List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Mohamed Salah linked with a big-money offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad Liverpool looking to complete £34million Ryan Gravenberch signing from Bayern Munich. Manchester United seeking to bolster injury-hit squad. Manchester City expected to finalise £53million signing of Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes. Barcelona duo Ansu Fati and Clement Lenglet could be heading to the Premier League. 0700 Welcome to the PA news agency’s live transfer deadline day blog . The 2023 summer transfer window closes this evening at 11pm for Premier League and EFL clubs while it is midnight for teams in Scotland. In the major European leagues there are various different deadlines today, from 1700 BST in Germany to 2300 BST in Spain, while the big-spending Saudi Pro League can continue buying players until September 7. The likes of Karim Benzema, Neymar, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte have already swapped Europe for the Middle East this summer and it remains to be seen if they will be joined by any other big names in the coming week. Clubs in the Women’s Super League, which does not kick-off until October, still have a few more weeks until their transfer window closes. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

In a sport that values size, being the heaviest college football player certainly gives you an edge in the trenches.

College football Week 1 picks for Florida State vs. LSU, Utah vs. Florida, UNC vs. South Carolina and every Top 25 game on the schedule.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery said it was mission accomplished after his side cruised into the European Conference League group stage with an 8-0 aggregate win against Hibernian. Villa were 5-0 up from a resounding win in Edinburgh last week and completed formalities in the second leg as first-half goals from Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey put them out of sight. Substitute Matty Cash sealed a 3-0 win on the night as Villa hosted European football for the first time since 2010 and they now await Friday’s group-stage draw in Monaco to learn who they will face. Four-time Europa League winner Emery said: “Yes of course (I’m happy). We finished it tonight. “We needed to be in the group stage and we have to be happy and enjoy it with our supporters. “Today it was a full stadium and to finish and qualify was fantastic. I’m really happy because I really enjoy it in Europe and I want to enjoy it now with Aston Villa.” The Spaniard is expecting Villa to complete the loan signing of Clement Lenglet before the transfer window closes on Friday. “He’s not completely signed, but he’s close to signing with us,” Emery said. “He’s a player who can help us. With the injury to Tyrone Mings, he can replace him in the squad.” Emery said it “was possible” that Philippe Coutinho could leave Villa Park on deadline day and added: “I’m very happy with our squad. “The club made a big effort to complete our squad. There’s still one day to go and we’re going to be ready.” Hibs are going through a difficult spell having sacked manager Lee Johnson on Sunday after a home defeat to Livingston had left them bottom of the cinch Premiership without a point. They were outclassed for large periods in both legs against Villa, but were given a rapturous send-off by their noisy 2,200 travelling fans and caretaker boss David Gray said he was proud of them and his players. Former Hibs defender Gray, appointed caretaker for a third time after Johnson’s departure, said: “I’m proud of the players. “They worked right to the very end in difficult circumstances all round at the football club at the moment, but I can’t fault the effort or commitment from the players. “Playing against this level of opposition, if you switch off for a split second or make a slight mistake, you get punished. They’re a top, top team with fantastic players.” On Hibs’ impressive following, Gray added: “I’ve been at the club nearly 10 years now and they’ve always been fantastic. “You say there was 2,000, I’m sure there was a lot more that came down. Fantastic support as always.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Katie Boulter relieved not to be defaulted after reaching US Open third round LGBT+ England fans may shun Jordan Henderson for ‘turning his back’ on them Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling not happy after England snub

