Top sport stories from the national newspapers:

DAILY EXPRESS: Tottenham's terrified players are all hoping to avoid being named in Harry Redknapp's "bomb squad" to face Manchester United in the FA Cup at Old Trafford tomorrow. Also: Sir Elton John and Graham Taylor are set to make an emotional return to Watford and ensure the club do not go into financial meltdown.

THE GUARDIAN: Live international cricket looks likely to return to terrestrial television in some form following the completion of a government-commissioned review into which events should be protected for free-to-air broadcasters. Also: Matt Stevens, the Bath and England prop who admitted this week that he had tested positive for a recreational drug after a Heineken Cup match against Glasgow last month, is likely to escape a two-year ban as he will become the first rugby player to be tried under new World Anti-Doping Agency provisions.

DAILY MIRROR: Spurs stars feel selection for tomorrow's FA Cup tie at Manchester United will put them on the list of the White Hart Lane damned. Also: The full financial nightmare haunting Newcastle United is revealed today – with owner Mike Ashley propping up the club in the face of big losses.

DAILY TELEGRAPH: Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has opened discussions with one of Kuwait's richest families over a possible sale of the club. Also: Manchester City manager Mark Hughes will hold showdown talks with Robinho when the Brazilian returns to England this weekend.

THE SUN: Liverpool are in talks to sell the club to billionaire Kuwaiti businessman Nasser Al-Kharafi – the world's 46th-richest man. Also: Martin O'Neill believes he has won the battle to sign Wigan striker Emile Heskey.

THE TIMES: Martin O'Neill is on the verge of being reunited with Emile Heskey after Aston Villa attempted to bolster their diminishing attacking resources with a £3.5 million bid for the England striker. Also: Jimmy Bullard had a medical last night after Hull City agreed to pay £5million for the midfield player, who is available after failing to agree a new contract with Fulham.

DAILY STAR: Roman Abramovich's resolve to keep hold of Chelsea could be tested in an incredible £750m takeover bid. Also: West Ham have turned down an £8m offer from Spurs for Carlton Cole.

THE INDEPENDENT: England finally backed down yesterday by agreeing to allow their players to appear in the Indian Premier League. Also: Martin O'Neill has launched a late bid to steal Emile Heskey away from Liverpool by signing the Wigan Athletic striker for Aston Villa this month.

DAILY MAIL: Liverpool have been on a covert mission to the Middle East in an attempt to sell the club to one of the richest men in the world. Also: England rugby manager Martin Johnson suffered another savage blow yesterday when Lewis 'Mad Dog' Moody broke an ankle in training.