Author: Rowan Clarke

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has launched a sharp attack on Fifa president Gianni Infantino over his abandoned plan to commercialise World Cup rights. Masters told BBC Sport that Fifa had “pressed the self-destruct button” by attempting to sell a 21% stake in a new company managing the commercial and ticketing rights of all Fifa competitions. The proposed vehicle, Fifa Forward Enterprise, was scrapped following fierce criticism from several confederations, most notably Uefa, which threatened a boycott of all Fifa competitions. Masters made clear the Premier League stands firmly behind the English Football Association’s decision to withdraw support for…

Villa’s summer transfer activity has hit an early obstacle after an opening offer for a World Cup star was turned down by the selling club. The Birmingham side are eager to strengthen their squad ahead of the new campaign and have already identified key targets to bolster their options. The rejected bid signals that negotiations will not be straightforward, with the club now forced back to the drawing board on that particular pursuit. Villa’s recruitment team are understood to be working hard behind the scenes to get deals over the line before the transfer window closes. The club’s ambitions have…

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly targeting an Aston Villa player as their next major signing, with transfer activity at the club continuing to gather pace. Spurs have been active in the transfer market and appear keen to further strengthen their squad ahead of the challenges that lie ahead in the 2025-26 campaign. Aston Villa have established themselves as one of the top clubs in English football in recent seasons, making their players highly sought after by rival Premier League sides. Tottenham’s reported interest underlines their ambition to compete at the highest level and bring in quality additions who can make an…

Newcastle United have completed the signing of defender Amar Dedic from Benfica for approximately £30 million on a five-year contract. The deal was announced on Tuesday, which also happened to be the 24th birthday of the Austrian full-back. Dedic underwent his medical on Tyneside on Monday before the transfer was formally confirmed the following morning. The move represents a reunion between Dedic and Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle, who previously worked together at Red Bull Salzburg, winning the Austrian title in 2023. “It’s a special feeling and a really big honour for me to join Newcastle United,” Dedic said after…

Liverpool’s pre-season campaign has raised genuine questions about their squad depth heading into the new Premier League season, with concerns mounting over their options beyond the first team. Aston Villa, by contrast, have emerged as one of the standout sides of the pre-season period, with young striker Brian Madjo catching the eye and generating considerable excitement among supporters. Madjo’s performances have marked him out as a potential sensation in the making, with the forward impressing coaches and fans alike during Villa’s summer preparations. Pre-season is often the time when younger players seize their opportunity, and Madjo appears to have done…

Manchester United are reported to have opened negotiations regarding the future of captain Bruno Fernandes, as the club continues to shape its squad ahead of next season. Fernandes has been one of United’s most influential players since joining from Sporting CP, consistently producing goals and assists in the Premier League over recent seasons. The Portuguese midfielder’s situation at Old Trafford remains a talking point, with his contract status attracting attention from clubs across Europe who would welcome his creative quality. United’s hierarchy are understood to be actively managing the situation, with negotiations now underway as the club looks to resolve…

Rangers are closing in on a loan deal for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, with the Ibrox club eager to solve a problem position in their squad. The 22-year-old right-winger has emerged as a key transfer target for Rangers as the window progresses, with the Scottish giants determined to add quality to their attacking options. Rangers have already had one offer rejected by Crystal Palace, though their pursuit of the England under-21 international remains very much alive and ongoing. The initial loan proposal put forward by the Ibrox club does not include an obligation to buy, a factor that has…

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has reportedly agreed personal terms over a potential move to the Saudi Pro League this summer. The England international has been one of the most consistent forwards in the Premier League in recent seasons, establishing himself as a key figure at Villa Park. His performances have attracted significant interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, where the league has continued to recruit high-profile European talent. Reports suggest that personal terms between Watkins and a Saudi Pro League club have now been agreed, marking a significant step forward in negotiations. The development will come as a blow…

Manchester City are in advanced talks with Lille over a move for Morocco international midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with a deal expected this week. The Premier League club are pushing to conclude the transfer after agreeing to sell Rodri to Barcelona for £65m in the coming days. Lille value the 18-year-old at 100 million euros, the equivalent of approximately £85.6m, making him one of the most expensive teenagers in football history. City have also not given up hope of signing Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, BBC Sport has been told, keeping a second major midfield move alive. Should both deals go through, it…

Al-Hilal are looking to move on former Real Madrid and France striker Karim Benzema, with the Saudi Pro League club seeking a high-profile replacement for the veteran forward. Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been identified as the man Al-Hilal want to bring in to fill the void left by Benzema’s expected departure from the club. Benzema joined Al-Hilal in a blockbuster move that attracted worldwide attention, but his stint in Saudi Arabia now appears to be drawing to a close sooner than many anticipated. The Saudi Pro League has continued to attract elite talent from Europe, and Al-Hilal remain…