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      in Motorsport

      F1 Belgian Grand Prix LIVE RESULTS: Practice begins as season gets back on track – stream, TV channel, start times

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      THE F1 season gets back on track today with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.Lewis Hamilton leads rival Max Verstappen by eight points at the halfway point of a nail-biting season.
      TV/ live stream: Sky Sports F1
      Friday, August 27

      Practice One – 10.30am UK time
      Practice Two – 2pm UK time

      Saturday, August 28

      Practice Three – 11am UK time
      Belgian GP Qualifying – 2pm UK time

      Sunday, August 29

      Belgian Grand Prix – 2pm UK time

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      MORE FROM MAX…
      “So I think it’s definitely a very positive start but a few things to take into consideration with the weather as well.”
      Lewis Hamilton was blocked on his flying run in FP1 and was down in 18th place, but he was up to third in FP2, behind Verstappen and teammate Valtteri Bottas.
      He said: “It was an OK day. These sessions are very short so there is not a lot of knowledge we are gaining but we have some work to do tonight.
      “Everyone keeps telling us different things about the weather for Sunday. If it rains you generally want more downforce, but if it doesn’t rain you’re stuck and you’re a sitting duck on the straights.
      “We have to be very cautious because the set up changes.”
      PUSHING IT TO THE MAX
      Max Verstappen brushed off a late crash into the barriers as his Belgian GP got off to a mixed start.
      The Dutchman topped second practice after being second in the morning’s session but slammed into the barriers late on bringing an early end to proceedings.
      He lost control at turn seven and hurtled backwards into the crash barriers, doing plenty of damage to his Red Bull.
      Afterwards he said: “I don’t know, I just lost the rear. I did a bit too much oversteer to correct. And, unfortunately hit the wall.
      “I think, the whole day, we were quite happy. Of course, there are a few things to fine tune from FP1 to FP2 and overall we’re very happy…”
      FINAL CLASSIFICATION
      Max Verstappen was fastest in Thursday’s practice with the two Mercedes drivers Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton next in line.

      SERG EXTENSION
      Sergio Perez has signed a contract extension with Red Bull to remain with the team for next season.
      The Mexican will continue to partner Max Verstappen, who already has a contract in place until the end of 2023.
      Red Bull Racing Honda CEO and Team Principal, Christian Horner, said: “Checo is a highly respected team member and his experience and race-craft are invaluable as we fight for the Constructors’ Championship.
      “His integration into the wider team has been seamless and we have been impressed by his performances during the first half of the season which demonstrate what he’s capable of in our car.
      “Next year we move into a new era of Formula One with completely revised regulations and cars, and with over 200 races and a decade of experience under his belt, Checo will play an integral role in helping the team navigate this transition and maximise the RB18.”
      Perez added: “I’m really happy to be continuing with a great team like Red Bull into the new era of Formula One and it’s a great opportunity for me. Everyone starts from zero next year with the new regulations, so my only goal is to go all the way to the top with Red Bull.”
      CRASH
      Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has crashed into the barriers on turn five.
      According to Ferrari’s Twitter account the driver is okay, but the session has now been red flagged.

      ‘INVALUABLE’
      Max Verstappen has hailed his “invaluable” team-mate Sergio Perez, who will remain his partner for the 2022 F1 season.
      Red Bull announced Perez will be remaining with the team as he continues to “play a key role” in its fortunes.
      On the news of Perez’s new contract, Verstappen said: “Checo is a highly respected team member and his experience and race-craft are invaluable as we fight for the constructors’ championship.”

      NEW DEAL SOON?
      Williams has suggested that it will retain Nicholas Latifi at the team for the 2022 Formula 1 season.
      Latifi joined Williams for the 2020 campaign alongside George Russell, and was kept on board for 2021. Last time out in Hungary, he scored his first championship points, classifying in seventh.
      Latifi recently stated that he was “100% ready” to lead Williams’ driver line-up next year, should Russell depart the squad.
      Williams CEO Jost Capito said of Latifi’s leadership comments: “I agree with him.
      I think maybe not now yet, but he is really improving race-by-race and I’m sure by the end of the season he is ready to do that.
      “Especially his personality is in the right spot to lead the team. He works very well with the engineers, he is very motivational, he is very clear in his direction, where he wants the car to develop and he’s very much liked by the team.
      “He’s very demanding. I think he also learned a lot with George, they work together and spend a lot of time together on and off the track, so it’s a fantastic relationship and I’m sure by the end of the season he will be in that position that he can lead the team.
      ‘I’M REALLY HAPPY’
      Sergio Perez has re-signed for Red Bull and will continue to race for the team in 2022.
      Perez, currently fifth in the world drivers’ championship, will continue to race for Red Bull alongside Max Verstappen for another year.
      He scored the second victory of his career for the team in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in June. By doing so Perez became the first driver other than Verstappen to win a race for Red Bull since Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from the team in 2018.
      In reaction to the deal Perez said: “I’m really happy to be continuing with a great team like Red Bull into the new era of Formula One and it’s a great opportunity for me.”
      SCHUMACHER TRIBUTE
      Mick Schumacher is donning a tribute to his dad, Michael, this weekend.
      The special helmet design comes 30 years after the legend’s first F1 appearance, which came at Spa in 1991.

      VETTEL STILL UNHAPPY
      Sebastian Vettel has outlined his frustration at losing his second-placed finish in Hungary due to fuel regulations.
      Aston Martin withdrew their appeal against the punishment having failed to provide the necessary amount of fuel for testing post-race.
      Vettel stated: “It’s very bitter because I think first, we did not have an advantage.
      “Second, there was no intention, or no way we could actually explain that too little fuel was in the car.
      “So something happened over the course of the race, I don’t know, a leakage or something, that the fuel simply wasn’t there anymore.
      “I think it was the last lap, we found out something might not be right and we were very surprised when the fuel wasn’t in the car. It’s very bitter but those are the rules, so we have to accept and carry on.”
      WHO WILL PARTNER LEWIS?
      George Russell and Valtteri Bottas have remain tight-lipped on their tussle over next season’s Mercedes seat.
      A decision from the championship leaders was expected this weekend but no announcement has been forthcoming.
      Bottas told reporters: “Maybe I know something, maybe I don’t. But like I said, there’s no news to share.
      “I think the same for me and George, that we have a job to do here, and there’s no news, and we’re going to focus on racing and getting maximum points for the team we are racing with.”
      Russell said: “There’s nothing to announce one way or another this weekend, and probably not next weekend either, to be honest.
      “I think it’s no problem. Do things right rather than quickly, let’s say.”
      CHEQUERED FLAG
      That is it for FP1, with Lewis Hamilton down in 18th with no serious time put in on the Softs.
      Valtteri Bottas claims top spot with Max Verstappen second.
      LAST SHOT FOR LEWIS
      No points on offer in practice but Lewis Hamilton will want to put in a strong lap to finish the session off.
      The Brit is back in 18th having lost that quick lap at the final chicance, having got caught behind Nicholas Latifi.
      SPOTS OF RAIN
      Charles Leclerc glides through the gravel at Turn 7 as the rain begins to drift back in at certain points of the track.
      That could explain Max Verstappen’s slow Sector 3 that denied him top spot with that lap.
      LEW UP NEXT
      The rear wing on Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes is much thicker and should deliver a quicker time through the tight, technical Sector 2.
      Indeed, he gains around four-tenths on Valtteri Bottas here but loses time on the straights before pulling out after getting caught behind Nicholas Latifi.
      Max Verstappen follows him through on the Softs – but is SLOWER than Bottas.
      BOTTAS GOES TOP
      First up is Valtteri Bottas, running a lower downforce setup than Lewis Hamilton in FP1.
      A 1:45.199 sends him top with a gap to Max Verstappen of about 0.8 seconds – that won’t be enough.
      SOFTS ARE COMING OUT
      Nicholas Latifi, Daniel Ricciardo and Lance Stroll all enter the top four on the quickest tyre compound.
      But they still can’t get close to Max Verstappen on the Hards – the slowest, most durable tyre.
      Let’s see what the Mercedes can muster…
      MAX POWERING AHEAD
      On the Hard tyres, Max Verstappen is putting in consistently quick laps to top the leaderboard.
      His latest, a 1:45.905 gives him a 1.2 second lead over team-mate Sergio Perez in second – with Valtteri Bottas almost two seconds back.
      KIMI OFF AGAIN
      Kimi Raikkonen smacks the side of the pit wall as he comes in.
      Fortunately his Alfa Romeo stays in tact as he skids alongside the concrete barrier and he is able to guide his car back to the garage. Not a pretty moment.

      HAMILTON DRAGGING
      Over the radio, Lewis Hamilton declares he’s far too slow on the straights.
      The Mercedes star has stated previously that his car has lost a lot of raw speed to the Red Bull in recent months – and the Brit is back in 13th.
      Of course, with the likelihood of rain the Mercs may be preparing their setup for wet conditions later in the weekend rather than the current dry track.
      TOP TEN AT HALFWAY
      1. VER2. SAI3. OCO 4. GAS5. RIC 6. PER7. STR8. LEC9. VET10. BOT
      Credit: Getty
      TIMESHEET TAKING SHAPE
      Esteban Ocon is currently quickest ahead of Pierre Gasly and Daniel Ricciardo.
      Is that a sign the Alpine will double up on its shock Hungarian GP win? Not quite.
      The track is still drying out and drivers are gently pushing harder, with the Mercedes duo in eighth and tenth on the slower Hard tyres.
      KIMI GOES FOR A SPIN
      Kimi Raikkonen is the first driver to get a bit tail-happy, down at La Source.
      That is one set of Hard tyres ruined for the Finn, who gets back underway without an issue.
      Moments later, Yuki Tsunoda also loses it at the same spot, causing a bit of a traffic jam as he blocks the pit lane.
      LANDO GETS US GOING
      Lando Norris is on the Medium tyres for a first hot lap of the weekend.
      Let’s see what the rest of the pack has in store for us.
      INTERMEDIATES TO START
      The majority of the runners have ventured out, including Lewis Hamilton, to take a look at the track.
      But we have no timed laps yet as the track looks like it might soon dry out.
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      in Soccer

      Europa Conference League draw LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, start times as Tottenham learn their fate

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      THE EUROPA LEAGUE group stage draw is here!And Leicester City and West Ham will be eagerly awaiting the draw this morning as they look to begin their campaigns.

