Green consortium rejects offer from former manager

A consortium led by former manager Walter Smith has pulled out of a bid to buy Rangers from Charles Green after an offer was rejected.

Green completed his purchase of the troubled SPL giants last week and subsequently confirmed he was open to investment from a consortium backed by Smith.
However, Smith has released a statement to say that a £6million offer to the Green consortium has been turned down and confirmed his group has now pulled out of attempts to own the newco club in order to allow the new owners to proceed in their own way.
A statement from Smith read: "I would like to clarify the background to the offer of £6million for the assets of the club which I announced on Thursday, June 14 2012.
"The offer was made to the administrators before the Charles Green consortium had concluded their transaction to acquire the assets at £5.5m from the administrators.

Giroud deal edging closer

Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud after meeting his release clause.

A deal worth around €12million (£9.7m) is in the offing as that is the fee which triggers Giroud's release from his contract.
Now the 25-year-old, who scored 25 goals last season, looks set to complete the move once he has finished his duties with France at Euro 2012.
The two clubs are now finalising the deal and the French club have confirmed things are progressing.
"Discussions are happening and going well, as part of the (release) clause
set. Things are moving serenely," Montpellier's deputy president Laurent

Cabaye shrugs off Red Devils talk

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye says he is aware of speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United but is focused on the Magpies.

The Frenchman has enjoyed an impressive debut season at St James Park after joining from boyhood club Lille last summer, helping the Toon to a fifth-placed Premier League finish.
His exploits on Tyneside have reportedly drawn admiring glances from Newcastle's top-flight rivals.

Cahill out of Euro 2012

Kelly called into squad, Terry given all-clear

England defender Gary Cahill has been ruled out of Euro 2012 with a double fracture of his jaw with Liverpool's Martin Kelly called up.

Cahill suffered the injury during England's 1-0 win over Belgium on Saturday after he was pushed into goalkeeper Joe Hart by Dries Mertens in the early stages of the game at Wembley.
The Chelsea defender underwent a scan after the game before undergoing a second scan on Sunday morning which has confirmed Roy Hodgson's worst fears.
Cahill joins Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry and John Ruddy in being forced out of Hodgson's plans because of injury.
As a result of Cahill's injury, Hodgson has called up Liverpool stopper Kelly into his squad with the versatile defender making his debut just last weekend against Norway.

Huge interest in Norwich post

Norwich have been 'inundated with applications' for their managerial vacancy following Paul Lambert's departure for Aston Villa.

The Canaries boss brought an end to his near three-year stay at Carrow Road with his appointment at Villa Park confirmed earlier on Saturday.
Norwich have denied reports that a compensation package for the Scot's services has been agreed and insist they are still in discussions with their Premier League rivals.
But they are now focused on the search for Lambert's successor and claim to have already received a flood of interest in the vacancy.

"The search for the next Norwich City manager is already actively under way and the club has been inundated with applications for and interest in the job of leading this great club forward"
Norwich statement Quotes of the week

The Canaries also paid a glowing tribute to their former boss, who lead them from League One to the Premier League on the back of successive promotions and then retained their top-flight status against the odds.

paul lambert

Paul Lambert joins Aston villa as their new manager more to follow

Extra substitutes return for Football League clubs

The Football League have confirmed that they will bring back seven substitutes from next season.

The League are currently holding their summer conference where a number of issues are being discussed.
Last year the 72 clubs voted to reduce the number of players in match-day squads in the Football League, but many managers were unhappy at the change.
Now, following proposals from Birmingham City and Derby County, a vote has been taken which was in favour of bringing the ruling back.

They will be more to come as soon as we know,