JEFF POWELL: Manny Pacquiao's hitherto seamless transition from world championship prize-fighting to political leadership of the Philippines is suddenly not so gilded.

Maria Sharapova's admission that she failed a drugs test left the tennis world in shock on Monday. Here's how the sport's stars reacted to the 28-year-old's big news on social media.

Arsene Wenger angrily snapped back at the critics who believe he should be out of a job. Arsenal's recent slump has seen Wenger's role questioned by some fans.

I was at St James' Park this weekend and it was a horror show. The 3-1 scoreline flattered Newcastle and the baffling selection of Riviere set the tone for a catastrophic afternoon.

MATT LAWTON: Meldonium, the drug for which Maria Sharapova tested positive at the Australian Open, has been regarded for some time within athletics as a concern. 

CHARLES SALE: Roger Mosey, former BBC director of sport, has added his influential voice to those aghast at Radio 5 Live being a prime target in the next round of BBC cost-cutting.

CHRIS FOY: James Haskell has called for an end to the 'circus' of slow-motion replays being shown on the big screen at Twickenham. The Wasps flanker has been sin-binned twice campaign.

JONATHAN MCEVOY: Life after Bernie Ecclestone will be under discussion when Formula One's owners meet for their regular board meeting on Tuesday.

Wayne Rooney is back in light training at Manchester United this week as he targets a return to full fitness by the end of the month. The England captain was injured three weeks ago.

Tottenham are prepared to commit £24million to finally land Saido Berahino this summer. The West Bromwich Albion striker remains a principle target for Spurs despite two previous rejected bids.

CRAIG HOPE - EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle United chiefs have held a secret board meeting without doomed head coach Steve McClaren and it is now expected he will be sacked.

Alan Pardew is facing an FA charge for comments he made about the officials after Crystal Palace's defeat by Liverpool. The Eagles boss was furious after ref Andre Marriner awarded a late penalty.

Ryan Wade has been banned from playing for Welsh side Airbus UK Broughton pending an investigation, after comments he allegedly made about the victim of Adam Johnson, pictured.

Jose Aldo has called Conor McGregor's punching-power into question despite being knocked out by the Irishman after just 13 seconds in their December title fight.

Indian Police confirmed on Monday that a man has been charged with murdering his friend after a heated argument over whether Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo is the world's best footballer.

Liverpool are keen on Barcelona teenager Sergio Gomez. The 16-year-old left winger impressed during the recent Al Dhafra International tournament in Abu Dhabi last month

Raheem Sterling admits he is nowhere near his goal target but is happy for intense pressure to be heaped upon him. The winger scored his 11th of the season in City's routing of Aston Villa.

Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata felt his sending off during Sunday's defeat by West Brom was harsh but conceded he could have avoided the dismissal.

Real Madrid defender Pepe has hailed Zinedine Zidane's impact at the club and believes the boss will go on to become 'one of the best coaches in the world'.

Roma boss Luciano Spalletti has told his players the pressure is off ahead of the Champions League last-16 clash with Real Madrid.

Leicester City are stepping up their interest in Midtjylland forward Pione Sisto. The 21-year-old scored twice against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League

Swansea City manager Francesco Guidolin has been discharged from hospital after missing his team's last two matches because of a chest infection.

John Terry is set to miss Chelsea's crunch Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain. Manager Guus Hiddink had hoped the centre-back would recover from the hamstring injury.

The Brazilian international was sent off in his side's 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in January after a nasty tackle on the Argentinian wizard. 'Messi is the protege of the press and the league,' he said.

Wolfgang Niersbach admitted the last few months have been the worst of his life amid allegations he had known about a payment made in the run-up to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

PETER SCUDAMORE: Do not underestimate the scale of what Victoria Pendleton has achieved so far in her riding challenge after it was confirmed she would ride at Cheltenham.

PETER SCUDAMORE: Alan Hill, husband of trainer Lawney Hill, has been tutoring Victoria Pendleton since her switch to racing. He says... nearest thing to her story is Jamie Vardy.

The former White Rose captain is one of four candidates standing for election to the board at Headingley, but is alone among them in being labelled 'Not recommended by board'.

Aviva Premiership rugby will be screened live in the United States after NBC signed a three-year deal to broadcast games from English rugby's top flight.

When Manchester United supporters look back on Louis van Gaal's time in England the overriding emotion will be one of frustration despite some laudable achievements under his belt.

Italy are holding out hope that hooker Leonardo Ghiraldini can beat his shoulder problem in time to face Ireland in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash in Dublin.