NBA round-up:Doncic Shines in Season Opener as Lakers dominates Jazz

Luka Doncic made an impressive debut for the LA Lakers on Monday, returning from injury with 14 points in a big 132-113 victory against Utah Jazz.  The Slovenian superstar who was traded from Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this month in a jaw-dropping deal was playing his first game since sustaining a calf injury in December. Despite spending 24 minutes in this match due to fitness issues, Doncic wowed his fans  and showed glimpses of a great future with the Lakers. One of the best moments of the night was Doncic making a full-court pass to James for a bucket in the first half. The pass earned him one of the loudest ovations of the night from fans.

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Lakers Cancel Deal for Mark William Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers cancelled their trade to acquire Mark Williams from Charlotte after the center failed his physical, sources told The Associated Press on Saturday night. The source, who requested to remain anonymous, said the Lakers weren’t planning to announce their reason for pulling the plug on the deal. Prior to the news break, The Lakers had agreed to trade rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish,  and draft considerations to Charlotte on Wednesday in exchange for the 23-year-old Williams, a third-year pro and former first-round pick.  But the Lakers decided to cancel the trade immediately after they learned more about William’s injury history. In the past three seasons, he has played in only 84 of 212 games due to back problems and other issues.

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Liverpool ready to make move for Levi Colwill

Liverpool have reportedly entered the race to sign highly-rated Chelsea defender Levi Colwill. The defender, one of the stars of England’s European Under-21 Championship success this summer, impressed hugely on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion last season.  The Seagulls have indicated interest in signing him permanently, but Chelsea have made it clear they don’t want to sell the 21-year-old. Read more: David De Gea leaves Manchester United The Blues want to integrate the 20-year-old into their first team this summer after selling Kalidou Koulibaly. However, the Englishman is far from convinced that his long-term future should be at Chelsea, as he is unsure of his first-team chances. Colwill’s current deal is due to expire in 2025, and Chelsea is looking to extend it, but as it stands, talks have not advanced. 90min is now reporting that Liverpool feel confident that they can pry Colwill away from Stamford Bridge amid this contract stand-off, despite Chelsea’s insistence that he is not for sale. The defender is a childhood Liverpool fan and has a strong relationship with the younger first-team members at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s side have been focussing on overhauling their midfield this summer, and with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai already signed, they are now also looking at defensive options, and a new centre-half is in their sights.

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Granit Xhaka leaves Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal have confirmed the departure of Granit Xhakaz, with the midfielder joining German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee. The midfielder spent seven successful years at the Emirates after joining from Borussia Mönchengladbach in May 2016. He made 297 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners, scoring 23 goals and assisting 29 times. Xhaka, who came close to winning the Premier League title last season, won two FA Cup titles and the FA Community Shield twice during his seven seasons at the Emirates. Xhaka was rumoured to be on his way out of the club last season after falling out of favour with the fans. But he stayed back and played a huge role in the club’s exciting title challenge. But he now leaves this summer, with the club confirming that he will join Xabi Alonso’s side. Read more: AC Milan makes $24m offer for USA star Christian Pulisic A club’s statement read: “Granit Xhaka has joined Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent transfer.” “Everyone at Arsenal thanks Granit for his contribution during his seven years with us and wish him and his family the best of health and happiness in the future.” Meanwhile, the club’s Sporting Director, Edu, wished the Switzerland international the best for his future after the move was confirmed: “Granit has been a big part of our club for a long time,” he said. “He has given us great commitment and quality over the years, playing such an important role in our progression and success. He leaves us with our huge respect and thanks. We wish Granit all the best for the future.” Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta added: “We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us. It has been an incredible journey together for him, and he has given absolutely everything for this club. The influence Granit has had on his teammates on the pitch and colleagues at the club will tell you just how popular he is. “We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years. We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives.”

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PSG confirm Luis Enrique as new head coach

Paris Saint-Germain have officially hired former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique as their new head coach in a two-year deal. The Parisians confirmed the departure of Christophe Galtier this week, with Enrique becoming his permanent replacement this summer. The Spaniard had been out of work since being sacked by Spain following their surprise exit at the hands of Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.  Read more: Bayern Munich PREPARE another bid for Harry Kane after initial £60m offer was rejected Despite his most recent failure, Enrique still boasts an excellent CV at the highest level, though, and PSG have decided he is the right man to take the club forward. “Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce that Luis Enrique has been named as its first team’s new head coach, with the Spanish manager signing a two-year contract,” the club said in a statement on its official website. “Luis Enrique Martínez Garcia, 53, joins Paris Saint-Germain with a solid honours list and a magnificent international reputation behind him. After beginning his playing career at Sporting Gijón (1989–1992) and continuing it at Real Madrid (1992–1996), the highly versatile ex-player took it to the next level before bringing it to an end at FC Barcelona (1996–2004).” The Spaniard said: “I’m delighted to be joining Paris in order to enjoy a new experience,” Enrique said. “It’s so exciting to meet new people, to live in this city, to learn a new language and, above all, to manage PSG.” Luis Enrique is expected to transform the Parisians into genuine contenders in Europe, having been brought on board to help the club secure the elusive Champions League title. He won the Champions League in the 2014/15 season when he guided Barcelona to a historic treble.

