List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted he cannot just “slap money on the table” as he attempts to find the last piece of his jigsaw for the new season. The Magpies, backed by their majority owners, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, have invested a net £95milion in Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento at the expense of the departed Allan Saint-Maximin this summer but Howe is keen to add one more player to his resources, with central defence a remaining focus. However, the 45-year-old knows the club may have to be “creative” to get another deal over the line in an attempt to plot a path through Financial Fair Play regulations, with loans and staggered payments among the options. Asked what that meant on the eve of the new Premier League season’s opener against Aston Villa, Howe said: “It means we can’t just go out and slap money on the table and buy a player. We don’t have the resources to do that at the moment with FFP restrictions. “It’s about trying to find a different way rather than paying money in the here and now.” Newcastle have strengthened their squad significantly after last season’s top-four finish, which secured a return to Champions League football, but Howe is hopeful there is another deal to be done. He said: “I’d love one more player, that’s what I’d love personally, and I think then we’d have the ideal depth at this moment with the injuries that we currently have.” I have said my ultimate emotion that I use is fear of failure. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe The Magpies’ surge back into the upper reaches of the league table came less than two years into the new ownership’s reign and took many by surprise, despite the £250million spending spree which helped to fuel it. They were able to take advantage of below-par showings from the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea, and are likely to face a tougher challenge this time around with TV pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher predicting they will not even make the top six this season. Asked if that provided added motivation, Howe brushed that aside and said: “Ultimately people will always write us off, and I urge us all to come together and to fight tooth and nail to prove people wrong – and in my job you have to prove people wrong every single day. “I have said my ultimate emotion that I use is fear of failure. Some people might see that as negative, but it’s fuelled me all my career and to work as hard as I can to make sure we don’t suffer that experience.” Howe could hand Tonali, Barnes and Livramento competitive debuts against Villa, while defender Fabian Schar is back in contention after a thigh injury. However, midfielder Joe Willock is likely to be missing until the middle of next month with the hamstring problem he suffered last season. Howe said: “I think we’ll probably miss him for the first group of games before the first international break.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Moises Caicedo record £110m fee is agreed for Liverpool switch – Jurgen Klopp Talking points as England host Wales in World Cup warm-up Best is yet to come – Mary Earps sure England will improve for Colombia clash

Goalkeeper Mary Earps vowed that “the best is yet to come” from England as they prepare to face Colombia in Saturday’s Women’s World Cup quarter-final in Sydney. The Lionesses will need to reach the final four without forward Lauren James, who has contributed three goals and three assists this tournament but will be serving the first of her two-match ban for the red card she was issued in England’s last-16 encounter with Nigeria. While Sarina Wiegman’s side have battled their way into this round, dominance has been largely replaced by dogged determination to grind out wins and keep the dream of lifting a first World Cup trophy alive. Earps said: “I think it’s an exciting time to be an England player for sure, but we have to earn that right every day. “And I think that we’re constantly looking to improve and drive performance and drive our standards and I think that that’s the best thing about it. We’re not sitting here, of course we’re happy that we’re here and grateful that we’re here, but we’re not satisfied, we’re not done, and there’s still more levels we want to go. “I really believe the best is yet to come. I think there’s so much talent in the group, and so many more levels we can go, I really do believe that.” Earps has so far conceded just one goal across four World Cup matches this tournament, save for the two spot-kicks that went past her in England’s dramatic 4-2 victory on penalties against Nigeria to set up this Colombia meeting. The 10-woman Lionesses survived 30 minutes of extra time to force those penalties after 21-year-old James was sent off late in the second half for stepping on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie, an act for which she later apologised. The red-card incident triggered an automatic one-match ban which was extended to two games on Thursday night by FIFA’s disciplinary committee, a decision which would make the Chelsea prodigy available for a potential England final on August 20. Wiegman confirmed the other 22 members of her squad are fit to play against Colombia, who boast their own youthful weapon in Real Madrid’s 18-year-old forward Linda Caicedo. While the Lionesses have benefitted from solid defending, they have looked less convincing in attack outside of their 6-1 victory over China in the group stage, with just one other goal – indeed from James – from open play. Earps’ feels her faith in her side to find another gear is justified by what the FIFA Best award-winning keeper sees from her team-mates every time they train at the Central Coast Stadium. Earps added: “I think the most important thing to note about that is the fact that we’ve been winning games. “We’re in a results business, and we’ve earned the right to be in the position we’re in today. But obviously I experience training every day, I know the players personally, and I’ve had the privilege of working with them for some time. “I can see it just day to day. I just can see the talent in the team. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think we’ve been bad by any means, but I think you have seen glimpses of what we’re capable of. “We as a team know the standard we want to get to. Our efforts have been 110 per cent and we’ve driven out and we’ve grinded out those results. “However, in terms of the way that we’d like to dominate games and the way that we’d like to go about our business. I think as a group, we’re excited by that challenge of knowing that we think we can do more.” Nigeria head coach Randy Waldrum hoped his side’s ability to hold England to a goalless draw for 120 minutes could serve as a “blueprint” for the Lionesses’ future opponents. That baton has now been passed to Colombia boss Nelson Abadia, who said: “To know all the history that England brings with football, this is important, but for me it’s important to perform on the pitch. “The optimism is the same that we have been having for every match. We know the conditions, we know the ability, we know what our team has and how they can face this match.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Liverpool set to break British transfer record with £110m Moises Caicedo deal Football rumours: Manchester City identify Jeremy Doku as Mahrez replacement On this day in 2008: Rebecca Adlington wins Olympic gold in Beijing

