Female workers who produce Fifa merchandise for events such as the Women’s World Cup have endured pay below minimum wage, verbal abuse, unpaid overtime and threats of job loss if they fall pregnant, according to a new report by human rights researcher Equidem. Equidem has criticised Fifa for not taking action on a situation that seems to go against the advances the tournament has been responsible for, and president Gianni Infantino has been urged to extend “that progress to addressing the harms its women workers experience”. Equidem has put its report into the context of the litany of migrant labour abuses that occurred due to the men’s World Cup in Qatar and asked why there has been no update from a human rights subcommittee that was supposed to be set up to assess the legacy of that event, raising questions about Fifa’s expressed commitment to improving working conditions. The report features interviews with women workers in factories in Bangladesh that make official merchandise for Fifa events, and involves distressing testimonies including verbal abuse and the illegal denial of worksite childcare and maternity leave. Equidem heard several stories of women denied freedom of association. “We have a daily target to reach,” one worker said. “The supervisor fixes our daily target. I make 60-80 pieces per hour. I can only go to the restroom after finishing my hourly target. When a lot of work piles up, they don’t let us go anywhere. They verbally abuse us. I work for 10-12 hours a day at my sewing machine. Today, my supervisor told me to give 80 pieces per hour, but it was quite difficult to make 80 pieces. I made 60 pieces per hour. He shouted at me several times. “I can’t keep my son with me. I work between eight and 12 hours every day. Who will look after him? I searched for someone to leave my son with when I went to work, but I did not get anyone. We don’t have a childcare room in our factory. My son lives in Dhaka with my mother-in law and father-in-law.” Workers described a common practice of being told they would lose their jobs if they became pregnant during the first two years of employment. One woman employed as a sewing machine operator explained: “When I started working here, the factory doctor told me not to have babies for the first two years. I was told that after completing two years, I can have children. If I get pregnant before that, I will have to resign. They will not give me any leave.” Some workers spoken to by Equidem reported that they did not get paid any maternity leave at all, even though they are supposed to be legally entitled to four months, making it a clear violation of Bangladeshi law. Equidem’s CEO Mustafa Qadri states: “After the Men’s World Cup this past year in Qatar, FIFA pledged to set up a human rights subcommittee that would assess the legacy of the 2022 tournament, although there has been no further update as to the status of that assessment, nor its learnings. Equidem urges FIFA to extend its expressed commitment to improving working conditions to women workers in their apparel supply chains. "Yet, the world has seen significant advances in pay parity for women players, including making the Women’s World Cup more professional, ensuring equal regulations and conditions, and fair distribution of prize money to players. The United States team, after years of negotiations, public battles, and court filing won an equal pay deal that makes them one of the best-paid national teams in the world. "The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 brings with it many positive improvements for its players, and it is crucial that FIFA extends that progress to addressing the harms its women workers experience. FIFA has the power, money, and resource to address this at the systemic level, and we will keep monitoring their global supply chains until it does. “This movement toward gender parity within FIFA, signals a heightened commitment within the organisation to fair conditions for women players—on par with their male counterparts. This should extend to all women, not just those under the stadium lights.” A Fifa spokesperson said: “FIFA has stringent labour rights requirements for companies producing FIFA-licensed goods and takes any allegation of labour rights abuse in its supply chain very seriously. FIFA is in contact with both Equidem and the respective companies to further investigate the matter.” Read More Fifa urged to make human rights key consideration for World Cup 2030 host ‘Matter of when not whether’ UK hosts Women’s World Cup – sports minister Kevin De Bruyne says new approach to added time ‘doesn’t make any sense’ How much added time? Football’s new guidelines and the impact they will have Raphael Varane says players’ opinions ignored over ‘damaging’ new guidelines

