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Allan Saint-Maximin has become the latest player to swap the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League after leaving Newcastle to join Al-Ahli. The former France youth international spent four years at St James’ Park and leaves for an undisclosed fee. Saint-Maximin will team up with both Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez at Al-Ahli as the influx of top names to Saudi Arabia shows no sign of abating. The 26-year-old scores 13 goals across 124 appearances for the Magpies, but has struggled with niggling injuries in recent seasons. The deal to sell Saint-Maximin has drawn criticism as the Saudi Public Investment Fund having the majority ownership in both Newcastle and Al-Ahli. “Everyone at Newcastle United thanks Allan for his contribution to the club and community and extends best wishes for the next chapter in his career,” Newcastle said in a statement confirming his departure. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

England veteran Rachel Daly is confident the Lionesses have the depth to cope without injured midfielder Keira Walsh when their World Cup campaign resumes on Tuesday in Adelaide. The European champions need just a point in their final group match against China to secure top spot in Group D at Hindmarsh Stadium and set up a last-16 meeting with one of Nigeria, Canada or Australia in Brisbane. Walsh will miss out after suffering a knee injury in Friday’s 1-0 victory over Denmark, but boss Sarina Wiegman was given an encouraging update when a scan revealed the problem was not to the 26-year-old’s anterior cruciate ligament. Daly said: “Obviously it was heartbreaking. You always fear the worst in that situations like I’m sure you guys did. As a team-mate, as a friend, it’s even harder. “She’s obviously such a pivotal part of our team on and off the pitch, so it was tough. It’s not nice to see anyone get injured. But a sigh of relief I suppose when it wasn’t the dreaded three-letter word (ACL) and we’re all just here to support her and get her through whatever she needs. “It’s obviously difficult losing a player of her ability and the quality that she brings, and like I said off the pitch she’s a vital part of the team as well so it’s tough. “[We have] a 23-player squad that can all be capable of stepping up in these moments. And we know that as a team, the players believe in that. The staff believe in that. And I hope that everybody else on the outside believes that. And yes, it’s sad to see someone not be able to play, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for somebody else to step up. “It’s a team game and we have to get on with it and ultimately to get the job done for Keira as well. I think everyone’s just in better sprits, obviously going into the game knowing that we need to get the job done. “I think what you saw on Friday was the resilience side that we have. It was obviously so difficult losing her, but we’ve got players to step into that role. You know, no one’s going to replace somebody else. Everyone brings something different to the squad, their own unique ability.” Walsh, who was carried off on a stretcher in the first half of the Denmark clash and later appeared on crutches, will remain at the team’s Terrigal base in New South Wales to undergo medical assessments. It's sad to see someone not be able to play, but it's a fantastic opportunity for somebody else to step up. Rachel Daly Monday also marks the one-year anniversary of the historic Wembley final that saw England lift their first major trophy at Euro 2022. Of that victorious Lionesses squad, Ellen White and Jill Scott have since retired, while Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead were ruled out of this summer’s World Cup through injury. Losing Walsh, then, also guarantees that more than half of Wiegman’s starting XI to face China on Tuesday will be different from her unchanged line-up last summer. So while Daly treasures that trophy and the uplift in attention paid to the Women’s Super League, she was – like many of those remaining from that triumph – eager to shift the focus to the present as England push for a first Women’s World Cup title. The 31-year-old added: “I think the Lionesses obviously have had the target on our back a little bit, but you know, we always say pressure is the privilege and we’ve earned that, right? “So things have changed in that sense. But yeah, I don’t think any internally, the players haven’t changed whatsoever. We’re all just the same old people that we were before. Obviously things around us change, getting recognised a little bit more, stuff like that. But yeah, I don’t think a whole lot has changed. “And obviously, it’s not something that we particularly focus on is the Euros because a lot of the group that are with us now weren’t at the Euros, so it’s great to have that in the bag but this is a new tournament and that’s what we’re focusing on now.”

