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Two done, how many more to go? Ask Liverpool supporters at the end of last season how many new signings they needed to bring in across the summer and not too many would have suggested fewer than four. An upturn in form and fortunes between March and May probably reduced that from a higher number, too. But even with individuals showing better levels and the team looking capable of beating most they came up against, the new shape and certain aging faces - as well as expiring contracts in the squad - meant a renewal, if not an outright overhaul, was required. That was especially the case in midfield and with almost £100 million now spent this summer on two new components, in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, the Reds will definitely have a refreshed feel about them, regardless of what else happens. Both are expected to be first-team regulars, and no wonder: one has won the World Cup, the other cost upwards of £60m. But, thus far, no starters from last term have departed, so places will have to be earned if the regular line-up is to indeed alter. Or, given the form of too many in the squad across much of 2022/23 - particularly the middle third - perhaps those jerseys had already been lost. Jurgen Klopp refuted, last year and before, the idea that he keeps too many around for too long, that he has favourites who have a place in the team as long as they are available. James Milner and Roberto Firmino have now exited, two who were go-to lieutenants for so many seasons of the German’s tenure, while fringe pair Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are likewise out. Three midfielders, one forward; the trio from the centre of the park only contributed 2,261 minutes though across all competitions; throw in departed loanee Arthur Melo too, why not, for an additional 13 on the pitch. Their new No.10, Mac Allister, played far more than that by himself, over 3,300 minutes not including his mid-season international exploits, while his fellow new arrival, who will hope to wear the No.8 with more distinction than Keita managed, tallied over 3,700 for Leipzig. While gametime doesn’t translate to immediacy in the team, the expectation is that they will sooner or later combine as the new more offensive pair in a traditional three or, in the Reds’ more recent shape, the forward-thinking pair ahead of the roving Trent Alexander-Arnold and a holding midfielder. The latter is, at present, still Fabinho. But it is the third area of the centre of the park where Liverpool must surely continue to seek out reinforcements and improvements, with summer rumours suggesting Manu Kone and Romeo Lavia are of significant interest. The additions already made to the squad will help the Reds from the perspective of creativity, build-up play and - over time - with off-the-ball, first lines of defence too. When transitions move behind the midfield line, though, is where the biggest problems arose last season and where improvements must continue to be seen. Fabinho has been a massive pillar of a successful team, but agility and recovery speed deserted him entirely for much of 22/23. Eluding him, attacking midfielders and ball-carriers opened up vast spaces to race toward Liverpool’s back line and threaten Alisson’s goal with. It’s not something the team will be able to offer up with such regularity in 23/24 - at least, not if they want regular success - and especially considering the alteration in Alexander-Arnold’s role still means work to be done in terms of overall cohesion when teams attack that side. A deep midfielder more able to make up that extra ground has to remain priority No.1 now, considering it appears a more defensive option for the right-sided role is not on the agenda. If it does end up being Lavia or a similarly future-proofing signing, the biggest decisions for Klopp may come in games against the best transition teams: does he want the greater experience or the greater athleticism in the side? But this is a Liverpool team being built once more to dominate play, first and foremost, and beat teams by out-playing them, not just by shutting them out. The new recruits will add more guile, more on the ball quality and more speed across the ground than those who played most of the season in midfield last year, up until Curtis Jones forced his way into the team. The big work in pre-season will be getting them to gel with Cody Gakpo, Mo Salah and Luis Diaz on a regular basis - and to find out how to get the best use out of Darwin Nunez, of course. Szoboszlai’s delivery from the channels, his driving runs and set-piece prowess are all expected to be enormous factors there. Liverpool’s squad suddenly looks rather more capable of competing among the top four once more, having looked stale and badly in need of a redesign. Which final touches are put on it across the next eight weeks will determine whether they push even higher across the following ten months.

