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Follow live coverage of all of today’s press conferences including Erik ten Hag, Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp
Michael Bailey
Premier League news live: Join Michael Bailey for updates from all of today’s press conferences
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Real Betis working on deal to sign USMNT midfielder Cardoso

Real Betis working on deal to sign USMNT midfielder Cardoso

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Real Betis are finalizing an agreement for a deal to sign US national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Internacional, sources briefed on the talks tell The Athletic.

The deal is expected to go through in January and will be in the region of €6-8million.

Johnny, 22, has seven caps with the USMNT and has accrued 138 appearances with Internacional. He’s been a key starter for the club in both league and Copa Libertadores play. The central midfielder mostly plays as a No. 6 but can also play a box-to-box role.

Betis currently sit seventh in La Liga after 11 matches this year.

Revelo initially reported the talks last week.

Additional reporting: Mario Cortegana

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Norwich report £27m loss in 2022-23 annual accounts

Norwich report £27m loss in 2022-23 annual accounts

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Championship strugglers Norwich City have revealed they made a loss of £27million ($33m) last season – their first following Premier League relegation in 2022.

The figures were confirmed with the release of the club’s 2022-23 accounts and emphasised the financial gulf when relegated teams fail to return to the Premier League. Norwich’s turnover dropped almost £60m to £75.6m.

Norwich eased their losses following their year end of June 30, with a trio of player sales at the end of the summer transfer window – including Max Aarons to Bournemouth, Milot Rashica to Besiktas and the £11m sale of Andrew Omobamidele to Nottingham Forest.

However, Norwich’s financial outlook may get worse over the coming year if they are unable to earn top-flight promotion this season. They are currently 17th in the table, with one win from their last eight league games.

Two teams relegated from England's top flight in May, Leicester City and Leeds United, play each other in the Championship tonight as they bid to avoid a similar fate to Norwich.

Answers on a postcard

Well, there we are. It all begs the question: which is more likely...

Tomorrow we find out, and I cannot wait.

I'll be live with you and the team for our live coverage of Newcastle United v Arsenal, which promises to be a cracker.

In the meantime thank you for your company, keep tabs here for all the evening's developing stories and enjoy what's left of Friday. Get your beauty sleep - a shedload of weekend football awaits.

A big weekend for the bottom club

A big weekend for the bottom club

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Is this the weekend for Sheffield United? They sit bottom of the Premier League with just ONE point from their opening 10 games. I'd add that they're winless but given a club gets three points for a win, it seems obvious.

Tomorrow they host Wolves, who usually come with a refereeing howler. Their manager, Gary O'Neil, openly stated today that three referees had been relegated to officiating in the Championship after taking charge of a Wolves game and making an error.

So maybe Sheffield United will get an error in their favour at Bramall Lane? They may well need it too:

  • Sheff Utd's 10 games, one point and a goal-difference of -22 is the worst start by any club in Premier League history.
  • 29 goals conceded is also the most shipped, 10 games into a season.
  • It gets worst after half-time: 20 of their 29 goals conceded have come after the break, and 10 in the final 15 minutes.

A longstanding issue in need of action

This was the picture that Arsenal proudly posted on social media - as you would expect any club to do with their squad photo.

But it also didn't take long for the image to bring up so big questions, both for Arsenal and for women's football in England.

It is a complex issue but one that has been around for a while now. Long enough to expect action to have been taken to ensure there are as few barriers to talent as possible in the women's game.

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Eidevall acknowledges lack of diversity in Arsenal first-team squad

Eidevall acknowledges lack of diversity in Arsenal first-team squad

Arsenal Women head coach Jonas Eidevall has acknowledged the lack of diversity in his first-team squad does not reflect "the diversity of the communities we represent".

The issue regarding the lack of diversity in the English women's game was brought back to the forefront last month when the publication of Arsenal’s 2023-24 squad photo on social media, which showed a 27-player group — none of them from non-white backgrounds, prompted a flurry of responses.

Eidevall, 40, spoke on the criticism that the first-team squad photo received commenting on the "proud, diverse history" of the north London side.

He said: "We acknowledge our current women's first-team squad does not reflect the diversity that exists across the club and the communities we represent.

