, having had one removed towards the end of his playing career.

Pele played in 14 games at World Cup finals, scoring 12 goals, and was awarded the Fifa Golden Ball as the best player at the 1970 tournament

David De Gea staying unless Ramos joins from Madrid

Manchester United are prepared to lose more than £25m and let goalkeeper David De Gea leave for free next summer rather than give in to Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old will only be sold to the Spanish giants as part of a swap deal, with defender Sergio Ramos, 29, joining United.

The club see Real as acting "like bullies" and, with their own revenue soaring, are intent on "slugging it out" with Real for the best players.

De Gea is Real's main summer target.

The Spaniard has one year left on his contract and wants to return to his homeland.

But the Old Trafford club, irritated at the idea Real can cherry-pick their best players, struck first, making two bids for Ramos - the most recent for £28.6m - which have both been turned down.

And speaking on the Spanish club's pre-season tour in Australia, Real Madrid's new coach Rafael Benitez said Ramos, the only Real player United are interested in, was going nowhere.

Victor Valdes made only two appearances for United after joining from Barcelona

But while United and manager Louis van Gaal know there is no chance of persuading De Gea to remain at Old Trafford beyond 2016, they are adamant they will not part with their two-time player of the year other than on their terms.

The loss of a potential transfer fee is offset by the knowledge that De Gea can be the difference between winning trophies and not, while in turning down a contract offer from United believed to be around £180,000 a week, the keeper remains on the same £60,000 salary he agreed when he left Atletico Madrid in 2011.

There is also a wider issue. Since the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo for £80m in 2009, United have seen Real sign up a succession of big names, including, in the case of Gareth Bale - who signed from Spurs for a world record £85.3m - players they would like to have signed themselves. The club's hierarchy are eager to see this situation change.

Given Real's more cautious spending policy this summer, there is a belief at Old Trafford that the Spanish club's revenue is increasingly constrained.

The reason for that is a combination of the new method of negotiating TV deals in Spain - Real and domestic rivals Barcelona will no longer be free to negotiate their own contracts and will instead become part of a central pool - the fact most of their major sponsorship deals are already in place, and the fact they have agreed a series of expensive, long-term contracts with their star players.

Meanwhile, Van Gaal has revealed reserve goalkeeper Victor Valdesrefused to play for United's under-21 team and is to be sold.

But the 33-year-old could remain at the club for a while, given statements from his agent that Valdes does not want to leave and the fact that - given his strong Barcelona connection - it may be difficult for him to play for another club in Spain.

Manchester United sign Matteo Darmian from Torino

Manchester United have completed the signing of Italy international Matteo Darmian from Torino.
The 25-year-old travelled to England on Friday after a fee, believed to be in the region of £12.7million, was agreed.
Louis van Gaal had made it a priority to sign an experienced right-back this summer having used Antonio Valencia in that position for much of last season.
Torino announced the news on their website on Saturday evening: "Torino Football Club announces that it has sold to Manchester United, outright, the rights of the player Matteo Darmian.
"President Urbano Cairo would like to thank Matteo Darmian for the seriousness, commitment and professionalism demonstrated in these years. Torino FC wishes Matteo all the best for this amazing new experience."
Darmian becomes United's second signing of the summer, following the £25million arrival of Memphis Depay from PSV, while the Red Devils also have an agreement in place for the transfer of Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Raheem Sterling to miss Liverpool tour

Liverpool's Raheem Sterling has been withdrawn from the club's pre-season tour, with the Reds in talks over a transfer with Manchester City.

Sterling has asked to leave Anfield and was the subject of two bids from City in June, which were rejected.
The 20-year-old is under contract until 2017, but has turned down a new £100,000-a-week deal at Liverpool.
He had asked to be left out of the tour of Thailand, Australia and Malaysia but was named on a 30-man list on Saturday.
Several former Liverpool players have criticised Sterling since he told manager Brendan Rodgers and chief executive Ian Ayre he wanted to leave the club this summer.
Former captain Steven Gerrard said he is "disappointed" in the England international.
"You don't have to throw in illness, or refuse to go on tour," LA Galaxy midfielder Gerrard added. "The fans have shown him great support, they want him to stay and I believe that he should too."
However, it is understood the Reds decided to leave him out of the tour after the player reported for duty.
A recent study ranked Sterling as the most valuable young player in Europe, ahead of Paris St-Germain defender Marquinhos and Manchester United's recently acquired Dutch striker Memphis Depay.

Iker Casillas to join Porto from Real Madrid

Porto have agreed a deal to sign Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas from Real Madrid.

Casillas, 34, who had one year left on his contract, leaves Real after 25 years, during which time he won three Champions Leagues and five Liga titles.
He holds the record for Spanish caps (162) and has won two European Championships and the World Cup.
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea, 24, has been linked with a move to Madrid to replace Casillas.

