/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F21%2F37%2Fwelcome-to-sports-mole-transparent-click-area.png "Welcome to Sports Mole")
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F20%2F31%2Fsports-mole-favicon-32x32.png "Sports Mole FAVICON"){kind=small}
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F41%2Fantonio-conte_2.JPG "Chelsea manager Antonio Conte gesticulates on the touchline during his side's Premier League clash with Hull City at the KCOM Stadium on October 1, 2016")
Carlo Ancelotti hails "extraordinary" Antonio Conte
Carlo Ancelotti admits that Chelsea and Real Madrid have recruited well since he departed the clubs, heaping praise on both Antonio Conte and Zinedine Zidane.Jan 3, 09:51
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F44%2Ffootball-general.JPG "A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016")
Chelsea beat Arsenal to signing of defender Ricardo Rodriguez?
Premier League leaders Chelsea are ready to pounce for £21m-rated Wolfsburg full-back Ricardo Rodriguez, according to a report.Jan 3, 09:37
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F17%2F52%2Fdele-alli_2.JPG "Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli in action during the Premier League clash with Watford at Vicarage Road on January 1, 2017")
Report: Real Madrid plotting £50m summer swoop for Dele Alli
A report claims that Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder Dele Alli is a transfer target for Real Madrid, who are willing to offer £50m for his signature next summer.Jan 3, 09:25
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F17%2F48%2Fgeneric-cricket-image.jpg "Generic cricket image")
David Warner, Matt Renshaw leave Pakistan on brink of series whitewash
David Warner inspires Australia to a 365-3 overnight lead in their third Test meeting with Pakistan, reaching a century in less than two hours of the opening day.Jan 3, 09:11
Sam Allardyce: 'Swansea City bigger than Arsenal game'
Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce admits that his side are unlikely to pull away from the bottom end of the table for at least a few more months.Jan 1, 18:49
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F51%2Farsene-wenger.jpg "Arsene Wenger watches on during the Premier League game between Manchester City and Arsenal on December 18, 2016")
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: 'No plans for January spending'
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that 'nothing is planned' in terms of incoming players over the next four weeks, despite being linked with numerous names.Jan 1, 18:33
Olivier Giroud 'inspired' by Henrikh Mkhitaryan goal
Olivier Giroud describes his scorpion-kick strike against Crystal Palace as being his best-ever goal, which he admits may have been inspired by Henrikh Mkhitaryan.Jan 1, 18:19
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F17%2F49%2Fgeneric-tennis-image.jpg "Generic tennis image")
Andy Murray: 'Novak Djokovic still my biggest threat'
Andy Murray is refusing to get too far ahead of himself after a successful 2016, admitting that he faces stiff competition to remain the world's number one.Jan 1, 18:06
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F46%2Fchris-coleman.JPG "Wales manager Chris Coleman on the touchline during his side's World Cup qualifier with Serbia on November 12, 2016")
Wales assistant: 'Chris Coleman will honour contract'
Chris Coleman has no intention of leaving his position as Wales manager to take over the vacant job at Swansea City, according to his assistant Osian Roberts.Jan 1, 17:50
Joe Root to delay linking up with England in India
Joe Root will wait until after the birth of his first child before flying to India for England's one-day series.Jan 1, 17:34
Antonio Conte: 'Games will start to get tougher for Chelsea'
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte believes that the second half of the season "will be difficult" for his side because they are no longer treated like underdogs for the title.Jan 1, 17:23
Father: 'James Rodriguez staying at Real Madrid'
James Rodriguez "has a commitment to Real Madrid" and will not leave the club, according to the Colombian ace's father Wilson Rodriguez.Jan 1, 17:07
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F52%2Fdele-alli_1.jpg "Dele Alli celebrates scoring his first during the Premier League game between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur on December 28, 2016")
Dele Alli: 'Tottenham Hotspur full of confidence for Chelsea clash'
Dele Alli is relishing Tottenham Hotspur's meeting with Chelsea in midweek after helping his side to a 4-1 victory over Watford.Jan 1, 16:54
Andy Carroll feeling settled at West Ham United
West Ham United striker Andy Carroll says that he 'loves the club', amid recent reports linking him with a big-money move to the Chinese Super League.Jan 1, 16:40
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F46%2Fwayne-rooney.jpg "England captain Wayne Rooney in action during his side's World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Wembley on November 11, 2016")
Gareth Southgate: 'Wayne Rooney still has big part to play for England'
England manager Gareth Southgate says that he has "been impressed" by Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney's role in the Three Lions' camp.Jan 1, 16:26
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F52%2Fadlene-guedioura.jpg "Adlene Guedioura in action for Watford on August 20, 2016")
Adlene Guedioura 'embarrassed' by heavy Tottenham Hotspur defeat
Watford midfielder Adlene Guedioura admits that his side's performance in the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur "was not acceptable".Jan 1, 16:08
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F52%2Fharry-kane.jpg "Harry Kane celebrates scoring during the Premier League game between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur on December 28, 2016")
Tottenham Hotspur crush Watford to climb into top four
Harry Kane and Dele Alli score twice apiece to help Tottenham Hotspur to a straightforward 4-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.Jan 1, 15:21
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F50%2Fwalter-mazzarri.jpg "Walter Mazzarri watches on during the Premier League game between Manchester City and Watford on December 14, 2016")
Live Commentary: Watford 1-4 Tottenham Hotspur - as it happened
Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of Watford's 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, as the Lilywhites made it four wins in a row.Jan 1, 12:30
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F52%2Fmatt-phillips.jpg "Matt Phillips in action for West Bromwich Albion in November 2016")
