..::Football IV::..

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Tottenham 2 Juventus 0: Trippier injury threatens to overshadow friendly victory

Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen helped Tottenham to a 2-0 win over Juventus but Mauricio Pochettino will have lingering concerns after Kieran Trippier limped off at Wembley.

The England international went down under a tackle from Alex Sandro and was withdrawn before the break, potentially leaving a sizeable hole at right-back following the sale of Kyle Walker to Manchester City.Despite the setback, Spurs will take plenty of positives from securing a third pre-season victory in a match they largely controlled.

Juve, meanwhile, produced occasional glimpses without ever showing the quality that made them Champions League finalists last term.Only a superb second-half save from Gianluigi Buffon prevented a heavier margin of victory after Kane and Eriksen scored either side of half-time with a pair of well-taken goals.


Trippier first received attention after getting his leg caught in the turf inside the opening five minutes, although the 26-year-old soon returned to spectacular effect.

Overlapping on the right, he received Moussa Sissoko's pass and delivered a delightful dinked cross for Kane to nod in at the back post.Juve settled and Paulo Dybala harmlessly guided his side's first attempt over the bar, before Gonzalo Higuain drew a sharp save from Hugo Lloris at close range.

Kane then wasted a clear chance for a second when Buffon's heavy touch created panic but, after Eriksen turned the ball back into the area, the England striker sidefooted his finish straight at the veteran keeper with the goal gaping.

Sissoko went even closer soon afterwards when he was afforded time to size up a shot inside the area, only to see his curling effort come back off the post.Spurs' impressive half ended on a sour note with Trippier succumbing to his earlier knock and being forced from the pitch.

The Premier League side began the second period in far brighter fashion as Dele Alli slipped Eriksen in behind to make it 2-0 in the 52nd minute, the Dane rounding Buffon and applying a simple finish.

It would have been three had Buffon's fingertips not pushed a Kane drive against the crossbar while Lloris was called upon to tip a Dybala effort around the post.Massimiliano Allegri made several changes from half-time onwards, introducing the likes of Federico Bernardeschi and Claudio Marchisio, but it was young striker Moise Kean who turned their best chance of the match against the woodwork from point-blank range.



Both sides now await their first competitive matches a week on Sunday as Juve meet Lazio in the Supercoppa Italiana while Spurs travel to Newcastle United for their Premier League opener.

 

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Liverpool 3 Athletic Bilbao 1: Young forwards fire Reds to Dublin victory

Second-half goals from Ben Woodburn and Dominic Solanke fired Liverpool to a 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in Dublin as the Reds signed off their pre-season programme on a pleasing note.

With Inaki Williams having cancelled out Roberto Firmino's early penalty, Woodburn sent Liverpool back in front just short of the hour mark before new signing Solanke rounded off the victory.Those goals will be especially satisfying for the two young forwards as they bid to force their way into Jurgen Klopp's first-team plans this season.

The result sends Liverpool into their opening Premier League fixture at Watford next Saturday on the back of a victory, having suffered their only defeat of pre-season last time out - on penalties to Atletico Madrid in the Audi Cup final.


Divock Origi failed to reward Liverpool's bright start with a goal when he poked wide after being played through by Firmino, and the Belgian had no more luck when Mohamed Salah sent in an inviting cross from the left, heading past the right-hand upright on that occasion.

Despite Origi's wayward opening, Liverpool were dominating possession and eventually took the lead when Firmino buried a penalty in the bottom-left corner after being bundled over in the box by Inigo Lekue in the 21st minute.A rare Athletic foray into the Liverpool half ended with Ager Aketxe firing wide from a Williams pass, but the latter had the Liga side level on the half-hour mark.

Dejan Lovren's attempt at intercepting a throughball fell kindly for Williams, who kept his composure to direct a shot beyond Simon Mignolet from the centre of the penalty area.

Kepa Arrizabalaga got down well to keep out an Alberto Moreno effort after the full-back cut inside and attempted to beat the goalkeeper with the outside of his left boot, before Trent Alexander-Arnold prevented Inigo Cordoba from causing Mignolet any problems at the other end with a block on the stroke of half-time.