Former Ipswich striker Marcus Stewart hopes the club’s generosity in raising funds for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation through a new kit launch will continue to help give a voice to others with the disease. Ipswich’s new shirts, again sponsored by Ed Sheeran, are their fastest selling so far as the Tractor Boys gear up for a return to the Sky Bet Championship having won promotion from League One last season. For every home shirt sold during July, the Suffolk club will make a donation of £2 to the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation in support of Stewart’s fundraising efforts for the charity following his own diagnosis for motor neurone disease last year. Over the course of the first weekend of record sales – which saw the new home kit worn in Town’s opening pre-season friendly against Felixstowe & Walton United on Saturday – more than £11,000 was raised. The home shirt is inspired by Ipswich’s 1999-2000 campaign which ended in promotion via the Championship play-off final at Wembley, before going on to finish fifth back in the top flight the following season. Stewart scored 19 league goals – coming second behind Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and ahead of Thierry Henry in the race for the Golden Boot – which helped George Burley’s team secure qualification for the UEFA Cup. The former Town frontman, 50, has been taken aback by how well the new kit has been received and so bringing in welcome additional funds for the charity “I don’t think the club have sold that many new kits on the first day ever,” Stewart told the PA news agency. “Ipswich have been great. We haven’t approached them about getting these things to happen, it is them who have come up with the ideas. “They have been very proactive in helping out the charity in a big way and it all creates awareness as well.” Stewart’s own diagnosis came after 12 months of testing and was revealed during September last year. MND is a degenerative condition which affects the brain and nervous system. It is a life-shortening disease and there is no cure. Although it will progress, symptoms can be managed to achieve the best possible quality of life. Currently head of player development at National League South club Yeovil, another of his old teams, Stewart, supported by his wife Louise, hopes to continue to front campaigns for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation while he is able. The foundation was launched by former professional footballer Stephen Darby and armed forces veteran Chris Rimmer, who were both diagnosed with the disease. Rimmer died aged 39 in April last year. Former Leeds Rhinos rugby league player Rob Burrow is living with the condition after his diagnosis in 2019. Burrow’s former team-mate Kevin Sinfield is another who has helped improve awareness of MND and raised millions of pounds for charity through his endurance efforts. “I am lucky. At the moment, I still have got my voice, still have got my mobility,” said Stewart, who played in every tier of the English professional game. “I have a little bit of a profile, not as big as Kev and Rob, but I am there to be the voice of the people who haven’t got a profile, who haven’t got mobility and a voice because of the disease. “As long as I am well and good – I am still exercising and able to work – I am going to do my best to get out there and be a voice for the other people while I can, like Kev and a lot of people are doing for MND, the silent ones who are doing their bit in their own time.” Stewart has lost grip in his left hand since being diagnosed and has a weak arm, but continues to hold a positive outlook. “The initial shock, of course, was quite hard to take for a lot of people, but we are all trying to get on with life and just living in the moment,” said Stewart, who began his professional career at home-town club Bristol Rovers before a successful spell at Huddersfield and stints with Ipswich, Sunderland, Bristol City, Preston, Yeovil and Exeter. “The past two or three months, everything has settled down a bit and been pretty much normal now for most of the family really. We are a pretty positive group of people.” :: The Stewart family are raising funds for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation. For more information, visit justgiving.com/team/teamstewart254 Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Rose Zhang admits flying start to professional career has exceeded expectations Yaya Toure says Harry Kane should see out his career with Tottenham Football rumours: Saudi clubs join growing interest in Thiago Alcantara

