Enzo Maresca reveals bizarre reason Erling Haaland is set to miss out on Man City captaincy
Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has indicated that Erling Haaland is unlikely to take over as captain, primarily because of how often he finds the net.
Speaking to journalists during the squad’s pre-season tour of Asia, he said: “At Leicester and Chelsea, I had a rule that when we scored, the captain had to come to the bench for instructions and not celebrate.”
“But if he scores, then he can celebrate. If Erling is the captain, f****** hell – we have a problem, can you imagine?
“I think even if it is two or three minutes, there is always something to adjust. At the moment, we have three or four (captains) and we are missing one (Rodri is recovering from back surgery).
“In the case of Rodri (who has been linked with Barcelona), see what happens.”
Flo Clifford12 August 2026 16:40
Pogba in talks over terminating contract
Paul Pogba’s representatives are in discussions with Monaco over terminating his contract, according to Sky Sports.
The veteran is into the final year of his current deal and is in rehab for a hamstring injury, while his camp have begun talks with MLS and Middle East clubs, which are likely to gather pace if his contract is terminated early.
Flo Clifford12 August 2026 16:20
Liverpool fans seek answers from owners over proposed Jeff Bezos investment deal
Supporters’ group Spirit of Shankly has written to Liverpool to emphasise that governance and stewardship remains “fundamental to us all”, as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos forms part of a consortium nearing a deal to acquire a significant minority stake in the club.
“We reiterated that, given the events that led to FSG’s purchase of the club, who owns it and how they control it – putting the interests of LFC and its supporters first – is fundamental to us all,” a statement from the fans’ group read.
“The latest report of a 30 per cent sale and the consortium set up to buy it is significant. The ownership and custodianship of our club is paramount to SoS and all supporters.
“We have witnessed similar sales at other clubs resulting in notable changes in the running of that club and football operations, leading to decisions and behaviours that many would not want to see at Liverpool.”
Flo Clifford12 August 2026 16:00
Endrick to stay at Real Madrid
Brazilian starlet Endrick is set to stay at Real Madrid this season amid European interest in a loan move, according to The Athletic.
This comes after Aston Villa were reported to be targeting the 20-year-old, who spent the second half of last season at Lyon.
(Getty)
Flo Clifford12 August 2026 15:40
Could Pedro Neto be on the move?
BBC Sport are reporting Chelsea’s Pedro Neto has received interest from four different Premier League clubs, with Manchester City believed to be one of them. The 26-year-old would of course be reunited with former manager Enzo Maresca if he joined the side.
Flo Clifford12 August 2026 15:21
Matthias Jaissle hoping to make most of Newcastle upheaval
Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle is refusing to dwell on the departure of key players that has `left his club in turmoil ahead of the Premier League season, insisting on Tuesday that he sees opportunity in the situation.
Jaissle was recruited from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli after Eddie Howe left last month, with the German coach joining a club who have lost Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and captain Bruno `uimaraes in quick succession.
“It’s a challenge, a big challenge, always when there’s a transitional period. But it’s not time to complain, it doesn’t make sense to see the negative things,” Jaissle said at his unveiling.
“We want to seethe chance in that situation and that’s our approach from day one. We are here to do our best job. We want to support the players, the current squad.
“There will be adjustments to see in the coming days, weeks. But for now it’s only focused on the daily work, the work we can influence. That’s all that matters now.”
(Getty)
Flo Clifford12 August 2026 15:05
Inside the mind of Florian Wirtz as Andoni Iraola era offers fresh Liverpool start
Florian Wirtz was one of the big money signings of last summer, but faces a crucial sophomore season after rather stumbling in his first outings for Liverpool. Can Andoni Iraola get the best out of him? Richard Jolly ponders that question.
Flo Clifford12 August 2026 14:45
Sky Italy also reports Tottenham and Inter Milan are to hold further talks over the future of Djed Spence.
The England international, who impressed at this summer’s World Cup, has been a key Inter target this window as they look for someone who can play as right wing-back.
The Serie A club are reportedly hoping to seal the deal for £30m.
(Getty)
Flo Clifford12 August 2026 14:30
Youri Tielemans reveals he nearly joined Manchester United twice before
It was third time lucky for Youri Tielemans when he joined Manchester United last month.
As a deal to buy Brazil midfielder Ederson stalled, the Red Devils activated a £35m release clause to sign Tielemans from Aston Villa – but the move might have happened years ago for a player previously linked with United several times.
United reportedly considered Tielemans in the summer of 2019 as his loan spell at Leicester from Monaco ended but he instead joined the Foxes permanently. Tielemans was linked with United again in both 2022 and 2023.
Speaking at United’s pre-season training camp in County Kildare, the Belgium international said there had been direct talks in the past.
“There have been two times that I spoke with the club, but it didn’t (come) to anything, so I was just very calm about it,” Tielemans said.
Asked if he thought his opportunity to join United had passed, Tielemans added: “No, listen, I am very calm about it. When a move comes up, then if it needs to happen, it will happen.
“At the times that I have been linked with the club before, it did not happen, but it is what it is. I just keep working, keep doing my thing on the pitch and then it happens.”
Youri Tielemans has finally joined Manchester United (Getty)
Harry Latham-Coyle12 August 2026 14:10
Inter Milan circling for Curtis Jones
Inter Milan are negotiating a move for Davide Frattesi which would free them up to make a bid for Curtis Jones, according to Sky Italy.
Inter are wrangling with Lazio over terms for an initial loan deal with obligation to buy for Frattesi, which would allow them to go back to Liverpool to try to close a deal for Jones, who is a major target for them this summer.
Flo Clifford12 August 2026 13:55