Newcastle United approached 1193 companies. They had an initial meeting with 65 of them. They were whittled down to nine, and then four and eventually two. And when they find a new shirt sponsor, it is Sela, a Saudi Arabian sports events and hospitality company. Which can seem a little convenient to some. Newcastle’s income has been inflated this summer and a commercial deal has come from the homeland of their owners, while Allan Saint-Maximin has been sold to the Saudi Pro-League. As Newcastle’s various powerbrokers discuss the Sela contract, Amanda Staveley asks if they can defend it, if it is fair market value. The answer comes in the affirmative. Some outsiders might be sceptical. We Are Newcastle United, the new Prime Video documentary, may be the first of a new genre: the Financial Fair Play drama. It is more about the boardroom than the dressing room; less is revealed about the guarded Eddie Howe than in the deluxe settings of Alnwick Castle, where his employers discuss the bottom line more than the forward line. There is, admittedly, little suspense in discovering that Newcastle do, after all, find a shirt sponsor but its importance is underlined. The underlying issue is how to create enough revenue within the rules for the world’s richest club to be able to compete with the Premier League’s wealthiest. It is not as simple as just pumping money in. “We are not going to overspend otherwise we will be in big trouble on Fair Play,” says Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Newcastle chairman. Staveley reflects on the Carabao Cup final defeat by referencing Manchester United’s vast commercial income. At another point, she frets: “If we can only spend a certain amount we have to assume we are not going to get Champions League next season.” It is no spoiler to say they do and no surprise their sights are set higher again. “We want to be a Real Madrid, a Barcelona. To get ourselves to that point we need to spend money,” says Mehrdad Ghodoussi, Staveley’s husband and another co-owner. Al-Rumayyan adds: “We want to compete not only for the third or fourth position, we want to be No 1.” There is no lack of ambition: Al-Rumayyan wants the worth of the Saudi Public Investment Fund to reach $2 trillion and Newcastle’s value to increase tenfold. If it suggests he is no mere benefactor, there is a sense Newcastle feel themselves the bogeymen for the rest of the division. Their version of events is broadcast, their adversaries – apart from a couple of press-conference clips of Jurgen Klopp – are usually off-screen. But there is pushback to their takeover. “I think there was a fear we would have an unfair advantage,” complains Staveley. “They said it was the Saudi state, which is absolute rubbish. It is not Saudi Arabia, it is the Public Investment Fund.” There is the sense from her that the goalposts were moved to hamstring Newcastle, with a short-lived ban on sponsorship deals from companies linked to their owners. “I was shocked we could buy a club, pay a full price and then rules just changed,” she says. “I think that’s what pissed me off.” The other villain of the piece is Mike Ashley, whose years of neglect left Newcastle a long way behind. Peter Silverstone, the Chief Commercial Officer, compares the size of their commercial team with his former club Arsenal’s. “We don’t have time to make mistakes,” he notes, while suggesting he was made an offer he could not refuse: “When you are offered a seat on a rocket ship, you don’t ask which seat, you just get on board.” Silverstone argues that the Sela deal will help Newcastle become “the most followed, most supported club in Saudi Arabia”. If Bruno Guimaraes is the likeable Sean Longstaff’s favourite player – and has no objection when a classroom of school children nominate his midfield sidekick, not him – he is also Silverstone’s. “From a commercial perspective, he ticks every box,” he says. “He will attract more fans to Newcastle.” A theme is that Newcastle have to look after pounds and pennies; not because of the Saudi PIF’s bank balance, but due to FFP. The January negotiations for Anthony Gordon are prolonged, Everton’s initial demands for £60 million excessive. “They are bluffing,” says the negotiator in Staveley after a bid is rejected. They eventually get Gordon with an instructive tribute. “Anthony is going to be one of the best players in the league and Eddie just adores him,” says Staveley. All such shows are an attempt to humanise. Staveley comes across as caring and involved, saying she fell in love with Newcastle, going into the dressing room after the Carabao Cup semi-final win to address the team: “You’re going to get the Champions bloody League this year, I am telling you.” She gives Gordon her and Ghodoussi’s phone numbers and tells the newcomer to call if he ever needs anything. She has a tendency to refer to everyone from Callum Wilson to an agent she phones as “my angel”; for Staveley, the Angel of the North is not a statue by the A1 as much as everyone she encounters. Al-Rumayyan invites the players to his house during their World Cup training camp in Saudi Arabia. Earlier, asked about the appointment of Howe, who was relegated with Burnley, he replies dryly: “That’s even better, he knows what not to do.” Howe, though, proves an inspired choice by decision-makers who