Chelsea have been knocked back by Inter after tabling a €50 million (£43m/$58m) bid for Alessandro Bastoni as they search for cover for Levi Colwill.

• Colwill suffered serious knee injury
• Chelsea searching for replacement
• Bastoni one of Europe's best centre-backs

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , the Blues made a surprise approach for the Italy international, who has developed into one of the best centre-backs in world football at San Siro, but their offer fell below the Serie A giants' valuation and was predictably rejected.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea have lost central defender Colwill for most of the season after the England international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and Maresca has admitted he has told the club he wants another player brought in as cover. Josh Acheampong partnered Trevoh Chalobah at the back during the Blues' goalless draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday, with the likes of Wesley Fofana and new signing Jorrel Hato left unused on the bench. Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo are also currently unavailable due to fitness issues.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The summer transfer window closes on September 1 and the Blues are expected to be busy up until the deadline despite already signing the likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Hato in recent months. They hope to force out Christopher Nkunku to make room for Xavi Simons, while Manchester United outcast Alejandro Garnacho is also pushing for a move to Stamford Bridge.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Chelsea will hope to bring in another defender but next up on the playing field is a trip to London rivals West Ham on Friday night.

Real Madrid are reportedly warming to the idea of loaning Rodrygo to Tottenham, as Xabi Alonso does not have the player in his plans.

Other suitors have cooled on permanent dealSpurs would pay winger's full wageRodrygo did not feature in Los Blancos' league openerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Brazilian winger did not feature in Los Blancos' opening day victory over Osasuna, intensifying speculation over his exit. However, the market for his services has cooled, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich pursuing other options in the attacking third. reports the Real Madrid hierarchy are now open to a loan deal, with Spurs the most likely destination. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Spurs would be able to pay the player's entire salary. Real Madrid also reportedly view the move as a means to the player re-establishing his value. Los Blancos had previously slapped a €100m (£86.5m/$116.5m) price tag on the Brazilian winger. It is unclear if a future fee would be part of any deal between the two clubs. 

DID YOU KNOW?

Rodrygo has been agitating for a move, as he wants to play on the left but sits behind Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. in the pecking order. Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo Garcia were called upon from the bench against Osasuna ahead of the 24-year-old Brazilian. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWHAT NEXT?

A loan deal could end up being the perefect marriage of convenience for both Rodrygo and Spurs. Tottenham have missed out on Eberechi Eze, and still need to strengthen their attacking options, particularly on the left. Rodrygo cut a dejected figure on the bench during Sunday's game. The chance to assert himself in a new environment could help him regain his smile. 

Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has identified Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers as a top target to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, with the Portuguese coach expected to be dismissed next week. Tensions between Marinakis and Nuno have reached breaking point, leaving Rodgers as the frontrunner to take charge at the City Ground, despite previous links with Jose Mourinho.

Rodgers emerges as Forest’s top managerial targetNuno's relationship with Marinakis has collapsedCeltic's UCL fate could impact Rodgers’ potential switchFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per , Rodgers has emerged as Marinakis’ preferred candidate following a breakdown in his relationship with Nuno. The Celtic boss is admired by the Nottingham Forest hierarchy and could be tempted by a return to the Premier League. All this comes after Nuno publicly admitted his strained ties with the owner during a fiery press conference last Friday.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Rodgers is into the final year of his Celtic deal, meaning a move would not require significant compensation. Marinakis is keen to make a decisive change as Nottingham Forest prepare for a crucial campaign domestically and in Europe. A managerial shift now could reshape the club’s long-term direction.

AFPTELL ME MORE…

Nuno has grown frustrated with the Forest’s lack of transfer activity despite late arrivals in the window. His thinly veiled criticism of the board has only accelerated his potential exit, which could come as early as next week. Rodgers, however, faces a Champions League qualifier with Celtic this Tuesday, which may influence the possibility of the move to City Ground.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR NOTTINGHAM FOREST?

Marinakis is expected to dismiss Nuno in the coming week, paving the way for talks with Rodgers. Celtic’s European fate could determine how soon a deal is struck. If Rodgers departs, Ange Postecoglou, who has also been linked with Forest, could make his return as the Hoops' head coach.

