MATT LAWTON INTERVIEW - CHIEF SPORTS REPORTER IN VALENCIA: After a distinguished playing career at United and Everton and that difficult season as a coach at Old Trafford, Phil Neville sees Valencia as the final part of his education before taking what he now regards as a natural step into management. 'This feels like my last year at university,' he says. 'The final bit of learning and experience I need. Now I am reaching the point where I would like to be a No 1. 'My passion is coaching and I see myself more as a head coach with a more continental approach, in charge of football, running the training programme, the players.
Neymar reveals he held 'conversations' with Manchester United in the summer but insists no offers were made to him
Barcelona superstar Neymar has revealed he held talks with Manchester United over a move to the Premier League this summer. The Brazil captain is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world, and was an integral part of Barcelona's treble-winning side last season. But, according to the man himself, he could have been plying his trade at Old Trafford this season.
Football's rich list... and this is just the agents! Forbes reveals staggering rundown of the money men behind the biggest stars
Business analysts Forbes have published their most recent findings on the world's richest football agents, with those responsible for brokering deals for the biggest names unsurprisingly near the top of the list. Premier League clubs spent over £1billion on transfers in 2015, shattering the equivalent figures recorded by the other major European leagues. With the role of the agent becoming more and more prominent, Sportsmail looks at the seven most powerful middle men currently doing business in the game.
Clinical All Blacks prove they've got plenty in reserve but Namibia show how far they have come with memorable try
NEW ZEALAND 58-14 NAMIBIA - MIKE DICKSON AT THE OLYMPIC STADIUM: New Zealand defeated Namibia 58-14 in the Pool C encounter of the Rugby World Cup at the Olympic Stadium on Thursday. The All Blacks were at their best in the first half, with tries scored by Victor Vito, Nehe Milner-Skudder (2), Malakai Fekitoa and Beauden Barrett. Julian Savea (2), Ben Smith and Codie Taylor also crossed the line in the second half, either side of a try for minnows Namibia by Johan Deysel.
ENGLAND VS WALES COUNTDOWN...
Judge me on this match: Lancaster admits his fate hinges on England beating Wales
CHRIS FOY: Stuart Lancaster has admitted that his entire England regime will be defined by selections and results over the next two matches - starting with Saturday's showdown against Wales at Twickenham. The head coach knows it has reached make-or-break time in his tenure, as he prepares for World Cup encounters with the Welsh and Australia in the space of seven days.
Deadly Dan means Wales CAN cope without Halfpenny
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: It's fascinating how the absence of one 'star' performer plays out for both his team and the opposition... as we are about to find out on Saturday night, when Leigh Halfpenny will be missing for Wales. In my experience these things are never quite as bad as they seem. And sometimes they actually work in your favour.
McClaren can't beat the language barrier as Newcastle squad struggles to band together
NEIL ASHTON: When Jonny Wilkinson's mentor Steve Black was employed as a motivational speaker at Newcastle United, he told the players to sit back and visualise the moment they score in the famous black and white shirts. What followed will go some way to explaining why the 33,986 hardy souls who turned up at St James' Park to watch their Capital One Cup shaming against Sheffield Wednesday feel so disenfranchised.
Forest denied play-off place by late equaliser from Huddersfield's Huws
HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 1-1 NOTTINGHAM FOREST - JOE BERNSTEIN AT THE JOHN SMITH'S STADIUM: Nottingham Forest were prevented from climbing into the top five of the Championship by a spectacular late equaliser from Huddersfield's Emyr Huws. Cape Verde international Ryan Mendes had scored his first goal in English football midway through the first half to put the visitors in control.
Balotelli meets Baggio and Italian legend has some words of advice for AC Milan badboy
Roberto Baggio said he wanted to meet up with Mario Balotelli earlier this week to 'explain football' to him and the Italian footballing legend got his wish judging from this Instagram photo. Baggio think Balotelli is one of the world's best strikers but said he gives off an inaccurate image of himself.
