Welcome to the triumphant return of the Premier League Previews, a series where a fan gives an overview of his team for your perusal, and I get an excuse to take pot-shots at other clubs. This will run until the eve of the Premier League, taking a look at each club in turn. Today from way down south we're going way up north, with Newcastle United. About
Pre-season began 12 months ago with a lot of Newcastle fans filled with hope after a 10th placed finish. Mikel Merino and Aleksandar Mitrovic were sold to Real Sociedad and Fulham respectively, with their replacements being Ki Sung-Yeung on a free and Salomon Rondon on loan. Chancel Mbemba was also sold to Porto, while Fabian Schär and Federico Fernandez came in at centre back. Martin Dubravka and Kenedy returned to the club after impressive loan spells, with Dubravka signing permanently. Yoshinori Muto was also signed from Mainz as the most expensive purchase for us at £9.5m. An awful start to the season saw us fail to win in our first 10 league games. In fairness, we did play 5 of the eventual top 6 in this time, but it was still a shocking run. Despite decent performances against Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City, we completely bottled games against Cardiff, Leicester and Manchester United, throwing away a 2-0 half time lead at Old Trafford. A scrappy game vs Watford in early November was our first win of the season. We beat Bournemouth and Burnley in our following two games, instilling hope into the fans that maybe we weren't terrible after all. We then won 1 game in our next 9. ¯\(ツ)/¯ 22 games into the season, we sat in 18th place on 18 points. we were 3 points away from Brighton in 15th and 7 points clear of Huddersfield at the foot of the table. Gameweek 23 saw us hosting Cardiff at home. We won 3-0 with a strong performance in a game that could have been the biggest result of our season, but 10 days later Manchester City came to St James' Park and we made headlines around the world by winning 2-1, in one of the biggest shocks of the season. Our midfield that game was Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff, who was thrust into the limelight after being praised by Pep Guardiola. The fans' mood was at an insane high, boosted again 2 days later when Miguel Almiron's arrival finally broke the club's record transfer fee. The back to back victories and Almiron's arrival revitalised the team, narrowly losing to Tottenham, drawing with Wolves and beating fellow relegation candidates Huddersfield and Burnley quite convincingly. A 2-0 defeat away to West Ham dented the team's form (we only picked up 4 points from the next 4 games) and saw Sean Longstaff ruled out for the remaining 9 games of the season with a severe knee injury. The following game saw us do what Manchester United had done to us 5 months prior. Everton led 2-0 at St James' Park at half time, but a Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez masterclass saw the game finish 3-2. This signalled the beginning of an unplayable run of form for Perez, scoring 8 goals in 9 games including a hat trick against Southampton in what might be the best performance I've ever seen from a Newcastle player. The final 3 games of the season saw us draw to Brighton, lose to Liverpool in the dying moments thanks to Origi being the biggest clutch player alive and a comprehensive 4-0 victory against Fulham. A 13th placed finish was far better than we hoped for after the winless streak at the beginning of the season. At the time we were overjoyed, but everything that has happened with the club since has made the positives from last season somewhat bittersweet.
This Season
At the time of writing, Summer has been nothing short of disastrous so far. The season ended with some optimism that Rafa Benitez was going to sign a contract extension, we would sign Salomon Rondon permanently and that a wealthy group from the Middle East were interested in buying the club and finally ending Mike Ashley's reign as the owner of the club. Rafa left has left and signed for Chinese second division Dalian Yifang, with Rondon joining him. The takeover seems to be dead in the water, with Steve Bruce being appointed as manager on a 3 year contract. As of yet, there have been no players signed to the senior team, while Ayoze Perez and Joselu have been sold. We're expecting Joelinton to be announced in the next few days for what will be another record breaking fee, but I'm not optimistic that he will be good enough to drag us up the table. The most I can currently hope for this season is a relegation battle that sees us narrowly stay up. Right now, I'm not sure I'll even care by the time we get past January. A sad reality that a good number of Newcastle fans are facing. Transfers Highlights
Player
Type
From
To
Fee(£m)
Ayoze Perez
Permanent
Newcastle United
Leicester City
30
Joelinton
Permanent
Hoffenheim
Newcastle United
40
Jose Salomon Rondon
End of Loan
Newcastle United
West Bromwich Albion
N/A
All incoming/outgoing transfersFull 2019-20 squad 3 players to watch out for Sean Longstaff Longstaff's recovery from injury is something I worry about a lot. Rolando Aarons' progress at Newcastle was similar; a handful of promising appearances ended by severe knee injuries. We have slapped a £50m price tag on him to ward off Manchester United this summer, which I hope we don't end up looking foolish for. Longstaff's tireless work rate, tidy passing and his threat from range (he scored numerous screamers when at Blackpool 2 years ago) will be instrumental if he returns as strong as he was last season. Florian Lejeune While Fabian Schär and Jamaal Lascelles have been the centre backs to receive the plaudits in the last 2 seasons, Florian Lejeune has gone somewhat under the radar when he has been equal to, and sometimes even better, than the pair of them. His involvement in the squad has at times been restricted by the two anterior cruciate ligament tears he has suffered, despite him returning from both of them in half the time footballers usually take to recover. Lejeune's positional awareness and composure on the ball made him a consistently effective defensive partner to Lascelles and Schär, while his passing accuracy and range on the left side of a back 3 was a great asset to the attacking movements under Rafa Benitez. With Steve Bruce likely opting for a very direct approach this season, Lejeune's distribution will be very important. Jonjo Shelvey I wanted to say Miguel Almiron, as the only player remaining from the Perez-Rondon-Almiron front 3 that was so promising last season, but I think Jonjo Shelvey could be very pivotal player. A number of Rafa's outcasts from last season like Dwight Gayle, Rolando Aarons and Jack Colback will return to the fray much to the dismay of many fans. It's Shelvey however, that catches my eye. Shelvey has talent that few players in the Premier League possess, a pinpoint accuracy with diagonal long passing that is a dream to any wide player capable of exploiting space. The downside to him is just about everything else. His poor work rate and lacking athleticism means he often can't provide adequate cover to the defence and his temper (albeit improved in recent times) means he is always a potential red card. He's a player to watch for better or worse. His performances could result in us gaining 10 points this season, or losing that many. What the fans think Thanks to /NUFCfor their help.
How do you think this season will go?
Not as well as any of us want it to, but also not as bad as many think it will go. So (optimistically) somewhere between 11-16.
I think we'll finish 13th if (and it's a big if) we make another couple of decent signings. I loved Rafa, but he would often freeze players out of the team for unknown reasons, and I think some of those coming back will have something to prove. My call for player of the season is Shelvey for that reason, I think he'll be called back in and his long Hollywood passes will work well with Almiron and another fast winger (ASM?).
We will all get increasingly annoyed as historically 'smaller' clubs than us like Wolves, Bournemouth, Watford and Leicester take an easy three points from us home and away. Their owners have actual ambition for their clubs and have proper facilities and coaching. We've got Steve Bruce in command and some wheelie bins for ice baths. The big 6 teams will beat us despite our plucky performances, we will play out grinding draws or fluky 1-0 wins against other relegation fodder teams like Brighton and Sheffield United. Meanwhile beloved ex-players like Shola Ameobi will get airtime on Sky Sports to tell everyone how great Mike Ashley is. If we don't get relegated then it will be a miracle, some fans hope that we do go down because they believe Fat Mike might be more likely to sell if we are in the Championship/League One.
Which player is going to be your star of the season and why?
Lejeuene. He's arguably our best player but his time with us has been marred with injuries. However, when he has played he has given us that boost we needed out from defence. He's a ball playing centre-back who also has great defensive capabilities. A trio of him, Schar and Lascelles will be key for us this coming season.
If Almiron can carry his form over despite losing the two players he linked up so well with it'll be him. If Joelinton can find his feet and score the goals to keep us up then him.
Isaac Hayden. He was quality at the back end of last season, and his personal problems appear to have subsided/been resolved to an extent. Hopefully, this means he will push on and make a case for a potential national team call up.
by NickTM The Manager: Well, beloved manager Rafa Benitez finally decided that enough was enough after his contract expired in the summer and went off to enjoy being filthy fucking rich in China, smuggling his boy Salomon Rondon through customs along with him. Equally beloved owner Mike Ashley decided that the logical choice to replace this Champions League-winning, multiple time La Liga-winning, two-time UEFA Manager of the Year was with... Steve Bruce. Oh boy. Look, as much as I like to use this section to poke some fun, I'm still a Palace fan, and thus I can't quite bring myself to align myself anywhere other than in line with your average Newcastle fan's reaction towards him. It was a pathetic appointment. Bruce, fresh off jumping ship from Sheffield Wednesday as soon as he saw an opportunity in the Premier League - managing to land Newcastle in hot water legally whilst he was at it, true to form - arrives with a mediocre track record in the Premier League and a spell managing bitter rivals Sunderland for one and a half incredibly average seasons. Baffling. The Team: Benitez managed to cut out quite a lot of the deadwood and refresh the squad significantly during his tenure, which left Newcastle with a team that was reasonably balanced and able to compete across the pitch. Unfortunately, his departure was followed in quick succession by the aforementioned Salomon Rondon's loan finishing and also Ayoze Perez, a flaky but talented forward, departing to Leicester City for a hefty £30m sum. In order to compensate for the shortfall up front, a huge £40m was shelled out for Hoffenheim's Joelinton, who arrives with an okay-but-not-really-that-good goal record spread across two years out on loan at Rapid Wien and one at his former parent club. Much will be expected of him between donning the coveted number 9 shirt and the so-far limited effectiveness of last year's signing Yoshinori Muto. Elsewhere, the defence will look to continue the form that saw it become the most effective unit in the bottom half, and much has been made of the admittedly limited gametime Sean Longstaff has had in the Prem so far. Ultimately, it looks like Newcastle will be relying heavily on Joelinton to hit the ground running and Miguel Almiron to really show his class tucked in behind him. Why to like them: I quite like DeAndre Yedlin as one of the United States' attempts to plonk a superlative athlete on a football pitch in hope he'll become a superstar. Miguel Almiron's a treat to watch play, and if the team loses there's always the faint hope one of their fans will go full Little Mac on an ungulate. Why to dislike them: Half their identity is based on beating a League One team that they haven’t beat in 8 years. Their fans claim to hate Mike Ashley - which, let's be honest, they get a little hysterical about given they make him out to be absolute footballing Lucifer when there's probably half a dozen owners in English football alone that you'd choose him over - and yet have had about one sort-of-effective protest in the entire time he's been an owner. They're still so mentally broken by a bedsheet some bloke had scribbled a half-baked pun on that there's genuine animosity towards Aston Villa to this day. Couple that with all the proclaimations of being a 'big club' despite not really ever having achieved that much comparatively and you can see why so many fans in England often end up a little irked by them. Also, Steve Bruce can fuck off, the pudgy northern mercenary wrister. Summary: Newcastle weren't really good last year, and you feel the strength of Benitez' management was the thing really holding them together. With Rafa gone and an already significant outlay spent on a single transfer, things look even more grim this season. You wouldn't bet on Steve Bruce to maintain their integrity defensively, their forwards have been weakened at very least in depth, and whilst the midfield is solid it's not entirely inspiring. If you can find good odds on a midseason managerial sacking, I'd be tempted.
On Friday at 8pm UK time, Reading and Derby County will kick off the 127th season of the English second division - also known as the Championship! 24 clubs will compete for 3 promotion spots to the Premier league (2 via automatic promotion and 1 via playoffs) and to avoid the 3 relegation spots to the third tier a.k.a League One.
Its looking like a really tight and competitive season. The league is absolutely full of ambitious player and managerial talent - the more time goes by the more it looks like a Premier League 2. If you want a competitive league with proper English football, that also has the spice of skilful players and forward thinking managers, it really is the place to go.
This is guide written by the fans who have come together on /Championship - an absolutely huge thanks to them. Do check out the sub, we try to keep it a good place to discuss the EFL, away from the rancid gloryhunting shithole that is /soccer (just kidding - I like this place). Lots going on, including a score predictor thread which is running all season.
This guide is in table order with the PL demoted sides first. Only 5 clubs today (because the Swansea one is a fucking novel and I can't fit any more in), the rest will be submitted tomorrow and Friday. Do bare in mind that not all the transfer news will be up to date as these guides were largely written a week ago. Point out to me if there are any clear errors with formatting or spelling.