      Start time: 11am BST/ Europa Conference League draw 12.30pm
      TV/live stream: BT Sport/ BT Sport YouTube (FREE)
      Spurs in Europa Conference League draw

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      GOODBYE
      That’s all from Istanbul where Leicester, West Ham and Tottenham have learnt their European fates for the 2021-22 season.
      The Foxes and the Hammers will compete in the group stage of this season’s Europa League, and while excitement emanates from both clubs, there are different feelings when it comes to the cards they’ve been dealt this afternoon.
      West Ham are confident of overcoming their group with Dinamo Zagreb, Genk and Rapid Vienna, but Leicester will have to get the better of Napoli, Spartak Moscow and Legia Warsaw to make it through.
      Spurs, meanwhile, are involved in the inaugural Europa Conference League competition, and despite the presence of Rennes, Vitesse and NS Mura alongside them in Group G. their fans must fancy their chances of ending their search for silverware by becoming the first club to lift the new trophy.
      It’s just 13 days until the continental campaigns of these three Premier League clubs kick-off in earnest, and you’ll be able to follow all the action with us here at SunSport.
      DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
      The order of games are still being worked upon by UEFA boffins, but we can reveal the dates of each matchday in the Europa Conference League.
      The ties will take place on Thursdays between September and December this year.

      MATCHDAY 1: Thursday, September 16
      MATCHDAY 2: Thursday, September 30
      MATCHDAY 3: Thursday, October 21
      MATCHDAY 4: Thursday, November 4
      MATCHDAY 5: Thursday, November 25
      MATCHDAY 6: Thursday, December 9

      These dates also apply to games in the Europa League.
      G TIZZ
      The Europa Conference has been much derided by fans of Tottenham’s rivals, but UEFA’s new competition has served Spurs up with some intriguing propositions in Group G
      The Premier League club will face opposition from Ligue 1 (Rennes), the Eredivisie (Vitesse) and the PrvaLiga (NS Mura).
      Of course, Spurs should still qualify comfortably, but their fans have seen it all before, and know when it’s best to get the excuses in early.
      Hmm, that’s a relatively tough group as far as this competition goes. From last season – 6th in France, 4th in Netherlands (and the Slovenian champions).— Jonny Blain (@jonoblain) August 27, 2021

      POT FOUR
      The draw for the first ever group stage of the Europa Conference is complete!
      Spurs finish up with Slovenian champions NS Mura, who are taking part in their first ever European campaign,

      GROUP A: LASK, M. Tel-Aviv, Alashkert, HJK Helsinki
      GROUP B: Gent, Partizan, Flora, Anorthosis
      GROUP C: Roma, Zorya Luhansk, CSKA Sofia, Bodo/Glimt
      GROUP D: AZ Alkmaar, Cluj, Jablonec, Randers
      GROUP E: Slavia Prague, Feyenoord, Union Berlin, M. Haifa
      GROUP F: Copenhagen, PAOK, Slovan Bratislava, Lincoln Red Imps
      GROUP G: Tottenham, Rennes, Vitesse, Mura
      GROUP H: Basel, Qarabag, Kairat Almaty, Omonoia

      POT THREE
      Spurs go Dutch! Nuno Espirito Santo’s team will also face Vitesse Arnhem as well as Rennes in Group G.

      GROUP A: LASK, M. Tel-Aviv, Alashkert
      GROUP B: Gent, Partizan, Flora
      GROUP C: Roma, Zorya Luhansk, CSKA Sofia
      GROUP D: AZ Alkmaar, Cluj, Jablonec
      GROUP E: Slavia Prague, Feyenoord, Union Berlin
      GROUP F: Copenhagen, PAOK, Slovan Bratislava
      GROUP G: Tottenham, Rennes, Vitesse
      GROUP H: Basel, Qarabag, Kairat Almaty

      POT TWO
      It’s French opposition for Spurs in Group G with Rennes joining the North London club.

      GROUP A: LASK, M. Tel-Aviv,
      GROUP B: Gent, Partizan
      GROUP C: Roma, Zorya Luhansk
      GROUP D: AZ Alkmaar, Cluj
      GROUP E: Slavia Prague, Feyenoord
      GROUP F: Copenhagen, PAOK
      GROUP G: Tottenham, Rennes
      GROUP H: Basel, Qarabag

      POT ONE
      Spurs are out as the first side in Group G.
      Meanwhile, Tottenham’s former manager, Jose Mourinho, finds himself in Group C with his new club Roma.

      GROUP A: LASK
      GROUP B: Gent
      GROUP C: Roma
      GROUP D: AZ Alkmaar
      GROUP E: Slavia Prague
      GROUP F: Copenhagen
      GROUP G: Tottenham
      GROUP H: Basel

      HERE WE GO!
      A new dawn is upon us. Will this UEFA competition bring some silverware to Tottenham?
      AMBASSADOR’S RECEPTION
      Former Sunderland hatchet man Lorik Cana (you thought I was going to say Lee Cattermole, didn’t you?) is the ambassador for this inaugural year of the Europa Conference League, and is Istanbul to help conduct the draw.
      The ex-Albanian international is joined on by stage by former Real Sociedad goal plunderer Nihat.
      POT LUCK
      Spurs have been positioned in Pot One on the basis of their club coefficient.

      CONFERENCE CALL
      Attention now turns to the Europa Conference League.
      UEFA’s new competition also welcomes 32 clubs at the group stage with Tottenham the United Kingdom’s sole representative after they overcame Pacos de Ferreira last night.
      The format is the same as the Europa League with four clubs being drawn into each of eight different groups.
      The final of this competition will be played in Tirana on May 25, 2022.
      FRIENDS REUNITED
      This morning’s draw for the Europa League has pitted Celtic in a group with Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, and that means a return to Celtic Park for Jeremie Frimpong.
      The young right-back left Glasgow for Germany earlier in January, signing a four-year contract with Die Werkself.
      The Dutchman is due a warm welcome on his return to Scotland, but it’s unlikely that similar will bestow Moussa Dembele.
      The French striker was the scourge of Rangers during his time with Celtic, famously netting a hat-trick in a 5-1 Old Firm win five years ago.
      Now at Lyon, Dembele will be back in Glasgow to line up against Steven Gerrard’s team in Group A.
      FEEL THE KING POWER
      Leicester City’s draw is undoubtedly tougher than that of their Premier League rival with games against Napoli, Spartak Moscow and Legia Warsaw awaiting the Foxes.
      All three opponents present intimidating away trips for Brendan Rodgers’ team, and so they will likely look to get their points on the board at home.
      Also almost impossible for any away fans to come to the KP. So hopefully get a full house of #lcfc fans for all 3 games— LCFC (@LCFC91) August 27, 2021

      HAPPY HAMMERS
      It’s fair to say that West Hams fans are pretty pleased with life at the Olympic Stadium at the moment.
      David Moyes’ men have thumped four in their opening two Premier League games to sit top of the table, and are now preparing for their first foray into European football in five years.
      The Hammers have been handed the ideal Europa League group against opponents that are the perfect combination of being beatable and based in attractive destinations.
      Some brilliant away days and a winnable group. Will not underestimate any of them but that’s a good draw!Let’s hope they actually let us travel to them! ⚒— Uber West Ham (@UberWestHam) August 27, 2021

      NEW FACES
      And new places for the Leicester City faithful.
      The Foxes will travel to Italy, Russia and Poland for competitive fixtures for the first time.
      0 – Leicester City have never before faced a side from Italy (Napoli), Russia (Spartak Moscow) or Poland (Legia Warsaw) in any European competition. Strangers. #UELdraw— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 27, 2021

      POT FOUR
      All done!
      Legia Warsaw enter Leicester’s Group C while West Ham fans have a trip to Vienna to look forward to as Rapid join Group H.
      It will be green and white aplenty in Group G as Hungarian side Ferencvaros are draw alongside Celtic and Real Betis, while Brondby have been added to Rangers’ Group A.
      The local law enforcement for clubs in Group E will be delighted that supporters are back in stadiums with Lazio, Locomotiv Moscow, Marseille and Galatasaray all placed together.

      GROUP A: Lyon, Rangers, Sparta Prague, Brondby
      GROUP B: Monaco, PSV Eindhoven, Real Sociedad, Sturm Graz
      GROUP C: Napoli, Leicester, Spartak Moscow, Legia Warsaw
      GROUP D: Olympiakos, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Antwerp
      GROUP E: Lazio, Locomotiv Moscow, Marseille, Galatasaray
      GROUP F: Braga, Red Star Belgrade, Ludogorets, Midtjylland
      GROUP G: Bayer Leverkusen, Celtic, Real Betis, Ferencvaros
      GROUP H: Dinamo Zagreb, Genk, West Ham, Rapid Vienna

      POT THREE
      Leicester City and Napoli are joined by Spartak Moscow in Group C.
      Meanwhile, there are wry smiles from representatives of Rangers as the Scottish Premiership club are paired with Sparta Prague. It was in last season’s competition that tempers flared after their midfielder Glen Kamara was the subject of racist abuse from a Slavia Prague player.
      Across Glasgow, Celtic also have two tricky matches with Real Betis to contend with.

      GROUP A: Lyon, Rangers, Sparta Prague
      GROUP B: Monaco, PSV Eindhoven, Real Sociedad
      GROUP C: Napoli, Leicester, Spartak Moscow
      GROUP D: Olympiakos, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce
      GROUP E: Lazio, Locomotiv Moscow, Marseille
      GROUP F: Braga, Red Star Belgrade, Ludogorets
      GROUP G: Bayer Leverkusen, Celtic, Real Betis
      GROUP H: Dinamo Zagreb, Genk, West Ham

      HAMMER TIME
      West Ham are out and find themselves in a winnable Group H! They join Dinamo Zagreb and Genk.
      The sight of Mark Noble lifting the Europa League trophy next year is not yet out of the question…
      POT TWO
      Halfway through the draw and the excitement is already building for fans of Leicester City, Glasgow Rangers and Celtic.

