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Darren Clarke has spoken out to dismiss suggestions that countryman Rory McIlroy has let the high life go to his head.   McIlroy was catapulted to fame after his runaway success at the US Open this year and his profile has been raised significantly, leaving his every move open to public scrutiny.

Dutch legend Marco van Basten has spoken about Robin van Persie's contractual situation at Arsenal, urging the striker to remain in England. The former Netherland's boss, who coached Van Persie during the 2006 World Cup and 2008 European Championships, told the Sunday Mirror: "Robin must not leave Arsenal.

Valencia full-back and reported Manchester United target Jordi Alba has played down claims linking him with a move to the Premier League champions. Reports began to emerge last month that United were casting their eye over Alba and were set to offer him the chance of playing in England.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is preparing a move for Udinese winger Gabriel Torje, according to reports in The Metro.   During the course of the summer transfer window Arsenal lost two of their prized assets in former skipper Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Jenson Button has signed a new contract at McLaren and committed himself to what the team have called a "multi-year" deal. The 31-year-old's previous contract was due to expire at the end of next year but talks had been ongoing between Button's representatives and McLaren over a new deal.

British rider Bradley Wiggins claimed silver as Germany's Tony Martin lived up to his billing as favourite to lift his first time trial world title in Copenhagen. Martin showed his class by completing the course in 53 minutes 43. 85 seconds with Wiggins finishing one minute 15. 88 seconds behind in second.

Manchester City's highly-rated youngster Gai Assulin has revealed he is considering his future, under a year after signing for the club. Assulin was a product of the Barcelona youth academy before moving to City in October 2010. He is highly-regarded among those at Eastlands but is yet to make a first-team appearance.

David Haye appears set to delay his retirement after he called out WBC champion Vitali Klitschko. Haye, who lost to Vitali's younger brother Wladimir in a limp display in July, has been keeping a low profile since the defeat and doubts were raised as to whether he would continue fighting.

Gary Cook has resigned from his position as Manchester City chief executive in the wake of his email controversy. Cook came under scrutiny earlier this week after it surfaced he had sent an offensive email to defender Nedum Onouha's cancer-stricken mother mocking her illness.