have shown a sure touch so far. Staveley claims that, at one stage in 2021, there was a 96 percent chance United would have gone down. “That would be a disaster,” she says. Disaster was averted, success fast-tracked. Newcastle start this season in the Champions League, not the Championship. Money has played a part in the transformation and money is the constant concern. They have the flagship signing Sandro Tonali this summer, and this week’s acquisition, Tino Livramento, but the only other buy is Harvey Barnes, whose arrival from Leicester was in effect paid for by the sale of Saint-Maximin. They are Newcastle United; not as they were in 2021 or perhaps as they will be in 2025, but a club with Saudi money in an ongoing battle with the balance sheet. ::The original documentary series WE ARE NEWCASTLE UNITED, which will launch on Prime Video with the first episode on Friday 11th August, followed by new episodes every Friday through to September 1st. Read More Newcastle sign Southampton defender Tino Livramento on five-year deal Allan Saint-Maximin the latest Premier League star to leave for Saudi Arabia Saudi transfers reveal difference between Premier League and European rivals Valtteri Bottas goes for a ride with Lance Armstrong – Wednesday’s sporting social Allan Saint-Maximin the latest Premier League star to leave for Saudi Arabia Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest England news ahead of quarter-finals

What the papers say Chelsea are hoping to finally secure the signature of Brighton star Moises Caicedo, the Guardian reports. The club are hoping to finalise the deal as soon as possible so he can be available to play in their opening match against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Manchester United are keen to sign Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who the Daily Mail says is worth around £30million. Dutch left-back Ian Maatsen is being chased by Burnley and now West Ham, according to the Daily Mail. The 21-year-old impressed in his pre-season fixtures for Chelsea with West Ham hoping to gain his services on a loan deal. Italian champions Napoli are interested in Brighton’s 19-year-old forward Julio Enciso, the Telegraph reports. Social media round-up Players to watch Benjamin Pavard: Manchester United are hoping to bring the Bayern Munich defender to the club to reunite with former France international team-mate Raphael Varane, French news outlet L’Equipe says. Max Aarons: The Athletic reports the Norwich City right-back was set for a move to Leeds United, but Bournemouth look set to move in on the deal. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

When Mikel Arteta had that crucial meeting with Declan Rice that fully convinced the midfielder to join Arsenal, it went well beyond his place in this team. It was about his place in what the Spaniard hopes could one day become a dynasty. Arteta told Rice that Arsenal would continue to be a fine side without him. With him, however, they could be a side to define an era. Arteta is always studying different psychological approaches, and he would naturally have read Sir Alex Ferguson's with Roy Keane. The Manchester United great gave his captain a similar speech on signing him in 1993. “Roy, Manchester United are going to dominate the domestic game with or without you,” Ferguson told Keane over a game of snooker. “With you, we can win in Europe.” When meeting Virgil van Dijk, Jurgen Klopp was more tactical, asserting how he would pin the entire Liverpool team together. Arteta got at some of this, too. It gets to a key question with the signing of Rice, and why it could be one of the most important of the summer. In a world of collective systems, and where Pep Guardiola’s finely-tuned Manchester City are treble winners, can any single player still be as transformative? Can Rice bring this Arsenal together, like Van Dijk with Liverpool? Can he take them to a higher level, like Keane? All of that might sound a bit much, but that is the importance Arteta has placed on the signing. It was why it got so tense in the summer, as it looked like City might spirit away the specific player the Arsenal manager had identified as absolutely crucial to his team’s evolution. Many other clubs do feel that is how the champions seek to do business, not just looking to strengthen themselves, but also enjoying the double effect of preventing their closest rivals from doing the same. There is a feeling within the Premier League that was the initial rationale for going so strong on Jack Grealish when it looked like he could go to Manchester United. It also explained part of the pursuit of Harry Kane in 2021. It was just no one else fancied doing business with Daniel Levy, which lessened City's motivation. All of that speaks to Rice’s influence now given the extent of City's interest, but it’s just as well Arteta’s own words were so convincing. The Basque was of course correct in telling the 24-year-old that Arsenal were going to improve either way. They’re a team whose best players are only coming