      GROUP A: Lyon, Rangers
      GROUP B: Monaco, PSV Eindhoven
      GROUP C: Napoli, Leicester
      GROUP D: Olympiakos, Eintracht Frankfurt
      GROUP E: Lazio, Locomotiv Moscow
      GROUP F: Braga, Red Star Belgrade
      GROUP G: Bayer Leverkusen, Celtic
      GROUP H: Dinamo Zagreb, Genk

      FOXES ON THE LOOSE
      Leicester City have been drawn, and will slot in Group C alongside Napoli of Serie A.
      POT ONE
      It’s all straightforward enough with Pot One as the eight clubs drawn out are placed into the corresponding group in alphabetical order.

      GROUP A: Lyon
      GROUP B: Monaco
      GROUP C: Napoli
      GROUP D: Olympiakos
      GROUP E: Lazio
      GROUP F: Braga
      GROUP G: Bayer Leverkusen
      GROUP H: Dinamo Zagreb

      HERE WE GO!
      Ex-Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop and former Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna have been introduced as the special guests to help conduct this season’s group stage draw.
      But first, we’re forced to sit through some overly-complicated instructions on how the draw will play out. It makes flatpack furniture look a doddle.
      A GUY CALLED GERARD
      Gerard Moreno scores seven goals in 12 Europa League appearances as Villarreal went on to claim the trophy in May, and he’s been rewarded by being named last season’s Player of the Tournament.
      The Spanish international was voted the winner ahead of Manchester United pair Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes by the 48 clubs that participated last year, as well as 55 football journalists.

      HOST WELCOME
      A smattering of socially-distanced applause introduces hosts Pedro Pinto and Laura Wontorra to the stage, and the pair are straight at it…
      …and by it, I mean hyping up the Europa Conference League.
      The draw for UEFA’s new competition will take place in approximately an hour and a half, but first it’s the Europa League, and what better way to build excitement for it than by reminding Manchester United fans of where it all went wrong for them in last season’s final.
      The Red Devils were defeated on penalties by Villarreal in Gdansk in what was a first European title for the Yellow Submarine – but a fourth Europa League success for their manager, Unai Emery.
      GOOD MORNING
      Welcome to our live coverage of the draw for the group stage of this year’s Europa League.
      We’re in Istanbul where 32 balls will be drawn, including those of West Ham United and Leicester City.
      The Premier League pair are two of 12 clubs that qualified for this stage of the competition courtesy of last season’s league position, and they’ll also be joined by ten sides that have dropped in after missing out on the Champions League – and another ten, who have qualified via the play-offs.
      Scottish duo Rangers and Celtic are also in the hat, as are Serie A sides Napoli and Lazio, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen of the Bundesliga, and Lyon, Marseille and Monaco from France.
      Eight groups – A to H – will be drawn with teams separated into four pots, based on their UEFA club coefficient. At this point of the tournament, sides cannot be paired in a group with another from their own domestic league.
      Stick with us for the draw as it happens plus all the reaction from those involved. Later, we’ll also be bringing you live coverage of the draw for the group stage of the inaugural Europa Conference League.
      Give those balls a swirl… now let’s go!

      Load more entries… More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘AGREES Man City transfer’, Sterling ‘offered to Juventus in exchange’, PSG ACCEPT Real Mbappe bid

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has reportedly AGREED a transfer to Man City.It is claimed that the Portugal captain could arrive in Manchester in hours, if the clubs can agree which player will join Juventus in exchange.
      City are reported to have offered Raheem Sterling while Juventus have asked for Gabriel Jesus.
      One man City will not be signing is Harry Kane, who has declared his loyalty to Tottenham and is now said to be hoping for a new £400,000-a-week deal.
      Should he stay at Spurs for the long haul, one man who will be joining him is Pape Sarr, who has completed a medical with the North London club but will remain at Metz on loan this season.
      And Chelsea are set to come in with a new bid of around £51m for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
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      STILL DALOT TO TALK ABOUT
      Manchester United are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over allowing defender Diogo Dalot to leave on a loan transfer.
      The 22-year-old right-back signed from Porto for £19million three years ago, but has only featured 35 times in that period.
      And according to Sky Sports, the Red Devils are open to allowing Dalot to leave on a loan deal before the window shuts on August 31.
      This is despite the Portuguese international being the only obvious back-up right-back to Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Old Trafford.
      That is because youngsters Brandon Williams and Axel Tuanzebe have already been farmed out on loan to Norwich and Aston Villa.
      Dalot spent last season on loan with AC Milan but returned to the club at the end of the campaign.
      And he seemed to be working his way into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s thoughts with some impressive pre-season displays.
      He was then on the bench for Man Utd’s draw with Southampton on Sunday.
      JACK’S LYRICAL ABOUT RONALDO
      Jack Grealish’s tweets about Cristiano Ronaldo have resurfaced amid rumours linking the Juventus forward with a transfer to Manchester City.
      The 36-year-old superstar could be set to link up with Grealish at the Etihad as he eyes a move away from Italy before the window shuts next Tuesday.

      And a series of tweets from Man City’s new £100million man appears to indicate Grealish would be well on-board with Ronaldo joining him at the Premier League champions.
      One tweet by the ex-Aston Villa man from 2013 says: “What a shock! The man himself CRISTIANO RONALDO, WORLDS BEST PLAYER DOES IT AGAIN!!”
      And another from one year earlier reads: “I actually don’t get Ronaldo ? He’s just scored again ?! He’s to good!! #TeamRonaldo”
      There are numerous more referencing Ronaldo, including: “Onto El Classico now! Absolutley buzzing for it!! WATCH boss it #TeamRonaldo”
      And another says: “Just found its El Classico next saturday… BOOM !!! Watch Ronaldo RIP up big time!! #TeamRonaldo.”

      WATFORD ‘IN TALKS TO LAND SPURS ACE SISSOKO’
      Promoted Watford are reportedly talking to Spurs over signing France midfielder Moussa Sissoko.
      The 32-year-old has been with Tottenham five years.
      Credit: Getty

      TOTTENHAM 3 PACOS 0: KANE DOUBLE PUTS SPURS THROUGH
      Harry Kane’s opening-half double in his first start since confirming he is not joining Manchester City put Spurs in the Europa Conference League group stage.
      Pacheco Antunes’s 70th minute own goal clinched a 3-0 defeat of Portuguese club Pacos de Ferreira for a 3-1 aggregate win.
      England skipper Kane slot home neat goals on nine and 34 minutes.
      REAL TO ‘ANNOUNCE KYLIAN DEAL ON FRIDAY’
      Real Madrid are to announce Kylian Mbappe’s £154million arrival on Friday morning.
      Marca say PSG will sanction the sale once they have confirmed France striker Mbappe wants to leave.
      The 22-year-old has continued to train with PSG but he is reportedly not expected to be included in the squad for Sunday’s Ligue 1 game against Reims.
      Los Blancos had a bid of £137m rejected by PSG on Wednesday, with sporting director Leonardo stating the offer was ‘very far’ from the club’s valuation of the forward.
      Real have now improved their offer – but the sum is still short of the £162m PSG paid Monaco for Mbappe in 2017.
      CANARIES IN FOR CARVALHO
      Norwich have made a move for Portuguese star William Carvalho.
      But the newly-promoted side look set to fail in their bid to land the Real Betis midfielder.

      The ace has previously been a target for Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.
      Carvalho, 29, would only cost about £6million.
      However, his wages at the Seville-based club are £82,000-a-week after tax.
      And Norwich would not be able to afford such a massive deal.
      Carrow Road boss Daniel Farke, whose side faces Leicester on Saturday, is desperate for a holding midfielder.
      He has not given up on Rostov midfielder Mathias Normann.
      PSG CHIEF DENIES THEY’LL SIGN RONALDO
      PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi has left Manchester City as clear frontrunners to sign Cristiano Ronaldo – if he leaves Juventus before the transfer window.
      Asked on Thursday night if the French giants could recruit Ron, al-Khelaifi ruled it out.
      Credit: AFP

      KANE’S GR-EIGHT RETURN FOR SPURS
      Harry Kane scored just eight minutes into his Tottenham return after being denied a Manchester City transfer.
      The England man started his first game of the season – Spurs’ Europa Conference League clash against Pacos de Ferreira.
      HARRY KANE SCORES! 🙌 Brilliant work from Harry Winks, picked out by Bryan Gil, and the Spurs captain is back scoring goals in front of his adoring fans ⚪ pic.twitter.com/rH1grtwjoB— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) August 26, 2021

