Your Guardian Sport weekend is here.
Your Premier League fixtures here:
Saturday
Chelsea v Fulham (12:30 BST)
Man Utd v Burnley
Sunderland v Brentford
Tottenham v Bournemouth
Wolves v Everton
Leeds v Newcastle (17:30 BST)
Sunday
Brighton v Man City (14:00 BST)
Nottingham Forest v West Ham (14:00 BST)
Liverpool v Arsenal (16:30 BST)
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace (19:00 BST)
Confirmed: Tottenham sign Xavi Simons. They finally get their man.
Chelsea were also interested in Simons but never made a bid for the 22-year-old Netherlands international. Chelsea are well stocked in attacking midfield, despite agreeing a £36m deal for Christopher Nkunku to join Milan. They have focused on a £40m deal for the Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho and have targets beyond Simons, including Barcelona’s Fermín López.
Major story here from Nick Ames: will domestic Uefa leagues be able to go on world tours?
There is a broad acceptance within Uefa that the proposal will be difficult to reject without altering its statutes. Even then the plan appears to have irresistible momentum. Potential legal arguments against moving matches abroad have lost weight since the US-based promoter Relevent Sports agreed a settlement with Fifa in April 2024 to dismiss the global governing body from a lawsuit challenging its policy of barring league games from being staged in other countries.
More from Thomas Tuchel at his press call today.
I’m experienced enough, I should have known better and should have done better. I thought I have a little bit more credit with you guys, that I do all this in my second language.
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Will Unwin has been hearing from Pep Guardiola. James Trafford is in the Claudio Bravo position; will Gianluigi Donnarumma come in? Not this weekend, for sure.
All the clubs, before the international transfer window is closed, everything is possible. It’s as simple as that. After that, we’re going to play [Manchester] United and Champions League and Arsenal. After everything will be more clear and now we take a decision. It depends on the performance and it depends on many reasons.
Borussia Dortmund have confirmed the signing of Fabio Silva from Wolves in a deal worth £22.8m. The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract with Dortmund, having cost Wolves £35m in 2020 and struggled to ever establish himself. A series of loans have seen him play very little for Wolves in recent times; he scored four goals in 62 matches. There was talent there. Perhaps Dortmund can unlock it.
Ben Fisher heard from Nuno on his relationship with “the president”.
I’m totally relaxed in that sense. We need to have a talk about the future of the club, how we should address after the transfer market and all these things – what is the commitment to the club. Me and the president want the same thing. We want the best for Forest, that’s for sure.
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Here’s Jamie Jackson, reporting from that weird and wonderful press conference from Ruben Amorim.
This is my way of doing things and I’m going to be like that. In that moment I was so frustrated and annoyed. And I know you have a lot of experienced people talking about the way I should perform with the media, to be more constant, to be more calm: I’m not going to be like that.
Thomas Frank, at his Spurs press conference, entered with a gag.
“We have a new international player in the squad... in Djed Spence.”
Ho ho. But what of Xavi Simons? ““I hope they get good news later today for various reasons because we’re trying to sign players and that we will try to do until the end of the transfer window. I can confirm that we are working very hard to get someone over the line, that I can confirm.”
Mystery and comedy. Is there nothing the man can’t do?
I was at Fulham on Sunday, and these news conference comments from Marco Silva sound very familiar. Are Fulham trying to get away without signing a single outfield player?
“We have a fantastic group of players here, but we still need depth, quality and competition. We need at least three players.
“We are still looking to strengthen our attacking line with two players and one midfielder, which is what we had planned. We probably need a striker as well but that probably isn’t going to be possible.”
“There’s nothing very close right now, let’s see what happens. But, as a manager, I think we don’t have any other option but to do it because otherwise we won’t be in the condition to play in the Premier League. I think we have wasted a lot of time. If we can bring players in now, they will have to adapt and settle as quick as can be.”
Palace sign French defender Canvot
Crystal Palace have agreed a fee worth up to €27m with Toulouse for Jaydee Canvot, with the France Under-20 defender expected to sign a five-year contract at Selhurst Park. Palace have been desperate to add defensive reinforcements amid uncertainty over Marc Guehi’s future and Canvot is seen as a player with huge potential having made his breakthrough in Ligue 1 last season.
