The sporting world had its eye on SW19 and the interminable Wimbledon Final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick with the Swiss racketeer finally winning over four hours in.

It seems even the wheelers and dealers of the transfer treadmill may have been watching the tennis though the fact that Michael Ballack was onlooking at Centre Court at the same time as Sir Alex Ferguson was present hardly serves as a link. That bridge was burned some years ago.

One little snippet came from Bayern Munich ambassador Boris Becker. The German tennis legend, while commentating for the BBC, was saying that his beloved club are doing their best to keep hold of Franck Ribery in the face of interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid. No mention of Manchester United there and Bayern's new boss, the lugubrious Louis Van Gaal, has said he wants a swift conclusion to this latest saga as he would like to spend the cash received if the Frenchman does indeed leave.

Another lengthy linkage is that of Javier Mascherano with Barcelona, despite Liverpool's desire to keep Argentina's captain. When players that will lose their place to a new signing call for the new arrivak, as Sergi Busquets did this weekend, then we have to think there's substance to the story.

Little development on Saturday's John Terry rumours, which remains just those; rumours. Most English newspapers are running with this one and with Chelsea needing money to spend under their latest new regime, then a mooted third Manchester City bid may well be successful.

Some silliness abounds about Harry Redknapp trying to lure Luis Figo out of retirement but this sporting weekend, with tennis, Le Tour, British & Irish Lions and Ashes pre-amble all in gear has been a quiet one for rumours of substance.

Most teams are back for training on Monday; the fun may hot up then. The holidays are over and football will soon be the biggest show in town again.