"Increasing participation among young women and girls from diverse backgrounds is a key priority for us at academy level, with specific measures in place to improve pathways and accessibility.

"I haven't seen much reaction online but I think where we come from, north London, we are very proud of our community.

"It is a diverse community. The history of the club, both the men's first team and the women's first team has a very proud history of players coming from diverse backgrounds as well and made the club very proud of that."

Arsenal are next in action against Manchester City in the Women's Super League on Sunday.

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Taylor unsure when Greenwood will return from head injury

Taylor unsure when Greenwood will return from head injury

Manchester City Women manager Gareth Taylor is unsure when defender Alex Greenwood will return from the head injury that she sustained during England's defeat against Belgium earlier this week.

Greenwood, 30, went down after a collision with Belgium’s Jassina Blom in the 19th minute of the match at Den Dreef in Leuven.

The City defender was treated on the pitch for approximately 10 minutes before being taken off on a stretcher to be replaced by Jess Carter.

Taylor confirmed that Greenwood would be unavailable for his side's game against Arsenal on Sunday, saying: "She's been back in the environment today with us. It was a nasty blow, first and foremost. There was a lot of concern regarding Alex at the time, at that moment.

"So we've gone through all of the necessary protocols that come with these types of head injuries. Of course, she won't be available for the weekend. I spoke to her (Greenwood) yesterday, and exchanged text messages on the evening of when she did it. It was a bit of a scary moment for her and an uncomfortable moment for her.

"She's a very brave player, Alex, she's very determined, she's so brave in everything she does and the way she plays, and of course, she's frustrated because it means she'll miss the weekend but her welfare is the most important thing and we'll make sure we get that right as a club.

"Of course (it’s too early to predict when she will return) – she is due to see a specialist next week, so we’ll learn more once the experts have assessed her."

Greenwood took to social media to issue an update on her condition but also wished her team-mates, who are unbeaten in their first four games of the Women's Super League (WSL) season, luck ahead of the game at Meadow Park on Sunday.

She said: "Of course, I'm gutted to be out with a head injury but this is something that I need to take seriously. With time and conversations with the experts that I am fortunate enough to have around me."

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And the last winner was...

And the last winner was...

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Less than an hour ago I posed you a little Ballon d'Or question...

When was the last time a Premier League player won the men's award? That's right! It was...

🏆 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) in 2008

Congratulations if you got it right and enjoy that prize of our eternal respect.

How do the Bowen omens look for that record?

There may be the prospect of Jarrod Bowen setting a Premier League record for West Ham at Brentford, but what are the chances? Time for a stat attack.

And it doesn't look good if you like to read into form and history...

  • Brentford have won all four of their Premier League games against West Ham, keeping three clean sheets.
  • West Ham have lost more Premier League London derbies than any other side. That's 119 of them! West Ham have lost eight of their last nine that have been away.
  • And to be frank, West Ham are in woeful form. After picking up 10 points from a possible 12 in their first four Premier League games this season, they have taken just four from their last 18 available.
  • Their only win over that period came at home to bottom side Sheffield United.

So yeah, good luck West Ham.

Bowen can break Premier League record tomorrow

Bowen can break Premier League record tomorrow

(Photo: Getty Images)

Let's hear from West Ham United. They picked up an eye-catching win over Arsenal in midweek to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. They have a good shot at Premier League progress tomorrow too.

They head to Brentford and could see forward Jarrod Bowen become the first player in Premier League history to score in a team’s first six away games of a season. Here's West Ham boss David Moyes:

💬 "There’s a real consistency to him at the moment and he’s getting goals. Let’s hope he can break that record. The length of his new (seven-year) contract would give an idea of what we think of Jarrod. I like his journey. Football used to always be about starting in the lower leagues and making your way to the top if you can, which is probably happening less nowadays.

"For him to go from Hereford to Hull to West Ham and become an England international on the way, that says a lot about him."

FA opens its own investigation into Tonali betting

FA opens its own investigation into Tonali betting

Newcastle and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali has just begun his 10-month football suspension for breaching betting rules in Italy before his move to the Premier League - but there could be more bad news on the way.