They are also understood to be looking for a more experienced option and have approached Manchester City over a deal for Manuel Akanji, as well as making enquiries about taking Mohammed Salisu on loan from Monaco. But Glasner made it clear on Friday that he wants Guehi, who has only one year of his contract at Selhurst Park remaining, to stay.
“From my side, he has to [still be a Crystal Palace player] because it’s not possible at the moment to find a Marc Guehi replacement who can play straight in the Premier League, being a starter, being consistent,” said the Palace manager. “When we see our foundation of success in the last few months, it’s our defence... Marc is a crucial part. Getting the right replacement in now is almost impossible.”
Arteta ponders Arsenal's injury outbreak
Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal must discover why they are suffering so many injuries after confirming that Bukayo Saka will miss Sunday’s showdown with Liverpool due to a hamstring issue.
The England forward is set to be out for weeks rather than months after sustaining the problem against Leeds, while Arteta revealed that captain Martin Odegaard is also a major doubt for Anfield due to a shoulder injury having not trained all week. Kai Havertz has had knee surgery which could keep him out for more than a month, with more concerns over Leandro Trossard, Ben White and Christian Norgaard’s participation against Arne Slot’s reigning champions.
The long-term absence of Gabriel Jesus means that Arsenal - who suffered 27 major injuries last season that ultimately undermined their title bid - could be without seven first team players for only their third match of the new campaign.
“First of all, we have to analyse what we do. That’s for sure,” said Arteta. “I think in the previous season we were there. We had the best record in the Premier League. The following season we had one of the worst as well because the extent, not the amount, but the extent of the injuries of certain players, especially Tomiyasu, Gabi Jesús, the long-term injuries we have with the hamstring injuries.
“So we have looked at everything. We are continually monitoring and evolving the needs of the players and the schedule. But unfortunately, we picked very diverse injuries again. Probably some of them were very unexpected.”
Tuchel rows back on 'repulsive' Bellingham comment
Reporting from the Tuchel presser:
Your “repulsive” quote about Bellingham?
“I did this unintentionally. I used this word unintentionally. Just to make that very clear. There was no message, there was no hidden agenda. I fully understood and understand that it’s my responsibility that I created these headlines. I’m sorry for the upset. I was sorry and I am sorry for the upset and for the headlines. I am experienced enough. I should have known better. I should have done better. I thought I had a little bit more credit maybe with you guys given this is my second language. I did it on the morning after a loss. Not a lot of sleep. I did it in a live interview and then used the wrong word. Again, it’s my responsibility. I used the wrong word. I didn’t want to use this word and I created the upset.”
Did you speak to Jude about it?
“Yes. I contacted him straight away about it. Jude focuses now on his rehabilitation and we focus on Andorra and Serbia.”
Done deal: Crystal Palace announce the signing of Yeremy Pino.
He will wear the No 10 shirt recently vacated by Eberechi Eze.
Potted bio via Palace’s website:
Born in Las Palmas, Pino’s senior breakthrough arrived at Villarreal in the 2020/21 season, scoring in the UEFA Europa League just a week after making his professional debut.
By the end of the campaign, he had become the youngest Spanish player to ever start a major European final, and the youngest to win the Europa League, lifting the trophy after defeating Manchester United in Gdańsk.
Briefly back to Thomas Tuchel. “Trent” is not in the squad but Djed Spence is. Though as a left-back.
“Djed comes to camp as a left-back together with Myles and fights for his position there. It’s a first call-up. I think it’s very well deserved. He had a very strong end to the season, won a major trophy and a very strong start to the season with Tottenham. He played very impressively in the European Super Cup.
“He is a very aggressive player who loves to have on on one duels, is not shy to be in one-on-one duels with the most talented, and the fastest players who play on the right wing out there, so strong start to the season straight away and he’s a big part of Tottenham’s success at the moment and everyone told us he is very focused at the moment. Very focused on training, very keen to get better. We can see this, and that’s why we called him up.”
More Marinakis on Nuno: “We have a solid relationship…and everything is solid. We all want Nottingham [Forest] to succeed.”
So, peace in our time? Let’s see.
Good afternoon. After Evangelos Marinakis, at the Europa League draw, said his relationship with Nuno was “sorted”, the manager himself has been speaking.
“We need to talk. We didn’t have a chance this week. It was a tough week for both of us. A lot of work. The president now is in Monaco, as you are aware. But we will have a talk. I think always these kinds of things should be done in the right moment, and the right moment is after the game. Now we are focssed on West Ham. Then we have international break and that’s the right moment.
