Estevao’s future at Chelsea has come under scrutiny after reports claimed the Brazilian winger is worried about his limited opportunities under manager Xabi Alonso, with Liverpool potentially considering a move in January.

The 19-year-old has struggled to establish himself in Alonso’s plans at the beginning of the season and was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s 4-3 Premier League victory against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

He has made cameo appearances against Luton Town and Fulham in Chelsea’s opening fixtures, but Alonso has so far been unable to give him an extended run in the side. Pedro Neto, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Valentin Barco have all been selected ahead of him.

ESPN Brasil reports that Estevao has told people close to him that he fears he will not receive significant playing time under Alonso this season while he continues to be used primarily as a substitute.

The situation has reportedly revived Liverpool’s interest in the forward. The Reds were said to have contacted Chelsea during the summer, when they were expected to lose Cody Gakpo to Manchester City.

Liverpool were reportedly "weighing up" whether to make an offer on deadline day in an attempt to test Chelsea’s firm stance over Estevao, although no transfer materialised.

However, reports of the winger’s frustration could encourage Liverpool to return with a bid in January. The club may view Estevao as a possible replacement for Gakpo, whose future remains uncertain.

Estevao joined Chelsea in a deal worth £52m and has scored eight goals in 38 appearances for the club. Despite his current lack of regular starts, he is competing for places with a group of high-level attacking players at Stamford Bridge.

At another leading club, his performances could potentially have led to consideration of a loan move, but Chelsea’s depth in attacking positions has restricted his involvement so far.

His progress was also disrupted at the end of last season when he suffered a severe hamstring injury. The problem ruled him out of the final stages of the campaign, including the World Cup.

Chelsea’s position was described as firm during the summer, preventing Liverpool from completing a deal despite their reported interest. Any January approach would therefore depend on whether the London club’s stance changes and whether Estevao’s concerns over his role become more pronounced.

For now, Estevao remains a Chelsea player, but his lack of opportunities under Alonso has created uncertainty around his longer-term prospects. Liverpool’s interest, initially linked to Gakpo’s anticipated departure, could become more concrete if the Brazilian continues to find himself behind several established attacking options.

Mika Godts says he feels no additional pressure after completing a €55m move from Ajax to Paris Saint-Germain, insisting he has joined the French champions to improve and play wherever manager Luis Enrique chooses.

The 20-year-old Belgium winger moved to the two-time Champions League winners on 15 August after attracting interest from leading European clubs with 30 goal contributions in the Eredivisie last season.

Speaking to Flashscore’s Julie Marchetti during Paris Saint-Germain’s media day on Thursday, Godts said he had quickly settled into life at his new club and was pleased with how his opening days had gone.

"I'm really happy to be at Paris Saint-Germain. The last few days have gone well with playing my first two games," Godts told Flashscore's Julie Marchetti.

Godts made his debut for Paris Saint-Germain one week after joining from Ajax, featuring for 45 minutes in the match against Stade Rennais. He then appeared as a substitute for 27 minutes against Lille, providing an assist during the French champions’ dramatic 2-2 draw.

The Belgian said he had not required much persuasion from technical director Luis Campos before deciding to move to Paris. Campos spoke to him in Porto about the club and its sporting project, but did not offer any specific guarantees.

"He didn't promise me anything. He talked to me a lot about the club, the coach, and all that. I'm very grateful to him."

Godts also held discussions with Luis Enrique, which helped him understand the manager’s approach and what would be expected of him at Paris Saint-Germain.

"He didn't say much. I was already convinced. He just talked a bit about his way of working and how we could do it together. After that, it was easy for me."

The transfer represents a significant step for a player who made his professional debut for Ajax in 2023. However, Godts said he was not viewing the move as a source of additional pressure, despite leaving the club where he had established himself and been named last season’s Eredivisie MVP.

"I came because it's a big club and I just want to learn a lot and play. There's no extra pressure for me. I'm calm. I came here to play and to learn."

Godts is also comfortable operating in several attacking positions. Rather than demanding a particular role, he said he was prepared to adapt to the manager’s plans.

"I can play anywhere. So on the right, as a number 9, as a number 10, on the left. I just want to play, so it's up to the coach."

His next opportunity could come at Parc des Princes, where Paris Saint-Germain are due to host Monaco in Paris on Friday, 4 September. That match would give Godts the chance to make his home debut for the club after his first two appearances came away from the stadium.

Mathys De Carvalho is expected to leave Olympique Lyon and join Saudi Arabian club Al-Diriyah, in a move that would see the 21-year-old midfielder become the latest player to depart the French side during the summer.

De Carvalho has attracted interest from a number of clubs in Saudi Arabia and Portugal, but reports say he has been persuaded by the project and ambitions outlined by Al-Diriyah coach Bruno Lage.

According to L’Equipe, De Carvalho will join a squad that already includes former Ligue 1 players Chancel Mbemba, Idrissa Gueye and Enzo Millot. Al-Diriyah have recently won promotion and are preparing for life at their new level of competition.

Lyon are expected to receive about €1m for De Carvalho, with the deal also including bonuses. The player is due to sign a contract running until 2029 once he arrives in Saudi Arabia.

The proposed transfer brings an end to De Carvalho’s time with Lyon after a brief senior career at the club. He was promoted to the professional squad by Paulo Fonseca and has made 22 appearances for the first team.

