KYLIAN MBAPPE is once again being linked with Real Madrid after being pictured alone while his PSG team-mates went to training in a group.
Meanwhile Bernardo Silva has reportedly refused to be used as a makeweight in a deal to bring Harry Kane to Man City from Tottenham.
And Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to Instagram to furiously deny rumours that he will join Real Madrid.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
MAR-KO
Galatasaray ace Marcao has been slapped with an eight-game ban after his shocking attack on his own team-mate during a league match on Monday.
The centre-back confronted Kerem Akturkoglu during their side’s 2-0 victory at Giresunspor and went on to headbutt and aim two punches in the winger’s direction.
Following a brief VAR review, the Brazilian was immediately sent off in the 63rd minute of the match and the Turkish Football Federation decided to hand him a lengthy suspension along with a fine of around £1,800 for the shameful incident.
Galatasaray fans were outraged by the 25-year-old’s actions and demanded his dismissal from the club.
However, manager Fatih Terim urged for cooler heads to prevail as he stated that Marcao would apologise to Akturkoglu and the rest of the team.
AR-MAGEDDON
Arsenal are struggling to sell tickets for their first home game of the season against Chelsea.
The London derby is usually one of Arsenal’s most anticipated matches of the season but there is a lack of enthusiasm amongst fans on this occasion.
The Gunners opened their campaign with a dismal performance in a 2-0 loss to Premier League newcomers Brentford last week.
And it seems apathy has set in amongst the fanbase, with large sections of the stadium still yet to be sold for Sunday’s clash, per Arsenal’s ticket website.
It is possible many fans are expecting a loss to European champions Chelsea, despite Arsenal securing a league double over the Blues last season.
NERVOUS WAIT
Liverpool are sweating over the fitness of Trent Alexander-Arnold after the full-back seemed to pick up a knock in the closing stages of the Reds’ 2-0 win against Burnley.
It’s not yet clear what the apparent injury is, or how serious it may be though.
After the final whistle blew at Anfield, BT Sport commentator Steve McManaman said: “He’s just limping a bit, hopefully he’ll be alright.” in reference to Alexander-Arnold.
The BT cameras didn’t show the Liverpool right-back receiving any treatment, so Reds fans face a nervous wait to discover the extent of the apparent injury.
The 22-year-old missed England’s Euro 2020 campaign with a thigh injury after being injured late-on in a warm-up game against Austria.
And Liverpool could do without the injury to Alexander-Arnold being of real note, with his fellow full-back Andy Robertson currently on the sidelines.
HALF-TIME
Here are how the teams go into the break at half-time from today’s four Premier League 3pm clashes.
And Jack Grealish has his first Manchester City goal!
GUNNAR SIGN MORE
Manchester United still want to make one more signing this summer but need to sell first, according to reports.
The Red Devils have enjoyed a busy transfer window, adding Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Tom Heaton to their star-studded squad.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United are exploring the possibility of signing another midfielder before the end of August.
Doubts have been raised about the strength of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s midfield, with many unconvinced by Fred and Scott McTominay.
There are also huge question marks over Paul Pogba’s future, with the Frenchman entering the final year of his Old Trafford contract.
And some believe Nemanja Matic’s best days are behind him after the ex-Chelsea star turned 33 last month.
It’s believed United would like to bring in another top-class player but need to shift some deadwood before they can do anymore business.
SUPER SADIO
Liverpool hosted a full crowd for the first time in 18 months and Liverpool fans were treated to three points after a comfortable 2-0 win against Burnley.
And in the process Sadio Mane became the fourth-highest African goalscorer in Premier League history.
He scored Liverpool’s second of the game after 69 minutes, firing past Nick Pope after an excellent pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The goal was Sadio Mane’s 96th in the Premier League.
Only three African players have scored more goals in the English top flight than the Senegalese international, including his Liverpool compatriot Mo Salah.
Didier Drogba is currently the highest African goalscorer in Premier League history – netting 104 times during his time at Chelsea.
Salah is then second on the list with 98 goals, with Emmanuel Adebayor third on 97.
Sadio Mane is just one behind Adebayor on 96 Premier League goals, and it’s now a race between him and Salah to see who can overtake Drogba’s record first.
DONE AND DUS-TED
Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic his reportedly set to stay with the Italian club.
Both Arsenal and Man City have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old.
And Atletico Madrid have also been rumoured to lure the Serbian ace to Spain.
But according to Fiorentina boss Vincenzo Italiano, Vlahovic is poised to sign a new deal.
He said: “Dusan wants to stay. We’re in talks to extend his contract.
“I’m 100 per cent sure, he’s staying.”
FULL-TIME! LIVERPOOL 2-0 BURNLEY
Liverpool have put themselves top of the Premier League table with two wins from two.
The Reds, who won the title in 2020, beat Burnley at Anfields 2-0 thanks to goals from Diego Jota and Sadio Mane.
It gives them maximum points, having beaten newly-promoted Norwich last week.