“Things are okay. We are working very hard to compete. This is the main.. And what is really important, the talk, will happen after the game, normal here.”
Okay, that’s my stint done. Time to hand over to John Brewin, who’ll bring you news from the Nuno Espirito Santo press conference. This should be interesting as Nuno has just said he “thinks” he will still be in charge of Nottingham Forest after the international break.
Here’s Thomas Tuchel on leaving out Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish from his latest England squad.
First of all, we decided on a bit more competitive squad. There is no doubt that I’m a big fan of Trent and Jack because of their talent and their personalities. They are big players. They will always be big players, and they will always be in the mix to be called up.
I know that both of them are desperate to come back, which is really important. So competition is up, then they will stay in the mix. I know how desperate they are to come back but they can maybe have a bit more rhythm.
Alejandro Garnacho has arrived at Chelsea’s training ground in advance of his £40million move from Manchester United, head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
A deal was agreed on Thursday between the parties after the 21-year-old was made surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. He was at Cobham on Friday afternoon to undergo a medical and finalise the move.
“I know he is around here,” said Maresca. “I don’t know exactly where.” Asked how he was the United academy graduate fitting into his team, Maresca said: “He’s a winger. I see him as a winger.”
The Italian would not rule out the possibility of more arrivals and departures before Monday’s deadline. “You can expect anything, the transfer window is open, anything can happen in and out,” he said. (PA Media)
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has been talking to the press and admits that emotions often get the better of him. That was certainly the case after the shock loss at Grimsby in midweek when he blurted out that “something has to change” after watching his side lose on penalties to the League Two side.
Every time in the future we have one defeat like that I’m going to be like that, I’m going to say sometimes I hate my players, sometimes I love my players, sometimes I defend my players and sometimes I think I cannot.
This is my way of doing things and I’m going to be like that. I felt that in that moment, I was so frustrated, I was so annoyed.
I felt we had a very good pre-season, we were playing better, we were being consistent in the way we played. We played badly for 30 minutes against Fulham and that kind of performance (against Grimsby) I was really disappointed with everything, but now it’s a new game (home to Burnley this weekend) and we focus on that.
Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years. Sometimes I love to be with my players, sometimes I don’t want to be with them. I need to improve on that, it’s going to be hard but now I’m focused on the next game.
Meanwhile in America, much excitement surrounds Son Heung-min’s home debut for Los Angeles FC. They’re particularly giddy in LA’s Koreatown neighbourhood.
Nick Ames was in Monaco for the Europa League and Conference League draws. And he couldn’t help but notice that Nottingham Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, and Palace co-owner, Steve Parish, were sat a matter of yards from one another.
After their humiliating Carabao Cup exit at Grimsby, is this a good time to play Manchester United? Burnley are the visitors to Old Trafford on Saturday and here’s Clarets boss Scott Parker on whether the hosts will be fuming and ready to deliver a response or a jibbering wreck there for the taking.
There’s always noise around every team. I understand that, sometimes that noise can be blown up.
There’s no doubt that Man Utd are in a place that is an uncomfortable place. The ups and downs and the bumps of football sometimes bring different results, of course. But we’re under no illusions of the task we have ahead of us at the weekend.
I don’t really look into whether it’s a good or a bad time to go there. There’s always flip sides to that. You can look at one side of it and say, it’s a bit of a wounded animal with world-class players that can obviously have a reaction.
On the other side, of course, there may be a bit of edginess, but fundamentally, we’ll try and give our best version and take on the task of going to play Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Here’s Max Rushden with some early-season observations.
And talking of which… On Thursday 11 September, join Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning and newly announced panellists: Jonathan Wilson, Nicky Bandini and Jonathan Liew for Football Weekly Live at the Troxy, London. Book tickets at theguardian.com/footballweeklylive
Thomas Tuchel believes Elliott Anderson has “a lot of volume”. His hair? The noises he makes in training? Anyway, here’s the England manager on Anderson and Tino Livramento following today’s squad annoucenment .
Elliot Anderson, very physical, a lot of volume, very precise clean passing, it is a good package.
Tino Livramento is also with us based on these observations because they had a fantastic tournament.
