Sportsday - Breaking sports news

That's it for Sportsday live. The service will resume at 0800 BST on Tuesday. Don't forget live text commentary for the Manchester City v Manchester United game is up and running on the BBC Sport website.

BBC football analyst Mark Lawrenson ahead of Manchester City v Manchester United: "I see Sir Alex Ferguson treating this match like a Champions League group game, where they need a point. And the way to get it against good sides is to always pose a threat." Read his full prediction and score on the BBC Sport website.

An estimated global audience of 650 million fans in 212 countries is expected to watch tonight's derby game between Manchester City and Manchester United in Premier League. BBC Sport's Tom Rostance is up and running with live text commentary to take you through the game.

Judd Trump missed out on a maximum break attempt in the 19th frame of the match when he reached 96 after 12 reds and blacks. "The maximum attempt summed up the match," he said. "It didn't happen for me. I never felt good out there. I never really got going in either of my matches."

BBC snooker analyst Steve Davis on Ali Carter's victory over Judd Trump: "It was a fantastic performance from Ali Carter, a real rear-guard action. Both players felt the heat in last frame, but Carter responded the best. You couldn't have written the end. There was such drama."

Ali Carter speaks to BBC Sport after his shock 13-12 victory over UK champion Judd Trump: "I'm delighted to get through. All credit to Judd. He pots them from everywhere, but there's more to this game than potting balls from everywhere as I've shown today.

"I played a bad shot on the last red [in the decider]. If I had concentrated on getting a good safety, I would have won easy but it makes it all more sweeter as I had to suffer even more."

Thousands of people have signed an online petition to remove footballer ChedEvans from an end-of-season honours list following his conviction for raping a 19-year-old woman. School teacher Leo Hardt started a campaign following Evans' conviction, claiming his inclusion on the list sends out a "very troubling message".

Gary Hooper is happy to stay at Celtic and fulfil his Champions League ambitions. Speaking about the Southampton speculation, Hooper tells the Evening Times: "I have two years left on my contract, I am scoring goals and I am loving my football."

Fulham are still waiting to learn whether Martin Jol will be forced to sit out their match at Liverpool tomorrow night. Jol did not travel with the team after missing Saturday's defeat at Everton with a chest infection.

Two of the scorers in the February 1990 Manchester derby have been talking to BBC Radio 5 live...

Former Manchester United player Clayton Blackmore: "I was talking to Harry Redknapp earlier who was looking forward to this, which was on his mind more than the England job. It's the biggest derby ever. The key players for City will be the two strikers. If we can keep them quiet, we should come through with a draw or a win."

Former Manchester City player Ian Brightwell: "I'm a little bit nervous. The implications of the result are massive. I think we've got to start with Tevez and Aguero. They are playing well together. I just feel that City have to go for it tonight. It's buzzing here - I've just seen Liam Gallagher at the Etihad Stadium."

Scottish Premier League chief executive Neil Doncaster believes any new financial fair play rules must be in place by the start of next season after talks on the issue were postponed until next week. Doncaster says: "We are only two weeks before the end of the season so ultimately it's important that things do happen as soon as possible."

Andy Johnson is a doubt for Fulham's second trip to Merseyside in four days, tomorrow's Premier League match at Liverpool. The striker missed Saturday's 4-0 thrashing at Everton with an adductor injury and is not expected to recover in time.

Great Britain men's squad to face Germany, India and Australia in this week's test event at the Olympic Park: J Fair (GK, Cannock); R Alexander, R Moore, J Tindall (Surbiton); N Catlin, J Clarke, I Mackay, S Mantell (Reading); A Dixon, A Wilson (Beeston); D Fox (Hampstead & Westminster); B Hawes (Wimbledon); A Jackson, G Kirkham, I Lewers, M Pearn (E Grinstead); H Martin (Old Loughtonians); R Smith (Loughborough Students).

Matthew Stevens holds his nerve to fend off Barry Hawkins and edge through to the World Championship quarter-finals. He seals a 13-11 success. You can follow events live on the BBC Sport website.