      And he wasted no time in showing why City wanted him so much – converting Bryan Gil’s cross to make it 1-1 on aggregate against the Portuguese side.
      The £150m-rated star ended months of speculation regarding a potential move to the Etihad when he confirmed he was staying at Spurs in a tweet sent out on Wednesday.
      And just 24 hours later he was named as captain for the Conference League Play-Off second leg clash.
      Kane missed the opening day victory over Man City, who had an offer rejected for him over the summer, but came off the bench last weekend to help Spurs defeat Wolves.
      ON THE PARIS RON-WAY?
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly been spotted landing in Paris amid transfer links with Manchester City.
      The Express claims Mendes spent Thursday morning locked in crunch talks with Juventus chiefs over a possible Etihad switch for Ronaldo.
      Credit: Reuters
      It’s said the former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar has already agreed personal terms with Pep Guardiola’s champions.
      But while City want to sign Ronaldo on a free transfer, Juventus are reportedly holding out for a fee of around £25million.
      However, following his talks in Turin, Mendes was then apparently seen arriving in Paris.
      Ronaldo has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain this summer, despite their high-profile capture of Lionel Messi from Barcelona.
      PSG’s star man Kylian Mbappe is wanted by Real Madrid this summer.
      And the forward himself has made no secret of his desire to swap France for Spain.
      BAKAYOKO ‘AGREES AC DEAL’
      Chelsea misfit Tiemoue Bakayoko has reportedly agreed to join AC Milan.
      International transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio says the one-cap France midfielder will be in Milan to tie up the deal on Friday night or Saturday morning.
      Bakayoko, 27, has had loan spells with Milan and twice Napoli since joining Chelsea from Monaco four years ago.
      VARDY HAPPY TO STAY A FOX
      Jamie Vardy insists he would reject Manchester United, Arsenal or any other Premier League giant as he wants to stay at Leicester “until the end”.
      The former Gunners’ target, 34, who won 26 England caps, has won the Prem and FA Cup in nine years with the Foxes.
      And comedian Jimmy Carr asked the striker on Sky panel show A League Of Their Own if he would like to play for one of the traditional giants.
      But former Halifax and Fleetwood star Vardy replied: “No. I’d stay there [at Leicester until the end.”
      Credit: Getty
      GINHO TONIC WITH TOP GONG
      Champions League League winners Jorginho has been named UEFA men’s player of the year, with Chelsea team-mates Edouard Mendy AND N’Golo Kante also scooping awards.
      Mendy won the goalkeeper gong for the 2020/21 Champions League, with Kante named midfielder of the year.
      Blues’ chief Thomas Tuchel was the men’s coach of the year despite not being in charge during the group stages.
      But Italy’s Euro 2020 hero Jorginho took the main prize, ahead of Kante and Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.
      PIERS IS RON TO A LOSER
      It could be the end of the Piers glow if Cristiano Ronaldo swaps Juventus for Manchester City by tomorrow..
      TV celebrity Piers Morgan joked his friendship with Ron would be “truly awks” should the Manchester United legend make the move and bag an instant debut hat-trick against Arsenal at the Etihad on Saturday.
      City are said to be in with a serious shot of signing Portugal frontman Ronaldo, 36, despite potential interest from PSG.

      MAD DRAW FOR REDS
      Liverpool have been handed an incredibly tough Champions League draw after being placed in Group B alongside Atletico Madrid, Porto and AC Milan.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side will go in search of the club’s seventh European title this season as they look to reclaim the trophy they lifted in 2019.
      But they will have to do it the hard way following an extremely difficult group draw.
      Liverpool were put in pot 2 and as a result were always going to be placed in with a big European name.
      But they would not have wanted to see Diego Simeone’s Atletico side, who knocked them out in the 2019-20 competition.
      And things got even more challenging for those on Merseyside when last year’s quarter-finalists Porto were added to their group.
      Runners-up in the Portuguese league last season, Porto met Liverpool back in the last eight of the 2018-19 tournament as the Reds came out 6-1 victors over two legs.
      They then went on to lift the trophy following wins over Barcelona and Tottenham.
      KANE STARTS TONIGHT
      Harry Kane is starting his first game of the season for Tottenham after committing his future to the club.
      Credit: Getty
      The £150m-rated star ended months of speculation regarding a potential move to Manchester City when he confirmed he was staying at Spurs in a tweet sent out on Wednesday.
      Now just 24 hours later he has been named as captain for the Uefa Europa Conference League Play-Off second leg clash at home to Pacos de Ferreira.
      Kane missed the opening day victory over City, who had an offer rejected for him over the summer, but came off the bench last weekend to help Spurs defeat Wolves.
      Now he will be tasked with inspiring a comeback at the Tottenham Stadium this evening as the North London side look to turn around a 1-0 deficit after the first leg.
      Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate is delighted that the England captain has resolved his club future.
      The Three Lions boss, preparing for next Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Hungary, now knows there will be no chance of a deadline day drama involving the striker and Man City.
      And his national boss could not be happier, saying: “The good thing from our point-of-view is that it looks as though everything is resolved and settled now club-wise so he has a clear focus.
      ARTETA: I’M STILL LOOKING
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he will keep pushing to strengthening his squad before the deadline shuts on August 31.
      Under fire after two straight Prem losses, Arteta said: “We’ve already done a lot of things – ins and outs – I think it is 16 or 17 deals in total, with some renewals, which is a lot of things.
      “There are still some things to do in the last few days because there are still some questions marks and deals that can happen, but we will see.”
      JUVE GOT THE BLUES
      Chelsea will face Juventus, Zenit Saint-Petersburg and Malmo in the 2021-22 Champions League group stage.
      The Blues are out to defend their title after downing Manchester City in last season’s final.
      Thursday’s draw in Istanbul saw Thomas Tuchel’s side become the last team drawn out of Pot 1, placing them in Group H.
      UEFA Champions League 2021-22 group stage draw featuring Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and Liverpool
      And while Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were avoided out of the Pot 2 sides, Serie A giants Juve will pose a tough test.
      The two sides have only met four times, each sharing a win alongside two draws.
      Didier Drogba scored twice in a 3-2 aggregate victory for Chelsea in the 2008-09 last-16 before Juve claimed a 3-0 win in the 2012-13 groups, their last meeting.
      The draw gives the Blues a chance to continue their long streak of denying Cristiano Ronaldo, who has only scored once and won five of his 15 encounters with Chelsea throughout his storied career.
      Zenit Saint-Petersburg, the joint lowest-ranked of the Pot 3 teams based on Uefa coefficient, ar also in Group H.
      JONES DEAL IS NO SIN
      Trevor Sinclair has slammed Rio Ferdinand’s claim that Phil Jones signing a new Manchester United deal is a “waste of time”.
      Centre-back Jones, capped 29 times by the Three Lions, extended his contract in February 2019 by four years – before a knee injury ruled him out for 18 months.

      United and England legend Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube channel: “He’s taking up a youth team player’s position in that squad right now. He’s had too many injuries now.
      “I am baffled at how he’s still been given a new deal given his past few years at the club. It just doesn’t make sense to me.
      “I remember back in the day you’d have to do some absolute graft to get a new deal. You’d have to be putting in performances, you’d have to be a vital member of the team. Phil Jones isn’t that.”
      But ex-West Ham and Manchester City wideman Sinclair said: “Of course he (Jones) is going to accept (the new contract). He probably has aspirations of getting into the first team.
      “I look at Phil Jones I see a player that has been crippled with injuries over the years, all different kind of injuries as well. 
      “I don’t see a bad egg, I look at him, I think he looks like a good pro… he’s got a family, he’s got kids, he needs to try and maximise the amount of finance he earns in his career.
      “Why would he turn down a contract of Mancheter United? I think the only people that need to be criticised are the people that offered him the contract because it has not worked out again.”
      JOSE: MAYBE ONLY POCHETTINO HAPPY
      Jose Mourinho claimed PSG chief Mauricio Pochettino might be the only manager happy with his squad.
      The new Roma boss, 58, was questioned about whether he is happy with the players he has at his disposal.
      And in typical Mourinho fashion he gave a dry, matter of fact response to the journalist.
      Mourinho said: “Do you know a coach who is satisfied with their squad? Maybe Pochettino, nobody else.”
      Mourinho took charge at Roma this summer but there has been a lot of change at the club in his short tenure.
      Veteran striker Edin Dzeko has departed for Inter Milan after five years in the Italian capital. And Roma have spent big on his replacement, splashing out £34million to land Tammy Abraham from Chelsea.
      As well as raiding his former club, Mourinho has made a further five signings.
      Wolves’ Portugal international Rui Patricio joined for around £10m, along with Atalanta central-defender, plus full-backs Matías Viña and Bryan Reynold
      In attack, Abraham will be partnered by fellow newcomer Eldor Shomurodov, recruited from Genoa.
      HAMMERS CAN’T LINGER FOR LINGARD
      Any hopes West Ham held of nabbing Jesse Lingard back from Manchester United have reportedly all but ended.
      The England midfielder was outstanding on loan for the Hammers during the second half of last season.
      But it seems more likely he will stay at United after Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted the 28-year-old could have an important role to play this season.
      Credit: Getty
      PALACE PUMPED UP FOR TIAH
      Crystal Palace are still in discussions with Arsenal over signing striker Eddie Nketiah.
      But it’s thought the Eagles have yet to meet the Gunners’ valuation of the former England Under-21 star.
      And other clubs, including from the continent are also keen on the 22-year-old, whose Emirates’ contract runs out next summer.
      Credit: Getty

      WOLVES EYE SVEN
      Lille’s Holland Under-21 centre-back Sven Botman is on Wolves’ radar, reports say.
      But Sky Sports say Sevilla are also keen on the 21-year-old.
      Credit: Getty

      WIGAN WOULD ‘WELCOME’ WILSHERE
      Wigan chairman Talal Al Hammad has tweeted to say Jack Wilshere is “most welcome” to join the League One side.
      Former England, Arsenal and West Ham star Wilshere, 29, is club-less after Championship side Bournemouth chose not to offer him a new contract.
      But Wilshere has suggested a move abroad would be his best option after he  even considered retirement.
      In a revealing interview with The Athletic, he explained: “I’ve said before that I’m open to going abroad. In fact, I probably want to go abroad.
      “I want to try something different. I think it’ll be good for me, for my life, for my family.
      “Have a fresh start somewhere where people, clubs, fans don’t think, ‘Oh, that’s Jack Wilshere. He’s going to get injured today’, or, ‘He’ll play five games and that’s it… waste of an investment.”
      WHOLE NEW BULL GAME
      Norwich have confirmed German defensive midfielder Tom Trybull has had his contract cancelled by “mutual agreement”.
      The 28-year-old joined the Canaries from Dutch club Den Haag four years ago and spent last season on loan with Blackburn.

