What the back pages of the papers say - July 31: Barry, Harry and woeful cricket

Liverpool have drawn a line under the summer's longest-running transfer saga after finalising a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry. Sportsmail understands that they have reached agreement on a £17.5m cash offer plus Steve Finnan


England served up another batting capitulation at Edgbaston to leave South Africa in charge of the third npower Test and within touching distance of an historic series win.


Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko will be the next recruits to sign up for the Tottenham revolution after David Bentley's transfer from Blackburn neared completion on Wednesday night.

The Sun
Arsenal will pocket up to £7million from Blackburn’s sale of David Bentley to the Gunners’ rivals Tottenham.

Also: Cristiano Ronaldo is working up to six hours a day in rehab to boost his chances of a quick return from injury - he's aiming to play again in two months.

Daily Mirror
Harry Redknapp could be heading for Russia after being targeted by CSKA Moscow to become their new manager.

New Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes it determined to become an idol for fans at White Hart Lane after his move from PSV.

Daily Star
Alan Curbishley has hit out at the bookies after he was made favourite in the Premier League sack race.

Also: Cesc Fabregas believes Arsenal are set to transform the face of world football in the same way the Ajax side of the 1970s did.

Daily Express
Chelsea star Nicolas Anelka is ready to erase the memory of the end of last year's season and make up for his Champions League final penalty miss.

Also: Steve Sidwell is hoping is £5million move to Aston Villa can set him back on course for an England call-up.

The Independent
England ran out of options on an embarrassing first day as South Africa took a large stride to a first series win on these shores since readmission.

Also: Mark Hughes has signed defender Tal Ben Haim and will now set about tempting Blackburn with a £15million bid for striker Roque Santa Cruz.

The Guardian
Max Mosley will stand down as president of the FIA next year. He has reached the decision despite growing pressure to stand for re-election for a post he has occupied since 1991.

Also: Nicolas Anelka has become the latest Chelsea player to take a swipe at former manager Avram Grant criticising the Israeli for playing him out of position.

The Times
Cesc Fabregas has admitted he is happy to back William Gallas's captaincy at the Emirates Stadium next season.

Also: Andy Murray insists that he is in good shape at a key stage of the season - with the Olympics and US Open to come next month.

Daily Telegraph
Darren Pattinson has vowed to win back his England place and insists that he will not be a one-cap wonder despite being dropped for the Edgbaston Test.

Also: Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon says the next week will prove decisive in resolving whether the Cristiano Ronaldo remains at Manchester United or joins the Spanish champions.