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Here’s some more on today’s big transfer news: Ezri Konsa is an Arsenal player after completing his £51m move from Aston Villa. Here’s what the England centre-back had to say:

I’m super excited. It’s a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started. I want to keep winning, I’m hungry to win and that’s what I’m here for. It’s a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world.

I like to build up from the back and have a lot of the ball. It’s Mikel’s style and from what I’ve seen, the same way the defenders here play. So hopefully I can add a little bit more.

It’s good being versatile. I can do both jobs, right-back and centre-back, but for me ultimately, wherever the manager wants to put me is, I’ll always do a job and do my best.”

It’s Football Daily on the futility of pre-season predictions:

José Mourinho is back in the Real Madrid hotseat, and insists he can get Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé playing together – but it may take time.

“They are incredible players, and incredible players want to play with incredible players,” he said before the league opener at Espanyol. “Top players have frustration when they play with teammates who are not top.”

“The best want to play with the best. After the tactical adjustments, it might be a little bit more difficult … It’s harder to find the perfect set-up for all three. But here we are. I want all three of them to feel comfortable on the field together.”

There’s no way this ends well, is there? Not if the Netflix doc is anything to go by. The bit where Ronaldo is trying to chat to him in the tunnel … painful viewing.

Here’s all the live sport you can follow with us over the weekend – and a reminder that you’ve got about 10 minutes to update your fantasy football teams.

Remember the World Cup? Fifa have finally got around to punishing Argentina for their post-final behaviour, with Leandro Paredes receiving a 10-game ban. I guess there were bigger fish to fry at HQ.

More on our earlier chat about inflated prices; here’s an email from Chris Lambert. “We reached the point where failing on the pitch increased your value, when Premier League clubs realised they had to get cute about PSR.”

“We already have a system of buying clubs and selling clubs, where those with deep pockets (Spurs) pay inflated prices, and those without (Villa) hold fire sales.”

Here’s the goal in question; note the Norwich player who spots the handball from the same distance as the ref, Tim Robinson.

The Norwich head coach, Philippe Clement, says it is “madness” there is no VAR in the Championship after his side were beaten by a handball goal last weekend.

The Belgian listed 81 countries around the world that use the technology in their leagues in a press conference ahead of Saturday’s match against Millwall, in response to West Brom’s Aune Heggebo scoring last Saturday with his hand.

Heggebo has since been given a two-match ban by the FA for “successful deception of a match official” in relation to the incident, which set West Brom on their way to a 2-1 win.

“There are countries (using VAR) that never played a World Cup,” Clement said. “It’s madness for me that there’s no VAR (in the Championship).

Earlier this year, Championship clubs rejected the opportunity to bring in Football Video Support (FVS), which is similar to VAR but requires fewer resources and operates on a challenge system.

West Brom appealed Heggebo’s charge on the grounds that the ball took a deflection off the goalkeeper immediately before hitting his arm. The charge was upheld by a regulatory commission on Thursday.

“Albion remain steadfast in their support of Aune, whose character and integrity have been evident throughout his time at The Hawthorns,” West Brom said in a statement.

Thanks, Tom and hello all. You’re not listening to North Norfolk Digital, but here’s some hot Norwich news anyway …

My time’s up. To see you through to the live action later this evening is Niall McVeigh.

Johor Darul Ta’zim have set a new world record of 109 ⁠consecutive league matches unbeaten after opening the Malaysian Super League season with a 3-0 victory ⁠over Kuching City ⁠in ​the Charity Shield.

Marcos Guilherme scored in the 11th minute, while Oscar Arribas and Shahab ⁠Zahedi each found the net in the second half as Johor Darul Ta’zim picked a comfortable win at Sultan ⁠Ibrahim Stadium.

The win saw Johor Darul Ta’zim surpass the 108-match streak that Ivory ​Coast’s ASEC Mimosas compiled ‌between 1989 and 1994, ‌which the Malaysian club had matched with a 14-1 victory ‌over Kelantan The Real Warriors in their final match of last season in May.

Sam Cunningham went to Malaysia to meet former Watford boss Xisco Muñoz and learn about how he plans to lead Johor Darul Ta’zim to AFC Champions League glory. You can read feature here:

Chelsea have turned down an offer from Leeds to sign Mykhailo Mudryk on loan. The winger is available to play again after his doping ban case was resolved earlier this summer. He’s back in training and has options on the table. Brentford and Strasbourg have shown interest.

I have a few minor transfer stories to keep you across. Coventry have signed Dan Bentley from Wolves on a two-year deal to serve as a backup option for No1 keeper Carl Rushworth.

