Klinsmann named USA coach

Former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann has been named the new head coach of the United States.

The announcement comes a day after Bob Bradley was sacked following five years in charge.

Klinsmann had a distinguished playing career, highlighted by winning the World Cup in 1990 and European championship in 1996 with Germany, but has had only fleeting spells in management, first with Germany and later Bayern Munich.

He has also lived primarily in the United States since retiring from playing, and has frequently been linked with the national team job and vacancies in Major League Soccer.

Bruce turns attention to Gardner

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce was on Wednesday night working to tie up a move for midfielder Craig Gardner after landing teenage striker Connor Wickham.

The Black Cats quickly put their delight at seeing off the competition to snatch the 18-year-old Ipswich frontman in an £8million swoop on Wednesday to one side to concentrate on a man they hope will be one of his team-mates next season.

Birmingham's Gardner was also on Wearside for talks with Bruce keen to tie him up as quickly as possible as he closed in on a fifth summer signing following in the wake of Ahmed Elmohamady, Wickham and Bosman free transfers Keiren Westwood and Sebastian Larsson, who will formally complete their moves on Friday.

Champions start at West Brom

Manchester United will start their defence of their Barclays Premier League title with a trip to West Brom.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men are at The Hawthorns on August 13, with their next two games at Old Trafford against Tottenham and Arsenal. The champions round off the campaign on May 13 with a match at Sunderland.

Jol is the new Fulham boss

The former Tottenham boss, 55, replaces Mark Hughes who resigned last Thursday after one season at the helm. Jol has agreed an initial two-year deal at Craven Cottage with the option of a further 12 months. He said: "I am very happy to join Fulham Football Club, a wonderful traditional club.

"It is a club with good, solid foundations and a great fan base.

Star Blues won't leave on cheap

Chairman Peter Pannu insists Birmingham will not sell any of their leading players on the cheap following relegation from the Premier League.

Blues are facing a £25million downturn in revenue for next season after their two-year spell in the top flight came to an end on Sunday following a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.

Van der Vaart happy to stay at Spurs

Rafael Van der Vaart insists he has no intention of leaving Tottenham this summer, despite the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Spurs reached the Champions League quarter-finals where they eventually fell to Real Madrid, and looked to be on course to secure fourth place again this year, but recent results have seen them slip behind Manchester City.

Foster happy to stay at Birmingham

Goalkeeper Ben Foster has hinted he wants to remain at Birmingham after capping his first season by being voted player of the year by his team-mates and supporters.

The Carling Cup winners could be relegated from the Barclays Premier League this weekend if they are overhauled by either Wigan or Blackpool in the final round of matches. Foster has enjoyed an outstanding campaign and scooped the double award at City's awards ceremony at the NIA last night.

When asked if he would be prepared to play in the npower Championship, Foster said: "I want to stay at Birmingham City. I've loved this season. 

Manchester City seal Campions League place

Manchester City stuttered to a 1-0 victory over Tottenham to finally secure the Champions League football they have made so publicly their desire, at Eastlands next season.

In what proved to be an excellent conservation of energy ahead of this weekend’s FA cup final against Stoke, City managed victory against Spurs despite never climbing out of second gear, in a match which saw the visitors dominate large parts of the game.

Man City v Tottenham preview

FA Cup final-bound Manchester City will be aiming to wrap up fourth place on Tuesday and prolong Tottenham's recent wobble.

City came agonisingly close to securing UEFA Champions League football last season, only for defeat in a home date with Spurs to leave them on the outside looking in.

Porto to face Braga in Europa League final

Porto and Braga sealed semi-final wins to set up an all-Portuguese Europa League final in Dublin on 18 May.

Braga overcame a 2-1 first-leg deficit with a narrow 1-0 second-leg victory at home to beat Benfica on away goals.

Miracles can happen - Redknapp

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is confident that his players are capable of creating history by pulling off a "miraculous" comeback against Real Madrid tomorrow.

A ruthless 4-0 hammering in the Bernabeu last week left Tottenham facing a huge task to overcome Jose Mourinho's side and make the Champions League semi-finals. No team in the history of the competition has been able to overturn a four-goal margin from a first leg defeat.

Starlet Wickham all set to earn his Spurs

Spurs are close to the capture of striker Connor Wickham with Ipswich weighing up a bid of £15million.

The talented striker, who turns 18 today, is aware of the offer and has told friends he expects to leave Portman Road for north London at the end of the season.

Welbeck called up by England

Striker Danny Welbeck has been called into the England squad for the first time following the withdrawal of Aaron Lennon.

The Football Association confirmed on Monday night that Lennon had been released back to Tottenham as a precaution after he experienced discomfort in his hamstring at the end of a training session ahead of the friendly with Ghana.

Transfer News: Arsenal eye up Benzema; Tottenham revive interest in Charlie Adam

With Robin van Persie prone to injury and Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh both struggling for form in recent months, Arsene Wenger is keen on strengthening his attacking options when the transfer window reopens.

Wenger's main target is fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema, who is currently plying his trade at Real Madrid after a big money move from Lyon in the summer of 2009.

The France international has been in good form this season after a difficult start to his career in Madrid but Jose Mourinho may be willing to cash in on him if the Gunners are willing to pay the £25 million asking price.

Transfer News: Manchester United target David De Gea; Tottenham want Cahill

Despite calls for him to postpone his retirement after a stunning performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday evening, Edwin van der Sar has confirmed that he still intends to end his career at the end of this season.

It is widely expected that Sir Alex Ferguson will enter the transfer market for a new goalkeeper to replace the former Dutch international with a number of names reportedly on the Scotsman's wishlist.

AC Milan coach Tassotti: Tottenham are now favourites

AC Milan coach Mauro Tassotti says Tottenham deserved their victory last night.

Tassotti offered no excuses for the 1-0 Champions League first-leg defeat.

"In the first-half we entered the field a bit timid," Tassotti told acmilan.com , "we had some problems and created little. But there were some great opportunities on both sides.

Coleman and Anichebe sign new Everton deals

Everton pair Victor Anichebe and Seamus Coleman have both signed new four-and-a-half-year contracts, the club have announced.

The duo are now committed to Goodison Park until the end of the 2014-15 season.

The news gives Everton a lift following the loss of influential midfielder Steven Pienaar to Tottenham earlier this week.

Irish winger or full-back Coleman, 22, signed his previous contract only last season but has been rewarded for his outstanding form during the current campaign.