to their prime, getting better as footballers while the manager’s system also becomes even more ingrained. In that, they’re similar to Liverpool in 2017-18, which was just at the point when Klopp went big on Van Dijk. The team is largely as the manager wants it, having steadily constructed it with shrewd signings over two seasons. It then becomes about the final missing elements, which is why the managers know precisely who to target, and why they’re suddenly willing to pay so much. This is why it’s rare to have a single player potentially make this kind of difference. It is even rarer for managers to be able to get teams to this sort of position. The modern game doesn’t allow this so much, for all sorts of reasons. Arsenal have allowed for a proper project, though. Arteta believes Rice can bring that to completion for all sorts of reasons, but among the most immediate is his physicality. Arteta gradually felt this was something Arsenal lacked last season. It was actually made clear in one of the few matches they won towards the end. Arsenal managed to undercut Newcastle United at St James Park, but only as they were physically overpowered. It strengthened Arteta’s resolve for a player like Rice. He needed that muscularity. As important as Rice’s presence, however, is where he makes it felt. Rice is highly respected within the game for how he screens the backline and then strides forward, although there has been some debate over whether he is best used as a six or an eight. It is one of a few differences between Arteta and Guardiola that the Arsenal manager has a different interpretation of the role. The City manager initially had some reservations over how quick Rice is with the ball at his feet, although that is understood to have passed as he has matured as a player. Guardiola was convinced by the time the champions made a play this summer. Whether he would have used Rice in quite the same way is the big question, though, which was illustrated in how the champions never went as far on the England international as they did with Josko Gvardiol. It was also why the midfielder chose Arsenal well before then. Arteta made this integral role abundantly clear. Rice will mostly be a six with authority over the midfield, and the licence to surge. Arteta has also envisaged systems where he is an eight, though, and is stil seeking to buy a young midfielder to allow that. It does illustrate another element that Rice allows. Arteta now has much more tactical variety. That, after all, evolved into one of the other issues in an otherwise promising campaign last season. Arsenal quickly clicked into one system with one core of players, but that could only go so far. It also created a slight dilemma for Arteta. Did he persist with the same team at the cost of diminishing energy as the run-in went deeper, or did he take away from what got Arsenal there in the first place? Leandro Trossard was a signing made with this in mind, but more was required. Rice has been about that, too. Aside from the fact he can also play as a six or an eight, his range allows the team to do more. Kai Havertz then adds ingenuity, with Rice bringing influence. Arteta has been especially impressed by his drive, as well as his ability to fire up those around him. So, in theory, and certainly in the manager’s mind, Arsenal should improve in a few ways and maybe even be amplified as a team. The starting XI is better. They have more strengths. They have more variety. They may even have more resolve, with that complemented by the natural development of a young team, as well as the experience of last season. That is how the Gunners intend to bridge the gap. It is more than five points. It is the ability to push City all the way, no matter how far that goes. One other reason Arteta wanted Rice was because of how quickly he can help bridge that gap on the pitch. One of the most intimidating interactions Premier League players now have is the 24-year-old charging over to clatter into you. This is asking more. It will be a step up for the player, too. Rice has faced the greatest demands with England, but he hasn’t had them on a week-to-week basis, that suffocating need to win every game. That’s what Arsenal need now. Arteta and the players know it from last season. It’s why Arteta knew exactly what to say to Rice. Read More The Mikel Arteta transfer gambles that will shape Arsenal’s season Arsenal ‘obviously paid way too much’ for Declan Rice, says Roy Keane Can Mikel Arteta become Pep Guardiola’s greatest nemesis – or merely the latest? West Ham agree deals for England pair Harry Maguire and James Ward-Prowse The Mikel Arteta transfer gambles that will shape Arsenal’s season Arsenal ‘obviously paid way too much’ for Declan Rice, says Roy Keane

The ACC was reportedly having exploratory talks about adding Cal and Stanford with the Pac-12's future in doubt. Now, it looks both schools will have to look elsewhere.The future of the Pac-12 football conference is in serious doubt after the mass exodus of programs. This month alone, they ...

