Jude Summerfield

A deflected Florian Wirtz strike helped Liverpool salvage a 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Wednesday in what was another hugely underwhelming performance from the reigning Premier League champions. The Reds looked set for another defeat after Chemsdine Talbi's opener, but clawed their way back to earn a point after a moment of magic from their German summer signing.

Trent Alexander-Arnold had to be substituted in the 55th minute of Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Athletic Club after appearing to sustain an ankle injury. The former Liverpool right-back had finally picked up his first assist in La Liga when he set up Kylian Mbappe's early opener but had to be replaced early in the second half after receiving treatment.

Tony Bloom, who is the majority owner and chairman of Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, has been accused of running a 'secret £600 million ($800m) betting syndicate', with some of the accounts used alleged to belong to a former chief of staff of Reform UK MP Nigel Farage.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been singled out for some hefty criticism by sections of the Spanish press as his difficult start to life at Real Madrid continues. The England international arrived in the summer after bringing an end to his time with boyhood club Liverpool, but he has only managed four starts in La Liga and just one in the Champions League despite right-back mainstay Dani Carvajal being sidelined by injury.

A stunning brace from Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga's header helped Real Madrid pick up a crucial 3-0 win over Athletic Club on Wednesday. Pressure had been building on manager Xabi Alonso, but his players turned up at San Mames, with Trent Alexander-Arnold picking up his first assist of the season.

Barcelona sporting director Deco has addressed transfer speculation linking club legend Lionel Messi with a return to the Catalan club. The World Cup winner left the Catalan giants in acrimonious fashion back in 2021 as their financial woes meant he could not be offered a new contract, but the hope of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner returning to Camp Nou has not left Barca fans - despite Messi turning 38 this summer.

Liverpool and Manchester United are two of many teams throughout Europe who are set to benefit after FIFA revealed those involved will be able to play for their clubs for an extra week before jetting off for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Mohamed Salah and Bryan Mbeumo are among the Premier League's top forwards but will leave their sides to represent Egypt and Cameroon when the tournament kicks off in Morocco later this month.

John Terry has admitted he was "gutted" by Rio Ngumoha's move from Chelsea to Liverpool following the teenager's winner against Newcastle.

James McConnell has reportedly signed a new contract with Liverpool and will soon head off to Ajax to replace Jordan Henderson in a loan move.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher ripped into his old club after their scarcely-deserved victory over Newcastle on Monday night.

Yves Bissouma is close to sealing a Tottenham exit with a loan move to Galatasaray gaining pace after he was disciplined by new manager Thomas Frank.

Ruben Amorim believes Manchester United are better off without any European football this season after finishing 15th in the Premier League last term.

Rio Ferdinand has admitted Manchester United goalie Altay Bayindir "doesn't fill me with massive confidence" after his shaky outing against Fulham.

Crystal Palace are plotting a move for Manchester City's Manuel Akanji, who is wanted by Galatasaray, as they consider replacements for Marc Guehi.

Wayne Rooney has revealed his son Kai gave him the lowdown on Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman, who recently made his Premier League debut.

The agent of Nicolas Jackson says his client could seal an imminent transfer away from Chelsea after being linked with Bayern Munich.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been included in Norway's squad for the upcoming September international break despite suffering an injury scare.

Newcastle could swoop for Roma's Artem Dovbyk after facing struggles in their pursuits of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Yoane Wissa.