Yaya Toure has told Harry Kane to stay at Tottenham for the rest of his career. The England captain’s future has come under constant scrutiny this summer and Kane has regularly been linked with a move to Manchester United or Bayern Munich. Spurs are insistent they will not sell their star player, despite him entering the last year of his contract, and Toure thinks Kane should end his career at his boyhood club. Toure has had the chance to witness Kane at close quarters during his spell on the academy’s coaching staff and recognises his star quality. “Harry Kane is a brilliant player and a brilliant leader,” the 40-year-old, who has just taken a coaching job at Standard Liege, told the PA news agency. “For me I hope he is going to stay at Tottenham. What he did last season was incredible. “I hope he is going to stay, being involved with the staff I can see how familiar they are, they all believe in each other. “He came from the academy, he is different. He is not like (Sergio) Aguero, who came in from Atletico, he is at home. “I hope he is going to stay because he is a good player. Why not retire there, like (Paolo) Maldini or Gerrard did at Liverpool, if he does that it is going to be very significant.” Spurs’ inability to win a trophy over the last 15 years has been the main reason why Kane has been linked with a move away. But Toure believes the club is set up for success and Kane is integral to that. “Tottenham have everything to be successful, when you see the stadium and facilities, they are brilliant,” he added. Harry Kane is a brilliant player and a brilliant leader, for me I hope he is going to stay at Tottenham. Yaya Toure “What’s left now? Maybe change players, I don’t know. “But the competitiveness of the league, you have to match that. “What Manchester City are doing, you have to match that if you want to win. “That is what I learned when I was at top clubs, week in week out, try to improve the club to be successful. “I hope and believe that if Harry Kane stays, new players will join, the club will be improving and better and they will be able to challenge for something.” Before Toure heads to Belgium to begin at Standard Liege, he will first put his coaching skills to use on the launch of Amazon’s Prime Day, as a Prime customer can buy a private coaching session for them and three friends. He said: “I couldn’t stay away from coaching in the UK for long, but this is a fun one. “Amazon approached me because like them, I’m known for reliable delivery, so for Prime Day I’m going to be working with a group of football fans to give them a training session and show them a thing or two. “With the new season coming up, I’ll look to put them through their paces with knowledge I’ve gained through my years at clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City. “It’ll be one last training session in England for a while.” ::Yaya Touré will give one lucky Prime customer and their three friends a football training session to learn perfect delivery this Prime Day. Prime Members should check out www.amazon.co.uk/primeexperiences throughout 11th and 12th July to purchase. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Football rumours: Saudi clubs join growing interest in Thiago Alcantara Jodie Burrage takes centre stage as Wimbledon plays catch-up on day three Dan Evans targets short break from tennis after latest Wimbledon disappointment

Arsenal and West Ham have agreed the details of Declan Rice's £105m move. The 24-year-old will undergo a medical before joining the Gunners on a long-term contract.

Mason Mount has confirmed that he will be leaving Chelsea after 18 years at the club. The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Stamford Bridge and since making his first-team debut in 2019 has gone on to score 27 goals and provide 22 assists in 129 Premier League appearances. The PA news agency understands that Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign the midfielder for an initial £55million. Mount, who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and has earned 36 caps for England, posted a farewell message to Blues fans on Instagram. He said on Instagram: “Hi Chelsea fans, given the speculation over the last six months this may not come as a surprise to you, but it doesn’t make it any easier to tell you that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea. “I feel you deserve more than just a written statement, so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I’ve been for all of your support over the last 18 years. “I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision, but it’s what’s right for me at this moment in my career. “I joined Chelsea when I was six years old and we’ve been through a lot together. “Winning the Youth Cup, my Player of the Year awards, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and of course that unforgettable night when we won the Champions League. “I want to say thank you to the academy, Jim and Neil for being so influential to me from such a young age. “The managers I’ve worked under, Frank (Lampard), Thomas (Tuchel) and Graham (Potter), the backroom staff, the unsung heroes of Cobham, all of my teammates over the years that have become my brothers. “My family for the continuous love and support and most importantly you guys for sticking with me throughout. Wish you all the best.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Football rumours: Saudi clubs join growing interest in Thiago Alcantara Jodie Burrage takes centre stage as Wimbledon plays catch-up on day three Hannah Dingley makes history after being named Forest Green caretaker head coach

