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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has explained why training with new signing Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a "nightmare" for him at times.

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• Trent swapped Liverpool for Madrid
• Been a "nightmare" for Courtois to face
• Also talks up England right-back

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Belgium international has admitted that he is trying to get used to Alexander-Arnold's style of play, with the 26-year-old tending to drift forward into an attacking position. The keeper, however, did say the right-back's crossing ability is "unbelievable".

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  WHAT COURTOIS SAID

  "He could have provided several assists already in the tournament," Courtois said of the former Liverpool full-back. "In training, his striking is unbelievable, his free-kicks and corners are on another level. I don't think I've seen anyone with his quality in striking and crossing.

  "As a goalkeeper, he's a nightmare at times. He keeps you on your toes and forces you to work hard to make stops. He makes us improve."

  Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream now

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Alexander-Arnold bagged his first assist for Madrid following his move from Liverpool as Los Blancos advanced to the last eight of the Club World Cup at Juventus' expense. But it seems the defender will need time to settle in and his team-mates will need time to adjust to his style of play, too. There is no doubting his ability, though.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Alexander-Arnold and Courtois are likely to feature for Madrid again in their blockbuster clash with Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. Despite not winning a major trophy in the regular season, they could cap off the summer with some silverware.

A 20-year-old Manchester United fan has pleaded guilty to assaulting Jack Grealish by slapping the Manchester City star following April’s heated Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Alfie Holt admitted to the offence in court and has been banned from attending football matches for three years, while also receiving a fine for the incident.

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• Alfie Holt banned for three years for slapping Jack Grealish
• Incident occurred after heated Manchester derby at Old Trafford
• Grealish reportedly insulted Holt before minor assault happened

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Holt slapped Grealish across the face as the Manchester City midfielder exited the pitch after the derby. The incident occurred in the tunnel area at Old Trafford, with Holt claiming he reacted after Grealish allegedly insulted him by calling him "little ugly w*nker". He was arrested outside the stadium and later admitted to a single count of assault.

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  As per Sky Sports, the court was told that no physical injury was caused, but the assault occurred during a high-profile, televised match. Prosecutors argued that footballers are especially vulnerable in such situations and must be protected. Holt, who had no prior convictions, expressed regret and accepted full responsibility in front of the court and was given a three-year Football Banning Order and fined £120, with £85 costs and a surcharge of £48.

• TELL ME MORE…

  During the court proceedings, Grealish stated he could not hear what Holt was shouting due to crowd noise and tried to engage him before being slapped. Holt told police he had been drinking, and Grealish's alleged comment triggered his reaction. His season ticket has already been revoked, which his lawyer called a major personal consequence.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Holt has been fined and is banned from all football stadiums for three years. The court heard fines cannot be deducted from Holt's Personal Independence Payments, so his parents, with whom he lives, have agreed to pay them in full within 28 days.

Aston Villa have shown interest in signing Sami Aghehowa from FC Porto this summer as they have identified the Spanish striker as a possible replacement for Ollie Watkins. Manchester United are keen on signing the English forward in the summer window and in case Watkins exits Villa Park, the club would go after Aghehowa who is valued at €80 million (£69m/$93.5m) by the Portuguese club.

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• Aston Villa identify Watkins' replacement
• Eyeing a move for FC Porto's Samu Aghehowa
• Man Utd keen on signing Watkins

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Porto signed Aghehowa from Atletico Madrid in a rush last summer for €30m (£26m/$35m), although they could not pay the entire sum at that moment. They paid €15m (£13m/$17.5m) last year and kept the remaining 50 per cent of the amount as future transfer fees. The Portuguese club recently paid €12m (£10m/$14m) for the player's rights and it remains unclear whether they have cleared Atletico's dues in a full settlement.

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  now reports that Porto might consider parting ways with the striker after just one season, where he scored 27 goals in 45 matches, as clubs like Aston Villa have shown interest in the 21-year-old forward. The report adds that Porto value the player at €80m and the starting point of any negotiation will be at €70m.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Villans' interest in the Spanish footballer, however, depends on whether Watkins exits the club this summer. The England international has emerged as a transfer target for Manchester United, as the Red Devils look to revamp their forward line this summer.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  United will hope to sign a striker this summer, though that may depend heavily on whether they can sell the likes of Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, among others.

