Karim Benzema is haunted by his gangland past as sex scandal and blackmail court case keep

ADAM CRAFTON: The Karim Benzema story is a remarkable tale of sleaze and scandal. In a scarcely credible plot line, Benzema (far left) is alleged to have been involved in a plot to blackmail France international team-mate Mathieu Valbuena (far right, top) over a sex tape. The story begins in the summer of 2014, when a video of Valbuena having sex made its way into the hands of one of the player's own entourage...

Ryan Giggs set for Manchester United exit after rejecting club's offer of new role under

MIKE KEEGAN: Ryan Giggs looks set to end his 29 -year association with Manchester United by turning down a new role under Jose Mourinho. The 42 -year-old Reds legend was assistant manager to the sacked Louis van Gaal. However, the club are understood to have offered the Welsh international a lesser role under new boss Mourinho, and Giggs is now set to make the emotional decision to cut ties and seek a managerial position elsewhere. The Special One is expected to appoint his long-standing assistant Rui Faria as his No 2.

CHARLES SALE: Jose Mourinho remarkably spent time on his first day as Manchester United manager trying to influence who becomes the next boss of Port Vale.

The Portuguese succeeded Louis van Gaal at the end of the season and is expected to make widespread changes to an underperforming squad - with an reported £200million war chest.

Jose Mourinho has pulled out of his first appearance at Old Trafford since becoming Manchester United manager after deciding not to take charge of an England team at Soccer Aid.

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 07:  Wes Morgan and Manager/Head Coach of Leicester City Claudio Ranieri lift the Premier League Trophy as Leicester City celebrate becoming Premier League Champions for the 2015/16 Season at the end of the Barclays Premier League match between Leicester City and Everton at The King Power Stadium on May 7, 2016 in Leicester, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

NICK HARRIS: The astonishing figures are revealed in Deloitte's annual review of football finance, and salaries are set to soar further when the Premier League's new TV deals begin.

SCOTLAND 2
GERMANY 3

Germany's midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (R) celebrates after scoring their third goal as Scotland's midfielder Scott Brown reacts behind during the Euro 2016 qualifying group D football match between Scotland and Germany at Hampden Park in Glasgow on September 7, 2015. AFP PHOTO / IAN MACNICOLIan MacNicol/AFP/Getty Images

Gundogan is currently out of action following surgery for a dislocated kneecap that will rule him out of Euro 2016 and the start of next season, but that has not deterred Guardiola from going ahead.

MATT LAWTON: Some plans go up in smoke. Others, as Roy Hodgson discovered, go sunbathing on private yachts. Cristiano Ronaldo has pulled out of the friendly against England.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho hangs out with film director and friend Guy Ritchie

Jose Mourinho just landed arguably the biggest role in football, but the new Manchester United boss looked like he was auditioning for something a little different in this picture with film director friend Guy Ritchie. The Portuguese boss took to his newly opened Instagram account to share the snap of the two illustrious leaders, both accustomed to dealing with big characters.

Terry Venables calls Euro 96 'the best time of my life' as Teddy Sheringham claims England

The former Three Lions boss and striker were speaking on BBC documentary 'Euro 96: When football came home', presented by ex-striker Alan Shearer on Wednesday night. The programme looked back at England's run to the final four, and the heartbreak of their dramatic shoot-out defeat by their bitter rivals at Wembley, with contributions from members of the squad.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Action Press/REX/Shutterstock (4216285n)
Roberto Di Matteo (Schalke)
Bundesliga football match - FC Schalke v Hertha BSC Berli, Gelsenkirchen, Germany - 18 Oct 2014

EXCLUSIVE BY NICK HARRIS: The 46-year-old Italian won the Champions League as Chelsea boss in 2012 but hasn't worked in management since resigning as the manager of Schalke.

Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez believes he would 'probably have been the star' at former clubs Manchester United and Real Madrid if he was given the chance.