The Portugal Under-20 international has registered one assist during those outings. His move to Al-Diriyah would give him the opportunity to continue his development in Saudi Arabia, while providing Lyon with another departure as they work to reshape their squad.

De Carvalho’s exit would be Lyon’s 12th departure of the summer. The club are continuing to reduce the size of their squad and lower their wage bill, with the midfielder’s transfer contributing to those efforts.

Although several Saudi Arabian and Portuguese clubs had shown an interest in the player, the reported influence of Lage and the vision for Al-Diriyah’s project appear to have played a decisive role in his choice.

The move remains subject to De Carvalho completing his arrival in Saudi Arabia and finalising the contract expected to keep him at Al-Diriyah until 2029. If completed, he will join Mbemba, Gueye and Millot as part of the newly promoted club’s group of players with experience of Ligue 1.

For Lyon, the transfer represents the latest step in a summer of significant squad reduction. For Al-Diriyah, it would add a young Portugal international who has already gained first-team experience at one of France’s established clubs.

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has been cleared by a Spanish court over allegations that he distributed an explicit video involving a minor, hours after Jose Mourinho criticised the player for an unrelated drink-driving conviction.

A court in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, said on Thursday that “no offence” had been committed by the 23-year-old after the two complainants withdrew their charges. Asencio had previously apologised to the women involved.

The case centred on allegations dating back to 2025, when Asencio and three former Real Madrid academy team-mates were accused of involvement in the recording and unauthorised distribution of sexually explicit videos involving two young women aged 16 and 18.

Asencio was not present when the incidents took place. He was accused instead of sharing the videos with a third party.

The other three players – Ferran Ruiz, Juan Rodriguez and Andres Garcia – were acquitted of distributing intimate footage without consent. However, they each received a one-year suspended prison sentence for “child pornography” and were ordered to attend a sexual “re-education” course.

The drink-driving case involving Asencio also took place in Gran Canaria. He was found to have been driving at more than three times the legal alcohol limit on 16 August.

A court in San Bartolome de Tirajana, a village in Gran Canaria, convicted him and imposed a fine of €14,400. His driving licence was also suspended for eight months.

Mourinho, speaking after the drink-driving conviction, praised Asencio’s attitude in training but said the player had damaged the reputation of Real Madrid.

“He's a model professional. When he was fit, no one trained as hard as him,” Mourinho said.

“Now that he's been injured for a few weeks, he's the first to arrive and the last to leave.

“But a Real Madrid player remains so 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 12 months a year.

“Everything you do outside the pitch represents Real Madrid and could affect the club's prestige.

“I'm not happy. Everyone makes mistakes, but when they pile up, it's not the same.”

Mourinho said Asencio faced disciplinary action from the club in relation to the drink-driving offence, although he also emphasised the player’s professional commitment.

Asencio suffered a hamstring injury in July and has not yet been included in a matchday squad by his new coach. Before that setback, he had featured regularly for Real Madrid during the previous two seasons.

The court ruling removes the criminal case relating to the alleged distribution of the video, but it follows the separate drink-driving conviction and Mourinho’s public expression of concern about the effect of the incidents on Real Madrid’s standing.

Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram has undergone surgery on his right knee and is expected to be unavailable for at least four months, according to reports in Italy. The club confirmed the operation on Thursday, with Italian media suggesting the France international will not return until next year.

Thuram has been sidelined since the end of last season because of degeneration of the cartilage in his kneecap. The 25-year-old had already missed the start of Juventus’ new Serie A campaign before undergoing the procedure.

Reports by Gazzetta dello Sport and Sky Italia said Thuram faces a minimum absence of four months. That would keep him out for a substantial part of the season, although neither the club announcement nor the reports specified an exact date for his return.

The midfielder joined Juventus from Ligue 1 side Nice and has scored six goals in 70 Serie A appearances for the Turin club across his two seasons there. His latest injury represents a significant setback for a player who has become part of Juventus’ midfield options since moving to Italy.

Thuram is the younger brother of Inter winger Marcus Thuram and the son of former France defender Lilian Thuram. The family connection has made him a familiar name in European football, but his Juventus career has now been interrupted by a persistent knee problem.

The development comes as Juventus have made a positive start to the new Serie A season. They have won their opening two matches, despite finishing sixth in Italy’s top flight last term and consequently missing out on qualification for the Champions League.

Thuram’s absence will therefore be felt as Juventus attempt to build on that early league form. However, the club’s immediate priority will be his recovery after surgery, with the player not expected to feature again for at least four months.

Juventus have not provided a more detailed timetable beyond confirming the operation on the right knee. Italian reports indicate that the midfielder’s rehabilitation is likely to extend into next year.

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique says Bradley Barcola’s transfer to Liverpool was beneficial for everyone involved, despite the winger’s departure leaving the European champions without one of their most important players from the past two seasons.

“Everyone is a winner,” Luis Enrique told reporters on Thursday, a day before PSG host Monaco in Ligue 1.

Barcola joined Liverpool in a high-profile deal worth an initial €125m (£107m, $145m), with a further €20m available in bonuses. The 24-year-old had not played for PSG at the beginning of the new campaign and wanted a greater role elsewhere.

“He wanted to leave because he wanted to have more importance in the team. And that is something that you have to earn in training. I can't guarantee that to any player.

“He has been a very important player for us, and he is an incredible person. He was liked by his teammates. He still had two years left on his contract, but he decided to leave, and I wish him all the best. We have to accept it.”