Life is a canvas for Inverness and Wales goalkeeper Fon Williams, whose original oil paintings are to be exhibited in a top gallery
When a goalkeeper makes an exhibition of himself, it usually spells trouble for his team. Not in the case of Owain Fon Williams. Where your average footballer might spend his free time golfing, playing snooker or on Playstation, the Inverness Caledonian Thistle No 1 prefers to pick up the palette and paints. So talented is he, in fact, that a collection of his original oil paintings is to be showcased at a three-month gallery exhibition in his native Wales next summer.
Look who's back... bad boy Ranger posts video of him running up sand dunes in Blackpool training gear despite having no future
Oft-troubled striker Nile Ranger still has no future at Blackpool, despite being videoed training in the club's kit this week. The 24-year-old uploaded two posts to his Instagram account on Tuesday which showed him in Seasiders training attire while running up sand dunes as he was watched by a coach.
NEW BOY I: Manchester United starlet Pereira relishes a challenge... and stunning free-kick shows he's got nerves of steel
MIKE KEEGAN: As he relaxed on his summer holidays Andreas Pereira may well have felt like the last cab in a taxi rank queue that grew almost every day. The teenage Manchester United winger/attacking midfielder went into the break with a new contract and the club's Under 21s Player of the Year award under his arms. While he lay on the beach and reflected on a season that could have hardly gone better, his thoughts may have turned to making the big breakthrough at Old Trafford over the coming months.
NEW BOY II: Chelsea youngster Kenedy proves his worth with latest impresive display... £6.7m fee for Brazilian already looks a bargain
When talk first emerged of little-known Brazilian youngster Kenedy being lined up by Chelsea earlier this year, it was easy to draw conclusions of a typical 'loan-for-profit' deal that the Stamford Bridge club have been prolific users of in the Financial Fair Play era. The Blues list 32 players on their books being borrowed by other clubs, many of whom have little to no prospect of ever reaching the first team at Stamford Bridge, including three Brazilians. Priced at £6.7million, 19-year-old Kenedy looked like being another.
THE PICK OF MAILONLINE'S SPORTS WRITING
Usain Bolt, FIFA corruption and UFC star Rousey... contenders revealed for the 2015 William Hill Sports Book of the Year award
The longlist for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2015 has been revealed with Donald McRae aiming to land his third success in the competition. McCrae won in 1996 for 'Dark Trade' and in 2002 for 'In Black & White' and is looking to win a hat-trick of the most prestigious award of its type with his latest boxing blockbuster, 'A Man's World: The Double Life of Emile Griffith'. In 'A Man's World' McCrae explores Griffith's long career, the homophobia he faced and his struggle to come to terms with the death of an opponent following their last, terrible fight.
Courtois gives the thumbs up as Chelsea crock shares rehab picture after knee surgery
Chelsea No 1 Thibaut Courtois has shared an update of his recovery following surgery on a knee injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for 10 weeks. The Belgium international tore his meniscus while training ahead of the Premier League champion's loss to Everton at Goodison Park on September 12 and subsequently underwent surgery in Spain.
