FOOTBALL

Marcus Rashford Returns To Manchester United Training

Marcus Rashford and Manchester United
Sunday

Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United’s Carrington training base after nearly two years away from the first-team setup. The England forward is preparing to work under Michael Carrick after Barcelona declined to activate its option to sign him permanently.

Rashford will join United’s preseason group before upcoming friendlies against Leeds and AC Milan. Carrick has spoken positively about their existing relationship, creating a route for the 28-year-old to rebuild his Old Trafford career after successive loans.

Roma Open Porto Talks For Rodrigo Mora

Roma, Porto and Rodrigo Mora
Sunday

Roma have opened contact with Porto over a possible move for 19-year-old attacking midfielder Rodrigo Mora. The highly rated Portugal youth talent has emerged on Roma’s shortlist as the Italian club searches for another creative option before the transfer window closes.

The discussions remain at an exploratory stage, with Roma seeking to establish whether Porto would negotiate. Galatasaray are also monitoring Mora, creating competition for a player viewed as one of Portuguese football’s most promising young attacking midfielders.

Flick Signals Casado And Bardghji Barcelona Exits

Hansi Flick, Marc Casado and Roony Bardghji
Sunday

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that he and the club made difficult decisions over Marc Casado and Roony Bardghji after repeated discussions. Both players were excluded from the recent Italy trip and have been told how Barcelona views their situations.

Flick said squad changes are necessary to create opportunities for younger players emerging from La Masia. Casado has attracted reported interest from Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal, while Bardghji is also expected to have a limited role if he remains.

Fenerbahce Reach Personal Agreement With Romelu Lukaku

Fenerbahce, Napoli and Romelu Lukaku
Sunday

Fenerbahce have reached a personal agreement with Romelu Lukaku and are negotiating with Napoli over the striker’s transfer. Napoli rejected an opening offer around €6m and reportedly want approximately €12m, prompting the Turkish club to submit an improved proposal.

Personal terms remove one major obstacle, leaving the clubs to settle the fee for the Belgium international. Fenerbahce are also pursuing Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda, although the uploaded report says Lukaku’s potential arrival does not automatically end that interest.

Al-Ittihad Lose Roger Fernandes To ACL Tear

Roger Fernandes and Al-Ittihad
Sunday

Al-Ittihad have confirmed winger Roger Fernandes suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during training. Medical examinations established the serious injury shortly before the new season, leaving one of the club’s major recent signings facing a lengthy absence.

The club is arranging surgery before Fernandes begins a structured rehabilitation programme. The injury is expected to keep the former Braga winger out for most of the season, forcing Al-Ittihad to adjust attacking plans after investing more than €30m in him.

Scott And Antony Sent Off After Friendly Brawl

Alex Scott, Antony, Bournemouth and Real Betis
Saturday

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Real Betis winger Antony were both sent off after a confrontation sparked a wider brawl during their 2-2 preseason friendly in Seville. The incident began after Nelson Deossa kicked the ball at Bafode Diakite.

Players from both teams became involved before the referee dismissed Scott and Antony for pushing each other. The match continued with ten players on each side, with Bournemouth twice leading before Pablo Fornals scored Betis’ late equaliser.

Elanga Escapes Serious Injury After Valencia Tackle

Anthony Elanga, Newcastle United and Jose Gaya
Saturday

Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga was stretchered off after a dangerous challenge from Valencia captain Jose Gaya triggered a mass confrontation during their preseason friendly. Initial fears of a fracture or serious ligament injury were later eased after medical assessment.

Elanga is believed to have suffered a significant shin contusion and was able to walk after receiving treatment. Gaya was immediately sent off for the tackle, while Newcastle will continue monitoring Elanga before determining when he can return to training.

Barcelona Raise Rodri Offer As City Softens Demands

Barcelona, Manchester City and Rodri
Saturday

Barcelona have reportedly increased their offer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri to about €60m after their opening €45m plus variables proposal fell short. City are also said to have softened their position from an initial valuation around €80m.

Negotiations remain active and Barcelona believe the improved proposal can narrow the remaining gap, although no agreement has been reached. The development marks another concrete step after City rejected the first bid and Rodri became Barcelona’s priority midfield target.

Ferran Torres Tells Barcelona He Wants PSG Move

Ferran Torres, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain
Saturday

Ferran Torres has told Barcelona he wants to join Paris Saint-Germain after agreeing personal terms with the French champions, according to the uploaded report. Barcelona will not block the Spain forward’s exit if the clubs can agree a transfer fee.

PSG and Barcelona are expected to begin club-level negotiations while Torres remains on holiday after Spain’s World Cup victory. His potential departure would also increase Barcelona’s need for another centre-forward following Robert Lewandowski’s move to Chicago Fire.

Venezia Pull Out Of Niclas Fullkrug Transfer

Venezia, West Ham and Niclas Fullkrug
Saturday

Venezia have reportedly abandoned their attempt to sign West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug despite the Germany international already agreeing terms. The promoted Serie A club decided West Ham’s asking price was too high and withdrew from the proposed permanent transfer.

Fullkrug remains outside West Ham’s plans and is still expected to leave before the window closes. The failed Venezia move leaves the 33-year-old searching for another destination after AC Milan declined to exercise their purchase option following his loan.