From the back pages, July 4: Andy Murray is pushed to the very limit by big-hitter Fernando Verdasco

Sir Alex Ferguson must have approved. The former Manchester United manager, who knows a thing or two about comebacks, watched from the royal box as Andy Murray made one of his most remarkable recoveries to secure a place in the Wimbledon semi-finals for the fifth year in a row. Given that Ferguson was also in Murray’s corner when he won his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open last year, the world No 2 must be hoping that this visit to Centre Court will not be his last. (The Independent)

Novak Djokovic sweeps aside Tomas Berdych and is simply too good to win over Wimbledon fans (The Telegraph)

Even when he was still suffering the after-effects of his bronchitis and a course of antibiotics, even with a nasty little sting in the late climb near the finish, Mark Cavendish was able to deliver a sprint victory on the Marseilles coast yesterday. Indeed, he was even able to claim afterwards: “I didn’t really do anything.” (The Times)

Warren Gatland has staunchly defended the omission of Brian O’Driscoll from the crucial final British & Irish Lions Test against Australia, despite widespread disbelief in two hemispheres. (The Guardian)

Gareth Bale is set to sign a new deal at Tottenham after Real Madrid admitted DEFEAT in their bid to sign him. (The Mirror)

CRISTIANO RONALDO says he misses English football — but has ruled out leaving Real Madrid this summer. (The Sun)

CHELSEA shot stopper Petr Cech has waded into the Wayne Rooney transfer saga by saying he can envisage him at Stamford Bridge. (The Express)

Swansea City have completed the signing of Jonjo Shelvey from Liverpool for an initial £5million, potentially rising to £6m with add-ons. (Daily Mail)