The FA has now opened its own investigation into whether the 23-year-old has been involved in betting on football since joining Newcastle from AC Milan this summer.

That brings up the possibility of further punishment for Tonali, who is still allowed to train with Newcastle during his suspension. Manager Eddie Howe spoke about that this morning.

You can read from our reporter Jacob Whitehead below.

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Silva: We have to ensure Fulham fans can afford all matches

Silva: We have to ensure Fulham fans can afford all matches

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Marco Silva says he empathises with protesting Fulham supporters but wants "everyone on the same page" come kick-off against Manchester United on Saturday.

The Fulham Supporters' Trust, supported by other fan groups and media outlets, announced earlier this month that it will protest against ticket price rises before and during tomorrow's match.

Fans are unhappy about increased prices for matchday and season tickets this season, with the fixture against United seeing matchday prices ranging from £67 to £160, outside of the cheaper family area.

Supporters are due to march together to Craven Cottage before the game, while yellow cards will be displayed during the 18th minute.

Asked during his pre-match press conference whether it was important that fans are able to afford to attend big matches, Silva said: "Not just games like this. We have to be sure that Fulham fans can afford all the matches. For a Fulham fan, the value of this match should be the same, in terms of points, as the last one at home vs Sheffield United. Or the next one at home against Wolves.

"We want them behind the team. I have empathy with them about this situation. It's a commercial decision from the club. I want everyone focused on the game, and when it kicks off I'm sure it will be like that. Everyone on the same page. Everybody looking to support Fulham."

United coach Erik ten Hag, meanwhile is under pressure following back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Silva said his side will not be taking United lightly, despite their poor form.

He said: "We know their form, but they are Man United too. If you think it'll be easy because they are in a bad moment, that will be the first mistake we would make. We don't want to be surprised. We know their quality."

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UEFA's Ballon d'Or deal makes sense

UEFA's Ballon d'Or deal makes sense

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Away from the Premier League for a moment, it's interesting that UEFA have announced they will be co-hosting the Ballon d'Or.

There was a similar arrangement with the iconic awards and FIFA previously but that has long since ended, and now UEFA are going to give it a go.

Having watched this year's ceremony on Monday night, covering it live for The Athletic, you get a fully appreciation for what is a fairly idiosyncratic setup and one that still falls short in a number of ways - including a lack of awards open to female footballers and their consideration in its scheduling, as well as the curious judging arrangements.

Still, everyone who could be there clearly wanted to be there, and you can understand why UEFA would want to take the opportunity to attach themselves to the ceremony.

Maybe when the award is held in 12 months' time, it will be a Premier League player that walks away with the award. When was the last time that happened? I'll give you until 5pm before I give you the answer. The prize will be our eternal respect.

Cooper: Injury issues mean Forest will get creative with forward line

Cooper: Injury issues mean Forest will get creative with forward line

Steve Cooper says Nottingham Forest will still have to be creative with their forward line against Aston Villa, with Taiwo Awoniyi still short of full-match fitness.

The Nigeria international was able to come off the bench at Anfield last weekend and has been involved in training this week.

But, while he is likely to be involved against Villa, he may again only be fit enough for a place among the substitutes, as he looks to shake off the effects of a groin problem.

And with Chris Wood (hamstring) and Divock Origi (hip) also, according to Cooper, expected to be out until after the international break, it may fall on Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White to form a makeshift forward line again.

“Taiwo, I don’t want to hide behind it, but it is a bit of a complex situation and it is an ongoing one. It is something we are going to have to manage for a little while,” said Cooper.

“It is frustrating, for him as much as anything, because this has held him back. He was doing so well.

“I am not sure that he will need surgery down the line, but it is not a straightforward injury. He can have indifferent days (with the injury) and it is an annoying one for him.

“It is something we will have to take day-by-day. He has good support around him, in terms of the medical staff we have and hopefully, he will be able to play more often than not.”

Awoniyi, 26, is likely to be called up by Nigeria during the forthcoming international break, when they have World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

“The question of international duty is a conversation for next week,” said Cooper. “At the moment we are just focusing on what we might be able to get out of him this weekend.”

Danilo and Felipe have been back in training with the rest of the squad this week, following injury. While Callum Hudson-Odoi has returned to light training.

