Turkish officials, however, have been careful to explain that their renewed interest in the Muslim east does not mean a chill towards the West.

ECONOMIST: Turkey and the Middle East

The tension at the top of the government does not seem to make Russia any friendlier towards the West.

ECONOMIST: Russia's political leaders

It was the result of understandable disappointment, although there was an acceptance that the Blades had been caught short by a lack of quality, not just the Premier League's perceived generosity towards West Ham.

BBC: Tevez delivers final twist

The Cardiff University report concludes that Objective One has not had a major impact on levels of prosperity in west Wales and the valleys, but may well have helped towards getting people back into the labour market.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Wales | EU grant areas 'falling behind'