It has been an interesting road for both Manchester clubs leading up to tonight's crucial derby. You can look back at how the momentum in the Premier League title race has shifted between City and United on the BBC Sport website.

Heather Watson qualifies for the main draw of the Estoril Open in Portugal with a three-set win over American Sloane Stephens. he Guernsey teenager won 4-6 6-4 6-2 in just over two-and-a-half hours.

Sir Geoff Hurst, former West Ham striker, is backing the east London club to secure their return to the Premier League despite missing out on automatic promotion. He says: "They didn't finish the season too badly, particularly at home, where results had been poor at times."

You can whet your appetite for the crucial Manchester derby by reading the following features on the BBC Sport website...

There is Alan Hansen's column, chief football writer Phil McNulty's thoughts and the managers' views among other preview material.

Gus MacPherson has left his job as Queen of the South manager after the club were relegated from the Irn-Bru First Division on Saturday. A 3-1 defeat against Raith Rovers at Stark's Park consigned Queens to bottom place with 32 points from 35 games.

Wada president John Fahey criticises the BOA for "the many hysterical and inaccurate public statements" from the organisation during the case. Fahey says: "The decision totally rejects the BOA appeal and upholds the Wada foundation board's declaration of non-compliance."

Joe Corrigan, former Manchester City player, tells BBC Radio 5 live: "The City players should be going down the tunnel saying '6-1, we are a bigger and better squad than you'. It's fantastic for Manchester. The old rivalry is back. Mancini has got to go for Tevez and Aguero up front."

Wilf McGuinness, former Manchester United player, tells BBC Radio 5 live: "I can't remember the 6-1. I don't think the United players will have that in their minds. Like Joe says, it's great for football and great for Manchester. A draw will do Manchester United."

The qualification period for cricketers born overseas to play for England has been extended from four years to seven. The new regulation is to apply to all male cricketers who begin residence in England after their 18th birthday. For those who start to live in this country before they are 18, the period of qualification will be four years. The England and Wales Cricket Board today published an amendment to the regulations.

BBC Sport's Richard Conway at Wembley tells Radio 5 live: "Roy Hodgson has been in there for around an hour and 20 minutes. There was a big, broad smile when he arrived. The FA are making it clear that they see the future in Roy Hodgson's hands."

UK Athletics confirms that any athletes, such as Dwain Chambers will now be eligible for selection. A statement says: "UK Athletics has always supported the BOA by-law but welcomes the clarity the Cas decision brings to this issue. Athletes affected by the ruling are now eligible for the team, in both individual and relay events, and will be subject to the same selection criteria and process as every other British athlete."

Petr Cech urges Chelsea's temporary boss Roberto di Matteo to unleash both Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba in the FA Cup final - with the Spaniard's display against QPR producing a selection headache. "I'd start both," says the Chelsea goalkeeper. "I believe it is possible but I don't know whether it would be done or if it would work. I am sure one day it will happen and there will be goals."

Great Britain's women have been drawn with Russia, Brazil, Australia and two teams yet to qualify for the Olympic basketball tournament.

Great Britain's men have been drawn with European champions Spain, Australia, Brazil, China and an additional qualifier in the Olympic basketball tournament.

Dick Advocaat, the former Rangers manager, will quit as Russia coach after Euro 2012. The 64-year-old confirms: "It's true that I will leave my job after the European Championship. I don't want to name the reason just yet but one thing I can say for sure - it's not because of money."

On Dwain Chambers, double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell tells BBC Radio 5 live: "Even though he knew there would be a lifetime ban, he still cheated. I would never have any desire to talk to him and do not respect him. He made the decision to cheat."

Sir Geoff Hurst claims England are capable of reaching the Euro 2012 semi-finals with or without Roy Hodgson as their new manager. Hurst, an England hero in their 1966 World Cup win, says: "Roy has not been involved in the preparations to date and that's not ideal. But, in some respects, I see that as a positive. It might take the pressure off, certainly from the media and the fans, to be successful this year."