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STARS OF SPORT
- MailOnline Fantasy Football is back... and you can pick Euro stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to boost your Premier League side
- Chelsea crock Courtois gives double thumbs up after knee surgery as keeper's rehabilitation begins Courtois will be sidelined for about 10 weeks
- Ireland's World Cup squad try the Spinball ride out on day out at Alton Towers Conor Murray and Co hit the amusement park in preparation for Romania
- England stars launch historic Fifa 16 that includes women's teams for the first time Manchester City skipper Steph Haughton says it's 'surreal' to play as herself
- Which Aston Villa player gets roasted by his captain for sporting a black hood and cape in the dressing room? Micah Richards says: 'I can't help you anymore'
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Ranger in Blackpool gear as troubled striker posts video training on sand dunes but still has no future with Seasiders The 24-year-old posted two Instagram videos to show his fitness regime
- Farrell celebrates 24th birthday at Pennyhill Park after recall to England starting XV Saracens' No 10 forms part of a muscular new midfield to take on Wales
- Spurs say sorry to Wayne Gretzky after spelling ice hockey great's name incorrectly Tottenham left red-faced by error on shirt presented to him
- Life is a canvas for Inverness keeper Fon Williams whose original oil paintings are set for top gallery exhibition Welsh No 1 will have his works of art showcased next summer
- All Blacks going underground! Carter and Co take the Tube Dan Carter hopped on the Tube with his fellow New Zealanders in bid to beat London traffic
- Robshaw used rugby to let off steam as a child after death of his father, says England captain's mother Emotional revelations ahead of World Cup clash with Wales
- Fury dresses as BATMAN for press conference with Klitschko... and he even entered to superhero's theme tune! Centre of attention
- Button swaps a Formula One car for a scooter... so has the British driver found a new career if he is to retire from the circuit? Rode Honda's Uni-Cub
- 'You're a girl. If you beat me, I'll give you $100,000'... David 'Tank' Abbott challenges UFC champion Rousey Astonishing chauvinistic rant
- It's a family affair: Why the Welsh will always love England brothers Mako and Billy Vunipola Brothers moved to Pontypool from Tonga in 2000
- Do England still have what it takes to win the Rugby World Cup? These days it's all about winning breakdowns and power behind kicks SPONSORED
- Alves' girlfriend Joana Sanz wins L'Oreal Paris Best Model Award Barca star Dani Alves' girlfriend has added to their impressive family trophy cabinet
- Martial among lucky few to get his hands on FIFA 16 three days before official release Manchester United star Anthony Martial looked delighted to own a copy
- Hamilton poses with his 'new whip'... a £165,000 Mercedes Maybach as he prepares for Japanese Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton showed off his new set of wheels
- Tevez visits Ham in hospital as Boca star apologises for leg break Ham thanked Tevez after the former Manchester City striker visited him in hospital on Monday
- Clyne crowned FIFA 16 champion! Liverpool star Nathaniel Clyne won the coveted FIFA 16 Celebrity Cup after defeating midfielder Jason Puncheon
- Rooney and Mata 'make dreams come true' as they pose with children on charity day Man United stars put a smile on the faces of young children
- Close shave for Barcelona star Neymar! Brazil superstar Neymar gave the thumbs up as he attended a Gillette event inside Barcelona's famous Nou Camp
- Liverpool players check in for training as pressure mounts on manager Rodgers Liverpool's season is on the slide, and the players seem to know it
- A star is born: Martial gave his man-of-the-match award to his baby daughter! Manchester United's £58m teen star shared his prize with young 'un
- Solheim Cup shame as Pettersen's outrageous decision not to concede putt leaves players in TEARS But USA celebrated an unlikely victory in the end
- Messi misses ANOTHER penalty (and can't hide his anger) Lionel Messi missed a penalty but still got on the scoresheet in Barcelona victory
- Murray storms to straight sets victory over Tomic as Great Britain reach first Davis Cup final since 1978 Great Britain will play Belgium in the final
- Banzai! 80-1 underdogs Japan set Rugby World Cup alight MATT LAWTON: South Africa got their World Cup campaign off to a disappointing start