Thomas Muller marked his first Vancouver Whitecaps start with a dramatic penalty, later revealing how Robert Lewandowski once borrowed his technique.

• Muller scored late penalty to seal 3-2 win on his first start
• Admitted record at Bayern declined as Lewandowski replaced him
• German star stepped up despite not being the designated taker

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Muller scored a dramatic match-winning penalty in the 14th minute of stoppage time to seal a 3-2 victory for his new club, Vancouver Whitecaps, against St. Louis City, fooling former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki to open his account in his first start for the MLS side.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Muller was once the first-choice penalty taker at Bayern Munich but was eventually replaced by Lewandowski after missing crucial spot-kicks, notably in the 2016 DFB-Pokal final and at Euro 2016. The 35-year-old revealed that he took the vital penalty for Vancouver despite Brian White being the designated taker, citing his experience and a sense of responsibility in the high-pressure moment.

• WHAT MULLER SAID

  Speaking on Lewandowski copying his technique, Muller told reporters: "There were reasons why I was no longer the number one penalty taker at FC Bayern. My percentage has declined somewhat over the years. I think I overdid it with the techniques in the end. With Lewandowski, it was the other way around. He copied my technique and improved it. He also outfoxed goalkeepers, but took the penalty even more firmly."

  On his decision to take the kick, he added: "Of course, I continued practicing penalties in private. I wasn't supposed to be Vancouver's first taker, since Brian White had already converted the first one. But as an experienced player, I do see myself as responsible, and that's why I took the penalty."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MULLER?

  After his heroic start to life in MLS, Muller will aim to help Vancouver build momentum as they continue their campaign. The World Cup winner has already established himself as a key player and will be central to the Whitecaps' push for a playoff position. Muller also confirmed he will briefly return to Germany in the coming days to "pack a few extra pairs of underwear."

MatériaMais Notícias

Alex de Souza, ex-técnico do São Paulo Sub-20 e atualmente treinando o Avaí, tem interesse na contratação de um ex-comandado de Cotia: o volante Léo Silva. Segundo o LANCE! apurou, o jogador está fora dos planos de Rogério Ceni.

RelacionadasSão PauloVai lotar! Mais de 37 mil ingressos foram vendidos para jogo do São Paulo contra o São BernardoSão Paulo24/02/2023São PauloSão Paulo x São Bernardo: onde assistir ao jogo válido pelo Campeonato PaulistaSão Paulo23/02/2023São PauloDestaque nas participações em gols pelo São Paulo, Galoppo está perto de temporada mais artilheira da carreiraSão Paulo23/02/2023

O Avaí quer um empréstimo de um ano. O estafe do jogador estaria pressionando o negócio para o volante ganhar rodagem – uma vez que, como dito anteriormente, está fora dos planos da comissão técnica do Tricolor no elenco profissional. O atleta tem contrato com o São Paulo até dezembro de 2024.

ATUAÇÕES: Galoppo e Wellington Rato são novamente cruciais na vitória do São Paulo

Veja tabela do Campeonato Paulista e simule os próximos jogos

No último ano, Léo Silva chegou a ser relacionado por Rogério Ceni em alguns jogos. Inclusive, pela fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana, contra o Everton e o Ayacucho. Porém, só entrou em campo contra o Ayacucho, onde atuou por 45 minutos na vitória por 1 a 0. Também foi relacionado em uma partida do Campeonato Brasileiro, contra o Atlético-MG.

O treinador preferiu o volante Vinícius, também de Cotia. Este teve seu contrato prorrogado pelo Tricolor até o final do ano.

O LANCE! apurou que o estafe de outras ‘Crias de Cotia’ também querem o empréstimo para os jovens atletas ganharem rodagem. Entre os favoritos a serem emprestados, estão Juan e Rodriguinho – que são frequentemente relacionados por Rogério Ceni, mas não ganham tantos minutos na equipe.