Former West Ham academy product Divine Mukasa has returned to east London on a season-long loan from Manchester City. The England under-19 international moved to Manchester in August 2023.

Dayann Methalie has joined Sunderland on a long-term deal from Toulouse. The 20-year-old left-back is the Black Cats’ second signing of the summer after fellow defender Thomas Meunier joined in July.

Shakhtar Donetsk are set to play home Champions League games at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground next season. The Ukrainians have not been able to use the Donbas Arena since 2014 when Russia annexed the Donetsk region, which has seen Shakhtar play domestic games in both Kyiv and Lviv, while their European fixtures have been hosted in Germany, Slovenia and Poland.

The switch to Stamford Bridge is subject to regulatory approvals, but Chelsea, who failed to qualify for Europe last season, hope to be able to offer Shakhtar and the club’s supporters a warm welcome in west London.

“Shakhtar have played in countries across Europe and we look forward to welcoming them to London for their Champions League campaign this year,” Chelsea said in a club statement.

“We will be working with the Shakhtar team closely over the coming weeks to ensure that matchdays run safely and smoothly for their team and supporters.”

Shakhtar welcomed the decision.

“Playing our Champions League home matches at Stamford Bridge is a special opportunity for Shakhtar. We are grateful to Chelsea Football Club for the opportunity to host our games at this special venue,” the club said.

“Stamford Bridge is one of the most famous stadiums in world football, with an incredible history and atmosphere. We are convinced that Shakhtar’s matches in London will provide unforgettable emotions for Ukrainian and English fans.” PA Media

Jose Mourinho has admitted he will not consider the first season of his second spell as Real Madrid boss a success if it ends without silverware. The 63-year-old Portuguese was appointed head coach at the Bernabeu Stadium in June, 13 years after ending his first spell in charge. His first league game of his second spell comes at Espanyol on Saturday.

Madrid finished the 2025/26 campaign, which began under Xabi Alonso and ended with Alvaro Arbeloa at the helm, without a major trophy.

Asked at his pre-match press conference what he would consider a successful season, Mourinho replied: “A successful season can be viewed in many ways. But in the end, the only pragmatic way is through results.

“A lot of work is done on many levels, growing the structure of a club, preparing the club for the next 10 years. But in the end, results are what count.

“We have four competitions – or, if we want to say it, three plus one minor competition. But finishing a Real Madrid season without trophies is not a successful season.”

Three Argentina players have been banned for their part in a brawl at the end of last month’s World Cup final against Spain and the South American nation has been fined $321,000 for displaying a Falkland Islands banner after their semi-final win over England.

The ruling stipulates that $100,000 of the Argentinian FA’s fine must be spent on anti-discrimination causes, with another $100,000 of that total suspended during a probationary period. The punishment, issued for using a sports event for demonstrations of a non sporting nature, will also see Argentina’s next two home matches played with a maximum 50% capacity.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes has been hit hardest and given a 10-match ban and a $90,000 (£66,000) fine by Fifa’s disciplinary committee, while defender Nahuel Molina was given a seven-match suspension and fined the same amount.

Thiago Almada was given a one-match ban and a $30,000 (£22,000) fine, while Argentina coach Roberto Ayala was banned for three matches and fined the same amount.

Spain’s Gavi has also been given a one-match ban and a $30,000 (£22,000) fine.

“Totally agree with you that it’s difficult to justify Tottenham’s fee for Savinho,” writes Adam Large via email. “That said, I’d be careful about comparing it to what City paid - their negotiations with Girona were…well, not exactly arm’s length, to put it mildly.”

That is a good point, I had overlooked the multi-club element. I’m just interested in when we reached the point that failing at a big club increased your value.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has admitted Ollie Watkins could be the next big-name player to leave the club this summer, while also revealing Emiliano Martinez has asked to move.

Villa have rejected four bids for Watkins from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal this week, but Emery did not deny that the England striker could follow Ezri Konsa out of Villa Park. Emery said there is an “issue” with Watkins and that he could go if the price was right.

“We have an issue with him, it’s clear. He is another player, we have had offers for him,” he said ahead of Villa’s Premier League opener at Brighton on Sunday.

“He is our player, I don’t want to sell him. It can change because if it is a good option for him, good option for the club and I can replace him in the squad.

“This is the routine we have and we did before with the players they are losing. With Ollie, he is here, and he has always been up and down in his performance.

“He is a fantastic striker, we always believe in him and we supported him and he did it. Now he is our player and there is 10 days more or less to finish the transfer window.