      MIKEL CONFIRMS WILLIAN TALKS
      Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder William HAS held talks with home-country giants Corinthians.
      Gunners’ boss Mikel Aretta said: “We are having some conversations with him and the agent, and we are evaluating the position
      “I don’t know [why it hasn’t worked out for him here]. At the moment he is an Arsenal player, and we are trying to get the best out of him while he is here.”
      Willian, 33, has struggled since moving across London last summer.
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      Tottenham 3 Pacos de Ferreira 0 LIVE REACTION: Harry Kane notches brace on victorious return to side – updates

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      TOTTENHAM beat Pacos de Ferreira 3-0 in the second leg of their Europa Conference League clash to seal a place in the group stages.
      RESULT: Tottenham 3 Pacos 0
      TV/Live stream: Premier Sports
      Tottenham XI: Gollini, Dier, Romero, Davies, Doherty, Winks, Lo Celso, Sessegnon, Lucas, Bergwijn, Bryan, Kane

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      THAT’S ALL FROM TOTTENHAM
      Tottenham made it through to the Europa Conference League group stage thanks to a comfortable 3-0 win over Pacos de Ferreira at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      Spurs opened the scoring early in the ninth minute when Harry Winks stole the ball in midfield and delivered a brilliant cross to Bryan Gil down the left wing.
      Gil then produced a beautiful pass of his own as he found Harry Kane in the middle of the penalty area and the star striker easily beat Andre Ferreira by sending the ball down the bottom left corner.
      The north Londoners almost doubled their lead in the 34th minute when Gil’s deflected shot rattled Ferreira’s left-hand post.
      But Tottenham got their cracker just a minute later when Giovani Lo Celso broke into the penalty area, got a shot that was blocked but the ball rolled back to Kane who didn’t miss in front of open goal.
      Lo Celso put the tie to bed during the second half on 70 minutes thanks to an expertly-taken free-kick from a tight angle down the right flank that caught Pacos’ defence and goalkeeper off guard.
      That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great night!
      GETTY IMAGES
      FANS LOVE KANE
      There was a question on how Tottenham fans would welcome Harry Kane back to the team.
      Reports suggested Kane told Spurs’ hierarchy he wanted to leave during the summer and even delayed his return to training after an extended holiday.
      However, the home supporters gave the star striker a warm welcome once his name was announced before kick-off.
      They also sang “You’re Spurs and you know you are”, and then gave the England captain a standing ovation when he was replaced moments after Giovani Lo Celso’s goal
      GETTY IMAGES
      BRY-MAN
      Tottenham ace Bryan Gil shone bright tonight against Pacos de Ferreira at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      Gil was constantly dangerous down the left flank where Spurs created most of their opportunities.
      The winger worked very well with Ryan Sessegnon and even set Harry Kane’s opener.
      The Spain international also came close to scoring twice but was denied by two deflections, one of which saw the ball hitting Andre Ferreira’s post

      WHAT’S NEXT?
      Tottenham will find out their opponents in the Europa Conference League draw tomorrow on Friday at 11am.
      The draw will take place in Istanbul, Turkey and the first games will be played in mid-September.
      Spurs are now among the favourites to win this competition, which will guarantee the winner a place in next season’s Europa League.
      Of course, that is something the north Londoners can get for themselves in the Premier League should they finish in the top six.
      Pacos de Ferreira, on the other hand, have seen their European journey come to an end tonight
      GETTY IMAGES
      KANE IS BACK
      Harry Kane is back in style for Tottenham by scoring his first two goals of the season and leading them to the Europa Conference League group stage.
      Kane produced a brace in just 25 minutes and showed he is back to his old ways in north London.
      The star striker was linked with a move from Spurs after delaying his return to training while Manchester City kept tabs on him.
      But the England captain has confirmed he will not be leaving Tottenham in the summer and is concentrated on gaining success with the club of his heart.
      The fans welcomed the 28-year-old back with open arms as well as a massive ovation and he had the following message after full-time:

      STATS
      Tottenham dominated a staggering 70.6 per cent of possession against Pacos de Ferreira.
      Spurs also registered a total of 18 shots, six of which were on target throughout the second leg.
      Pacos, on the other hand, produced six shots, half of which were on target.
      The north Londoners dominated in the air as well as they won 76.2 per cent of aerial duels
      FT: TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      Tottenham made it through to the Europa Conference League thanks to a Harry Kane masterpiece against Pacos de Ferreira at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      Spurs opened the scoring early in the ninth minute when Harry Winks stole the ball in midfield and delivered a brilliant cross to Bryan Gil down the left flank.
      Gil then produced a beautiful pass of his own as he found Kane in the middle of the penalty area and the star striker easily beat Andre Ferreira by sending the ball down the bottom left corner.
      The north Londoners almost doubled their lead on 34 minutes when Gil’s deflected shot rattled Ferreira’s left-hand post.
      But Tottenham got their cracker just a minute later when Giovani Lo Celso broke into the penalty area, got a shot that was blocked but the ball rolled to Kane who didn’t miss in front of open goal.
      Lo Celso put the tie to bed during the second half on 70 minutes thanks to an expertly-taken free-kick from a tight angle down the right flank that caught Pacos’ defence and goalkeeper by surprise
      GETTY IMAGES
      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      THAT’S FULL-TIME IN TOTTENHAM!!!!!
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      90+1 CHANCE!
      Pacos get their best opportunity to score as Silva delivers a wonderful cross from the left flank and finds Santos whose header is stopped by Gollini
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      90 Three more minutes of stoppage time to go until full-time.
      Still enough time for Tottenham to increase their lead
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      87 Tottenham are basically through to the Europa Conference League group stage.
      But Spurs don’t seem to be done, Son especially is trying very hard to get on the scoresheet!
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      84 SUBSTITUTION
      Tottenham manager Nuno introduces Alli, who replaces Lucas for the last few minutes
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      83 CHANCE!
      Tottenham star Son tries a shot from a dangerous position but Ferreira denies him and then sees the ball hitting his left-hand post!
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      82 CHANCE
      I think ‘attempt’ is a better term to use on this one.
      Tottenham star Hojbjerg picks a beautiful corner-kick from the left flank and tries a shot but completely misses the target
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      80 Surely Lo Celso’s goal did it for Tottenham!
      Pacos have ran out of energy and solutions, while Gollini hasn’t found himself worried throughout the entire evening!
      GETTY IMAGES
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      78 WHAT A CHANCE!
      Tottenham come close again with Bergwij who shoots from a tight angle down the left flank and hits Ferreira’s right-hand post!
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      76 SUBSTITUTION
      Final roll of the dice by Pacos manager Simao, who makes a triple change.
      Fernando, Santos and Uilton replace Antunes, Estaquio and Lucas Silva respectively
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      75 Here’s how Tottenham scored their third goal against Pacos.
      What a marvellous shot by Lo Celso!
      Spurs in a commanding position! 💪Lo Celso’s whipped free kick is deflected in for an own goal and it’s now 3-1 on aggregate ⚪ pic.twitter.com/ufiOs7EvLI— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) August 26, 2021

      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      72 SUBSTITUTION
      Tottenham boss Nuno makes a double switch as Bergwijn and Son replace Gil and Kane respectively.
      Kane receives a massive ovation on his way out despite the recent transfer saga
      TOTTENHAM 3-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      70 Tottenham may have just put the tie to bed with a wonderful free-kick by Lo Celso!
      The Argentina international outsmarts Pacos’ defence and goalkeeper with an expertly-taken spot-kick from the right wing.
      The Pacenses’ backline fail to head the ball away and Antunes inadvertently sends the ball to his own net

      GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!
      TOTTENHAM MAKE IT THREE WITH LO CELSO!!!!!
      TOTTENHAM 2-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      70 SUBSTITUTION
      Pacos manager Simao makes a double change as Helder Ferreira and Tanque replace Delgado and Denilson respectively
      TOTTENHAM 2-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      67 CHANCE!
      Tottenham star Lo Celso sets Gil with a beautiful pass down the left flank but the former Sevilla starlet’s shot just misses Ferreira’s bottom right corner!
      TOTTENHAM 2-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      65 WHAT A CHANCE!
      Tottenham star Hojbjerg breaks down the left flank and finds Lo Celso in the middle of the penalty area.
      The Argentina international makes a wonderful turn but his shot is stopped thanks to a wonderful save by Ferreira
      TOTTENHAM 2-0 PACOS DE FERREIRA
      64 YELLOW CARD
      Another booking, this time to Pacos star Pires who pulls Lo Ceslo down to the ground during a counter-attack with a tactical foul
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      Champions League draw LIVE: Build-up as Chelsea, Man Utd, Liverpool and Man City await group stage fate – latest updates

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      THE Champions League is back as four England clubs, Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City wait to see who they will face in the group stages.Chelsea are the reining champions, having beat City in the final last season, but the Blues could land themselves in this year’s group of death

      Start time: 5pm BST
      TV/Live stream: BT Sport 1
      Pot 1: Chelsea, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid, Man City, Bayern Munich, Inter, Lille, Sporting
      Pot 2: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Man Utd, PSG, Liverpool, Sevilla, Dortmund
      Pot 3: Porto, Ajax, Atalanta, Leipzig, Zenit, Benfica, Shakhtar, RB Salzburg
      Pot 4: Club Brugge, Young Boys, AC Milan, Malmo, Wolfsburg, Sheriff Tiraspol, Besiktas, Dynamo Kiev

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      When is the Champions League group stage draw?

      The Champions League draw will be held on Thursday, August 26 – TODAY.
      It will commence at 5pm UK time – 6pm CET and 7pm in Turkey.
      The draw is being held in Istanbul.

      HERE WE GO!
      HOSTS PEDRO PINTO AND LAURA WONTORRA ARE ON THE STAGE!
      BIG NAMES
      Some big names have arrived for the draw, including former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star Hamit Altıntop.
      We’re moments away from the draw getting underway.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      RON TOP
      All-time Champions League top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo COULD be on his way to Manchester City from Juventus.
      The 36-year-old legendary attacker could be picked up for less than £30million due to his age.
      But his goals are priceless.
      The Portugal captain has scored 134 goals in the competition, leading fellow legendary attacker Lionel Messi by 14 goals.
      RED DEVILS
      Take a trip down memory lane at some of Manchester United’s previous Champions League draws.
      Man Utd’s best and worst Champions League group stage draws including nightmare clash against Bayern Munich
      HALF AN HOUR TO GO
      We’re half an hour away from the draw getting underway.
      Awards will be presented this afternoon as well.
      Awards will be handed out to the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward from las season’s men’s and women’s Champions League competitions.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      CREATOR IN CHIEF
      Juan Cuadrado finished last season with the most assists in the competition (6).
      The Juventus wing-back has been terrific both defensively and in the final third.