Neste ano, outros dois jogadores revelados na base Tricolor assinaram com outros times. No caso, o zagueiro Walce e o goleiro Thiago Couto. Os dois foram emprestados para o Juventude, ambos com vínculo até o final da temporada.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso says the situation surrounding Dani Ceballos has been resolved and his plans remain the same as before.

• Marseille pulled the plug on Ceballos deal
• Alonso happy to retain the Spaniard
• Says his plans remain unchanged

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ceballos was close to joining Marseille this summer with an agreement in place between the French club and Madrid. However, due to Ceballos's timid response, the Ligue 1 side backed out of the deal. With Ceballos back in the squad and reportedly wanting to fight for his place in Madrid, Alonso was asked about his stance on the ex-Arsenal player. The Madrid head coach said the situation has been resolved and that he's happy to see him stay.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Speculation started to gain traction that Ceballos was interested in signing for Real Betis with the Spanish club interested in bringing him back soon after it was revealed that Marseille had dropped their pursuit. However, Alonso has ruled out any possible transfer before the window closes on Monday.

• WHAT ALONSO SAID

  In the press conference at Valdebebas, Alonso explained the situation, saying: "I spoke with Dani the other day. Obviously this situation has arisen, one that has finally been resolved: he's staying. What I thought before this last week and what I think now doesn't change at all. Ceballos has stayed here and is just another member of the squad. I'm happy he's here.

  "The details of what happened are better than his, obviously. But it does seem like the decision is final. Dani will continue to play the same role he was going to have. This circumstance has arisen, but it doesn't change my opinion of him. How much will he play? Nobody knows that. Not even me!"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MADRID?

  Ceballos is reportedly willing to fight for his position at the club. The club are also willing to keep him for the time being but will listen to offers that match their €15 million (£13m/$16m) price tag. Madrid will face Mallorca in their upcoming league fixture on August 31.

Arsenal midfielders Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fabio Vieira are in line for surprise moves to the Bundesliga with Hamburg close to wrapping up deals.

Hamburg finalising deals for Gunners duoVieira loan includes a €20m optionBoth spent last season out on loanFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Hamburg are set to complete a surprise double swoop for Arsenal midfielders Vieira and Sambi, according to reports from and . Vieira is expected to join the Bundesliga side on loan for the season, while Lokonga will reportedly make a permanent switch.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The move sees Arsenal offload two players who have failed to establish themselves at the Emirates Stadium. Vieira, who joined from FC Porto for €35 million (£30m/$41m) in 2022, spent last season back on loan at his former club after struggling for minutes and undergoing groin surgery. Similarly, Lokonga, a €17.5m (£15m/$21m) signing from Anderlecht in 2021, was on loan at Sevilla last term, where his campaign was disrupted by thigh injuries.

DID YOU KNOW?

As part of the loan agreement for Vieira, Hamburg have reportedly secured an option to make the transfer permanent for a fee of €20m (£17m/$23m).

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Both players are reportedly scheduled to undergo medicals to finalise their respective transfers. The deals will continue Arsenal's efforts to trim their squad of fringe players. For Hamburg, the double signing represents a significant boost to their midfield options as they look to integrate the duo into their squad for the season ahead. 

MatériaMais Notícias

Após um dia de folga, os jogadores do Corinthians retornaram ao CT Joaquim Grava neste domingo (2), com foco total para a estreia na Libertadores contra o Liverpool-URU, na quinta-feira (6). A comissão técnica corintiana deu atenção especial ao posicionamento defensivo da equipe.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansFausto Vera se destaca com gols e acirra briga no meio-campo do CorinthiansCorinthians01/04/2023CorinthiansEntenda imbróglio entre Corinthians e marca alemã em negociação por ônibusCorinthians01/04/2023CorinthiansCorinthians não terá torcida em Brasília para confronto pelo Brasileirão feminino; clube se posicionaCorinthians01/04/2023

+ Com Barletta, Corinthians chega a 19 reforços na gestão de Duílio; relembre todos os reforços

O técnico Fernando Lázaro separou os zagueiros e laterais dos meio-campistas e atacantes para atividades de posicionamento defensivo. Por último, a comissão técnica comandou um treino de marcação pressão e posse de bola em espaço reduzido, que teve a presença de Guilherme Biro e Pedrinho.