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Ronaldo walks out with son of a Syrian refugee
The son of the Syrian refugee tripped by a Hungarian journalist accompanied Cristiano Ronaldo onto the pitch
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It's a thumbs up from Shaw as defender flies back to Manchester
Luke Shaw is back in England as he continues recovery after breaking leg against PSV
- 'When did you get fined for not showing up for training?' Andros Townsend shared an hilarious gaffe made by girlfriend Hazel O'Sullivan on Twitter
- As he returns to Southampton, how did Morgan Schneiderlin learn English? The Manchester United man watched Only Fools and Horses
- Fournette sets Twitter alight and announces Heisman credentials Leonard Fournette announced himself as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy
- Martial collared by star-struck traffic warden in Manchester Manchester United striker Anthony Martial had returned to popular restaurant Wings
- Pacquiao attends 'Philippine Festa' as guest of honour Manny Pacquiao attended the annual 'Philippine Festa' in Japanese capital Tokyo
- Joker Walker sits in on press conference Kyle Walker took a back seat during a Korean press conference to celebrate Son Hueng-min's first goals
- Neymar poses with Star Wars actor John Boyega Barcelona superstar takes on British actor and Jedi warrior in celebrity poker match
- Rivaldo shows off gruesome scar as former Barcelona star goes under the knife Brazilian legend thanks fans for support after knee surgery
- Haskell bares all as England World Cup star poses naked ahead He is willing to lay his body on the line for the next six weeks and James Haskell isn't shy
- Everything you wanted to know about England Who runs the fastest 100m? And who likes to belt out Celine Dion? WILL KELLEHER guides you through the XV
- De Bruyne thanks fans for 'warm welcome' The £52m man was the centre of attention at a meet and greet and praised the City faithful after Manchester move
- Man City's new green third kit unveiled by Nike... and it was inspired by the historic 1999-00 play-off comeback against Gillingham at Wembley
- Ranieri promises to take his Leicester City players out for pizza if they keep their first clean sheet of season Leicester are riding high in the Premier League
- Robshaw is dating a singer, while Carter is wed to an ex-hockey star... meet the WAGs ahead of the World Cup Rugby World Cup takes over for next six weeks
- Hulk feels the effects of Champions League win with FOUR ice packs strapped to his legs Hulk powered through 90 minutes to help Zenit St Petersburg win
- Florenzi has Puskas Award in his pocket Forget Lionel Messi and Neymar. Alessandro Florenzi will steal the headlines with a magical long-range screamer
- France coach picks up Croydon parking ticket as things go from bad to worse for Les Bleus The bus pulled up in a south London bus stop on Wednesday night
- Joshua revving up for glory as British boxing's rising star treats himself to 'new toy'... a lime green dirt-bike Anthony Joshua is raising the (handle)bar
- Dawson sparks outrage in New Zealand by mocking haka with 'hakarena' dance Heightened tensions between World Cup hosts and favourites
- Forest release trailer for new film 'I Believe in Miracles', celebrating Clough's success The movie premieres at Nottingham Forest's City Ground on October 11
- Twitter mocks Ramos for dive during easy win over Shakhtar Real Madrid ran riot, but Sergio Ramos' ludicrous dive caught the eye of internet wags also
- Neymar looking to put his rivals in the shade(s) Brazil and Barcelona attacker agrees a big-money deal to be the face of Police Eyewear for third successive year
- The Great Britannia Bake-off: Bojan is cream of the crop as he wins Stoke cake-making competition Star forward is a man of hidden talents
- Rousey thrills Aussie UFC crowd ahead of her 'biggest challenge' against boxing world champion Holly Holm Vocal crowd was cheering her on
- Rooney uses injury time out to see Amir Khan's gym Paid a visit to Liverpool boxing's famous Smith brothers - Callum, Liam and Stephen
- Is that the way to World Cup glory? England put final preparations in place ahead of big opener Huge test ahead, but the players looked relaxed
- Neymar and Barcelona touch down in Italy for Euro opener with Roma Neymar and his Barcelona team-mates touched down in Italy for their game with Roma
- Berahino puts transfer saga behind him as wantaway star poses for West Brom portrait Berahino tried to force a move away from West Brom this summer
