Today’s news in brief …
The new Premier League season kicks off tonight with the reigning champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield under the Friday night lights. Rute Cardoso, the wife of Diogo Jota, and the couple’s three children are expected to attend Liverpool’s first competitive game since the tragic summer passing of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Tributes to both men will be paid before the game.
Howard Webb, the head of the PGMOL, has said that he sees no way back to refereeing for scandal-hit official David Coote, who was sacked last year.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has said it is his belief the club can hold on to midfielder Carlos Baleba for another season despite strong interest from Manchester United.
There has been “no change” to the stand-off involving Newcastle United and Alexander Isak, according the club’s head coach, Eddie Howe, who told reporters whatever happens next is out of his control but he can envisage a scenario where the on-strike striker plays for the club again.
Bournemouth are closing in on a deal to sign the Liverpool forward Ben Doak for £25m and could even spirit the 19-year-old Scot away from Anfield on their team coach after tonight’s match. Liverpool have just announced the signing of the 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma for an initial fee of £26m.
Bayern Munich have opened talks with Chelsea over a deal for their out-of-favour forward Christopher Nkunku, who never really impressed during the limited opportunities afforded to him at Stamford Bridge in the past two years.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has become the latest target man to be plucked from the revolving carousel of No9s. The former Everton striker has joined Leeds on a free transfer in what could be a canny bit of business if the 28-year-old’s new employers can keep him out of the treatment room.
Unai Emery reckons his Aston Villa team are “not a contender to be in the top seven” this season as their efforts at summer squad-maintenance and rebuilding are being hamstrung by profit and sustainability rules.
And Nuno Espirito Santo’s first press conference of the season was a similar study in existential angst as the Nottingham Forest manager bemoaned the lack of sufficient additions to his squad ahead of a season in which the club will be competing in Europe for the first time in 30 years.
Updated
Liverpool announce the signing of Leoni from Parma
Liverpool: While the Premier League champions look very well equipped for the season ahead, there are concerns about their lack of cover at centre-back should any misfortune on the injury front befall Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate. Joe Gomez is a fairly reliable option and in pre-season, both Andy Robertson and Ryan Gravenberch were called upon to put in shifts in the heart of Liverpool’s defence during friendlies.
The good news for Liverpool fans is that Arne Slot has moved to allay any fears by signing the 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma for an initial £26m. He has signed a six-year contract and is regarded by the club as a potential long-term successor to Big Virgil. Leoni was the subject of interest from several clubs including Newcastle but will be at Anfield tonight to watch his new teammates kick off their Premier League campaign against Bournemouth. Read on …