Read more from SunSport’s match report by clicking HERE.
CRIS CROSS
Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will be staying at the club.
The Man Utd legend has been linked with a return to Old Trafford, as well as moves to join Real Madrid and PSG.
With just one year left on his contract in Turin, it has been rumoured that Ronaldo could seek a new challenge.
However Allegri has rubbished those reports, as he said: “Cristiano told me he’s staying at Juventus.
“He’s not leaving the club and it was never a problem, he’s training so well.”
LU BEAUTY
David Luiz has emerged as a transfer target for Flamengo with the club reportedly looking to add more top football stars to their ranks.
The Brazilian champions’ interest in the former Gunners centre-back, 34, comes in the same week as their loan deal for Man United’s Andreas Pereira.
Brazilian news outlet Globo reports the club have made contact with Luiz’s representatives.
The Daily Mail claims the player – who has 57 Brazil international caps – has had meetings with Flamengo’s football director Bruno Spindel and vice president Marcos Braz.
It is thought the duo are keen on strengthening their ranks by bringing some of football’s biggest names to the Marcarana.
And Globo claims the financial details of a contract has already been agreed upon.
However, it is thought Luiz, who is currently residing in Brazil, wants to have more time to weigh up his options.
BACK ON TORR
Lucas Torreira has been told to leave Arsenal this summer with the Uruguayan keen on a return to Serie A, according to reports.
The Gunners midfielder, 25, was loaned out to Atletico Madrid last season following the arrival of Thomas Partey.
Despite Mikel Arteta making it clear Torreira was not in his plans, the former Sampdoria star had vowed to break back into the Arsenal set-up this summer.
But after being told his time at the Emirates was up, the 31-cap Uruguay star is now targeting a return to Italy, according to football.london.
Torreira’s agent Pablo Bentancur has revealed his client is keen on a move back to Serie A having spent three years at Sampdoria and two at Pescara.
Roma and Lazio are both believed to be keen on him, but only on loan.
ATTABHOY
Celtic have announced the signing of Croatian right-back Josip Juranovic from Legia Warsaw.
The 26-year-old has agreed a five-year deal with the Scottish giants.
Commenting on the move, Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou said: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing Josip to the Club and we are sure he will be a great addition to the squad.
“As I have said before, everyone at the club has been working hard to add to our squad and we have made good progress. I am really pleased to bring Josip in to support the rest of the boys.
“We have so many challenges ahead of us and Josip will add important quality and depth. I am really looking forward to working with him.”
SAINTS ROW
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has promised fans that a new centre-back will be signed before the end of the window.
The Saints have sold Jannik Vestergaard and Wesley Hoedt this summer.
Commenting on the centre-half position, Hasenhuttl said: “Jannik was only with us one week after coming back from the Euros.
“He has been an important player. Especially at the centre-back positions we don’t have big alternatives at the moment.
“This is definitely a position we will want to do soon – before the end of the transfer window – and I can guarantee we will sign a player in this position.”
KICK-OFF
Liverpool’s clash at home to Burnley is underway.
And you can keep up to date with all the action on the SunSport LIVE blog of the match.
Click HERE to follow.
KANE IS ABLE
EXCLUSIVE – Harry Kane WILL travel with Spurs today ahead of tomorrow’s Premier League clash at Wolves.
The wantaway Tottenham striker will be involved in a matchday squad for the first time this season and is hoping to be on the bench tomorrow.
Nuno Espirito Santo, preparing for the game at his former clubs, takes the squad to the midlands this afternoon to stay overnight.
Santo claimed yesterday that Kane, hoping for a £160million move to Manchester City, would have a say if he plays again for the club.
But it is understood Kane is keen to feature although is not certain if he will be on the bench.
PEP TALK
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has shrugged off questions about Tottenham’s Harry Kane and insisted fellow striker Robert Lewandowski will stay at Bayern Munich.
City are tipped to up their original £100million bid for England skipper Kane to £120m – still well below Spurs’ £160m valuation.
Guardiola said: “I’m not going to talk about 11 days left, about the transfer market. I don’t know what’s going to happen, nobody knows.”
And questioned if he was happy with his squad, the Spaniard insisted: “Absolutely.
More than happy. It is the same team, except Sergio (Aguero, who has joined Barcelona) for Jack Grealish (signed from Aston Villa), that we had last season.
SAL SEARCHING
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Mo Salah is in talks to extend his stay at Anfield.
He said: “Two things: Mo is in a really good moment football-wise, mood-wise, how he behaves from the first day when he came back, absolutely great.
“So we are all adults, all professionals and when there are talks, there are talks and when there’s a decision we will tell you.
“Until then it’s unimportant how the parties work together in these things.
“We don’t have to talk about people in the background. With two years left you can imagine that there are talks, that’s it.”
TCHOU OF CLASS
Man Utd are interested in signing French midfield sensation Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports.