Millwall’s owner and chairman Berylson has died at the age of 70 in “a tragic accident”, the club announced. The Lions confirmed the news in a statement posted on Twitter on Tuesday night. The statement read that Berylson, 70, who first became involved with the club in 2006, had died in an accident on Tuesday morning. “It is with a collective broken heart and the deepest of regret that we announce the passing of our beloved owner and chairman, John Berylson,” Millwall posted. “John, who turned 70 last month, lost his life in a tragic accident on Tuesday morning, and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with his wife, Amy, his three children, Jennifer, James, and Elizabeth, and the rest of the Berylson family. “John’s sudden and tragic passing will unquestionably impact all those who were fortunate to have known him. He was a truly great man, incredibly devoted to his family, and a person of such remarkable generosity, warmth, and kindness. “He lived a storied life, one full of colour and joy, and was infinitely thoughtful of others with an endless desire to share his immense knowledge and experiences to help people. “Under John’s passionate leadership and guidance, Millwall has enjoyed tremendous success and stability. “Since first becoming involved in the club in 2006, he has presided over some of the greatest moments in Millwall’s history, and his influence in providing the platform for those was immeasurable. “John continued to speak eagerly about the new season and his vision for the future, and any success moving forward will be in his memory and honour. It will be his legacy. “John revelled in the club’s underdog status and mentality. He related strongly to such values and identity and adored Millwall supporters. He was fiercely loyal to all his staff, and both they and the fan base will miss him beyond measure.” Millwall have not released any further details around Berylson’s death but the club will allow fans to pay their respects in a book of condolence. Supporters can write in the book, which will then be shared with Berylson’s family, at The Den on Wednesday from 11am, or online. The English Football League tweeted: “The EFL is shocked and saddened by the news and sends its deepest condolences to John’s family and everyone connected with Millwall.” Former Millwall defender Alan Dunne, who made almost 350 appearances for the club, was also among those to post a tribute. “My deepest condolences to not only my Chairman for many years but also friend,” Dunne said on Twitter. “John was a gentleman who put Millwall back on the map. What he has done for the club will always be remembered and can only thank him for everything he done for me and MILLWALL. Rip JB.” Millwall’s fierce rivals West Ham also sent their condolences, writing: “Everyone at West Ham United sends their deepest condolences to John’s family, friends and all at Millwall FC during this tragic time.” Additional reporting by PA Read More Steven Reid returns to Nottingham Forest as first-team coach Mason Mount announces Chelsea exit Football rumours: Saudi clubs join growing interest in Thiago Alcantara Mason Mount announces Chelsea exit Football rumours: Saudi clubs join growing interest in Thiago Alcantara Hannah Dingley makes history after being named Forest Green caretaker head coach

What the papers say Liverpool are yet to receive a bid for Thiago Alcantara despite interest from several foreign clubs. The Times says clubs in Saudi Arabia are among those keen on the Spanish midfielder, 32. Southampton full-back Tino Livramento, 20, would prefer a move to Newcastle over a return to Chelsea, according to the Daily Mail. Israel midfielder Oscar Gloukh, 19, is attracting interest from several top clubs, according to the Guardian. Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are among those keen on the Red Bull Salzburg teenager. AC Milan have joined the race to sign Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, reports the Metro. The England winger, 22, has decided to leave Chelsea during the summer. Social media round-up Players to watch Robert Sanchez: Manchester United have identified Brighton’s Spanish goalkeeper, 25, as a potential target, according to the Daily Mail. Folorin Balogun: Arsenal have placed a value of £50million on the USA striker, says the Daily Mirror. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Conor McGregor laid hands on Michael Chandler on this week’s episode of The Ultimate Fighter, as the former UFC champion’s frustration boiled over amid his team’s losing streak. McGregor’s team have lost every fight so far on the new season of the UFC television show, going 0-6 against Team Chandler. On this week’s episode, Lee Hammond was submitted by Kurt Holobaugh in the second round of their lightweight clash. McGregor’s fellow Irishman Hammond impressed in the first round, but he was caught in a guillotine choke and tapped out in the next frame. Outside the ring, McGregor fell to his knees and buried his head in his hands. The 34-year-old then entered the cage and told Hammond: “Lee, that was a f***ing flawless performance.” Hammond replied, “That’s not flawless,” but McGregor doubled down: “That’s a flawless performance, son, don’t worry about it. “He got lucky there. Head up. I’m proud of you mate. It happens. He didn’t land one shot on you, you were absolutely timing him.” McGregor then took exception to Chandler saying that his team are ‘stacking up wins’. McGregor told the American, “Some of these kids were in the UFC before you were in the UFC,” referencing the fact that Chandler is coaching a team of UFC veterans against McGregor’s rookies. “As long as you show up for them,” Chandler hit back, criticising McGregor’s coaching ability. “Maybe if you showed up for them. I show up for my f***ing team.” “I’ll show up and break your nose, you little fool, yeah?” McGregor fired back, before shoving Chandler in the face. “Woo!” Chandler shouted. “Oh, are we gonna do this, are we gonna fight right now? Let’s go, baby.” UFC president Dana White rushed to the ring to calm down both men, before Chandler left and told McGregor’s mentees: “I’m sorry you guys are on that f***ing team. I would have been there for you.” McGregor and Chandler were announced as the coaches for this season of The Ultimate Fighter back in February, when it was also confirmed that they would fight each other later this year. However, no date, location or weight class has been announced for that bout. Click here to subscribe to The Independent’s Sport YouTube channel for all the latest sports videos. Read More How to watch The Ultimate Fighter 31 in the UK UFC 290 live stream: How to watch Volkanovski vs Rodriguez online and on TV this weekend Sean Strickland makes passionate plea for Israel Adesanya fight after dominant win UFC schedule 2023: Every fight happening this year Michael Chandler reassures fans over Conor McGregor fight Conor McGregor doubles down on Ultimate Fighter criticism