Season previews:The Guardian | Sky Sports | The Mirror EFL focused podcasts:Not the Top 20 | The Totally Football League Show The 17/18 table - Wolves, Cardiff and Fulham went up. Barnsley, Burton and Sunderland went down. This season West Brom, Swansea and Stoke join from the PL and Wigan, Blackburn and Rotherham join from League 1. These are the bookies' favourites for promotion (via Oddschecker):
Club
Odds
Stoke
2.75
Middlesbrough
4
West Brom
4
Nottingham Forest
4.5
Leeds
4.75
Swansea
5
And relegation:
Club
Odds
Rotherham
2.2
Bolton
2.25
Ipswich
4.5
Reading
5
QPR
6
Hull
6
How to watch in the UK: Live rights are owned by Sky Sports. They are upping the number of televised matches this season. Reading v Derby on Friday is televised. The weekly highlights show previously on Channel 5 is moving to Quest TV, which apparently is on Freeview. How to watch abroad: Depends, but in most territories, the iFollow Service is available, which is £110 to watch all a single club's matches. Bargain. I think the clubs that aren't on iFollow have their own similar streaming services. Check out club Youtube channels - quite a few of them post extended highlights now with their own commentary, including Derby, Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday, Brentford and more. (You may need VPN to watch if you're abroad.)
Location: Swansea, Wales Nickname: Swans, The Jacks Major honours: Football League Cup (2013), Championship Play-off Winner (2011), League One Winners (1925, 1949, 2008) 17/18 finishing postion: 18th (Premier League) Transfermarkt squad value:€115.5 mil NOTE: This number is as of July 22nd, when we still have Mawson (€15 mil), A. Ayew (€15 mil), Bony (€10 mil), Clucas (€8 mil) and Fernandez (€8 mil), who are all pretty much expected to be sold, or loaned out, before the season starts. Without all of these players except Bony (who's injured for a while so it makes it unlikely he'll be sold soon), the squad value would be around €70 mil. Manager: Graham Potter joined the Swans on 11th June 2018. In 2010, he became head coach of Östersund, who were in the fourth tier of Swedish football. 5 years later, he got the club promoted into the Swedish top flight and in 2017, they won Svenska Cupen which qualified them for the Europa League where they managed to get through the group stage. He’s been applauded for what he did at Östersund and the way he managed to build the club up from nothing. The year after his success in the Europa league he signed a 3 year contract with Swansea. Potter is well respected by The Swans and after a few years of poor managerial and financial decisions his appointment is seen as a step in the right direction to bringing us back to our old ways of being a well-run club. Potter has been recognised for his "progressive" and "unconventional" coaching methods. At Östersund, he encouraged his players and staff to engage in community activities, such as performing in theatre and music productions which was designed to take them out of their comfort zone. Potter describes his style of football on the pitch as "tactically flexible, attacking, and possession-based". At Östersund, he deployed a flexible 3–5–2 formation centred on ball possession. Best player(s)/ talisman:With many of our best players being rumoured with a move away what good players that remain at the start of the season is yet to be seen. Alfie Mawson is probably our standout player. He’s been amazing for us since we got him and was a bargain at about £3m. He’s great in the air and is just an all round tank. Keeping him will be a huge boost for us and should be solid in the championship. Federico "El Pajaro" Fernandez has also been strong at the back with Alfie. The pair played with each other for the majority of last season and together became a solid unit. We will most likely sell him to reduce wages though. Jordan Ayew put in a great shift last season and was our top goal scorer. His work rate was immense and was able to drop back and defend when needed. He’s fast, able to beat a man and a decent finisher. Sadly all these players are transfer targets for other clubs and might not even be here at the start of the season. If we can keep a lot of our players we should have a decent season but who knows who'll be left by the end of the window… Rising star: Swansea’s U23 had a great season last year and with Potter wanting a young and fresh squad, a handful have moved up into the first team. Our standout youngster, Oliver McBurnie, joined Barnsley on loan in January last season where he went on to win a Championship player of the month award after 6 goals in 8 games and went on to win Barnsley’s Player of the year award. While only 22, he’s struggled to break into our first team but will most likely be our main striker for the coming season. Be on the lookout for his long legs, miniature shinpads and ridiculous sock length! LEGS LEGS LEGS!!! Connor Roberts performed well at RB last season and adapted quickly to the premier league where he battled Kyle Naughton to be in the starting line up and did great when given the chance. Decent at going forward and professional at the back. Hopefully potter puts him ahead of Naughton. What happened last season?: What Happened last season?: After our great escape the season before and with Paul Clement at the helm there was optimism that the 17/18 season could be our turning point where we start rebuilding 'The Swansea Way". How wrong we were. After a disastrous transfer window where we sold Sigurdsson and never replaced him and started panic buying the week before the transfer window closed we were left an obvious hole in our team. We had no creativity in midfield and no one could kick the ball into the box to save their life. And just to rub it in further Renato Sanches turned out to be more disappointing than Bob Bradley. With the team sitting bottom of the table Clement was sacked in late December. Then along came the wise talking Carlos Carvalhal who managed to rebuild the confidence the team had lost. Our results took a turn for the good, beating Liverpool, Arsenal, Burnley and West Ham consecutively at home. He pulled us out of the relegation zone and things were looking good. However, the good times were quickly followed by the bad times. Our form turned and we didn’t win a single one of our last 9 matches. We were quickly relegated after pitifully losing to both Southampton and Stoke in our last 2 games of the season. Highlights (Or lowlights): The pass by Renato Sanches that summed up his and our season Swansea City 3-1 Arsenal Summer transfer business (so far): At the end of last season, it was clear we needed several transfers, both in and out. However, this would all depend on the manager we got. Yan Dhanda (Free, Liverpool): A 19 year-old Midfielder, Yan Dhanda left Liverpool this summer and joined the Swans in a free, before we even hired Graham Potter. At one time one of the most promosing youngsters in Liverpool's Academy, injuries slowed down his progress, and ultimately made him fall behind other players. Citing lack of first-team playing time, Dhanda decided to join us this summer in hopes of getting regular playing time in the senior squad. Through 3 pre-season games, Dhanda has been one of the brighest and most impressive players in the squad, even scoring a game-winning goal and smashing a penalty in a shootout against Genoa. With our current injuries and shenanigans involved in our midfield, Dhanda has a good chance of becoming a starter and hopefully guide our midfield during the season. Jordi Govea (Free, Real Madrid): Another 19 year-old from Ecuador, Jordi was the first signing under Potter. Not much can be said about the lad, but this is what Real Madrid had as his bio:
Jordi is an Ecuadorian defender who possess three key qualities for a player in his position: he's skilful, is able to go past a player and has a good shot on him. He's left footed and is able to send in good crosses on the run.
With Martin Olsson currently as our starting LB, and Kyle Naughton as the backup, the hope is that Jordi can develop on our U-23 squad and hopefully move up to the senior squad in coming years. Also the only man I've seen do a medical while wearing jeans (https://twitter.com/SwansOfficial/status/1015251916132057089) Joel Asoro (€2 mil., Sunderland): Yet another 19 year-old, a Swedish winger who has represented his country in the younger levels, he was Potter's first senior signing. With world-class speed, and some impressive skills, Asoro was able to score 3 goals and get 2 assists last season in 26 apperances for Sunderland. While these numbers may seem a bit disappointing, many of these games were sub appearances on a very dysfunctional team. Along with Dhanda, Asoro has been one of the most impressive players during preseason, constantly beating his man with either speed or skills, and whipping in good balls to Legs. At the current rate, Asoro appears to have a good chance of starting on the right wing spot, with Nathan Dyer and Luciano Narsingh backing him up. Predicted starting XI: NOTE: This is gonna be assuming Mawson, A. Ayew, Clucas, and Fernandez are all sold by the start of the season. If by some reason they end up staying, they are pretty much guaranteed to start. Based on the pre-season games so far, a lineup looking like this would be plausible, with Rodon most likely to be replaced by a CB (possibly Scott McKenna) when we buy one. Our second unit is looking something like this. Best case scenario: Graham Potter is able to motivate and make sure our senior players (Fer, Carroll, etc.) stay fit, along with our youngsters being able to make an impact as expected, and also we retain Mawson, Fernandez, and Clucas, we can finish in the top 2 and get promoted automatically. Worst case scenario: Our worst case scenario, and something many of us fear of happening, consists of primarily 3 things. 1. Graham Potter isn't given enough time to build an identity with our squad and is sacked by the midway point of the season by the greedy, dumb American owners. . 2. We end up not replacing the players we sold properly like last summer, therefore having a squad with holes everywhere and no chemistry. 3. Our youngsters such as Asoro, McBurnie, Dhanda and company don't pan out and progress at all, thefore becoming mediocre players. This would all culminate in us looking like Sunderland, and making relegation a probability. Prediction: Realistically I see us selling Mawson and company in the last days before the season starts and not replacing them properly until later on. Because of this, as well as our current injuries with Fer and Clucas, I can see us initially struggling to build an identity but over time, we will start playing like Potter wants us and finishing the season strongly. 8th place, missing the play-offs by 4 points What will happen to your closest rivals?: The scum that is known as Cardiff City will break the record for lowest points ever accumulated in a Premier League season, getting 5 points all from draws, and will therefore get relegated with 17 games to spare.
Location:The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, West Midlands Nickname: The Baggies, The Throstles Major honours: 1x League title, 1x League Cup, 5x FA Cup 17/18 finishing postion: 20th in Premier League (relegated) Transfermarkt squad value: £101.16m Manager:Darren Moore or Big Dave as he's known to Albion fans. A club icon as a player in the early 2000s, he returned to look after our U23 squad before being promoted to assistant manager by Alan Pardew in January. Following the end of Pardew's horrific reign, Moore took temporary charge with Albion facing inevitable relegation. He led us to wins over Newcastle, Spurs, Man Utd and a draw with Liverpool, somehow taking our futile battle for survival to the final week of the season. Following this he earned the head coach role permanently. Moore is loved among the Albion faithful, largely due to his reputation as a player here. He heavily favours a 4-4-2 formation and at the back end of last season, tended to soak up pressure and play on the counter attack. It will be interesting to see how his approach differs in a league where we are one of the favourites, not fighting to survive (hopefully) Best player(s)/ talisman: It's an interesting situation for Albion currently. There are plenty of Premier League quality players still in the squad. A lot depends on if they are picked off before the deadline shuts. Chris Brunt is a club stalwart and likely to be reappointed as captain. He is adored by the fans and in my opinion will be an incredible asset in the championship. His set pieces alone will bring 10+ goals to the side. Kieran Gibbs is a high quality player who appears to be set to stay and should make a big difference. Jay Rodriguez, Craig Dawson, Salomon Rondon and Nacer Chadli should all make a big difference in this division IF they stay. In all honesty I expect to lose a few of the above. Sam Johnstone appears to be an astute signing to replace the outgoing Ben Foster. Rising star:Sam Field he's one of our own! He looked completely at home against some of the top Premier League sides last campaign. A box-to-box midfielder, he's full of energy and looks so comfortable on the ball. I expect him to be a major part of our side this season, having just signed a new long-term deal. Kyle Edwards is an exciting attacking midfielder who has been impressing in pre-season. He may have a part to play following a loan spell at Exeter last campaign. Jonathon Leko looked like a potential world-beater when he first came through a couple of years back. A lightning quick winger full of tricks. A loan spell at Bristol City and limited appearances later he seems to be losing his way. Will be an interesting one to watch. Finally, the enigma that is Olly Burke. After signing with us last summer for £15m, he failed to impress any of the four managers we had over the season. He looks exciting when he comes on, without any end product so far, and was unfairly blamed for a loss at West Ham by Alan 'Coward' Pardew. We all know the talent he's got. Hopefully we can see it this season. What happened last season?: Let's not talk about it... We finally escaped the stranglehold of Tony Pulis, only to opt for the human joke that is Alan Pardew and duly hurtled towards relegation. Four of our players stole a taxi and then played (and lost) the following weekend. Pardew was sacked about 3 months too late, and Moore took over, restoring pride with some notable wins over Man Utd and Spurs. This season we also lost the great Cyrille Regis, and the outpouring of emotion and the coming together of the club during the weeks after his passing was something special. Summer transfer business (so far): We started by releasing Claudio Yacob, Boaz Myhill and Gareth McAuley. Yacob and McAuley will be greatly missed but it is perhaps the right time for them to go. Jonny Evans departed for Leicester for a cut-price £3m, Ben Foster left for Watford and James McClean has departed for Stoke City. Sam Johnstone has been bought in to replace Foster, with Jonathon Bond arriving as backup. Kyle Bartley has joined from Swansea City and it appears that Harvey Barnes will soon be arriving on loan from Leicester. Finally, James Morrison is currently out of contract but still with the club. His future is uncertain. I am very happy with Johnstone and Bartley. It has been a quiet window for Albion so far but that is largely a good thing. The squad is packed with Premier League talent and the window is more about keeping hold of them. There is major interest in Dawson and Rondon, along with interest in Rodriguez, Hegazi and Chadli. If any of the above go, then we would need to replace. Otherwise I would be happy with another striker and another CB. It is also worth mentioning that every player in the Albion side suffered a 50% wage cut upon relegation which means that we are financially sound despite relegation, but may lead to more big names leaving. Predicted starting XI:This is my best attempt. It will undoubtedly be 4-4-2. We may see Nyom in at right back and perhaps Barry in for Field. Obviously about half of this side could leave, so we shall see. Best case scenario: The bulk of the side remains and the quality in the side shines through as we breeze to automatic promotion. Worst case scenario: The better players leave or do not put the effort in. Moore cannot transfer his great start into his first full season in management. We become embroiled in a relegation battle Prediction: It will be somewhere in the middle. I'd like to think we'll go up automatically but I think play-offs are more likely. 6th What will happen to your closest rivals?: Villa won't go down but will settle into mid-table, despite the recent takeover. I think Wolves will do well in the PL, although I don't know how long Nuno will last before a big club comes in.