      WHO CAN’T PLAY WHO
      Zenit cannot be drawn with Dynamo, keeping Russian and Ukrainian teams apart due to tension between the two nations.
      DATES FOR THE DIARY
      If you’re wondering when the fixtures will be played, we’ve got you covered.
      Matchday 1, 14/15 September
      Matchday 2, 28/29 September
      Matchday 3, 19/20 October
      Matchday 4, 2/3 November
      Matchday 5, 23/24 November
      Matchday 6, 7/8 December
      BLUES BACK ON TOP
      Thomas Tuchel guided Chelsea to Champions League glory in his first season at the club.
      And managed the team in their Super Cup final win against Villarreal.
      But the German wants his team to use their success to propel them to more titles.
      He said: “We want to win, we want to compete and of course we want to be successful.
      “This is in Chelsea’s nature and of course we are up for the challenge.
      “We will try to compete for every title in every competition we enter but I also think it will be a huge step forward if we can maintain the same quality, attitude and effort that we showed last season.”

      HAALLELUJAH
      Erling Haaland finished top goalscorer in last season’s competition with ten goals.
      Borussia Dortmund bowed out in the quarter-finals, but the Norwegian wonderkid still came out on top.

      POT FOUR
      Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol are in Pot four!

      Besiktas (TUR) 
      Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) 
      Club Brugge (BEL) 
      Young Boys (SUI)
      AC Milan (ITA) 
      Malmo (SWE)
      Wolfsburg (GER) 
      Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA)

      POT THREE
      Fairly stacked Pot three too!

      Porto (POR)
      Ajax (NED)
      Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
      Leipzig (GER) 
      Salzburg (AUT)
      Benfica (POR)
      Atalanta (ITA) 
      Zenit (RUS)

      POT TWO
      Liverpool, 2019 Champions League winners, are in Pot two.
      Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, who up until last season dominated their divisions, are also in Pot two.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United also find themselves in Pot two.
      Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are in the same pot.

      Real Madrid (ESP) 
      Barcelona (ESP) 
      Juventus (ITA) 
      Manchester United (ENG) 
      Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) 
      Liverpool (ENG) 
      Sevilla (ESP) 
      Borussia Dortmund (GER)

      POT ONE
      Last year’s winners Chelsea are in Pot one as they look to defend their European crown.
      Defending Premier League champions Manchester City are also in Pot one, they made the final last year.
      Europa League winners Villarreal find themselves in the top pot too, alongside defending LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid.

      Chelsea (ENG) 
      Villarreal (ESP)
      Bayern (GER) 
      Manchester City (ENG) 
      Atletico de Madrid (ESP) 
      Inter Milan (ITA) 
      Sporting CP (POR) 
      LOSC Lille (FRA)

      GOOD AFTERNOON
      And welcome to the live blog for the 2021/22 Champions League Group Stage draw!
      All 32 teams will be divided into four pots containing eight teams each.
      A name from each pot will be drawn for each of Group A through Group H.
      All four English teams will be in Pot one and two.
      Premier League champions Manchester City are in Pot one together with the defending European champions Chelsea, while Manchester United and Liverpool have been seeded in Pot two.
      The draw is set to get underway at 5pm so get comfy and enjoy all of the pre-draw build-up!
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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘AGREES Man City transfer’, Sterling ‘offered to Juventus in exchange’, Real £146m BID for Mbappe

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has reportedly AGREED a transfer to Man City.It is claimed that the Portugal captain could arrive in Manchester in hours, if the clubs can agree which player will join Juventus in exchange.
      City are reported to have offered Raheem Sterling while Juventus have asked for Gabriel Jesus.
      One man City will not be signing is Harry Kane, who has declared his loyalty to Tottenham and is now said to be hoping for a new £400,000-a-week deal.
      Should he stay at Spurs for the long haul, one man who will be joining him is Pape Sarr, who has completed a medical with the North London club but will remain at Metz on loan this season.
      And Chelsea are set to come in with a new bid of around £51m for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
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      WHOLE NEW BULL GAME
      Norwich have confirmed German defensive midfielder Tom Trybull has had his contract cancelled by “mutual agreement”.
      The 28-year-old joined the Canaries from Dutch club Den Haag four years ago and spent last season on loan with Blackburn.

      MIKEL CONFIRMS WILLIAN TALKS
      Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder William HAS held talks with home-country giants Corinthians.
      Gunners’ boss Mikel Aretta said: “We are having some conversations with him and the agent, and we are evaluating the position
      “I don’t know [why it hasn’t worked out for him here]. At the moment he is an Arsenal player, and we are trying to get the best out of him while he is here.”
      Willian, 33, has struggled since moving across London last summer.
      RON WANTS £510K A WEEK AT CITY
      DANIEL CUTTS EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo wants £510,000 a week to join Manchester City from Juventus.
      The Manchester United legend would eclipse £385k-a-week Kevin de Bruyne as City’s top earner if the shock swoop is completed.
      SunSport can reveal there are still many issues to overcome if a deal is to be struck.
      For example, Juve want between £24million and 25.5m, or a player, in return for Ronnie – who has a year left on his contract – which the Citizens are reluctant to cough up at this stage.
      Instead, City want to give all the cash to Ronaldo, by attempting to lure the 36-year-old with £53m in wages over two years.
      Spanish outlet AS reported on Thursday afternoon that player and club have already agreed personal terms, amid rival interest from PSG.

      ‘WILL IS THERE’ FOR CITY’S RON DEAL
      Manchester City’s interest in Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be intensifying – with more and more well-placed observers suggesting a deal could even be done this week.
      Juve’s Manchester United legend Ron, 36, has also been linked with PSG.

      REAL ‘UP MBAPPE BID TO £145M’
      Real Madrid have increased their bid for PSG striker Kylian Mbappe from £137million to £145m, Sky Sports say.
      The France superstar, 22, is into the final year of his contract.
      And PSG have recruited legend Lionel Messi to play with his former Barcelona sidekick Neymar.
      It’s thought PSG immediately rejected Real’s opening offer – but the Spanish giants have quickly raised their bid to 170m euros.

      INTER ‘BEAT ARSENAL AND EVERTON’ TO CORREA
      Lazio’s Argentina midfielder Joaquin Correa has joined Inter Milan on loan – despite being linked to Arsenal and Everton.

      The Gunners reportedly bid £17million for th 27-year-old earlier this summer.
      And then new Everton chief Rafa Benitez was said to have joined the race for the former Sampdoria and Sevilla star.
      Instead he has switched Maurizio’s Sarri for the Serie A champs – with Inter having the option to make the deal permanent.
      RON URGED TO TEAM UP WITH MESSI
      Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo is being dared to link up with Lionel Messi at PSG – rather than join Prem champs City.
      Etihad chief Pep Guardiola reportedly want to tempt the Juventus frontman, 36, into a two-year move for £26million. 
      But former Bulgaria superstar Dimitar Berbatov told Betfair of his ex-Old Trafford team-mate: “Ronaldo would be a good fit at Man City but do I see him going there? I doubt it. 

      “He is still one of the best in the world but Pep Guardiola’s philosophy might not suit them signing Ronaldo.”
       “It’s not impossible that Ronaldo will join Lionel Messi in Paris because PSG can afford anyone they want.
      “It would be a crazy thing to see. I think there is something brewing there.
      “Those two players are the greatest players of our generation, if not of all time, but when you put incredible players together sometimes it doesn’t work out.
      “Egos can complicate things in football.”
      CHELSEA TALKS ARE NOT SAUL OVER
      Chelsea are said to be still negotiating with Atletico Madrid over luring Spain midfielder Saul Niguez on loan.
      The one-club star, 26, who was not picked for the Euros despite having 19 caps, has also been linked with Manchester United in recent months.
      The Telegraph’s Matt Law says Chelsea hope to agree a temporary deal – with an option, rather than an obligation, to buy him later.
      Credit: Getty

      RAMSEY FOR NEVES SWAP ‘OFFERED’
      Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly proposed Juventus swapping their ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey for Wolves’ fellow midfielder Ruben Neves.
      Ramsey, 30, has struggled for regular football at the Italian giants, while 24-year-old Neves has shone in the Premier League and for Portugal.
      Now La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Juve could be ready to offload Ramsey – as they try to fight off Manchester City’s interest in ex-United frontman Ronaldo.
      Credit: Getty
      THIRD KIT WILL BLUE YOUR MIND
      Chelsea have unveiled their third kit for the 2020-21 season and it is fair to say it has split the fanbase.
      Manufacturers Nike went for unique designs for the home and away strips and this alternative kit certainly falls into the same category.

      Like the bright yellow away jersey it is a bold choice of blue and orange colours – and it will be loved by some but hated by others.
      One fan wrote on Twitter: “Chelsea this is pure sex.”
      But another one said: “Chelsea I love you but this is rank.”
      GO WEST
      Tottenham are keen on a move for Juventus Weston McKennie but it will have to be a loan deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      The Italian journalist states that new Sporting Director Fabio Paratici “loves” the American, having signed him for Juventus a year ago.

      EXCLUSIVE
      Cristiano Ronaldo wants to become Man City’s highest earner before committing to the club, SunSport’s Dan Cutts writes.
      The Portugal captain is demanding £510,000-a-week, far above the £385,000-a-week earned by current top earner Kevin de Bruyne.
      SunSport can reveal there are still many obstacles and issues to overcome if a deal is to be struck.
      But the transfer is by no means off the table.
      For example, Juventus want around £25million or a player in return for Ronnie – who has a year left on his Juve contract – which the Cityzens are reluctant to do at this stage.
      Instead, City want to give all the cash to Ronaldo, by attempting to lure the 36-year-old with £53m in wages over two years.