Jurgen Klopp has urged caution over Liverpool’s move for Moises Caicedo after agreeing a British record deal worth a reported £110 million. Chelsea had led the race to sign the Brighton star, but the Reds moved quickly on Wednesday in a bid to bolster their midfield. Klopp admits Jordan Henderson and Fabinho’s departures changed the landscape of the transfer window at Anfield, leaving them in a position to push for the Ecuadorian. Klopp said: “I can confirm the deal that the club has agreed, I don’t know what it means exactly, the player and agreement we will see. “What changes is we have not endless resources, we didn’t expect a couple of things happening, Hendo, Fab and then it happened and we give it a go and the club was really stretched. We will see in the end. “I have told you what I know. Besides that we cannot share, don’t praise the day before the night. Let’s see what happens.” More to follow... Read More Liverpool agree £110m deal to sign Moises Caicedo in British transfer record Chelsea make Romeo Lavia bid in attempt to beat Liverpool in transfer race Chelsea make Moises Caicedo breakthrough as Brighton talks continue

Tottenham have given Harry Kane permission to fly to Germany to complete his proposed move to Bayern Munich. The England captain is set to undergo a medical ahead of a reported £95million switch to the Bundesliga champions. The PA news agency understands reports that Spurs had refused the 30-year-old permission to fly out to Munich are false. But there could still be some small conditions to change in the deal to prise the striker away from the Premier League. Kane is about to enter the final year of his Tottenham contract, meaning he would be free to leave for nothing in 12 months’ time. Chairman Daniel Levy is believed to value the striker closer to £120m, but the risk of the club’s star asset departing for nothing in under a year has underscored negotiations with Bayern. Kane had reportedly been keen to stay in England in order to pursue Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League scoring record of 260. He has scored 213 goals in the top flight since making his Spurs debut in 2012. Kane was the subject of interest from Manchester United earlier in the summer, but they opted instead to target less costly alternatives in a bid to stay within their transfer budget. Spurs supporters sang “we want you to stay” during Sunday’s 5-1 friendly victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, new manager Ange Postecoglou’s first home game in charge. The north Londoners begin their Premier League campaign away to Brentford on Sunday. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Liverpool have agreed a British record transfer fee in the region of £110million for Moises Caicedo as the Reds look to shore up their midfield on the eve of the new season. The 21-year-old has been on Chelsea’s radar and the Blues – who will take on Liverpool in both sides’ Premier League opener on Sunday – were thought of as front-runners to sign the Ecuador international. But Brighton have held firm in their valuation of a player who joined them for just £4m from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle two years ago and now the Reds are now poised to sweep in. The PA news agency understands Liverpool, who are aiming to reinforce their options in the middle of the park following the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho this summer, will pay upwards of the previous British record fee of £107m that Chelsea forked out for Enzo Fernandez in January. The fee for Caicedo dwarfs Liverpool’s own transfer record of £75m, which they paid Southampton for defender Virgil van Dijk in January 2018. Should Caicedo complete the move, he will be reunited with fellow midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentinian World Cup winner who left the Seagulls for Anfield in June. Liverpool have also signed Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig this summer after the departures of Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad respectively. