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The Belgian moved to Anfield from Aston Villa for a mammoth £32m and immediately repaid Brendan Rodgers' faith by scoring a sensational volley against Swindon Town
Brendan Rodgers has handed the iconic Liverpool No.9 shirt to Christian Benteke ahead of the new season.
The Belgian joined the Reds earlier this summer for £32 million from Aston Villa and looks set to lead the attack in their season opener away at Stoke.
Benteke made an instant impression on Sunday, scoring a wonderful volley from the edge of the area in a friendly win over Swindon Town.
And team-mate Kolo Toure paid tribute to the 24-year-old: "For Christian to score on his debut, it can give him the confidence to go on and have a great season."
Benteke follows in the footsteps of Robbie Fowler, Fernando Torres and Ian Rush as Reds players to wear the No.9 shirt.
Adam Johnson underage sex trial delayed until 2016
Aug 3, 2015 18:25:00
The Sunderland winger appeared in Durnham crown court on Monday where a new start date of February 10 was agreed over his not guilty plea over three counts
Adam Johnson's trial over allegations of underage sex with a minor has been delayed until 2016.
The 28-year-old's hearing over legal and administrative matters took place at Durnham crown court on Monday ahead of the originally scheduled trial start date of August 24 before a new date of February 10 was agreed.
The Sunderland winger was charged with three counts of sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16 and one of sexual grooming in April and will now stand trial at Bradford crown court.
Johnson was subsequently bailed following a hearing at Peterlee Magistrates' Court on May 18, and entered a not guilty plea to all charges at Durham Crown Court in June.
The 12-time England international was originally suspended by Sunderland following his initial arrest in March, but was later reinstated and played a part in the club's successful fight against Premier League relegation.
West Ham lose injured Enner Valencia for three months
Aug 3, 2015 15:33:33
The forward was carried off on a stretcher during the first half against Astra Giurgiu on Thursday and will now be out of action for between 10 and 12 weeks
West Ham forward Enner Valencia is set to miss 12 weeks of action, although he will not require surgery on the leg injury he picked up in his side's Europa League clash with Astra Giurgiu.
The Ecuador international was carried off on a stretcher during the first half of the 2-2 draw at Upton Park after hurting his right leg when falling awkwardly in a challenge.
After seeing a specialist, Valencia revealed on Instagram that he does not need to go under the knife to repair the damage while West Ham later confirmed that the Ecuador international will miss up to 12 weeks of action.
"Enner visited the consultant on Monday morning, when we discussed the results of the scans he underwent on the injury last Friday," head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke told the club's official website.
"The outcome is that there is now a very small chance that he will need an operation and that we instead hope to treat the injury to his fibula using conservative treatment, which we hope to start in three weeks.
"We will know for sure whether or not Enner will need an operation next week, but if everything goes to plan we hope that he will be available for selection again within ten to 12 weeks.
"Enner will spend the next three weeks in a walking boot and using crutches, after which we will start his rehabilitation."
Official: Rafael leaves Manchester United for Lyon
By Ewan Roberts
Aug 3, 2015 20:05:00
The Brazilian is set to play in Ligue 1 next season, ending his eight-year association with the Red Devils, but thanked the club, fans and Sir Alex Ferguson for their support
Brazilian defender Rafael has left Manchester United and joined Lyon after signing a four-year deal with the French outfit.
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas revealed earlier on Monday that the 25-year-old had arrived in France in order to finalise a move to Ligue 1, having fallen out of favour under Louis van Gaal and been omitted from United’s pre-season tour of the United States.
Rafael made just 11 appearances under the Dutchman in a frustrating final season, but that has not soured his affection for the Red Devils, as he took to social media to thank both the club and paying special tribute to the role former manager Sir Alex Ferguson played in his development.
“I want to thank Manchester United fans for all the love during those eight years,” he wrote on his Twitter page.
“Since I signed with the club I lived incredible moments, after all were eight years wearing the shirt of one of the biggest clubs of the world.
“Thank you Manchester United. I also want to thank all employees who always treated me with great affection and gave me greater attention.
“Thank you United Kingdom, I learned a lot in this country, as a player, and no doubt as a human being, lessons that I will keep for the rest of my life.
“Thank you Sir Alex Ferguson for always believing in my work and for all the doors that you opened up to me. Now it’s a new path, a new challenge, God bless me!”