Spain face Netherlands in an all-European clash at the Women’s World Cup as the quarter-finals get underway in Australia and New Zealand. Spain returned to form in the last-16 as they bounced back from their 4-0 defeat to Japan by thrashing Switzerland 5-1, with Aitana Bonmati playing a starring role with two goals. Head coach Jorge Vilda made five changes to his team, including dropping star Alexia Putellas to the bench, but was rewarded with an improved performance as Spain reached their first ever Women’s World Cup quarter-final. The Netherlands, who were runners-up in 2019, were given a stern test by South African in Sydney but progressed thanks to a stunning display from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar in the 2-0 win. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Spain vs Netherlands? The match takes place on Friday 11 August in Wellington, New Zealand. Kick-off is at 2am UK time (BST). What TV channel is it on? The quarter-final will be shown live on ITV 1, with coverage starting from 1:50am BST. What is the team news? Spain made five changes for the last-16 win against Switzerland, including first international starts for goalkeeper Cata Coll and centre-back Laia Codina, who scored at both ends in the 5-1 win against Switzerland. Jorge Vilda looks set to stick with his changes after the 5-1 win, which could mean Alexia Putellas again starts on the bench for Spain. The Netherlands will be without key midfielder Danielle van de Donk, who picked up her second yellow card of the tournament against South Africa and is therefore suspended from the quarter-final. How did both teams reach the quarter-finals? Spain (runners-up Group C) 3-0 vs Costa Rica 5-0 vs Zambia 0-4 vs Japan 5-1 vs Switzerland Netherlands (Winners Group E) 1-0 vs Portugal 1-1 vs United States 7-0 vs Vietnam 2-0 vs South Africa Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Women’s World Cup golden boot: Who’s leading the top-scorer standings? Who and when do England play next? Lionesses route to the World Cup final Women’s World Cup LIVE: Latest England news ahead of quarter-finals England learn Women’s World Cup quarter-final opponents Who and when do England play next? Route to the World Cup final

Texas football has enormous expectations for the 2023, and head coach Steve Sarkisian has a clear message for the Longhorns and fans.Leading up to a huge season for the Longhorns, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has been preaching a message of confidence amid lofty exactions for his program hea...