Rooney was quizzed on the subject at a press conference ahead of England's clash with Portugal and he was quick to say how eagerly he is anticipating life under the former Chelsea chief.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is valued as the world's most expensive player at £163m, pipping club team-mate Neymar to top spot. England's Harry Kane is fifth in the list.

Louis van Gaal's successor, who is currently back in Portugal, has a long list of targets to chase during his first summer in charge at Old Trafford.

Portugal 'not a one-man team' insists boss Fernando Santos as players prepare for England

Portugal travel to Wembley on Thursday night desperate to prove they can survive without captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Real Madrid star Ronaldo has been given extra time off after complaining of being 'very tired' from a club season that took in 4,295 minutes of play, concluding with last Saturday's Champions League final. Manager Fernando Santos will give Europe's No 1 star until the weekend to join up with the squad and in the meantime he wants his players to prove they can cover if Ronaldo goes missing.

Roy Hodgson bemoans Cristiano Ronaldo's absence for England's friendly with Portugal as

Hodgson hand-picked the Portuguese as opposition knowing Ronaldo would provide his players with a realistic imitation of what it might be like to face Wales superstar Bale in England's second game on June 16.

Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo in action during the UEFA EURO 2016 FRANCE, Qualifying Group I: Portugal vs Denmark at AXA Stadium in Portugal on October 8, 2015. (Photo by Paulo Oliveira / DPI / NurPhoto) (Photo by NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Chain-smoking Portugal boss Fernando Santos has a hard-earned reputation as one of football's arch-realists but he makes no attempt to disguise his intentions of winning Euro 2016.

The Brazil legend was called up to his national team when he was only 16-years-old and won his first World Cup a year later in 1958. Rashford was called up to Roy Hodgson's Euro squad.

WATFORD, ENGLAND - JUNE 01:  Wayne Rooney of England speaks during an England press conference at The Grove Hotel on June 1, 2016 in Watford, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA via Getty Images)

Hours after manager Roy Hodgson named his 23-man squad for Euro 2016 on Tuesday, the players were summoned to a team meeting, which also included psychologist Dr Steve Peters.

Aaron Ramsey hopes to catch the eye for Wales at Euro 2016... but wants his football to do

LAURIE WHITWELL: For Wales, Ramsey often flies just underneath the radar because of Gareth Bale's huge stature and Chris Coleman will be content if that remains the case in France, so convinced is the manager of his player's ability to hurt opponents who underestimate.

Spain 6-1 South Korea: Holders run riot in penultimate friendly as Premier League stars

SPAIN 6-1 SOUTH KOREA: David Silva scored the perfect free-kick as Spain thrashed South Korea 6-1 in their penultimate warm-up game before they defend their Euro crown. The Man City midfielder's spectacular set-piece took the paint off both the post and the crossbar of the goal as it flew into the top corner on the half hour.

Czech Republic's Tomas Necid (L), Czech Republic's Ladislav Krejci (C) and Czech Republic's Theodor Gebre Selassie celebrate their team's second goal during the international friendly football match of Russia vs Czech Republic on June 1, 2016 in Innsbruck, Austria, ahead of the Euro 2016 European football championship. / AFP PHOTO / Philipp GUELLANDPHILIPP GUELLAND/AFP/Getty Images

RUSSIA 1-2 CZECH REPUBLIC: Roy Hodgson's side face the Russians in Marseille on June 6, with Leonid Slutski's men due to face Serbia in their final friendly before the tournament.

Finland's Kasper Hamalainen, right, celebrates with teammates after he scored against Belgium during a friendly soccer match at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Wednesday June 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

BELGIUM 1-1 FINLAND: A dominant display by Marc Wilmots' side was nearly all for nought, with Kasper Hamalainen scoring the first goal of the game in the 53rd minute.

POLAND 1-2 HOLLAND: Poland will play Lithuania on Monday in the final warm-up game before heading to the tournament where they share Group C with Germany, Northern Ireland and Ukraine.

