Live Blog
FootballPremier LeagueUpdated: 23:30, 12 Jul 2023
talkSPORT.com brings you all the latest football news, views and transfer gossip.
Check out the headline stories and follow our live blog below for regular updates throughout the day.
Headlines:
EVERY PREMIER LEAGUE DONE DEAL
Aston Villa confirm signing of Pau Torres from Villarreal in deal rising to £35million as defender reunites with Unai Emery
Cardiff hopeful Aaron Ramsey will reject Saudi Arabia move to rejoin boyhood club
Liverpool to rival Brighton for Chelsea and England defender Levi Colwill
Saudi Arabia side Al Hilal make £25.5m bid for Fulham star Aleksandar Mitrovic
Declan Rice trains alone ahead of Arsenal transfer as reason for delay to announcement explained
Tottenham prepared to offer Harry Kane record £400,000-a-week deal
Romelu Lukaku pushes for Inter Milan transfer and does not want to report back for Chelsea pre-season training
See all the latest transfer and manager odds in the Premier League with talkSPORT BET
That’s it for today on talkSPORT.com’s football news blog.
We’ll be back in the morning with the latest on all the big football stories.
Everton are in talks with Manchester United over a move for Anthony Elanga, talkSPORT understands.
The Red Devils are willing to sell Sweden international Elanga this summer.
Elanga, who has been on United’s books since he was 12 years old, has made 55 appearances for the senior side.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has confirmed they will not be looking to sign a replacement for the suspended Ivan Toney this summer.
Speaking after the Bees’ draw at Boreham Wood tonight, Frank told talkSPORT: “We are always there watching to see if there’s a player that could potentially fit with what we want but we are not in a rush and we are not in a need. I’m pleased with the squad.
“There’s a lot of talk because Ivan is out, we’re not replacing him with a striker because we have Yoane Wissa, we have Kevin Schade who can play up there and we showed last season we’re definitely capable of scoring goals without him.
“But of course I’d prefer him to be there.”
Bournemouth have had a £15million bid for Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott rejected, talkSPORT understands.
The Cherries have emerged as front-runners to sign the teenage Channel Islander.
The 19-year-old, who has represented England at under-18, under-19 and under-20 level, played in 42 out of 46 Bristol City matches last season.
Joao Felix reportedly wants to join Paris Saint-Germain amid links with Aston Villa.
Spanish outlet Marca reports Felix, who spent the last season on loan at Chelsea, wants to leave Atletico Madrid as soon as possible.
The Portugal international was linked with Villa recently but the report says he’s eyeing a move to PSG.
However, the report adds that there’s been no contact from the French giants as things stand.
Southampton have announced the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Shea Charles.
Charles, who can also play at centre-back, has signed a four-year contract at St Mary’s as he joins from Manchester City.
He already has eight senior caps for Northern Ireland to his name. Charles made his Premier League debut during City’s clash at Brentford on the final day of last season.
Charles said: “I feel like the way the manager’s going to play will really suit me, and obviously some of the players that I know (from City) have done very well here last season in the Premier League, so there’s no reason why I can’t come in and do similar things.
“He (Saints boss Russell Martin) called me the other night, explaining that it will be good for me with the possession-based football that he looks to play, and I just can’t wait.
“I feel like the main thing is promotion for this club, because we belong in the Premier League. I can’t wait to start pre-season and get into the Championship games.”
Manchester United new boy Mason Mount made his debut as Erik ten Hag’s side began their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 win against Leeds in Oslo.
The 24-year-old, who made a £55million move from Chelsea last month, played the first 45 minutes and impressed in flashes during a quiet first period.
Ten Hag’s starting XI was a combination of youth and experience, with Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho joined by young prospects such as Kobbie Mainoo and Omari Forson.
Tributes were paid before kick off to former Scotland, Manchester United and Leeds defender Gordon McQueen, who died aged 70 last month following his battle with dementia.
Mount created a big opening in the 10th minute, passing in behind for Amad Diallo to tee up Hannibal Mejbri but the Tunisian was denied by a smart save from Leeds goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson.
Moments later the England midfielder was involved again, winning the ball back before attempting a delicate chip over Klaesson from 25 yards which landed on the roof of the net. The Red Devils’ goals were scored by Noam Emeram and Joe Hugill.
Cardiff remain hopeful Aaron Ramsey will reject a big-money move to Saudi Arabia to rejoin his boyhood club.
talkSPORT understands Ramsey remains in talks with the Championship side.
The 32-year-old is currently at French club Nice, who he joined last summer but has struggled got just a goal and two assists in 27 Ligue 1 appearances last term.
Jason Cundy has said on talkSPORT Drive that he ‘wants Mason Mount to fail’ at Manchester United.
The former Chelsea defender says the Red Devils have got ‘one hell of a player’ and that his Stamford Bridge exit was ‘sad’.
But he added: “As far as I’m concerned, he can flop.
“Wishing Mount success is wishing Manchester United success – and I don’t want them to succeed.”