The brand has come under fire for the plunging neckline on the female version of the new strip, but says the release came after consultation with fans
GOALBy Kris Voakes Sports giant Adidas has defended the women's version of the new Manchester United home shirt, which has received widespread criticism for its 'sexist' design.
The German sportswear manufacturer recently signed a 10-year deal, worth £750 million, to succeed Nike as United’s kit supplier, but Saturday’s unveiling of the clubs 2015-16 designs was met with conjecture when the female alternative to the main strip was condemned by many on social media for its 'discriminatory' plunging neckline.
But an Adidas spokesperson insisted in a statement that the garment was developed after consultation with supporters, and also cited a local newspaper poll which saw 75 per cent of readers back the design.
"Adidas provides an adult shirt which is a replica of what the players wear," the statement read. "Based on research from fans, we also offer a women's shirt as part of our lifestyle range of products. This range has a slightly different design and fit to give fans a choice.”
While United and Adidas have yet to reveal designs for their away and third-choice strips for the coming season, Old Trafford's East Stand seating has already been reconfigured to include the Adidas logo ahead of Saturday's Premier League opener against Tottenham.
Petr Cech, Francis Coquelin, Mathieu Debuchy, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny stunned supporters looking to purchase the club's new kit
Known for their willingness to play the fool in front of the camera, the Arsenal squad decided to surprise some unsuspecting fans at the launch of their new kit.
With Gunners supporters told to pose with family and friends, Petr Cech, Francis Coquelin, Mathieu Debuchy, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny all crept out behind them for a far more eventful picture.
Giroud and Koscielny, in particular, looked to be enjoying themselves more than most with a scarf, water pistol, Gunnersaurus toy and even an Arsene Wenger figurine all used to liven up the photos.
Jonnie and Joseph Gurie, nine-year-old twins, were two of the supporters surprised by the stunt.
"It was an amazing experience and we were so shocked and surprised that we got to meet our idols," Jonnie said.
Joseph added: "We never thought we would get to meet such fantastic players and feel very lucky."
Mourinho: My relationship with Abramovich is much improved
By Alex Fisher
Aug 4, 2015 14:08:41
The Portuguese was sacked by the club's owner in 2007 despite winning two Premier League title, but returned to Stamford Bridge in 2013 and went on to win the league last season
Jose Mourinho has revealed his previous differences with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich are long behind him and they now enjoy a harmonious relationship.
The Chelsea boss was sacked by Abramovich in 2007 despite claiming two titles in his first three seasons at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho departing after an indifferent start to the 2007-08.
Trophy-laden spells with Inter and Real Madrid followed before the 52-year-old was lured back to the Premier League by Chelsea in 2013, Mourinho winning his third English title in his second campaign back at the club.
As Chelsea prepare to begin their latest title defence against Swansea City this weekend, Mourinho is delighted with his working environment.
"In my first period, my personal relationship [with Abramovich] was very good [but] professionally we had some interferences and a bit of a disagreement with some ideas," he told Sky Sports News.
"In this moment we don't have this problem. When I left Real Madrid to come here, Mr Abramovich asked me to fight for titles.
"In my first season we were almost there, in my second season we did it and in my third season if you are close, you can always do it."
Ferdinand: Forget Chelsea, Stones should go to Manchester United
By Tom Maston
Aug 3, 2015 23:00:00
The recently retired ex-England international feels moving to Stamford Bridge to sit on the bench would be lunacy and believes the Everton man can handle a big-money move
John Stones would be "a lunatic" if he signed for Chelsea and should instead join Manchester United, according to former Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand.
Goal understands Chelsea have had two bids rejected for the Everton defender, with Roberto Martinez claiming the Toffees will not be forced into selling one of their prized assets.
Both United and Manchester City have since been linked with a move for the former Barnsley man as they look to bolster their own defensive ranks.
And Ferdinand, who retired from professional football at the end of last season having won six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 12 seasons at Old Trafford, feels a move to the Red Devils would be most beneficial to his career.
"If he goes to Manchester United he plays every week, so that’s the right club for him, I think," he told reporters. "If he goes to Chelsea, he’s not playing every week.
"He’s at that stage of his development where he wants to play every week. If you say to any young footballer to leave a club to sit on the bench, you’ve got to be a lunatic. You have to be.
"I’d buy John Stones if I’m Man United. You’re buying someone who’s going to give you ten years’ service. He’s a great prospect — the best young centre-half in the country at the moment. It’s a no-brainer for me."
