What the back pages say: Arsenal to sign Liverpool outcast Alonso, Adebayor fears Gunners hate mob, Ashley to sell Newcastle 'within weeks'

Kevin Pietersen emerged from crisis talks with coach Peter Moores to accept the England captaincy after Michael Vaughan's tearful resignation brought an end to his five-year reign.

Also: Graeme Smith revealed a profound sense of shock at news of Michael Vaughan's resignation yesterday, before questioning the wisdom of installing Kevin Pietersen as England captain.

THE SUN

Kevin Pietersen became England captain last night - but only after clear-the-air talks with coach Peter Moores.

Also: Andy Murray sealed a sizzling Cincinnati Masters final victory last night. Cristiano Ronaldo can forget coming out on top in this week's showdown with Alex Ferguson, according to Ruud van Nistelrooy.

DAILY MIRROR

Michael Vaughan has quit as England's most successful Test captain ever, claiming five years in the job had started to turn him into a cynical old man.

Also: McLaren boss Ron Dennis could not hide his delight after Lewis Hamilton's chaotic Hungarian Grand Prix and admitted: "For a bad day it was great." Premier League bosses have drafted new global domination plans that will take English clubs round the world.

DAILY STAR

Arsene Wenger is on the verge of signing Liverpool outcast Xabi Alonso.

Also: Emmanuel Adebayor admits he faces a massive task to win back the Arsenal hate mob after flirting with a big-money exit this summer. Gareth Barry's dream of finally joining Liverpool now lies in the hands of the club's American owners.

DAILY EXPRESS

Michael Vaughan revealed yesterday he gave up the England captaincy in order to preserve his dream of playing in one more Ashes series - and left the way clear for Kevin Pietersen to take over.

Also: Newcastle owner Mike Ashley could sell the club within weeks, having refused to give fans a concrete assurance he will be in charge at the start of the season. Paula
Radcliffe's medal mission begins at the British training camp here today and she
now looks certain to run for gold in the Olympic marathon.

THE TIMES

Kevin Pietersen, who spent four years qualifying to be able to play for England, will be confirmed today as the captain of unity after Michael Vaughan resigned from the Test position and Paul Collingwood from the one-day role.

DAILY TELEGRAPH

Almost three years after he held the Ashes urn aloft at the Oval, Michael Vaughan resigned as England Test captain, not because his team had lost the series to South Africa but because it was turning him into a man he and his family didn't recognise.

Also: Jacques Rogge has warned athletes that they face censure if they use Olympic venues to make political statements or to protest against China during the Beijing Games.

THE GUARDIAN

Kevin Pietersen can expect to be named England captain today after the emotional resignation of Michael Vaughan yesterday.

Also: Arsene Wenger wants Xabi Alonso to form a Spanish midfield axis with Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal next season, provided Liverpool dramatically lower their £18m price for the marginalised playmaker.

THE INDEPENDENT

There was something different about Michael Vaughan's demeanour when he faced the media after England's devastating five-wicket loss to South Africa on Saturday evening.