Liverpool have appointed Alejandro Rosalen as their new first-team goalkeeping coach as the club also monitors a potential transfer U-turn involving RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
The 49-year-old Spaniard joins head coach Andoni Iraola’s backroom staff following the departure of Xavi Valero.
Rosalen arrives on Merseyside possessing a wealth of experience, having most recently spent five years with Serie A side Napoli.
During his tenure in Italy, the seasoned coach helped guide the Naples club to two league titles.
Valero departs Anfield by mutual consent
Valero informed the Anfield hierarchy before the end of last season that he wished to leave the club.
His departure comes just 12 months after the former West Ham United coach rejoined the Reds under sporting director Richard Hughes.
The veteran coach was previously part of Rafael Benitez’s backroom staff between 2007 and 2010.
In an official statement, the club praised their incoming addition.
Rosalen arrives on Merseyside with a wealth of experience as a goalkeeper coach.
His most recent position was at Serie A side Napoli, from 2021 to this summer.
Transfer U-turn for attacking target
Meanwhile, the Premier League club’s pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Diomande has taken an unexpected twist.
The highly rated attacker was widely reported to have agreed personal terms with French champions Paris Saint-Germain in June.
However, a dramatic reversal has reignited speculation that the coveted forward could yet make a move to the English top flight.
The Reds are currently stepping up their pre-season preparations with a tour of the United States.
A contingent of first-team players jetted out on Monday, though several international stars have been granted extended leave following their recent tournament exertions.
The incoming management team will use the coming weeks to assess their squad before opening their domestic campaign against Newcastle United on 23 August.
Arsenal are prepared to listen to offers for Gabriel Martinelli as manager Mikel Arteta targets Paris St-Germain winger Bradley Barcola to bolster his attacking options.
The Brazilian forward struggled for consistency throughout the previous campaign.
He managed just one goal and four assists across 30 league appearances for the defending Premier League champions.
That underwhelming return has prompted the north London club to explore fresh options on the left flank.
Arteta reshapes forward line
Arteta has already begun overhauling his attack ahead of their title defence.
Leandro Trossard recently departed for Turkish giants Besiktas in a £15.3m deal.
The club have moved swiftly to replace the 31-year-old, with Christos Tzolis on the verge of finalising a £34m switch.
However, Arsenal missed out on primary target Morgan Rogers after Chelsea met Aston Villa’s £117m asking price.
Barcola identified as premium upgrade
Despite missing out on the Englishman, the Emirates hierarchy remain intent on securing a top-tier winger.
Reports from club insiders indicate that Martinelli is now firmly on the market.
He is for sale.
Offloading the £180,000-a-week attacker would create essential space and funds for Barcola.
The young winger recently impressed for France during a successful World Cup campaign under Didier Deschamps.
However, the dynamic attacker has struggled to cement a permanent starting role under Luis Enrique in Paris.
The French club’s own pursuit of Yan Diomande has left his long-term future at the Parc des Princes uncertain.
Securing the prospect could require a massive fee in the region of £112m.
Such a substantial investment underlines Arsenal’s determination to battle on all fronts next season.
Tottenham Hotspur are set to appoint Brighton assistant Andrew Crofts to Roberto De Zerbi’s backroom staff as the head coach continues to reshape his team.
The Italian manager is systematically rebuilding the north London club after steering them away from a shock Premier League relegation last season.
The 42-year-old Welshman will leave his current role at the Amex Stadium to reunite with his former boss in the capital.
Extensive summer rebuild
This latest backroom addition follows a period of massive investment on the pitch by the Tottenham hierarchy.
The former Seagulls head coach has already secured midfielders Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali for a combined £185m.
Those marquee additions arrived alongside £52m central defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who previously worked under the tactician on the south coast.
Experienced defensive duo Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson were also recruited on free transfers to bolster a squad desperate for reinforcements.
Coaching pedigree
Crofts currently operates under Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton, balancing his club duties with a coaching position in Craig Bellamy’s Wales national setup.
The former central midfielder initially coached various academy sides in Sussex during De Zerbi’s tenure before earning promotion to the first-team fold.
A 29-cap international, he enjoyed a distinguished playing career that included notable spells with both Albion and Norwich City.
He is now expected to sit alongside assistants Andreas Georgson and Bruno Saltor in the dugout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Chelsea have accelerated their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix following a positive fresh round of ownership-level talks.
The 26-year-old currently has three years remaining on his existing contract at Selhurst Park.
However, the French World Cup player is eager to embrace a new challenge despite the Eagles’ strong desire to agree a renewed deal.
Palace demand premium fee for prized asset
It is understood that Palace are demanding a minimum fee of £60m to sanction the departure of their formidable centre-back.
The south London side have subsequently started evaluating potential replacements in the transfer market.
Augsburg centre-half Chrislain Matsima has emerged as a prominent candidate being closely monitored by the recruitment team.
Lacroix has established himself as a highly reliable performer, registering 98 appearances since his £18m arrival from German outfit Wolfsburg.
Stamford Bridge hierarchy target domestic experience
Securing targets with proven Premier League pedigree has become a core strategy for the west London club during the current window.
This targeted approach is further highlighted by Chelsea nearing a staggering £117m agreement for Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers.
Should a move for Lacroix prove successful, it will cast immediate doubt over the future of homegrown defender Trevoh Chalobah.
The versatile academy graduate is already attracting significant transfer interest from Serie A outfit Como.
Newcastle United are preparing a £90m double bid for Tottenham Hotspur duo Lucas Bergvall and Djed Spence to rebuild their squad this summer.
The Magpies are seeking major reinforcements following a busy transfer window that saw Anthony Gordon depart for Barcelona and Sandro Tonali head to north London.
