Swansea deny Raheem Sterling rumours, make Ince approach

Chairman Huw Jenkins has said the club are not interested in signing the Liverpool man.

Boy (7) dies after falling from horse in Cork

The boy was pronounced dead at Cork University Hospital after he fell off the horse this afternoon.

The 9 at 9: Friday

Good morning. Here are the nine stories you need to know as you start your wet and windy Friday.

Paul Ince set for return to management

The former Blackburn boss will be announced as the new manager of Blackpool, where he joins his son Tom, on Monday.

Liverpool told to up offer for Ince

Reds told the Blackpool winger will not be available cheaply.

Mud and more mud: Flood clean-up begins (Pics)

Water has been pumped from many of the areas affected by today’s flooding, leaving in its wake mud, debris and damaged businesses.

Parents forced boy, 11, to live in a coal bunker

A couple in Lancashire are facing charges of child abuse after admitting to locking their son in a converted coal bunker.

As it happened: Blackpool v West Ham United, Play-Off Final

The 20th team in next year’s Premier League will be known later today – which team will bounce back one year after relegation?

Play-off match report: Blackpool reach final despite Birmingham comeback

A late rally from Chris Hughton’s side was not enough to prevent them from going out on aggregate.

Championship playoff match report: Ince hands Blackpool the advantage

Ian Holloway’s side boosted their chances of a return to the Premier League this evening.

Championship wrap: Southampton back in the big time

Saint seal their second promotion in as many seasons as Nigel Adkins masterminds their return to the top flight.

Man arrested in Blackpool over Belfast murder 39 years ago

John Huddleston, 28, was shot dead outside his home in 1973.

Championship round-up: Southampton near the land of milk and honey with win

Nigel Adkins’ Saints are three points clear of Reading with four league matches remaining

Circus trainer trampled by elephant in Cork

The incident occurred at the same circus where an elephant escaped from this week. The trainer’s injuries are not said to be life-threatening.

VIDEO: Nellie the elephant makes a run for it in Cork

Circus animal – whose name is actually Susan – might have done some damage to vehicle after making break for it through car park.

Championship wrap: Southampton win as West Ham slip

An Adam Lallana brace fired leaders Southampton to a 2-0 win over Barnsley as both they and Reading, who defeated Leicester 3-1 at home, took advantage of second-placed West Ham’s slip up at home to Doncaster.

As it happened: FA Cup fifth round

It’s the Premier League v Championship in all three games. Relive the action here to see if was an upset.

As it happened: FA Cup Fourth Round

Could we see any upsets in the cup? Relive all of the action here

AS THEY HAPPENED: FA Cup 3 o'clocks

We hadn’t seen much magic so far in the FA Cup third rounds but could the three o’clock kick-offs thrill us? Could Tamworth pull off an upset against Everton?

Gardaí make contact with family of man found dead in River Bandon

Relatives of John Forrester have been located in Blackpool and Lincoln in England.

Appeal for missing 15-year-old Naomi

Naomi Whittington was last seen in Cork City on Monday afternoon.

The Watercooler: ordinary United reach extraordinary milestone

It’s sweet 19 for Alex Ferguson… and the rest of the weekend football talking points.

Small earthquake strikes Blackpool

The Morning Score: Wednesday

United and Arsenal get the job done, Galvin set for college competition and the Sky scandal rumbles on.

Fantasy Football: United are on a double-game week but who gets the arm-band?

There’s an awful lot of game-changing points on offer this week. Here’s how to have them in the back pocket, this time next week.

The Morning Score: Thursday

Bohs face a winding up order in the High Court, mixed news for Leinster and Munster ahead of the Heineken cup action this weekend and Tipp ponder new sponsors.

Think the transfer window's a real pane? Here's the lowdown

Sky Sports’ Andy Burton has got two mobile phones on the go, agents have got the Red Bull in and the fax machine is loaded – it must be transfer time again.

Hear Holloway's latest amazing rant at reporters

Blackpool boss threatens to quit if he’s fined for making 10 changes to team.