- Bellew stars in new film 'Creed' with Stallone back as Rocky Balboa Tony Bellew is to make his Hollywood debut alongside Sylvester Stallone in this new film
- Passing on knowledge: Henry takes charge of Arsenal U19s training Arsenal legend Thierry Henry led a training session alongside youth coach Ryan Garry
- US Open champion Djokovic admits to being inspired by blockbuster movie 300 Novak Djokovic summoned some cinematic inspiration
- New boy Martial heads for popular spot Wings with wife Samantha £58m new boy Anthony Martial has continued to settle into Manchester life with a trip to Wings
- West Ham 'Boys of 86' prove to be lucky charms as they attend win over Newcastle The 'Boys of 86' watched Slaven Bilic's side ease to a 2-0 home victory
- Murray takes on Celtic in a game of crossbar challenge... but how did the tennis star get on? Andy Murray and his team-mates swapped tennis for football
- What's on the menu, Gareth? Bale enjoys lunch with girlfriend Gareth Bale was spotted leaving a restaurant after lunch with girlfriend Emma Rhys-Jones
LATEST MATCH REPORTS
- Tottenham 1-2 Arsenal: Mathieu Flamini at the double as Gunners get better of London rivals to reach Capital One Cup fourth round
- Liverpool 1-1 Carlisle (3-2 on pens): Adam Bogdan spares hosts' blushes as they sneak into the Capital One Cup fourth round
- Newcastle 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Lewis McGugan fires Owls through in Capital One Cup as Toon Army turns on Steve McClaren's men
- Manchester United 3-0 Ipswich: Wayne Rooney and teenagers Andreas Pereira and Anthony Martial see Red Devils through
- Crystal Palace 4-1 Charlton: Dwight Gayle scores hat-trick as Alou Diarra is sent of for Charlton in south London derby
- Walsall 1-4 Chelsea: Ramires, Loic Remy, Kenedy and Pedro strikes secure Blues' Capital One Cup fourth round spot
- MK Dons 0-6 Southampton: Jay Rodriguez, Sadio Mane and Shane Long all score twice as Saints cruise into fourth round
- Norwich 3-0 West Brom: Matt Jarvis and Kyle Lafferty both score for hosts as Canaries soar into the Capital One Cup fourth round
- Celta Vigo 4-1 Barcelona: Iago Aspas at the double as Celta thrash Lionel Messi and co to end Barcelona's 100 per cent record
- Athletic Bilbao 1-2 Real Madrid: Karim Benzema double sends Rafa Benitez's side top of La Liga after Barcelona slip up
- Leicester 2-1 West Ham (AET): Andy King fires Foxes into Capital One Cup fourth round after Joe Dodoo's early strike is cancelled out by Mauro Zarate
- Preston 2-2 Bournemouth (2-3 on pens): Adam Federici makes all the right moves in penalty shootout to edge Cherries through in Capital One Cup
- Reading 1-2 Everton: Gerard Deulofeu and Ross Barkley help Toffees come from behind for Capital One Cup victory
- Aston Villa 1-0 Birmingham: Rudy Gestede's bullet header secures second city derby win for Tim Sherwood's side in Capital One Cup
RUGBY WORLD CUP
Farrell and Burgess ready for match of their lives as England ring the changes for Wales showdown... and Ford faces up to axe
England have decided to opt for the route one approach against Wales, with the muscular trio of Owen Farrell (left), Sam Burgess (right) and Brad Barritt selected to start together at Twickenham. Partly by accident and partly by design, the subtle heart of the hosts' attacking game has been ripped away. Jonathan Joseph has been removed from contention by injury, but George Ford (centre) - another electrifying Bath back - has been dropped.
Ireland squad enjoy day out at Alton Towers as Murray says he ready to play in every match
Conor Murray has prepared himself to play a role in all of Ireland's World Cup matches, with just two specialist scrum-halves in Joe Schmidt's squad. British and Irish Lions no 9 Murray may take a seat on the bench for Sunday's Wembley clash with Romania, with Eoin Reddan likely to step up to keep both men fresh. The whole Irish side took time away from their World Cup preparations to enjoy a day out at Alton Towers on Thursday.
Pocock and Kepu lay down Australia marker with fine opening win over Fiji
NIK SIMON AT THE MILLENNIUM STADIUM: The Group of Death is still waiting for someone to tear up the script but Australia could live to regret missing out on a bonus point in their opening-round victory over Fiji. Two tries from David Pocock and a third from Sekope Kepu kept the Wallabies hot on the tails of England and Wales, although their charge ran out of steam in the final 20 minutes.