Barcola scored 13 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions last season as PSG successfully defended both their UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 titles. He also appeared in every match played by France at the World Cup.

However, his position in Luis Enrique’s starting line-up was not guaranteed, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also competing for a place on the wing.

PSG have responded to Barcola’s departure by signing three attacking players for a combined fee of about €150m. Spain World Cup final hero Ferran Torres has arrived from Barcelona, while Maghnes Akliouche has moved from Monaco and Mika Godts has joined from Ajax.

“I am happy with the three players we have brought in up front. We must not make comparisons. We will see what happens, but I am happy with the transfer window,” said Luis Enrique.

The former Barcelona and Spain manager has also overseen the departures of Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos, who has joined AC Milan, and Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who has moved to Aston Villa.

Luis Enrique stressed that the newcomers would need “time to adapt” as PSG attempt to find their rhythm domestically. They have drawn their opening two Ligue 1 fixtures against Rennes and Lille.

That uncertain start followed defeat by Lens in the French Champions Trophy. PSG had previously claimed the UEFA Super Cup by beating Aston Villa.

The Paris club will begin their defence of the Champions League at home to Slovan Bratislava next Wednesday. They are seeking a third consecutive triumph in Europe’s leading club competition.

“Our objectives are clear. I have said it many times. I want to win the most important trophies, and there is none bigger than the Champions League,” added Luis Enrique, who is entering his fourth season in charge of PSG.

The match against Monaco comes as the club continues to reshape its attack following Barcola’s move to Liverpool, with Luis Enrique confident the changes can eventually strengthen his squad rather than weaken it.

Follow PSG’s clash against Monaco with Flashscore.

Lautaro Martinez has confirmed Barcelona made an approach for him during the summer transfer window, but the Argentina forward decided to remain with Inter because he is happy at the club and wants to continue pursuing major honours at San Siro.

Barcelona were looking for attacking reinforcements after Robert Lewandowski left the club this summer. They subsequently signed Gabriel Jesus before the transfer window closed, but Martinez revealed that discussions over a possible move had taken place in recent months.

"When these offers and calls come in, it is always a pleasure, because you work to stay at the top. The rumours were true, but I am very clear about my ideas: I wanted to stay here with my teammates and with these magnificent fans," Martinez told Sky Italia.

The 28-year-old has made 378 appearances for Inter since joining from Racing Club in 2018, scoring 175 goals. That record makes him the third-highest scorer in the club's history, behind Giuseppe Meazza on 284 goals and Alessandro Altobelli on 209.

Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, scored 17 goals and provided six assists for the Italian champions last season. His form once again attracted interest from leading clubs across Europe, including Barcelona.

Despite that attention, Martinez said he had no intention of forcing a move away from Inter and expressed his willingness to remain at the club for as long as he is wanted.

"I would stay forever and, as long as they want me, I will stay here. But in this job we already know how it is: when you are no longer useful, they throw you out.

"Inter means everything to me: pride, happiness, and the desire to keep moving forward. I have chosen to stay here again, I want to do great things at Inter.

"I never imagined reaching this point in my career with Inter, achieving all my goals. This motivates me to keep moving forward; it's my mentality. I try to give my all in every training session."

Martinez has enjoyed a successful spell in Italy since arriving from Racing Club, developing into one of Inter's most important players and one of the club's most prolific goalscorers.

He acknowledged that football can change quickly, but said his current situation had made staying the clear choice.

"In football, you never know what is going to happen, but today I have a contract and I am happy. I decided to stay because I feel good and I want to achieve great things at Inter."

Martinez will lead Inter's attack when they face Napoli at San Siro on Saturday evening. Barcelona are expected to continue monitoring the forward, even though his latest comments underline his desire to remain with the Italian club.

Luka Modric says he intends to return to Real Madrid one day, but only if he can make a meaningful contribution to the club.

The Croatia midfielder ended his 13-year association with Real Madrid in the summer of 2025, leaving at the age of 39 when his contract expired. During his time in the Spanish capital, Modric established himself as one of the club’s greatest players and departed with legendary status.

Now 40 and due to turn 41 next week, Modric is continuing his career at AC Milan. He is aiming to help the Italian side challenge for the league title under manager Ruben Amorim.

In an interview with Marca, Modric was asked about Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho and whether he could imagine returning to the Spanish capital during the later stages of his career.

“Wherever he is, I always wish him the best. When I was in other teams, I always followed him and I was always happy when I had good results. I think the club has made a lot of success with his signing, with his arrival, because he is a winner, a great winner, and he knows the house. Know what it takes to win. And I hope they have a successful season with him. It’s something I always wish for Madrid and for him above all.”

Modric then made clear that he would welcome the opportunity to work for Real Madrid again, although he stressed that any return would need to have a clear purpose.

“Hopefully. I would like to. If I’m honest, I don’t have to hide it. Madrid is my home and of course one day I would like to return. But we are going to see how and in what role, if that happens. I don’t want to come back just to come back and be there for the sake of being there. I’m not like that. I want to be useful, I want to help Madrid. Not being there and not knowing why I am.

“As Mourinho said recently, we have to work for Real Madrid, to help them in any way, to make them bigger and bigger. Only then would I like to return. But let’s see. It’s my home, I’m a Madridista now and I always will be. If I’m honest, of course I’d like to. But let’s see what life brings you, you never know. My intention is to go back to Madrid and live there, but then you know how things happen. You can never say anything for sure. But hopefully, hopefully it will happen.”

