The English Football League has fiercely criticised UEFA following a major scheduling clash between the Carabao Cup and the Champions League. Frustrating fixture changes have impacted five domestic matches, moving several crucial ties including Liverpool's heavyweight clash with Tottenham. The EFL has publicly blamed European football's organisers for failing to accommodate domestic calendar constraints.
Coventry City have completed the signing of experienced goalkeeper Dan Bentley from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a two-year deal. The 33-year-old shot-stopper arrives to bolster Frank Lampard's squad ahead of their Premier League return, ending a three-and-a-half-year stint at Molineux to provide crucial top-flight pedigree and dressing-room leadership.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the loan signing of Wales midfielder Jordan James from Ligue 1 club Rennes with an option to buy at the end of the season. The 22-year-old returns to the English Midlands following a standout individual campaign at Leicester City, where he netted 11 goals and claimed their Player of the Season award last term.
Aston Villa are closing in on a major midfield reinforcement, with Joao Gomes reportedly set to undergo his medical ahead of a move from West Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Brazilian midfielder has already departed Wolves' pre-season training camp in Portugal to finalise the details of his switch to Villa Park.