Former Premier League star Jason McAteer has raised concerns over the mental well-being of England internationals Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish, warning that the current level of scrutiny placed on elite footballers is unsustainable without adequate psychological support. With growing public expectations and underwhelming outings in an England shirt, both players have faced a storm of negative attention in recent months.

• Bellingham & Grealish are mostly under media spotlight
• Every move is being followed closely
• McAteer believes they are not given enough mental support

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Grealish has also endured a turbulent spell at Manchester City, especially after slipping down the pecking order following the rise of Belgian winger Jeremy Doku. The 28-year-old had previously opened up about how challenging it was to cope with the shift in his playing time under Pep Guardiola, admitting it took a toll on him mentally.

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  WHAT MCATEER SAID

  Speaking about the current state of the game, McAteer empathised with the burden placed on modern footballers and emphasised the urgent need for mental health support to be embedded in their daily lives, not just something addressed after their playing days are over.

  “I feel sorry for some of the professional footballers now, they are under so much scrutiny. The amount of criticism they receive is ridiculous – they are burdened with an incredible amount of expectation and stress," he told

  The former Liverpool midfielder, who has long championed mental health awareness, stressed the importance of proactive care.

  "I’m a big mental health advocate, and if you are not cared for properly and given enough support, it can leave you scarred," he said. "As a professional footballer, you cannot wait until the end of your career to address your mental health, you have to deal with it while you are playing.

  "For top professionals, internationals like Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish, they need help now and I’m not so sure they are getting enough, if any. In the 1990s when I was playing, there were no mobile phones, and no social media, so there was nowhere near as much scrutiny.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  McAteer, who featured regularly in the Premier League throughout the 1990s, believes today’s footballing environment is far more demanding mentally than the era he played in. Drawing a stark contrast between the past and present, he described how the absence of constant online scrutiny made for a more forgiving atmosphere back then.

  “The 1990s saw the biggest change in football because of the money that came with the start of the Premier League," he said. "There was huge investment, commercial growth, and increase in broadcasting revenue. Then there was the cultural side of things – everyone was interested in the lifestyle of Premier League footballers – and you had all the noise around the Spice Girls, Oasis, everything was happening around that time!

  "All of a sudden, footballers were mixing it with film stars and pop stars. We were getting featured in national magazines – not just football magazines, even GQ! David James was doing a photoshoot with Armani! There were massive changes in British culture – it was crazy. But would I change it for the world? Absolutely not!”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?

  As Grealish continues to navigate his future at Manchester City, new speculation has emerged regarding a potential move to Serie A. According to Italian giants Napoli have initiated contact with the player's representatives to explore the possibility of bringing him to Naples. However, financial constraints could hinder any deal, as Grealish’s current wages are reportedly too steep for Napoli to afford outright.

Ethan Nwaneri could follow in the footsteps of Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi by swapping Arsenal for Manchester United, claims Rene Meulensteen.

• Man Utd have recruited youngsters from Gunners
• Nwaneri backed to move to Old Trafford
• Arsenal contract expires in 2026

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Nwaneri's contract expires next summer and there is some concern at Arsenal that he may opt to leave north London. He is free to discuss a move to a foreign club from January, when he has six months left on his deal, but Meulensteen has now posited a theory that he could follow the examples of Obi and Heaven by swapping north London for Manchester.

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  Nwaneri has already made inroads into Arsenal's first-team, notching 39 first-team appearances and scoring nine goals at the age of 18, including strikes in the Champions League and the Premier League. Whether United are interested remains to be seen but Meulensteen, who worked in Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom staff at Old Trafford, believes they should be.

• WHAT MEULENSTEEN SAID

  Meulensteen told Grosvenor Casino: "Ayden Heaven looks to be an astute bit of business and it’s interesting that there is a pathway of players moving from Arsenal to Manchester United with Chido Obi another one.

  "These players have had a good education and for whatever reason they didn’t see a way forward at their particular club, United acted swiftly and we’ve seen them do well.

  "Ethan Nwaneri could be another one, it’s interesting that other Arsenal players have been keen on United. What I would say on Nwaneri, I think there will be a bit more of a tug-of-war going on and more financial demands than with those two."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Arsenal face Tottenham in a north London derby on foreign soil on Thursday, as the two sides meet in pre-season in Hong Kong. Nwaneri has impressed during the Gunners' summer excursions to this point.