Modric, who won the Ballon d’Or during his Real Madrid career, said he believes he could have “one more” season left before retiring from professional football.

Any eventual return to Real Madrid would therefore be more likely to involve a position away from the pitch. Modric hopes his experience could help support the club’s next generation of players, while also contributing to the continued success of the side he considers home.

Jamie Carragher says Arsenal may now need one of the world’s elite attackers to improve a squad that is already among the strongest in the Premier League.

The former Liverpool defender believes the league champions are missing a “gamechanger” capable of deciding important matches, despite their considerable strength in other areas of the team.

Arsenal were linked with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez during the summer. However, neither transfer was completed, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side without the kind of headline addition Carragher feels could have significantly improved their chances of retaining the title.

“They needed someone to be a gamechanger. They tried to get Vinicius Junior, they tried to get Alvarez - that's the calibre of players.

“It's very hard to improve Arsenal now because they are such a good team, such a strong squad. So you're talking about a world class player as the only one that can improve them.”

The Gunners strengthened in several positions during the summer, bringing in Bruno Guimaraes, Piero Hincapie, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier as they attempted to build a squad capable of defending their Premier League crown.

But they also allowed a number of attacking players to leave. Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus were among those sold, prompting concern from Arsenal supporters about whether the team has enough firepower to challenge at the top of the table.

Carragher said Arsenal do possess quality in the striker position, and expressed particular appreciation for Kai Havertz, while suggesting Viktor Gyokeres has broadly performed as expected since arriving.

“They have got really good strikers. I like Kai Havertz and I think Mikel Arteta likes him, as well.

“(Viktor Gyokeres) has been what most people felt he would be when he came -- not quite elite but he can still score goals in certain games.' Gyokeres has made just a single appearance so far this campaign and is yet to open his account.

Arsenal’s defensive unit is regarded as possibly the strongest in the world, according to the assessment in the discussion surrounding the team. The concerns instead centre on their attack, particularly after the departures of several forwards.

Carragher’s view is that Arsenal’s overall quality makes further improvement difficult. Rather than needing another squad player, he believes they would require a truly world-class footballer to make a meaningful difference.

With moves for Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez failing to materialise, Arsenal must now attempt to challenge for the title with the group assembled during the summer. Their defensive strength remains a major asset, but the lack of an attacking player capable of changing matches could harm their prospects of going all the way this season.

Thierry Henry believes Liverpool must create one-on-one opportunities for new signing Bradley Barcola and avoid asking the France forward to spend too much time defending if they are to get the best from him.

Liverpool completed the signing of Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain this summer in a deal worth up to $123m, making him the club’s second-biggest signing behind Alexander Isak.

The 24-year-old has agreed a five-year contract at Anfield and is expected to play an important role for manager Andoni Iraola as he attempts to restore an attacking identity to Liverpool.

Barcola could make his debut against Ipswich Town on Friday night. Before that fixture, former France forward Henry outlined the conditions he believes would allow the winger to have the greatest impact.

“A big thing about Barcola is it depends how you're going to play. Are you going to be able to put him in one-vs-one situations?” Henry asked.

Barcola is known for his acceleration and ability to carry the ball at speed, and Henry feels those qualities could be particularly valuable if Liverpool adopt a counter-attacking approach.

“What you have also is, if you want to play on the counter, he's fast as hell. But are you going to make him defend way more than he's going to attack? That may not be something he's very suitable for.

“The last thing I would say is he needs to finish a tiny bit better,” Henry added. “If he does that, a lot of teams will be in trouble with him.”

Barcola arrives at Liverpool after winning Ligue 1 three times and the Champions League twice. He scored 11 league goals in 29 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain last season, while his 2024-25 campaign produced 14 goals and 10 assists.

His arrival is part of a wider recruitment drive at Anfield. Victor Munoz and Ronald Araujo have also joined Liverpool, while Jeremy Jacquet arrived after being signed in January.

Barcola’s first appearance could come only days after completing his move, with Ipswich Town providing the opposition on Friday. The match will offer an early indication of how Iraola intends to use the forward and whether he is prepared to hand him an immediate introduction.

Henry’s assessment places particular emphasis on Liverpool giving Barcola freedom in advanced areas rather than expecting him to perform a defensive role for long periods. The former France captain also identified improved finishing as the main part of the winger’s game that still needs refining.

If Barcola can combine his pace and one-on-one ability with greater efficiency in front of goal, Henry believes opposition defences could face a difficult season against Liverpool’s new attacking option.

Manchester United should move away from Old Trafford and build a new stadium if the club is to have one of the best grounds in England, according to former midfielder Nicky Butt.

United are continuing to explore ways to finance a proposed 100,000-capacity arena, with the project expected to cost more than £2bn. The planned stadium would be built on land recently bought from Indurent, approximately 350 metres from Old Trafford.

The proposed development is intended to respect the history and traditions of Manchester United’s existing home, while creating what the club hopes will become one of the finest stadiums in the world.

Butt, who made more than 380 appearances for United and was part of the club’s successful youth system, believes the time has come for the club to leave Old Trafford behind. The stadium has faced repeated criticism in recent years over its deteriorating roof and poor seating.

Speaking to Midnite, Butt said the club could not allow nostalgia to prevent it from moving forward.

