Stoke City throw-in specialist Rory Delap dismisses speculation that he will be part of the Irish Olympic team in 2012 in the javelin.

As speculation mounts about Hillary Clinton's possible appointment as secretary of state, Kim Ghattas looks at the pros and cons of such an appointment.

North Korea says reclusive leader Kim Jong-il has made another public appearance, amid speculation that he has been ill.

Speculation about a possible spring election is dismissed as "chatter" by Labour's election co-ordinator.

Speculation abounds about who Barack Obama will nominate for the top jobs in his new administration, but there are 4,000 lower-level posts available says the BBC's Richard Lister.

Russian MPs back extending the presidential term amid speculation Vladimir Putin is ready to return to the Kremlin early.

The impending G20 summit has fuelled speculation about a new Bretton Woods - but a new world financial order will be hard to build, writes the BBC's Andrew Walker.

Defeated Republican running mate Sarah Palin further stokes expectations she plans a run for the presidency.

Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor is adamant the players must ignore speculation surrounding the club's ownership and concentrate on football.

Gordon Brown says tax cuts are among things being looked at for the pre-Budget report, which is due "in the next few days".

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger dismisses speculation he is thinking of quitting as his side prepare to face Manchester United.

Fernando Alonso ends months of speculation about his future by opting to stay at Renault for two more years.

Troubled Japanese electronics firm Sanyo sees its shares rise 18% amid ongoing speculation that it could be bought by Panasonic.

Stock exchange speculators in Nigeria have made massive profits on a market shielded from the global crisis, writes the BBC's Andrew Walker.

Speculation mounts in Indonesia that three men convicted over the 2002 Bali bombings may shortly be executed.

As David Tennant announces he is leaving Doctor Who, speculation has already begun as to who will replace him.

Carlisle boss John Ward refuses to be drawn on speculation over his future following the club's eighth defeat in nine League games.

Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson plays down reports linking him with a move to Queens Park Rangers.

Gordon Chisholm says it is a "compliment" to be linked with the vacant Dundee manager's job but insists he is happy at Queen of the South.

Two Chinese officials fail to return from visits to France, prompting speculation that they have defected to avoid corruption investigations.