Vera Pauw has called on the Football Association of Ireland to reach a decision on her future as Republic of Ireland coach ahead of the team’s final World Cup match against Nigeria. Pauw’s contract is up at the end of the tournament, with Ireland having already been eliminated following defeats to Australia and Canada in their first two games. That means Monday’s final Group B fixture in Brisbane could be her last game in charge if a decision is made not to keep her on. She has repeatedly stated that she hopes to continue in the role to try to lead them to the European Championship finals in Switzerland in 2015. The 60-year-old, who was appointed in 2019 and has led the Republic to their first major tournament finals in Australia and New Zealand, has been the subject of allegations of misconduct dating back to her time managing Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League. “Yes,” she replied when asked whether the players deserved to know whether their coach would be staying. “My situation has not changed. “I think we have a fantastic bond in our team. That has been shown all over the four years.” Opponents Nigeria were conquerors of co-hosts Australia in their previous game and will advance to the last-16 if they avoid defeat against Pauw’s side. Ireland need to win and hope that Australia lose to Canada if they are to have any hope of finishing their debut tournament off the bottom of the group. “We have a fantastic game tomorrow to play,” she added. “Nigeria are ranked 52 (by FIFA) but we all agree now that they are so, so strong. “They are physically strong, they are skilful and extremely fast so there is a huge task on our plate. I want to concentrate on the game. “That game is crucial for us, for our feeling, our pride and for the tournament.” What we have achieved in the past two or three years under Vera has been amazing defender Megan Connolly Defender Megan Connolly praised the strides made by the team during Pauw’s four-year tenure, but said ultimately the decision on whether or not she remained in the job was outside of the players’ control. “Obviously, it’s not my decision,” she said. “What we have achieved in the past two or three years under Vera has been amazing. “I think she helped us get to this point and I can only speak from my own personal experience and Vera has been great for me, but it’s not my decision.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Saudi Arabia’s spending not a problem for Premier League, says Erik ten Hag Erik ten Hag: Manchester United must leap forward in coming year Former Wales captain and coach Clive Rowlands dies aged 85

Erik ten Hag is demanding Manchester United raise the bar once again having overseen “necessary” and “immense” improvements during his first year in charge. Last summer the Dutchman took the reins at a club in disarray, with a lack of coherency, quality and joined-up thinking resulting in a wretched 2021-22 campaign. Ten Hag brought in a new style, implemented demanding standards and handled star Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit as well he could before masterminding the end of United’s six-year wait for silverware. The Carabao Cup triumph was followed by a third-placed Premier League finish and FA Cup final loss to eventual treble winners Manchester City, who are the target as they push for further improvements. “I think the levels all across increased (at an) immense (level) and that was necessary,” Ten Hag said, reflecting on his first year in charge. “But, still, we are not there where we want to be and we have to raise the bar, so we have to go to next levels. “You learn always and I think English football evolves and I think you see nowadays the league is stronger and stronger. When you compare it with three, four years ago, it’s definitely the case. “Because all the strong players get attracted to the Premier League, all the best managers got attracted to the Premier League, so every time it develops and progresses. “It’s really a challenge and I’m really looking forward again to go in the season and to get the challenge.” United have been bolstered heading into the new season by the arrivals of Mason Mount from Chelsea and Inter Milan’s adventurous goalkeeper Andre Onana. Rasmus Hojlund is set to join them after United agreed a deal in principle to sign the talented Atalanta striker for a £64million fee rising to £72m – a potentially key addition to a goal-shy group. “I can’t talk about this player in this moment because I’m a long time in football and I know first we need signings,” said Ten Hag, who always tends to keeps cards close to his chest. “So far, we have to keep calm and let the professionals do their work. “ Hojlund’s arrival will take United’s summer outlay to £162.8m – a figure that would increase to £179.2m if the respective clauses in the three arrivals’ contracts are met. Club success is key to many of those add-ons and fans could be concerned it will be hard to reach those heights under the Glazers given their track record. Hope that their long, unpopular ownership could end grew with November’s announcement of a “strategic review” at United, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe placing bids. But the Glazers are dragging their heels and no resolution is in sight with the Premier League kick-off less than a fortnight away. “I focus on my job, and that is to improve the team,” Ten Hag told the PA news agency when asked about the takeover situation. “I have to do my work to sign the players and I have to work on the way of play. That is my focus area. “That’s what I’ve done, so I don’t get distracted from any of the strategic review. That’s what others in the club will deal with. We are building, we are building a project. We want to win trophies Erik ten Hag “We have a good information line. We’re sharing the information, so I know where I am and I can focus on my job. “Most of the times (the information) is going over (chief executive) Richard Arnold or (football director) John Murtough. But sometimes also we have direct contact, as you have seen in New York.” Ten Hag faced a variety of questions about different topics in the New York area ahead of kicking off their US tour with a 2-0 friendly win against Arsenal at MetLife Stadium. The Dutchman pointed back to his comments there when asked for an update on Mason Greenwood, who has been suspended since January 2022. The Crown Prosecution Service announced in February that all charges, including attempted rape and assault, had been dropped but an internal investigation continues. “I explained in New York and I don’t think I have to reply again on that question,” Ten Hag said. “I answered this question, but I can’t every time answer the same question.” Another major topic heading into the New York leg was the United captaincy as Ten Hag had just stripped Harry Maguire of the armband and handed it to Bruno Fernandes. The club have since rejected a £20m bid from West Ham for the out-of-favour defender, who it was suggested could dominate the first few months of the season like Ronaldo did last term. “I don’t see it like that, but you can have that impression,” Ten Hag retorted. “That’s your choice. “But not last year, not this year. We are building, we are building a project. We want to win trophies. “And, so we have to invest in the way of play, we have to invest in the team and our focus is not on one player.” Ten Hag says consistency across the team is essential if United are to kick on next season, with the early acquisitions of Mount and Onana boosting their preparations. “I wouldn’t call it an Erik ten Hag squad,” the manager added. “It’s about the demands of top football. “We have to find the players, or we have to increase the levels from the players who are there. “I think many players improved during last season. My expectation is that we can make another step that we increase the levels of the individuals.”