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Liverpool have agreed a British record transfer fee of £110million for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to reports. The 21-year-old Ecuador international has been a target for Chelsea all summer but Brighton have held firm in their valuation. Now the Reds appear to have stepped in and hijacked the deal to complete their midfield rebuild following the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. Should he complete the move, Caicedo will be reunited with Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentinian World Cup winner who left the Seagulls for Anfield in June. The reported fee would eclipse the previous British record fee of £107m that Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez in January. It would also represent another massive profit for Brighton, who signed Caicedo from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle for £4m in 2021. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Harry Kane’s prospective move to Bayern Munich isn’t yet 100% completed as negotiations are still ongoing with Tottenham Hotspur about the exact make-up of the fee. While the Premier League club on Wednesday agreed they were willing to sell the 30-year-old, and the principles appeared settled, it is understood that there are still talks about what the exact figures will look like. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has wanted 80% of the fee up guaranteed, with the rest made up of achievable bonuses and add-ons to take it over £110m. It is understood this is not completely agreed. While the transfer is not under threat at the moment, it could significantly delay the process, and perhaps even prevent Kane making his debut for Bayern in the German Super Cup against Leipzig on Saturday. The player has been due to fly to Munich for his medical on Friday after approval from Spurs. In the meantime, however, talks between the clubs are ongoing. Read More Premier League LIVE: Kane and Caicedo transfer updates and team news Harry Kane set for Bayern Munich move after making Tottenham decision Harry Kane has fantasy managers on tenterhooks – Thursday’s sporting social

Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich have finally reached an agreement over the transfer fee for Harry Kane after a summer of back and forth, with the England striker now poised to travel to Germany to complete the formalities. A proposal from the Bundesliga side worth more than €100m (£86.4m) was accepted by Spurs on Wednesday. The England captain will now have to decide whether he wants to stay in north London or move to the German giants. In a crazy final few hours before the season begins, Liverpool appear to have gazumped Chelsea for the signing of Moises Caicedo, with Brighton set to pocket £110 million. Elsewhere, the transfer carousel continues to spin with news that West Ham and Monaco are emerging as main competitors for Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun. We’ll have team news from all the Premier League press conferences up and down the country, the latest transfer news and Fantasy Premier League tips below: Read More Fantasy Premier League: 30 players you must consider for 2023/24 season West Ham enter race for Folarin Balogun as Arsenal set transfer price Chelsea make Moises Caicedo breakthrough over structure of Brighton transfer

What the papers say Manchester City have identified Rennes forward Jeremy Doku as a replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who left the club to Saudi Pro League team Al-Ahli, the Telegraph reports. Harry Maguire’s personal terms are now the only issue standing in the way of a move a West Ham after the Hammers agreed to a deal worth £30million with Manchester United for the former captain, the Daily Mail says. Maguire now faces a decision over whether he wants to move to the club and agree to their terms. The Times reports David De Gea could be set for a move home with Real Madrid interested in a move for the Spanish goalkeeper, who is now a free agent after 12 years with Manchester United. Madrid’s first choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be out for a long period after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Social media round-up Players to watch Moises Caicedo: Chelsea have looked the favourites all summer to sign the 21-year-old Brighton midfielder, but Liverpool have struck at the 11th hour and are now favourites to sign the Ecuador international. TalkSport says Liverpool are willing to smash their record player fee to sign Caicedo, adding fuel to their match against Chelsea this Sunday. Romelu Lukaku: Tottenham have emerged as surprise contenders to sign the 30-year-old striker in the wake of Harry Kane’s likely departure to Bayern Munich, Gazzetta dello Sport reports. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