Elliot was a key player in the tournament, pressed a lot in central midfield, (he’s) a regular player for Nottingham Forest, they had a fantastic season and ended the season with a title for the Under-21s.
He has started the season and I guess he is excited to come and join us and I hope he can make his mark.
The Alexander Isak saga (turns to camera, “nice”). It’s been more a slow show than fast show this summer but Louise Taylor believes the wheels are turning following Eddie Howe’s press conference.
Although Howe attempted to play a straight bat, he suggested Isak’s determination never to play for Newcastle again dictated that it may be the right moment for a richly talented player he had initially hoped to keep to exit Tyneside.
For some context, Aston Villa are favourites with the bookies to win the Europa League following today’s draw.
6/1 Aston Villa, 9/1 Roma, 10/1 Betis, Bologna, Porto, 11/1 Nottingham Forest, 14/1 Celta Vigo, Lyon.
Celtic are 25/1, with Rangers 66/1.
That’s it from Monaco. The draws are complete. We’ll have a full story soon.
By the way, here’s how the Champions League draw panned out if you missed it yesterday.
Aberdeen take on Strasbourg in Conference League
And, as for Aberdeen, their opponents include French side Strasbourg.
Aberdeen fixtures: Shakhtar Donetsk (H), Sparta Prague (A), Strasbourg (H), AEK Athens (A), FC Noah (H), AEK Larnaca (A)
Crystal Palace face Shelbourne in Conference League
A variety of Conference League opponents for Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace fixtures: AZ Alkmaar (H), Dynamo Kyiv (A), KuPS Kuopio (H), Strasbourg (A), AEK Larnaca (H), Shelbourne (A)
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TNT broadcaster Matt Smith is also helping with the draw. I saw him in M&S in Handforth (near Manchester) the other day although he’s not mentioned it so far.
Coming up next, the draw for the Conference League. They’ve managed to rope Eden Hazard in for this one. Hopefully he’ll go down better than the magician. Crystal Palace and Aberdeen are the British teams involved.
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Full Europa League draw
Let’s pull that together and list the fixtures for the four British teams in the Europa League.
Aston Villa: RB Salzburg (H), Feyenoord (A), Maccabi Tel Aviv (H), Fenerbahce (A), Young Boys (H), Basel (A), Bologna (H), Go Ahead Eagles (A)
Nottingham Forest: Porto (H), Real Betis (A), Ferencvaros (H), Braga (A), Midtjylland (H), Sturn Graz (A), Malmo (H), Utrecht (A)
Celtic: Roma (H), Feyenoord (A), Braga (H), Red Star Belgrade (A), Stum Graz (H), FC Midjylland (A), Utrecht (H), Bologna (A)
Rangers: Roma (H), Porto (A), Braga (H), Ferencvaros (A), Ludogorets (H), Sturm Graz (A), Genk (H), Brann (A)
Forest given Malmo reunion
Nottingham Forest have a repeat of their 1979 European Cup final after being drawn with Malmo in the Europa League. There’s unlikely to be a little concrete shot putt circle near the goal this time.
Nottingham Forest fixtures: Porto (H), Real Betis (A), Ferencvaros (H), Braga (A), Midtjylland (H), Sturn Graz (A), Malmo (H), Utrecht (A)
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Celtic handed double Italian task
Celtic will be kicking themselves that they didn’t make it through to the Champions League. This is their task in the Europa League.
Celtic fixtures: Roma (H), Feyenoord (A), Braga (H), Red Star Belgrade (A), Stum Graz (H), FC Midjylland (A), Utrecht (H), Bologna (A)
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Aston Villa face Feyenoord and Fenerbahce in Europa League
Aston Villa look to have been given a fairly favourable Europa League draw. Here it is.
Aston Villa fixtures: RB Salzburg (H), Feyenoord (A), Maccabi Tel Aviv (H), Fenerbahce (A), Young Boys (H), Basel (A), Bologna (H), Go Ahead Eagles (A)
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Rangers take on Roma in Europa League
Rangers got thumped 6-0 by Club Brugge on Wednesday so it’s perhaps more appropriate for them to be in the Europa League. Here are their opponents. Will Russell Martin be in charge for any or all of them?
Rangers fixtures: Roma (H), Porto (A), Braga (H), Ferencvaros (A), Ludogorets (H), Sturm Graz (A), Genk (H), Brann (A)
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Time now for the Europa League and Conference League draws. We had a brief appearance on stage from a magician but he’s left again after making the balls disappear. Didn’t really work that to be honest. Lacked the gravitas of Paul Daniels and the crowd knew it.
