Thiago Silva expects to sign a new contract to extend his stay at Chelsea "in the next few days".

The centre-back has been a key player for the Blues since joining as a free agent in August 2020 following the expiry of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.

Silva signed an initial one-year deal with the club and helped Chelsea to win the Champions League in the 2020-21 campaign, after which he signed an extension until the end of this season.

With less than six months remaining on that contract, the 38-year-old revealed both he and Chelsea want him to stay with the club, and he anticipates putting pen to paper on a fresh deal very soon.

"We are talking about it," Silva told ESPN. "Everything will probably happen in the next few days.

"My intention, and that of the club as well, is to stay together."

Having lifted eight top-flight titles with Milan and PSG before his arrival at Chelsea, Silva believes his vast experience at the top level is an important asset for the Blues to utilise while he is still at Stamford Bridge.

The club brought in 21-year-old centre-back Benoit Badiashile from Monaco for £35million (€39.4m) in January, while they also splashed big money on Wesley Fofana at the start of the season.

Silva hopes to continue his positive influence on Chelsea's young central defenders, saying: "I know that the club needs me right now. I am here to be able to help, they are young players.

"I know that, with my experience, I can help in this process of rebuilding the club. I'm here for that, willing to do this, however, I know that my responsibility is very great."

Chelsea brought in Enzo Fernandez from Benfica on deadline day for a British-record transfer fee of £106.8m (€121m), though fellow midfielder Jorginho departed the club to join Premier League leaders and London rivals Arsenal.

Silva understands why the Italy international moved, but acknowledged his team-mates will have to step up to fill the leadership void that the 31-year-old's exit has left.

"[It was] for a direct competitor," Silva added. "But these are football things, it happens. He would like to stay in England, because he has family nearby. 

"These are things that we have no control over, but we also have to understand the player's side.

"We lost one of our great leaders in the locker room, Jorginho, a guy who spoke a lot. This gap will remain, but we have to move on. 

"We didn't expect him to leave, [but] it happened. We must make up for his absence in the best possible way."

Antonio Conte says he is "already feeling better" after the Tottenham head coach underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder.

Conte was diagnosed with cholecystitis after beginning to suffer from severe abdominal pain, with the club announcing he would need to undergo surgery on Wednesday.

The Italian is now set to take a period of time away from football to recover. 

Following the surgery, Conte posted on his Instagram story, saying: "Thank you for your lovely messages, my surgery has gone well and I'm already feeling better.

"Now's time to recover, I can't wait to get back on the field with the team."

In his absence, Tottenham's assistant manager Cristian Stellini is expected to take charge with Spurs set to face Manchester City this Sunday.

The north London side then travel to face Leicester City the following weekend before the away first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie against Italian heavyweights Milan on February 14.

Spurs are fifth in the Premier League ahead of the weekend action, three points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United, who have played a game less.

Wednesday's game between the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards has been postponed due to weather-related travel issues.

The Pistons have been unable to get back to Detroit after Monday's defeat at the Dallas Mavericks, with an ice storm leading to several flights out of Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport being cancelled in recent days.

A weather warning will remain in effect until at least Thursday, with ice also affecting roads.

The Pistons said in a statement: "We will provide further information on the new date and time once it is available."

Detroit sit bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of 13-39, while the ninth-placed Wizards are on a six-game win streak, currently 24-26 overall for the season.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Thursday's game between the Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans is also in doubt due to the weather conditions.

Paul Pogba will be made to wait for his second Juventus debut after being ruled out of Thursday's Coppa Italia quarter-final against Lazio with another injury problem.

The France international has yet to feature for Juve since rejoining the club from Manchester United at the start of the season due to a succession of setbacks.

He sustained a knee injury in pre-season that later required surgery, forcing him to miss the entire season to date and France's World Cup campaign.

Pogba was back on the substitutes' bench for last week's Serie A meeting with Monza, but he was not brought on by Allegri as Juve suffered a shock 2-0 loss at Allianz Stadium.

Allegri confirmed at Wednesday's pre-match press conference that the 29-year-old is now nursing another minor issue that will rule him out of the visit of Lazio.

"I haven't decided anything tomorrow in terms of the squad, apart from [Leonardo] Bonucci, who is still out, and Pogba due to flexor soreness," Allegri said.

"Unfortunately, when you've been out for so many months and raise the intensity level, pain comes and more time is needed."

Pogba, who signed a four-year deal with Juventus, has not played a competitive game since former club United's 4-0 Premier League loss to Liverpool last April.

"It takes time. Nobody can work miracles," Allegri said. "His body must adapt. We must use him wisely and in the right moment when he is ready."

In better news for Juve, Allegri confirmed Dusan Vlahovic will start his first game since October after returning as a substitute last week.

"Vlahovic will start, but I have to decide on the others," he said. "The game could last 120 minutes, so subs will be important. I'll decide the line-up after tomorrow's training."

Juventus were docked 15 points last month following an investigation into the club's past transfer dealings and are now 15 points off the top four after last week's loss to Monza.