Location: Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire Nickname: The Potters Stadium:bet365 Stadium, 30,089 seats Major honours: 1972 League Cup 17/18 finishing position: 19th, Premier League Squad value: £127.8 million Manager:Gary Rowett signed from Derby in May. His honest attitude has brought lots of optimism to fans, who are looking forward to an overhaul of the Club. His style of play seems to change based on the squad he has available. Best Player:Joe Allen was vital to the Club last season, giving us hope that we would avoid relegation. His massive new contract signed this summer shows how loyal and committed to the Club he is, and will be a vital player this season. Rising star:Tom Edwards is a local lad who has won the Under 18 Player of the Year award twice in the Club. In the latter parts of last season he played some good first team football. What happened last season: A pathetic attempt at a season that had been coming for a while under Mark Hughes. Paul Lambert was appointed in January, but a win rate of just 2 in 15 matches wasn’t enough for him to keep his job and miss out on the million pound bonus offered to him. Transfer business so far: So far this has been a decent transfer window. Peter Etebo had an amazing World Cup for Nigeria and Benik Afobe looks really promising. Adam Federici has also been appointed to replace Lee Grant. Xherdan Shaqiri has left along with a few players like Stephen Ireland and Glen Johnson who will not be missed. Badou Ndiaye also looks to be on his way out, but it looks like Jack Butland will stay with us, which is massive. Perhaps most surprising are the new contracts signed by our 2 best players last season, Joe Allen and Moritz Bauer. Predicted Line up:Here is our predicted squad. I’m not sure what formation we will have. EDIT: This is a new version, complete with our rumoured new signings and in the right formation. Best case scenario: Stoke will finish top with an all-time Championship points record. Worst case scenario: A mediocre start to the season will see Rowett sacked and Stoke with a disappointing mid-table finish. Prediction: I think with our squad and our new manager, we will finish 1st. What will happen to our closest rivals? Port Vale will be relegated to the Vanarama National League.
Location:Villa Park, Trinity Rd, Birmingham B6 6HE Nickname: The Villans, The Villa, Prince William's Club, David "Twat" Cameron's Second Club. Major honours: 7 First Division wins, 7 FA Cups, 5 League Cups, 1 European Cup, 1 European Super Cup, 1 Intertoto Cup 17/18 finishing postion: 4th Transfermarkt squad value: £67.77m and dropping fast Manager:Steve Bruce (for now). Former Man Utd playing legend who's been a fixture of English football for decades. He joined Villa in 2016 after successful runs at Hull, Sunderland (yes they were good once) and Birmingham City. A bit of a promotion specialist, he's taken Championship clubs up to the Premier League 4 times in the past and just missed out last season, losing 1-0 to Fulham in the Playoff Final. Tactically, he's fairly old school who prefers 4-4-2 or a 4-1-4-1, usually involving a big man up top. Fun fact: while managing Huddersfield in 1999 he wrote three novels, "Striker!", "Sweeper!" and "Defender!", which focus on main character Steve Barnes, a football manager. Barnes solves crime and takes on terrorists, and the books have become prized rarities. The Guardian's Football Weekly podcast managed to get a copy and read out some of the copy - suitably awful. Best player(s)/ talisman: There's only one Jack Grealish. A Villa boy through and through, he's been with the club since 2001 (aged 6), and made his way into the first team in the 2013-14 season. He's been the centre of controversy a few times, most notably getting on the beers and passing out on a Tenerife street. Playing as a number 10, his quick feet and dribbling skills provide a number of goals and assists, as well as fouls. He probably went down a bit too easily when first in the Premier League, but time in the gym has noticeably toughened him up and he's a much more solid player as a result. One of the better players in the Championship, and due to Villa's abject finances, a transfer target for the likes of Leicester. Rising star: Keinan Davis could possibly be it, potentially Andre Green and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy as well. What happened last season?: Have you ever walked into a casino, spotted the roulette table and popped £10,000 on red? It's a bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off. You've doubled your money if you win, but look like a right git if you lose. Villa figured this was a good way to approach 2017-18: spend millions on players, get in lots of loans, gamble everything on achieving promotion. After a so-so start, Bruce got the team playing well, stringing together a number of wins and moving through the playoff spots. Unfortunately they ran into a few teams playing out of their skin - champions Wolves ran away with the league and boasted a squad that included several Champions League players. Neil Warnock's Cardiff couldn't stop winning and grabbed the second automatic promotion. In the playoff final Villa came up against a Ryan Sessegnon-led Fulham and were just pipped at the post 1-0. Summer transfer business (so far): It's one-way traffic, due to absolutely abysmal finances. Loan spells for Lewis Grabban, Robert Snodgrass, Josh Onomah and Sam Johnstone have all ended, which is almost the spine of the team (Johnstone in particular - he was arguably the best keeper in the Championship and personally bagged a number of wins). Plus clubs are circling to pick off whatever assets we have left (eg. Jack Grealish, James Chester). With no prospect of anyone new coming in, it looks like the youth academy will be getting a lot more game time. Predicted starting XI:Possibly this, but half these players could be gone before the first match. Best case scenario: Mid-table anonymity would have to be best case - Villa are a mess and could go down this time around. Worst case scenario: Our finances are the real issue - they are dire. Villa need to find £9 million this month to avoid going into administration. Owner "Dr." Tony Xia is a billionaire, apparently, but tax bills went unpaid and the question remains if he's able to support the club as generously as he has in the past. Administration, points deductions and potentially relegation to League One are all real possibilities right now. It's not looking good. Prediction: Due to financial irregularities in the 23 clubs above us, Villa will get into the Champions League and take out the likes of Atletico, Bayern and Real Madrid on the way to our second European Cup. "Taylor, Green, prepared to venture down the left. There's a good ball played in for Jack Grealish. Oh, it must be and it is! It's Keinan Davis!" What will happen to your closest rivals?: Unfortunately the Scum managed to avoid League One in the final rounds of the season. Here's hoping they go one better. Agbonlahor to re-sign for one game: the Derby. And score the winner, again.
Location: The Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough Founded: 1876 Nickname: The Boro (Or just Boro) Major honours: The League cup 2003-2004 season 17/18 finishing position: 5th Transfermarkt squad value: 79.34m Manager: Tony Pulis became manager of us in late December 2017, replacing the sacked Garry Monk after a pretty lacklustre few months of the campaign (despite where our league position was). Pulis is known in England for being the man that is never relegated when in charge of someone in the top flight. We are all aware of Tony Pulis' style of football. You start by having a strong and massive defence and maximise your use of set pieces to gain an advantage. Pulis is a lover of all set piece plays, whether that is crossing the ball in from a corner or free kick, or launching a ball into the box from a throw in, they're all in his arsenal of weapons. 'Pulisball' as it is pretty much known. Pulis has achieved promotion from the championship once before with Stoke, and I hope he achieves it again with us this season Best player(s)/ rising star: I mean, where else do I begin. Adama Traore. Arguably the best player in the championship on his day and is one of the most frightening dribblers in English football, maybe even world football. The winger is known for his speed and dribbling ability although is usually criticised for his lack of end product. Before last season I would've agreed, however 5 goals and 10 assists, with all but 2 assists coming before Pulis' arrival show the progression of the Spanish winger. As for other members of the squad, Ben Gibson, the prodigal son. Boro through and through he's progressed into a commanding centre half with the ability to play out from the back thanks to Karanka. He gained attention and emerged as one of the few given credit after our disappointing premier league campaign but was only the subject of one bid upon our relegation, from now manager Tony Pulis. It remains to be seen whether he'll be here come the first game of the season, but I hope he will be. As for future stars, Dael Fry, already has played 2 championship campaigns for us and looks as assured as a veteran of the game. Another centre half produced by our academy and he is being played in cdm this pre-season by Pulis, to add to his versatility. Hopefully a standout season for him, especially if Gibson does end up leaving. Finally, yes, he does always look as confused as images of him show. What happened last season?: Well, the first half of the season was tragic under Monk. We played really poor football at times and looked like we hadn't defended a day in our lives. There was also no consistency in the team, we'd win one game then lose the next. A key theme under both managers however, was our inability to beat those around us in the table. After Pulis' appointment the results picked up and it ended with us finishing 5th in the table. We ultimately lost in the playoff semi finals to Aston Villa but honestly, we didn't think we'd even be in the top half around Christmas. Summer transfer business (so far): Just the three deals to talk about so far. We've acquired Paddy McNair from Sunderland who looks like a decent player. He's been utilised in right back and midfield during pre-season so it looks like they'll be his positions for the season. I imagine he'll play alongside Clayts and Howson in a midfield three. Aden Flint was signed from Bristol City and I think I'm in the minority when I say I don't like how much we paid for him. Obviously the man is a Pulis player but I'm a bit unsure about his defensive ability. That being said he's looked strong during pre-season and I'm sure Pulis will get the best out of him. Fabio departed our club for Nantes so we'll need more full back cover. As for the rest of the window, I expect Gibson to leave but will be delighted if he doesn't. One of our strikers will also leave and Braithwaite should follow after his decent World Cup performances. We'll probably bring in a striker and a winger and hopefully hold onto Adama. That'd be a successful window in my eyes. Predicted starting XI: My best guess The only other guess I could make is that Gibson might leave and then Ayala would start, but he's injured at this point in time. Britt might play over Gestede too if Pulis is feeling fancy. Best case scenario: It has to be top of the pile right? It's not out of the question to imagine us up there and if everything clicks then we've got a chance. A defence that scores more than some teams' strikers, Adama channelling his inner Messi and finding consistency, Rudy/Britt/Bamford scoring for fun. It could be carnage. Worst case scenario: I can't see us finishing outside the playoffs, if we did then that would be gut-wrenching. But if we did then that would most certainly be the worst. Realistically, it'd be losing in the playoffs... again, and if it were in the final again then god help me. Although saying this, now losing Bamford and maybe Traore will be a worst case scenario in itself, definitely if they're not replaced. Prediction: Have to be confident, although it always kills me. 1st or 2nd. Tony Pulis and his nice white trainers carry us to the promise land. That being said, we never do it the easy way. Best Match of Last Season Sorry Leeds fans, but it had to be. "Hattrick Bamford" as our Twitter account tweeted, 3-0 against Leeds with Adama running the show. Leeds clearly found some positive from the game as they're set to sign him off us. This was the sign of what we should've done more last season. Showed what Paddy could've been too if given an even more extended period in Striker by himself. Oh well. What will happen to your closest rivals?: Who even are our closest rivals in this league? We're in geographical purgatory. Can't say Sunderland anymore so what? Leeds? Bielsa either turns them into the well oiled machine they hope for or he succumbs to the old Leeds ways and is sacked by December. As for the Mackems, probably promoted from League 1.
