SPORTS AND GAME, GOSSIPS AND TRANSFERS

SPAIN WATWAA KOMBE LA ULAYA

Spain won the European Under-21 Championship courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Switzerland in Denmark.

The Swiss went close when Xherdan Shaqiri's volley stung the palms of David de Gea, but Ander Herrera headed in Didac Vila's cross to make it 1-0.

Pajtim Kasami and Timm Klose both glanced headers narrowly wide as Spain clung on to their lead after the break.

But a sensational 40-yard free-kick from Thiago Alcantara nine minutes from time sealed it for the Spanish.

It was exactly what Luis Milla's team deserved - they were easily the tournament's outstanding side and they outplayed Switzerland for long spells in Aarhus on Saturday.

In Javi Martinez they had the game's most impressive player, and with Thiago and World Cup winner Juan Mata joining him in midfield it was at times like watching the Spanish senior side, such was their

Spain U21: De Gea, Montoya, Botia, Dominguez, Didac, Javi Martinez, Mata, Thiago, Ander (Diego Capel 90), Muniain (Parejo 85), Adrian (Jeffren 80).

Subs Not Used: Mino, Marino, Azpilicueta, San Jose, Bojan, Nsue, Jose Angel, Victor Ruiz, Ruben Perez.

Booked: Javi Martinez, De Gea.

Goals: Ander 41,Thiago 81.

Switzerland U21: Sommer, Koch, Klose, Rossini, Berardi, Shaqiri, Xhaka (Kasami 67), Lustenberger, Frei (Abrashi 53), Emeghara (Gavranovic 53), Mehmedi.

Subs Not Used: Fickentscher, Siegrist, Daprela, Costanzo, Ben Khalifa, Feltscher, Pavlovic, Hochstrasser.

Booked: Lustenberger, Berardi.

Att: 19,444.

Ref: Paolo Tagliavento (Italy).

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Gareth Bale will demand to leave Tottenham if the club sells Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, who is wanted by Chelsea.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

But Spurs are prepared to make Modric the highest-paid player in their history if he agrees to stay at White Hart Lane - the 25-year-old could earn as much as £90,000 a week.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Manchester City are set to bid £38m for Udinese's Chilean winger Alexis Sanchez in the hope that it will persuade him to sign for them instead of Barcelona.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

But Chelsea are also interested in him, with sources in Italy claiming new boss Andre Villas-Boas has already spoken to the player. (Full story News of the World, subscription required).

Aston Villa are plotting a £14m raid on Manchester City for their former midfielder James Milner.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Toulouse's Moussa Sissoko is in negotiations with Liverpool and Newcastle over a potential transfer, while Inter and Lyon are also interested.
Full story: Goal

Manchester United have joined Manchester City and Real Madrid in the £25m race for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani.
Full story: Caught Offside

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung is wanted by Italian giants Juventus.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Aston Villa's Stewart Downing, 26, must hand in a transfer request in order to secure an £18m switch to Liverpool.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Newcastle are attempting to hijack Darron Gibson's proposed £5m move from Manchester United to Sunderland.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Nottingham Forest boss Steve McClaren is set to make £2m Blackburn midfielder and out-of-contract former Reds winger Andy Reid his first signings at the City Ground.
Full story: Mail on Sunday

Bayern Munich are lining up a bid for Manchester United winger Nani, following the arrival of Ashley Young at Old Trafford. Full story: Mail on Sunday

Tottenham have still not given up hope of signing David Beckham when his Los Angeles Galaxy contract expires in November (Full story News of the World, subscription required).

Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, 37, could be on his way to newly promoted QPR after being released by Dubai club Al Ahli (Full story News of the World, subscription required).

Raul Meireles could be on his way out of Liverpool after just one season as he has not been offered the improved contract which he says he was told would be his in return for joining the club on reduced terms. (Full story Sunday Times, subscription required).

Scott Parker looks destined to leave West Ham because they cannot afford his wages. Full story: Mail on Sunday

OTHER GOSSIP

Arsenal are set to hand 19-year-old midfielder Jack Wilshere a new long-term contract.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Manchester City face the prospect of a £30m wage bill next season for the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Craig Bellamy, Roque Santa Cruz, Wayne Bridge, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jo and Nedum Onuoha - who they do not want but cannot get rid of.
Full story: Sunday Mirror

Belarus have secured the fourth and final European spot in the 2012 Olympic football tournament, joining hosts Great Britain, Spain and Switzerland. (Sunday Telegraph)

 

AND FINALLY

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has cut back on catering and security guards and even told people to use black and white photocopiers rather than colour ones in a bid to reduce the club's expenditure. Full story: Observer