Carlos Baleba missed Brighton's third consecutive pre-season friendly match against Wolfsburg on Saturday amid transfer links to Manchester United. The Red Devils have shown interest in the highly-rated young midfielder and they reportedly even tried to offer players in exchange to secure a transfer. Brighton, on the other hand, have maintained that they won't sell Baleba this summer.

• Newcastle absent from Brighton's friendly
• Last played against Stoke City last month
• United remain interested in the midfielder

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Baleba last appeared for Brighton in their friendly against Stoke City on July 16. Since then, he has missed three consecutive pre-season games, including their clash against Wolfsburg on Saturday afternoon behind closed doors. 

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  THE EXPLANATION

  According to , Baleba's absence is not linked to his possible transfer to United. The midfielder picked up a minor knee injury in training after the Stoke City clash, which has kept him sidelined until now. On Saturday, the 21-year-old was present at Lancing and watched his colleagues beat the Bundesliga side 2-0.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Earlier this week, reports emerged that the Red Devils have shown strong interest in signing the youngster, who is considered as one of the finest prospects in the Premier League. Baleba is currently valued at £105 million ($140m) and his existing deal at Amex Stadium is valid until 2028. United even tried to include academy graduate Toby Collyer as part of a swap deal to convince the Seagulls, but the club rejected the idea. 

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BALEBA?

  As of now, Brighton are not keen on letting their star player leave in this summer transfer window, while the player is also willing to continue at the club. 

The USMNT goalkeeper opened up about the tense locker room after the loss, but also stressed that the players built a bond

• Freese describes "disbelief" among players
• Reveals emotionally charged atmosphere 
• Highlights positive team chemistry during tournament

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  WHAT HAPPENED

  USMNT goalkeeper Matt Freese detailed the emotional aftermath of the team's 2-1 Gold Cup final loss to regional rival Mexico, describing the immediate reaction as one of disbelief and anger. The New York City FC goalkeeper said that the USMNT entered the match confident after winning five straight to reach the final.

  “It was tough,” Freese said on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast. “There's not much to say about it honestly, just because like you're sitting there, you kind of feel numb. It's kind of like a disbelief type of thing. And especially the way the summer was going with the vibes that we had on the team. The camaraderie that we've got on the team, we felt like, it's got to be a win, right? Like, it's got to end positively.

  "We fell short, that's on us.  But I mean yeah we're sitting there, we saw them go up on the stage. And I was pissed, man. Like I was really mad and a little bit numb inside. Just didn't really say much, you know,. I was pretty silent and then we get to the locker room. It's also silent in there and a lot of anger, but also a lot of sadness and just disappointment in ourselves."

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• WHAT FREESE SAID

  The goalkeeper highlighted coach coach Mauricio Pochettino's emotional post-match address.

  “Mauricio gets in there, honestly, he gave a fantastic speech," Freese said. "It was really emotional, very raw. But It was one of those speeches that, like, you kind of like turn around after and you're like, 'Damn, we did become a team this summer.' Yeah, you know we we're proud of each other – not ultimately proud because we didn't win the final. But you know, proud of what we did kind of off the field."

  Freese admits that there were questions about the squad entering the tournament, but says the team bonded over the six games – a stretch in which he started all the matches in goal.

  “There were a lot of questions going into the summer. I mean, you know, I was kind of on the outside looking in at the beginning before the summer starts," he said. "Just think about like, you know, 45 days in a hotel straight together? And you know, we weren't sick of each other. And I don't know if that ever happened. We wanted to like keep hanging out after the game.

  "And, you know, we were like, 'Damn, like we're gonna miss each other.' It was a really special group that we had in terms of, the chemistry that we built… and it's I think it was a great step. Again you know, it was my first real experience with that type of stuff. So I don't know what it typically is like. But it was a group that really grew together off the field and I think that was a very important part of the summer, as well.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the disappointing final, the goalkeeper emphasized significant progress in team chemistry and cohesion throughout the competition.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  Matt Freese has since returned to New York City FC, playing three games. His club face Nashville SC on Aug. 17.

Newcastle have confirmed the arrival of AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw, who has signed a long-term contract with the Champions League side.