“You look atArsenal. You look at all these top clubs. You look at all these beautiful stadiums around now. You have to do that. It's nostalgia will be like ‘Oh, it's not great, it's not Old Trafford at all’. But if you don't do that, the older the stadium just gets older and older and older. It ends up becoming everyone wants to forget about how good how big that stadium used to be, how great it used to be. It's just what happens with football.

“You've got to move on. I think the problem with it is when you start renaming the stadium and naming rights, that's when people start seeing the bad side a little bit, which will happen. It's a all part of it, but Old Trafford will always be Old Trafford.

“There's no point trying to stick there and stay there with it. It isn't. It isn't the best stadium in the world. It's not even the best stadium in the country. And United being the club that they are, they should have the best stadium, or at least one of the best stadiums in the country. And I think that will happen if they move, and it's going to have to move purely fast if not doable in the same footprint.”

Manchester United’s plans form part of the wider Trafford Wharfside project, which the club hopes will create 48,000 jobs and 15,000 new homes. The scheme is also projected to increase the regional economy by £7.3bn.

The proposed move would represent a major change for a club that has played at Old Trafford since 1910. The stadium remains closely associated with Manchester United’s history, but its condition has increasingly become a subject of debate.

Butt said that remaining at the current ground simply because of its status would not be enough, arguing that Manchester United’s standing in football demanded a modern venue capable of matching its ambitions.

The club is expected to provide more information about the stadium proposals later this year, as it continues to seek funding for the ambitious project.

Liverpool travel to Portman Road on Friday night hoping to end their winless Premier League run, with new signing Bradley Barcola expected to make his debut against Ipswich Town.

The Reds have taken only two points from their opening two matches under manager Andoni Iraola, drawing 2-2 with Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest. Their difficult start means Iraola is still searching for his first three points in charge.

Liverpool go into the match as clear favourites, having won both meetings with Ipswich during the 2024/25 season. Their most recent meeting ended in a 4-1 victory for Liverpool.

The fixture will also provide the first opportunity for Barcola to appear in a Liverpool shirt. The club announced the £123m signing of the Paris Saint-Germain winger only days before the trip to Portman Road, and he is likely to be involved on Friday, giving the travelling supporters a major source of excitement.

Liverpool have no suspended players, but Iraola must cope with a lengthy injury list. Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Joseph Gomez, Federico Chiesa, Vitezslav Jaros, Stefan Bajcetic and Giovanni Leoni are all ruled out.

Ipswich will also be without three players because of injury. Azor Matusiwa, Jack Taylor and Jaden Philogene-Bidace are unavailable for the hosts.

Ipswich began the season with a victory over Sunderland but then suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat away to Manchester United. It has been an inconsistent return to the Premier League for a side that finished second in the Championship last season.

Further information on both squads is expected from Thursday’s news conferences, when Iraola and Ipswich manager will speak ahead of the game.

The confirmed line-ups are:

Ipswich Town: Scherpen; O'Shea, Diop, Greaves, Davis; Nunez, Lukic; Fatawu, Enciso, Maeda; Emersonn.

Liverpool: Alisson; Frimpong, Jacquet, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Gakpo, Wirtz, Munoz; Isak.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:00 UK time on Friday at Portman Road.

Liverpool have not won any of their past five Premier League matches, taking into account the end of last season and the opening games of the current campaign. Their recent sequence is draw, draw, loss, draw, draw.

Ipswich’s overall record against Liverpool is poor. In 63 previous meetings, Ipswich have won 13 times, Liverpool have recorded 30 victories and the remaining 20 matches have ended in draws.

Jadon Sancho is reportedly close to joining Brazilian giants Palmeiras after becoming a free agent following the expiry of his Manchester United contract.

The 26-year-old winger is understood to be preparing to sign a two-year deal with the Brazilian club, with Palmeiras also holding an option to extend the agreement by a further 12 months if his time there proves successful.

The proposed move would represent a surprise next step in Sancho’s career, with the former England international set to leave European football for Brazil after a difficult spell at Manchester United.

Sancho joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund in July 2021 in a deal reported to be worth £73m. However, he struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford and scored 12 goals in 83 appearances for the club.

His five-year stay ended without him securing a regular place in the team. During that period, Sancho spent three separate spells away from Manchester United on loan.

He initially returned to Borussia Dortmund before moving to Chelsea. His most recent loan spell was at Aston Villa, where he spent the final stage of his Manchester United career.

Sancho has been without a club since his Manchester United contract expired earlier in the summer. That brought to an end a disappointing period for a player who had arrived at Old Trafford with a major reputation after his performances in Germany.

According to journalist Alfonso Partidor, Palmeiras are now on the verge of completing a deal for the winger. The reported contract would give Sancho the chance to rebuild his career in Brazil, while also allowing Palmeiras to retain him beyond the initial two-year period if the arrangement is successful.

Sancho began his senior career at Manchester City before moving to Borussia Dortmund, where he developed into one of Europe’s most highly rated young attackers. His form in Germany led Manchester United to make him one of their major signings in 2021.

The move to Old Trafford did not produce the expected results, however. Sancho was unable to match the impact he had made at Borussia Dortmund and ultimately found himself moving between clubs on loan.

Now, with his Manchester United contract ended, Palmeiras have emerged as his reported destination. If the agreement is completed, Sancho will begin a new chapter with one of Brazil’s leading clubs and take on a fresh challenge outside the European game.