Republic of Ireland assistant coach Roy Keane during a press conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Cork. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 1, 2016. See PA story SOCCER Republic. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only, No commercial use without prior permission, please contact PA Images for further information: Tel: +44 (0) 115 8447447.

Keane, once sent home from a World Cup, said a number of those who were eventually included in the 23-man party for Euro 2016 should 'count their blessings' they received a plane ticket.

Republic of Ireland goalkeepers Keiren Westwood (right) and Darren Randolph during a press conference at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Cork. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 1, 2016. See PA story SOCCER Republic. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only, No commercial use without prior permission, please contact PA Images for further information: Tel: +44 (0) 115 8447447.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper was included in Martin O'Neill's 23-man squad for the Euro 2016 finals despite not having played for the Republic of Ireland since June last year.

(FILES) This file photo taken on June 06, 2013 shows French national football team's head coach Didier Deschamps (L) speaking next to forward Karim Benzema (C) during a training session at the Gremio Stadium in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
France's top scorer Karim Benzema on June 1, 2016 accused coach Didier Deschamps of bowing to pressure from a "racist" political party by not choosing him for the country's Euro 2016 squad.
 / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFEFRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

Karim Benzema has accused Didier Deschamps of giving in to pressure from racists when the France coach decided not to include him in the squad for the European Championship.

NORWAY 3-2 ICELAND: Iceland looked nothing like the side that powered their way to the finals of a major tournament for the first time as they slumped to a 3-2 defeat by Norway on Wednesday.

Amir Khan looking for stunning Olympic return and wants to represent Pakistan in Rio this

RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Amir Khan has opened the door to a stunning return to the Olympics after amateur boxing's governing body yesterday made the controversial call to allow professionals to fight in Rio this summer. The twist is that Bolton-born Khan, a silver medallist for Britain in Athens in 2004, followed the announcement from the International Boxing Association (AIBA) by revealing he wants to fight for Pakistan, the country of his parents' birth. Pakistan boxing officials are now investigating to see if Khan is eligible after the former light-welterweight world champion said: 'It's a decision which I welcome. It will help boxers. If I am permitted as per the rules and from my promoter then I would love to compete for Pakistan. I will be very happy if I can compete in the Olympics.'

Bring it on, says Jason Day as Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy head for showdown

It's hard to think how the narrative for a regular PGA Tour event could be any more enticing than the one that has unfolded at the start of the Memorial Tournament in Ohio. Let's see: a tourney hosted by the greatest golfer of all time taking place on a fabulous golf course in Muirfield Village and featuring the world's top three players, all of whom just happened to have won the last time they played. That good enough for you?

Doctor Wu sounds like a villain in a James Bond movie and it is a pity there is no real-life 007 around to stop him blowing amateur boxing to smithereens in his bid to take over the world.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 01: David Richardson, ICC Chief Executive speaks to the media during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 Launch at The Kia Oval on June 1, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

The International Cricket Council know they must act if the long game is to survive when even domestic Twenty20 tournaments are rivalling international cricket.

Britain Rugby Union - England v Wales - Old Mutual Wealth Cup - Twickenham Stadium, London, England - 29/5/16
 England head coach Eddie Jones before the match
 Action Images via Reuters / Henry Browne
 Livepic
 EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Referees have been ordered to punish players for diving as part of a World Rugby move to outlaw football-style injury simulation. The rule has been tried out in southern hemisphere.

Andy Murray bullish about his chances of winning French Open after setting up semi-final

MIKE DICKSON IN PARIS: Unusual history has already been made at Roland Garros, which has been disrupted by the wettest May to have hit the French capital in 143 years. If Andy Murray has his way over the next few days there will be another, happier landmark - becoming the first British player to win the French Open since Fred Perry in 1935. He put himself two matches away from that scenario after eventually bullying his way past Richard Gasquet in their quarter-final, 5-7, 7-6, 6-0, 6-2. The match took three hours and 23 minutes and was broadly a metaphor for his tournament as a whole - a tricky start followed by a smoother progression.

