From the back pages, February 8: One-club man Jamie Carragher to retire from Liverpool at the end of the season

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has announced he will retire from football at the end of the season. The 35-year-old told Liverpool’s official website: “This will be my last season at Liverpool and my last as a professional footballer. (The Independent)

Chelsea will reopen formal contract talks with Frank Lampard in the next week after a change of heart by Roman Abramovich. The club had let it be known that they were willing to release Lampard at the end of the season, but are now prepared to return to the negotiating table after being persuaded by an excellent run of form from the England midfielder that has brought eight goals in his past 12 matches since returning from a calf injury. (The Times)

Premier League clubs will be docked points if they fail to comply with new financial control measures designed to curb rampant wage inflation and stem losses when their new £5.5bn TV deal kicks in next season. (The Guardian)

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Wales captain Sam Warburton has been forced out of Saturday’s game against France in Paris with a shoulder injury. Ryan Jones, returning from a broken thumb, will replace Warburton as captain. (The Telegraph)

Andre Villas-Boas is confident Champions League football next season would secure Gareth Bale’s future at Tottenham. The Spurs boss is fully aware of Bale’s growing reputation following another impressive season at White Hart Lane. (The Sun)

Punish the offenders: Australian Olympic boss calls for tough penalties for drug cheats and match fixers. (The Mirror)

AC Milan have moved quickly to deny reports Mario Balotelli was involved in an argument with police after parking illegally on Thursday.

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Reports emerged from Italy that the former Manchester City striker, who was on his way to collect friends, was told to move his car when he stopped in a no-parking zone in front of the city’s Linate airport. (Daily Mail)

Manchester City have made an early move in their bid to bring Brazilian superstar Neymar to Eastlands in the summer. The Santos forward has been linked with a whole host of clubs in the past few months, most notably Barcelona, who seemed to be edging closer to a deal. (The Express)