It’s also worth pointing out that injury has ruled out several big names from the England squad.
Tuchel didn’t have the option of picking Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer or Levi Colwill as all four are sidelined for various lengths of time.
Here’s David Hytner with the story on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad announcement.
David also notes that Tuchel has not found space for Curtis Jones or Conor Gallagher.
Just had to scroll back to make sure I hadn’t written Des rather than Kyle Walker had been left out. Perhaps the call-up for Elliott Anderson has sparked some sort of Forest memory in me. Des is now 59 by the way. He could probably still do a job. Thoughts on Anderson? Elliott not Viv.
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Reaction to Tuchel’s squad? Out of sight = out of mind? Well, perhaps that applies to Trent but Marcus Rashford is in so maybe not.
England squad announced
Here’s the full England squad to play Andorra and Serbia. No Jack Grealish either, you’ll note.
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Trafford.
Defenders: Burn, Guehi, James, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly, Livramento, Spence, Stones.
Midfielders: Anderson, Gibbs-White, Henderson, Rice, Rogers, Wharton.
Forwards: Bowen, Eze, Gordon, Kane, Madueke, Rashford, Watkins.
Trent Alexander-Arnold left out by England
Breaking news. Some top lines from Tommy Tuchel’s England squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Kyle Walker are all out. Elliott Anderson and Djed Spence are in.
Full squad to follow…
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It’s Thomas Tuchel’s birthday today. He’s 52. Amazingly, sort of, it’s also many happy returns to Scotland manager, Steve Clarke (62). Is this a well-known fact, the bosses of England and Scotland sharing the same birthday? One for The Knowledge maybe. Also note that Lenny Henry and Michael Jackson were also born on this day. The link? Lenny namedropping Aston Villa in his ‘Thriller’ sketch.
Thanks very much Yara. As we wait for that, Tom Garry has been getting his chat on with England goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse. Take a read.
That is all from me today but Dave Tindall is here to lead you through the afternoon news including Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the international break which will be announced in 15 minutes.
Arsenal closing in on Hincapié deal
Arsenal are in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen over an agreement to sign Piero Hincapié on an initial loan, with the Ecuador defender’s potential arrival expected to allow Jakub Kiwior to join Porto on similar terms. It is understood that Arsenal officials are due to meet their counterparts from Leverkusen on Friday to continue discussions on a deal that includes an obligation for Hincapié to make the move permanent at the end of next season.
Having already signed seven players this summer for around £250m, Arsenal are believed to be looking to include the fee for him in next year’s accounts so they don’t fall foul of Uefa’s regulations on financial fair play.
The 23-year-old, who is capable of playing as a left-sided centre‑back or left-back, has a release clause of €60m (£52m), although they are not willing to go that high and hope to strike a deal for around €50m (£43.3m). Hincapie is believed to have already told Leverkusen of his desire to move to north London.
Porto have agreed a loan deal for Kiwior with an obligation to buy for up to €27m (£23.4m) but Arsenal have been waiting to see if they can make progress on the Hincapie deal before allowing him to depart. They also have interest from Crystal Palace and Fulham in forward Reiss Nelson, while Stuttgart could step up their efforts to sign Portugal midfielder Fabio Vieira before the end of the window.
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Wayne Rooney believes Ruben Amorim’s comments after Manchester United’s shock Carabao Cup defeat at Grimsby on Wednesday night show “something is broken” at the club.
United came from 2-0 down to force a penalty shootout at Blundell Park thanks to Harry Maguire’s late goal, but then lost 12-11 on spot-kicks as summer signing Bryan Mbeumo hit the crossbar with the decisive kick. A dejected Amorim, who had not watched the shootout but preferred to sit in the dugout, said after the game: “I felt my players spoke really loud today what they want.”
After United finished a lowly 15th last season, their worst finish since 1974, there had been high hopes that a full pre-season for Amorim and £200m worth of new attacking talent could lead to a turnaround this term. But United have begun with a home loss to Arsenal, a draw away to Fulham and a chastening defeat to fourth-tier opposition that has prompted speculation about Amorim’s position just three games into the campaign.