Novak Djokovic refuses to let weather rain on his French Open parade by borrowing Fabrice

Novak Djokovic made light of the rain at the French Open on Wednesday, borrowing the fisherman's hat of his on-court interviewer, former French player Fabrice Santoro. Following his weather-affected victory, the world No 1 said: 'He (Santoro) was obviously well prepared . . . we just had a little joke about it. It's good to bring a little bit of positive energy in these grey days.' Djokovic is bidding to become only the eighth player in history to complete a career Grand Slam by winning for the first time at Roland Garros.

Serena Williams made up for lost time by racing into the quarter-finals of the French Open with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over 18th seed Elina Svitolina.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic clenches his fist as he plays Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut during their fourth round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium, Wednesday, June 1, 2016 in Paris.  (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

MIKE DICKSON IN PARIS: Novak Djokovic was in ominously phlegmatic mood for a man whose dreams of a first French Open title are being conspired against by the elements.

Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka celebrates after winning his men's quarter-final match against Spain's Albert Ramos-Vinolas at the Roland Garros 2016 French Tennis Open in Paris on June 1, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Thomas SAMSONTHOMAS SAMSON/AFP/Getty Images

Defending champion Stan Wawrinka held off a late charge by Albert Ramos Vinolas to storm into the French Open semi-finals with a 6-2 6-1 7-6 (9-7) victory on Wednesday.

Bing

If the football's on, it's on

  • Premier League
  • Premier League
  • Championship
  • League One
  • League Two
  • Scottish Premiership
  • Scottish Div 1
  • Scottish Div 2
  • Scottish Div 3
  • Ligue 1
  • Serie A
  • La Liga
  • Bundesliga

Poll

Should Manchester United sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic?

Should Manchester United sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic?

  • Yes 12087 votes
  • No 7290 votes

Now share your opinion

  •  
  •  
   

MORE STARS OF SPORT

Euro 2016 stadiums: Check out the venues in France

The squads are finalised, the planes are booked and the tickets have been sold. Euro 2016 gets underway in a matter of days and the excitement is rising. France hosts its first major international tournament since the 1998 World Cup and Sportsmail has provided a detailed guide to the 10 host cities and stadiums providing a platform for the drama across the next month. Stade de Bordeaux (42,000) - Bordeaux

David Alaba scores stunning own goal for Austria against Malta

With close to a million Twitter followers and an active presence on Snapchat, Bayern Munich star David Alaba is a hit on social media. But he's being re-tweeted for all the wrong reasons after scoring an astonishing own goal during Austria's 2-1 defeat of Malta in Klagenfurt.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he is 'too good' to return to Sweden as Manchester United chase

Reports in Sweden had linked Ibrahimovic with a move back to his first club Malmo, but he rejected that out of hand. He also dismissed the notion of retirement.

File photo dated 29-03-2016 of England's Daniel Sturridge. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 31, 2016. Injury problems meant he slipped off England's radar for the best part of 18 months but while he may not possess the sharpest all-round game he is an instinctive goalscorer. A calf strain had raised questions about his place, but Hodgson has plumped for the oft-injured striker. See PA story SOCCER England Pen Pics. Photo credit should read Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

They may have not topped the 2015-16 Premier League standings but Liverpool lead the way from England's top-flight going into this European Championship.

Diego Costa from Spain reacts during the Group C Euro 2016 qualifying match between Slovakia and Spain in Zilina, Slovakia. 
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque left strikers Diego Costa and Fernando Torres off his preliminary list for the European Championship on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Del Bosque said he left Diego Costa off because of uncertainty with his fitness following a series of injuries, and that Torres didn't make it even though he was among the players considered for the tournament.
(AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)

Sportsmail looks at the incredible back-up side Spain have sent on holiday, a group that could almost compete for the European Championship on its own.