Stones has been compared to Ferdinand due to his confidence in possession and willingness to carry the ball out of defence in a bid to start attacks.
And the former England international admits he is a fan of the 21-year-old and feels he could deal with the pressure of moving for a hefty fee.
"He’s very good on the ball. I took a real interest in him and watched him at Loftus Road against Bobby Zamora, who gave most centre-halves problems last season physically and he handled Bobby well, and that physical element.
"That was one of the areas that I hadn’t really seen him under pressure with and he looked up for that battle. With all the other stuff he’s got, he’s got a real good chance.
"Looking at him as a footballer, technically he plays with a certain amount of maturity, I think he would be ready to go and do that. But he is the better judge of that. I don’t know him personally.
"Huge price tag [so] he is not going to be able to go in under the radar and bed in. He is going to go in, if he signs for Man United, as the number one centre-half; for Chelsea, probably as an understudy for a certain amount of time."
The Spain international has struggled during his time at White Hart Lane and has been linked with Villarreal, but his manager insists he remains part of the club's plans
Mauricio Pochettino has insisted Roberto Soldado has a future at Tottenham and rejected speculation he will leave White Hart Lane.
The Spanish striker moved to north London from Valencia ahead of the 2013-14 season, but has struggled to make an impression - contributing just seven league goals.
He has been strongly linked with a move away, with Villarreal reportedly leading the chase for the 30-year-old as they look to strengthen ahead of a return to the Europa League.
However, Pochettino intends to use Soldado as part of his squad for the forthcoming campaign despite Harry Kane playing as a lone striker for much of last season.
"He [Soldado] is our player and in our plans," Pochettino said ahead of the Audi Cup friendly tournament in Munich.
The midfielder only moved to Carrow Road in July following his release from West Brom and will now miss the Canaries' opening games of the 2015-16 campaign
Norwich City have suffered a blow ahead of the Premier League season with news that Youssouf Mulumbu will be out for "several weeks" with a broken metatarsal.
Mulumbu is a new arrival at Carrow Road, having moved to Norwich on a free following the expiration of his contract with West Brom.
However, the midfielder's competitive debut for Alex Neil's men will now be delayed after he was hurt in the second half of Saturday's friendly victory over Brentford.
Neil told Norwich's official website: "Unfortunately Youssouf has a fractured metatarsal which requires immediate surgery.
"We anticipate his recovery should take several weeks and this is something we will be able to assess further after the operation has taken place today [Monday]."
Having been promoted through the play-offs last term, the Canaries begin the 2015-16 campaign with a home game against Crystal Palace.
League One outfit Blackpool have been handed a suspended three-point deduction by a Football Disciplinary Commission, it has been confirmed.
The sanction, suspended for the next two seasons, relates to the abandonment of the club's season-closing Championship clash with Huddersfield Town on May 2, which had to be halted after fans invaded the pitch to protest against chairman Karl Oyston's running of the club.
Fans sat in the centre circle and set off flares, leaving the teams unable to continue and resulting in an abandonment after a delay of more than an hour.
The Football League subsequently confirmed a goalless scoreline for the game and charged Blackpool with failing to fulfil a fixture.
Blackpool have already been served with a £50,000 fine by the Football Association.
An application from the Football League for Blackpool to be required to pay Huddersfield supporters compensation was denied.
Middlesbrough forward Lee Tomlin has left the Riverside to sign a three-year deal with Premier League new boys Bournemouth.
Tomlin, 26, moves to Dean Court for an undisclosed fee.
Tomlin scored 10 goals last season for Middlesbrough as they reached the play-off final, only to lose to Norwich City and miss out on joining his new club in the top flight.
"Lee is a player who we are excited about and will get fans off their seats," said chief executive Neill Blake. "He is someone we have followed for some time and believe will fit seamlessly into Eddie and Jason’s plans.
"The promotion race in the Championship last season was incredibly competitive and Lee was a key figure in a Middlesbrough side who went very close to going up.
"We believe he is ready to make the step up and look forward to seeing him play in the Premier League.
"Like the club, he has had to work hard to get to this point and is eager to make the most of this opportunity.
"We are very pleased with the business we have done this week, and on the whole this summer, and feel it is a marker of our ambitions this season."
Tomlin's arrival comes quickly after Eddie Howe's side completed the signing of Max Gradel from Saint-Etienne.
