Port Vale are interested in bringing midfielder Chris Birchall back to Vale Park on loan, reports BBC Radio Stoke.

China has increased computer espionage attacks on US government and business interests, Congress is warned.

Italian giants Juventus unveil plans to become the first Serie A team to own their own stadium.

A Surrey council warns it faces a £2m loss in income if interest rates drop due to the credit crunch.

Ipswich Town say Ivan Campo is available for loan if "the right club" expresses an interest.

Towns in Norfolk and Essex are among 27 expressing interest in establishing new universities

India beat England by 16 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis rules in Kanpur to lead the one-day series 3-0 after bad light curtails play.

It's hard to believe given its current ratings success, but newly-released documents show the creators of Doctor Who were very nervous their show would fail when it launched in the early 1960s.

BBC economics editor Hugh Pym looks at why deflation rather than inflation may be the greatest threat to the economy.

Exeter Chiefs scrum half and BBC Devon columnist Clive Stuart-Smith reflects on a good win at Newbury and the interesting facial hair being sported by the squad during "Movember".

Meet Barrie Lester from our panel of families charting how the economic squeeze is affecting them.

A leading judge says he fears a conflict of interest as courts increasingly depend on income from offenders.

Sark's first general election is likely to attract "a great deal" of interest, says a political analyst.

The head of the IMF says it will need more funding if it is to play a bigger role in aiding a global economic recovery.

Key facts, figures and dates

Benzema wants to move to England, plus Man City's £200m January transfer kitty and other rumours

A survey commissioned by the European Commission has shown that young Britons are among the least likely in Europe to consider studying science subjects

Rational choices, reasoned discussions, respect for lawful institutions. That's what Clive James wants from his action heroes. Unless there is an asteroid heading for the Earth, in which case send for Bruce Willis.

World leaders must cut taxes to restore confidence and fight the downturn, Prime Minister Gordon Brown says.

Virgin Atlantic says it is considering a joint bid for Gatwick airport, which has been put up for sale by its owner BAA.