Key events
That’s it from Monaco. The draws are complete. We’ll have a full story soon.
By the way, here’s how the Champions League draw panned out if you missed it yesterday.
Aberdeen take on Strasbourg in Conference League
And, as for Aberdeen, their opponents include French side Strasbourg.
Aberdeen fixtures: Shakhtar Donetsk (H), Sparta Prague (A), Strasbourg (H), AEK Athens (A), FC Noah (H), AEK Larnaca (A)
Crystal Palace face Shelbourn in Conference League
A variety of Conference League opponents for Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace fixtures: AZ Alkmaar (H), Dynamo Kyiv (A), KuPS Kuopio (H), Strasbourg (A), AEK Larnaca (H), Shelbourn (A)
TNT broadcaster Matt Smith is also helping with the draw. I saw him in M&S in Handforth (near Manchester) the other day although he’s not mentioned it so far.
Coming up next, the draw for the Conference League. They’ve managed to rope Eden Hazard in for this one. Hopefully he’ll go down better than the magician. Crystal Palace and Aberdeen are the British teams involved.
Full Europa League draw
Let’s pull that together and list the fixtures for the four British teams in the Europa League.
Aston Villa: RB Salzburg (H), Feyenoord (A), Maccabi Tel Aviv (H), Fenerbahce (A), Young Boys (H), Basel (A), Bologna (H), Go Ahead Eagles (A)
Nottingham Forest: Porto (H), Real Betis (A), Ferencvaros (H), Braga (A), Midtjylland (H), Sturn Graz (A), Malmo (H), Utrecht (A)
Celtic: Roma (H), Feyenoord (A), Braga (H), Red Star Belgrade (A), Stum Graz (H), FC Midjylland (A), Utrecht (H), Bologna (A)
Rangers: Roma (H), Porto (A), Braga (H), Ferencvaros (A), Ludogorets (H), Sturm Graz (A), Genk (H), Brann (A)
Forest given Malmo reunion
Nottingham Forest have a repeat of their 1979 European Cup final after being drawn with Malmo in the Europa League. There’s unlikely to be a little concrete shot putt circle near the goal this time.
Nottingham Forest fixtures: Porto (H), Real Betis (A), Ferencvaros (H), Braga (A), Midtjylland (H), Sturn Graz (A), Malmo (H), Utrecht (A)
Celtic handed double Italian task
Celtic will be kicking themselves that they didn’t make it through to the Champions League. This is their task in the Europa League.
Celtic fixtures: Roma (H), Feyenoord (A), Braga (H), Red Star Belgrade (A), Stum Graz (H), FC Midjylland (A), Utrecht (H), Bologna (A)
Aston Villa face Feyenoord and Fenerbahce in Europa League
Aston Villa look to have been given a fairly favourable Europa League draw. Here it is.
Aston Villa fixtures: RB Salzburg (H), Feyenoord (A), Maccabi Tel Aviv (H), Fenerbahce (A), Young Boys (H), Basel (A), Bologna (H), Go Ahead Eagles (A)
Rangers take on Roma in Europa League
Rangers got thumped 6-0 by Club Brugge on Wednesday so it’s perhaps more appropriate for them to be in the Europa League. Here are their opponents. Will Russell Martin be in charge for any or all of them?
Rangers fixtures: Roma (H), Porto (A), Braga (H), Ferencvaros (A), Ludogorets (H), Sturm Graz (A), Genk (H), Brann (A)
Time now for the Europa League and Conference League draws. We had a brief appearance on stage from a magician but he’s left again after making the balls disappear. Didn’t really work that to be honest. Lacked the gravitas of Paul Daniels and the crowd knew it.
It’s also worth pointing out that injury has ruled out several big names from the England squad.
Tuchel didn’t have the option of picking Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer or Levi Colwill as all four are sidelined for various lengths of time.
Here’s David Hytner with the story on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad announcement.
David also notes that Tuchel has not found space for Curtis Jones or Conor Gallagher.
Just had to scroll back to make sure I hadn’t written Des rather than Kyle Walker had been left out. Perhaps the call-up for Elliott Anderson has sparked some sort of Forest memory in me. Des is now 59 by the way. He could probably still do a job. Thoughts on Anderson? Elliott not Viv.