Sunday, 6th of Feb 2011 at 4.00pm GMT (11am East Coast, 3am Sydney)
Location:
Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, London
Referee:
Andre Marriner (16 matches, 2 red cards)
Assistant referees:
Scott Ledger & Adam Watts
Fourth official:
Kevin Friend
Previous Fixture:
Liverpool won 2-0 at Anfield with Fernando Torres scoring two goals. The match marked the beginning of a form slump for the title holders. Soccernet Match Report
Television:
Live on Sky Sports 1 (UK), Fox Sports (Aus) and Fox Soccer Channel (USA)
LIVE CHAT NOW OPEN [http://live-news.appspot.com] If you have problems accessing live chat, privmsg me here or email me on my username at gmail.com
Match News
Critical match for both teams, with Chelsea looking to get their title bid back on track after a recent slump in results. The blues spent more than 70 million pounds in the transfer window to re-enforce their starting lineup both at the front and at the back.
Liverpool have seen a recent revival under new manager Kenny Dalglish and have also spent bid in the January transfer window in a bid to secure a place in Europe next year. The top 4 is still not out of sight for Liverpool, but they will need to pick up more points on the road.
Fernando Torres is set to make his debut for Chelsea against his former club after a 50M pound move from Anfield
Ancelotti is likely to slot Torres up front in a 3-man front line alongside Drogba and Anelka.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool have taken maximum points from their last three Premier League games
New Liverpool signing Luis Suarez is set to make his starting debut after coming on in the 70th minute against Stoke mid-week and scoring the second goal.
Suarez scored 81 goals in 110 games for Ajax, and is looking to make his mark in his first full EPL game
Raul Meireles is looking to continue his recent good form, with 3 goals in his last 4 EPL outings. The former Porto player has re-found his old form under new manager Kenny Dalglish, who has played him in a more advanced midfield role where he has the freedom to create opportunities.
Pepe Reina is coming into the game having not conceded a goal in 308 minutes of play (since they played Everton at Anfield on the 16th of January). Three straight clean-sheets for the Spanish keeper.
Jamie Caragher is expected to return to the starting lineup after sitting out the mid-week Stoke match on the bench. He return from a shoulder injury that kept him out for 6 weeks.
New Chelsea signing David Luiz is set to make his debut for his new club after a protracted January transfer from Portugese club Benfica. Luiz is expected to line up along-side club captain John Terry in the center of defense, while Branislav Ivanovic is expected to take back his newly preferred position of right-back, possibly relegating Jose Bosingwa back to the substitutes bench.
Match Trivia
Liverpool have not scored a goal in 5 of their last 6 visits to Stamford Bridge.
In the 2008 fixture, Liverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 with Alonso scoring the only goal of the match early on. The Liverpool win ended Chelsea's 86-game winning streak at the Bridge. Match Report from 2008
The sides have met 27 times since 2004, with Chelsea winning 12 times while Liverpool have won 8.
Chelsea have won all four games at Stamford Bridge this year without conceding a single goal
Didier Drogba has scored five goals in his last eight matches against Liverpool in all competitions.
Over the last five games since Kenny Dalglish has taken over at Liverpool they have taken 10 points. Only Manchester United are in better form in the past 5 games
Fernando Torres scored seven goals in eight games for Liverpool against Chelsea.
Pre-Match Press Quotes
We are more important than any player they have got. We'll play against whoever they put on the pitch. I would expect they would relish the battle against him [Torres] but they have competed brilliantly against everyone since I have come in
HALF TIME - Awesome Game. Torres had one chance, runs onto a ball from Drogba that was cut across goal. Brilliant last second block from Carragher. And then there was Maxi. Maxi, maxi maxi. No doubt that video will be all over reddit within an hour.
45'
SECOND HALF
65'
SUBSTITUTION CHELSEA Solomon Kalou (9M pounds) has come on for Fernando Torres (50M pounds)
68'
RAUL MEIRELES!!!! LIVERPOOOOOL!
90'
FULL TIME what a game, what a weekend!
(Apologies for not keeping up a running game log. I got a bit carried away watching the game. Almost had a heart attack)
That's all we have time for in the Transfer Centre this evening, many thanks for joining us. We'll be right back here from 7am with the latest news, done deals and rumours. See you then! 19:28
MARCHISIO SET FOR MONACO
Former Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is set to sign for Monaco as a free agent, according to Tuttosport. The 32-year-old midfielder terminated his Juve contract by mutual consent last week, having spent 25 years with the club. While he has been heavily linked with a move to the MLS, it looks as though Monaco have won the race for the Italy international. 19:11
STOKE READYING WOODS BID
Stoke City are preparing a £6.5m bid for Brentford midfielder Ryan Woods SSN understands that figure would meet Brentford’s asking price. It would be an initial loan with the move to be made permanent in January. Swansea tried to sign Woods in the summer but failed to meet Brentford’s valuation. Woods is yet to feature for the Bees in the league this season with them winning 7 points from their opening 3 games. 18:55
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was relieved to come through the League Cup tie at Kilmarnock and reiterated his intention to keep Alfredo Morelos at the club. 18:01
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists his decision to sign Alisson was not based on the performance of Loris Karius in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid. "I didn't tell Karius what he wanted to hear, but how it is," Klopp told Kicker. "The Champions League final had nothing to do with us getting Alisson. "Even if he had won it and Alisson would have been on the market we would have still signed him." FULL STORY 16:38
'WENGER WANTS BORDEAUX JOB'
Arsene Wenger says Thierry Henry wants to take charge of Bordeaux. "Yes, he wants to do it," Wenger told Corse Matin. "He is intelligent and he has the qualities. "The existential question that we always ask ourselves is whether we are ready to sacrifice our life for the coaching profession." FULL STORY 16:06
FLEETWOOD LOAN HUSBAND
Fleetwood Town have signed left-back James Husband on loan from Norwich until January. Manager Joey Barton told the League One club's official website: "We are really pleased to have James with us at Fleetwood Town. “He will add more competition at left-back, and brings both Championship level experience to our team. He is fit and ready to go, and I can’t wait to see him in action for us.” 15:56
Nantes are interested in signing Watford defender Younes Kaboul, according to France Football. A number of Ligue 1 clubs are reportedly interested in securing the 32-year-old's services, whose contract runs out at the end of the season. The former Tottenham defender was left off Watford's 25-man squad list registered with the Premier League. Watford boss Javi Gracia has confirmed Kaboul is not training with the first-team squad. 15:19
SEVILLA SNAP UP GONALONS
Sevilla have signed AS Roma's defensive midfielder Maxime Gonalons on a season-long loan. The 29-year-old is the La Liga club's eighth signing this summer and is touted to be a replacement for Steven N'Zonzi who moved in the opposite direction. Gonalons made 16 Serie A appearances for Roma last season. Crystal Palace made an £8.9m offer for Gonalons back in July, according to Sky in Italy. https://twitter.com/SevillaFC/status/1031533303218819077 15:06
Here's the full story on Loris Karius, who could be swapping the Premier League for the Turkish Super Lig. Sky sources understand Besiktas are hopeful of signing him on an initial two-year loan. 14:30
CARTER-VICKERS TO SWANSEA?
Swansea boss Graham Potter was asked about potential reinforcements as he faced the media ahead of Tuesday's Sky Live clash with Leeds. The Sun claims Potter is lining up a loan move for Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and while the Swans boss would not talk specifics, he did admit a centre-back is on his shopping list. "I don't want to speak about guys who are not here," Potter said. "He is not our player. I would say it's fair we are looking to strengthen at centre-half. Clearly from a numbers perspective that is an area we can look to strengthen." 14:21
'HODGSON KEY FOR PALACE'
Roy Hodgson recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at Crystal Palace until 2020 and chairman Steve Parish has been telling us what a vital bit of business he believes that was... Palace are in action tonight on the first Monday Night Football of the new season, with Liverpool the visitors... 13:54
KARIUS A BESIKTAS TARGET
Besiktas have made an approach for Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius, according to Sky sources. A deal is not considered imminent, with Karius having travelled with the rest of the Liverpool squad to London for the Monday Night Football clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, live on Sky Sports Premier League. 13:43
MCCORMACK BACK TO SCOTLAND?
Ross McCormack could be headed back to Scotland to join Rangers, according to TeamTalk, who state the Gers boss Steven Gerrard is considering a loan bid for the Aston Villa forward after he was told to find a new club. 13:13
MORE ON BESIC
In addition to Everton team-mate Yannick Bolasie, Besic has also been holding talks at the Middlesbrough training ground. The Bosnia midfielder travelled to Rockliffe yesterday and agreed terms with the Championship side. He has now returned to the North West and parent club Everton. 13:09
BREAKING NEWS
A deal has been agreed in principle to bring Everton midfielder Mo Besic to Middlesbrough on loan, according to Sky sources. 12:54
MORE ON BOLASIE
Yannick Bolasie travelled to Teesside last night and stayed at the the training ground’s on-site hotel, owned by Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson. He was close to joining Boro on the final day of the transfer window on a permanent deal, but it did not come to fruition by the end of the window. Any loan agreement for the DR Congo international may contain an option to buy. 12:44
BREAKING NEWS
Everton winger Yannick Bolasie is holding face-to-face talks with Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis over a loan move to the club, Sky sources understand. 12:44
MESSI MISSES OUT ON UEFA VOTE
The nominees have been announced for the UEFA Best Player of the Year award - and Lionel Messi isn't in the top three. The Argentine, whose Barcelona side were knocked out of the Champions League by Roma last season, misses out, but long-term rival Cstiano Ronaldo does make the cut. Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah complete the final three, with the winner to be announced on August 30. 12:32
BOATENG FUTURE 50/50
Jerome Boateng is rated "50/50" over whether he could move to PSG this summer, Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has said. He told a reporter: "Only Paris is an option, if they pay accordingly, then we will deal with it. If they do not, he will stay with us and then everything is okay. I would say the odds are 50/50." Manchester United tried to sign the Germany defender before the English transfer window closed on August 9. 11:54
LUNCHTIME HEADLINES
Let's just see where we've got to today...
RB Leipzig have offered €22m for Everton winger Ademola Lookman, and we wait to see what Marco Silva and the club's board decide to do with that one;
Jason Denayer is close to leaving Manchester City and joining Lyon. Despite being a Belgian international, he's never made a senior appearance for the club, but has had loan spells with Sunderland and Celtic;
Kenny Miller has parted company with Livingston, after rejecting the club's demand that he give up his playing role to concentrate on management.