      ROY REGRET
      Roy Keane has revealed his guilt over lying to Sir Alex Ferguson about his 5am drinking sessions – and then using them as motivation.
      Keane said: “I’d always be in on a Thursday morning [the morning after a night out] because of the guilt for going out.
      “So on a Saturday, I’d be thinking, ‘We’d better win because we’re out on Thursday and if the manager finds out we’re in trouble.’
      “We had to win matches and trophies to justify the life we were living.
      “But if I saw a player out now in Altrincham drinking at 1pm on a Tuesday or Wednesday I’ll be thinking, ‘That’s not good,’ but we were all doing it.”
      EARN IT
      Mikel Arteta has told his Arsenal players they need to be prepared to suffer if they want any chance of avoiding a drubbing at Manchester City.
      He said: “It is the level of the game that you have to be mentally ready to run for long periods of the game without touching the ball.
      “To make the sacrifices, being prepared to suffer in the right moments.
      “But as well it is having the conviction that we’re going to have our moments in the game, and when those opportunities arise, we have to take them.
      “That’s how I want to see the team, they are fully committed, fully prepared and they believe that we can go to Manchester and get the result.”

      ANYONE’S GAME
      Harry Redknapp thinks that the Premier League title race is wide open this season after Harry Kane’s move to Manchester City fell through.
      Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Spurs manager said: “If he [Kane] went to Man City, I think they would’ve been nailed on for the title.
      “I think that’s going to have big repercussions for them, because they’re still short of a real front-man and I think it’s thrown the title race wide open.
      “Suddenly, there are four or five teams who can win it.”

      PAT ON THE BACK
      Patrick Bamford has received his first England call-up for September’s World Cup qualifiers.
      The Leeds star narrowly missed out on Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional Euro 2020 squad.
      But amid Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins’ recent injury troubles, the Elland Road favourite has made the cut this time around.
      The Three Lions will take on Hungary, Andorra and Poland as they ramp up their qualification campaign for next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
      CITY HINT AT RONALDO TRANSFER
      Manchester City’s official Portuguese Twitter account has dropped a huge hint about their reported pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
      The page responded to a story about Ronaldo joining the club before deleting the tweet just moments later.

      OLE WANTS CM
      Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still wants to sign a central midfielder this summer, according to the Independent.
      The coach reportedly sees a new CM as the final missing piece in his fabulous side, although he may have to wait to sign Declan Rice.
      West Ham are believed to have slapped a £100million price tag on the England midfielder and United can’t afford that after spending more than £110m on Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.
      PSG ‘LOOKING’ AT MBAPPE REPLACEMENTS
      Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly looking for replacements for striker and Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe.
      According to L’Equipe, the Parisian club are putting together a shortlist amid speculation of the Frenchman’s departure.
      It’s believed Erling Haaland is PSG’s No1 target, although Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski are also thought to be on their radar.
      BREAKING NEWS – RONALDO ‘AGREES’ TO JOIN CITY
      Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly close to joining Manchester City.
      According to AS, the Manchester United legend has agreed to move to the Etihad in a swap deal.
      It’s believed either Raheem Sterling or Gabriel Jesus will go to Turin, with Juve reportedly preferring the latter.
      WILL SPILLS
      Willian has dropped a major clue about his future with the Brazil star appearing to have erased Arsenal references from his Instagram page.
      It’s thought the player, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea last summer, could be set to join Brazilian club Corinthians shortly.
      There were high expectations following the winger’s move to North London after the end of his Blues playing career.
      But Willian has struggled to replicate the dazzling form that helped Chelsea win two Prem titles, the FA Cup and Europa League.
      The Brazil international appears to have fallen behind Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe in the race for a starting spot.
      And Willian was also absent from the Arsenal squad that thrashed West Brom 6-0 in the second round of the League Cup.

      HERE WE GO!
      Argentine forward Joaquin Correa has swapped Lazio for Inter Milan, completing a reported €30million move to the San Siro.
      The eight-cap international has won the Italian Cup and Copa America during his career and scored more than 50 goals at club level.
      Credit: Getty
      BLUE IS THE COLOUR
      Chelsea have unveiled their third kit for the 2020-21 season and it is fair to say it has split the fanbase.
      Manufacturers Nike went for unique designs for the home and away strips and this alternative kit certainly falls into the same category.
      Like the bright yellow away jersey it is a bold choice of blue and orange colours – and it will be loved by some but hated by others.
      One fan wrote on Twitter: “Chelsea this is pure sex.”
      But another one said: “Chelsea I love you but this is rank.”

      GOOD AFTERNOON
      Man Utd have reportedly decided Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland is their No1 transfer target.The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new striker to succeed veteran Edinson Cavani, whose contract expires next summer.
      Tottenham’s efforts to sign Adama Traore could hit the buffers amid a reported dispute concerning details surrounding the deal.Rumours suggest negotiations between Spurs and Wolves have hit a brick wall despite them allegedly reaching a £40million agreement.
      Harry Kane, meanwhile, reportedly wants a new £400,000-a-week contract after failing to secure a move to Manchester City.Kurt Zouma is set to undergo a medical ahead of a £25m move from Chelsea to West Ham.
      That will free up funds for the Blues to sign Sevilla Jules Kounde and they are expected to go in with another bid shortly.
      Paris Saint-Germain reportedly want a whopping £188mi for Kylian Mbappe with Real Madrid leading the race to sign him.
      Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers hopes the club are close to agreeing a new contract with Foxes FA Cup hero Youri Tielemans.And AC Milan are on the verge of re-signing Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan from Chelsea, according to reports.
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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘offered £230,000-a-week by Man City, Harry Kane wants £400k-a-week, Kounde Chelsea transfer update

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      HARRY KANE has taken to Twitter to confirm he will be STAYING at Tottenham.But it has emerged that the England captain was fined two weeks wages for returning late from his summer holiday, even though he thought the club had given him the all-clear to extend the trip.
      Man City were willing to offer Spurs their pick of five players – Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte or Gabriel Jesus in exchange for Kane – but will now turn their attention elsewhere.
      And their top target could be Cristiano Ronaldo, who they have reportedly offered a two-year deal worth £230,000-a-week.
      However, City do not want to pay a transfer fee or offer Juventus Gabriel Jesus in exchange, in what could be a potential stumbling block to the move.

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      BRUY OH BRUY
      Manchester City will be without Kevin De Bruyne against Arsenal on Saturday after the midfielder failed to shake off an ankle injury.
      The Belgian has had little luck with injuries of late, having been forced out of the Champions League final before battling a fresh blow at Euro 2020.
      The ankle problem he picked up in the summer has not gone and national team boss Roberto Martinez hasn’t called De Bruyne up to his latest squad.
      And the manager ruled the 30-year-old out of City’s weekend game when confirming the decision.
      Martinez told reporters on Thursday: “Kevin is not available. He played a few minutes against Tottenham, but was sore afterwards.
      “He won’t play this weekend – and then his progress will be looked at.”
      Credit: Getty
      KANE PAIN
      Manchester City were reportedly so desperate to sign Harry Kane that they offered Tottenham a bunch of their stars to seal the deal.
      It’s believed the Prem champions tried to entice Spurs with Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva, Raheem Sterling, Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez.
      And according to The Athletic, this was one of several bids City made this summer to land the 28-year-old striker.
      The Manchester club reportedly made their final bid for Kane in June, offering £75million plus £25m in add-ons.
      City were prepared to increase their offer to £100m plus £20m in add-ons but Spurs chief Daniel Levy had slammed the negotiating door shut.
      NEW KOUNDE BID
      Chelsea are preparing a new €60million offer for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, according to Sport Italia.
      The European champions are set to raise more funds for the French defender by selling Kurt Zouma to London rivals West Ham.
      Sevilla have already rejected an offer for Kounde.
      HAAL IN
      Man Utd have reportedly decided Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland is their No1 transfer target.
      The Red Devils are on the hunt for a new striker to succeed veteran Edinson Cavani, whose contract expires next summer.
      And according to the Manchester Evening News, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and football director John Murtough have ‘mutually’ agreed on Haaland as their preferred option.
      Credit: Getty
      ADAMA DRAMA
      Tottenham’s efforts to sign Adama Traore could hit the buffers amid a reported dispute concerning details surrounding the deal.
      Spanish outlet AS claims negotiations between the clubs have hit a brick wall despite them reaching an agreement over a £40million price.
      Traore, 25, is thought to be among the players on Nuno Espirito Santos’ transfer shortlist along with Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie.
      Tottenham, who play Watford next, are thought to be keen on signing Traore on loan with an option to buy.
      But AS via Sport Witness claim the Molineux side desire a straight transfer of the player for their requested asking price.
      YOU-TURN
      Arsenal supporters loudly chanted ‘Arsenal Fan TV, get out of our club’ at the end of their League Cup victory against West Brom.
      A large section of the travelling Gunners shouted and pointed towards those involved in the controversial YouTube channel after the 6-0 win.
      Arsenal fans were in fine voice throughout the evening as they backed manager Mikel Arteta and his players in a dominant performance.
      But at the end of the game, a large section of supporters began singing: “Arsenal Fan TV, get out of our club.”
      Many of these fans were pointing in the direction of those who contribute to the divisive YouTube channel, officially known as AFTV.
      ZOUM-ING TO EAST LONDON
      Kurt Zouma will undergo a medical in Paris today before completing a £26million move from Chelsea to West Ham.
      The late problems caused by agents has been resolved and the Hammers are confident of wrapping up the deal for the French international defender by the weekend.
      A five-year deal has been agreed with the centre-back which is likely to see him become the highest paid player at West Ham as David Moyes finally gets the player he has targeted all summer.
      Zouma has been back in France this week for personal reasons, meaning he would be subjected to a ten-day quarantine on his return to the UK unless he has been doubled vaccinated against Covid-19.
      But the Hammers are relaxed about the situation because of the impending international break, with preparations already a long way down the line for Moyes for Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace.
      Credit: Getty
      MCTOMINAY UNDERGOES SURGERY
      Scott McTominay faces a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a groin problem.
      Man Utd haven’t confirmed how long the Scotland international will be out for, although he will miss the match against Wolves on Sunday.
      The club have confirmed: “Scott has undergone surgery for an ongoing groin injury that was causing significant pain when playing.
      “Having tried all other treatment options in pre-season, surgery was deemed necessary to resolve the issue.
      “We hope to have him back soon.”
      AUBA THE SLUMP
      Mikel Arteta insists it is no coincidence that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is back to his best following the return of the fans.
      Gunners captain Auba scored a Carabao Cup hat-trick to secure his team’s first win of the season.
      The manager said: “Auba is a happy character and he needs that connection with the fans so to have them back is really positive for him.
      “I said that the leadership and solutions to win matches has to come from the senior players and this was a good example.
      “This result will give us a lot of confidence but I am most pleased with the spirit and togetherness that we could share with our supporters.
      “We had some players that needed minutes and with the players we had available tonight it was best for us to have Auba up front leading the attack.”
      Credit: Getty
      SARR TO SPURS
      Pape Sarr has reportedly completed his medical ahead of a move from Metz to Tottenham.
      The 18-year-old midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2020-21, making 22 Ligue 1 appearances and picking up his first Senegal cap.
      According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Spurs will play €15million for Sarr – plus ‘huge’ add-ons – and personal terms have been agreed.
      PEP TO LEAVE CITY IN 2023
      Pep Guardiola will leave Manchester City when his contract expires in 2023, according to reports.
      According to Globo, the Spanish coach will take a break from the Premier League as he aims to win silverware at international level.
      Guardiola will have spent seven years at the Etihad if he leaves at the end of his existing deal.
      KYL DEAL
      Paris Saint-Germain reportedly want a whopping £188million for Kylian Mbappe with Real Madrid leading the race to sign the forward.
      And Sporting director Leonardo is thought to be expecting the player to stick to a pledge to not leave for free, according to French outlet Le Parisien.
      It is thought club chiefs hope Mbappe will either extend his PSG career or leave before the transfer deadline should he desire a move to pastures new.
      KANE WANTS 400K
      Harry Kane reportedly wants a new £400,000-a-week contract at Tottenham after failing to secure a move to Manchester City.
      According to The Times, the England captain is currently discussing an improved contract at Spurs.
      If Kane agrees a £400,00-a-week deal with the North London club, it will make him the Premier League’s best-paid player.
      MAN UTD LATEST
      Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has all-but-confirmed that Manchester United’s transfer business this summer is finished.
      But the coach has refused to rule out the possibility of a late arrival, cheekily saying ‘you never know in football’.
      Solskjaer told journalist Arilas Ould-Saada: “I don’t think much is going to happen. If something happens, it’s a bonus.
      “You never know what happens in the world of football. But we’ve had a very good window. I’m happy with what we’ve done.”