The Bianconeri turn focus to the Coppa Italia next – a competition they last won in the 2020-21 season – and Allegri is hoping to put the club's points deduction to one side.

"The points deduction should not be an excuse for bad results," he said. "We must go on the pitch and do what's required. 

"It may be the first time a team has been docked 15 points, but we must handle this situation in the best way. We'll do our best in the Coppa Italia."

Mick Schumacher has been named as McLaren's reserve driver for 2023 after a deal was struck with Mercedes.

The 23-year-old, son of Formula One great Michael Schumacher, lost his seat at Haas following the 2022 season and was subsequently released from Ferrari's young driver programme.

Schumacher signed as Mercedes' third driver, behind Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, but will now deputise for Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri at McLaren in the event of either being unable to race.

Those opportunities would still be presented should either Hamilton or Russell have issues this season, though there is now a greater chance of Schumacher making an appearance on the grid.

In two seasons at Haas, Schumacher scored points on two occasions from 43 races and was replaced by compatriot Nico Hulkenberg for the 2023 campaign.

As pointed out by McLaren, representing the team brings the Schumacher name full circle as team principal Andrea Stella worked alongside Mick's father as performance engineer.

A devastating performance with bat and ball saw India seal a sensational series comeback with a record 168-run victory in their third and final T20I with New Zealand.

Shubman Gill's 126 not out powered the hosts to a freewheeling 234-4 in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, before they tore through their visitors at the crease for an emphatic win.

It is the biggest margin of victory India have ever recorded in the format, and marked something of an anticlimactic end to an otherwise close-fought series.

They are unlikely to care given the nature of their euphoric blowout, though the Black Caps will be concerned after failing to reach three figures in back-to-back games.

There were few signs at first glance Gill would turn in the sort of pyrotechnic performance that saw him star in the pair's ODI series last month.

After losing opening partner Ishan Kishan for just one, however, the opener carried the bat in a gangbuster turn, with a dozen fours and seven sixes off 63 balls.

Able support from Rahul Tripathi (44) and Hardik Pandya (30) helped him motor India to their fifth-best score in T20I history, and their highest against New Zealand. 

Hopes of mounting any serious pursuit felt slim for the Black Caps even before they crumpled, with Pandya (4-16) and Arshdeep Singh (2-16) combining for a brutal opening three overs to reduce them to 7-4.

Daryl Mitchell (35) stubbornly held his ground as a succession of partners came and went, helping to drag New Zealand from 21-5 to 53-6.

But further work from Shivam Mavi and Umran Malik curtailed any resistance as the tourists were bowled all out for 66.

Gill maintains 2023 hot streak

After matching the world record for the most runs in a three-game ODI series last month against New Zealand, the batter turned on the power again when it mattered.

A quiet few matches, with scores of just seven and 11, are faded memories now after his supremely assured performance this week.

Black Caps continue to stutter

After failing to hit the 100 mark last time out, a second successive game where they petered out in double figures is a major concern for New Zealand.

Their score of 66 is the third-lowest they have recorded in T20I history, behind the twin totals of 60 they posted against Sri Lanka in 2014 and Bangladesh in 2021.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have paid tribute to quarterback Tom Brady following his retirement after 23 years in the NFL.

The seven-time Super Bowl winner announced his retirement from the sport on Wednesday, bringing an end to a three-year spell in Tampa Bay.

His first year with the franchise resulted in Brady's final Super Bowl triumph and only the team's second all-time, which came after years of dominance with the New England Patriots.

The Buccaneers' Glazer owners issued a statement thanking Brady for his contributions, which read: "Tom's impact on our franchise these past three years has been immense and we are appreciative of the time we had with him here in Tampa Bay.

"He set an exceptional standard that elevated our entire organisation to new heights and created some of the most iconic moments in our history.

"Tom's impact will be felt within our community for many years to come and we will forever be grateful for those unforgettable memories that he provided during these final seasons of his legendary career.

"We wish him the best in this next chapter of life and are confident he will find similar success in his future endeavours."

Head coach Todd Bowles, who was defensive coordinator for the first two years of Brady's time in Tampa Bay, said: "I have always had the utmost respect for Tom Brady as a football player, as a winner and as a person.

"It wasn't until he joined us three years ago that I was able to truly appreciate him as a team-mate. Even before I became head coach, we communicated often and had a strong relationship built on mutual respect and a desire to win.

"That connection only grew over this past season as we fought to get the most out of our football team. I greatly appreciate the leadership he provided and I'm thankful for our time together."

General Manager Jason Licht, who brought Brady to the Buccaneers and has held his role since 2014, feels that the 45-year-old's impact will continue to be felt over the course of the coming years.

"Tom's legacy is unmatched in the history of this game," Licht said. "All the Super Bowl titles and statistical records speak for themselves, but the impact he had on so many people through the years is what I appreciate the most.