Reaction to Tuchel’s squad? Out of sight = out of mind? Well, perhaps that applies to Trent but Marcus Rashford is in so maybe not.
England squad announced
Here’s the full England squad to play Andorra and Serbia. No Jack Grealish either, you’ll note.
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Trafford.
Defenders: Burn, Guehi, James, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly, Livramento, Spence, Stones.
Midfielders: Anderson, Gibbs-White, Henderson, Rice, Rogers, Wharton.
Forwards: Bowen, Eze, Gordon, Kane, Madueke, Rashford, Watkins.
Trent Alexander-Arnold left out by England
Breaking news. Some top lines from Tommy Tuchel’s England squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Kyle Walker are all out. Elliott Anderson and Djed Spence are in.
Full squad to follow…
It’s Thomas Tuchel’s birthday today. He’s 52. Amazingly, sort of, it’s also many happy returns to Scotland manager, Steve Clarke (62). Is this a well-known fact, the bosses of England and Scotland sharing the same birthday? One for The Knowledge maybe. Also note that Lenny Henry and Michael Jackson were also born on this day. The link? Lenny namedropping Aston Villa in his ‘Thriller’ sketch.
Thanks very much Yara. As we wait for that, Tom Garry has been getting his chat on with England goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse. Take a read.
That is all from me today but Dave Tindall is here to lead you through the afternoon news including Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the international break which will be announced in 15 minutes.
Arsenal closing in on Hincapié deal
Ed Aarons
Arsenal are in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen over an agreement to sign Piero Hincapié on an initial loan, with the Ecuador defender’s potential arrival expected to allow Jakub Kiwior to join Porto on similar terms. It is understood that Arsenal officials are due to meet their counterparts from Leverkusen on Friday to continue discussions on a deal that includes an obligation for Hincapié to make the move permanent at the end of next season.
Having already signed seven players this summer for around £250m, Arsenal are believed to be looking to include the fee for him in next year’s accounts so they don’t fall foul of Uefa’s regulations on financial fair play.
The 23-year-old, who is capable of playing as a left-sided centre‑back or left-back, has a release clause of €60m (£52m), although they are not willing to go that high and hope to strike a deal for around €50m (£43.3m). Hincapie is believed to have already told Leverkusen of his desire to move to north London.
Porto have agreed a loan deal for Kiwior with an obligation to buy for up to €27m (£23.4m) but Arsenal have been waiting to see if they can make progress on the Hincapie deal before allowing him to depart. They also have interest from Crystal Palace and Fulham in forward Reiss Nelson, while Stuttgart could step up their efforts to sign Portugal midfielder Fabio Vieira before the end of the window.
Wayne Rooney believes Ruben Amorim’s comments after Manchester United’s shock Carabao Cup defeat at Grimsby on Wednesday night show “something is broken” at the club.
United came from 2-0 down to force a penalty shootout at Blundell Park thanks to Harry Maguire’s late goal, but then lost 12-11 on spot-kicks as summer signing Bryan Mbeumo hit the crossbar with the decisive kick. A dejected Amorim, who had not watched the shootout but preferred to sit in the dugout, said after the game: “I felt my players spoke really loud today what they want.”
After United finished a lowly 15th last season, their worst finish since 1974, there had been high hopes that a full pre-season for Amorim and £200m worth of new attacking talent could lead to a turnaround this term. But United have begun with a home loss to Arsenal, a draw away to Fulham and a chastening defeat to fourth-tier opposition that has prompted speculation about Amorim’s position just three games into the campaign.
Speaking on the BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show, the former United forward said:
Just the way they lost, it was disheartening. There’s something not right. I think that’s clear. I think the manager said that after the game and I think that’s clear for everyone to see that there’s something not right there.
It can happen. We lost to Crawley years back in the Cup. But the difference is, everyone looking at that game, they know it’s a one-off. So the issue now is we’re seeing very similar performances, similar results and even though it’s only three games into the season, it’s getting to a point now where you’re like … what is going on?