Gareth Southgate admits Raheem Sterling was “not particularly happy” after being snubbed for an England recall. The 28-year-old is one of the national team’s most experienced players but has not added to his 82 caps since December’s World Cup quarter-final exit to France. Sterling missed England’s March meet-up through injury and a nagging hamstring issue led to what his camp described as a “mutual decision” to focus on recuperating his body after a rocky first season at Chelsea. But the forward did not receive the recall he hoped for after a strong start to the campaign, with Southgate overlooking him for September’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and friendly in Scotland. “We were really pleased with the group (in June),” the England manager said. “To bring Raheem back in we have to leave someone else out and on the back of three games I didn’t think anybody in this group of attacking players warrants being left out. “It’s really good to see him start the season so well. He looks in good condition, he looks hungry. “He’s obviously an important player for us and has been an important player for us. “But we have in those attacking areas just behind the nine a lot of competition for places. “I think all of those players have started the season well and certainly the group that are with us has done really well for us in the in the recent games.” Put to the England boss that Sterling has missed three squads in a row, he said: “He was not available for the last two and of course that’s given other people the opportunity to play well and to establish themselves in the group. “It’s a difficult call and Raheem is not particularly happy about it, but I understand that because he’s an important player for us. “I’m convinced he’s going to have an excellent season with Chelsea, there’s no doubt about that.” Southgate made a point of calling Sterling about his decision as he was conscious that he has been “a really big player for us” and wanted to acknowledge how well he has been playing. “Raheem is always really respectful with how he responds and deals (with things),” the England boss said. “He will always say ‘look, I respect your decision’ but of course he wants to get back in the group. And I wouldn’t expect that to be any other way.” A statement from the player’s camp reinforced that Southgate’s “decision has been respected”, adding that “Raheem will continue to focus on his domestic form”. The forward has started Chelsea’s first three Premier League matches of the season, scoring twice and providing an assist in Friday’s 3-0 win against Luton. While Sterling was overlooked, Southgate kept the faith with England vice-captain Jordan Henderson despite his controversial move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq. There was also a place for former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, despite neither having played a minute of club football this term. Southgate highlighted that “I haven’t always said we just pick on form because clearly that hasn’t been the case in a number of positions”. England’s absentee-hit central defence and lack of single pivot midfield options help explain the involvement of Maguire and Phillips, but they are not guaranteed to keep their places if club issues remain. “I think with Harry, the injuries to (Raphael) Varane and (Luke) Shaw probably mean that there is unlikely to be any change there in terms of a change of clubs,” Southgate said ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline. “So, no, I can’t sit here and say it’s an ideal situation with either. “With the centre-backs, we have got a chance for others to come in (due to absences) and there are others playing in the role. “In midfield it’s more of a concern because of the specifics of the position. “I know I’ve talked about the low numbers of English players playing and people say: ‘What are you moaning about? You’ve got a great squad to pick from’. “But it’s the positional specifics. There is a lack of depth in certain areas – left-back is one and midfield pivot is definitely another.” Southgate largely stuck with the tried and tested for September’s double-header, but there was a place for uncapped Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and, more surprisingly, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah. “Two young players who are doing very well, who have done well with our junior teams,” Southgate said. “Levi, of course, had some time with us in the summer anyway. “Eddie is coming in because it’s an area where we’d like to have a look at him. “He’s a young player with a really good pedigree, very good finisher and it’s good for him to have some time with us. “I think he’s record goalscorer with the Under-21s as well. “He’s not had the chance to work with us up to this point but he’s a player that we’re really interested in.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live LGBT+ England fans may shun Jordan Henderson for ‘turning his back’ on them Aston Villa ease into Conference League group stage with win over Hibernian Andy Murray admits grand slam chances may never improve after US Open defeat