Forest Green have appointed Hannah Dingley as caretaker head coach, making her the first woman to take charge of an English Football League club. The Gloucestershire club appointed Dingley following the departure of Duncan Ferguson. The 51-year-old Scot was appointed in January but he was unable to keep them in League One, with Rovers winning just six of their 46 games. Rovers have now moved to install Dingley in interim charge, making her the first woman to lead a men’s professional senior team in England. Forest Green chairman Dale Vince said on the club website: “Hannah was the natural choice for us to be first team interim head coach. “She’s done a fantastic job leading our academy and is well aligned with the values of the club. “It’s perhaps telling for the men’s game that in making this appointment on merit, we’ll break new ground – and Hannah will be the first female head coach in English (men’s) football.” Dingley will continue preparations for the club’s opening pre-season fixture against non-league Melksham Town on Wednesday night. “I’m really excited for this next step of my career,” she said. “Pre-season has just begun, and the full season kicks off very soon. It’s an exciting time in football. “I am grateful for the opportunity to step up and lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club.” Forest Green have previously demonstrated a desire to steer away from the conventional in their recruitment of head coaches. In May 2021, Vince told the PA news agency that a female coach working in the Women’s Super League had been a standout candidate to become the club’s new boss until it emerged her CV had been put forward without her knowledge. Commenting about Ferguson’s departure earlier on Tuesday, Vince said: “It had been a privilege to work with Dunc these last few months and this was a very difficult decision to make. “I’m grateful to Dunc for joining us in such difficult circumstances and for all of his hard work at the club. “But I feel this is overall the right decision for everyone and I wish Dunc well in his next coaching role. We are parting as friends. You can’t ask for much more than that.”

The Chicago White Sox could be sellers at the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline but they reportedly won't get much value for one player in particular.The Chicago White Sox are in the midst of another less-than-ideal season. Entering July 4, they are 37-49 on the year but remain just 6.5 games behin...

The Chicago Cubs have thrived when their pitchers have called their pitches. The St. Louis Cardinals? Not so much.The St. Louis Cardinals were riding the high of taking their series against the New York Yankees two to three this past weekend. They had the chance to carry that momentum into their...

Mike Trout is heading for the IL, and that could force the Angels to consider making trades and pivoting toward a rebuild.I'm really, really sorry Los Angeles Angels fans. You deserve better, and whether it's the ineptitude of ownership, management, coaches, or players, Angels fans alw...