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Newcastle sign Sandro Tonali from AC Milan on a five-year deal

Newcastle have completed the signing of Italy international Sandro Tonali from AC Milan. The 23-year-old joins the Magpies for £52m and has agreed on a five-year contract which will keep him at St James’ Park until 2028.  Tonali becomes Newcastle’s first major signing of the summer, ahead of their return to the Champions League after two decades away.   Read more: Tottenham REACH AGREEMENT with Manor Solomon over free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk Reacting to his move to St. James Park, the Italy international, who has previously been nicknamed the ‘new Pirlo’, told Newcastle’s official website: “First of all, I want to thank Newcastle United because they are giving me a huge opportunity for my career. “I want to repay the trust on the pitch, giving it my all, as I always have. I’m really excited about playing at St. James’ Park. I can’t wait to feel the warmth of the fans. Newcastle boss Howe also spoke about his delight at the signing and cited his Champions League experience as an important asset. “I’m delighted to welcome Sandro to Newcastle United,” he said. “He is an exceptional talent and has the mentality, physicality and technical attributes to be a great fit for us. “At 23, Sandro already has important experience as a key player in one of Europe’s top leagues and in the Champions League, as well as playing for his country. “But he also has the opportunity and potential to grow and evolve with us, and I’m excited to add him to our squad as we approach the exciting season ahead.” Tonali is one of Italy’s most highly-rated players and has captained his country during this summer’s Under 21 European Championship.

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Frenkie De Jong

Manchester City CONSIDERING an offer for former Manchester United target Frenkie De Jong

Manchester City are reportedly looking to bid for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong. The treble winners have been relatively quiet in this summer transfer window, with the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea and the exit of Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer to Barcelona the major business so far. However, Pep Guardiola is making quiet plans to strengthen his squad to defend their historic treble, with the signing of another midfielder a priority for him in the summer. Read more: Liverpool sign Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60m According to The Sun, the Spaniard could attempt to lure Frenkie de Jong to the Etihad this summer. The Dutchman was a transfer target of Manchester United last summer, but he opted to remain in Spain. His decision to stay at Camp Nou paid off, as Barca won the La Liga title and qualified for the Champions League. However, Man City may have more luck convincing the 26-year-old to move to the Premier League, with Guardiola weighing whether to bid. Barcelona’s tricky financial situation means more outgoings will occur to fund new arrivals, and De Jong could be shown the exit door if Man City makes a tempting offer. The Cityzens were willing to offer £90m for West Ham United’s captain Declan Rice, so Barca could be tempted by such an amount.

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Manchester City sign Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea in £25m deal

Premier League champions Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic on a four-year deal reportedly worth £25million. The 29-year-old’s new contract will keep him at the Etihad until the summer of 2027, with a reported option for another year. He leaves Chelsea after five successful years where he won the Champions League and Europa League. The Croatia star was a lynchpin of the starting XI and made 211 appearances for the Stamford Bridge club.  With the announcement on Tuesday evening, Kovacic becomes City’s first signing of the window. He has been tipped to replace outgoing midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who joined Barcelona as a free agent after a final record-breaking season as club captain. Read more: Harry Kane is still HOPING Man United will RESURRECT their bid to sign him this summer Speaking after sealing his move, Kovacic was full of praise for the club and their manager, Pep Guardiola.  “This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” he said.   “Anyone who has watched this team under Pep knows how good they are – for me, they are the best in the world. The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there.  To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer. I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management, I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me.  “My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before coming back to Manchester to prepare for the new season. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.” Manchester City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, also spoke about the move, confirming that the club had long held an interest in the player. “Mateo is an excellent footballer,” Begiristain said.  “He can play as a 6 or an 8, has plenty of experience at top-level clubs, and understands the Premier League. “It was a very simple decision to bring him to City because he has the tactical and technical qualities we are looking for in a midfielder. “He is someone we have monitored for a very long time, and we were always impressed whenever we watched him.  “I am delighted he is here. This is a great signing for this club, and I am very excited to watch what he can do with Pep and the rest of our backroom team.” Kovacic will not be the last signing for City this summer, with the Champions League champions also interested in RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol and West Ham captain Declan Rice.

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Tottenham new goalkeeper

Tottenham confirm £17m signing of Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario on a five-year deal

Tottenham has completed the £ 17 million signing of Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli. The Premier League side has been looking to sign a new shot-stopper who will serve as a longer-term replacement for under-fire Hugo Lloris. The Frenchman is approaching the final 12 months of his deal and told the club of his desire for a new challenge earlier this month. Vicario will now serve as Lloris’ replacement, with the 26-year-old able to serve the club for another five years after signing a five-year contract. Read more: Liverpool contact Southampton over £50m signing of Romeo Lavia  The Italian international is the second signing under new manager Ange Postecoglou after Sweden midfielder Dejan Kulusevski turned his loan spell into a permanent move earlier this summer. The arrival of the goalkeeper now switches Spurs’ focus to the future of Lloris, who could be allowed to leave this summer on a free transfer following eleven years in north London. Meanwhile, Vicario will now attempt to establish himself in the Premier League and follow in the footsteps of other Italian goalies like Carlo Cudicini, who represented Chelsea and Tottenham. He will expect to become the club’s number one and will be deputised by 35-year-old Fraser Forster, who is contracted to the club until June 2024.

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