Aston Villa booked a place in the Europa Conference League group stage by sweeping aside Hibernian 3-0 on the night and 8-0 on aggregate. Villa, who won the first leg of their qualifying play-off 5-0 last week in Edinburgh, underlined their superiority over managerless Hibs with goals from Jhon Duran and Leon Bailey before the interval. Substitute Matty Cash struck his third goal in two games just after the hour-mark as Villa, hosting a European tie for the first time in 13 years, made it four straight wins in all competitions. Unai Emery’s side will learn who they face in the Europa Conference League group stage on Friday when the draw is made in Monaco. Hibs, who sacked manager Lee Johnson on Sunday after a home defeat to Livingston left them bottom of the cinch Premiership without a point, were backed throughout by their noisy band of 2,200 travelling supporters. But the visitors were reminded of the gulf in class between the two sides in the 12th minute when Duran opened the scoring. The Colombia forward burst between Hibs’ centre-backs Rocky Bushiri and Paul Hanlon on to Pau Torres’ excellent pass and swept the ball home. Hibs have put former defender David Gray in temporary charge for a third time and they responded through Jordan Obita’s effort, which forced Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen into a flying save. But Villa made it 7-0 on aggregate when teenage debutant Omari Kellyman laid on their second goal in the 34th minute. The 17-year-old skipped past a tackle and slid in Bailey, who cut back on to his left foot on the right edge of the area to fire beyond Hibs goalkeeper David Marshall. Emery, who made six changes from the side which won 3-1 at Burnley last weekend, sent on Cash and captain John McGinn – against his former club – for the start of the second half. Cash, who fired a double at Turf Moor on Sunday, made it 3-0 on the night just after the hour-mark, burying a rebound after Marshall had failed to hold on to Bailey’s fierce free-kick. McGinn was denied a goal after more neat interplay from Villa by a last-ditch block before the home side took their foot off the gas. Hibs, given a rousing send off by their impressive fans at the final whistle, will now focus on Sunday’s league game at Aberdeen, where they will bid to kick-start their domestic season. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Andy Murray admits grand slam chances may never improve after US Open defeat Liverpool agree £35million deal with Bayern Munich for Ryan Gravenberch Jack Draper overcomes injury worries to reach US Open third round

ESPN's Paul Finebaum may not see eye to eye with Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, but he does tend to agree with the face of the Wolverines when it comes to his current battle with the NCAA.

Liverpool have agreed a £35million deal for Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch as Jurgen Klopp’s midfield rebuild nears completion. The PA news agency understands the 21-year-old is heading to Merseyside for a medical ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline, with the fee agreed inclusive of add-ons. Gravenberch has been a target for some time but only in the last week has Bayern’s position changed on a player they bought from Ajax a year ago for around £16m. The Netherlands international will be the fourth and almost certainly final acquisition before the deadline, joining fellow new additions Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo in Liverpool’s engine room. Having sold Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, aged 33 and turning 30 in October respectively, and allowed James Milner (37), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (30) and the injury-plagued Naby Keita (28) to leave in the summer, the midfield was in need of a major refresh. Gravenberch’s arrival will bring the average age down even further after the signings of Mac Allister (24) and Szoboszlai (22) began the process. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

AI's top captain picks in Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 4, including Erling Haaland and Raheem Sterling. Powered by Fantasy Football Hub.

The top midfielders to pick in Fantasy Premier League Gameweek 4 as picked by AI, including Mohamed Salah and James Maddison. Powered by Fantasy Football Hub.