British Cycling respond to the Court of Arbitration for Sport's ruling with David Millar clear to be selected. A spokesperson says: "Our team for the Games is being selected in June and, across all disciplines, we'll pick the team based on which riders are fit and available and who we believe have the best chance to deliver medals. Ahead of that we won't be speculating on who may or may not be selected."

Geraint Thomas sees no reason why Great Britain's cycling team cannot repeat their Beijing success at London 2012 Thomas says: "I haven't ridden the worlds since 2008 but it definitely feels like that vibe is back in the team, that confidence that whenever a GB rider steps on to the track they're looking to get a medal, and if they don't they're disappointed. I don't see why we can't emulate Beijing."

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas admits his team have become 'tired' of living in Barcelona's shadow. Madrid, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 on 21 April, can win La Liga title with a victory at Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday. Casillas says: "A team like Madrid cannot continue on any longer being a supporting act. We're a little tired of it and it looks like it's over."

England limited-overs all-rounder Ben Stokes reveals he is to have a scan on the back injury which is currently preventing him from bowling. Stokes, named in the England Lions squad to face the West Indies at Northampton next week, tells espncricinfo.com: "I've got a scan coming up, so I hope that will tell us more. I had a couple of stress reactions in my back when I was younger. But this doesn't feel similar, so I hope it's not that bad."

Striker Andy Carroll has recovered from the injury which meant he missed Saturday's victory at Norwich and is available for selection against Fulham tomorrow.

Great Britain's Anne Keothavong was knocked out of the Budapest Grand Prix in the first round by fourth seed Klara Zakopalova. Keothavong was eventually beaten 7-6 (7-3) 3-6 6-2 in two hours and 38 minutes. Heather Watson is currently playing American Sloane Stephens in the final round of qualifying in Estoril.

Great Britain performance manager Yogi Breisner is confident Olympic preparations will not be adversely affected by the cancellation of this year's Badminton Horse Trials. He says: "It is a real shame that it has been called off, especially in an Olympic year when a lot of the riders and horses would have been on show. We always had contingency plans in place which you have to do with horses because there is so much uncertainty."

Former Switzerland defender Ramon Vega, who played for Roy Hodgson at international level, tells BBC Radio 5 live: "What have the FA and the England team achieved since '66? If it's Switzerland or not Switzerland, he's the only English manager with potentially the CV to do something internationally - and he's done it in the Premier League and he's an English gentleman. The FA have to have a person that can get the English image back on track."

Lukas Podolski on his move from Cologne to Arsenal: "This transfer gives me the opportunity to play for a top European club on an international level." Read the full story on the BBC Sport website.

Cologne chairman Claus Horstmannn expressed his sadness at losing Lukas Podolski to Arsenal.

But he said: "Lukas has helped the club in many difficult situations, Lukas has left a mark on Cologne's reputation and we feel the need to thank him for numerous great football experiences at Cologne."

Podolski's move to the Gunners has been expected and player, born in Poland, says the move allows him to "to play in a top European club" and gives him a "great opportunity in my career."

Middle-distance runner Steph Twell becomes the first Scot to post an Olympic A standard on the track in 2012 while competing in the United States.

Twell clocked 15 minutes 15.24 seconds to place fifth in the 5,000 metres at the Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational meeting at Stanford University.

Former Blackburn and Scotland defender Colin Hendry has joined the Roy Hodgson debate.

Hendry was managed by Hodgson at Rovers and told BBC Radio 5 live: "Roy has been a great success throughout his career and if you want someone who ticks all the boxes he's your man.

"Roy is one of the most impressive coaches I played under. He's up there with Ray Harford as a coach and Kenny Dalglish as a manager.

"He's the correct appointment for England."

Thursday's meeting at Folkestone has been abandoned due to a waterlogged track.

More from ex-Red Lou Macari on tonight's big game: "People say United have been there before and done it before, but that counts for nothing on nights like tonight.

"You think the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs will stroll through and won't be anxious, but they will be."

Former Argentina winger Federico Aramburu is to retire at the end of the season, Glasgow Warriors announce.

Scottish Premier League clubs postpone talks over financial fair play proposals until next Monday.

Discussions over whether to introduce tough rules for clubs who go into administration or face the prospect of liquidation were set to take place at Monday's general meeting at Hampden.