“We will see what happens. He is our player, I am happy with him and in case he stays with us, he is going to continue playing his level. If he is leaving it will be for the best three ways. One is him, another is the club and another is the team.”

Argentina goalkeeper Martinez has been keen on a fresh challenge for the last two summers, with Villa signing Zion Suzuki as a potential replacement.

“He transmitted to us the possibility to have another challenge in his career,” Emery added. “Not now, even last year, he was thinking in case he can have one possibility to change and he didn’t do last year, and he performed fantastic with us.

“This year again, he transmitted us the possibility to have another challenge, and we decided to sign Suzuki because I think he’s a fantastic goalkeeper in case Martinez is leaving.” PA Media

It appears as Omar Marmoush and Savinho are set to join Spurs for a combined £160m. What have they done to justify those fees? Marmoush scored a banger the season before last but last term he scored just eight goals, the majority in the cup competitions. Savinho started ten league games and fell down the pecking order. They are by most metrics ‘flops’, yet Savinho’s value has more than doubled and Marmoush is worth £15m more than City bought him for. The same applies to Liam Delap, who Chelsea are keen to move on after a dud season, with reports suggesting the Blues want at least £50m. Make it make sense.

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca said he was comfortable with his squad and that the club ⁠was prepared for further movement before the transfer window closes.

City host Bournemouth in their Premier League opener on Sunday but preparations for the new season have been hit by the exit of key ​midfielder Rodri to Barcelona. Brazilian winger Savinho and Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush look likely to join Tottenham.

Maresca said Rodri and Savinho had made clear that they wanted to leave, but described Marmoush’s position as ⁠different.

“When the player wants to leave, then it is complicated to convince them to stay,” Maresca told reporters. “It happened with Rodri and the same ‌thing is happening with Savinho. ‌Since day one he has come in and said he wanted to leave, so now we are waiting.

“Omar ‌is still here, still with us. He is different to Savinho, so we will see what happens.“

Maresca said he was working the club on potential squad additions but was not drawn on specifics. For the visit of Bournemouth, the City manager confirmed that Jeremy Doku would be missing after suffering a calf injury against Arsenal. Midfielder Matheus Nunes has returned to fitness, while the rest of the squad is available. Reuters

A lot of the youngsters look up to me. It’s a nice feeling. It shows that they respect me and they value me, which is nice. And equally so do I [respect them]. I’m kind of a person that believes everyone https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/21/aston-villa-rachel-daly-womens-super-league-england-lionessesshould have a voice in the building. If I can reflect that to the wider group, then they can feel comfortable being able to communicate.

The former England striker has been speaking to Tom Garry about retiring from the Lionesses, being a role model, and taking on Chelsea in the WSL.

Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed Micky van de Ven is Tottenham’s new captain. Dutch centre-back Van de Ven, who signed a new long-term contract earlier this month, will replace Cristian Romero after he joined Atletico Madrid last week.

Van de Ven is part of a five-player leadership group which includes Pedro Porro, Ben Davies, James Maddison and 20-year-old Archie Gray, who could wear the armband at Brentford on Saturday with Van de Ven and Porro not ready to start.

De Zerbi said: “The new captain is Micky van de Ven. The second Pedro Porro, the third Ben Davies, the fourth James Maddison and the fifth Archie Gray.

“Why five captains? Just because I want many captains inside of the pitch and to be clear in the position.

“Every one of them deserves to be captain or in the group of the captains, but personality and passion is not if you are captain or not captain.” PA Media

Afternoon all, what did I miss?

Thanks for your company, Tom Bassam is back in the chair for the next stint.

Fabian Hurzeler refused to discuss the future of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba amid links with Manchester United. The 22-year-old is reported to be a transfer target for United, but Hurzeler insisted his focus is on the Seagulls’ clash with Aston Villa before revealing Baleba is not fit for Sunday’s game.

Brighton boss Hurzeler told a press conference: “He’s a Brighton player. Like I said, I’ll never comment on any rumours that are currently in the media, it’s also something I definitely can’t control.

“A lot of things are written, I know about situations but again, in two days I have a very important game together with my team and with my staff. We want to have a good start in the Premier League season, that’s the only focus we have at the moment.”

Hurzeler was also asked about the importance of Yankuba Minteh, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool, he said: “We know in general all the players there are rumours about, they are important players for us because they’re a big part of the journey the last two years.

“In football, you have to understand, it’s normal if you’re successful as a team, if the team is doing well, they’ve had some good achievements, then an individual can shine. Then of course there will be a big ask for our players, that’s part of our identity and part of my job here.