Michael Beale was left frustrated by his “wasteful” Rangers side in their narrow 2-1 win over 10-man Servette in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round at Ibrox. Skipper James Tavernier scored a penalty in the sixth minute before striker Cyriel Dessers knocked in a second eight minutes later with his first Gers goal. Sam Lammers missed a great chance to make it 3-0 and, just before the break, Servette attacker Chris Bedia reduced the deficit from the spot after the VAR intervened to flag up a Dessers handball. Servette were reduced to 10 men in the 59th minute after David Douline was sent off for picking up the second of two yellow cards for a foul on Todd Cantwell. But the visitors defended resolutely and will fancy their chances of turning the tie around in Switzerland next Tuesday night. Beale said: “We started really well and I thought the energy from the team was really good in and out of possession. “The desire shown by Nico and Todd before the first goal to go chase a couple of lost causes down was fantastic. “I felt Borna Barisic had a good night and put some great crosses in. “Playing with the two nine’s gives you that opportunity that we got when Danilo went across the first post and Cyriel scores. “At that moment we were in a great place. But after that I thought we were wasteful. “Then comes the VAR decision for the penalty. I thought it was harsh but that’s the ruling. “The second half, their keeper made a fantastic save from Sam and Cyriel and we had other moments again where we were wasteful on a night when we played well in my opinion for a long period of time. “What it does is keep our wits about us. We know it will be difficult going to Geneva. It’s going to be a full house and we’ll see a different game like we always do in Europe. “I’ll never knock a win in European competition because I know they’re so difficult to come by. “But as a team, we do a lot of good things and create enormous opportunities and we have to be more decisive. “I’ll give our forwards [a break] at the moment because they’re new coming into the club and it’s early in the season. “But if we keep creating chances like that then we have to take them if we’re to put teams away.” Beale believes there is still more to come from his revamped squad. He said: “We are not using it as an excuse but 13 players left and nine came in. “Danilo has trained with his team-mates for four days and has had a pre-season which was all over the shop at Feyenoord. “We are not the sum of our parts right now but I thought we had more forward running and more energy. “I thought the front three were exciting and they will get better with each game.” Servette boss Rene Weiler is relishing the return game. He said: “The result leaves the door open for the second leg next week. “It was a tough start for us when we went 2-0 down and they played at a high level but we got a bit of luck with the penalty. “But overall the first half was balanced. We tried to attack but when we got a red card it was tough but it leaves us with the possibility for next week.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live James Trafford tipped to star for Burnley by Joleon Lescott Premier League looking into ‘historic’ financial issues at Chelsea Premier League may have to scrap mid-season break due to demands of calendar

Chelsea have made a £48m bid for Romeo Lavia, going closer to Southampton’s £50m valuation and hoping to trump Liverpool. The last few weeks have seen the Anfield club make a series of incrementally improving offers, but they are still at least £4m off a deal. With Mauricio Pochettino seeking to re-energise Chelsea’s midfield, he has long wanted to bring in two midfielders, and the hope is that Lavia will join Brighton’s Moises Caicedo at Stamford Bridge. There is also a personal connection since the 18-year-old has a great relationship with Joe Shields, the recruitment executive who brought Lavia to Southampton and is now at Chelsea. Liverpool, who travel to Chelsea in their Premier League opener on Sunday, have been frustrated in their attempts to sign the 19-year-old midfielder and have seen three bids rejected for a player who has made just 29 top-flight appearances. After their initial two offers of £34m plus £4m and £42m were turned down, the Reds returned with a proposal worth £46m but that too was rejected by the Championship club. Lavia joined Saints from Manchester City last summer as an 18-year-old for an initial £10.5m. The Belgian made his international debut earlier this year when he was called up by the Red Devils for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden and a friendly against Germany. Lavia shone throughout last season, despite Saints' relegation, featuring 29 times and scoring once. Liverpool are in the market for a midfielder after the sales of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, with Jurgen Klopp underlining the need to further protect his defence. “That would be not a bad idea," Klopp said last month