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has REJECTED a move to Saudi Arabia club at Al-Ettifaq, according to reports.
Newly appointed manager and Anfield legend Steven Gerrard is said to have wanted the Reds skipper to join him in the Middle East, where big money is on offer for any player willing to make the move.
Henderson was said to be considering the offer.
However, journalist Ben Jacobs claims Henderson has turned down the chance to join the Saudi football revolution and is instead focused on his commitment to Liverpool.
And anyone who has seen pictures of the England star preparing for the new Premier League season can testify to that – he is RIPPED.
It’s also said Henderson feels staying on Merseyside is the best decision for his chances of being selected for England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Luton Town are close to completing the £4million signing of former Manchester United midfielder Tahith Chong.
The 23-year-old currently plays for Birmingham City, who signed Chong from United in September 2022 after he impressed during a loan spell at St Andrew’s.
He has five goals and eight assists in 61 games for the Blues, having made 16 senior appearances for Man United after progressing from their academy.
talkSPORT understands the Premier League new-boys are also in talks with Blackburn Rovers for goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski, after they missed out on signing Asmir Begovic who is set to join Queens Park Rangers on a free transfer instead.
Danny Murphy also had his say on the Paul Pogba debate and whether a Premier League team should snap him up for £8million.
Gabby Agbonlahor has said he would take him at Aston Villa, but former Liverpool star Murphy says signing Pogba is a big risk for any club due to his recent injury record.
“I personally wouldn’t [want him at his club],” Murphy told talkSPORT.
“His talent is unquestionable, some of the things he can do on the football pitch is just what I love to watch, his vision, his quality of passing, his skill set – he’s got everything and we’ve seen the best of him.
“But, for me, he would be a liability moving forward because he doesn’t seem to be able to stay on the pitch, and that is it for me.
“I certainly wouldn’t be investing a huge chunk of my club’s budget on his wages. It’s a huge risk.
“I wouldn’t be risking that much money on a player who’s never on the pitch.
“He’s struggled with injuries, mentally he’s been through the mill and there’s a debate about whether he has the motivation.”
Nottingham Forest defender Harry Toffolo has been charged with misconduct over 375 alleged breaches of the FA’s betting rules.
The charge relates to a period stretching from January 2014 to March 2017 while the now 27-year-old was a Norwich player, but also had loan spells at Swindon, Rotherham, Peterborough and Scunthorpe.
Toffolo has until Wednesday, July 19 to respond.
An FA spokesperson said: “Nottingham Forest’s Harry Toffolo has been charged with misconduct in relation to our betting rules.
“It’s alleged that the defender breached FA Rule E1(b) 375 times between 22 January 2014 and 18 March 2017. Harry Toffolo has until Wednesday 19 July 2023 to provide his response.”
Toffolo joined Premier League Forest from Huddersfield in July last year after two and a half years with the West Yorkshire club.
He made 21 senior appearances, including nine league starts, for the newly-promoted club last season as they retained their top-flight status.
Raphael Varane and Liam Cooper are both wearing ‘McQueen No.5’ shirts on their backs for the friendly in Norway.
The stars are paying tribute to Gordon McQueen, the Manchester United and Leeds legend who passed away in June.
The game started with a minute’s applause, with both the United and Leeds No.5s changing their shirts in homage to the former star.
What a class gesture!
Manchester United vs Leeds is just about to kick off at 4pm.
As well as Mason Mount’s non-competitive debut in a Red Devils shirt, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho are also in the starting XI.
Follow the game with our talkSPORT.com live blog HERE
Erik ten Hag has lifted the lid on his plans for Mason Mount in his Manchester United team.
The summer signing and new Red Devils’ No.7 is making his first start for his new club in their friendly against Leeds United in Oslo, Norway.
And while Ten Hag praised the former Chelsea star’s attacking quality, he revealed his vision for Mount as a ‘more complete’ midfielder.
Ronny ➡️ Erik
The boss has given insight into Mason Mount’s role against Leeds! 🔎#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 12, 2023
Pau Torres has gone full Azpilicueta as he bid farewell to Villarreal.
The defender has joined Aston Villa, but says he departs the Spanish club ‘full of pride’ for his journey with the club.
It comes after Cesar Azpilicueta cried for six minutes as he bid an emotional farewell to Chelsea last week.
Aston Villa have announced the signing of Pau Torres in a deal rising to £35million.
The 26-year-old defender has sealed a reunion with his former Villarreal boss Unai Emery at Villa Park.
Although not disclosed by the Premier League club, it is understood Torres has penned a five-year contract.
Torres arrives following a successful spell at Villarreal, where he lifted the Europa League in 2021 under Emery, and then helped Villarreal reach the semi-finals of the Champions League a year later.
FULL STORY
Tottenham defender Ryan Sessegnon has been left devastated by his recent hamstring injury – but has vowed to come back stronger than ever.
Spurs confirmed on Tuesday that Sessegnon had undergone surgery on his left hamstring following an injury in the first week of pre-season training under new boss Ange Postecoglou.