Casillas' trophy haul
3 x Champions League (2000, 2002, 2014)	2 x Copa del Rey (2011, 2014)
5 x La Liga (2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2012)	1 x Club World Cup (2014)
1 x World Cup (2010)	2 x European Cup (2008, 2012)

Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Man Utd and Bayern Munich agree deal on Bastian Schweinsteiger

Manchester United have agreed to sign Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger from Bayern Munich, subject to a medical.

The 30-year-old is believed to have told Bayern he does not want to extend his contract, which runs to 2016.
Bayern's Chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge  said: "We have reached an agreement with Manchester United over a transfer."
Schweinsteiger has made 536 appearances for Bayern since his debut in 2002.
Rummenigge added: "It's regrettable because Bastian meant a great deal to the club.
"He achieved great things but he wants to do something new at the end of his career. He asked that we meet his wishes.
"We tried to convince him to stay with Bayern Munich. But I also understand that a player who has spent 17 years at Bayern Munich still wants to gain a new experience."

Bastian Schweinsteiger
Bayern Munich (2002 - 2015): 500 first team appearances, 67 goals	Germany (2004 - present): 111 games, 23 goals
Major club honours: Champions League (1), Bundesliga (8), DFB Pokal (7)	International honours: World Cup winner 2014, third place 2006, 2010

United identified Schweinsteiger earlier this summer as a high-profile player they were interested in, along with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.
A club statement said:  "Manchester United are delighted to announce they have reached an agreement with Bayern Munich to sign midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, subject to a medical and personal terms."
Schweinsteiger played under United boss Louis van Gaal while the Dutchman was in charge at Bayern between 2009 and 2011.
He helped his country win the 2014 World Cup and has one Champions League, eight Bundesliga titles and seven domestic cup triumphs to his name while at the German club.

Marco van Ginkel & Shay Given join Stoke on a season long loan

Stoke City have signed Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel on loan and veteran Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given, but have pulled out of a deal for Inter Milan's Xherdan Shaqiri.

The Potters are also confident of signing former Liverpool and England right-back Glen Johnson before the weekend.
Stoke had agreed a club record fee of £12m for Swiss winger Shaqiri.
But they withdrew the offer after he failed to respond to their deadline.
It is understood Stoke, who had given Shaqiri until Thursday lunchtime to commit, will continue looking for a major signing for the wing position.
Johnson, 30, a free agent, could still have a medical on Friday and join the side on their pre-season tour of Singapore.
Van Ginkel, 22, moves on a season-long loan deal after making just four appearances for Chelsea since joining them from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013.
"Marco will bring great energy to the side," said Stoke boss Mark Hughes.
Given, 39, has signed a two-year deal  to move on a free transfer and link up for a second time with Hughes, who he played under at Manchester City.
"Shay will not only be a great asset on the pitch as an outstanding goalkeeper but he's also a fantastic character to have in the dressing room and around the club," said Hughes.
"He's a true professional."
The Republic of Ireland international, who has 129 caps, is Stoke's fifth signing of the summer after defender Philipp Wollscheid, goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard and striker Joselu.
Given's signing comes amid speculation  Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is wanted by Premier League champions Chelsea.

Roger Federer ends Andy Murray hopes

Seven-time champion Roger Federer produced a brilliant performance to beat Britain's Andy Murray and reach his 10th Wimbledon final.

The Swiss, 33, served superbly to win 7-5 7-5 6-4 and goes on to face world number one Novak Djokovic in a repeat of last year's final.
Second seed Federer faced one break point, in the first game of the match.
Murray, seeded third, must now turn his attention to Britain's Davis Cup tie against France in London next week.
The Scot's hopes of landing a second Wimbledon title were undone by a breathtaking exhibition of serving in particular, with Federer dropping just 21 points on serve over two hours and seven minutes.
"He served fantastic, apart from the first game where I had the chance there," said Murray.
"I didn't really have any opportunities. That puts pressure on you. The pressure builds throughout the set that way.
"I obviously got broken right at the end all of the sets but didn't actually play a bad match. I played pretty well."
Federer will contest his 26th Grand Slam final on Sunday, when he will look to win an 18th major title and become the first man in history to win Wimbledon eight times.
The Swiss said: "It's been tough. Andy's been playing well this season. There's so much expectation riding on it, you just have to focus for one more game, and then one more game. You think the break will come.
"I expected four or five sets. I played so well on the biggest occasion today.
"My serve was good again, against one of the best returners. I kept the pressure up and was able to mix it up. It worked out well."

Analysis - Tim Henman, former British number one
"Federer played an incredible match. Sometimes you have to tip your cap in tennis. Roger is one of the best players that has ever lived and that's the best I have ever seen him play."