Watford show support for assaulted fan as police charge six
4 August 2015 17:52
Watford supporter Nic Cruwys was presented with a pair of season tickets by the club on Tuesday, as six people were charged over his assault following a Championship fixture last season.
Mr Cruwys was set upon after Watford's 2-2 draw against Wolves at Molineux in March, suffering potentially life-changing head injuries as a result.
West Midlands Police confirmed on Tuesday that four men and two teenage boys had been charged over the incident in recent days, while two more remain on bail.
And, ahead of Watford's first season back in the Premier League, striker Troy Deeney handed over two season tickets and spoke of the unity that the squad felt in the aftermath of the incident.
"The situation was unpleasant but it brought everyone together," Deeney told Sky Sports. "Not just us players - the fans all came together, and it felt like one of our own had been hurt, and that was a key factor in why we managed to get a decent run towards the end of the season.
"It wasn't just about us, it was about Nic, and a fellow fan being hurt."
Daniel Lloyd, Joseph Lister, Robert Beech and Ryan Meer will appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on Septermber 18, while the two teenage boys - both 14 - are in Wolverhampton Youth Court on September 20.
Stoke City forward Bojan Krkic hopes to be involved as soon as possible in the Premier League after making his first start following his knee injury.
Bojan missed the second half of the 2014-15 campaign after suffering cruciate ligament damage to his left knee against Rochdale in the FA Cup in January.
But the former Barcelona man started Stoke's friendly against Porto on Sunday, and has now set his sights on re-establishing himself in Mark Hughes' first-choice XI.
"I've been working very hard to be back before the season, that was my target," Bojan told the club's official website. "This week I am going to work hard every day so I can be 100 per cent for my first game back in the new season.
"Everybody will be focused this week for our first game of the season and I think the team is very well prepared.
"I feel really good and every day I feel much stronger, more powerful and more confident and I am happy for that."
The defender struggled for first-team minutes following Tim Sherwood's appointment and now returns to the club he spent half a season with in 2009
Aston Villa defender Aly Cissokho has joined Primeira Liga side Porto on a season-long loan deal.
The France international spent half a season at Porto in 2009 before earning a move to Lyon, which was followed by spells at Valencia and Liverpool.
After a year's loan at Anfield, Cissokho joined Villa on a four-year deal in August 2014 but seemingly does not feature in Tim Sherwood's plans at Villa Park.
Cissokho will link up with Julen Lopetegui's squad at the Estadio do Dragao, with Porto having also brought in Pablo Daniel Osvaldo on Wednesday.
Porto have also signed the likes of Giannelli Imbula, Iker Casillas and Alberto Bueno during the close-season as they seek to challenge champions Benfica for the title.
New manager Claudio Ranieri revealed during a Twitter Q&A that the winger has penned a four-year contract extension ahead of the new season
Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez has signed a contract extension committing him to the club until June 2019.
Mahrez wasted little time in becoming a popular figure at the King Power Stadium following his move from Le Havre midway through the 2013-14 season.
The Algeria international, who represented his country at last year's World Cup, made 30 Premier League appearances last term, scoring four goals.
News of his fresh deal was initially released by Leicester via Twitter on Wednesday, during a question and answer session with new manager Claudio Ranieri.
Mahrez will make his 50th league appearance for Leicester if he is involved in Saturday's season-opener against Sunderland.
Pardew rules out move for Newcastle captain Coloccini
By Jack Davies
Aug 5, 2015 15:31:24
The 33-year-old was a reported target for Crystal Palace, despite claims by Steve McClaren that the Argentine wants to end his career at St James' Park
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has moved to rule out a bid for Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini .
The Argentine centre-back served as skipper during Pardew's four years in charge at St James' Park and was reportedly a target for the Eagles ahead of new Premier League season.
Newcastle manager Steve McClaren claimed on Tuesday that Coloccini wants to "end his career" at St James Park , and Pardew has now denied any interest in bringing the 33-year-old to south London.
"Contrary to the rumours and reports circulating in the media, we want to confirm we have no interest in Fabricio Coloccini and although he remains my ex-captain and a great player, he will not be coming to Crystal Palace," a statement read.
Coloccini has yet to feature under McClaren in pre-season and was once again a notable absentee as Newcastle lost 1-0 at home to Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday.