But with administration-hit Rangers attempting to find a new buyer, all 12 clubs agreed to delay the meeting.

Former Manchester City and Port Vale boss Brian Horton leaves Macclesfield after failing to stave off relegation from League Two for the Cheshire club.

Macc were relegated on Saturday after losing 2-0 to Burton and assistant Glyn Chamberlain will take charge for the Silkmen's final game of the season at Southend.

The clock is ticking down to tonight's big game at the Etihad Stadium and former Manchester City striker Shaun Goater and ex-Manchester United midfielder Lou Macari have been talking on BBC Radio 5 live.

Goater said: "I had some thoroughly good times [in derby games]. I don't remember the losses we had against them [Manchester United].

Macari said:"He [United manager Sir Alex Ferguson] said if City wins tonight then they'll win the league. He doesn't mean that at all. Will it be decided tonight? Not at all. I remember when I played in the derbies, they were all dramatic, some way or another."

Former Scotland international striker Kevin Gallacher, who played under Roy Hodgson at Blackburn, tells Shelagh Fogarty on BBC Radio 5 live: "I got laughed at when I put Roy's name in the hat. I worked with him for a season-and-a-half and he got us into European football.

"His coaching was second-to-none. He's a very experienced guy, and at international level it's all about organisation. That's what he's good at - organising the players on the park."

Welsh cyclist Geraint Thomas has mixed feelings that former drugs cheat David Millar can compete at London 2012.

Millar will be eligible if the British Olympic Association's policy of lifetime bans is officially overturned - as expected - by the World Anti-Doping Agency at the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Monday.

"It will improve their [GB's] chances of winning. At the same time I would have liked to have kept the ruling and kept that lifetime ban," said Thomas.

Read the full story on the BBC Sport website.

Bolton boss Owen Coyle thinks Wednesday's Premier League home game against Tottenham would be the ideal opportunity for Fabrice Muamba to say a personal thanks to fans and players for their support following his cardiac arrest last month.

"If Fabrice is fit and well for that then I think the game against Tottenham would be a great opportunity, because of the events that took place at White Hart Lane," said Coyle.

Weightlifter Gareth Evans will stake his claim for a place in Team GB at the Olympics at the Welsh Championships in his hometown of Holyhead and at the British Senior Championships in May.

Evans has already hit the B qualifying standard but is hoping to make the A grade. "There's a lot of competition, a lot of people competing for three men's spaces and, at the end of the day, the best three lifters are going to go."

Harry Redknapp reckons England will do well at the Euros if Roy Hodgson gets the job.

He said: "I like Roy, he's a top man and a good guy and I wish him great success. England have some fantastic players and I'm looking forward to the Euros."

What do you think? Get involved on Twitter via #bbcsportsday on Twitter

Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal will play in the ISPS HandaWales Open at Celtic Manor which starts on 31 May.

The Spaniard was one of Colin Montgomerie's assistants two years ago when Europe won the Ryder Cup at the course.

"It was an honour to be called into the team room as a vice-captain when Colin felt he needed another set of eyes with additional matches out on the golf course," he said.

Sunderland's Asamoah Gyan, on loan with United Arab Emirates club Al Ain, is likely to stay in the Middle East permanently.

Al Ain chief executive Carlo Nohra says he's "very confident" the Ghana striker will stay. "There is a loan agreement that we need to work out with Sunderland, but what is really important is that the player wants to be here and we would like to keep him."

More from David Davies, former chief executive of the Football Association: "I think Harry will be upset about it. Certainly some of those around him will be upset, because he's a real footballing person.

"Having said that, that is not to in any way to demean Roy Hodgson. Roy was considered on other occasions in the past when I was more closely involved - Sven was chosen and before that Kevin Keegan. Roy has gone on building up his CV.

"My understanding is there was a shortlist this time as well, of more than two people. No there weren't other interviews, but there was lot of research and a lot of talking to other people in the game.

"The FA believe, as I understand it, that they have learnt the lessons of the past and they've carried out a very discreet process with no beauty parades. No secret locations."