+ Veja as movimentações do mercado da bola no LANCE!

Cássio, Carlos Miguel, Matheus Donelli e Kauê treinaram o tempo todo com Marcelo Carpes e Luiz Fernando dos Santos, preparadores de goleiros do Timão.

Para a partida contra o Liverpool-URU, Fernando Lázaro não poderá contar com Bruno Méndez, que cumpre suspensão pela expulsão contra o Flamengo, nas quartas de final da Libertadores do ano passado. Uma provável escalação conta com: Cássio; Fagner, Gil, Caetano (Balbuena) e Fábio Santos; Roni, Giuliano, Renato Augusto e Adson (Fausto Vera); Róger Guedes e Yuri Alberto.

+ Veja tabela e como ficou o grupo do Timão na Libertadores
​
O elenco alvinegro retorna ao CT Joaquim Grava na manhã de segunda-feira, dando sequência na preparação para a estreia na Libertadores.

continua após a publicidade

GOAL looks inside the numbers, tactics and trends for key U.S. internationals in Europe early in the season

We've arrived at the first international break of the season and, as always, it comes just as the European campaign is picking up steam. Two or three weeks get played and then comes the pause. Those first games, then, are a taste of the domestic seasons, a glimpse into what might be.

It's true that there hasn't been much club soccer played so far, but we are starting to see storylines and trends emerge involving some of the U.S. men's national team's top stars. Many of those top have returned to the U.S. for the upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan, but there are plenty left to watch along in Europe with a point to prove.

Some are already proving that point, seemingly with one eye on the October squad.

GOAL examines some noteworthy tactics and trends for USMNT players in Europe heading into the international break.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Balogun with a new partner

  For his performance in Monaco's 3-2 win over Strasbourg, Folarin Balogun was named to L'Equipe's Team of the Week. His goal was a great encapsulation of what the striker offers. He broke through the defense, drove hard and chipped the keeper with a fantastic finish. That's his skillset and that's his game. It's what makes him so dangerous.

  There were always questions about fit in this Monaco team, though. This weekend's performance may have answered some, showing that Balogun can coexist tactically with a player many thought could replace him.

  In January, with Balogun out, Monaco brought in Mika Biereth as another attacking option. The English-born Swedish international went on to score 13 in 16 appearances. On Sunday, Biereth and Balogun started together and it worked fantastically in just their second start together. The first had come back in May, and it ended after 14 minutes and a Biereth injury.

  Shortly after this win, Breel Embolo, another contender at striker, was gone, on his way to Rennes. For Balogun, that opened a pathway towards being the go-to starter. It also revealed that a starting role will depend greatly on his ability to coexist.  Early returns are good, particularly with the goal, but there's clearly work to do.

  The two only connected on one pass, while neither got on the ball too much. In the end, though, they got something out of it, and reports out of France say the partnership looks set to continue.

  "Mika is a top player, I know his game, it's easy for me to play with him," Balogun said. "The coach likes this system with two connected attackers. I think we showed connections, good things together."

  The evolution of that partnership will help define Monaco's season and, for the purpose of American fans, Balogun's place in the USMNT. Could it also provide a new way to use the striker under Mauricio Pochettino? Perhaps, but, before that happens, Balogun is one to keep an eye on as he looks to make his long-awaited big breakthrough in Monaco.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Pulisic's Serie A dominance continues

  In truth, there isn't much to break down from Christian Pulisic's performance. He was given just 13 minutes off the bench in the 2-0 win. He certainly made his presence felt in those 13 minutes, though, and that's the larger trend worth looking at.

  It did require a defensive calamity, yes, but Pulisic found the back of the net just a few minutes after coming on. It was his first Serie A goal of the season in Milan's second game, and it further proved just how vital he is to the team's attack.

  Now, across 104 matches for Milan, he's up to 35 goals and 20 assists – and 41 of those goals and assists have come in 72 Serie A games. It all makes it very clear that, particularly in domestic games, there's no stopping Pulisic. It's why there's no reason to panic when Pulisic is omitted from Milan's starting XI, as he was this weekend. It's maintenance, not judgment.