A £22.3 million (€32m) fee has been agreed between the two clubs, but the Catalans are keen for the forward to stay with them until after the Uefa Super Cup next Tuesday
GOALBy Kris Voakes & Ignasi Oliva Manchester United and Barcelona have reached agreement over the transfer of Pedro, but the Champions League holders are keen to retain the player until after next week's Uefa Super Cup.
The two sides have settled on a transfer fee of £18.1 million (€26m) initially, with a potential further £4.2m (€6m) to be paid in variable bonuses.
But the European champions face Europa League winners Sevilla in the traditional season curtain-raiser in Tbilisi on Tuesday, and want to be able to call upon Pedro to play a part.
Lionel Messi and Neymar have only recently returned from an extended break following their Copa America commitments, and neither is likely to play a full 90 minutes in the Super Cup clash.
As a result Pedro is likely to play a significant role before finalising a move to Old Trafford, meaning United will begin the Premier League season against Tottenham on Saturday without the 28-year-old in the squad.
The Spain international signed a new four-year deal in June, with the club announcing publicly that his €150m release clause remained in effect. However, a gentlemen’s agreement was made allowing the player to leave for a lower fee should the buying club suit both parties.
While Pedro has yet to agree personal terms with United, he is keen on a switch which would allow him greater playing time than he has experienced since Luis Suarez’s arrival at the Camp Nou last summer.
United boss Louis van Gaal admitted recently that the 28-year-old is just the type of player his team has been lacking.
"Barcelona have the speed of Neymar and Messi - and they have Pedro behind them. We have to compete with that," he told The Sun.
"We can win the title if we can buy players with speed and creativity. We have to improve our selection in that way."
Pedro has scored 98 goals in 318 appearances for Barcelona, and head coach Luis Enrique insisted recently that he wanted the forward to remain with the club.
"Pedro is a high-level player and as a coach I want him to stay here, but is his decision," he said.
The 25-year-old has signed a new five-year contract at Villa Park to boost Tim Sherwood's defensive options ahead of the new Premier League season
Ciaran Clark has followed the lead of fellow central defender Nathan Baker by signing a new long-term contract with Aston Villa.
Baker put pen to paper on a deal until 2019 last week and Clark has agreed fresh terms to cover five more years.
Now 25, Clark is a product of Villa's youth system and has been a regular first-team fixture in recent seasons.
The Republic of Ireland international started 22 Premier League matches last term before suffering a season-ending knee injury at Tottenham in April.
With Ron Vlaar's Villa contract having expired, Clark will now seek to play a leading role under Tim Sherwood.
Villa's manager said: "It's great news. You know what you're going to get from Ciaran - he gives everything for the cause and that's all you can ask for as a manager.
"He was unfortunate with injuries last season but he looks sharp now and we want to keep him fit. We're pleased to have him here for a longer time."
Clark added: "I'm absolutely thrilled to sign a new contract.
"Everyone is looking forward to the new season and I'm delighted to be going into the opening game on Saturday knowing my long-term future has been sorted."
Villa open the campaign against Premier League new boys Bournemouth on Saturday.
Chelsea responded to a disappointing 2013-14 campaign by becoming English champions last season, and the Stamford Bridge coach is wary of a rival doing likewise this term
Jose Mourinho has again outlined the challenge facing Chelsea as their Premier League rivals aim to bounce back from missing out on the title last season.
Mourinho's men ultimately cantered to glory in the 2014-15 campaign, finishing eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City.
The acquisitions of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa paid off handsomely for Chelsea, who wasted little time in strengthening their squad after finishing third the previous year.
And ahead of the new season, the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have been notably active in the transfer market, while Arsenal's signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea has been hailed as a potentially significant move.
"Two seasons ago we didn't win the title, even before the real start of the transfer window we got immediately Fabregas and Diego Costa - a quick reaction," Mourinho told Sky Sports at the launch of the new Premier League season on Wednesday.
"This year you can see from the reaction of Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Man United. They've bought strong, they've bought well.
"They are trying to make an impact because they couldn't get the title."
Chelsea racked up 87 points last term, but Mourinho feels a lower total will be needed to lift this season's trophy.
"Maybe I am wrong but I have the idea that less points will win the title this season," the Portuguese added. "Other teams are investing very well and this is not normal.
"Smaller teams are getting some of the best players from some countries. Those players usually only leave their counties for the best clubs but now they go to the promoted teams."