David Davies, former chief executive of the Football Association, tells Victoria Derbyshire on BBC Radio 5 live: "Like most people I expected that Harry Redknapp would, at the very least, be interviewed by the FA. That was wrong.

"The FA believe that they have carried out a very professional, research-based process which has led them to make one approach and that is to Roy Hodgson. I happen to think Roy is someone with the very best credentials for the job.

"Redknapp was very clearly the public and the media's choice, and it is for the FA to explain why they didn't take his candidature any further."

BBC Radio 5 live has 5 live Sport from the Etihad at 1900 BST later today. All the build-up to the biggest game of the Premier League season so far and the potential title-decider, with full commentary as the game kicks off an hour later. The coverage is also available as part of a Midweek Final Score Special on Red Button for satellite and cable users, as well as on the BBC Sport website.

The latest golf rankings reveal the two Ryder Cup teams to take on each other at Medinah on 28-30 September. The 18 listed below do not include captains' wildcards, picked much nearer the time by David Love III and Jose Maria Olazabal. This is all subject to change as the year progresses, but..

USA: Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan, Keegan Bradley, Jason Dufner, Steve Stricker, Tiger Woods and Brandt Snedeker.

Europe: Rory McIlroy, Peter Hanson, Martin Kaymer, Justin Rose, Paul Lawrie, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell, Sergio Garcia and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano.

Diane Modahl, a former Team GB middle distance runner who was accused of taking a performance enhancing drug in 1994 but was later cleared, says on BBC Radio 5 live: "I have no problem with Dwain [Chambers] being able to compete. He served his ban and, however unpalatable it is, we have to accept he has served his punishment. What many people agree with is that the punishments are not strong enough. A two-year ban is just a joke really."

Blackburn striker David Goodwillie has been given a community service order at Glasgow Sheriff Court for assaulting a man in the city centre. The Scotland international must carry out 80 hours of unpaid work in the community as part of the order.

Retired sprinter Iwan Thomas, who holds the current UK record holder over 400m, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live about Dwain Chambers: "I find the whole thing so sad. Dwain was good enough before he went down this road.

"The other three athletes in the relay team would have to put aside any misgivings with Dwain. They would have to bury their differences and run with Dwain. It would be hard morally for some people - thinking 'you tried the short cut' - but Dwain is a very good competitor when it matters."

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby picked up a calf strain in the 1-1 draw at Stoke on Saturday and is being assessed by club doctors today. The 25-year-old is likely to miss the Gunners' final two games of the season and could be absent from the France squad for Euro 2012 in the summer.

Mike Costello continues: "Chambers is certainly still the outstanding sprinter in Britain. One of the disappointing aspects of this story is that, at 34, he's still the outstanding number one and that has not been challenged by other sprinters. There isn't anybody good enough to shunt him down the order. That's so, so disappointing."

BBC Sport athletics commentator Mike Costello on BBC Radio 5 live regarding the Dwain Chambers development: "It's a highly significant decision. It's about more than Dwain Chambers. The best way to catch cheats is with a uniform, global approach. There is a commitment behind a single police force to catch the cheats. We need to separate the emotional from the practical."

Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton - who incidentally trained as a coach under Roy Hodgson at West Brom - admits he will have to oversee a fire-sale of talent from Fratton Park following Pompey's relegation from the Championship.

"It could be as big as 17 or 18 players leaving the football club and the same coming in," Appleton told BBC Solent. "I'd be surprised if there were one or two players from this squad still here next season."

Football journalist Patrick Barclay tells BBC Radio 5 live's Your Call: "I only wish they'd taken my advice when I first offered it but that was in the last century.

"It's a good choice but a decade too late. The amount we've wasted on Sven and Capello is about \u00a340m and would have paid for the centre at Burton."

That's the end of Your Call on BBC Radio 5 live...

Former Liverpool and England midfielder John Barnes on BBC Radio 5 live's Your Call speaking about Roy Hodgson:

"Let us go back to being hard to beat and strong. Roy will give us consistency. We are not Barcelona, we are not Spain. We need a manager to make us play to our strengths.

