Morning Ticker: Paul the Octopus dies, Blackburn nears sale and more

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Paul the Octopus, who baffled soccer fans with his ability to correctly pick the outcomes of World Cup games this summer, died in his tank Tuesday morning. He was 2 1/2 years old.

According to a spokeswoman from the aquarium where he lived, Paul died of natural causes.

He rose to prominence by picking the winners of all seven of Germany's World Cup games in addition to the World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands.

Here are a few more stories to help kick off your Tuesday:

BLACKBURN CLOSES IN ON SALE

An India-based ownership group is nearing a takeover of English Premier League club Blackburn, and reports suggest a sale could be finalized next month.

Blackburn was put up for sale two years ago, but the powers that be at Ewood Park had yet to find a suitor that matches their needs.

Venky's Group would be the first Indian owner in Premier League history.

BECKHAM INTENDS TO PLAY OUT GALAXY CONTRACT

In an interview with The Associated Press, David Beckham said that he plans to play out his Los Angeles Galaxy contract, which runs through the end of next season.

Beckham has an option that would allow him to buy out the final year of his contract and leave at the end of this season, but he does not intend to do that.

"I'm definitely going to be here for the rest of my contract," Beckham told the AP.

BALLACK SET FOR JANUARY COMEBACK

Bayer Levekusen midfielder Michael Ballack says that he'll return to the pitch in mid-January for the restart of the Bundesliga season.

Ballack, who missed the World Cup because of an ankle injury, was injured again in Leverkusen's match against Hannover 96 in September. He was diagnosed with a micro-fracture in his tibia, and although early reports suggested he would return next month, the i! njury tu rned out to be more serious than initially thought.

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Did Paul the Octopus help you win anything this summer? Think a new owner will help propel Blackburn to the top half of the Premier League table? Happy to hear that Beckham isn't going anywhere this offseason? Do you think Ballack can be a difference-maker in the Bundesliga?

Share your thoughts below.



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