Manager Eddie Howe is determined to strengthen his options following a disappointing Premier League campaign last season.
Midfield targets and defensive additions
A previous £46m offer for the Swedish midfield talent was rejected by Spurs, who are holding out for a higher overall fee.
However, the Tyneside club are expected to return with an improved £50m package, despite facing stiff competition from Nottingham Forest.
Alongside the Scandinavian playmaker, Howe has identified the English full-back as an ideal replacement for the recently departed Kieran Trippier.
Surplus to requirements under De Zerbi
The defender has fallen down the pecking order at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following Pedro Porro’s recent contract extension.
Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly willing to sanction a £40m exit for the international wing-back.
With both Destiny Udogie and Andy Robertson providing cover on the defensive flanks, an avenue has opened for a permanent departure.
Meanwhile, his teenage midfield teammate is actively pushing for a move away from the capital to secure regular first-team football.
Securing two league-proven talents would represent a significant statement of intent from the North East club.
Atletico Madrid have ruled out selling Julian Alvarez to Arsenal this summer despite the forward’s reported desire to leave the Spanish club.
The former Manchester City attacker has publicly indicated his intention to depart the Metropolitano Stadium.
Barcelona previously showed strong interest in securing the Argentine international’s signature.
However, the La Liga outfit remain extremely reluctant to sanction a move to a direct domestic rival.
Arsenal target Alvarez transfer
The North London club have subsequently emerged as a primary potential destination for the versatile forward.
Mikel Arteta reportedly views the South American as an ideal addition to bolster his attacking options.
Despite this clear interest from England, officials in Madrid remain resolute in their non-negotiable stance.
Atletico hold firm on exit
Journalist David Ornstein has clarified the Spanish club’s firm position regarding their prized asset.
“We need to see what’s going on with Julian Alvarez. He’s obviously the dream target for Mikel Arteta, the apple of their eye.”
David Ornstein
“The word from Madrid is that they’re keeping him, and that’s been said publicly. If there’s any opening of a door, I’m sure Arsenal will try to walk through it.”
Attacking upgrades for Arteta
Securing a player of this calibre would require a significant financial commitment from the Gunners.
The World Cup winner already boasts vital Premier League experience following a highly successful stint in Manchester.
He has also maintained impressive goalscoring form since transitioning to Spanish football.
Arsenal have concurrently evaluated Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, but view the Madrid star as a definitive upgrade to their squad.
England captain Harry Kane and Spain winger Lamine Yamal have emerged as the leading contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following the conclusion of the World Cup.
The most prestigious individual prize in world football is heavily influenced by major international tournaments.
Ousmane Dembele claimed last year’s award after guiding Paris St-Germain to their maiden Champions League title.
However, this summer’s global showcase has drastically shifted the landscape for the current crop of superstars.
Kane’s historic club season
The Bayern Munich striker enjoyed a phenomenal domestic campaign, netting 61 goals in 51 appearances to secure a domestic double.
His combined total of 73 goals for club and country represents the second-highest scoring season by any player since the turn of the millennium.
Despite finishing the World Cup with six goals, the 32-year-old saw his influence wane during the latter stages of the tournament.
England were ultimately eliminated by Argentina, with manager Thomas Tuchel unable to guide his side past the South American opposition.
The former Tottenham forward’s individual performances dipped in his final two outings, where he was eclipsed by an impressive Jude Bellingham.
Yamal’s record-breaking summer
Barcelona’s teenage sensation represents the other major frontrunner for the prestigious golden ball.
The forward made history on Sunday by becoming the first player to feature in both a European Championship and World Cup final before turning 20.
He was instrumental for the Spanish national team, securing a game-changing penalty against France in the semi-final.
The talented winger also completed more successful take-ons during the tournament than Argentine legend Lionel Messi.
At club level, the youngster delivered 28 goal involvements to help his Catalan club win La Liga.
Former England forward and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75 following a battle with stage four cancer.
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner’s family announced in January that he had been diagnosed with the illness and was beginning treatment.
He had recently attended a Newcastle United event in June, indicating to supporters that he was responding well to medical care.
A glittering playing career
The legendary forward is widely regarded as one of the finest English players of his generation.
He made nearly 750 club appearances, lifting the First Division trophy four times during a highly successful spell with Liverpool.
The prolific attacker then secured back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979 while starring for Hamburg in the Bundesliga.
On the international stage, the talismanic striker scored 21 goals in 63 caps for his country.
Managerial highs and heartbreak
Seven years after hanging up his boots, the former Liverpool star took charge of a struggling Newcastle side in February 1992.
He masterminded a dramatic escape from relegation before guiding the Magpies into the Premier League in his first full season at the helm.
The charismatic coach came agonisingly close to delivering the club’s first top-tier title since 1927 during the 1995-96 campaign.
Despite holding a 12-point lead over Manchester United at one stage, a late-season collapse saw his side finish second.
The intense pressure culminated in an infamous television interview aimed at Sir Alex Ferguson following a crucial victory at Leeds.
“I’d love it…”
That passionate post-match outburst unfortunately characterised his time at St James’ Park for many supporters.
Leading the national team
He stepped up to manage England between February 1999 and October 2000.
His tenure featured a disappointing group-stage exit at Euro 2000 after frustrating defeats by Portugal and Romania.
The former national boss ultimately resigned minutes after a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the final match played at the old Wembley Stadium.
Final spells in the dugout
A subsequent spell at Manchester City brought promotion to the Premier League as Division One champions in 2002.
He initially announced his retirement three years later, before making a brief, eight-month return to Tyneside in 2008.