Manchester United and City have notably built up squads containing sportsmen from abroad, but rugby union team Sale Sharks also have a special one of their own in Russian Ostrikov.

Dale manager Keith Hill is in a positive frame of mind as they continue their frenetic Christmas period against Colchester United on Saturday, buoyed by the availability of key figures as his side attempt to bounce back from a dip in form and return to the play-off spots.

Have you ever wondered what can happen if you refuse a breathalyser test? And can you refuse to co-operate with the roadside procedure when required to do so?

Sharks may have nothing but pride to play for as they face the return fixture away to Saracens in the European Rugby Champions Cup tomorrow, however flanker Andrei Ostrikov insists his side won’t roll over just because they are out of contention.

Police are searching for three men involved in a sinister attack on the chef and owner of an Oldham takeaway late on Tuesday night.

World-famous trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth will join Manchester Camerata in a celebration of Christmas music at the Albert Hall.

A Manchester schoolgirl died in her sleep, aged just 14, after doctors gave her ‘unlicensed’ prescription drugs for depression, an inquest heard.

Victory over the former WBC and IBF light welterweight and former IBF welterweight champion could be the key for Khan to unlock the door to even bigger bouts.

The last meeting between the two was in April 2013 when Oldham’s Lee Johnson bested his father Gary, winning 1-0 thanks to a solitary goal from Matt Smith.

Giants travel to Worcester tonight but come Saturday morning they’ll be out in force in Ancoats to encourage members of the public to donate presents for Manchester’s disadvantaged children.

A Bolton MP has hit out at the government’s ‘broken promises’ to improve the train service and add more carriages on the journey to and from Manchester.