Following on from earlier, Sky sources understand Manchester City defender Jason Denayer is close to joining Lyon on a permanent deal. The 23-year-old has never made a senior appearance for the Premier League champions, but has been capped eight times by Belgium. 11:07
RODRIGO TO LEAVE IF RELEASE CLAUSE MET
Rodrigo will be allowed to leave Valencia if his €120m release clause is met, the club's president has said. The 27-year-old forward is a reported target for Real Madrid. "Everyone is aware that [Real Madrid coach Julen] Lopetegui knows Rodrigo but what happens at Madrid, we do not know," Anil Murthy told Tribuna Deportivo radio show. "What I do know is three things: Rodrigo is a very important player that has a very high value, he wants to play here with us and he has a €120m release clause.” 11:01
GERS' HODSON SET FOR LOAN
St Mirren are in talks with Rangers over a season-long loan move for full-back Lee Hodson. The Northern Ireland international was signed by Mark Warburton in 2016 but has made only just 27 appearances in two seasons and has not featured this term under Steven Gerrard. Hodson could sign in time to play against Livingston on Saturday. 10:32
LOFTUS-CHEEK SET FOR CHELSEA TALKS
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is set for showdown talks with Chelsea over his future, according to The Sun. The 22-year-old, who played for England at the World Cup, was omitted from the Blues’ squad for their 3-2 win over Arsenal on Saturday. And now he is expected to ask Maurizio Sarri for a loan if is unlikely to play regularly this season. 09:53
DENAYER NEARS LYON MOVE
Manchester City defender Jason Denayer has arrived in Lyon ahead of another move to the club, according to the Daily Record. The Belgian has been a reported target of Celtic, who have suffered with Dredryk Boyata's desire to leave recently, but is set to move back to Ligue 1 instead. 08:49
LEIPZIG BACK IN FOR LOOKMAN
RB Leipzig have made a new £22m offer for Everton winger Ademola Lookman, according to Sky sources. The Toffees rejected a £12m offer from Leipzig for Lookman back in July. The German side have remained keen to sign him before their August 31 transfer deadline - after he impressed on loan there last season. Their manger Ralf Rangnick said earlier this summer: “We want him back and he wants to come.” 08:48
BREAKING NEWS
RB Leipzig have made an improved £22m bid for Everton winger Ademola Lookman, according to Sky sources. 08:44
PSG PLAN BARCA RAID
Barcelona are getting ready to deal with two bids from PSG for midfield duo Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic, according to the Express. The French champions are reportedly targeting the pair after failing to lure Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante to the club over the summer. 08:09
MUSA: LEICESTER PROMISED ME STARTING SPOT
Ahmed Musa has been speaking after leaving Leicester City this summer, saying he had been promised a starting spot at the King Power Stadium this season only to have a bid accepted for him during the World Cup. Leadership.ng quotes him as saying: ”I wanted to stay in England because that has been my dream for years but what will you do when you’re told a bid has been accepted for you? I had to move to where I know I will be celebrated. “Talks have been on about how I moved for the money but nobody has considered the fact that Leicester City also sold me for the money. Transfers can only happen if both parties agree to it and that was my case." 07:20
POGBA APOLOGY FOR BRIGHTON LOSS
Paul Pogba, who has been a target for Barcelona this summer, has apologised for his role in Manchester United's 3-2 defeat at Brighton yesterday. The captain for the day has reportedly been at loggerheads with boss Jose Mourinho, but told Sky Sports: "We lost, we did not deserve to win. The attitude we had was not like we wanted to beat them, they had more hunger than us. "I put myself first, my attitude wasn't right enough, we keep trying and pushing, and it is going to be a big lesson for us." 06:43
MORE ON MILLER'S DEPARTURE
Livingston have released a statement over the departure of Kenny Miller... "Livingston have been in discussions over the weekend with Kenny Millerand his representatives. "The club felt that the player-manager role Miller has been working with hasn't been working and had requested he reverted to a full-time manager’s role. But we understand Miller feels he isn’t ready to give up his football career at this time. "As a result the club and Kenny have amicably agreed to part company." 06:40
LIVINGSTON PART COMPANY WITH MILLER
Player-manager Kenny Miller has parted company with Livingston, the club has announced. 06:37
ELSEWHERE...
Roberto Firmino is quoted by The Mirror rejecting speculation connecting him with Barcelona, and that he is happy "in the present" at Liverpool. He said: "When people ask what my ambitions are for the rest of my career, I always say that I live in the present. “I don’t look at more than what we have in front of us in the next few days. “I’m only interested in Liverpool and winning everything I can with them. We have the best supporters in the world here, they are amazing – and there are Liverpool fans in every part of the planet. “So we know what it would mean to be champions.” 06:15
TODAY'S TOP STORY...
Ruben Neves could be on his way to Manchester City, according to a report in The Sun, with the Wolves man the subject of a possible £60m bid. The newspaper states City are keen to get their hands on the Portuguese midfielder after losing out on Jorginho in the summer transfer window. Read more on that - and the other stories in today's papers - here. 06:11
Welcome to another exciting day on the transfer blog. Let's get started with a look at the morning's news... Join the discussion on Discord. I am a bot. Found any errors? Contact /Football Mods
Join us at 7am tomorrow for all of the latest news and rumours from the market. Until then... 19:54
NO OZIL WAGES FOR RAMSEY
Arsenal are keen to tie Aaron Ramseyto a new contract but will not give him the kind of wages that his teammate Mesut Ozil earns, report the Evening Standard. Ramsey is seeking a significant increase on his current £110,000 weekly wage with Ozil earning £350,000 since signing his new contract last season. The Welshman's contract expires at the end of the season and Chelsea, Manchester United and Lazio have all been linked with a move for him. 19:19
REAL'S LAST-DITCH HAZARD ATTEMPT?
Real Madrid will make one last attempt to sign Eden Hazard before the Spanish window closes, according to the Daily Mirror. Real have been linked with the Chelsea star all summer, and with their window closing on August 31, they feel there is still time to do a deal. Julen Lopetegui's side have not made a major signing this summer. 18:33
RANGERS APPOINT NEW DIRECTOR
Rangers have made Hong Kong-based shareholder Julian Wolhardt a new director of the club. Wolhardt, a Danish national, bought a 4.5 per cent stake in the club from Mike Ashley in June 2017. His appointment comes 10 days before a general meeting is held at the club over a proposed share issue. 18:16
Calvin Miller has today signed a new one-year contract with Celtic, keeping him at the club until 2020. The 20-year-old left back made four starts for Celtic last season. 17:52
SUPER 6
The £1 million jackpot may have gone at the weekend, but £250,000 is up for grabs as the free-to-play Soccer Saturday Super 6 game returns for the midweek fixtures. To be in with a chance of scooping the lot, all you have to do is correctly predict six scorelines in the selected Sky Bet Championship matches taking place on Wednesday night. Entries in by 19:45 BST (22nd August 2018). Click here to enter 17:23
PJANIC SIGNS NEW JUVE DEAL
Miralem Pjanic has signed a new five-year deal with Juventus. Pjanic, 28, has helped Juve win the Serie A and Coppa Italia double in both of his seasons at the club, following five years at Roma. 17:00
DUNNE DEAL
Burnley centre-back Jimmy Dunne has joined Hearts on a six-month loan deal, the Scottish Premiership club have announced. Hearts have been on the lookout for centre half cover following injury to club captain Christophe Berra. 16:35
MARTINA DEBUT?
Defender Cuco Martina could make his Stoke debut as Wigan visit in the Sky Bet Championship on Wednesday. The Curacao international, signed on a season-long loan from Everton, has been building up his fitness in the U23s side and will be assessed ahead of the game. 16:03
LOPETEGUI WANTS RODRIGO
Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui wants Valencia forward Rodrigo Moreno, reports AS. Lopetegui, whose side sold Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this summer, wants to strengthen his attacking options and believes Rodrigo would be a perfect fit for his squad. However, senior figures in Madrid are reluctant to bring a new forward to the Bernabeu. Madrid believe Rodrigo’s €120m buyout clause is excessive and feel €60m would be a fair fee for the Spain international. 15:30
BREAKING NEWS
Leeds United full-back Laurens De Bock has joined Belgian side K. V. Oostende on season-long loan. The 25 year-old joined Leeds from Club Brugge and went on to make seven appearances for the Whites. De Bock will spend the rest of the 2018/19 campaign on loan at the Jupiler Pro League side. https://twitter.com/LUFC/status/1031926402386481152 15:09
‘VAN DIJK WORTH EVERY PENNY’
Virgil van Dijk's price tag is not an issue anymore, says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who salutes the attributes of his Dutch centre-back. 14:39
Manchester United are planning a January move for Aaron Ramsey, reports the Manchester Evening News. The Wales international’s future is up in the air after entering the final year of his current contract at the Emirates. Ramsey famously rejected a move to Old Trafford before joining Arsenal from Cardiff in 2008. 14:16
BOLT LOOKING TO LEARN
Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has teamed up with Central Coast Mariners for pre-season training and admits he has a lot to learn if he is to earn a place in the team. 13:42
MADRID DUO AFTER ALONSO
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid could be in direct competition to sign Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, according to AS. Alonso has started the season in fine form, scoring and assisting a goal in Chelsea's 3-2 win over Arsenal on Saturday. Real are seeking reinforcements at left back after allowing Theo Hernandez to join Real Sociedad on loan while Atletico are wary of an approach from PSG for Filipe Luis. Alonso started his career with Real Madrid before leaving for Bolton Wanderers in search of first-team football back in 2010. 13:36
Out-of-favour Tottenham striker Vincent Janssen has undergone minor foot surgery which could scupper the chances of him leaving the club this month. Janssen spent last season on loan at Fenerbahce and has been linked with a return to Turkey particularly after being stripped of the No.9 shirt at Spurs. The Dutchman does not feature in Mauricio Pochettino's plans for the coming season. 12:44
SAINTS SEAL HODSON SIGNING
St Mirren have signed Rangers defender Lee Hodson on a season-long loan deal. The full-back has found himself surplus to requirements under new Rangers boss Steven Gerrard following the signings of Jon Flanagan and Borna Barisic this summer. 12:38
BRUNT RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTY
Chris Brunt has announced his retirement from international duty in order to focus on helping West Brom earn promotion back to the Premier League. "After a period of lengthy consideration I have taken the difficult decision to retire from international football," he said in a statement. "I have spent a lot of time thinking it over but I feel, at this point in my career, I need my sole football focus to be on helping West Bromwich Albion return to the Premier League." Brunt made 65 appearances for Northern Ireland after making his debut in 2004 but missed out on participating at Euro 2016 due to a knee injury. 12:34
FORSTER RUNNING OUT OF TIME
Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster is running out of time to leave the club before the European transfer window closes, reports the Daily Echo. Forster has fallen behind Alex McCarthy and Angus Gunn at the pecking order at St Mary's and has been linked with Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Besiktas this summer. 12:20
NO OZIL WAGES FOR RAMSEY
Arsenal are keen to tie Aaron Ramsey to a new contract but will not give him the kind of wages that his teammate Mesut Ozil earns, report the Evening Standard. Ramsey is seeking a significant increase on his current £110,000 weekly wage with Ozil earning £350,000 since signing his new contract last season. The Welshman's contract expires at the end of the season and Chelsea, Manchester United and Lazio have all been linked with a move for him. 12:07
MILLER TO JOIN ST MIRREN?