Left-back Sessegnon was plagued by muscle injuries last season and now faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“Devastated and not really sure what to say right now, but I wanted to come on here and say thank you for all the kind messages I’ve received,” he said on his Instagram page.
“Hopefully this provides a light at the end of the tunnel. I feel very hungry and motivated to return stronger than ever and be back doing what I do best, for you guys.”
Sessegnon made 23 appearances for Tottenham last season, but his last outing for the club occurred back in February after a hamstring injury curtained the second half of his campaign.
The ex-Fulham academy graduate was over the initial problem and returned to work at Spurs on July 1, only to suffer a reoccurrence of last season’s muscle issue.
It is expected surgery will be a ‘permanent solution’ to his hamstring troubles.
Gabby Agbonlahor says he would have Paul Pogba at Aston Villa, amid reports he could be available for a cut-price fee this summer.
Reports claim Juventus have put the former Manchester United midfielder on the market for just £8million.
And Gabby says he can still do a job in the Premier League.
“I would have him at Aston Villa, 100 per cent,” said the former Villa captain on talkSPORT.
“If he got back to the fitness we know he can get to, I think he would break into the Aston Villa side, yeah.
“He’s still got that flair, that eye for a pass, that eye for a goal – I rate Paul Pogba.
“I think he was a bit of a target for some Man Untied fans.
“But on his day he can score goals, run with the ball, pass, he can do everything.
“He can do a job in the Premier League still, and for £8m I would think many teams would be interested.”
👀 𝗚𝗔: “I’d have Pogba at Aston Villa!”
😳 𝗔𝗖: “He’d destroy what Villa are building!”
🤔 𝗚𝗔: “What about Luton?”
😠 𝗔𝗖: “Luton?! Rob Edwards should run a mile!”
Gabby & Alex lock horns over whether Paul Pogba is good enough to return to the #PL. pic.twitter.com/g65N6JQdco
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) July 12, 2023
Southend United have been given more time to clear a £275,000 tax debt.
HMRC has issued a winding-up petition against the Essex club, but a judge said at a hearing earlier this morning that the case would be reconsidered in six weeks.
A specialist court was told by Southend chairman Ron Martin that the sale of the National League club was in progress and more time was needed to complete the sale and clear the debt.
Another judge had adjourned a hearing in May after being told that the sale of the National League club was under way. The size of the debt emerged at the hearing in May.
Martin – hugely unpopular with fans – represented the Shrimpers at the hearing this morning and told the judge: “We are seeking an adjournment for 42 days to complete the sale.”
Despite the on-going financial issues, Southend – managed by club legend Kevin Maher – finished eighth last season, just missing out on a place in the National League play-offs.
Fulham have rejected a £25.5m bid for Aleksandar Mitrovic from Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal.
As reported earlier, talkSPORT understands the Serbia striker is keen to make the move to the Middle East, where he has been offered a bumper €25million-per-season [£21.3m] contract.
But Fulham have insisted their talisman is not for sale this summer.
Mitrovic’s current contract at Craven Cottage runs until 2026.
Sadio Mane has been made available for just £17million this summer, according to reports.
Bayern Munich are looking to raise funds to help sign Harry Kane from Tottenham, with a fire sale set to see several players leave.
According to Sky Germany, Bayern are hoping to raise £17m for Mane just a year after his £35m arrival from Liverpool, with Marcel Sabitzer also on the market for £12m, Benjamin Pavard for £34m and trio Bouna Sarr, Alexander Nubel and Yann Sommer rated at less than £8.5m each.
The most expensive player on their list of players allowed to leave this summer is Ryan Gravenberch, the 21-year-old Dutch midfielder linked with a move to Liverpool, who is valued at £42m.
Bayern are looking to raise the money after reportedly being told by Spurs they will only consider selling Kane for £120m this summer, despite having just one year left on his contract in north London.
A bit of extra news on the Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi Arabia news…
Serbian sources have told talkSPORT the Fulham striker has been offered a €25million-per-season [£21.3m] contract to move to the Middle East.
It is also claimed Saudi Arabia have not given up hope of luring Cottagers manager Marco Silva to the Pro League, too.
Tottenham hold a genuine interest in Conor Gallagher as new manager Ange Postecoglou looks to continue his squad revamp in north London.
The midfielder has returned to Chelsea training today ahead of the new season and is set to go on the Blues’ pre-season tour of the United States.
However, Spurs see England international Gallagher as a replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer.
Tottenham have also boosted their midfield with the signing of James Maddison, but there is likely to be an overhaul in that area of the squad this summer, with Harry Winks already sealing a move the other way to Leicester.
Tanguy Ndombele has returned from his loan at Napoli, Giovani Lo Celso is back from his loan stay at Villarreal, while Spurs also have Rodrigo Bentancur, Oliver Skipp and Pape Matar Sarr.
Gallagher is thought to be rated at £50million by Chelsea, and if the move happens it will be the first deal between the London rivals since goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini’s free transfer from Stamford Bridge to White Hart Lane in 2009.
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