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag does not see Saudi Arabia’s eye-catching spending as a problem for the Premier League as England remains the go-to place for top players. The football landscape has been disrupted by the ambitious Saudi Pro League since world star Cristiano Ronaldo’s winter move to Al Nassr made ripples. The Saudi splurge shows no signs of abating, with Al Hilal making a world-record £259million bid for Paris St Germain star Kylian Mbappe. ... I don't see it in this moment as a problem for the Premier League because the Premier League is the league where the big players want to play Erik ten Hag Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Saudi Arabia has changed the market after Riyad Mahrez joined Al Ahli, but United boss Ten Hag does not see it as a problem for the Premier League. “I think in Europe it has an effect because there is some money over there and it will attract players,” the Dutchman told the PA news agency. “But I don’t see it in this moment as a problem for the Premier League because the Premier League is the league where the big players want to play. “That is not in competition with a league like America or Saudi Arabia.” Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante completed moves to Al Ittihad, with Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy and Mahrez switching to Al Ahli this summer. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has joined Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq, with Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly leaving the Premier League for Al Hilal.

It’s crunch time at the Women’s World Cup as co-hosts New Zealand battle for a place in the last 16 on the final round of fixtures in Group A. The Football Ferns will qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first team if they beat Switzerland, but a draw may also be enough if Norway defeat the Philippines. Norway come into the final day bottom of Group A after a tumultuous campaign so far, and they must beat the Philippines to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages, while hoping results elsewhere go their way. Hege Riise, who controversially dropped Caroline Graham Hansen for the 0-0 draw against Switzerland, will be without star forward Ada Hegerberg due to a groin injury. Germany will look to make two wins out of two in Group H as the two-time World Cup winners take on Colombia, while Morocco and South Korea go in search of their first points. Check out our Women’s World Cup tips for Sunday with four of the best bets. Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog: Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Who do England women play next? World Cup fixtures and route to the final Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?

Everton signed Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea for a club record £28million on this day in 2014. The move came after a successful loan spell at Goodison Park the previous season in which the forward scored 16 goals in 33 appearances and helped the club finish fifth in the Premier League. The then 21-year-old, who had also spent an impressive year on loan at West Brom since joining Chelsea from Anderlecht for £18million in 2011, signed a five-year contract with the Toffees. “I decided very quickly I wanted to come back here because it was a good step for me,” said Lukaku. “This is the place I belong. “I’m 21, I need to be playing in a good team. I needed to be in a place that felt right.” The fee paid by Everton shattered their previous club record of £15million for Marouane Fellaini in 2008. Manager Roberto Martinez said: “It is not just one of those important days for the season, but it is a very significant day in the history of our football club. “It is fair to say Romelu was our number one target to bring in and the pursuit was relentless, but it had to be a record transfer and it is worth every single penny and effort we put behind it.” Lukaku spent a further three years with Everton, taking his overall tally across two spells at the club to 87 goals in 166 appearances, before joining Manchester United for £75million. He later moved to Inter Milan and then back to Chelsea. He is now back with the Blues after spending last season on loan at Inter. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Alabama football relied on hero ball from Bryce Young and Will Anderson too much in 2022, according to former quarterback Greg McElroy.By Alabama football standards, the 2022 season was a giant disappointment. Returning Heisman winning quarterback Bryce Young and All-American Will Anderson, the ...

