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Everton have confirmed Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new long-term contract with the club – one year on from Manchester United's offer for him.

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• Man Utd had two offers rebuffed last summer
• Branthwaite's old deal expired in 2027
• Centre-back signs new contract until 2030

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Speculation over the youngster's future has continued to rumble on over the past 12 months. Last summer, Manchester United saw two offers, initially of £35 million ($48m) and then £45m ($61.6m) plus add-ons, rebuffed by the Toffees. Now, Everton have revealed that the 23-year-old has extended his stay until 2030.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While it seemed the club would have accepted an offer had suitors met their evaluation, the mood music around the ex-Carlisle man's future has changed steadily over the past year. Firstly, David Moyes made it clear he wants to retain the 23-year-old's services when pressed by journalists. The Friedkin Group, the club's new owners, are believed to have told chasing clubs that Branthwaite isnot for sale. The new contract should see the centre back become one of Everton's best-paid players, and is a sign of the esteem the club holds him in.

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  WHAT DAVID MOYES SAID

  Speaking in April, David Moyes said: "Good players will always be linked with moves away, especially good young players. But you have to remember Jarrad’s got a three-year contract left, he’s got two years and a year’s option so if anything Everton hold all the cards regarding that player. But I have to also say over the journey I’ve had over many years at Everton we’ve had to sell different players from Wayne Rooney to Mikel Arteta to Joleon Lescott. Apart from being a football manager, especially at certain clubs you have to sell on the journey to try and build as well. But I wouldn’t think that Jarrad one of the players I would want to lose, that’s for sure.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 6ft 5in Branthwaite, who has had loans at PSV Eindhoven and Blackburn Rovers, has gone from strength to strength since joining Everton in January 2020, making 86 appearances for the club and earning his senior England debut last summer.

Marco Asensio is evaluating his options this summer with AC Milan now in talks and Fenerbahce’s strong bid already on the table.

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• AC Milan open talks with PSG over Asensio transfer
• Fenerbahce offer €15m while Asensio considers other options
• Villarreal interested but may lack financial strength

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Milan have entered discussions with Paris Saint-Germain over a potential move for Asensio, according to . The Spaniard is also the subject of a €15 million (£13m/$16m) offer, including bonuses, from Turkish club Fenerbahce. However, Asensio is reportedly not prioritising a move to Turkey and is assessing all available options before making a decision.

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  Asensio, 29, remains under contract at PSG until 2026 but spent half of last season on loan at Aston Villa in the Premier League. With that spell over, PSG are open to a transfer, and Milan have initiated contact. Villarreal has also shown interest, although it's not clear if they have sufficient funds to make a deal.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Asensio scored three goals and registered one assist in 13 Premier League games while on loan at Villa. He hinted at staying at the club under compatriot Unai Emery, saying: "Unai is very good for my position and how I can help the team. I am very comfortable."

  However, it is not yet known if Villa will attempt to convince him to snub Milan and Fenerbahce to remain in Birmingham.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ASENSIO

  AC Milan are in the market for a new winger and see Asensio as a viable target. Talks are ongoing, but their financial limitations could impact negotiations. Fenerbahce's bid is still on the table, but Villarreal's interest is less concrete due to budget constraints. PSG is willing to let the player go this summer to trim their wage bill.

Barcelona have reached a decision over the immediate future of midfielder Fermin Lopez, who has been on the radar of Premier League giants Chelsea.

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• Barca reach Lopez decision
• Catalans in need of cash influx amid financial woes
• Chelsea ready to splash €75 million on midfielder

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barcelona are in desperate need of money from player sales in a bid to return to La Liga's 1:1 financial rule, and have been linked with a number of exits for players such as Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Lopez. However, the Catalans have made their stance clear on the young midfielder's future amid heavy interest from Europe and Saudi Arabia.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A report from claims that Barca have decided that Lopez is not for sale this summer, despite Chelsea's willingness to splash €75 million (£65m/$87m). Head coach Hansi Flick considers his La Masia graduate to be an indispensable member of his squad and will continue to count on him in midfield for the 2025-26 season. As for Lopez, he is happy with his current role at the Spanish champions and is determined to stay in Catalunya.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Lopez has impressed for Barca, despite not being a regular in the starting XI. The youngster has earned the reputation of being a potent box-crasher with a hunger to score goals. His displays have caught the attention of clubs in Europe and beyond. Indeed, in addition to interest from the Blues, Bayern Munich are also believed to have been keeping tabs on the Spaniard. Saudi giants Al-Ahli were also reported to have tabled a massive offer for Lopez, while Serie A outfit Inter have also been linked with the 22-year-old.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FERMIN LOPEZ?