Speaking on the BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show, the former United forward said:
Just the way they lost, it was disheartening. There’s something not right. I think that’s clear. I think the manager said that after the game and I think that’s clear for everyone to see that there’s something not right there.
It can happen. We lost to Crawley years back in the Cup. But the difference is, everyone looking at that game, they know it’s a one-off. So the issue now is we’re seeing very similar performances, similar results and even though it’s only three games into the season, it’s getting to a point now where you’re like … what is going on?
The biggest concern is the manager saying that, his words after the game were damning on the players and obviously being in a position where I’ve been in that dressing room, if your manager comes out with those words, there’s something broken.
Rooney suggested that Amorim, who took charge in November after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, could be struggling to adapt to life at one of the biggest football clubs in the world after arriving from Sporting Lisbon.
I think what we forget, he’s 40. He’s a young manager. And Manchester United is so different to where he’s been before. And you come in, there’s the media team, the commercial team, the fans, the media. It’s completely different. And there’s a pressure with Manchester United which he will never have felt before. PA Media
It will be a huge opportunity for Anderson to impress in the senior set up. What are your thoughts? Any one else you want to see Tuchel name in his squad? Let me know your thoughts via email, which you can find at the top of this blog.
We will be bringing you the full squad as it is announced live at midday.
Thomas Tuchel’s priority will be to fine-tune his existing options in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. But he wants a look at Anderson, who starred as Lee Carsley’s under-21s won the European Championship in the summer.
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Anderson to be named in England squad
Thomas Tuchel will announce his latest England squad this afternoon and Elliot Anderson is expected to receive his first senior call-up. The Nottingham Forest midfielder was outstanding as England retained the Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia earlier this summer and the 22-year-old has evolved into a key performer for his club.
Newcastle reluctantly sold Anderson to Forest last year to help them comply with profitability and sustainability regulations. He excelled on loan at Bristol Rovers in the second half of 2021-22, scoring the decisive goal in a 7-0 final-day win that clinched an unthinkable promotion to the third tier. Anderson’s Forest teammate Morgan Gibbs-White returned to the senior squad in June.
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David Moyes was asked about incoming transfers at Everton and whether this has been one of his hardest summers taking charge at a club. Here is what he had to say:
I think it has. Since we beat Newcastle on the last game of the season I have been working on recruitment and found it a really difficult summer. We have had a lot of players who have chosen not to come and we have had to work really hard to get enough players in. Our squad numbers are small. But if things change before Monday then that would be good.
But it is not all doom and gloom for Moyes, who is incredibly excited about what Jack Grealish can bring to his side this season:
I’m really pleased because he is a real talent and someone we hope we can get back to the levels he has produced over many years. I hope he can build on it, continue get fitter and continue to keep playing regularly.
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Mateus Fernandes from Southampton with a deal worth £38m plus £4m in add-ons.
I’m very happy to be here. I’m very excited to play for West Ham. I think it’s a big step for me. It’s a big club, a massive club. The project, the stadium, the city, everything. I want to try to play football, enjoy football, not just run and try to score, but try to play good football. I think the most important thing is to try to give everything every day.
The Rumour Mill continues to spin away. Dominic Booth has the latest on the latest whispers in the transfer universe.
And of course, Howe is asked if Isak will remain a Newcastle player by the end of the window:
It’s difficult for me to give you any sort of clarity on the future. I’ve said before, I don’t know what the future holds in that respect because I’m not involved with it myself. I’ve got no update and I’m just concentrating on bringing players into the club.
The Newcastle manager was also asked about their Champions League draw. Howe’s side will be playing: Barcelona (home), Paris Saint-Germain (away), Benfica (home), Bayer Leverkusen (away), PSV Eindhoven (home), Marseille (away), Athletic Bilbao (home) and Union SG (away).
Really interesting. Some great games. Exciting prospects. The group we had last time was very difficult, the games we have this time are tough and challenging.
The Barcelona game is the one you instantly get drawn to, with the links with Sir Bobby and the history between the two clubs. Can we create more legacy to that fixture?
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Eddie Howe has naturally been asked about Nick Woltemade after reports that the German has flown into Tyneside for a medical ahead of his £70m move from Stuttgart:
Positive signs. Things are moving and developing in a good way at the moment. Until it’s done I can’t confirm anything but fingers crossed.
