- Live Reporting (active)
Summary
Latest football news: pre-season updates, transfer latest and Olympic reaction
Pre-season: Brentford draw with Benfica at the Estádio da Luz
Transfers: Everton sign Lindstrom on loan
It will be 'fine' when Fernandez returns - Madueke
Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Live Reporting
Craig Nelson & Charlotte Coates
We'll see you soon!published at 15:08 26 July
15:08 26 July
Don't be too upset but that's all from us today but luckily for you, we'll be back again tomorrow morning.
There's plenty of pre-season action over the weekend to sink your teeth into if you're missing football.
Here is the BBC Sport football page for all of the latest news.
Enjoy your Friday evening and we'll see you soon!
Footballers 'scared' after Reading Women collapsepublished at 15:05 26 July
15:05 26 July
Image source, Getty ImagesFootballers are “scared” and “anxious” about the collapse of major women's teams following the demotion of Reading, according to Bristol City midfielder Amy Rodgers.
Reading, who were a Women’s Super League team as recently as 2023, will play in the fifth division next season after the club withdrew from the Women's Championship amid financial difficulties.
Despite the growth of support and media coverage of English women’s football in recent years, Rodgers says the fate of Reading shows how even professional players’ livelihoods can be on shaky ground.
“There are aspects of the women’s game which are scary, and as a player it causes anxiety about where the game is going,” she said.
“Reading is the most recent one, but it has happened over the last five to 10 years where a team has just folded overnight. A team in the WSL recently now being in the fifth tier, it is scary at times. I just think investment will hopefully grow the game, making it sustainable.”
Szmodics talks continue but resolution needed soonpublished at 15:02 26 July
15:02 26 July
Nick Mash*ter
BBC Sport football news reporterImage source, Getty ImagesIpswich and Blackburn continue to hold talks over Ireland forward Sammie Szmodics.
Rovers, though, are becoming frustrated with how long negotiations are taking for their star man, having started over two weeks ago, while the Tractor Boys are not prepared to pay an inflated fee.
With Rovers' Championship season starting at Derby in two weeks the issue is disrupting their preparations and there is a sense the matter needs to be resolved soon.
The clubs are yet to agree on a fee, with the Tractor Boys having had multiple bids rejected for last season’s 27-goal Championship top scorer and remain apart in their valuation.
Colchester-born Szmodics has been open about his desire to play in the Premier League after scoring 33 times in 2023-24.
A move to Suffolk would give the 28-year-old the chance to move closer to home.
Szmodics' goals kept Blackburn in the Championship as they finished 19th, three points above the relegation zone.
He signed a new deal until 2026 in November, leaving Rovers in a strong bargaining position.
It will be 'fine' when Fernandez returns - Maduekepublished at 14:59 26 July
14:59 26 July
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporterImage source, Getty ImagesChelsea forward Noni Madueke says "everything is going to be fine" when Enzo Fernandez returns to the squad despite ongoing disciplinary proceedings concerning alleged racism.
Midfielder Fernandez is set to rejoin the squad on Monday after the 23-year-old was accused of involvement in "uninhibited racism" by Blues team-mate Wesley Fofana.
The French Football Federation said it was shocked to see footage of what it described as a "racist and discriminatory" song being sung by players after Argentina won the Copa America.
The song contains lyrics which question the heritage of France's black and mixed race players.
Fernandez has apologised directly to his Chelsea team-mates, six of whom are Frenchmen of African descent, and also publicly, while the club have begun an internal disciplinary procedure.
Football's world governing body Fifa has also opened an investigation.
Madueke, who started the 2-2 draw with Wrexham in the first pre-season friendly of new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca's reign, said he and his team-mates would resolve the situation internally.
"That's something that's between us players," Madueke, 22, said. "Enzo is going to come back and join his team again and everything is going to be fine."
get involved Branthwaite & De Ligt deals 'might be late in the window'published at 14:53 26 July
14:53 26 July
Simon Stone Q&A
Simon Stone
BBC Sport in Los AngelesImage source, Getty ImagesSam: What is happening with the Matthijs De Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite transfers?
Simon Stone: We are in a holding pattern. United are yet to hit the figure Everton are demanding for Branthwaite - there was a sense earlier in the summer that the Merseyside club had to sell, but evidently, for that player specifically, that was not the case.
De Ligt has more experience and would presumably have a more senior role in Ten Hag's squad given how well he knows the central defender. But Bayern Munich are not making it easy and United will not get him on the cheap. It might be a late one in the window if either man ends up being signed.
Tony: Is everyone fit and available for the coming season?
Simon Stone: Clearly Tyrrell Malacia isn't, otherwise he would be here. I guess the main doubt is how Shaw has come through the Euros. After spending so long last season without a left-back, Ten Hag needs to have one who is fully fit from day one.
'Bruno-no'published at 14:51 26 July
14:51 26 July
Friday's newspapers
The Daily Star
Not everyone agrees that Bruno Fernandes should be Manchester United captain, of course.
Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has accused the Portugal midfielder of being a "quitter" at not fit to lead the club in a number of today's national newspapers, including the Star.
Image source, Daily Starget involved 'I would stick with Fernandes as captain'published at 14:44 26 July
14:44 26 July
Simon Stone Q&A
Nigel: Do you think Bruno Fernandes is an effective captain and leader of the team, or should Manchester United appoint someone who is perhaps less emotional, particularly when things are not going to plan, and a real leader? I am not sure who - any ideas?
Simon Stone: There are a significant points here that go right to the heart of the matter. First, Erik ten Hag feels Fernandes is a real leader. He may be emotional, but he is the player I see rising to the challenge more often than anyone else. In that sense, Fernandes leads by example, which is a reason why he would be the captain.
The secondary point - as you make - is who else? It has to be someone who plays every week, that you could see as being an integral part of the club going forward. The candidates are not obvious. Kobbie Mainoo is clearly far too young, Luke Shaw is not really a captain and Lisandro Martinez has not been at the club for very long.
The additional point is if you take the role off Fernandes, he is probably not going to react well, which would place his future at the club in doubt. On balance, I would stick with him.
Image source, Getty ImagesWant more Man Utd news, views & analysis?published at 14:36 26 July
14:36 26 July
Manchester United
BBC Sport's chief football news reporter Simon Stone interviewed Manchester United's Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen and Tom Heaton at their Los Angeles training camp as part of the club's pre-season tour of the United States.
You can read more from those interviews on BBC Sport's dedicated Manchester United page, which also includes a Q&A with Simon.
We will feature a some of those questions and answers next.
Criticism of England at Euros 'ridiculous' - Maguirepublished at 14:30 26 July
14:30 26 July
England
In case you missed it earlier, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has described the criticism of England 's Euro 2024 performances as "a bit ridiculous".
Maguire played more than 60 times under manager Gareth Southgate but missed England's run to a second consecutive European Championship final in Germany with a calf injury.
During the group stage of the tournament beer cups were thrown at Southgate and the team was jeered by some fans, with a string of below-par displays greeted with general disdain from some supporters, media and pundits.
“Yes, performances might not have been amazing but it is tournament football," Maguire told BBC Sport, speaking on the club's pre-season tour of the United States.
"It is not as expansive. There are far less risks taken. You can’t afford to make mistakes or get caught going out in a full press. You saw throughout the tournament there were not many high-scoring wins.
“I just don’t know what the media or fans expected of this team. Was it to go and beat Serbia 4-0 in the first game and then beat Denmark 3-0? Did they think it was just going to be a walk in the park?”
Wan-Bissaka favours Inter Milan move over West Ham - reportspublished at 14:24 26 July
14:24 26 July
Friday's gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesStaying in Manchester and the future of England defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka:
Manchester United full-back Wan-Bissaka, 26, has rejected advances from West Ham and would prefer a move to Inter Milan this summer. (Talksport), external
Manchester United have revisited a potential swap deal involving Wan-Bissaka and Inter Milan's Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries, 28. (Mail), external
Man City make an offer for Olmopublished at 14:14 26 July
14:14 26 July
Friday's gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesTalking of transfer stories, there are plenty more in today's edition of the BBC Sport gossip column, which includes an interesting link between Manchester City and Euro 2024 winner Dani Olmo:
Manchester City have made an offer to sign 26-year-old Spain midfielder Olmo from RB Leipzig. (Foot Mercato - in French), external
Barcelona are also chasing Olmo and have bid an initial £40m - which would be spread over four payments - plus £20m in add-ons for him. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external
However, Leipzig have rejected Barcelona's offer for Olmo as it falls well below their expectations. (Sky Sports Germany), external
Sessegnon undergoes Fulham medicalpublished at 14:02 26 July
14:02 26 July
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporterImage source, Getty ImagesRyan Sessegnon looks set to rejoin his former club Fulham as a free agent, in a return that is subject to the 24-year-old completing a medical.
The Fulham academy graduate left the west Londoners in 2019, but his spell at Tottenham was marred by reoccurring hamstring problems.
Sessegnon has since had surgery to overcome his fitness issues, which had limited him to just 57 appearances at Spurs.
The former England Under-21 international also had a trial at Crystal Palace but he could now become the first signing of the summer transfer window at Craven Cottage.
Sessegnon will sign a two-year deal with an option for a further season.
Fulham also remain in talks to sign Arsenal winger Emile Smith Rowe after having an initial offer rejected.
get involved Get Involved - football at the Olympicspublished at 13:54 26 July
13:54 26 July
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Countless footballing memories from World Cup and Euros, many of which were games that didn't involve England. Olympic football? None...would rather switch over to the archery thanks.
Olymp-Ed
What next for Everton after latest takeover collapse?published at 13:46 26 July
13:46 26 July
Image source, Getty ImagesEverton are back to square one on the takeover front after the latest proposed acquisition of the club fell through.