  Lopez will link up with his Barca team-mates for pre-season training next week. The Catalans are set to travel to South Korea and Japan ahead of the start of the 2025-26 season, with their first friendly of the summer scheduled for July 27 against Vissel Kobe.

Manchester City have reportedly made a fresh approach for Newcastle United star Tino Livramento.

• Man City make move for Livramento
• Newcastle want to keep full-back
• Magpies ready to offer him new deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to TBRFootball, City made contact with Newcastle in June about signing Livramento, and now they have made a fresh move for the former Southampton man. The report adds that Pep Guardiola's side are even willing to bid in excess of £50m ($67m) for the full-back's services.

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  This is turning out to be a painful summer for Newcastle so far. Star striker Alexander Isak reportedly wants to leave the club, Liverpool pipped them to Hugo Ekitike, long-term target James Trafford will head to City and not them, and now Livramento is a wanted man. Other than recruiting Anthony Elanga, the Magpies have had precious little to cheer about.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Newcastle are said to be intent on keeping the 22-year-old this summer and have approached his entourage about a new and improved contract, with the one-time England international's current terms expiring in 2028.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Newcastle, who have reportedly turned their attention to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko if Isak leaves, have just over a month to try and keep their best players while also trying to strengthen the squad as the new Premier League season draws ever nearer.

NFL legend Tom Brady says he loves Birmingham City's "budding rivalry" with Wrexham as they prepare for life in the Championship.

• Brady loves "budding" Wrexham rivalry
• Has huge respect for owners Reynolds & McElhenney
• Ready for renewed battle in Championship

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Birmingham minority owner Brady revealed he is enjoying the competitive edge there is between recently promoted League One teams City and Wrexham but he also stressed that the Welsh side's owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have done an incredible job since taking over in 2021. The American added that both clubs are confident they are on a "path to success".

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• WHAT BRADY SAID

  When asked if he looked at what the Wrexham owners were doing in regards to a blueprint for success at Birmingham, he said on the Men in Blazers YouTube channel: "Yeah, how could you not hear about what they've done and [not] be excited about what their team has achieved? Since they took over, I think they've done things in football that have never happened before. They've become friends with myself, with (Birmingham owner) Tom Wagner. I've known Ryan for quite a while and I've gotten to know Rob pretty well over the last five or six years. I am so happy for their success because it means a lot to them.

  "They care for that entire organisation; they've provided a great blueprint to be successful. A lot like them, we feel the same way that we have a great path to success, and now it's about execution. I love the fact that we have a great rivalry between these two clubs. We're not down there on the pitch doing it. The players have to go out there and do it but when that match happens, it's going to be quite a sight to see."

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  Birmingham look primed for an assault on the Premier League after romping to the League One title, in addition to splashing the cash on eye-catching signings. But Wrexham, who have secured three promotions in a row and came second behind City last season, are doing the same and will be intent on being in the promotion picture in 2025/26. As Brady says, a budding rivalry is brewing here, although their feud with Aston Villa is a much bigger kettle of fish.

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  'I LOVE RIVALRIES'

  Brady added: "I think maybe a rivalry in the making. I think everyone knows the feelings involved, certainly of all the Birmingham City supporters, when it comes to Aston Villa. They're probably more of the rival, even though there hasn't been much of a rivalry in the last 15 years or so. But prior to that it was all Aston Villa and maybe it's Wrexham in the making. But I love rivalries. Rivalries bring out the best in all of us. It heightens your sense of emotion and focus, it allows you to continue to reach new levels because you realise the enormity of these moments in terms of what they'll mean for the rest of your life. I love the rivalry with Wrexham, I'd say the budding rivalry. But truly Aston Villa is the team Birmingham City would love to beat."

Liverpool have confirmed that star striker Darwin Nunez has completed his transfer to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. Nunez, who was linked with a move away from Anfield since the start of the summer transfer window, has secured a permanent move to Saudi Arabia. The Uruguayan forward, who joined the Reds in 2023 from Benfica for a whopping £64 million ($86m), spent just three years at the Merseyside club.