The proposed deal includes the possibility of a third season, but that extension would depend on how successful his first two years at Palmeiras are.

Monaco chief executive Thiago Scuro has defended the club’s conduct after deadline-day moves for Lamine Camara and Folarin Balogun both collapsed, saying Monaco were unfairly portrayed as “the bad guys in the room”.

The Ligue 1 club had been involved in two separate deals as the summer transfer window closed. Balogun was expected to join Everton, while Chelsea attempted to sign Camara after selling Enzo Fernandez.

Neither transfer was completed, leaving Monaco with two players who had appeared close to departing and prompting criticism of the club’s handling of the negotiations.

Scuro said Monaco had been under financial pressure to generate income because of regulations, but insisted their priority had always been to retain Camara. He added that the club was willing to consider selling Balogun.

"We needed to generate money, pushed by the regulations. We had two topics in mind (selling Lamine Camara or Flo Balogun). We made clear that our priority was to keep Lamine at the club. We were open to the transfer for Balogun.

"During the day, we had a clear agreement for Balogun to go to Everton. Balogun flew yesterday morning to go for his medical and sign a contract. Our plan worked very well in this moment..."

According to Scuro, Chelsea initially continued to explore whether Monaco might change their position on Camara after completing the sale of Enzo Fernandez.

"This was the situation until mid-afternoon. What happened is that Chelsea was always testing and trying. 'What about Lamine? What about Lamine?'

"Around 1600 yesterday, we got a contact from Chelsea. Okay, we sold a player in this position (Enzo Fernandez). Deal done. Is there any possibility that Monaco is open to selling Lamine? The answer was the same. No."

While Balogun was undergoing his medical in Liverpool, Everton raised concerns about the striker’s medical condition. Scuro said those concerns were considered unfounded by both Monaco’s medical team and the player’s own advisers.

"Balogun was in Liverpool undergoing his medical. Everything was going pretty well. Around 1900, we were contacted by Everton raising questions about Balogun’s medical which, for our medical staff, as well as for the player’s personal medical staff, made no sense at all."

Scuro said Chelsea then saw an opportunity to revive talks over Camara, believing Monaco might need to sell because the Everton deal for Balogun appeared to be in difficulty.

He said negotiations began at about 20:00 and that he personally spoke to Camara about the terms of a possible move to Chelsea, while discussions over Balogun’s medical continued.

However, Everton later confirmed they were ready to proceed with the Balogun transfer. Monaco therefore ended their discussions with Chelsea over Camara, according to Scuro.

"Because of this we become the bad guys in the room. People say 'Monaco is not fair, Monaco is not right.' It's too much."

Scuro said the Balogun deal then had only five minutes remaining when the paperwork was completed by Monaco and Everton. The transfer ultimately failed because the player chose not to sign the contract.

"And what happened was that around 2200, Everton realised that, 'OK, there is no problem'. We are ready to do it. Let’s sign the contract. As soon as we got the information, we came back to Chelsea and thought, 'OK, we have our deal there (with Everton). There is no deal on (with Chelsea).' It’s also fair to do this. It’s also part of the game.

"Then with Balogun, we had five minutes to spare (to finalise the deal). I signed the contract. Everton signed the contract. At the last moment, the player decided not to sign."

Scuro said Balogun felt uncomfortable committing to a long-term contract after the way he believed the club had treated him and after Everton’s medical department raised concerns about his health.

"Balogun’s allegation is, 'I’m not feeling well because of the way the club treated me. I’m not feeling well because Everton’s medical department raised doubts about my future or my health. I have nothing (no medical issues), so I’m not comfortable signing a long contract here'. And that’s how we finished our transfer window."

The United States international had been expected to complete a £40m move to Everton, replacing Iliman Ndiaye, who joined Manchester City.

Scuro said he did not want to create conflict with either Chelsea or Everton, but remained confident Camara would attract stronger proposals in future.

"I don’t want to create war with Chelsea, I don’t want to create war with Everton" but he said Camara "will have better options and offers than the one he had yesterday".

Arsenal turned down the opportunity to sign Malick Fofana this summer after manager Mikel Arteta raised concerns about whether the young winger could cope with the physical demands of the Premier League.

Lyon were prepared to sell Fofana to Arsenal for a fee of about €40m, but the proposed move did not progress. According to The Athletic, the French club offered the Gunners the chance to sign the 21-year-old after Sporting director Andrea Berta held discussions with Fofana’s representatives, Roc Nation Sports.

Arsenal were only willing to consider taking the Belgium international on loan, with the club also wary of moving too close to UEFA’s spending limits. However, the report says Arteta’s reservations about Fofana’s physicality were another significant factor in the deal failing to materialise.

Fofana is regarded as one of the most promising young Belgian wingers in Europe. He has built his reputation on explosive acceleration, progressive ball-carrying and his ability to create chances.

Those qualities had reportedly attracted Arsenal’s interest as they reshaped their attack following the sales of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli. The North London club ultimately decided against making a move for Fofana, who was viewed as a player with significant potential rather than an immediate solution.

The winger has since joined Premier League rivals Sunderland, who won the race to sign him ahead of Crystal Palace.

Arsenal have instead added left-sided attacker Christos Tzolis to their forward options after Leandro Trossard moved to Besiktas earlier in the transfer window. Fofana’s departure to Sunderland means Arsenal have missed their opportunity to pursue the Belgium international this summer, although the club had continued to monitor his progress.