The Friedkin Group, who also own Serie A side Roma, had undertaken four weeks of due diligence on the Toffees during their period of exclusivity but decided not to go ahead with their purchase.
The club has been left in limbo again but sources insist Everton as a business is "absolutely not in a precarious position".
So what happened with the latest takeover bid and what does the future hold?
Everton to keep hold of Branthwaite?published at 13:33 26 July
13:33 26 July
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport football news reporterImage source, Getty ImagesAlthough the latest takeover attempt at Everton fell through, club sources have said there won't be a fire sale and the wider transfer plans remain the same.
More arrivals are expected with winger Jesper Lindstrom through the door and Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto of interest.
Keeping hold of prized asset Jarrad Branthwaite would be a huge boost going into the new campaign and the Toffees have already rebuffed two offers from Manchester United.
BBC Sport was told on 10 June Everton would need a 'mega' offer to even consider selling the player and that stance remains the same.
Everton also have a new stadium to look forward to, which remains on track to open for the start of the 2025-26 season, highlighting signs of positivity amid the ongoing takeover uncertainty.
Jones loving life under Slotpublished at 13:24 26 July
13:24 26 July
Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesCurtis Jones made 23 appearance in the Premier League last season for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp but he has now spoken about how he is loving life under new Reds boss Arne Slot.
“He’s amazing… probably the happiest I’ve been in terms of a style of play that suits me and the lads we have in our team," said Jones, 23, who has progressed through the academy ranks into the Liverpool first team after joining the club aged nine.
“I feel more in the past it was kind of like a rush, we’d get the ball back and it was a little bit too direct I would say, it was up and down, up and down. Now he wants us to have all the ball and completely kill teams."
Slot not giving anything away on Alexander-Arnold's futurepublished at 13:14 26 July
13:14 26 July
Liverpool
There's worry amongst the Liverpool fans as Trent Alexander-Arnold enters the final year of his contract.
The Reds vice-captain is close friends with England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, resulting in Alexander-Arnold being linked with a move to the Spanish capital.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot wasn't being tempted into talking about Alexander-Arnold's future.
"My answer would probably be a bit boring… I think it's the same answer you've heard in the last five, six or seven years. Contract situations are not discussed at this place. But just keep trying [to ask the question], I would say."
Watch: Slot on 'high standards' in transfer windowpublished at 13:05 26 July
13:05 26 July
Liverpool v Real Betis (Sat, 00:30 BST)
Liverpool
Here's more from Liverpool boss Arne Slot, talking about the transfer window and how high the standards are when looking at prospective signings.
Click on the play icon below to watch the interview.
This weekend's pre-season fixturespublished at 12:56 26 July
12:56 26 July
All times in BST
Liverpool are one of 17 Premier League clubs in action over the weekend, with only Brentford, Bournemouth and Fulham not playing.
Here is a full list of the weekend's pre-season fixtures:
Friday, 26 July
Leicester v Palermo, SMH Group Stadium, Chesterfield (19:00)
Saturday, 27 July
Liverpool v Real Betis, Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh (00:30)
Nottingham Forest v Elche, Pinatar Arena, Murcia (10:00)
Montpellier v Southampton, behind closed doors in Spain (10:00)
Vissel Kobe v Tottenham, National Stadium in Tokyo (11:00)
Crawley v Crystal Palace, Broadfield Stadium (12:30)
Hull v Newcastle, MKM Stadium (14:00)
Salford City v Everton, Peninsula Stadium (15:00)
Ipswich v Fortuna Dusseldorf, Portman Road (15:00)
Chelsea v Celtic, Notre Dame Stadium, Indiana (21:00)
Manchester City v AC Milan, Yankee Stadium, New York, (23:00)
Sunday, 28 July
Wolves v West Ham, EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville (00:00)
Arsenal v Manchester United, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles (01:00)
Columbus Crew v Aston Villa, Lower.com Field, Columbus (01:00)
Tokyo Verdy v Brighton, National Stadium, Tokyo (10:30)
- Click here for a full list of fixtures and results involving Premier League clubs in pre-season.
Image source, Getty Images'Surprise' if no Liverpool summer signings - Slotpublished at 12:46 26 July
12:46 26 July
Liverpool v Real Betis (Sat, 00:30 BST)
Liverpool
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool manager Arne Slot says "it would be a surprise for all of us" if the club do not make any summer signings.
The Reds are yet to make additions to their first-team squad during the current transfer window, which closes at 23:00 BST on Friday, 30 August.
"We already have a very good team I'm already really happy with," said Slot, who was speaking before his side play Real Betis in Pittsburgh on Saturday (00:30 BST) in the first of three games on a pre-season tour in the United States.
"But it would be a surprise for all of us I think, if we don't bring any player in. So that will probably happen in the end.
"For now, we are just waiting for the players to come back and waiting for the right ones to sign."
Slot has been assessing his squad after replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, but is without a number of key players following Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