• Nunez leaves Liverpool
• Signs for Saudi giants Al-Hilal
• Reds could go after Isak after Nunez's departure

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Premier League champions announced the departure of their star forward on Saturday. Nunez's transfer to Al-Hilal is now just subject to the player getting international clearance. The official statement from Liverpool read: "Liverpool FC can confirm Darwin Nunez has completed a permanent transfer to Al-Hilal, subject to international clearance. Everybody at the club would like to thank Darwin for his contributions and wish him and his family all the best for the future."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Nunez's three-year spell at Anfield turned out to be a disappointment, as he managed to score just 25 league goals in 95 appearances. In the 2024-25 campaign, under new manager Arne Slot, the Uruguay international further saw his game time reduced, as he started in only eight Premier League matches, although he had 30 appearances under his belt.

• WHAT AL-HILAL SAID

  The Saudi giants were delighted to welcome Nunez to their club, who directly joined the squad in their pre-season preparations in Germany. The club's official statement read: "Nunez, 26, has been one of the most prominent players in Europe in recent years. He has represented several clubs, most notably Liverpool, winning the Premier League in 2024/25, the EFL Cup in 2024, and the FA Community Shield in 2022. 

  "He also played for Portuguese club Benfica, where he was named the best player of the Portuguese League for the 2021/22 season after finishing as top scorer with 26 goals and four assists. Nunez previously played for Uruguayan side Peñarol, winning the Uruguayan League twice in 2017 and 2018, in addition to representing Spanish club Almería. Internationally, Nunez has represented the Uruguayan national team in 35 matches, scoring 13 goals and delivering three assists. He also played for Uruguay U20 and U22 national teams. Nunez has just joined the squad during the current preseason training camp in Germany."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  With money coming in for Nunez, the Reds could now launch an improved bid for Alexander Isak as there is a realistic chance that the Swedish forward could head to Liverpool, after Newcastle boss Eddie Howe hinted that the club could allow the player to leave this summer. 

Manchester United star Amad Diallo has seemingly offered some insight into his Ballon d'Or dreams with his latest social media activity.

• Amad dreaming of Ballon d'Or
• Was rare bright spot for Man Utd last season
• Red Devils preparing to take on Arsenal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amad has posted a series of images on Instagram following Manchester United's pre-season tour of the United States. The forward finished off his photo dump with an AI-generated picture of him holding the Ballon d'Or – the prestigious prize handed out every year to the best player on the planet.

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  The 23-year-old won't be in the running for the prize in 2025 but will be hoping he can help Ruben Amorim's side improve after a disastrous campaign last year. Amad was one of the few bright spots for the Red Devils, scoring 11 times and bagging eight assists in all competitions. Manchester United have since moved to strengthen their attack by signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, while the club are also hoping to land Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

• AMAD TIPPED FOR BALLON D'OR

  Amad has previously been tipped to challenge for the Ballon d'Or by Giovanni Galli, the man who secured his move to Atalanta's academy. He told GOAL in 2021: "Amad is unique but he must make himself stronger. At the same time, he must make sure he does not lose his speed, which is a quality that distinguishes him from others. In short, I think he has all the qualities to be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or in the next five years."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AMAD?

  Manchester United and Amad have returned from their tour and play a final pre-season friendly against Fiorentina next. The Red Devils then face Arsenal in a huge Premier League clash on August 17.

The new Premier League campaign is about to begin, and there are a number of teenage talents who look ready to explode in England's top-flight

The new Premier League season is upon us, and there is so much to look forward to in 2025-26. From what promises to be a thrilling title tussle, to an open top-four race and likely nervous battle against relegation, there truly are storylines wherever you look this campaign.

One of the most engaging narratives in any Premier League season is the emergence of new stars; players who will be mainstays of the English top-flight for the next two decades who can mix it with the very best despite their lack of experience. This time last year, for example, very few fans outside of Arsenal had even heard of Myles Lewis-Skelly; by March, he was starting and scoring for England.

So who will be this season's answer to Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri or Nico O'Reilly? Using our NXGN knowledge of the very best teenagers in world football, we've laid out some of those players born in or after 2006 who have fewer than 500 Premier League minutes under their belt who you should be keeping an eye out for between now and May…

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  Zach Abbott (Nottingham Forest)

  To say Zach Abbott was thrown in at the deep end for just his second senior appearance back in April would be an understatement, as the then-18-year-old was named in Nottingham Forest's line up for their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City. Despite having never played in the Premier League, Abbott was entrusted to fill in for the injured Ola Aina at right-back, and though Forest fell to defeat, the youngster did not disgrace himself.

  That Abbott is naturally a centre-back should also be factored into how well he coped at Wembley that day, and there is excitement around the City Ground regarding the 19-year-old's future potential. Having signed a new contract in July, expect Abbott to finally make his top-flight bow in the coming months.