"His imprint on this organisation helped take us to the mountaintop. We will certainly miss him as our quarterback, but I will also miss him as a leader and friend.

"Our entire organisation is indebted to him for what he provided us over the past three years. We won't ever forget the wins or the accolades and his influence will be felt for years to come."

Patrick Mahomes, Ryan Jensen and Conor McGregor are among those paying tribute to Tom Brady after the NFL veteran announced his retirement.

One year to the date after he first announced he was hanging up his cleats, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback has confirmed he is quitting "for good" after previously walking back his decision.

Across a career stretching 23 years, two teams, seven Super Bowls and five MVP awards, the 45-year-old has earned a reputation as one of the sport's all-time greats.

His announcement has sparked an outpouring of affection and respect from his peers, with fellow quarterback Mahomes leading the tributes.

The Kansas City Chiefs man posted three goat emojis to Twitter, in reference to the acronym GOAT, which stands for greatest of all time.

Brady's Tampa Bay team-mate Jensen, who won Super Bowl LV alongside him, penned a heartfelt message after he helped him through injury last season.

"Thanks for pushing me every day this season, mentally and physically, to get back on the field," he wrote.

"I'm glad I was able to take the field with you one last time!  Enjoy retirement, don't dog me too much in the booth. Love ya man!"

Praise for Brady was not limited to American football, with MMA veteran McGregor praising the player's Irish roots.

Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter also offered his congratulations on "an unbelievable career", adding: "It was fun to watch!"

Brady spent the majority of his career with the New England Patriots, taking the team to six Super Bowl successes between 2000 and 2019.

He moved to the Buccaneers for the 2020 season, and inspired them to a surprise championship in his first campaign in Florida.

At the end of his career, Brady ranks first for a host of statistical categories.including most passing yards (89,214), regular season touchdowns (649) and playoff touchdowns (88).

J.J. Watt says there is "no question" that Tom Brady is the "greatest of all time".

Brady retired for a second time on Wednesday at the age of 45.

A year on from announcing a retirement that lasted only 40 days, Brady said he has now called time on his playing days "for good".

Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, announced his own retirement in December, having spent two seasons at the Arizona Cardinals and 10 years with the Houston Texans.

And he welcomed seven-time Super Bowl champion Brady to the "newly retired group".

"Greatest of All Time. No question, no debate," Watt tweeted.

"It's been an honour and a privilege.

"PS – The newly retired group meets on the golf course every morning at 10am. Drinks are on the new guy, so bring your wallet."

A good Six Nations run is not imperative for England and Steve Borthwick, with Chris Robshaw suggesting it will have no bearing on their World Cup fortunes.

Former Leicester boss Borthwick will take charge of the national team for the first time since succeeding Eddie Jones in this weekend's opener with Scotland.

It marks the start of a five-match run that will serve as England's only competitive preparation ahead of September's showpiece tournament in France.

But former captain Robshaw does not feel the team need to ace their Six Nations campaign in order to bolster their prospects later this year.

"It is important, but it is not the be all and end all," Robshaw told Stats Perform. "The World Cup is a separate tournament.

"Of course you want to win, and you want to play well now, but you've still got another four or five months before that.

"I think when South Africa won it back in 2007, they were pretty awful in their build-up.

"You want to be confident going in, but it's not everything."

England head into the Six Nations as underdogs, with France and Ireland the leading favourites to take the title in March.

Robshaw feels there is still a successful campaign to be had, however, pointing to the growth and experience they will develop alongside Borthwick.

"They need to hit the ground running against Scotland," he added. "First and foremost, they need to do that.

"From an output point of view, if they could win [against] Scotland and Italy, and then nick one of the Ireland or France games, I think that will be viewed as a very successful campaign.

"This is a growing squad. It is a new group, but I think it's a great combination of a team [with] huge excitement, experience and a well-balanced coaching staff."

Tom Brady has announced he is retiring from the NFL and says this time it is "for good".

Leicester City chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha has relieved the club of nearly £200million of outstanding debts.

The Premier League club, which is owned by King Power International, had over £194m in loans and interest that they were due to pay back to Srivaddhanaprabha's company.

However, the Thai businessman, the son of former Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium in 2018, has chosen to relieve these debts.

In a statement on Leicester's official website, the chairman said: "Maintaining long-term stability is vital for sustainable growth and a fundamental principle that has always guided our investments in the club's future.

"We want to make sure we continue on that path from the strongest, most secure financial footing.

"I believe with all my heart in Leicester City and what the Club can achieve for our fans, our people and our communities – in Leicester, Thailand and around the world. 

"The faith they continue to place in us to run their club responsibly with ambition and integrity guides our decision making and remains vital to us building on one of the most successful eras in the club's history."

The decision will undoubtedly ease concerns over Leicester's finances after a lack of spending in the recent transfer windows. 

The deadline-day acquisition of Stoke defender Harry Soutar for £15m was only the third cash signing this season after the acquisitions of Victor Kristiansen from FC Copenhagen and Wout Faes from Reims.