LATEST FOOTBALL NEWS
Spurs face rebuilding job worth thousands after Arsenal fans damage White Hart Lane
Tottenham were urgently repairing White Hart Lane on Thursday following the crowd trouble that marred Wednesday's north London derby after Arsenal supporters' ugly rampage. The repair bill is likely to run into thousands of pounds after away supporters ripped off hoardings, destroyed seats and caused other damage throughout the stadium.
Manchester City's women side try out FIFA 16 and control themselves in 'surreal' gaming experience
For the first time in the history of EA Sports award winning Fifa title gamers can play with women's teams on the football game. Manchester City's England contingent, including captain Steph Houghton, tried out the game as it was launched at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
Liverpool legend Dalglish sells 1984 European Cup medal for £165,000 in aide of wife's breast cancer charity
On Friday night Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish sold his 1984 European Cup winners medal for £165,000 at a charity auction in aid of his wife Marina's breast cancer appeal. The appeal has raised millions of pounds for those battling cancer on Merseyside since it was formed in 2005 after Marina was treated for breast cancer.
Goal charts dominated by the unlikely hotshots... including one striker who started the season at 300-1 to finish in top spot
The new Barclays Premier League season may only be a few weeks old, but while Manchester City are a familiar name at the top of the table, the goalscoring charts look a little different to the norm. While the usual suspects of Sergio Aguero, Diego Costa and Wayne Rooney fail to fire, forwards from the likes of Leicester City, Bournemouth, Watford, Swansea City and Southampton are dominating the early goal rankings. Few would have predicted the names of Riyad Mahrez and Callum Wilson to be topping the table, even at this early stage, with both of the pair valued at 250/1 and 66/1 respectively to finish the campaign as top goalscorer when the season started.
FIFA 16 review: PS4 and Xbox One release date arrives and EA Sports have delivered a classic
MATT LAWLESS REVIEW: This year's eagerly-anticipated offering from EA Sports - available to buy now - received over 500,000 pre-orders in the UK alone. Whatever way you look at it numbers are absolutely astounding.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
KAPOW! Fury wears Batman costume and KOs the Joker as he ups psychological battle with his heavyweight rival Klitschko
Tyson Fury ensured he was the centre of attention at Wednesday's press conference with Wladimir Klitschko after arriving the Hilton Hotel in Syon Park, London, dressed as Batman. The heavyweight challenger took on the role of The Caped Crusader and even entered the room to the superhero's theme tune as those in attendance watched on in surprise. Fury, who faces Klitschko for his WBA, WBO and IBF titles in Dusseldorf on October 24, brought a smile to the face of the giant Ukrainian before taking his seat.
Vettel keeps Hamilton on his championship toes ahead of Japanese Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton considers Sebastian Vettel to be a serious threat to his championship bid, but has hailed Ferrari's resurgence as 'great' for Formula One. Hamilton remains the odds-on favourite to secure consecutive titles despite Vettel's victory in Singapore last Sunday. With six races to go, the Ferrari driver is now 49 points adrift of Hamilton, who retired for the first time this season after a loss of power at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Grosjean forced to talk in the rain after cash-strapped Lotus are LOCKED OUT at Japanese Grand Prix
Lotus driver Romain Grosjean was forced to conduct his Japanese Grand Prix media briefings in the rain after his red-faced team were locked out of their hospitality tent on Thursday. The British-based constructor face an uncertain future amid mounting money problems which came to a head here in Suzuka.
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JAPANESE GRAND PRIX MEMORIES: Senna and Prost collide twice and Hill lands world title... look back at best the moments
Despite the days of the Japanese Grand Prix being a title decider looking a distant memory, Suzuka still holds appeal as we look back at our favourite moments and pictures from the circuit inclduing the famous collisions of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost as well Damon Hill's highly popular title win in 1996.