      EUROPEAN CITIZENS
      Manchester City will learn their Champions League group stage opponents this week, with the draw set to take place in Istanbul on Thursday.
      The worst case scenario could see City draw PSG, Ajax and AC Milan.
      The best possible scenario would see City draw Sevilla, FC Salzburg and Malmo.
      BEST OF LUCK!
      Joao Felix, Granit Xhaka and others have wished Lucas Torreira well after the Arsenal midfielder completed his loan move to Fiorentina.
      Replying to Torreira’s Instagram post confirming the transfer, ex-Gunners team-mates Xhaka and Emi Martinez both commented ‘vamos’.
      Felix, meanwhile, wrote ‘Vamo Nene’ – which translates to ‘let’s go baby’.
      Credit: ACF Fiorentina
      ED-ING TO OLD TRAFFORD?
      Manchester United have reportedly ‘accelerated’ their interest in Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga.
      According to transfer specialist Duncan Castles, United are considering a move for the teenage midfielder before the end of the window.
      Camavinga, 18, has one year left on his Rennes contract.
      United are also believed to be interested in Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, 21, but not Atletico Madrid ace Saul Niguez.
      YOUR MOVE
      Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers hopes the club are close to agreeing a new contract with Foxes FA Cup hero Youri Tielemans.
      Liverpool have an interest in Tielemans, 24 – but Rodgers is in no mood to sell to his former club and says the player is in talks to stay.
      Now Tielemans is in talks with director of football Jon Rudkin over a fresh King Power deal – worth £100,00 a week.
      Rodgers said: “Jon Rudkin is meeting with his representatives… I’d love him to re-sign here and extend his time.”
      HE’S THE RON
      Manchester City have reportedly offered Cristiano Ronaldo a two-year contract after missing out on Harry Kane.
      But rumours suggest the English champs don’t want to pay a transfer fee for the 36-year-old forward – a legend at rivals Manchester United.
      According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, City are offering to pay Ronaldo around £230,000-a-week.
      And it’s believed the English club want to keep fellow forward Gabriel Jesus – despite earlier reports suggesting a swap deal could be possible.
      FER WARNING
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has tipped Arsenal to scrape a top-half finish in the Premier League this season after their horror start.
      The Gunners suffered 2-0 defeats in their opening two matches – firstly away at Brentford and then at home to Chelsea.
      Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube channel: “I would be happy with top ten if I was you lot [Arsenal fans].
      “I think you will finish ninth. Let me look at the league table right now, you’re 19th right now.
      “Brighton would bang up Arsenal right now! Brighton would be a problem for you lot!”
      Credit: Getty
      LEAGUES APART
      Liverpool will find out their Champions League group stage opponents when the draw is made on Thursday.
      But what are the best and worst scenarios?
      A group of Bayern, Porto and AC Milan would present Jurgen Klopp’s men with a terribly daunting task so early on in the competition.
      The Merseyside club would undoubtedly prefer to see the likes of Sporting Lisbon, FC Salzburg and Malmo drawn in their group.
      BAK FOR GOOD
      AC Milan are on the verge of re-signing Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan from Chelsea, according to reports.
      The midfielder hasn’t played for the Blues competitively since May 2018, spending time on loan at Milan, Monaco and Napoli.
      And he is reportedly set to return to the former – despite having his Chelsea contract extended.
      Originally set to expire next summer, the Blues have used an option to extend the deal by another year.
      But according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, they have no intention of reintegrating the Frenchman into the first-team squad.
      Credit: Getty
      PHIL JONES LATEST
      Manchester United defender Phil Jones could still leave Old Trafford before the transfer deadline following interest from Championship club Fulham.
      According to 90min, Fulham are among a handful of Championship teams considering a move for Jones.
      The most likely scenario would be a loan – with United still paying the majority of his wages – but it could give him regular playing time.
      Jones hasn’t played competitive football for the Red Devils since January 2020, with Newcastle and Watford also thought to be keen.
      MESS-ED UP
      Lionel Messi no longer plays in one of Europe’s top-five leagues after Ligue 1 was overtaken by Portugal’s top flight.
      Messi is yet to make his debut but the move has seen him drop out of the so-called big five due to the recent changes in the Uefa coefficient system.
      The points-based rankings take into consideration the results from each team in the European countries in Uefa club competitions.
      And this week’s Champions League qualifiers have tipped the balance in the favour of the Primeira Liga.
      Benfica beat PSV on penalties on Tuesday night which was enough for Portugal to lead France by just 0.05 coefficient points on 42.217 to 42.167.
      And then on Wednesday, Monaco lost their shootout with Shakhtar Donetsk after a 2-2 draw to further hinder Ligue 1’s ranking.
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      EFL Carabao Cup 3rd round draw LIVE REACTION: Arsenal vs AFC Wimbledon, Man Utd vs West Ham, Chelsea vs Villa

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      THE PREMIER League big guns have entered the Carabao Cup at the third round and the draw has produced some cracking ties.Man Utd face a David Moyes reunion when they meet West Ham, and Chelsea take on Aston Villa.
      And it’s another case of mangers reunited when Nuno Santo’s Spurs travel to Wolves.
      While Arsenal – who thrashed West Brom 6-0 in the second round to advance – face AFC Wimbledon at the Emirates.
      The third round ties will commence the week beginning of September 20.
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      Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…
      THIRD ROUND
      Arsenal blitzed their way into the Carabao Cup third round with a 6-0 win at West Brom.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored a hat-trick in the tie in his 150th appearance for the Gunners.
      It’s AFC Wimbledon up next at the Emirates in the third round.
      Credit: Reuters
      MANAGERS REUNITED
      It’s David Moyes returning to Old Trafford when West Ham face Man Utd.
      And Nuno Santo’s back at Wolves for Spurs!
      The third round ties will commence the week beginning of September 20.

      DRAW ROUND-UP
      Here are the confirmed ties for the third round.

      A REMINDER
      The third round ties commence the week beginning of September 20.
      The pick of the ties include Man Utd vs West Ham, Chelsea vs Aston Villa and Wolves vs Tottenham.
      BRIGHTON vs SWANSEA
      WOLVES vs TOTTENHAM
      MILLWALL vs LEICESTER
      MAN CITY vs WYCOMBE
      SHEFFIELD UTD vs SOUTHAMPTON
      ARSENAL vs AFC WIMBLEDON
      BURNLEY vs ROCHDALE
      NORWICH vs LIVERPOOL
      WIGAN vs SUNDERLAND
      CHELSEA vs ASTON VILLA
      WATFORD vs STOKE
      BRENTFORD vs OLDHAM
      FULHAM vs LEEDS
      MAN UTD vs WEST HAM
      PRESTON vs CHELTENHAM
      QPR vs EVERTON
      STARTING NOW
      Kevin Phillips and Kevin Campbell are about to draw out the teams.
      Finally, here we go…
      BALL NUMBERS CONT
      For tonight’s sides making the draw it is 30 Burnley, 31 Southampton and 32 Arsenal for the draw…
      17 Preston North End 18 Queens Park Rangers 19 Rochdale 20 Sheffield United 21 Stoke 22 Sunderland 23 Swansea 24 Tottenham 25 Watford 26 West Ham 27 Wigan 28 Wolves 29 Wycombe 30 Burnley 31 Southampton 32 Arsenal
      STILL WAITING
      Don’t worry, the draw IS coming up soon.
      Well I hope anyway as I’m starting to drift off.
      The Office in the background is keeping me awake.
      REVISED BALL NUMBERS
      Those all-important ball numbers with the draw IMMINENT…

      AFC Wimbledon
      Aston Villa
      Brentford
      Brighton
      Chelsea
      Cheltenham Town
      Everton
      Fulham
      Leeds United
      Leicester City
      Liverpool
      Manchester City
      Manchester United
      Millwall
      Norwich City

      NOT LONG TO GO
      The draw for the third round is starting shortly!
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