28th May 2016 - UEFA Champions League Final - Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid - Saul Niguez of Atletico - Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

The 21-year-old Atletico Madrid midfielder, who appeared in the Champions League final against Real on Saturday, has been left out of the 23-man squad along with Isco.

England's midfielder Dele Alli controls the ball during the friendly football match between England and Turkey at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on May 22, 2016. / AFP / PAUL ELLIS / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE         (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

This summer's European Championship is likely to unearth another global superstar. Here, Sportsmail looks at 10 promising players under the age of 21 who might be about to shine.

FILE PHOTO: The Wales Euro 2016 squad has been announced
Wales manager Chris Coleman before kick off ... Soccer - UEFA Euro 2016 - Qualifying - Group B - Wales v Andorra - Cardiff City Stadium ... 13-10-2015 ... Cardiff ... United Kingdom ... Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/EMPICS Sport. Unique Reference No. 24438543 ...

Wales' last win came in their final qualifying game against Andorra in October and since that victory, Coleman's team have lost to Holland and Ukraine, and drawn with Northern Ireland.

France's midfielder Paul Pogba reacts to a missed shot during the friendly football match between France and Cameroon, at the Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes, western France, on May 30, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFEFRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

Pogba admitted there will be a burden of expectation on Les Bleus to perform in front of a partisan home crowd but he is adamant France have the quality and strength of character to deal with it.

Mezut Ozil and his Germany team-mates presented with new Adidas football boots by

When it comes to being innovative, Adidas have always been sky high above the rest and the sportswear giants took that meaning quite literally as they unveiled their brand new football boots. German internationals Thomas Müller, Mats Hummels, Manuel Neuer, Mesut Özil and Bastian Schweinsteiger all watched in amazement, as skydivers fell from a helicopter to present the players with their new foot wear as part of Adidas' brand new Mercury Pack Launch. The all-new adidas X 16+ Pure Chaos and the 16+ Pure Control boots have been released to coincide with Euro 2016, and has been a tradition of the Herzogenaurach based corporation ever since Euro 1996, in which a new design emerges to be showcased at both the World Cup and European championships - both Adidas sponsored. 

Hotel: Auberge du Jeu de Paume Chantilly, Relais & Châteaux
Training ground: Stade des Bourgognes

France is hosting Euro 2016 this summer where stars such as Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be hoping to get their hands on the coveted trophy.

Germany's midfielder Lukas Podolski looks on during a press conference on June 1, 2016 in Ascona, on the sideline of the team's preparation for the upcoming Euro 2016 European football championships. / AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZPATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images

Lukas Podolski must have heard enough about how he didn't have anything to contribute to Germany's Euro 2016 campaign. The Galatasaray striker insisted he had a lot left to contribute in France.

SUNDERLAND, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 10: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United is surrounded by Sunderland players during the U18 Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester United at The Academy of Light on October 10, 2015 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)

Marcus Rashford has capped a whirlwind debut season by gatecrashing England's Euro 2016 party as Roy Hodgson went for broke on Tuesday with one of the boldest squads in recent memory.

UEFA Euros 2016 App, Android Free.

Managers across Europe are revealing the squads they hope will snatch glory in France this summer. Here Sportsmail lists every player in every squad, at the tournament.

Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and the other footballers with dogs

They say there is no loyalty left in the modern game, but that hasn't taken into account the relationships shared between some of the world's greatest players and their pet dogs. Superstars from Lionel Messi to Harry Kane having been finding comfort in their canine companions and haven't been afraid to flaunt their pedigree chums with heart warming pictures plastered all over social media. Here, Sportsmail looks at footballers and the love they have for their four-legged friends...

Lionel Messi's £3.2m tax fraud trial begins in Barcelona

Barcelona's five-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi went on trial on Tuesday along with his father on accusations of defrauding the Spanish state of millions of euros. Messi and his father Jorge Horacio Messi, who have both denied the allegations, were due to appear in the Barcelona court on Thursday, according to a judicial document.

