The former England manager Bobby Robson died on Friday following a long battle with cancer.

A player for Ipswich Town and West Bromwich Albion, he won 20 caps for England, but it was as a manager that he achieved his greatest success.

Spanish Liga club Villarreal announced on Saturday the signing of Brazilian striker Nilmar da Silva from Porto Alegre club Internacional.

It is believed Villarreal paid around 11 million euros (15.65 million dollars) for the 25 year-old international, which makes him the most expensive signing in the club's history.

Real Madrid are clearly annoyed at unwanted striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar finally turning down a lucrative offer from VfB Stuttgart.

After more than two weeks of ardous negotiations, it seemed that Huntelaar was finally set fair to sign for Stuttgart for around 18 million euros (25.57 million dollars).

Portsmouth said on Tuesday that they have agreed a deal "in principle" for the sale of the club to over the sale of the club to United Arab Emirates businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim.

Ownership of the club will switch from Alexandre Gaydamak, who had announced in May that he was unable to devote sufficient time to the club.

FIFA president Joseph Blatter believes cruise ships could be the solution to the problem of a lack of hotel beds for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"Cruise ships, which offer places for around 2,000 people, could be brought there," Blatter said in an interview with the Deutsche Welle TV station.

Veteran midfielder Torsten Frings admits he may no longer be a first choice for Germany but hopes to be in contention for a third World Cup appearance if the national team qualifies for next year's finals in South Africa.

Facing a two-goal deficit at half time in the final of the Confederations Cup against the US, Brazilian players knew that they had to find something special if they wanted to maintain a proud tradition.

Going into Sunday's final at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, the Selecao had managed to win all but two of the nine finals they had played on the world stage.

Bundesliga top scorer Grafite said on Friday he will renew his contract at champions VfL Wolfsburg until 2012.

"I will sign on Monday. I am happy that I am staying," said the Brazilian striker at a pre-season training camp on the North Sea island of Sylt.