  “I’m fine. I had some problems, but I’m fine now," he said postgame. "Today I think I touched the ball three times, but I scored. It was a beautiful night.”

  Pulisic has had plenty of beautiful Serie A nights. Now, the question is if they can stay that way as Milan try to reclaim their place among Italy's elite.

• Getty Images
  

  The only Sargent stat that matters

  Sometimes, you don't have to get too deep into it. There are an infinite about of underlying numbers to look at to explain a soccer game, but sometimes you really only need one. That one, for strikers in particular, is goals. That number means everything.

  Therefore, it means something that Josh Sargent has a lot of them with Norwich. He's netted six goals in five games to start this season, showcasing his talents as a top striker at the Championship level. It means something, too, then, that he has none of them for the USMNT since 2019. Over his last 16 appearances, he hasn't hit the back of the net with a shot that counted and, for many, that stat speaks volumes.

  “Of course, I know it’s been a while,” he said Tuesday. “I’m doing so well at the club level at the moment – I just keep reminding myself how well I’m doing there. I know I can score goals and I know it’s a matter of time before I’m going to score for the national team. So just going to put my head down and keep working hard and I know the goals will come.”

  Sargent does a lot of things well. He links play, creates danger, and presses hard. Those stats look good on paper, but they only matter if there's a number next to it in the goal column, particularly during this international break.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Morris making his case

  While Sargent has been spectacular, it would actually be easy to argue that the best American in the Championship isn't in the USMNT squad. That player? Aidan Morris, who looks like he might just be September's biggest USMNT omission when you look at current form.

  Four games into the Championship season, Morris has won Middlesbrough's Man of the Match award for three of them, with the latest coming last weekend against Sheffield United. He won eight of his 11 ground duels, drew three fouls, completed 54 of his 60 passes and fired two shots on target.

  All of that adds up to an incredibly well-rounded game, one in which Morris was able to impact play with and without the ball. In the fall, it seemed as if Morris would become a mainstay under Pochettino. He impressed in his initial appearances to start the new coach's tenure, but hasn't featured since October and wasn't called in to this September camp.

  It's up to him, then, to show why he deserves to be involved with his play at Boro. He's certainly doing just that.

West Ham star Lucas Paqueta is reportedly considering suing the FA after "surprising and concerning flaws” were found in his spot-fixing trial.

• Brazilian cleared of any wrongdoing
• Stood accused of deliberately being booked
• Legal case cost him transfer to Man City

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazil international was cleared in July 2025 of four counts of deliberately picking up yellow cards in order to influence betting markets. Said ruling was reached after a two-year investigation that led to questions of Paqueta’s integrity and cost him a big-money transfer.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  A 314-page document has been published that details how an independent commission reached its decision, with serious holes being picked in the FA’s failed case. According to the , Paqueta is mulling over legal options of his own.

• WHAT PAQUETA'S LEGAL TEAM SAID

  Alistair Campbell, the head of Paqueta's legal team, has told the Mail: “It's certainly something that is at the forefront of our minds and those discussions are ongoing. I can't say we're about to run off to court but it's something that's under consideration.

  “It's a judgement that's quite critical of the FA at some points but there are other points where it says you can see why suspicion was raised.

  “The driving factor behind this will be what it's cost Lucas in terms of his career and potential earnings. That is significant. He was on the verge of a move to Man City when this first happened and they went on to win the Premier League that year. There's an empty space in his trophy cabinet that can't be filled by an exoneration and by some recompense.

  “He definitely feels aggrieved. The judgement comprehensively exonerates him so the ultimate decision will rest with Lucas but we will certainly be exploring all possibilities.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The FA has been accused of failing to call “independent” experts in important parts of the trial, with their own betting integrity officer, Tom Astley, being used as a chief witness despite his professional ties to the association.

  The case review stated: “From the commission's perspective the evidence presented by the FA on the betting data had an obvious flaw, namely the lack of an independent expert assessment of that data. That the FA chose to advance the most important element of its case without any such independent expert assessment of it was, in the commission's view, surprising.”