St Mirren boss Alan Stubbs has refused to rule out a move for Kenny Miller, a day after he left his role as player-manager of Livingston. St Mirren were interested in signing Miller during the summer, before he joined Livingston. If he was to sign this week, he could make his debut this Saturday... against Livingston. Stubbs says there have been no discussions thus far, as Miller has “a few things to tie up” at his former club. However he admits Miller could be a target if the circumstances change in the coming days 11:58
BORO AFTER EVERTON DUO
Middlesbrough remain in discussions over deals with Everton over midfield duo Yannick Bolasie and Mo Besic, according to the Northern Echo. Tony Pulis is keen to get loan deals wrapped up for the pair before Friday's game against West Brom. 11:33
RABIOT IN BARCA LINK
Barcelona have already signed Arthur and Arturo Vidal this summer, but they remain keen on a move for PSG's Adrien Rabiot, according to Mundo Deportivo. Rabiot's contract with PSG expires next summer and Barcelona think they will be able to get him for a fee worth £45m. If Rabiot were to join it would raise question marks over Ivan Rakitic's future at Barcelona with the Croatian having been linked to PSG. 11:05
NEVILLE DEFENDS EMERY
Gary Neville has defended Arsenal's new head coach Unai Emery amid criticism over his tactics during his first two Premier League games in charge. Arsenal have lost both of their games this season against Manchester City and Chelsea but Neville insists that he has seen improvement early on in Emery's reign. "For me, the idea of what the coach has been trying to work on is there," he said on Monday Night Football. "He is trying to undo quite a lot of the bad habits, to be quite honest with you, that have been going on for the last five or six years, that those players have had in them. "But the principle is there and that's a big change for me. It's a big step forward and if I were Unai Emery after these first two games against Manchester City and Chelsea I would be taking the positives." 10:55
Real Betis are interested in signing Manchester City's versatile Ukrainian Oleksandr Zinchenko but are waiting for Pep Guardiola's side to allow him to leave, reports ABC de Sevilla. The Premier League champions may still require his services this season, but Betis are ready to arrange a loan deal should he become available. The player's agent was in Seville last week to agree personal terms. Zinchenko turned down a permanent move to Wolves earlier in the summer. 10:26
BARCELONA KEEN ON DE JONG
Barcelona are making another attempt to sign Ajax midfielder Frenkie De Jong, according to Sport. The club have already had one bid rejected, but the 21-year-old could leave this season if Ajax fail to win their Champions League playoff tie against Dynamo Kyiv. 10:07
EVERTON SET LOOKMAN PRICE
Everton are demanding £28m plus add-ons for Ademola Lookman to join RB Leipzig, according to Sky sources. Sky Sports News reported on Monday that Leipzig had made a fresh £22m offer for the 20-year-old winger after he impressed during a loan spell with the club in the second half of last season. The German side have remained keen to sign him before their August 31 transfer deadline, with manager Ralf Rangnick stating earlier this summer: "We want him back and he wants to come." Everton boss Marco Silva has said this summer that he wants to keep the player, that Lookman is the club’s “present and future”, and he was doing everything “to make him happy again”. RB Leipzig head of recruitment Paul Mitchell - a potential candidate for Manchester United's new technical director role - is thought to be a long-term admirer of Lookman, who joined Everton from Charlton Athletic. 09:57
BASSONG TRAINING WITH QPR
Former Tottenham and Newcastle defender Sebastien Bassong is training with QPR. The Cameroon international has not played since March 2017 and was released by his last club Norwich in the summer that followed. The 32-year-old played an hour of QPR’s Under-23 fixture against Nottingham Forest yesterday and is understood to initially be looking to gain fitness. Rangers are bottom of the Championship having lost their first three league games – the latest a 7-1 defeat at West Brom on Saturday. 09:44
BORDEAUX BEGIN HENRY TALKS
Bordeaux have begun preliminary talks with Thierry Henry’s representatives about the possibility of becoming their next manager, Sky Sports News understands. The Ligue 1 side suspended current manager Gus Poyet on Friday after he labelled the French club a "disgrace" and the Uruguayan has said he no longer wishes to continue. Arsene Wenger confirmed that Henry was interested in the job yesterday and said that he has the 'qualities' to be a success. 09:39
BHOYS IN FOR BRUMA
Sky Sports News reported earlier that Celtic are preparing a bid for Aberdeen central defender Scott McKenna but another player on their radar is Dutch defender Jeffrey Bruma. According to Bild, Wolfsburg are open to selling him this summer for £5m after he was left out of their matchday squad against SV Elversberg at the weekend. Bruma has been capped 25 times by the Netherlands and lists PSV, Hamburg, Leicester and Chelsea as his former clubs. 09:24
LIVINGSTON SIGN TOGO STAR
Manager-less Livingston have signed Togo international Steve Tevi Lawson. The 24-year old fullback agreed to join the club at the weekend, before the departure of Kenny Miller. Lawson has played 6 times for Togo – his most recent club was Neuchatel Xamax in Switzerland. 09:18
BRENTFORD SIGN DASILVA
Brentford have confirmed the signing of Josh Dasilva with the 19-year-old signing a four-year contract. Dasilva opted to reject a contract offer from Arsenal at the end of his deal and as such Brentford will have to pay the Premier League club a compensation fee. Phil Giles, Brentford's Co-Director of Football, said: "It is great that Brentford now has a reputation for being able to offer that to the best young players and that they are keen to join us." https://twitter.com/BrentfordFC/status/1031828470383484929 09:14
CELTIC PREPARING MCKENNA BID
Celtic are preparing to bid for Aberdeen’s £10m-rated defender Scott McKenna, Sky Sports News understands. The Dons have turned down bids for the 21-year old Scottish international from Hull and Swansea in the last two transfer windows. Aberdeen are understood to value their centre half at around £10m which is some way off Celtic’s valuation of the player. Aberdeen maintain their player is not for sale. He is contracted until 2023 having signed two new long-term deals in the past 12 months. 08:53
DENAYER JOINS LYON
Manchester City's Belgium international defender Jason Denayer has joined Ligue 1 club Lyon on a permanent deal. Denayer joined City in 2013 and spent time on loan at Celtic, Galatasaray (twice) and Sunderland without making a competitive appearance for his parent club. It is being reported that the fee for Denayer is €10m with a potential €3.5m in add-ons. 08:46
KLOPP: EVERYONE LOVES NABY
Jurgen Klopp has admitted that everyone at Liverpool loves summer signing Naby Keita and that he believes the Guinean midfielder will continue to improve following an impressive display against Crystal Palace. "He's very shy and not very extroverted but on the pitch you don't see it. He needs to settle a little bit. He's next to Sadio all the time [in training]," Klopp told Monday Night Football. "Everybody loves Naby but I don't know if he loves us because he doesn't speak a lot. But football-wise you can see the potential is outstanding but we have to give him time." 08:33
BARCA STANDING FIRM OVER RAKITIC
PSG have been linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic but the La Liga club will not sell the Croatian for anything less than his €125m buyout fee, report Marca. That would likely rule the Ligue 1 champions out of a deal as their hands are tied due to Financial Fair Play regulations following the blockbuster signings of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. 08:24
CHELSEA WANT LOFTUS-CHEEK STAY
Chelsea want to keep Ruben Loftus-Cheek amid interest from clubs in Germany, Spain and France. Loftus-Cheek has slipped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the summer arrivals of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic while Ross Barkley has also been picked ahead of him. After playing for England at the World Cup, Loftus-Cheek was not named in Chelsea's 18-man squad against Arsenal on Saturday and he is said to be considering his options. 08:18
DORTMUND AFTER ALCACER
Borussia Dortmund are keen on a deal to sign Paco Alcacer on loan from Barcelona, reports L'Equipe. Alcacer is not part of Ernesto Valverde's plans for the coming season and has been linked with Valencia, Real Betis and Alaves. Dortmund are seeking a replacement for Michy Batshuayi who has joined Valencia on loan. 08:09
Brighton striker Glenn Murray has thanked Chris Hughton for giving him an opportunity in the Premier League and not replacing him with a big-name player as other promoted clubs have done. "You see with some of the promoted teams this year that they have got rid of some players and have brought some big names in. Thankfully our manager did not do that," Murray said. "He gave everyone that helped the club to the Premier League an opportunity in the Premier League and I think most of us have taken that opportunity." 07:48
HARPER RETURNS TO MAGPIES
Former goalkeeper Steve Harper has returned to Newcastle to join the club's backroom staff, five years after leaving the club in 2013. Harper was Newcastle's longest-serving player, first breaking through as an 18-year-old in 1993, and will become their goalkeeping coach with the club's Under-23 and Under-18 sides. 07:24
'300K-A-WEEK' FOR HAZARD'
Chelsea are to offer Eden Hazard a new £300k-per-week deal to ward off Barcelona and Real Madrid interest, according to the Daily Mail. The newspaper reports the Belgian has held talks with the club over a new contract, but is yet to agree terms with the Blues. 07:16
A swift riposte from Gary Neville to Mino Raiola's comments, after Paul Pogba's agent took aim at fellow pundit - and former Manchster United player - Paul Scholes... https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/1031799445728505856 07:01
Jamie Carragher believes that Virgil Van Dijk's man of the match display against Crystal Palace shows why Liverpool spent £75m to sign him from Southampton in January. "Tonight is the reason why you spend £75m on Virgil van Dijk," Jamie Carragher said on Monday Night Football following Liverpool's 2-0 win at Selhurst Park. "There were two or three minutes to go and Liverpool give away a free-kick in a dangerous position. He wins the first header and it goes out for a corner. Then the next one comes in and that is where the breakaway comes, and that's the goal." 06:46
CITY SUFFER BRAVO BLOW
Manchester City were one of five clubs to vote against bringing the transfer deadline forward last summer and they might be lamenting their luck after seeing two players sidelined with injuries. Following the news that Kevin De Bruyne will be out for up to three months with a knee injury, City have confirmed that No.2 goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has ruptured his Achilles tendon. City will be unable to sign a replacement for the Chilean until January so young academy graduate Daniel Grimshaw is in line for a promotion to provide backup to Ederson. 06:33
NEVILLE'S PLEA TO WOODWARD
There's more fall-out to Manchester United's defeat at Brighton - with Gary Neville issuing a plea to chief executive Ed Woodward to improve the club's transfer strategy. "Ed Woodward's job is to deliver profits on and off the pitch," he told Monday Night Football. "Profit on the pitch is performance and trophies - league titles and Champions Leagues. "The club are delivering off the field, Ed Woodward has done an incredible job in terms of the commercial operation and the way in which the club makes an operating profit, but there is no doubt he should put a footballing structure underneath him that his extremely serious and can go and deliver for him on the pitch." Read more from him here. 06:30
CARRAGHER EXPECTS MOURINHO EXIT
Jamie Carragher does not think Jose Mourinho will be Manchester United manager next season and suggested he could even leave the club at some point in this campaign. "I'm not jumping to a knee-jerk reaction because Manchester United lost a game away from home," he told Monday Night Football. "But after what's happened in the summer, if performances like that continue, I don't think Jose Mourinho will be the manager of Manchester United next season - he may not be manager at some time this season. "There will be coaches up and down the country looking at what Mourinho said in the summer about bringing players in, a centre-back. [Of the four they have] Jose has spent £30m on two of them and two are England internationals in Phil Jones and Chris Smalling." 06:22
There has been plenty of speculation over Jose Mourinho's future at Manchester United, particularly after their 3-2 defeat to Brighton with Zinedine Zidane rumoured to be a potential replacement. However, a senior source at the club told The Guardian: "Why would we discuss Zidane when there is no job?" 06:13
IN THE NEWS
Aaron Ramsey's Arsenal career is on the line after Unai Emery dropped the midfielder at Chelsea. (Mail)
Manchester United have given their backing to Jose Mourinho and insisted they have not sounded out Zinedine Zidane about taking over at Old Trafford. (Times)
Chelsea are to offer Eden Hazard a new £300k-per-week deal to ward off Barcelona and Real Madrid interest. (Mail)
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is eyeing a loan transfer to Spain after barely being used in Chelsea's first two games but Maurizio Sarri wants him to stay and fight for his place. (Mirror)
Jose Mourinho's plea to Ed Woodward that Manchester United should sell Anthony Martial before Europe's transfer window closes is set to be ignored. (Star)
06:07
A LATE ONE FROM LAST NIGHT
In pretty much the dead of night last night it was confirmed Mario Balotelli would be staying at Nice, despite various links with other clubs. Balotelli even failed to report back for pre-season training initially, but Nice's twitter account has now confirmed the Italian forward will remain with them this season. "The Italian international expressed his wishes to the directors," they said. "There will be a third season for the forward. The agreement was signed by all parties on Monday evening. "Suspended for the first 3 games of Ligue 1, the Gym's forward, who has scored 43 goals since arriving at the club, will be available for selection next week, ready for the trip to Lyon. 06:02
GOOD MORNING!