I don’t think that is going to be possible [for Woltemade to play against Leeds tomorrow] due to lots of reasons I don’t understand. The most important thing is we try to bring a centre-forward in that’s what we’ve been working hard to do all summer.
Slot was also asked about Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s new striker, who has stormed to a strong start with two goals in two matches:
He’s already made a big impact on the attacking part of our game so not only scoring goals but being part of buildup situations where he was someone that started the attack.
The most important answer to what he can improve is his match fitness. I expect him to do a lot more without the ball than he already does because he’s already working hard.
It’s completely normal because he has to adjust to a different league from a different playing style. Frankfurt wasn’t pressing as much as we try to do, and then coming to a different league, there’s a lot for him to handle.
To adapt to the intensity levels without the ball, there are small steps to make for him.
Despite two wins from two, Liverpool have struggled with set-pieces and will face a team on Sunday that thrive from dead-ball situations:
The thing that stands out for [Arsenal], and in a negative way for us, is we’ve conceded four set pieces, including the Bilbao game and that’s one of their strengths.
You can see how well they are managed by Mikel Arteta, they’ve been working together for five years and they can play almost every style there is. It [conceding from set-pieces] is a part we need to improve, which we were really good at last season so there’s no panic.
Liverpool’s title defence continues on Sunday and Arne Slot was, of course, asked about Alexander Isak, who is doing his best to force a move to the defending champions from Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side have spent most of the summer trying to sign a new striker to replace Callum Wilson and Isak, if they let him leave. After missing out on several targets, they finally seemed to have found their man in Nick Woltemade.
Here is what Arne Slot said on the situation:
If it’s true, Newcastle have signed a new No9 and that’s very nice for Eddie because Anthony Gordon is suspended and Isak has not been training.
I said after Monday evening that I could make a substitute to impact the game and as always, we try to sign players who can help us.
But there’s no reason, after the first two games to complain to think we need more. But if we can strength the squad, we will try to do that if it’s for the right money and the right player.
Let’s see if we do something and if we can, what we can do.
Slot’s side will host Arsenal at Anfield, their closest rivals to the title last season:
There are a lot of similarities with both teams. The playing style of Arsenal hasn’t changed too much with the new signings coming in. Maybe they have a different No 9 than last season, Jesus is a real No 9 but he didn’t play as much, but the one they have now is different to Havertz or Trossard. Gyokeres is more of a target man so that’s maybe where there’s a small difference.
Spurs to sign £51.8m Simons after Chelsea leave path clear
Tottenham are poised to complete the £51.8m signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. Personal terms have been agreed with the attacking midfielder and a medical has taken place.
Barring any last-minute hitches the deal will be a major boost for Thomas Frank, who has been hoping to add an attacking midfielder. Spurs have have missed out on Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White.
Chelsea were also interested in Simons but never made a bid for the 22-year-old. There are no indications that the club will disrupt their London rivals by attempting a late swoop for the Netherlands international.
More from Jacob Steinberg and David Hytner here.
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce just over a year ago after a stint at Roma and was greeted by thousands of fans when he arrived in Istanbul, raising expectations of ending Galatasaray’s recent dominance. He was in charge for 62 matches at Fenerbahce where he won 37, lost 11 and drew 14, making his win percentage 59.68%, his highest since his time at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013 (71.91%).
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Fenerbahce sack Mourinho two games into new season
Fenerbahce have parted ways with José Mourinho after the Turkish club failed to qualify for the Champions League league phase. Mourinho’s side were beaten 1-0 by Benfica on Wednesday night in their playoff tie. In a statement released on social media, the club said: “We thank him for his efforts for our team until today and wish him success in his future career.”
The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager is the second high-profile manager in Turkey to get the sack in the last day after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked by Besiktas less than one hour after they failed to qualify for the Conference League.
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Preamble
It is Friday morning and yet another weekend of Premier League football awaits, this one the last before the first international break of the season. Here you will find all the latest lines as the managers take on the media in today’s press conferences.
Deadline day is also fast approaching and clubs will be hoping to make those late adjustments to their squad to ensure they are as ready as possible for the long season ahead.
We will also have of EFL, Scottish Premiership and European football news as it comes. Plus the latest on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad announcement for World Cup qualifiers at noon.
As always, get in touch of you have any transfer wishes or weekend predictions. You can find the email at the top of this blog.
And our first piece of breaking news …