“It was clear for everyone this might happen during a busy transfer window. We can go through every individual player, we all know how important these kinds of players are for me, but we also know that good achievements, big achievements, especially in the Premier League, you create offers, you create a lot of attention.” PA Media

I am one of life’s great curmudgeons, refusing to partake in anything fun nor watch popular programmes. After years of complaining about Fantasy Football, I have felt the need to see if it adds anything to my life.

Denmark’s football association (DBU) has vowed to find a credible alternative to Fifa President Gianni Infantino in next year’s election, declaring ⁠on Friday that it had lost confidence in the head of world soccer’s governing body.

The DBU said Infantino’s aborted proposal to sell commercial stakes in ⁠Fifa tournaments, including the ⁠World Cup, ​had created “a fundamental crisis of confidence in Fifa’s leadership” that could not be repaired by withdrawals or apologies.

The DBU said it did not support ⁠Infantino in the 2023 presidential election and would not do so at the next election, which will take place at the 77th Fifa Congress in Rabat, Morocco, ⁠on March 18.

“We are pleased that several federations are now withdrawing their support,” the DBU said in ​a statement after a board meeting. “DBU, together with ‌Uefa and our international colleagues, ‌will work to ensure that the member associations in the presidential election in 2027 have a ‌real choice and a credible alternative that can unite Fifa across confederations and rebuild the trust that has been broken.” Reuters

Gareth Southgate is not stressed about the new season. The former England head coach is at the cricket in Leeds.

Friend of the show Steven Pye has been in touch re Arsenal v Coventry back in 1993.

”Arsenal were 5/1 second favourites to win the title, but a Mick Quinn hat-trick stunned the majority inside Highbury (including me, sat inside the far from complete new North Bank).

”It’s quite interesting to note the fat-shaming of Quinn in most match reports, and the fact that he openly admitted to placing a £50 bet on himself to be Premier League top scorer at 50/1.”

Giovanni Cafagna writes: “I was moved reading about Karl Gibbons excitement of taking his son to his first match. I still remember when my dad in the remote year 1978 took me, nine years old, to San Siro for the the first time. I never forget the joy of being there with my dad watching teenager Franco Baresi in his debut year. As an avid collector of Panini stickers he was one of my heroes. After so many years, and with my dad gone to support Milan from heaven, the memory of being with him, still brings tears. Don’t you worry Karl.”

Crystal Palace have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign Axel Disasi on loan and are expecting further interest in some of their key players in the final week of the transfer window, having informed Manchester City that Adam Wharton is not for sale.

Reviving United amid the chaos of Amorim’s departure and finishing third last year was a fine effort by Carrick. Yet when he took over, the team were already out of both domestic cups and not in Europe. That left 17 games for the then caretaker to navigate. Now Carrick has a full programme of Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup fixture before him: a litmus test of his side, as well as of the 45-year-old.

A squad with the requisite depth of quality is beginning to form. If Baleba is added alongside a left-back – Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly remain on the radar – by 1 September, then Carrick will have been bolstered by four new major transfers. There remains question marks regarding the centre-back unit but ultimately the manager can have no excuses.

If you want some live sport, get on the OBO for England v Pakistan. The hosts are very much on top.

“Whilst not my team, I am going to see Brentford tomorrow for my first visit to the Gtech “Community” Stadium,” writes Karl Gibbons. “However, more exciting is that it will be six-year-old son’s first ever game live. He is mildly excited, whereas I am very excited. Any suggestions advice to keep him engaged or what to do near the stadium would be greatly appreciated!”

I’ve not been to the Gtech, so can’t offer specifics, maybe others can.

Maybe I can push this again two years on for my experience of taking my daughter to her first match.

Former West Ham academy product Divine Mukasa has returned to East London after joining the Hammers on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

The England under-19 international, who turns 19 on Saturday, was born in Newnham and joined West Ham’s academy at the age of six, spending 10 years there.

He has appeared six times for City’s first team, including twice in the Premier League, since moving to Manchester in August 2023.

Mukasa spent the second half of last season on loan with Leicester, and becomes West Ham’s sixth signing of the summer. PA Media

Will you get to visit a new ground following your team this season? If so, let us know which stadium you are most excited to see.

Tomorrow will be my first visit to the MKM Stadium.

Fill your boots with all 20 Premier League previews. Ipswich and Nottingham Forest are the best, in my opinion.

What are our writers predicting for this season? Check out the video.

The Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is close to completing his £30m move to Internazionale after undergoing a medical with the Italian club.