Manchester United have a reached a deal in principle to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, the PA news agency understands. Having wrapped up the signings of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, a deal has been struck for the highly-rated 20-year-old. United are understood to have agreed to pay £64million for Hojlund, with a further £8million in add-ons. The Denmark international has agreed terms on a five-year deal with the option of a further season.

Michael Beale watched Rangers battle back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against TSG Hoffenheim in Germany then revealed he was “glad pre-season is out the way”. John Souttar and Ben Davies missed the friendly due to a sickness bug and with Conor Goldson working his way back to full fitness, veteran defender Leon Balogun, one of eight signings this summer, and 20-year-old Johnly Yfeko started in central defence. Rangers trailed to goals from Pavel Kaderabek and Ihlas Bebou before skipper James Tavernier reduced the deficit after the break with a penalty after Ozan Kabak brought down Cyriel Dessers. Tavernier then provided the cross for Sam Lammers to head home and level the scores. Brazilian striker Danilo, signed from Feyenoord on a five-year deal on Friday, and Dujon Sterling, who had recovered from a knock, came on in the second half to make their first appearances, along with several other substitutes. Rangers have also lost to Newcastle, beaten Hamburg and lost to Olympiacos in preparation for their cinch Premiership opener against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on August 5 and Gers boss Beale is keen for the real action to start. He told Rangers’ official Twitter account: “I was frustrated at half-time because even though we had a disastrous 24 hours with illness in the camp, I thought the two goals we let in in the first half were really poor. “And actually we created some big chances ourselves and our last pass was out. “I thought in the second half, we were very good. There was chances at both ends but the least we deserved was a draw. “We were decent enough in possession, poor defensively and we improved in both areas in the second half. “But the most important thing, again, was to face some challenges, try to problem-solve and overcome them and it was a good challenge today. “It’s amazing. You come here with two defenders in Leon and Johnly and you end the game with no central defenders and these are scenarios that might happen in the season. So it wasn’t ideal in terms of preparation, everything like that. “Overall, it was a really good friendly. The pitch was dry, the heat in the stadium, everyone could feel as well which made it a slow game at times but yes, food for thought and I’m glad pre-season is now out of the way. “I can’t say I overly enjoy pre-season because I just want it out of the way, I want the games to be out of the way. “We are integrating a lot of new players and we are also integrating Tom Lawrence and Kemar Roofe back from long injuries. “We’ve had illness and injury and everything in between preparing for this game. It was our fourth game in 12 days and it’s been heavy on the legs, but it’s out of the way now and we get this nice normal week to Kilmarnock. “We have the fantastic opportunity on Tuesday to train in front of our fans in an open day and then it will be onto business into the weekend. “We’re looking forward to going to Kilmarnock and starting the season.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Stuart Broad announces his retirement from cricket at end of final Ashes Test England surge into pole position to win final Test and level Ashes series Darcy Graham returns to Scotland action with double in warm-up win over Italy

Brendan Rodgers felt Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Wolves in their Dublin friendly was “perfect” preparation for next week’s cinch Premiership curtain-raiser. Japan striker Kyogo Furuhashi opened the scoring for the Hoops in the sixth minute after Reo Hatate had earlier struck the woodwork. Celtic missed several chances, with Furuhashi hitting the top of a post, although the Premier League side had chances of their own. Rodgers’ men continued to dominate after the break and new South Korean duo Yang Hyun-jun and Kwon Hyeon-kyu came on for their first appearances. However, Wolves’ Brazilian striker Matheus Cunha, who hit a post early in the second half, levelled from the penalty spot in the 85th minute after Hoops goalkeeper Joe Hart was adjudged to have brought down substitute Matt Doherty in the box. Rodgers told Viaplay Sports: “It feels like a loss whenever you concede late on, but the workout was perfect for us. “I thought we had some spells of fantastic football, defensively against a good side, good players you have to defend and it’s the perfect type of game that we needed. “Of course the game gets a bit broken when you’re making changes and you lose that fluency and the rhythm of the game, so I’m probably in that stage, second half, the last 25 minutes, we gave the ball away too much. “So we have to be better in that aspect. “But overall, we’re really pleased, a great exercise for us against a good side. “It’s very important in any team of mine to look to impose and initiate the game as high up the pitch as you can and like I said, we have guys that are willing to work and run and they worked very well. “It was a great finish by Kyogo but we had other chances as well, some other fantastic chances, but it was a really good exercise.” Celtic play Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in James Forrest’s testimonial game at Parkhead on Tuesday night before the Scottish champions begin the league season against Ross County on August 5. Rodgers said: “I just think it’s building again on the fitness aspects, the positioning. “The team obviously plays well but there are certain phases of the game where we can improve. I thought in the build-up in the early stages we were very good, and then it’s dealing with a little bit more pressure. “On Tuesday we’ll play two 45-minute teams. We need to get some minutes into their legs and obviously then that will be a final preparation game before the season starts. So that’s the idea for Tuesday.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Joe Root leads England charge with fifty as lead over Australia passes 250 Zak Crawley sets the tone as England turn up the heat against Australia England veteran Rachel Daly concerned by ACL issue at Women’s World Cup