• Newcastle confirm Thiaw deal
• Arrives from Serie A giants
• Second permanent signing after Anthony Elanga

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Thiaw has arrived from AC Milan in a deal which is thought to be worth £30.3 million (€35m/$40.8m), with a further £4.3m (€5m/ $5.8m) in potential add-ons. The 24-year-old Germany international will wear the No.12 shirt for the Magpies and becomes just their second permanent incoming signing of the summer after Elanga, though Aaron Ramsdale has also been brought in on loan.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The centre-back will provide important depth in defence for manager Eddie Howe. Sven Botman missed most of the 2024-25 campaign through injury, while previous utility man Lloyd Kelly joined Juventus in February in a move which has since been made permanent.

• WHAT THIAW SAID

  Thiaw told Newcastle's website: "I'm really excited to join this massive club. I can't wait to start training and to get to know my new team-mates and all the staff.

  "The gaffer showed me his vision and what he wants to do with me as a player and the club itself, which is really exciting.

  "I think Newcastle speaks for itself. It's a great club, a big club with passionate fans who I can't wait to see at St. James' Park."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

  The rest of Newcastle's summer window is likely to be defined by the future of one player; Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker is desperate to join Liverpool and believes his time at St James' Park is over, but whether a deal materialises in the last few weeks remains to be seen.

Former Manchester United star Patrice Evra is hoping to see Lionel Messi face Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2026 World Cup final in the U.S. as he labelled the high-voltage clash as the last 'Marvel movie'. Evra also backed his ex-Red Devils colleague to spend the final years of his career in MLS and compete against Messi's Inter Miami.

• Evra wants Ronaldo vs Messi in 2026 World Cup final
• Backs Ronaldo to compete in MLS
• Called dream World Cup final last 'Marvel movie'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Messi and Ronaldo are gearing up to appear at the World Cup in North America for one last time in their illustrious international careers, which have spanned for close to two decades. While Messi won the tournament in 2022 to complete his trophy cabinet, Ronaldo is still chasing the ultimate glory that would put him on the same pedestal as his eternal rival.

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  Ex-United and France full-back Evra has opened up on the possibility of an Argentina vs Portugal World Cup final in the U.S. next year as he claimed that the match would be like the last 'Marvel movie', which everyone across the world would stop to watch. Evra also wants Ronaldo to leave the Saudi Pro League and compete against Messi in the Major League Soccer. 

• WHAT EVRA SAID

  Speaking to , the United icon said: "[A World Cup final with Messi and Ronaldo] would be like the last Marvel movie. Everyone would stop to watch."

  When asked about Ronaldo's possible move to MLS, Evra added: "Of course [I’d like to see Ronaldo head to the MLS]! Two legends, one last dance — everyone would watch."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & RONALDO?

  Messi and Ronaldo will be back in action for their respective clubs this week. While Inter Miami face Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarter-final on Thursday, Al-Nassr will take on the winner of Al-Qadisiyah vs Al-Ahli in the Saudi Super Cup final on August 23. 

Juventus are in talks to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain, aiming to sign the forward regardless of Dusan Vlahovic's situation.

• Juventus offering €10m loan with €45m option
• PSG asking for obligation
• Vlahovic might stay at Juventus

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Juventus have proposed a €10 million (£9m/$11m) loan with an option to buy for €45m (£39m/$52m) for Kolo Muani, while PSG are pushing for an obligation to purchase him at the end of the season. Several Premier League sides, including Tottenham and Manchester United, reportedly showed interest but the French striker rejected them as he is determined to move to Juventus and is even willing to give up part of his salary in order to boost his hopes of returning to the Serie A side.

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  Kolo Muani joined Juventus on a six month loan in January and went on to score 10 goals and provide three assists in all competitions. His performances have made him a priority target for new coach Igor Tudor. The 26-year-old joined PSG in 2023 but started just 21 games across Ligue 1 and the Champions League across his season-and-a-half in the French capital before heading to Turin.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Juventus have been looking to offload Dusan Vlahovic, who has entered the final year of his contract. The striker’s €12m (£10m/$14m) net salary weighs heavily on the club’s balance sheet. AC Milan, now coached by Massimiliano Allegri who previously worked with Vlahovic at Juventus, have shown interest, though no move has materialised. Juventus also attempted to include Vlahovic in a swap deal for Sandro Tonali, but Newcastle rejected the proposal. At this stage there remains a strong possibility that Vlahovic will stay in Turin for the season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?

  After opening the 2025-26 Serie A season with a win, Juventus are counting on the arrival of Kolo Muani to add extra firepower to their attack, while also remaining hopeful that a suitable offer arrives for Vlahovic.