The biggest concern is the manager saying that, his words after the game were damning on the players and obviously being in a position where I’ve been in that dressing room, if your manager comes out with those words, there’s something broken.
Rooney suggested that Amorim, who took charge in November after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, could be struggling to adapt to life at one of the biggest football clubs in the world after arriving from Sporting Lisbon.
I think what we forget, he’s 40. He’s a young manager. And Manchester United is so different to where he’s been before. And you come in, there’s the media team, the commercial team, the fans, the media. It’s completely different. And there’s a pressure with Manchester United which he will never have felt before. PA Media
It will be a huge opportunity for Anderson to impress in the senior set up. What are your thoughts? Any one else you want to see Tuchel name in his squad? Let me know your thoughts via email, which you can find at the top of this blog.
We will be bringing you the full squad as it is announced live at midday.
David Hytner
Thomas Tuchel’s priority will be to fine-tune his existing options in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. But he wants a look at Anderson, who starred as Lee Carsley’s under-21s won the European Championship in the summer.
Anderson to be named in England squad
Ben Fisher
Thomas Tuchel will announce his latest England squad this afternoon and Elliot Anderson is expected to receive his first senior call-up. The Nottingham Forest midfielder was outstanding as England retained the Under-21 European Championship in Slovakia earlier this summer and the 22-year-old has evolved into a key performer for his club.
Newcastle reluctantly sold Anderson to Forest last year to help them comply with profitability and sustainability regulations. He excelled on loan at Bristol Rovers in the second half of 2021-22, scoring the decisive goal in a 7-0 final-day win that clinched an unthinkable promotion to the third tier. Anderson’s Forest teammate Morgan Gibbs-White returned to the senior squad in June.
David Moyes was asked about incoming transfers at Everton and whether this has been one of his hardest summers taking charge at a club. Here is what he had to say:
I think it has. Since we beat Newcastle on the last game of the season I have been working on recruitment and found it a really difficult summer. We have had a lot of players who have chosen not to come and we have had to work really hard to get enough players in. Our squad numbers are small. But if things change before Monday then that would be good.
But it is not all doom and gloom for Moyes, who is incredibly excited about what Jack Grealish can bring to his side this season:
I’m really pleased because he is a real talent and someone we hope we can get back to the levels he has produced over many years. I hope he can build on it, continue get fitter and continue to keep playing regularly.
West Ham have confirmed the signing of Mateus Fernandes from Southampton with a deal worth £38m plus £4m in add-ons.
I’m very happy to be here. I’m very excited to play for West Ham. I think it’s a big step for me. It’s a big club, a massive club. The project, the stadium, the city, everything. I want to try to play football, enjoy football, not just run and try to score, but try to play good football. I think the most important thing is to try to give everything every day.
The Rumour Mill continues to spin away. Dominic Booth has the latest on the latest whispers in the transfer universe.
And of course, Howe is asked if Isak will remain a Newcastle player by the end of the window:
It’s difficult for me to give you any sort of clarity on the future. I’ve said before, I don’t know what the future holds in that respect because I’m not involved with it myself. I’ve got no update and I’m just concentrating on bringing players into the club.
The Newcastle manager was also asked about their Champions League draw. Howe’s side will be playing: Barcelona (home), Paris Saint-Germain (away), Benfica (home), Bayer Leverkusen (away), PSV Eindhoven (home), Marseille (away), Athletic Bilbao (home) and Union SG (away).
Really interesting. Some great games. Exciting prospects. The group we had last time was very difficult, the games we have this time are tough and challenging.
The Barcelona game is the one you instantly get drawn to, with the links with Sir Bobby and the history between the two clubs. Can we create more legacy to that fixture?
Eddie Howe has naturally been asked about Nick Woltemade after reports that the German has flown into Tyneside for a medical ahead of his £70m move from Stuttgart:
Positive signs. Things are moving and developing in a good way at the moment. Until it’s done I can’t confirm anything but fingers crossed.
I don’t think that is going to be possible [for Woltemade to play against Leeds tomorrow] due to lots of reasons I don’t understand. The most important thing is we try to bring a centre-forward in that’s what we’ve been working hard to do all summer.