Transfer guru Duncan Castles said: “He [Tchouameni] is an obvious fit for Manchester United if the change in midfield happens that we’ve been talking about for so long, which is that Paul Pogba doesn’t sign a new contract at Man Utd or is sold this summer.
“Again, most likely avenue for that to happen is Paris Saint-Germain at present.
“Then you bring in Tchouameni who would certainly be much lower maintenance than Pogba, should be more consistent in his performance.
“If they have that space in their squad created by Pogba, then Tchouameni is one of the options to replace.
“He would be cheaper than options like Declan Rice, who has been mentioned as an option for them. I’m told Monaco value him at around €40m [£34m].”
COR BLIMEY
Bayern Munich have reportedly offered Spurs £17million-PLUS Corentin Tolisso for wantaway midfielder Tanguy Ndombele.
It is understood Ndombele is keen to depart North London having not been part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s plans in pre-season.
And according to Sky Sports, Bundesliga champions Bayern are prepared to bring him to Bavaria.
They are even willing to offer Spurs a like-for-like replacement in Tolisso.
However they state that Spurs have turned down the offer.
MART IN THE MAKING
Mikel Arteta has hinted that Gabriel Martinelli could play as a No9.
The young Brazilian is one of Arsenal’s most versatile squad members as he’s able to operate out wide and up front.
Arteta said: “Time will tell [if he’s a number 9].
“But I would like to develop him in both positions because I think he’s got the potential to do both.”
MOY BIEN
David Moyes admits he is still a big fan of Manchester United’s Jesse lingard – amid speculation West Ham will bid for the England midfielder before the transfer window shuts.
Hammers’ boss Moyes confirmed he “hopes to do some more business” in the next 11 days.
And asked about Lingard he said: “The questions are not for me, the questions are for Manchester United.
“But you know we enjoyed having him.”
And of possible upcoming transfers, Moyes added: “We have been trying hard and we are trying to add to a good group of players and give ourselves more options at different times.”
LAP OF HONOUR
Man City are ready to let Aymeric Laporte leave but only if their £60million valuation is met, reports say.
The defender has seen his game time slashed after the signing of Ruben Dias last summer and recent emergence of John Stones.
And according to The Mail, the Premier League champions have agreed not to prevent Laporte from leaving.
But they will demand £3m more than the £57m they paid Athletic Bilbao in 2018 when they signed the centre-back.
It is claimed Real Madrid and Juvenuts are among the clubs interested in signing Laporte.
SAUL ABROAD
Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez.
The Blues have been busy in the transfer market this summer, splashing out a whopping £97.5million acquiring the services of Romelu Lukaku and free agent Marcus Bettinelli.
And a swoop for Spain international Saul could be on the cards for the west Londoners.
That’s according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who claims there’s a ‘possibility’ last season’s Champions League winners bring the 26-year-old to Stamford Bridge before the window closes a week on Tuesday.
Atletico are understood to be keen on keeping Saul at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium and will reportedly make a decision on his future in the coming days.
FRIGHT NIGHT
Arsenal legend Ian Wright fears Manchester United could be unstoppable this season with new signing Raphael Varane at the back.
On his show with Kelly Coates, Wrighty and Kelly, the he said: “For him to go to Manchester United now, in his prime. It’s a magnificent signing. He’s a top player.”
And, alongside Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in United’s defence, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer now have a world-class team.
Wright added: “Now they’ve got world class next to Harry Maguire and, for me, Luke Shaw is world class. That’s it. It’s shored up.
“He’ll mark the space and go and try and get into the places where they’ll try and turn and get at someone like Harry Maguire. He’ll snuffle that out.
“We’re talking about a defensive unit now, which matches the front end in respect of quality. It’s frightening.”
MORNING TRANSFER ROUND-UP
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola claims Robert Lewandowski will stay at Bayern Munich – but refused to discuss Harry Kane.
City are still tipped to up their original £100million bid for England skipper Kane to £120m – still well below Spurs’ £150m valuation.
And although Lewandowski has sparked interest across Europe as the Premier League champions hunt a world-class hitman, Guardiola insists the Polish legend is off limits.
But asked if he was content with his squad, Guardiola said: “More than happy.
“It is the same team, except Sergio (Aguero, who has joined Barcelona) for Jack Grealish (signed from Aston Villa), that we had last season.”
Meanwhile, Old Trafford chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he and Paul Pogba are focused on United’s efforts on the pitch – while leaving contract talks to the midfielder’s agent and club officials.
Elsewhere, Arsenal have landed Sheffield United keeper Aaron Ramsdale for £30m on a six-year contract.
Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta hailed the 23-year-old’s “huge, huge” potential – and fates fellow newcomer Martin Odegaard as a “unique” talent
Centre-back Ben Gibson says he chose to join Norwich permanently after his disastrous spell at Burnley on the advice of England manager Gareth Southgate.
Lastly, Everton are reportedly set to rival Arsenal for Lazio forward Joaquin Correa.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