Harry Kane celebrates Premier League Golden Boot with customised iPhone cover marking his

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane pipped Leicester City's Jamie Vardy to the Premier League Golden Boot last season with a remarkable 25-goal tally. And as a pre-Euro 2016 treat, the 22-year-old has picked up a customised gold iPhone cover, with the markings: 'KANE - GOLDEN BOOT 2015/2016 - 25 GOALS.'

Alexandre Lacazette of Lyon celebrates his second goal during the French Ligue 1 match between Olympique Lyonnais (OL) and AS Saint-Etienne (ASSE) at Stade de Gerland on November 8, 2015 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Tottenham have opened talks over a £25million swoop for Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette. Mauricio Pochettino has targeted the Frenchman as one of the men he wants to bolster his striking options.

Alan Stubbs unveiled as ew manager of Rotherham Utd

News broke on Tuesday night that Stubbs had agreed to turn his back on Hibs, but the announcement was delayed after negotiations over compensation dragged on.

BASTIEN Samuel of Rsc Anderlecht in action during the UEFA Youth League Quarter Finals match between RSC Anderlecht and FC Porto in Anderlecht, Belgium. (Photo by William Van Hecke/Corbis via Getty Images)

Samuel Bastien has been on loan at Avellino in Serie B in Italy who had an option to make his deal permanent but now believe Liverpool are in pole position.

File Photo: Rafa Benitez believed to be signing a three year contract with Newcastle United
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez ... Leicester City v Newcastle United - Barclays Premier League - King Power Stadium ... 14-03-2016 ... Newcastle ... United Kingdom ... Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/EMPICS Sport. Unique Reference No. 25826187 ...

Fabio Pecchia has been named boss of the Italian side, who finished bottom of Serie A last season, having served alongside Benitez at Napoli, Real Madrid and, latterly, St James' Park.

Daley Blind could be culled as part of Jose Mourinho's Manchester United revolution and according to reports in Spain, Barcelona could be offering him a route out of Old Trafford.

In this Sunday, May 29, 2016 photo, Portugal's Raphael Guerreiro runs with the ball during a friendly soccer match between Portugal and Norway at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal. (AP Photo/Paulo Duarte)

German weekly Sport Bild claims Guerreiro and Dortmund agreed to a contract for next season. But competing clubs still have a chance - Lorient have yet to accept Dortmund's bid.

Pele to auction off 2,000 items of his football memorabilia, including replica Jules Rimet

MATT BARLOW: Pele is auctioning a treasure trove of memorabilia from his personal collection, ranging from his three World Cup winner's medals to a commemorative silver bowl from the board of Plymouth Argyle. The star item is a replica of the Jules Rimet trophy presented to the Brazilian legend after his third World Cup triumph, in Mexico in 1970, which is expected to fetch up to £420,000. Pele, the only player to win the World Cup three times, is selling items collected during this six decades in the game to raise money for charity as well as to allow 'fans and collectors to own a piece of my history'. 

Theo Walcott puts Euro 2016 snub behind him as Arsenal star begins fitness regime

He won't be going to Euro 2016 with England, and now Arsenal star Theo Walcott is already focusing on the start of the new season with the Gunners.

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths crowned Ladbrokes Premiership Player of the Season to

Leigh Griffiths has completed a clean sweep of personal awards after being named Ladbrokes Premiership player of the year. The Celtic frontman became the first Parkhead striker to net 40 goals in a campaign since Henrik Larsson when he topped the scoring charts.

Xia Jiantong, the chairman of Recon Group, who has agreed to buy English soccer club Aston Villa, gestures as he walks back to his office after talking to reporters in Beijing, China May 19, 2016. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

CHARLES SALE, SPORTS AGENDA: All the signs point to the Premier League and Football League turning down Aston Villa's £60million takeover by Dr Tony Xia's Chinese consortium.

David Alaba of Bayern Muenchen celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between FC Bayern Muenchen and Arsenal FC at the Allianz Arena on November 4, 2015 in Munich, Germany.  

