From the Back Pages, September 16: Manchester United and Chelsea in fight for Everton teen star Ross Barkley

Cristiano Ronaldo has put pen to paper on a new mega five-year deal at Real Madrid worth £76million (over €90m) making him the world’s best-paid footballer and says he wants to end his career in Madrid. (Daily Mail)

Jussi Jaaskelainen pulled off a string of fine saves as West Ham held Southampton to a goalless draw in difficult conditions at St Mary’s. (The Independent)

Andy Murray believes that he can lead Great Britain to a period of global prosperity, backed by a generation of improving young players who have been inspired by his historic exploits at Wimbledon this summer. (The Times)

Kenenisa Bekele held off a late charge from Mo Farah to win a thrilling Great North Run on Sunday. The Ethiopian, running his first competitive half marathon, made the break with a mile to go on the course across Newcastle and South Shields and looked to be heading for a comfortable win. (The Mirror)

After finishing on the heels of Mark Cavendish twice at the Giro d’Italia the Italian Elia Viviani outwitted the Manxman and his lead-out train at the first-stage finish of the Tour of Britain to take the first race leader’s jersey at Drumlanrig Castle in south-west Scotland. With impeccable timing Viviani left his effort until the final 100 metres, where he swept past the Austrian Gerhard Ciolek, winner of the Milan-San Remo Classic in March. (The Guardian)

Roberto Soldado has been impressed by Christian Eriksen’s rapid adaptation to English football. (The Telegraph)