England’s Keira Walsh did not suffer an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Denmark at the Women’s World Cup and could feature later in the tournament after the Lionesses confirmed the midfielder will remain with the squad in Australia. Walsh was stretchered off in the Lionesses’ 1-0 win against Denmark on Friday and there were fears that the 26-year-old had become the latest star in women’s football to suffer an ACL tear - with England captain Leah Williamson and forward Beth Mead among several star names to be ruled out of the World Cup due to the injury. The Barcelona midfielder was left on crutches after stretching for the ball and catching her studs on the turf, but a scan on Saturday afternoon revealed that the injury was not as bad as it first looked and there was no serious ligament damage. Walsh will be unavailable when the Lionesses face China in their final group stage match on Tuesday but she will remain at England’s training base while her knee injury continues to be assessed, in what is a promising sign that the Champions League winner could feature in the knockout stages should Sarina Wiegman’s side progress from Group D. Georgia Stanway is expected to deputise at the base of England’s midfield against China, while Laura Coombs, who replaced Walsh against Denmark, could come into the starting line-up. The Lionesses will advance to the knockout stages if they avoid defeat to the Asian champion in Adelaide after taking six points from their opening two games. Elsewhere at the World Cup, Australia captain Sam Kerr confirmed she will be available for the Matildas’ final group stage encounter with Canada after missing their first two matches with a calf injury. The Matildas’ chances of progressing from Group B hang in the balance after Thursday’s surprise 3-2 defeat to Nigeria in Brisbane, and only victory over the Olympic champions on Monday will see Tony Gustavsson’s side qualify for the last 16, barring a draw scenario that will still rely on the Republic of Ireland beating Nigeria. The Chelsea striker would not confirm if the encouraging update would mean the home support would see her start in Melbourne, telling a press conference: “I feel good. The plan has always been the same, miss the first two games then reassess. “ I’m feeling good, I was out on the pitch today. As good as I can be. I would love to tell you guys everything – but you know being in sport a long time, that that’s a massive thing the opposition wants to know. And like Tony said yesterday it’s going to go down to the wire. I’m definitely going to be available, but how we decide to use that is not to be given to the opposition, I think is the main thing. “Obviously the plan for me is to be involved and I’m excited. I’ve done everything I can, and no matter what happens I know that I’ve given everything just in the last 10 days, in the last four years, I’ve given everything to be here.” Meanwhile, Norway striker Ada Hegerberg will not play in their must-win Women’s World Cup group game against the Philippines after failing to recover from a groin injury in time. Hegerberg withdrew prior to kickoff in the second game after tweaking her groin in the warm-ups. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner headed quickly down the tunnel to the locker room before Norway drew 0-0 with Switzerland. Norway are bottom of Group A with one point and must win to have any chance of qualifying for the last 16, but their fate is not entirely in their hands with the top two sides Switzerland and New Zealand playing each other. Includes reporting from PA Read More Who do England women play next? World Cup fixtures and route to the final In Keira Walsh, England lose the one player who is impossible to replace As Sarina Wiegman solves one problem – a bigger one presents itself How ‘magic’ Lauren James can lead the new Lionesses at the Women’s World Cup England manager Sarina Wiegman reacts to ‘serious’ Keira Walsh injury As Sarina Wiegman solves one problem - a bigger one presents itself