The decision reflects the physical demands associated with the Premier League, widely considered the most demanding league in Europe. For Arsenal, the combination of financial restrictions and uncertainty over Fofana’s ability to adapt meant that a potential long-term investment did not become a permanent transfer.

Fofana had been available at a price Lyon considered acceptable, but Arsenal’s preference for a loan arrangement did not match the French club’s willingness to sell. With Arteta also unconvinced that the player was ready to withstand the intensity of English football, discussions ended without an agreement.

Sunderland have now secured the services of a player who was previously considered by Arsenal and Crystal Palace. For Arsenal, the focus has shifted to their existing attacking options, including Tzolis, as Arteta continues to develop his squad following the departures of Jesus, Martinelli and Trossard.

Anthony Gordon says La Liga has exposed weaknesses in his game more quickly than the Premier League after his move from Newcastle United to Barcelona.

The winger has made an impressive start in Spain, recording three assists in three games. He also became the first player in the 21st century to provide two assists on his La Liga debut.

His latest contribution came against Rayo Vallecano, when he produced a superb back-heel to set up Raphinha. The quality of the assist left new signing Rodri holding his head in his hands.

Gordon’s performances have prompted comparisons between the two leagues, with the England international explaining that the Premier League’s physical intensity can sometimes mask errors that are punished immediately in Spain.

"I’m not going to deny that the Premier League is incredibly intense. The rhythm is relentless. There are physical battles everywhere. Long ball kicks, corner kicks and a lot of contact.

“That’s why many English players believe it is the best league in the world. They’re used to that kind of chaos. I loved playing in the Premier League and it played a huge role in my development. But Spanish football demands a different level of tactical and technical intelligence.

"In England, sometimes intensity can cover up mistakes. You can miscontrol the ball and still recover by winning the next physical battle. Here, a bad first touch or a lack of concentration on your positioning can punish you immediately. The spaces are smaller, the decisions have to be faster and everything must be cleaner."

Gordon said the contrast was not simply about the pace or physical nature of the game, but also about the demands placed on players to make technically precise decisions under pressure.

He believes some Premier League teams could find it difficult to adapt to La Liga if they were required to play in that environment regularly.

"Some Premier League teams would have a hard time playing this style consistently because they may not have the patience or quality in the midfield that is required," he said. "That’s not disrespecting them, it’s just what I’ve noticed in my first games. There’s a different football intelligence here."

The 21st-century record for two assists on a La Liga debut has added to the attention surrounding Gordon’s early impact at Barcelona, after he left Newcastle United to continue his career in Spain.

His form has also been underlined by his involvement in three assists across his opening three matches, including the inventive pass for Raphinha against Rayo Vallecano.

Gordon’s next opportunity to continue that run will come on Sunday afternoon, when Barcelona travel to face Valencia.

Scott McTominay says he would consider joining Real Madrid if Jose Mourinho contacted him about a move, despite the Napoli midfielder currently being unavailable because of a heart condition.

The Scotland international was asked this week whether he could imagine working with Mourinho again, having previously played under the Portuguese manager at Manchester United.

“If Mourinho called me about Real Madrid, honestly, I’d think about it,” he said.

McTominay and Mourinho have retained a close relationship since their time together at Old Trafford. After Benfica’s 2-0 Champions League victory last season, McTominay gave Mourinho his Napoli shirt, underlining the continued warmth between the pair.

Mourinho handed McTominay his Manchester United debut and joked last season about the midfielder’s decision to give him the shirt.

“I gave him his debut” Mourinho said last season, I put Pogba on the bench for him. The least he could do was give me his shirt.”

McTominay made 31 appearances for Manchester United during Mourinho’s time in charge. Mourinho has since left Benfica and rejoined Real Madrid, where he is already enjoying success after a series of impressive results.

The prospect of a future reunion has emerged while McTominay is facing a period on the sidelines. Napoli confirmed this week that he will undergo a minor heart procedure after doctors discovered “a mild benign arrhythmia”.

An arrhythmia is an abnormal or irregular heart rhythm. It is usually managed with medication designed to control the heart rate and improve symptoms. If medication is not effective, an ablation may be considered as the next course of treatment.

The condition could be a concern for Real Madrid and Mourinho if McTominay were to become a potential target in the near future. Napoli have confirmed, however, that the midfielder is expected to return after the international break.

McTominay, who was named Serie A player of the year, could therefore resume his career later this year and work his way back towards his best form. His immediate priority remains completing the procedure and recovering before returning to action for Napoli.

For now, his comments have kept open the possibility of linking up with Mourinho again, this time at Real Madrid. Any interest from the Spanish club would have to be considered alongside McTominay’s recovery and his return to competitive football.

Players making their Champions League debuts this season will wear a commemorative sleeve patch as part of a new UEFA partnership with Fanatics Collectibles.

The initiative will give first-time participants in Europe’s leading club competition a small emblem to display on their shirts, symbolising their first appearance in the tournament.

The Champions League begins again next week, with holders Paris Saint-Germain seeking to retain the trophy after winning the competition in each of the past two seasons.

The new debut recognition scheme was revealed by journalist David Ornstein before the start of the campaign. The patch will not only be worn during a player’s first Champions League appearance but will also feature in a special trading card produced by Fanatics Collectibles.