Murray, urged on by his family and support team in the stands, and with the likes of Bjorn Borg, Sir Alex Ferguson and Prince Andrew watching from the royal box, simply could not lay a glove on Federer.
An early break point was snuffed out by a Federer serve and Murray would not get another chance as the Swiss fired down 20 aces with a first-serve percentage that hovered around the 80% mark for much of the match.
Murray kept him at bay with some good serving of his own but after the Scot saved a set point with a forehand pass, Federer converted his second opportunity with a dipping backhand.

Analysis - Pat Cash, 1987 Wimbledon champion
"There really was nothing Andy could do. Everything went right for Federer and almost everything went right for Murray. The matches between champions are down to a few points and it'll be the same on Sunday."

The pressure increased further early in the second set as Murray's hopes already appeared to be on the line, and he was relieved to see Federer guide a backhand just wide on break point.
When the hour mark passed, Federer had missed just 10 of 50 first serves, and it was a testament to how well Murray was playing that he managed to stay with the Swiss as the second set developed.
There was no better example than the 10th game, a gripping contest within a contest that saw Murray fend off five break points in a passage of play that electrified the Centre Court crowd and lasted 14 minutes.
It seemed as though Murray had given his hopes a major boost but Federer swept through his next service game and then played a brilliant point to convert his sixth set point at the net in Murray's next service game.
There was no let-up in the third as Federer refused to offer a glimmer of hope and, with Murray serving to stay in the match, the Swiss played a fabulous backhand winner and a stinging return.
Facing match point, Murray could only send a forehand into the tram lines to end one of the most complete performances even Federer has produced on Centre Court.

Robin van Persie undergoes Fenerbahce medical

Robin van Persie has undergone a medical in London as he closes in on a switch to Fenerbahce.
The Turkish side confirmed on Thursday afternoon that they were in talks with Manchester United over signing the Dutchman.
And talkSPORT understands that a deal is almost complete, with Van Persie having medical tests on Thursday morning after United accepted an offer from the Super Lig side.
A few minor details are still to sorted, but the 31-year-old has agreed a four-year contract and Fenerbahce expect to wrap up the deal and formally announce his signature over the weekend.
Van Persie had initially been unsure about moving to Turkey but changed his mind after holding talks with the club and visiting Istanbul with his family.

West Ham close to signing Juventus defender Angelo Ogbonna

West Ham are close to completing the signing of Italy centre-back Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus.

The Hammers have agreed a deal with the multiple Italian champions, reportedly worth £10m. 
Ogbonna, who joined Juve from city rivals Torino in 2013, made 31 appearances for the club last season and was an unused substitute in the Champions League final.
The 27-year-old will become West Ham's fifth signing of the summer.
Pedro Obiang, Dmitri Payet, Darren Randolph and Stephen Hendrie are the other players to have joined new manager Slaven Bilic's squad.
Ogbonna has won 10 caps for Italy and was a member of the Euro 2012 squad, although he did not play.

Barcelona sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan for £24m

Barcelona have signed Turkey midfielder Arda Turan from Atletico Madrid for an initial fee of £24m.

The Spanish champions said the deal for the 28-year-old could reach £29m with potential add-ons.
Turan will not be able to play for the club until January as Barca are unable to register new players until 2016 under the terms of a Fifa ban.
He scored 22 goals and provided 32 assists in four seasons with Atletico after joining from Galatasaray in 2011.
Barca were banned from signing players in 2015 after being found guilty of breaching Fifa's rules on the transfer of players aged under 18.
The signing of Turan, who has played 81 times for Turkey, is also complicated by their ongoing presidential election campaign.
In the absence of a president, the Catalan club are being administered by a special commission, which had to approve the transfer.
The commission included an unusual clause which means whoever wins the July 18 election has an option to sell Turan back to Atletico within two days for 10% less than the initial £24m outlay.
Luis Enrique's side - who won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League last season - have also signed winger Aleix Vidal for £16m from Sevilla this summer.

Sepp Blatter says pressure behind Qatar & World Cup votes

French and German presidents applied political pressure prior to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup votes, according to Fifa president Sepp Blatter.

He alleges ex-French president Nicolas Sarkozy and his German counterpart Christian Wulff sought to influence voting before Qatar and Russia were chosen as respective hosts in 2010.
Blatter, 79, said: "That is the reason why we now have a World Cup in Qatar."
The voting process is now under investigation by the Swiss prosecutors.
He added: "Those who decided this should also take the responsibility."
Blatter announced on 2 June he would step down from the presidency at world football's governing body at an extraordinary congress to be held between December and March.

His decision followed an investigation into alleged corruption at Fifa which has seen 18 people indicted in the United States. Blatter said he has "nothing to fear" on a personal level.