"For too long we have thought we can play that type of football. We are not going back to being a long-ball team. But we are going back to being a good technical side.

"I feel there are horses for courses. At Liverpool, people didn't accept him from day one."

Organisers have been forced to cancel the Badminton Horse Trials due to the recent heavy rain. The event was to have run from Thursday to next Monday. One-time Sports Personality of the Year winner Zara Phillips was down to compete, as was Olympian William Fox-Pitt.

Spurs Trust member Daniel Wynne tells BBC Radio 5 live's Your Call: "It's good there's some clarity finally but the timing is bizarre. Everything was going well and then Capello left and there's speculation left, right and centre about Harry Redknapp.

"It's not the only factor but it's contributed to a dip in form for Tottenham. The FA need to have a look in the mirror and wonder if it's been handled as well as it could have been. Roy Hodgson is a good choice and it means we can start planning for the future."

Kevin Candon of the West Brom Disabled Supporters Club tells BBC Radio 5 live's Your Call: "I'm devastated. I didn't want him to go at all.

"The FA have bottled it as far as I'm concerned. If we get a bad result, the press will be on him like a ton of bricks. Harry Redknapp is the best man for the job. Roy is a suit man and Harry Redknapp is a tracksuit manager and the players and the press would give more to Harry than Roy Hodgson."

Just under 20 minutes left of Your Call on BBC Radio 5 live, as experts and members of the public debate the rights and wrongs of the FA approaching West Brom boss Roy Hodgson about becoming the new manager of England...

This is what Roy Hodgson told BBC Sport's Pat Murphy on Friday about the England job: "I don't know any more about what the FA's plans are than anybody else. It's news to me that they are moving next week. I shall just watch like everyone else interested in football to see who the next England manager will be. I don't what the plans are of the FA. I'm sure they have looked into the sort of candidates that they consider potentially right for the job."

Stoke City's Jermaine Pennant is charged by police with drink-driving and driving while disqualified and without insurance, and is due to appear before Trafford magistrates on Wednesday 9 May.

Sauber's cars will sport the blue logo of Champions League finalists Chelsea from next week's Spanish Grand Prix as part of a deal between the F1 team and the English Premier League club.

"A partnership like this between Formula 1 and football has never existed before in this form," said Sauber chief executive Monisha Kaltenborn.

Wednesday's meeting at Ascot has been abandoned due to a waterlogged track. Clerk of the course Chris Stickels said 110mm of rain has fallen at the course in the last fortnight. You can follow the latest racing results on the BBC Sport website.

Did you know that, along with well-known stints in charge of the Swiss and Finnish national teams, Hodgson also spent two years from 2002 at the helm of the United Arab Emirates? After his dismissal following a disappointing Gulf Cup in 2004 he said: "There are too many sackings in Asian football. You cannot expect the coach to wave a magical wand and suddenly everything will be all right when you have the same players." Useful knowledge should he take over at England, perhaps?

The Times (online subscription required) is the only newspaper carrying a quote from Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp, in light of the FA turning to Roy Hodgson.

"I can't see it [the England job] coming up for me now," he said.

Luke Donald has regained the world number one spot after finishing third in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

The Englishman needed a top-seven finish to move back to the head of the standings ahead of Rory McIlroy.

The Hodgson debate is about to commence on BBC Radio 5 live's Your Call programme, hosted by Nicky Campbell for an hour from 0900 BST.

Similarly, Welsh cyclist Geraint Thomas has been speaking out about the BOA being forced to drop their ban.

"It will improve their [GB's] chances of winning. At the same time I would have liked to have kept the ruling and kept that lifetime ban," he said.

Darren Campbell has been speaking on BBC Radio 5 live about Dwain Chambers being eligible to compete at the Olympics if selected, after news the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) will overturn the British Olympic Association's (BOA) policy of handing out lifetime bans: "It's not a surprise, but the most disappointing thing is not about Dwain Chambers.

"We still don't have clarity with Wada or the BOA and we need to get to the position where everybody is on the same page, and they're not. If you ask athletes, they would like to see life-time bans."