Each card will be signed by the player before being included in packs available for supporters and collectors to purchase. The collaboration gives fans the opportunity to own a physical item linked directly to a player’s first experience of the competition.

The programme is also scheduled to expand beyond the men’s tournament. According to Ornstein, the same initiative will be introduced in the Women’s Champions League from the 2027-28 season.

Michael Rubin, Founder and CEO of Fanatics, said the launch had particular significance because it was being announced immediately before the new Champions League campaign.

“The timing of this announcement – on the eve of the Champions League season – is incredibly meaningful for us, especially as Fanatics Collectibles continues to meaningfully expand its footprint across Europe,” said Michael Rubin, Founder and CEO of Fanatics.

“Together, UEFA and Fanatics will continue to bring innovative products to fans and collectors for years to come – and through new introductions like the Debut Patch, bring them even closer to the players and clubs they love and support.”

The scheme follows the Champions League debuts of several highly regarded young players last season. Max Dowman, Konstantinos Karetsas, Lennart Karl, Estevao and Rio Ngumoha all made their first appearances in the competition during the previous campaign.

Their debuts now provide an indication of how the new initiative will work, with each player potentially associated with a signed collectible marking that milestone.

Attention will turn to this season’s new arrivals when the competition gets under way next week. The patch will offer a visible way to identify players experiencing the Champions League for the first time, while their signed cards will give fans and collectors a permanent record of the occasion.

The summer transfer window has closed across Europe, but a group of high-profile players remain without clubs, including Paul Pogba, Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho and David Alaba.

Premier League clubs set a new spending record for the second consecutive summer, investing about £3.46bn in players including Enzo Fernandez and Bradley Barcola. Despite that level of activity, the market has not provided a destination for every established name.

The leading European leagues also spent heavily, with transfers involving players such as Yan Diomande, Rodri and Goncalo Ramos highlighting the scale of business completed during the window.

However, ten notable players are still available as the season continues.

Pogba left Monaco after the club terminated his contract following only one season. The World Cup winner made six appearances for Monaco last term, starting just one of those matches and coming on as a substitute in the other five.

The former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder is now attracting interest from Major League Soccer as he considers the next stage of his career.

Sterling is another prominent player without a club. His contract with Chelsea was terminated after a difficult period, while a subsequent spell at Feyenoord also failed to lead to a permanent solution.

The 31-year-old’s situation mirrors the decline experienced by fellow winger Sancho, whose recent career has included loan spells at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa before he was released.

Sancho has continued training independently and has used the facilities at Flixton FC to maintain his fitness. He was the subject of an enquiry from Qatari club Al Rayyan, although no transfer has materialised so far.

Experienced players still waiting

The remaining names on the list include Yves Bissouma, Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who all continue to wait for their next clubs.

Former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is also without a side, alongside Dani Carvajal, Mauro Icardi and Alaba. The group includes players with significant experience at the highest level of domestic and international football, but none has yet secured a new contract after the main window closed.

Bissouma, Nelson and Zinchenko have all been associated with Premier League football, while Mahrez, Carvajal, Icardi and Alaba have also built lengthy careers at major clubs. Their continued availability underlines how movement can remain possible even after the traditional transfer deadline has passed.

The free-agent market operates beyond the close of the summer window, giving unattached players the opportunity to continue negotiating with interested clubs.

For Pogba, Sterling, Sancho and the other six players, that means there is still a route back into competitive football. With the season already under way, they will remain hopeful of finding new clubs in September and preserving their careers.

Raul Asencio has been convicted of driving while over the legal alcohol limit in Gran Canaria and given a €14,400 fine and an eight-month driving ban.

The Real Madrid defender reportedly recorded 0.90 milligrams of alcohol per litre of breath. Spain’s general legal limit is 0.25 mg/l.

Asencio is said to have admitted the offence during a fast-track trial. The conviction comes a day before he is due to appear before a judge in connection with a separate sexual video case.

The 23-year-old is expected to attend the hearing alongside three former Real Madrid youth-team players: Ferran Ruiz, Juan Rodriguez and Andres Garcia.

The case concerns two young women, who were aged 16 and 18 at the time, and videos which prosecutors allege were recorded without their consent in 2023. Asencio became involved in the investigation earlier this year.

The latest legal development comes after reports that Real Madrid had offered Asencio to European rivals Liverpool during the summer as the club attempted to end its association with the defender. Asencio, however, had no intention of leaving Real Madrid.

His drink-driving conviction adds to the difficulties surrounding the player and, according to the report, helps explain why Real Madrid were prepared to consider his departure. The timing is also likely to complicate his immediate involvement with the club.

Asencio is unlikely to feature in Real Madrid’s upcoming matches against Real Betis, Inter Milan, Rayo Vallecano or Elche while the consequences of the offence and the separate court proceedings continue.

The road-safety case was dealt with through an expedited legal process after Asencio reportedly accepted the facts. The financial penalty and driving ban were imposed following his conviction.

The hearing connected to the video investigation is scheduled to take place only 24 hours after the drink-driving decision. It will involve Asencio and his three former team-mates from Real Madrid’s youth academy.

The developments have placed further scrutiny on the defender, who has continued to attract controversy during a period in which Real Madrid were reportedly seeking to move him on. Manager Jose Mourinho is not expected to be pleased with the latest incident, with Asencio’s availability for the club’s next fixtures now in doubt.