Slot was also asked about Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s new striker, who has stormed to a strong start with two goals in two matches:
He’s already made a big impact on the attacking part of our game so not only scoring goals but being part of buildup situations where he was someone that started the attack.
The most important answer to what he can improve is his match fitness. I expect him to do a lot more without the ball than he already does because he’s already working hard.
It’s completely normal because he has to adjust to a different league from a different playing style. Frankfurt wasn’t pressing as much as we try to do, and then coming to a different league, there’s a lot for him to handle.
To adapt to the intensity levels without the ball, there are small steps to make for him.
Despite two wins from two, Liverpool have struggled with set-pieces and will face a team on Sunday that thrive from dead-ball situations:
The thing that stands out for [Arsenal], and in a negative way for us, is we’ve conceded four set pieces, including the Bilbao game and that’s one of their strengths.
You can see how well they are managed by Mikel Arteta, they’ve been working together for five years and they can play almost every style there is. It [conceding from set-pieces] is a part we need to improve, which we were really good at last season so there’s no panic.
Liverpool’s title defence continues on Sunday and Arne Slot was, of course, asked about Alexander Isak, who is doing his best to force a move to the defending champions from Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side have spent most of the summer trying to sign a new striker to replace Callum Wilson and Isak, if they let him leave. After missing out on several targets, they finally seemed to have found their man in Nick Woltemade.
Here is what Arne Slot said on the situation:
If it’s true, Newcastle have signed a new No9 and that’s very nice for Eddie because Anthony Gordon is suspended and Isak has not been training.
I said after Monday evening that I could make a substitute to impact the game and as always, we try to sign players who can help us.
But there’s no reason, after the first two games to complain to think we need more. But if we can strength the squad, we will try to do that if it’s for the right money and the right player.
Let’s see if we do something and if we can, what we can do.
Slot’s side will host Arsenal at Anfield, their closest rivals to the title last season:
There are a lot of similarities with both teams. The playing style of Arsenal hasn’t changed too much with the new signings coming in. Maybe they have a different No 9 than last season, Jesus is a real No 9 but he didn’t play as much, but the one they have now is different to Havertz or Trossard. Gyokeres is more of a target man so that’s maybe where there’s a small difference.
Spurs to sign £51.8m Simons after Chelsea leave path clear
Tottenham are poised to complete the £51.8m signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. Personal terms have been agreed with the attacking midfielder and a medical has taken place.
Barring any last-minute hitches the deal will be a major boost for Thomas Frank, who has been hoping to add an attacking midfielder. Spurs have have missed out on Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal from Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White.
Chelsea were also interested in Simons but never made a bid for the 22-year-old. There are no indications that the club will disrupt their London rivals by attempting a late swoop for the Netherlands international.
More from Jacob Steinberg and David Hytner here.
Mourinho joined Fenerbahce just over a year ago after a stint at Roma and was greeted by thousands of fans when he arrived in Istanbul, raising expectations of ending Galatasaray’s recent dominance. He was in charge for 62 matches at Fenerbahce where he won 37, lost 11 and drew 14, making his win percentage 59.68%, his highest since his time at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013 (71.91%).
Fenerbahce sack Mourinho two games into new season
Fenerbahce have parted ways with José Mourinho after the Turkish club failed to qualify for the Champions League league phase. Mourinho’s side were beaten 1-0 by Benfica on Wednesday night in their playoff tie. In a statement released on social media, the club said: “We thank him for his efforts for our team until today and wish him success in his future career.”
The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager is the second high-profile manager in Turkey to get the sack in the last day after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked by Besiktas less than one hour after they failed to qualify for the Conference League.
Preamble
It is Friday morning and yet another weekend of Premier League football awaits, this one the last before the first international break of the season. Here you will find all the latest lines as the managers take on the media in today’s press conferences.
Deadline day is also fast approaching and clubs will be hoping to make those late adjustments to their squad to ensure they are as ready as possible for the long season ahead.
We will also have of EFL, Scottish Premiership and European football news as it comes. Plus the latest on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad announcement for World Cup qualifiers at noon.
As always, get in touch of you have any transfer wishes or weekend predictions. You can find the email at the top of this blog.
And our first piece of breaking news …