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The race to return to the Premier League

The race to return to the Premier League

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One of the games tonight is not a Premier League matter - but it certainly has relevance.

Last season's relegated duo, Leicester City and Leeds United, do battle at the King Power Stadium from 7.45pm (UK, 3.45pm ET) and both are already looking good for an immediate top-flight return from the Championship.

Leicester have dropped just two points from their opening 14 games and lead the division, 14 points clear of Leeds in third. They are now managed by Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City last season, Enzo Maresca (pictured).

Leeds may have a big gap to their hosts but they have won six of their last nine games and will be aiming to finish in the top two come May, which would earn them automatic promotion.

They certainly have a manager who knows how to do that. Daniel Farke twice lead Norwich to the Championship title in his four years at Carrow Road.

Barcelona's fine for FFP breach upheld after unsuccessful appeal

Barcelona's fine for FFP breach upheld after unsuccessful appeal

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Barcelona’s fine for breaching UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules has been upheld after an unsuccessful appeal from the Spanish club.

Barcelona were fined €500,000 in July for “wrongly reporting” profits on non-player sales during the 2022 financial year “which are not a relevant income under the regulations”.

The club said at the time they would appeal what they considered a “disproportionate” decision, adding: “And it will go all the way to the last instance (Court of Arbitration for Sport), if necessary.”

But earlier today, UEFA confirmed Barcelona’s appeal had been rejected and the original punishment will stand.

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Muric to miss Arsenal game due to rearranged Euro qualifier

Muric to miss Arsenal game next week due to rearranged Euro qualifier

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Burnley will be without goalkeeper Arijanet Muric for their game against Arsenal next week because of the re-arranged European Championships qualifier between Kosovo and Israel.

The game will take place on November 12 , the day after Burnley face Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. Muric will join up with Kosovo 48 hours before his national team play.

It was postponed during last month's international break due to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.

Muric has been second choice to James Trafford this season although there have been growing calls from supporters to insert him into the starting XI.

He performed well against Everton in the Carabao Cup but his absence suggests it is unlikely he would replace Trafford against Crystal Palace as he will not be available for the following match.

Pochettino looking forward to 'special' Tottenham return

Pochettino looking forward to 'special' Tottenham return

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is looking forward to his "special" Tottenham Hotspur return on Monday.

The 51-year-old spent five years as Tottenham manager between 2014 and 2019, where he helped the north London side finish second in the Premier League in 2017 (the club's highest-ever finish) and reach the 2019 Champions League final.

Before returning to Tottenham on Monday, Pochettino spoke of his feelings towards his former club as well as the reception that he may receive.

He said: "It is special to go back after four years to a place where I have amazing memories. We created amazing memories together, I can not lie.

"It is true (that I did not get to say goodbye) because when I left the club, it was a difficult moment. Now I have an opportunity to go back and I will see many people who are still working there.

"The most important thing is we can not forget that we all lived together. We had amazing memories there and I am going to respect the people and what they express. It is not going to change my emotion, my view, or my feelings about a club that I had an unbelievable journey with."

Pochettino, who denied receiving any approach from Tottenham in regards to a potential return to the club after he left Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, also praised Ange Postecoglou's side's impressive start to the season.

He said: "I think they are doing a fantastic job, Ange and all the coaching staff. Of course, they have very good players, a very good team. You can feel they can be a contender. It is early in the season but they are showing the quality to be a contender."

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Don't call Liverpool a free hit for Luton

Luton Town's quest for Premier League survival brings Liverpool to Kenilworth Road on Sunday.

No one will give them a prayer. So that makes it a free hit then, right? Not a chance. Here's manager Rob Edwards:

💬 "Absolutely not. Liverpool are a massive club doing really well in the league but there is a chance, like there is in every game, if we do things right. We do those things right, if they have an off day, there is a chance.

"We felt we should have done better (so far this season). I know a lot of teams probably also feel that but we feel we’ve left a lot of points out there. We haven’t got enough points and we know we need to change that."

Luton have one win and two draws from their opening 10 games. That sole victory came at Liverpool's city rivals, Everton, in September. They have lost three of their four games since.

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