Welcome back to the Transfer Blog, early risers. Let's have a quick look at the big stories doing the rounds today... Join the discussion on Discord. I am a bot. Found any errors? Contact /Football Mods
Sky sources understand Rangers have rejected West Brom's £3m bid for James Tavernier and will not consider selling until their valuation of the full-back has been met. 17:54
Morecambe survived relegation to the National League by the skin of their teeth last season and have beefed up their forward line in a bid to avoid a repeat performance this season. https://twitter.com/ShrimpsOfficial/status/1027235878429773824 17:41
SCHOLES: UNITED NOT CONTENDERS
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes does not believe his former club have the quality to challenge Manchester City or Liverpool in the Premier League this season. "When you look at Manchester City, possibly Liverpool, I don't think they [United] have the quality of those two teams at the minute. Liverpool have made some really good signings. United finished above them last season," said Scholes, speaking in Hong Kong. "I just don't see United getting closer to City. City are a really good side, great manager, some great players, a way of playing that they all know about and Manchester United seem to be not too sure what's going on. "You don't really know the team, you don't really know the players, you don't know how they're going to perform from one week to the next. So I hope I'm wrong, but I don't see them challenging for the league this year." 17:23
WATCH: TRANSFER CENTRE
The Transfer Centre rounds up of all the latest summer transfer stories from Sky Sports News. 17:13
LOAN DEAL
Hartlepool goalkeeper Ryan Catterick has joined Guisborough Town on a short-term loan deal. 17:13
New Southampton goalkeeper Angus Gunn says working with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City played a big part in his development. 17:07
NEWCASTLE UPDATE…
Here’s the latest from Sky Sports News’ Richard Graves… “It’s certainly never dull is it around Newcastle United, especially in the transfer window. You feel they are probably still in the market for another striker, despite bringing in Salomon Rondon on a season-long loan. They also need to strengthen in defence. Federico Fernandez, the Swansea City defender is certainly one name that has been linked with Newcastle. In terms of attacking options Liverpool striker Danny Ings is another name.” 17:03
GERRARD THE TRANSLATOR
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard entertained journalists in his news conference by acting as translator for new signing Nikola Katic. 16:57
SPURS LATEST
SSN reporter Roger Clarke gives us an update from Tottenham's training ground in Enfield: "It will be interesting to see what Spurs do next, with Villa seemingly digging their heels in. They are saying Jack Grealish is not for sale. "So do Spurs go back in with an improved offer and hope they can force Villa's hand going into TDD? Or do they look elsewhere? "But Grealish seems to be the one they really seem focussed on and have been all summer..." 16:50
'THIS SEASON IS ABOUT WINNING'
Alexis Sanchez says he has put last season behind him and it is all about winning things with Manchester United this term. 16:48
HIBS WON'T BE DISTRACTED BY MCGINN TRANSFER TALK
Efe Ambrose is confident Hibernian can brush off the loss of Scotland midfielder John McGinn and produce another memorable European performance against Molde. McGinn was absent from training on Tuesday and Wednesday after going down to Birmingham for talks as Aston Villa battle Celtic for his signature. "I don't think it's going to affect us," the former Celtic defender said. "We are a team, not an individual. We know it's been coming so we will just focus on the game, that's the most important thing for Hibs. "We know if John is here he is a plus for the team, he is a good player. So we are without John but we are still here and we still have the quality of player to do well. "So we focus on the game and leave John to deal with everything that is going on around him. "We wish him well but in football players come and go so we are not going to be distracted by his transfer." 16:40
HIBS IN HYNDMAN LOAN TALKS
Hibernian are in talks with Bournemouth over the loan move for Emerson Hyndman, according to Sky sources. The American has previously played in Scotland while on loan at Rangers in 2017. Hibs want to get the deal done before the UEFA Deadline tonight so he can play in the Europa League qualifier against Molde at Easter Road tomorrow. 16:35
EVERTON LATEST…
Here’s an update from Sky Sports News reporter Vinny O’Connor at Everton's Finch Farm training ground: “It’s good news for Evertonians at the moment. This deal is close, very close. Bernard flew into Manchester airport earlier this afternoon. "Not only was he met there by our camera, but he was also met by Everton’s player liaison officer as well. He made the short trip to Everton’s Finch Farm training ground. He arrived at around 4.15pm and he’s been in there ever since. "He’s going through the formalities of a medical and they also have to go through the process of sorting out a work permit as well. No real problems are anticipated, certainly from the information we are getting at least. The way this is going to pan out it seems is that once this deal is signed and sealed the likelihood is that Everton will announce Bernard tomorrow, well into time of the 5pm deadline." 16:32
West Brom have made a £3m bid for Rangers captain James Tavernier, according to Sky sources. The 26-year-old full-back has made more than 140 appearances for the Ibrox club since joining from Wigan Athletic in 2015 and scored a penalty for Rangers in their opening day draw against Aberdeen on Sunday. 16:18
'MAN UTD WORKING ON FOUR TARGETS'
Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol gives us an update on Manchester United's pursuit of Jerome Boateng and Harry Maguire, among others... 16:08
ALEXIS WANTS 'BIG SIGNINGS' AT UNITED
Alexis Sanchez says Man Utd must sign players of Arturo Vidal's calibre if the club are to compete for trophies this season. "At United we have to sign big players, with experience," Sanchez told Sky Sports. "Barcelona just signed Arturo Vidal, who is a great player and my team-mate from Chile. "He is an example of the type of players we need to sign in order to win trophies and compete at the highest level. "From what I've seen in training, Fred is a player who always wants to get forward, he is always trying to get forward and from a personal point of view I think we'll be able to combine well and it will be good for my game." 15:53
Bournemouth defender Brad Smith has joined MLS club Seattle Sounders on a season-long loan. The Australia international made 11 first-team appearances for Bournemouth after moving from Liverpool in 2016, and missed the majority of last season with a hip injury. Bournemouth retain the option in January to recall Smith from Seattle, who are currently eighth in the Western Conference. https://twitter.com/afcbournemouth/status/1027215975203188736 15:35
MAN UTD WANT BOATENG ON LOAN
Man Utd are keen to bring Jerome Boateng to Old Trafford – but only on loan, rather than on a permanent basis, SSN understands. Jose Mourinho still has the German international as his No 1 choice recruit – but privately behind the scenes at United there are fears over a permanent contract for a player with a chequered history of injuries. Boateng, 29, suffered muscle and tendon injuries over the past three Bundesliga campaigns, missing 27 games in total since December 2016. With one day left of the summer window, Mourinho is running out of time to find a new central defender. Privately, United believe Harry Maguire is not for sale at Leicester and as things stand, Yerry Mina’s chances coming to Old Trafford looks increasingly slim. Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward has made funds available to Jose, but is determined not to pay over the odds in the current market. 15:32
WOLVES CLOSE IN ON DENDONCKER
Wolves are closing in on a deal to sign Belgium international Leander Dendoncker, according to Sky sources. SSN understands the Anderlecht midfielder travelled to England on Wednesday to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical with the Premier League club. Dendoncker has made more than 170 appearances for Anderlecht since his debut for the club in 2013. The 23-year-old has represented Belgium on six occasions and was included in Roberto Martinez's final 23-man squad for the World Cup in Russia, in which the Red Devils finished third. 15:22
BERNARD ARRIVES AT FINCH FARM
Brazil midfielder Bernard has arrived at Finch Farm to undergo his medical at Everton. 15:19
Hibernian will be without John McGinn for the Europa League encounter with Molde after Neil Lennon resigned himself to losing the midfielder following bids from Celtic and Aston Villa. 15:03
WATFORD KEEN ON WARD-PROWSE LOAN
Watford are interested in a loan deal for Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, according to Sky sources. However, SSN understands the young English midfielder is not available on loan and the Saints will rebuff any such advances for the player. 14:46
TRIO IN TALKS FOR SLIMANI
Sporting Lisbon, Fenerbahce and Besiktas are all in talks to sign Leicester striker Islam Slimani, according to Sky sources. Slimani was Leicester’s record signing when they paid Sporting £28m for him two years ago. The Algerian spent the second half of last season on loan at Newcastle. 14:42
Jack Grealish is very disappointed and disillusioned that Aston Villa are refusing to sell him to Spurs, according to Sky sources. We understand the midfield player was promised he could leave before Villa’s new owners arrived at the club last month. Grealish has not given up on moving to Spurs and he is still hoping that Villa will let him move. 14:23
ALL QUIET AT HUDDERSFIELD
As we wait for new signings at Huddersfield, the locals enjoy a game of crown green bowls... 14:20
GIROUD TO HOLD CHELSEA TALKS
Olivier Giroud says he is set to hold talks with Chelsea over a new contract. The France World Cup winner joined the Blues from Arsenal in January, but his current deal expires at the end of this season. Giroud attracted interest from Atletico Madrid earlier this summer. "No, I am happy here at Chelsea. I just arrived a few months ago and am just starting to settle well,” Giroud told the Standard. "I still have one year (of my contract) to go with Chelsea, plus maybe another one. I'm going to discuss that with the club at the right time. There is no rush." 14:15
BERNARD ARRIVES!
Good news for Everton fans as Brazil international Bernard has arrived at Manchester airport ahead of his expected medical at Finch Farm, which the midfielder is expected to have in the next 48 hours. 14:09
Lyon manager Bruno Genesio admits Nabil Fekir could still leave the club as the summer transfer window comes to a close. 13:45
WHY GREALISH IS IN DEMAND
Why is Tottenham transfer target Jack Grealish worth £25m? We have compared his stats against the average Premier League midfielder to find out.. Read the feature HERE 13:39
DOCHERTY JOINS SHREWS
Rangers confirm midfielder Greg Docherty has joined Shrewsbury Town on a season-long loan deal. Docherty, who joined the Light Blues from Hamilton Accies in January, has made 14 appearances so far in his time at Ibrox. 13:25
CRUYFF NAMED CHONGQING LIFA BOSS
Jordi Cruyff has been named manager of Chinese Super League side Chongqing Lifan. The former Manchester United player ended a successful six-year spell at Maccabi Tel-Aviv earlier this year, which included stints as sporting director and head coach. The 44-year-old succeeds Paulo Bento, who lost his job with Chongqing Lifan last month. 13:11
BOATENG STILL KEEN?
Sky in Germany are reporting that defender Jerome Boateng turned down a move to Manchester United for football reasons but, we are told he wants to move to United and Jose Mourinho wants to sign him. 13:05
MAGUIRE HOPING FOR MAN UTD MOVE
One source has told us United have already had two bids turned down by Leicester for Harry Maguire. The second bid was worth about £60m. Leicester are in advanced talks to sign two centre backs – Filip Benkovic from Dinamo Zagreb and Caglar Soyuncu from Freiburg – at a combined cost of about £35m. As far as Leicester are concerned, Maguire is not for sale; they signed him for £17m from Hull City last summer and he has four years left on his contract. Leicester are expected to offer him a new deal after his impressive performances for England in the World Cup this summer. 12:59
BREAKING NEWS
Sky sources: Leicester defender Harry Maguire is still hoping Manchester United will sign him with just one day to go before the window closes 12:56
AGENT WORLD LIKE 'WILD WEST'
Football agent Jon Smith says FIFA's deregulation of agents has created a 'watery' situation when it comes to player representation. 12:48
CONNOLLY TO JOIN WIGAN
Sky sources: Defender Callum Connolly will join Wigan Athletic on a season-long loan from Everton 12:35
VILLA LEAD RACE FOR McGINN
Aston Villa are in pole position to sign John McGinn despite renewed interest from Celtic, according to Hibernian head coach Neil Lennon. Hibs midfielder McGinn spent Tuesday in talks with Aston Villa but Celtic are believed to have matched the Sky Bet Championship club's offer after having several previous bids rejected. Lennon said: "He went down to Birmingham, I think he is having a medical there. A fee has been agreed. I don't know if personal terms have been agreed yet. "I think Celtic have matched the offer but I think Villa are in the driving position at the minute." 12:24
BREAKING NEWS
West Brom have rejected an offer from Watford for Craig Dawson, according to Sky sources. It is understood the offer was an initial loan year-long loan for a fee of £750,000. The offer also included an option to buy Dawson for £2.5m instalments over four years adding up to a potential total of £10m. 12:18
LATEST TRANSFER BULLETIN
Here's your latest Transfer Centre bulletin from Sky Sports News at lunchtime 12:16
SARRI ON KEPA
Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Athletic Bilbao's Kepa Arrizabalaga and Maurizio Sarri has been impressed by what he's seen of the goalkeeper. 12:08
NO POGBA WAGE DEMANDS
Paul Pogba has not made any wage demands to keep him at Manchester United, according to Sky sources. On Tuesday, a newspaper report claimed he had demanded a £200k-a-week wage rise to stay at Old Trafford following interest from Barcelona. However, we have been told that Pogba has made no wage demands. 12:05
HUGILL'S BORO MEDICAL
Sky sources: Jordan Hugill has arrived on Teesside to undergo a medical with Middlesbrough. This will be a season-long loan deal for the striker, who signed for West Ham for £9.5m in January. 12:04
GREALISH 'KEEN TO LEAVE'
This one is slaloming a tad, isn't it? SSN understands that Grealish is disillusioned that his dream move to north London now looks doomed and remains desperate to play for Mauricio Pochettino and to test himself at the highest level for a top four Premier League club. 11:57
BREAKING NEWS
Sky sources: Jack Grealish remains keen to move to Spurs and is desperate to test his skills in the Champions League. Grealish, who trained with the Villa squad this morning, was due to complete a £25m move to Spurs until Villa's new owner, Nassef Sawiris intervened. 11:47
BREAKING NEWS
Leicester City are closing in on the signings of Caglar Soyuncu and Filip Benkovic, SSN understands. Soyuncu, 22, could cost up to £20m. The Freiburg defender has won 15 international caps for Turkey and Leicester are confident a work permit won’t be a problem. His agent, Mustafa Dogru, has confirmed on Twitter that they are in negotiations with Leicester over a deal, but he’s stressed there is no agreement yet. Croatia U21 international defender Benkovic is in Leicester today discussing personal terms. He is expected to undergo a medical later today. 11:29
BREAKING NEWS
Sky sources: Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic to have medical at Chelsea today ahead of a loan move. 11:18
CHELSEA DUO TALK TO FEKIR
Olivier Giroud says he and Eden Hazard have spoken to Nabil Fekir about the possibility of joining Chelsea and would “welcome him” at the club. The 25-year-old Lyon man looked set to join Liverpool from Lyon earlier this summer before negotiations between the clubs ended. "I spoke to him when we were together in the French national team, when his move to Liverpool fell through," Giroud told Foot Mercato. "Then we discussed Chelsea, and I even think that Eden said a couple of words to him. "We would obviously welcome him, he is a super player, but I don't know if this is something that could happen as the window closes on Thursday." 11:11
WHO IS KEPA?