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  Harrison Armstrong (Everton)

  As David Moyes begins to rebuild Everton after guiding them to safety last season, he will be looking for homegrown talents to provide him with options alongside some exciting new signings. The academy player most likely to break into the first-team picture at the Hill Dickinson Stadium right now is midfielder Harrison Armstrong, who earned rave reviews while on loan in the Championship at Derby County last term.

  The Rams are keen on taking Armstrong back on loan before the window closes, but after some decent showings in pre-season, Everton may look to fully integrate the 18-year-old into their first-team picture after he made his Premier League debut in August 2024.

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  Adam Aznou (Everton)

  Armstrong is not the only teenager looking to make their mark at Everton this season, with Adam Aznou having arrived on Merseyside following an £8 million ($10.7m) move from Bayern Munich. A product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, where he played alongside and became great friends with Lamine Yamal, Aznou joined Bayern in 2022, but made just two senior appearances for the German giants.

  The 19-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan in La Liga with Rayo Vallecano, and there is hope that the attack-minded left-back can provide Moyes' side with plenty of youthful energy and quality on the ball. As a three-time Morocco international, Aznou will certainly be keen to make his mark on the Premier League as quickly as possible.

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  Max Dowman (Arsenal)

  From Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe to Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, Arsenal's Hale End academy has been on a heater over the past five years or so. And yet, perhaps the best talent to have emerged in north London in recent times might only now be about to begin making his mark on the first team as Max Dowman prepares to finally make his highly-anticipated senior debut.

  The 15-year-old likely would already have played for Mikel Arteta's side had Premier League rules not blocked him from doing so last term, but after an eye-catching pre-season that saw the midfielder likened to Lionel Messi in some quarters, Dowman is now free to begin contributing towards the Gunners' title pursuit.

Chelsea reportedly failed with a player-plus-cash bid to sign Mohammed Kudus – with the winger eventually swapping West Ham for Tottenham.

• Kudus swapped West Ham for Spurs
• Chelsea tried to sign Ghana winger
• Failed with player-plus-cash bid

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to The Sun, Chelsea offered Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, whom they valued at around £30 million ($40.5m), and an extra £20m ($27m) for West Ham's Kudus earlier this summer. However, the Hammers rejected the offer, as they valued Dewsbury-Hall at around £20m, and Kudus ended up signing for Tottenham for £55m ($75m). 

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  If Chelsea had snapped up Kudus, that may have stopped them from pursuing Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho. So far, the 25-year-old has had a promising start to life at Spurs, something the Blues may look ruefully at. Incidentally, Dewsbury-Hall ended up joining Everton for approximately £25m ($33m) earlier this month.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report adds that the Ghana international was high on Chelsea's list of targets and the player had already agreed personal terms with Enzo Maresca's side. But Tottenham's swift pursuit got them over the line with this one.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Tottenham will hope Kudus continues his bright start to the season when Thomas Frank's team travel to the Etihad to take on Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in the second round of Premier League fixtures on Saturday.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has revealed the new demand Xabi Alonso made of him ahead of their 3-0 win against Real Oviedo on Sunday.

• Courtois reveals role change from Alonso
• Belgian has two clean-sheets in first two games
• Goalkeeper reveals instructions from manager

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Madrid defeated Oviedo 3-0 at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere on Sunday, and Courtois was successful in maintaining consecutive clean-sheets in La Liga. Speaking to afterwards, the Belgian international opened up on how Alonso changed his role in the team, and about the manager's overall instructions.

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  Courtois made some vital saves throughout the game, including one just seconds after kick-off and was forced into another one late on before Madrid went on to score their third. The new coach's tactical adjustments appear to have played a big role in their strong start, with the goalkeeper revealing even he must run more and play further up the field.

• WHAT COURTOIS SAID

  The 33-year-old said: "The coach asks us to start well, with a lot of forward pressure, monitoring… If you press too high, they can't get out well, it's very difficult for them. That's what we tried against Osasuna and today too, and so far it's going well. It may happen that they get out of that pressure and have a counterattack, but we have to be alert. That's the line to follow."

  He added of his save in the 89th minute: "Against Osasuna, I didn't have much work to do. The manager asks me to be very advanced, I'm running a lot, and often I'm almost in the middle of the field. I have to stay focused throughout the match and make that save, because if they score, it would be 1-2 and we could suffer in the final minutes. We were able to keep a clean sheet, which is good for everyone."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Madrid will be back in action on August 30, when they take on Mallorca at the Bernabeu.