West Bromwich Albion climb above Southampton with narrow win at St Mary's
Hal Robson-Kanu sets up one and scores another on his first West Bromwich Albion start to help his side to a 2-1 win over Southampton at St Mary's Stadium.Dec 31, 17:14
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F52%2Fwillian-diego-costa.jpg "Willian celebrates scoring (apparently) with Diego Costa during the Premier League game between Chelsea and Stoke City on December 31, 2016")
Chelsea work hard to equal top-flight record with victory over Stoke City
Chelsea battle to a 4-2 victory over Stoke City at Stamford Bridge to make it a record-equalling 13 wins in succession in the top flight.Dec 31, 16:50
Live Commentary: Chelsea 4-2 Stoke City - as it happened
Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of Chelsea's record-equalling 4-2 win over Stoke City - their 13th league victory on the spin.Dec 31, 14:00
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F50%2Feddie-howe.jpg "Eddie Howe watches on during the Premier League game between Burnley and Bournemouth on December 11, 2016")
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe: "Chelsea game ruined my Christmas"
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe admits that Bournemouth are currently at a crossroads following their defeat to Chelsea, but wants his players to now climb the table.Dec 30, 12:46
Rafael Benitez confident of holding on to Aleksandar Mitrovic
Rafael Benitez claims that he is "not thinking about selling" Aleksandar Mitrovic in the New Year, amid talk that Swansea City and Middlesbrough are preparing bids.Dec 30, 12:35
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F17%2F27%2Flocker-room.jpg "Generic image of a locker room")
Former Port Vale skipper Matt Carragher dies, aged 40
Matt Carragher, who spent time with Port Vale, Wigan Athletic and Macclesfield Town during his 12-year playing career, dies at the age of 40.Dec 30, 12:23
On-loan striker Simone Zaza on brink of West Ham United exit
Juventus striker Simone Zaza is in talks with Valencia over joining the club in January, potentially bringing an end to his disastrous loan stint at West Ham United.Dec 30, 12:11
Arsene Wenger: 'Antonio Conte deserves huge credit'
Arsene Wenger heaps praise on Antonio Conte, who has turned Chelsea into "super-favourites" for the title after guiding his side to six points clear at the top.Dec 30, 11:58
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F41%2Fkasper-schmeichel.jpg "Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in action during his side's Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 15, 2016")
Claudio Ranieri: 'Kasper Schmeichel not for sale at any price'
Claudio Ranieri warns Leicester City's Premier League rivals that Kasper Schmeichel will not be sold in the New Year for any price.Dec 30, 11:46
Report: Real Madrid step up interest in Thibaut Courtois
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be the subject of a bid by Real Madrid once they get the all-clear to sign new players next summer, a report claims.Dec 30, 11:35
Mark Warburton: 'Rangers can't be envious of Celtic spending'
Rangers manager Mark Warburton concedes that there is a huge gap between his side and Glasgow rivals Celtic when it comes to financial matters.Dec 30, 11:23
Jermain Defoe happy to be linked with return to West Ham United
Jermain Defoe says that transfer talk is "just part and parcel" of football, amid suggestions that West Ham United are looking to sign him from Sunderland.Dec 30, 11:12
Arsene Wenger: 'Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rumours untrue'
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger joins Liverpool counterpart Jurgen Klopp in insisting that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is not at the centre of talks between the two clubs.Dec 30, 10:57
Arsene Wenger accuses full-back Mathieu Debuchy of lying
Mathieu Debuchy's claims that Arsenal blocked his exit from the club earlier this year are "completely untrue", according to boss Arsene Wenger.Dec 30, 10:46
Paul Gascoigne 'breaks down in tears' after hotel brawl
Paul Gascoigne is pictured looking worse for wear following an incident at a London hotel that left him requiring 12 stitches.Dec 30, 10:32
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F45%2Fphilippe-coutinho_1.JPG "Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho celebrates after scoring in his side's Premier League clash with Watford at Anfield on November 6, 2016")
Neymar 'persuading Philippe Coutinho to leave Liverpool'
A report claims that Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho is being persuaded to leave Anfield and join Barcelona by international teammate Neymar.Dec 30, 10:17
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F50%2Fross-barkley.jpg "Ross Barkley in action for Everton on September 30, 2016")
Premier League trio 'monitoring Ross Barkley situation'
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is reportedly in the thoughts of a number of Premier League bosses, who will pounce if he is made available to buy next month.Dec 30, 10:04
James McClean pens new West Bromwich Albion deal
James McClean signs a new contract at West Bromwich Albion to keep him at The Hawthorns until 2019, with the option of a further year.Dec 30, 09:46
South Africa complete crushing win over Sri Lanka
South Africa require just over an hour of day five to see off Sri Lanka, earning a comfortable 206-run victory in their first Test meeting.Dec 30, 09:43
Pakistan suffer heavy defeat to Australia in Melbourne
Australia bowl out Pakistan for 163 runs in their second innings after themselves declaring on 634-8 to earn an unlikely victory in Melbourne.Dec 30, 09:28
Cristiano Ronaldo subject of £257m bid from Chinese club
Agent Jorge Mendes claims that Cristiano Ronaldo was offered £80m in wages to join a Chinese club, which he turned down as it is "impossible" to leave Real Madrid.Dec 30, 09:10
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F16%2F49%2Fnathan-redmond.jpg "Nathan Redmond leaps like a leopard during the Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Southampton on December 3, 2016")
Southampton decide against appealing Nathan Redmond dismissal
Claude Puel reveals that he will not contest the red card shown to Nathan Redmond in the 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, ruling him out of the visit of West Brom.Dec 29, 15:48
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/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F06%2FGambleAware%20Secondary%20Main%20Grey.png "on February 3, 2024"){kind=small}