Tensions boiled over during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Ecuador as Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister clashed with new Arsenal signing Piero Hincapie. The pair exchanged heated words after a late incident in stoppage time, sparking headlines both in South America and the Premier League. After the fiery exchange, Mac Allister later sent a message to his rival.
Manchester United’s new signing Benjamin Sesko has been compared to Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, with one of his former coaches, Rene Aufhauser, insisting the Slovenian is already close to that elite level. Sesko, who joined from RB Leipzig after interest from Newcastle and Arsenal, has been tipped to reach the very top thanks to his mix of physical presence, speed and technical ability.
Dele Alli’s hopes of securing a lifeline move to Wrexham appear over, with manager Phil Parkinson hinting that his final squad spot will instead go to returning star Ollie Rathbone. The former Tottenham and England midfielder, recently released by Como, had been linked with the Hollywood-owned club but now looks set to continue his uncertain search for a new home.
Cristiano Ronaldo has promised Dominik Szoboszlai to give him his shirt after the Liverpool midfielder missed out on swapping jerseys with his idol in Hungary’s World Cup qualifier defeat to Portugal. Szoboszlai, who has admired Ronaldo since childhood, was left disappointed after the Portugal captain had already given away his shirt but received a pledge instead.
Benfica presidential candidate Joao Noronha Lopes has revealed his ambitious plan to bring Bernardo Silva back to his boyhood club from Manchester City. Speaking ahead of elections later this year, Lopes claimed that a contract is already 'waiting' for the Portuguese star, who is under contract at the Etihad until 2026. He hopes to convince City to part ways with the midfielder as early as January.
Arsenal and Tottenham are both monitoring highly-rated Swindon Town goalkeeper Anton Robinson, a 6ft 5in shot-stopper born in 2008. The teenager, already making waves in England’s lower leagues, has attracted interest from the north London giants, who are preparing to battle for his signature as he emerges as one of the brightest young talents in the country.
Bayern Munich chief Uli Hoeness has admitted the club were priced out of a deal for Florian Wirtz after Liverpool sealed a £116 million ($157m) swoop for the Germany star. Hoeness claimed Der Rekordmeister would never pay such a fee for a player, insisting that the Reds’ spending spree showed a transfer market resembling 'Monopoly' this summer.
Fenerbahce president Ali Koc has finally explained Jose Mourinho’s sacking, describing it as a "bitter parting" but admitting his style of play was no longer acceptable. Mourinho, dismissed after only a year in charge, paid the price for his defensive tactics, with Koc insisting the team needed a more dominant approach going forward.
Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona future has been thrown into doubt by reports suggesting the club want to cut short his loan and send him back to Manchester United – but respected journalist Guillem Balague has now dismissed those claims. The England forward, who moved to Barca after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, has made a slow start to life in Spain amid strong competition for places in Hansi Flick's attack.
Phil Parkinson has been warned that he is under pressure at Wrexham, despite guiding the club to three successive promotions. After a £33 million summer recruitment drive funded by co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, questions are being raised over whether the manager can guide the new-look team to success in the Championship.