We profile Kepa Arrizabalaga as the Spanish goalkeeper edges closer to a big-money transfer to Chelsea... Read the feature HERE 10:55
GREALISH 'GOING NOWHERE'
Big news coming out of Villa Park. Sky sources: Jack Grealish will not be sold to anyone in this transfer window, despite interest from Tottenham and 'other clubs' this window. Sources are telling us Aston Villa's new executive chairman Nassef Sawiris has told Tottenham and any other potential suitors he is not interested in their money. 10:52
BREAKING NEWS
Aston Villa's new owners says Tottenham's £25m bid for Jack Grealish has been rejected outright. 10:44
BORO IN TALKS WITH BOLASIE
Sky sources: Middlesbrough remain in discussions with Yannick Bolasie as they attempt to persuade him to move to The Championship. Everton winger Bolasie has been told he’s surplus to requirements at Goodison Park; Crystal Palace are interested but Boro is a more likely destination. Middlesbrough are discussing both a permanent transfer and/or a loan with a view to a permanent deal. Bolasie is valued around £15m. 10:39
Sky sources: Huddersfield Town defender Jordan Williams undergoing a medical at Barnsley ahead of a permanent move 10:31
BORO WANT HUGILL
Sky sources: Middlesbrough are in talks with West Ham over a loan move for Jordan Hugill. The Middlesbrough-born striker only signed for the Hammers for £9.5m in January. 10:30
KEPA SITUATION
Quite a complicated one, this, but let me explain... Athletic Bilbao have announced that Kepa Arrizabalaga has bought himself out of his contract. This is the done thing at Athletic Bilbao; the same happened with Ander Herrera, Javi Martinez and Aymeric Laporte. It essentially means Kepa is now a free agent and will join Chelsea. The Blues will have paid the money to Kepa, his agent or the company who owns him in order to buy himself out of the contract. Make sense? Good. 10:23
BREAKING NEWS
Athletic Bilbao have confirmed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga's release clause has been activated. Sky Sports News reported yesterday Chelsea were advanced talks to sign Kepa. 10:16
LOPETEGUI TIGHT-LIPPED ON COURTOIS
Real Madrid head coach Julen Lopetegui refused to comment on the strong rumours linking Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a move to the Bernabeu. "I always say that I'm not talking about players who are not at Real Madrid. Keylor (Navas) is our goalkeeper and there are no other goalkeepers I can talk about except Keylor, Kiko (Casilla), (Andriy) Lunin and Luca (Zidane). "Keylor is phenomenal, he has our full confidence and is an extraordinary goalkeeper. He's delighted to belong to Real Madrid and we're delighted with him." 10:04
DOUBLE IPSWICH SIGNING
Ipswich have signed centre-back Toto Nsiala and midflieder Jon Nolan from Shrewsbury Town for a combined fee of £1.75m. Both players have signed three-year deals with the club having the option of a further 12 months. 09:48
BREAKING NEWS
Celtic look set to complete a long-term loan deal for Australia World Cup youngster Daniel Arzani later today. The 19-year-old midfielder, who made three sub appearances in Russia, has passed a medical and joins Celtic on a two-year loan, having completed his transfer from Melbourne City to Manchester City, SSN understands. 09:47
BAYER STRIKER SIGNS DEAL
Bayer Leverkusen striker Joel Pohjanpalo has signed a contract extension until 2022, the Bundesliga club have announced. The 23-year-old Finland international, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury, has made 18 Bungesliga appearances for the side and scored seven goals. 09:32
HUDDERSFIELD IN TALKS WITH MBENZA
Huddersfield are now in talks with Montpellier winger Isaac Mbenza, according to Sky sources. Sky Sports News understands Terriers boss David Wagner is keen to add another wide player to his squad after selling Tom Ince to Stoke. Mbenza scored 10 goals in 43 appearances last season as Montpellier finished comfortably mid-table in Ligue 1. 09:30
WAGHORN SIGNS FOR DERBY
Derby have completed the signing of Martyn Waghorn from Ipswich. The 28-year-old striker signs for £5m on a three-year contract. 09:15
WHERE NEXT FOR BOATENG?
It now looks likely Jerome Boateng will stay at Bayern Munich or move to PSG. If PSG are able to present an interesting total package for him, he is likely join them. A decision is expected within the next two weeks. Boateng has a great relationship with Bayern’s new coach Niko Kovac; they are both from the same district in Berlin and Boateng feels Kovac appreciates him as a player. 09:11
BOATENG TO MAN UTD OFF
And here's why... Jerome Boateng’s decision not to join Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford was because he doesn’t believe Manchester United can win the Champions League this season. Sky in Germany understand that Boateng spoke to Jose Mourinho earlier this week to explain that he was honoured by United’s interest in him. However his aim remains to win one more Champions League title – and he feels United are not strong enough to do so in the forthcoming campaign. 09:05
BREAKING NEWS
Defender Ben Mee has signed a new three-year contract at Burnley. The 28-year-old is now committed to at least 2021, with the option of a further 12 months. 09:01
BREAKING NEWS
Winger Adama Traore has completed his move from Middlesbrough to Wolves on a five-year deal. 08:48
BRIGHTON SIGN SIMPKINS
Brighton and Hove Albion have completed the signing of midfielder Emily Simpkins. The 28-year-old joins the club on a free transfer after leaving Doncaster Rovers Belles this summer, and has signed a one-year contract. 08:43
BREAKING NEWS
Sky sources: Bernard is currently travelling from Brazil and is expected to arrive on Merseyside this afternoon ahead of a medical at Everton. Sky Sports News understands that Everton manager Marco Silva has played a key role in the last 24 hours, in persuading Bernard to join the club 08:32
WOLVES SWOOP FOR CLUCAS
Midfielder Clucas saw his move to Burnley collapse over the weekend, and Wolves have moved quickly to try to bring him to Molineux. A formal approach is expected later today. 08:30
BREAKING NEWS
Wolves are keen to sign midfielder Sam Clucas from Swansea before tomorrow’s deadline, SSN has been told. 08:28
COURTOIS > REAL DETAILS
It is understood Thibaut Courtois is currently in Belgium awaiting permission from Chelsea to fly to Madrid to undergo a medical. Real have offered to loan midfielder Mateo Kovacic and pay £35m for the Belgium goalkeeper, but Chelsea are yet to accept the deal. Courtois is keen to move back to Madrid, where he spent three years with Atletico, due to family reasons. The 26-year-old, who has less than year remaining on his current contract at Stamford Bridge, did not report back for training on Monday after being given extra time off following the World Cup. 08:26
BREAKING NEWS
Real Madrid are expecting Thibaut Courtois to arrive in Madrid on Thursday ahead of completing a move to the Bernabeu, according to Sky sources in Belgium. 08:11
HIBS CONFIRM AGYEPONG
Thomas Agyepong has joined Hibernian on a loan move from Manchester City. The 21-year-old is now awaiting the completion of the necessary visa process before joining up with Neil Lennon’s squad. The winger signed for Manchester City in 2015 from the Right to Dream Academy, spending his time since then on loan at Twente and then two seasons at NAC Breda. 08:03
PAPER TALK
Watford have made a £10m offer for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse (Daily Mail)
Everton are confident they can sign Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma on loan if they are unable to complete a move for Yerry Mina (Daily Mirror)
Burnley have offered £10m for Abdoulaye Touré, the Nantes midfielder (The Times)
Fulham have offered £8m for Hugo Mallo, the Celta Vigo right-back (The Times)
07:52
THE BEST OF GREALISH
Spurs fans: here's what you'd be getting. The best of Jack Grealish from the Championship in the 2017/18 season. 07:44
ATLETI SIGN KALINIC
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of former Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic from AC Milan. The 30-year-old, who made 42 appearances for AC Milan last season - scoring six goals - completed his medical in Italy on Tuesday. Sky Italy report the deal is in the region of €15m (£13.5m) including bonuses. 07:30
'SPURS A GOOD FIT FOR GREALISH'
Moving to Tottenham is perfect for Jack Grealish, says the panel on The Debate show. 07:27
FEKIR LATEST
Nabil Fekir was left out of the Lyon's squad to face Chelsea last night admid reports of a move to Stamford Bridge. He did come close to signing for Liverpool this window and Lyon Manager Bruno Genesio can't rule out a late move. "It's too early to say. He wanted to leave at the end of last season, but came back to training yesterday and was happy. "Who knows? There may be opportunities that come up before the end of the window. For now, he is a Lyon player." 07:18
Maurizio Sarri has hinted Eden Hazard will stay at Chelsea after he held positive talks with the Belgian. Hazard had been the subject of interest from Real Madrid this summer but Sarri confirmed he has had talks with Belgium star the attacker more than once, suggesting the 'problem' surrounding his future has been resolved. Sarri said: "I don't see a problem in this moment. I have spoken with Eden two or three times in the last two days. "He has spoken of everything. I think this problem - the Hazard problem - is not present now." 06:59
POGBA: THE REPORTS
There are plenty of newspaper reports surrounding Manchester United the day before the window shuts, and the majority of them concern Paul Pogba. It would be the biggest shock of the window if he was to leave... but the clock is ticking.
Pogba wants a £200,000-a-week pay rise to stay at the club, according to The Sun.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail report that Pogba has told United team-mates he wants to leave and has already agreed a £350,000-a-week contract with Barcelona.
The Daily Star say United are furious with Pogba's agent Mino Raiola for trying to engineer a move to Barcelona for the France star.
Sky in Italy say United have rejected an offer for Pogba from Barcelona of £45m plus Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes.
But United apparently have no desire to part with Pogba, who has just returned to training after winning the World Cup with France.
06:47
ROONEY: UTD NEED TWO SIGNINGS
Wayne Rooney hopes Manchester United can mount a Premier League challenge against Manchester City but admitted they need two more signings to do so. "I hope someone can catch them - it would be nice, so hopefully Manchester United can. I think maybe another signing or two. "I am sure Jose [Mourinho] has been getting the team right. I know there has been a lot of talk about pre-season in the press but I am sure behind the scenes, Jose has been giving them the right amount of work." 06:35
'BOLT WON'T GET SPECIAL TREATMENT'
Central Coast Mariners coach Mick Mulvey says Usain Bolt will be treated as any other player when he joins the Australian A-League club this month on an "indefinite" trial. Mulvey will make the final decision over whether Bolt is offered a contract as the Jamaican sprinting great pursues his long-held dream of playing professional football. "If it was up to him he'd be coming in without any hoopla but that's impossible for a person of his stature. I'm really happy and really looking forward to having him train with the club. "I'm sure when he arrives he'll give a good account for himself and we'll see what happens from there. If it works, he will be offered a contract." 06:22
TRANSFER CENTRE
The latest transfer bulletin from Sky Sports News this Wednesday morning... 06:15
And welcome to Sky Sports live Transfer Centre, bringing you all of the latest news and rumours from the window. It's Wednesday, August 8, and we're in the bizarre position of having just a day-and-a-half of the window left. It's sure to be a frantic day, and we'll bring you absolutely everything until close of play this evening. Join the discussion on Discord. I am a bot. Found any errors? Contact /Football Mods
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