when asked about midfield reinforcements. "We know that we have to do something there, it is absolutely clear. We are obviously working on solutions.” Chelsea have meanwhile made progress in talks to sign Caicedo but Brighton are now holding the London club to a demand of £90m basic fee. The Blues would then have to add a further £10m to be made up in bonuses and expected clauses. The saga has continued with little movement throughout the summer, as Chelsea have proven reluctant to go beyond £80m. While Brighton, who rarely deviate from their initial asking price, have seen the nature of the talks revolve around pushing Chelsea to go closer to their valuation. There has now been some breakthrough on the structure of a potential deal though, but the expectation is that the Stamford Bridge hierarchy will eventually have to go further and make a £90m-plus offer. Chelsea are hoping to get it done before Sunday’s season opener at home to Liverpool, as Mauricio Pochettino is eager to add more energy to his midfield. Read More Chelsea make Moises Caicedo breakthrough over structure of Brighton transfer West Ham enter race for Folarin Balogun as Arsenal set transfer price Barcelona explore sensational Neymar return as PSG set price for Brazilian superstar

Chelsea have made progress in talks to sign Moises Caicedo but Brighton are now holding the London club to a demand of £90m basic fee. The Blues would then have to add a further £10m to be made up in bonuses and expected clauses. The saga has continued with little movement throughout the summer, as Chelsea have proven reluctant to go beyond £80m. While Brighton, who rarely deviate from their initial asking price, have seen the nature of the talks revolve around pushing Chelsea to go closer to their valuation. There has now been some breakthrough on the structure of a potential deal though, but the expectation is that the Stamford Bridge hierarchy will eventually have to go further and make a £90m-plus offer. Chelsea are hoping to get it done before Sunday's season opener at home to Liverpool, as Mauricio Pochettino is eager to add more energy to his midfield. Chelsea have meanwhile made a £48m bid for Romeo Lavia, as they hope to beat Liverpool in the race for the the 19-year-old Southampton midfielder. Pochettino may look to partner Enzo Fernandez with Conor Gallagher to take on Jurgen Klopp’s side following a string of departures this summer. The Blues lost N'Golo Kante on a free transfer, Mateo Kovacic joined Manchester City and Ruben Loftus-Cheek signed for AC Milan. Mason Mount, who would ideally not have played so deep for the Blues anyway, joined Manchester United, while Denis Zakaria departed after his loan expired, returning to Juventus. Nonetheless, the Blues have a number of youthful options, with Lesley Ugochukwu signed from Rennes, Carney Chukwuemeka and Andrey Santos, who arrived this summer after returning to Vasco da Gama on loan following a deal to sign the Brazilian in January. Caicedo’s arrival would also allow Fernandez to push further forward and influence the game in the final third. The Argentine World Cup winner swapped the No.5 jersey for the coveted No.8, previously worn by Frank Lampard, this summer. Read More Chelsea make Romeo Lavia bid in attempt to beat Liverpool in transfer race West Ham enter race for Folarin Balogun as Arsenal set transfer price Barcelona explore sensational Neymar return as PSG set price for Brazilian superstar Chelsea make Romeo Lavia bid in attempt to beat Liverpool in transfer race Chelsea confirm Axel Disasi signing to cure defensive woes Chelsea agree deal with Brighton to sign goalkeeper Robert Sanchez

Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford can take the Premier League by storm and reach the very top, according to his England Under-21 coach Joleon Lescott. Trafford is in line for a top-flight debut on Friday against old club Manchester City, who allowed him to make the move to Turf Moor last month. While Trafford is only 20 and has never played higher than Sky Bet League One, he starred for England during the summer to earn them European Under-21 Championship glory with a stunning stoppage-time penalty-kick save to deny Abel Ruiz in the 1-0 win over Spain. Lescott was part of Lee Carsley’s staff for the tournament and knows the young goalkeeper from his time as loan manager at City. TNT Sports pundit Lescott said: “James is ready for the Premier League. He is top, he is top with temperament, quality. “I think everyone sees the quality but his temperament is he loves it, but nothing fazes him. He is not bothered by anything. “He said it in his interview after the (Spain) game, that he knew he would save a penalty and I genuinely believe him. In no arrogant way at all, I think he is just so comfortable with his quality. He works extremely hard and is so aware of what it will take to have a top career. “I have no doubt he will reach the very top of the game. “Potentially he ends up back there (at Man City). But James