Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has revealed he would like to bring Portsmouth goalkeeper David James to the Stadium of Light (Sunderland 11/1 – to be relegated).

Bradford Bulls captain Andy Lynch says his side owe it to former coach Steve McNamara to gain a Super League play-off spot – starting at Hull KR on Saturday (Hull KR 2/9 draw 25/1 Bradford Bulls 3/1 – 80 minutes).

Nemanja Vidic has agreed to sign a long-term contract with Manchester United to kill any hope Real Madrid had of signing the Serbia defender (United 5/2 – Premier League outright).

New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has hinted that a top-four finish in the Premier League could be more important than a run in the Europa League this season (Reds 7/4 – Top 4 Finish 2010/11).

Barcelona new boy David Villa has become the latest Nou Camp star to throw his weight fully behind the Catalans’ bid to sign Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas (Barca 4/5f – La Liga 2010/11 Outright).

Young Australia star James O’Connor is relishing the battle with South Africa’s Bryan Habana after being moved to the wing from full-back for their Tri-Nations opener (Australia 6/1 Tournament Winner) in Brisbane on Saturday.

Roy Hodgson believes this week’s capture of Joe Cole and the confirmation that Steven Gerrard will stay at Anfield means Liverpool (7/4 – top-4 finish) will be stronger than last season.

McLaren team boss Mike Whitmarsh has ruled out the possibility of Lewis Hamilton (6/4 World Drivers’ Championship) being favoured over Jenson Button (7/1) for the remainder of the Formula One season just because he is the current championship leader.

Ricky Ponting has called on his frontline seam bowlers to step up to the mark for Wednesday’s Second MCC Spirit of Cricket Test Match between Australia (4/6) and Pakistan (13/2, Draw 13/8).

Fit-again defender John O’Shea says Manchester United will be hoping to avoid the injury problems that cost them their Premier League title to Chelsea last year (United 5/2 – Premier League outright).