MUNICH, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 04:  
(Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images)

AS claim Real will need to pay around £62m for the Bayern Munich defender, who is currently preparing for Euro 2016 with Austria, after their initial approach was rebuffed.

Former Burnley boss Owen Coyle has emerged as a shock contender for the managerial vacancy at Blackburn Rovers. The 49-year-old left his job at Houston Dynamo last week.

epa05333907 Belgian Romelu Lukaku (R) scores the 1:1 past Swiss defender Philippe Senderos during an international friendly test match between the national soccer teams Switzerland and Belgium, at the stade de Geneve stadium, in Geneva, Switzerland, 28 May 2016. Switzerland and Belgium are preparing for UEFA Euro 2016 soccer championships taking place from 10 June to 10 July 2016 in France.  EPA/SALVATORE DI NOLFI

Everton's Romelu Lukaku has described himself as one of the most gifted strikers in world football after scoring 25 goals in all competitions for his Premier League club last season.

Blackburn Rovers Manager Gary Bowyer applauds fans after the match.

Football - Liverpool v Blackburn Rovers - FA Cup Quarter Final - Anfield - 8/3/15.

 Reuters / Phil Noble
 Livepic
 EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.  Please contact your account representative for further details.

The former Blackburn boss arrives at Bloomfield Road on a one-year rolling contract as the Tangerines look to bounce back following relegation from Sky Bet League One last season.

Porto have appointed former goalkeeper Nuno Espirito Santo as their new manager following the sacking of Jose Peseiro. The 42-year-old won four Primeira Liga titles during his time at the club.

Arsenal ace Alexis Sanchez and Chile team-mates busting a gut for Copa America

The Arsenal and Chile star is currently on international duty preparing for the Copa America Centario and is clearly doing it properly. The trio are clearly tensing hard, showing off their defined abs following a strength and conditioning session. With the players looking like Adonis their coach, Rolando Carlen, sneaking into the left of shot, closer resembles a dumpling.

Colombia legend Carlos Valderrama leads a host of greats in celebrating the Copa America's

Carlos Valderrama, Alexi Lalas, Jorge Campos and Mario Kempes have come together to celebrate what promises to be a truly special Copa America this summer.

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha will miss Brazil's Copa America tilt after suffering an injury set-back. The 23-year-old has been replaced by Paris Saint Germain's Lucas Moura.

Here's Sportsmail's selection of 10 stars to keep an eye out for in the United States this summer... your club's scouts might well be doing the same.

Chilean players celebrate after winning the 2015 Copa America football championship final against Argentina, in Santiago, Chile, on July 4, 2015. Chile won 4-1 (0-0).   


AFP PHOTO / NELSON ALMEIDA        (Photo credit should read NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP/Getty Images)

This summer's Copa America gets underway on June 4 with hosts USA facing Colombia in the tournament opener. Here Sportsmail answers the key questions surrounding the tournament.

Anthony Joshua shows off punching power ahead of title defence against Dominic Breazeale

Anthony Joshua's power inside the ring can't be questioned and worryingly for his next opponent the IBF world heavyweight is looking to develop that further. Joshua fights American Dominic Breazeale at the O2 Arena on June 25 in the first defence of his newly-acquired belt. And ahead of that London bout, Joshua sent a warning sign to his rival via social media.

Ricky Hatton feasts on mammoth 'Benidorm breakfast' as British boxing legend enjoys family

He's made no secret about his love of food and he has lived up to his reputation by feasting on a giant 'Benidorm breakfast'. The 37-year-old British boxing legend is enjoying a family holiday with his son in eastern Spain.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland in action during his practice round as a preview for the Cadillac Championship held on the Blue Monster Course at Trump National Doral in Doral, Florida, USA on March 4, 2015.  

DORAL, FL - MARCH 04:  
(Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

Donald Trump got a shock after his Doral course in Miami not only lost the right to host a WGC event each March but lost it to a venue in, of all places, Mexico City.