Klopp made 10 changes for the second half, but it was the one player who remained - Mignolet - who was first called into any meaningful action after the restart, getting in the way of a fierce Cordoba strike.

Sadio Mane then drew an excellent save from Arrizabalaga, before Woodburn - who will hope a two-month injury lay-off for Adam Lallana increases his chances of first-team action - fired in Liverpool's second from a Solanke cutback to the edge of the box.And Solanke added the third 10 minutes from time when he headed a Ragnar Klavan cross from deep back across Arrizabalaga and into the net.

 

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Paris Saint-Germain 2 Amiens 0: Neymar watches on as Cavani and Pastore seal victory

Neymar watched from the stands as Paris Saint-Germain battled to a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Amiens in their Ligue 1 opener at the Parc des Princes.

World-record signing Neymar was presented to supporters prior to the match amid a party atmosphere and sat alongside his father.Adrien Rabiot headed against the woodwork for PSG, before Edinson Cavani scored the opener shortly before half-time, converting Dani Alves' cross.

PSG took their time to put the result beyond doubt, but Javier Pastore's late clincher ensured they joined defending champions Monaco in starting with a victory as Amiens, playing their first-ever Ligue 1 game after winning back-to-back promotions, offered little attacking threat.


The hosts started on top and created good early opportunities without testing away goalkeeper Regis Gurtner.

First, Rabiot and Angel Di Maria combined to set up Cavani, but the striker who netted 49 goals in all competitions last season shot wide of the near post.Amiens defender Issa Cissokho then escaped punishment after PSG claimed he had handled in the box, before the hosts wasted a glorious chance to take the lead.

From a clever corner routine, Dani Alves' shot deflected into the path of Rabiot, who could only send his header against the angle of post and bar from a yard out.
After Rabiot had finally tested Gurtner for the first time, PSG moved in front three minutes before the break.

Alves was the creator, crossing for Cavani from the right, with the striker turning defender Prince-Desir Gouano and finding the corner with a low left-footed finish from eight yards, bringing an applauding Neymar to his feet.

After PSG brought on Presnel Kimpembe for an injured Thiago Silva at half-time, Di Maria's volley was kept out by Gurtner in the first chance of the second half. Di Maria should have scored soon after, but he chipped wide after being slipped through on goal by Cavani.

Amiens' only attempt on target came after the hour mark, Seybou Koita forcing a save from Alphonse Areola, but PSG were always looking comfortable despite their narrow lead. Cavani then shot straight at Gurtner from Pastore's pass as PSG looked to make sure of the three points.

And victory was finally sealed with 10 minutes remaining, Marco Verratti's throughball releasing Cavani, who squared for Pastore – the man who vacated the number 10 shirt for Neymar – to fire home.

 

[upulpdn]

#football_threader

 

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#football_threader

 

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Chelsea told they have 'no chance' of luring Alex Sandro from Juventus


Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has moved to end speculation linking Alex Sandro to Chelsea by insisting the Brazilian will not be leaving Turin.The left-back has been heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge as Antonio Conte seeks to strengthen the Premier League champions.


Alex Sandro played 45 minutes of Juve's 2-0 loss to Tottenham on Saturday as the Champions League finalists suffered a second defeat of pre-season.

Having already lost Leonardo Bonucci and Dani Alves from his highly-regarded defence, Allegri categorically denied the 26-year-old will be following them through the exit door."Alex Sandro is a Juventus player and he will stay one," the Italian said at Wembley.

One player who does look to be leaving the Serie A champions is 23-year-old Gabon international Mario Lemina. Southampton are widely reported to have agreed a fee for the midfielder and Allegri admitted discussions are under way with potential suitors.

"We will see what happens. We are in talks with several clubs," he said. "For the moment Lemina is still a Juventus player."

 

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Silva 'would love' to have 'superstar' Mbappe at Man City


Bernardo Silva considers Kylian Mbappe to be “a superstar” and “would love” to see the Monaco forward join him at Manchester City.

The France international continues to generate plenty of transfer talk, despite opening the new season with the reigning Ligue 1 champions.Goal understands that City have held discussions regarding a possible deal, in the hope of fending off advances from La Liga giants Real Madrid, but all suitors are reluctant to meet a €160 million asking price.

