Sattyik Sarkar

Former England international Jonjo Shelvey missed a crucial penalty in his debut game for UAE third division side Arabian Falcons. The 33-year-old, who represented the Three Lions six times between 2012 and 2015, was signed recently by the Dubai-based outfit and has been named their skipper too.

Premier League giants Manchester City sent a scout to watch over the Ligue 1 fixture between RC Lens and AJ Auxerre last week. It has been reported that the scouting team had four players on their shortlist.

Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde has acknowledged that his team committed multiple errors in their recent La Liga outing against Sevilla. The Catalans were not clinical in front of goal and their defensive strategy was exploited by the opposition, which led to a thumping defeat.

Former Barcelona player Gerard Lopez has heavily criticised current manager Hansi Flick for his "suicidal" high-line tactics. Lopez believes that after more than a season at the helm, opposition clubs have figured out the Catalans' defensive strategy and it is time for the German to make a change.

Milan head coach Massimilano Allegri has stood by Christian Pulisic after the US national team forward missed a penalty against Juventus in a nail-biting Serie A encounter on Sunday. The manager, who returned as the Rossoneri boss earlier this summer, has firmly stated that one miss will not prompt him to change his team's routine penalty-taker.

Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri insists that Portuguese forward Rafael Leao must learn to be ruthless. The former Juventus manager, who currently mentors the Rossoneri, was left frustrated after a 0-0 draw against the Bianconeri, where his team, along with Leao, missed numerous chances to secure a vital victory.

Lamine Yamal has reportedly felt discomfort in his pubic area once again after the Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain. The 18-year-old was sidelined for three weeks due to the same injury and now his participation against Sevilla and his presence in the Spanish national team is doubtful.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has stated that Federico Valverde is ready to play against Villarreal and denied that he objected from playing in a defensive role in their latest Champions League fixture. Valverde even penned an emotional statement as a response to such reports that called his commitment into question.

Bayern Munich left-back Raphael Guerreiro, who has 72 appearances for the Bundesliga giants, might not have a future at the Allianz Arena heading into the 2026-27 season. The Portuguese defender, who has struggled with injuries and playing time under manager Vincent Kompany, is expected to leave the club as a free agent after his contract expires next summer.

Bayern Munich's defensive midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic has garnered attention from top European clubs. This includes heavy interest from Manchester City, where he is rated highly, and also city rivals Manchester United as they look to enhance their squad amid their ongoing struggles under Ruben Amorim.

Bayern Munich head coach Vincent Kompany has acknowledged Eintracht Frankfurt's rising star Can Uzun's impressive performances this seasib. The former Manchester City defender believes Uzun is leading the next generation of "top players" in the Bundesliga as his side prepare to face the 19-year-old in the German top-flight this weekend.

Marseille are ready to buy Matt O'Riley on a permanent deal in January after initially signing the attacking midfielder on loan from Brighton for the season. Sporting director Medhi Benatia and his team have been impressed by the Denmark international's performances and are eager to ensure he does not slip out of their grasp.

Barcelona are in the process of renewing Frenkie de Jong's contract at the club, with an official announcement set to be made by the Spanish champions. Sporting director Deco confirmed last week that a contract renewal with De Jong will soon be secured, with the Dutch midfielder set to commit to the Catalan club until 2029.

Porto president and Jose Mourinho's former assistant Andre Villas-Boas has spoken about the reception waiting for the Portuguese manager when he arrives at Dragao with his new side Benfica. The Porto supremo has also revealed the messages which were interchanged between him and Mourinho after the latter's decision to return to the Primiera Liga.

Getafe are closing in on signing former Leeds and Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford. The free agent was released from his contract by the Premier League side just a few days before the deadline day after falling out of coach Daniel Farke's plans and is reportedly set to travel to Spain to discuss a possible transfer.

Benfica might expect a reunion between newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho and one of his former players at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema. While the former French international is currently playing for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, his contract expires next year, and the club are ready to let him go if the Portuguese side pay a small transfer fee.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has accused the Premier League of inflating the players' salaries and transfer fees. According to the 63-year-old, this affects the global market and other leagues including the Spanish top flight as well as he stressed the importance of "sustainability" across Europe's leagues.

Como coach Cesc Fabregas confirmed the Serie A club have taken an initiative to donate their proceeds from their upcoming Coppa Italia game to the local community after northern Italy was hit with torrential rain. The devastating floods have affected homes and businesses around Como and the club's head coach shared an emotional message of support for the locals.