The Premier League returns with a clash of champions as Manchester City begin the defence of their title with a trip to face newly promoted Burnley. The Lancashire club sealed a return to the top flight by cruising to Championship triumph last season under the management of Vincent Kompany. Kompany will have chance to re-acquaint himself with old friends as he takes charge of his first game in the English top division against a side he captained for so long. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City could become the first team to win four successive Premier League titles if they retain their crown this season. Here’s everything you need to know: When is Burnley vs Manchester City? Burnley vs Manchester City is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Friday 11 August at Turf Moor in Burnley. How can I watch it? The Premier League season opener will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage on the channels from 6.30pm BST. Subscribers can stream the game via Sky Go. Team news Burnley continue to search for further reinforcements in the transfer market but could hand competitive debuts to a number of summer signings. That might include goalkeeper James Trafford, signed from Manchester City during the summer after impressing for Bolton last season. Pep Guardiola not thought to have any fresh concerns after the Community Shield, though Nathan Ake is still recovering from a knock and is a doubt. Kevin de Bruyne made an appearance from the bench at Wembley and could be fit enough to start. Predicted line-ups Burnley XI: Trafford; Roberts, O’Shea, Beyer, Taylor; Cullen, Brownhill; Redmond, Gudmundsson, Zaroury; Amdouni Manchester City XI: Ederson; Walker, Stones, Dias, Akanji; De Bruyne, Rodri, Kovacic; Silva, Haaland, Grealish Odds Burnley win 10/1 Draw 5/1 Manchester City win 4/13 Prediction Burnley are beaten in their first game back in the Premier League. Burnley 1-3 Manchester City Read More The factors which could stop Man City making Premier League history Inspired appointment Vincent Kompany repaying Burnley’s gamble The Mikel Arteta transfer gambles that will shape Arsenal’s season Football rumours: Manchester City identify Jeremy Doku as Mahrez replacement Pep Guardiola expects Man City’s standards ‘to drop’ this season Harry Kane has fantasy managers on tenterhooks – Thursday’s sporting social

Liverpool have agreed a fee with Brighton for Moises Caicedo after gazumping Chelsea in a record deal. Chelsea made four bids for the Ecuador international before Liverpool came in with a bigger offer, reportedly for a British transfer record of £110m, which Albion accepted. Liverpool had been concentrating their attentions of Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, who is also a target for Chelsea, and had seen three offers for the teenager rejected. But, after opting not to get involved in the race for Caicedo, they switched tack, opened talks with Brighton and could make the 21-year-old the most expensive player in Premier League history, if his price tops the £107m Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez in January. A transfer for Caicedo would also smash Liverpool’s transfer record. New captain Virgil van Dijk cost £75m in 2018 while Darwin Nunez came for an initial £64m, which could rise to £85m including add-ons. But Liverpool’s need for a defensive midfielder increased when Jordan Henderson and Fabinho joined Saudi Pro-League clubs Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad respectively. Caicedo is expected to travel to Merseyside for a medical and to agree personal terms while Chelsea could instead sign Lavia and Tyler Adams. Read More Harry Kane set for Bayern Munich move after making Tottenham decision

Japan face the biggest test of their Women’s World Cup campaign yet as they take on Sweden in the quarter-finals. Japan have been the standout team of the World Cup so far to emerge as one of the favourites for the title. The 2011 champions are the tournament’s top scorers, with striker Hinata Miyazawa leading the golden boot standings with five goals from four games. But Sweden offer a true test of those title ambitions, after the Olympic silver medalists knocked out the United States on penalties in the last-16. After a 0-0 draw against the USA, Sweden progressed in dramatic fashion after Lina Hurtig’s penalty was ruled to have crossed the line by an inch. The winner will play Spain in the last four after La Roja defeated the Netherlands 2-1 to reach their first ever Women’s World Cup semi-final, thanks to Salma Paralluelo’s extra-time winner. Follow live updates from Japan vs Sweden as the World Cup quarter-finals continue, following Spain vs Netherlands Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Who and when do England play next? Lionesses route to the World Cup final Lauren James handed ban for World Cup red card