Ben Stokes of England is mobbed by teammates after catching out AB de Villiers of South Africa during the 1st Momentum ODI match between South Africa and England at Mangaung Oval on February 3, 2016 in Bloemfontein, South Africa.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The tournament's opening tie will be between England and Bangladesh. England's loss to the Tigers in March 2015 sealed a World Cup exit and prompted a one-day overhaul.

tonybellew grab.JPG

New cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has continued his war of words with David Haye and told him to 'man up' and meet him in the ring. He won the world title on Sunday.

'He's still available for selection and you can't say he won't play,' said ODI captain Morgan of Anderson's chances of returning to what is an increasingly separate England one-day side.

Chris Gayle sits in the players pavilion looking dejected with a towel wrapped around him after he was bowled out by Tymal Mills of Sussex during the Natwest T20 Blast match between Sussex Sharks and Somerset played at The 1st Central County Ground, Hove on 1st June 2016

Chris Gayle's Somerset return was spoiled by Sussex in a one-sided NatWest T20 Blast contest at Hove on Wednesday night. The West Indies ace was out for five as Sussex lost by 48 runs.

Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland poses with the winner's trophy near the Eiffel tower after winning the men's final of the French Open tennis championships at Roland Garros, Paris, France, 08 June 2015.  EPA/ETIENNE LAURENT
epa04789253

Keep track of all the latest results from the men's and women's singles from the French Open. Stick with Sportsmail for the best coverage from Roland Garros.

CHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 05:  Ryan Moore riding US Army Ranger on their way to winning The MBNA Chester Vase at Chester racecourse on May 5, 2016 in Chester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Sportsmail racing expert Robin Goodfellow gives his hottest selections ahead of Thursday's meetings at Kempton, Lingfield, Ripon, Hamilton and Ffos Las.

CHICHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 20: Jim Crowley riding Algometer (C) win The EBF Stallions Cocked Hat Stakes from Prize Money (L) at Goodwood racecourse on May 20, 2016 in Chichester, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Newmarket trainer David Simcock has confirmed Algometer will run in Saturday's Investec Derby after owner-breeder Kirsten Rausing gave the green light for her colt to start.

ST ALBANS, ENGLAND - MAY 20: Arsenal new signing Granit Xhaka at London Colney on May 20, 2016 in St Albans, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

With Premier League clubs up and down the country hoping to strengthen their squad and offload dead wood, Sportsmail has every summer move covered with this handy guide.

HyperFocal: 0

Keep track of all the latest new Premier League strips released throughout the summer as Sportsmail brings you all the kits as they released and provides an overall rating too.

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United and Vincent Kompany of Manchester City talk as they leave the pitch at half time during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 25, 2015 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

As domestic campaigns across Europe prepare to get rolling again with tours and local fixtures across the globe. Here are all the Premier League pre-season fixtures and results.

On the road with Eddie Hearn: Sportsmail goes behind the scenes with boxing's Mr Big as

RIATH AL-SAMARRAI: Eddie Hearn is the spinner of many plates, a man in the middle of an old industry built on blood and cash, and this Liverpool show is his second world-title production in an extraordinary weekend, having watched Ricky Burns make history as a three-weight champion in Glasgow a night earlier.

Marcus Rashford was a bold selection in England's final 23. Here Sportsmail columnists JAMIE REDKNAPP, JAMIE CARRAGHER and MARTIN KEOWN share their views on the squad...

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/Sipa/REX/Shutterstock (5696605bh)
Cristiano Ronaldo (R) celebrating the victory with the trophy during the Champions League Final Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, ITALY - 28/05/2016
Photo Matteo Ciambelli / Sipa Press
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid, UEFA Champions League Final, Football, San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy - 28 May 2016

ROB DRAPER'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE COLUMN: Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine in the final but stepped up to take the winning penalty and win his third European Cup.

Training for the Olympic Games is going great off the back of a successful European Championships last month, it was important to make an impact there.