will go on to have an exceptional career.” Asked if Trafford could make his senior debut for England soon if he impresses for Vincent Kompany’s new boys, Lescott added: “Yeah, 100 per cent. Whatever he achieves, touch wood barring any unfortunate injuries, will not surprise me. “I spoke to Vinny before they acquired him and I told him I’ve not seen a keeper that composed at that age, so yeah he’s very good.” Former City defender Lescott is equally enthusiastic about how old team-mate Kompany will fare during his maiden campaign in the Premier League. Kompany and Burnley took the Championship by storm last season, but they are odds-on to return back to the second tier ahead of Friday’s opener. “Vinny will be prepared and nothing Vinny does will surprise me,” Lescott insisted. “He will not leave any stone unturned. I don’t think it’ll be easy, but Vincent is a very impressive coach, a very impressive man, and a very fast learner. “I’m sure he’ll recognise what allows Burnley to stay in the league and try to do that to the best of his capabilities.” The fixture gods have not been kind to Burnley but while it does not get much tougher than hosting the Premier League champions, Lescott feels Pep Guardiola’s side could struggle early on after the high of clinching the treble with a first Champions League title in June. Lescott admitted: “I think the fact that people are just assuming they can do that again, the quadruple and treble, I think it slightly underestimates what they’ve achieved and how hard that is. “That could potentially produce a slower start to the season and (other) teams are raring to go “I’m sure they’re the team to beat and everybody recognises that, but it can take a toll what they’ve achieved.” : TNT Sports is the ultimate home for sports fans. You can stream TNT Sports on the discovery+ app and watch on all major TV platforms. This isn’t Just Sport, This is Everything. For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Premier League looking into ‘historic’ financial issues at Chelsea Premier League may have to scrap mid-season break due to demands of calendar I’ve struggled with the pressure – Katie Archibald misses out on omnium medal

The Premier League may have to scrap its mid-season break due to the overcrowding of the football calendar. The change could come into effect next season with FIFA’s revamped 32-team Club World Cup set to take place in the summer of 2025, as well as a larger-scale World Cup the following year. The Premier League introduced the break – which this season will take the form of a structured two-week period in January – in 2018 in a bid to ease the workload on players, but chief executive Richard Masters admits it is under discussion as it could become unworkable. “It is one of the things we are discussing with the FA and EFL. We want the Premier League, the big cup competitions and the EFL to flourish and that requires an adjustment,” he said. “It is the last season where it’s recognisable under the current international match calendar, where the Premier League starts on a particular weekend and the FA Cup final has its own weekend and you have the Champions League after that and a mid-season player break in the middle. “A lot will have to change because of the additional European dates. We are also very much aware of the changes to FIFA’s competitions. The World Cup is getting bigger, an additional group stage game is going to be added. Inevitably that’s going to take up more calendar space. “You obviously have the views of the players’ union and the players being expressed very strongly now. “From a leagues perspective, the European Leagues and World Leagues Forum are very clear on this, there has to be a forum for domestic competitions to be able to discuss the impact of regional and global decisions on the calendar. “There’s lots of dialogue with UEFA, very little dialogue with FIFA.” There were almost double the usual amount of yellow cards shown over the first weekend of the EFL season as the crackdown on time-wasting and player behaviour came into force. Masters expects the same in the top flight until players and managers get used to the law changes. “I think these things will level out,” he added. “It’s not the first crackdown that the governing bodies have had, in relation to surrounding referees for example. “Players and managers need time to adjust and actually the officials need time to adjust. “But over a period of time, rather than it to sort of dissipate and not have impact, everyone’s behaviour adjusts and things settle down. “There will be more yellow cards. I don’t know whether a doubling of yellow cards is a good thing or a bad thing. It certainly sends a message that the officials are true to their word.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Premier League looking into ‘historic’ financial issues at Chelsea I’ve struggled with the pressure – Katie Archibald misses out on omnium medal Gael Monfils rolls back the years to shock Stefanos Tsitsipas in Canada