The Sport Matrix: Thursday 29 August 2013

Baines pleads Everton to let him join United

Everton defender Leighton Baines has asked his manager, Roberto Martinez, and the club’s chairman, Bill Kenwright, to agree a deal to sell him to Man-chester United. The left-back, pictured, has been the subject of three bids from United over the summer, for £9m, £12m and as part of a joint bid worth up to £30m, including Marouane Fellaini, all of which have been rejected. It is anticipated that United will bid for a fourth time before the transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday. Baines met with the new Everton manager Martinez on the first day of pre-season to tell him that he wanted the club to negotiate a deal with United. Since then Baines, 28, has not missed a training session when fit and has played in both Premier League games so far this season. Baines’ former manager David Moyes has prioritised the signing of the left-back since taking over at Old Trafford as Patrice Evra has only one year remaining on his contract. Baines has two years left on his existing deal. MORE

Celtic qualify in sensational style

Celtic qualified for the group stages of the Champions League in sensational fashion last night, beating Shakhter Karagandy 3-0 on the night and winning 3-2 on aggregate in their qualifying play-off. Celtic were heading for extra time when James Forrest struck at the last minute.

Toon leave it late to beat Morecambe

Newcastle progressed to the third round of the Capital One Cup after coming through a testing 2-0 win at League Two Morecambe, with brothers Shola and Sammy Ameobi scoring late goals. Aston Villa, meanwhile, beat League One Rotherham United 3-0 at home. MORE

City await their European fate

Manchester City face the prospect of being landed with a “group of death” when the Champions League draw is made in Monaco this afternoon because they are seeded in the third pot of four. Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal are all top seeds. MORE

AVB: Bale’s Real move imminent

Andre Villas-Boas was upset with Gareth Bale’s conduct as the Spurs forward closed in on his world record move to Real Madrid. Erik Lamela’s £25.7m move from Roma to Tottenham has been finalised and Villas-Boas said Bale’s deal could happen “very, very soon”. MORE

Broad: I’ll feel like a ‘rock star’ on tour

Stuart Broad says he will “feel like a rock star” with the additional security that England will now have on their tour of Australia this winter. “I love it there [in Australia],” said Broad. England play their first T20 against Australia today. MORE

Chambers makes impact on debut

Warwickshire’s loan signing Maurice Chambers took three wickets on his debut against Sussex at Edgbaston in their First Division fixture yesterday. Sussex were 121 for 0 but collapsed to 195 for 7, reaching 278 for 7 at the close of play. MORE

McGinley ready to ruffle cup feathers

Paul McGinley says he is not afraid to make “tough decisions” in his selection for Europe’s defence of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles next year. “I’m not afraid of having rookies on the team,” said team captain McGinley yesterday. MORE

Anelka ends retirement talk

West Bromwich striker Nicolas Anelka is to resume training today after taking compassionate leave, ending speculation that he might be about to retire. He took time “to get his head clear” after the death of his close friend and agent Eric Manasse. MORE

Ogogo misses Las Vegas event

Anthony Ogogo has withdrawn from the undercard of Floyd Mayweather’s showdown with Saul Alvarez in Las Vegas on 14 September to focus on regaining full fitness after sustaining a hand injury. MORE

Taylor in trouble

Robin Scott-Elliot explains why Gordon Taylor’s position as the PFA’s chief executive is untenable after revelations that he has allegedly accumulated gambling debts of £100,000. MORE