Just 12 hours away from that Mancunian clash at the top of the Premier League, former United and current City striker Carlos Tevez reveals he wants to stay at Etihad in the long term.

"It's been a long time since the title came to City so to beat United and put ourselves in such a strong position would mean so much to me and so much to so many people at the club," the Argentine told the Manchester Evening News.

We are still building up to tonight's Manchester derby, of course. On our football pages are highlights from City's 6-1 victory earlier this season - plus Manchester United's 4-3 win in 2009-10. You can also see the road to tonight's title showdown, among many other interviews.

As well as the discussion and debate on here - via #bbcsportsday on Twitter - BBC Radio 5 live are focusing their 0900 BST programme Your Call on the potential appointment of the new England manager. You can listen online, on digital radio or on 909 or 693 MW, and contact host Nicky Campbell by calling 0500 909 693 or texting 85058.

Danny Cipriani is leaving the Melbourne Rebels with immediate effect. The former England fly-half has had his contract terminated "by mutual consent," just eight games into the current Super 15 season. The decision to leave Australia early is not believed to be down to an incident. Cipriani will now be able to complete a full pre-season with the Sale Sharks.

BBC Radio 5live's chief football correspondent, Mike Ingham, on the Hodgson approach:

"But then you've got the reality of tournaments and qualifying and inspiring the top players. That is where Harry Redknapp would have been so strong. In getting the best out of top players, the jury is still out after Roy Hodgson's Liverpool experience. The perfect manager would be an amalgamation of the two. It's a pragmatic appointment."

BBC Radio 5live's chief football correspondent, Mike Ingham, on the Hodgson approach:

"It's not very fan-friendly but the new manager needs to sign up to the new centre in Burton. In Roy Hodgson, apart from being an international manager, he sits on technical committees at Uefa, he's perfect for the structure, will work with Stuart Pearce and there would have been compensation for Harry Redknapp, who would have taken his backroom staff so that wouldn't have fit the profile."

BBC Sport's chief football writer, Phil McNulty, has blogged that a Hodgson appointment is a "safe hands" choice by the Football Association.

"He is experienced, has a background in international management with Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Finland and has a career at club level that has taken him around Scandinavia through Inter Milan to Blackburn Rovers, Fulham and most notably - and most miserably - Liverpool before arriving at The Hawthorns."

Peers in the game - former players, current managers, high-profile pundits - have been reacting to the FA's Hodgson move:

Former England boss Graham Taylor says the new centre at Burton-on-Trent is key.

"With the building of the new centre, that is going to be absolutely vital with future England teams at all levels," he told BBC Radio 5 live.

"I just happen to feel, without the FA saying this, that what they're probably looking for is a man who will be willing to go into Burton pretty much every day and stay in a tracksuit, and see the young boys at youth level, see the under-21s and his first team when they are there."

BBC Radio 5live's senior football correspondent, Ian Dennis, on Roy Hodgson's candidacy:

"He is somebody who ticks a lot of the boxes. He's got international experience with Switzerland and Finland and this isn't just about the 2012 European Championships - it's a wider picture.

"This is a long-term appointment, three tournaments in four years including the 2016 European Championships, embracing everything about the new national football centre at St George's Park and he ticks a lot of the boxes. I expect it to be resolved within 48 hours."

The FA says that Hodgson is the only man they've contacted to replace Capello. That leaves early front-runner Harry Redknapp out in the cold, at least for now. How do the two top-flight bosses stack up against each other? Hodgson has managed three international sides - Switzerland, Finland and United Arab Emirates - while taking charge of sides in eight different countries. Redknapp has a 2008 FA Cup-winners medal with Portsmouth and has guided Tottenham to the Champions League last eight. Tell us what you think on Twitter using the hashtag #bbcsportsday

Let's just take a moment to remind ourselves where we are and how we got here. On Sunday the FA confirmed that it had received permission from West Brom to speak to 64-year-old Hodgson about the vacant manager's position. Today, he is set to start in talks. If all goes well, Fabio Capello's successor could have his feet under the desk at Soho Square within days. Tell us what you think on Twitter using the hashtag #bbcsportsday