Speaking to Germany's Welt am Sonntag  newspaper, Blatter said: "Before the World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar, there were two political interventions. Messrs Sarkozy and Wulff tried to influence their vote-makers.
Blatter also claimed that the German football association (DFB) "also received such a recommendation that Germany should vote for Qatar due to economic interests."
He added: "Just look at all the German companies. The Deutsche Bahn (German railways) Hochtief (construction) and many more already had projects in Qatar before the World Cup was awarded there.
"I act on the leadership principle. If a majority of the executive committee wants a World Cup in Qatar then I have to accept that."
Former DFB president Theo Zwanziger had previously written that Wulff had asked about Qatar's chances but he denied it had had any influence.
Blatter has also confirmed that he does not intend to stand for a sixth term in office at Fifa.

Lukas Podolski signs for Galatasaray

Striker Lukas Podolski has joined Galatasaray from Arsenal on a three-year deal.

The Germany international, 30, has signed for the Turkish champions for a reported fee of £2.8m.
Podolski moved to Arsenal from German side FC Koln in 2012 for a reported £11m and scored 31 goals in 82 appearances for the Gunners.
He helped Arsenal win the FA Cup in 2013 but spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter Milan.
His chances became limited as Gunners' manager Arsene Wenger added the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck to his forward options.
Wenger also has Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at his disposal.

Adam Matthews to Sunderland a done deal

Sunderland have signed Wales international Adam Matthews from Scottish champions Celtic for £2m on a four-year deal.

Full-back Matthews, 23, joins defender Sebastian Coates at the Stadium of Light to become Dick Advocaat's second signing since returning to Wearside.
The former Cardiff defender won four Premiership titles at Celtic Park, and has 12 caps for Wales.
"Adam is a welcome addition to our squad," Advocaat told the club website.
"We know that we need quality players to improve competition for places in the side."
Matthews made close to 150 appearances in his four years with Celtic, scoring five goals.

Novak Djokovic & Stan Wawrinka through to fourth round at Wimbledon

Wimbledon 2015
Venue: All England Club Dates: 29 June - 12 July
Play: Outside courts 11:30 BST; Centre Court and Court One 13:00 BST

Defending champion Novak Djokovic powered into the fourth round at Wimbledon and is yet to drop a set in this year's championship.

The top seed beat Australian Bernard Tomic 6-3 6-3 6-3 to set up a meeting with South African Kevin Anderson.
French Open champion Stan Wawrinka also went through but last year's semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov is out.
Canada's seventh seed Milos Raonic lost in four sets to 20-year-old Australian Nick Kyrgios.
Kyrgios beat Raonic, another 2014 semi-finalist, 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 and will play Richard Gasquet for a place in the quarter-final, after the Frenchman beat Bulgarian Dimitrov 6-3 6-4 6-4.
Wawrinka, the Swiss fourth seed, beat Spain's Fernando Verdasco 6-4 6-3 6-4 and faces Belgian 16th seed David Goffin next.

Signing an artificial leg

Djokovic has reached the second week of Wimbledon for the seventh year running by winning all nine sets he has contested.
As he left the court, he was inundated with requests for autographs - including one more unusual one.
"This gentleman gave me his artificial leg and I hope my signature will make him feel good," he said.
"It has been great so far. I was hoping I could play better and better as the tournament progresses and that is what is happening. As we are moving on, I feel more confident.
"My serve was very good today. I won a lot of free points and that takes away a lot of pressure. Maybe it looks like I haven't been tested but I have. I have played a couple of good players. It will get harder."

Perfection for Stan

Stan Wawrinka has won the Australian Open and the French Open during his career

Wawrinka made quick work of his third-round match against Verdasco, the world number 42.
The 30 year-old Swiss, who beat Djokovic in the French Open final at Roland Garros, was barely knocked out of his stride as he continued his quest for a first Wimbledon title.
"I have the results so far - three sets each match. That's why I'm saying it's perfect matches. In grand slams, you have to win and to win in three sets, it's great," said Wawrinka, a Wimbledon quarter-finalist in 2014.
"I'm playing better and better. I've been serving really well since the beginning of the tournament, being really aggressive. It was a really solid match, I'm really happy with it."

Gasquet too strong for Dimitrov

Grigor Dimitrov beat Andy Murray in the 2014 Wimbledon quarter-finals

Gasquet proved to be too strong for Dimitrov as he beat the 11th seed comprehensively.
The 29-year-old took less than two hours to defeat last year's semi-finalist, maintaining his perfect record against the Bulgarian.
The 21st seed was in top form on Centre Court and needed only a service break in the second game to close out the first set, with the second set following a similar pattern.

Raonic bows out

Raonic couldn't repeat last year's win over Kyrgios as he went down in four sets to the 26th seed.
"The feet led to everything else. The feet are, I'd say, the instigator," said Raonic, who underwent foot surgery in May, which kept him out of the French Open.
Raonic, 24, who had won both their previous matches, was struggling physically in the match that lasted for more than two hours.