Gareth Southgate says Raheem Sterling is “not particularly happy” to have been overlooked for an England recall. The 28-year-old is one of the national team’s most experienced players but has not added to his 82 caps since December’s World Cup quarter-final exit to France. Sterling missed the March meet-up through injury and a nagging hamstring issue led to what his camp described as a “mutual decision” to recuperate his body after a rocky first season at Chelsea. But the forward’s expected return did not come to pass, with the forward the most eye-catching omission from Southgate’s 26-man squad for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and friendly in Scotland. “We were really pleased with the group (in June),” the England manager said. “To bring Raheem back in we have to leave someone else out and on the back of three games I didn’t think anybody in this group of attacking players warrants being left out. “It’s really good to see him start the season so well. He looks in good condition, he looks hungry. “He’s obviously an important player for us and has been an important player for us. “But we have in those attacking areas just behind the nine a lot of competition for places. “I think all of those players have started the season well and certainly the group that are with us has done really well for us in the in the recent games.” It's a difficult call and Raheem is not particularly happy about it Gareth Southgate Put to the England boss that Sterling has missed three squads in a row, Southgate said: “He was not available for the last two and of course that’s given other people the opportunity to play well and to establish themselves in the group. “It’s a difficult call and Raheem is not particularly happy about it, but I understand that because he’s an important player for us. “I’m convinced he’s going to have an excellent season with Chelsea, there’s no doubt about that.” Sterling has started Chelsea’s first three Premier League matches of the season, including scoring twice and providing an assist in Friday’s 3-0 win against Luton. A statement from the player’s camp on Thursday read: “Raheem will revert to the coach for all comment but would like to reinforce that the decision has been respected. Raheem will continue to focus on his domestic form.” While Sterling was overlooked, Southgate kept the faith with England vice-captain Jordan Henderson despite his controversial move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq. There was also a place for former Manchester United captain Harry Maguire and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, despite neither having played a minute of club football. Harry Maguire retains his place in the squad despite not featuring for Manchester United this season (Martin Rickett/PA)“With Harry Maguire, we’ve lost a lot of experienced players in terms of caps at centre-half, so we’re giving some less experienced players the opportunity to come into the squad,” Southgate said. “Unfortunately it looks like Tyrone (Mings) is out for most of the season. John Stones is out for this camp. Eric Dier hasn’t appeared in Tottenham’s squad. “If I’m looking at all the players we’ve given caps to in the last few years, Conor Coady is also out and playing in the Championship now so there is a space there. “I think, for these two games, it’s important we have some experience in that area of the pitch. “Clearly with Harry and with Kalvin Phillips, it’s far from ideal that they’re not playing football. “But similarly with Kalvin, I think Declan Rice was the only English player to start at the weekend as a single pivot and Kalvin is the next best positioned to do that. “Hendo can play there, Conor Gallagher could play there, but it’s not the best position. “We’ve got players play in the league that are playing in a double pivot. Someone like Angel Gomes is doing that but it’s a different sort of role. “So, yeah, it’s not a good situation that those guys aren’t playing football but in certain positions we have a lot of depth in in other positions we don’t have a lot of depth.” Southgate largely stuck with the tried and tested, but there was a place for uncapped Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and, more surprisingly, Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah. “Two young players who are doing very well, who have done well with our junior teams,” Southgate said. “Levi, of course, had some time with us in the summer anyway. “Eddie is coming in because it’s an area where we’d like to have a look at him. “He’s a young player with a really good pedigree, very good finisher and it’s good for him to have some time with us. “I think he’s record goalscorer with the Under-21s as well. “He’s not had the chance to work with us up to this point but he’s a player that we’re really interested in.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Andy Murray knocked out of US Open by Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets Katie Boulter through to third round of US Open for the first time Eddie Nketiah wins England call-up – Thursday’s sporting social

England coach Sarina Wiegman said the crisis surrounding Spanish football in the wake of their World Cup win “really hurts” and shows there is still a “long way to go” in the women’s game and society. Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by FIFA for an initial period of 90 days, pending an investigation into his behaviour at the World Cup final earlier this month when he kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy and medals presentation. Hermoso has said she did not consent to the kiss, and along with her 22 squad mates, has said she will not play for the national team until Rubiales resigns. Wiegman saw off competition from Spain’s under-fire head coach Jorge Vilda to win UEFA’s Women’s Coach of the Year award and dedicated her prize to Spain’s players. “We all know the issues around the Spanish team and it really hurts me as a coach, as mother of two daughters, as a wife and as a human being,” Wiegman said at the awards ceremony in Monaco. “The game has grown so much, but there’s also still a long way to go in women’s football and in society. “I would like to dedicate this award to the Spanish team. This team deserves to be celebrated and deserves to be listened to, and I’m going to give them again a big applause and I hope you will join (me).” Another of Spain’s World Cup winners, Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati, has been named UEFA Women’s Player of the Year. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live