Silva has already been the subject of a big-money deal this summer, having traded Monaco for Manchester, and the Portugal international is open to the idea of a former team-mate treading a similar path.He told reporters after helping City to a 3-0 friendly victory over West Ham in Reykjavik: “I haven't spoken to Mbappe – but he is a great player as well.

“I would love to have him here – and you never know – but that is for City to decide.“He can be a superstar – in fact, I think he is already a little bit of a superstar.

“He is a great player to play with because he is so intelligent with his movement. It is perfect to have someone like him when you're a midfield player because he is very fast, very clever, and a good finisher.“It's crazy to think he is only 18 or 19. He can be one of the best in the world very soon.”

Silva has already been joined by one former Monaco team-mate at the Etihad Stadium, with his input helping to convince Benjamin Mendy that City were the right club for him – amid plenty of interest from elsewhere.

“It is great to have him alongside me in Manchester,” said Silva.“It was great to play alongside him last season and I hope that we can achieve a lot of things together.“Honestly, when I signed for City I spoke to him about coming as well.“I said 'come on Mendy, come with me' because he is a great player and he can really help this team.”

Silva and Mendy will be looking to help City make a winning start to their 2017-18 Premier League campaign when they open the season with a trip to newly-promoted Brighton on August 12.

 

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Dortmund CEO Watzke declares €100 million not enough for Dembele


A bid of €100 million would not be enough to secure the services of Ousmane Dembele according to Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.The 20-year-old midfielder, who is entering his second season with the Bundesliga side, is considered one of the top young talents in the game.

That has seen him linked to a move away from Dortmund in the past, with speculation growing in recent days as Barcelona looks for a replacement for Neymar following the Brazilian’s exit to PSG for a world-record fee of €222 million.Dembele did little to quell those rumours when he said he welcomed interest from the Catalan side.

However, despite talk the La Liga giants can float an offer upwards of €100 million for Dembele, Watzke is not interested in allowing the France international to go.

When specifically asked about a fee, Watzke declared: "In every case not enough."The CEO cited the example of Kevin de Bruyne, who moved from Wolfsburg to Manchester City for roughly €74 million in the 2014-15 season as an example of why simply receiving a large amount of money is not enough to replace the quality of a player.

"I remember Kevin de Bruyne," he said. "He was the Bundesliga record transfer. When you see the years after, it was not the best transfer though, as the team lost lots of quality."

Dembele and the DFB-Pokal holders Dortmund played the reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup on Saturday, losing on penalties. They open their Bundesliga campaign August 19 on the road against Wolfsburg.

 

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Rooney: Only Messi or Ronaldo could break my Man Utd record

Wayne Rooney is confident his Manchester United goalscoring record will remain intact, saying it would take his former club signing Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi for it to come under threat.

The forward left United to re-join Everton last month, 13 years after initially leaving Goodison Park for Old Trafford as a teenager.


Rooney departed Jose Mourinho's side as the club's record goalscorer, with 253 strikes to his name, four more than Bobby Charlton's previous record.

The 31-year-old believes the rarity of modern players staying at clubs for the long-term means the record he is so proud of remains safe, unless a game-changing talent was to arrive.Asked if his record would be surpassed, Rooney told reporters: "You never know, if they get someone like Messi or Ronaldo the record might get broken!

"But I think that in football now, players don't really tend to stay at clubs for that long. The only way I can see it being broken is if someone stays for the same period of time that I did.

"It is fantastic to have left that mark behind. It is a great legacy to have left. I left United with great memories. It was a successful time for the club and it was great for me."I loved it there. I loved working with the players but it was the right time for me to move on and I feel I have certainly made the right decision in coming here."

Rooney broke the record with a goal against Stoke City in January, the same team he will face when he makes his Premier League return for Everton on Saturday.

"To score that goal against Stoke for United last season was a highlight for me because of what it meant," he said. "It was a huge moment for me as a player.

"Winning the trophies was great, but it was tough at times because I didn't feel like I was part of winning the League Cup and Europa League."But it was a special moment to beat Sir Bobby. It was a proud moment."Obviously the first game back against Stoke will be an emotional and special day for me, but you have to put that aside once you are on the pitch and get out there and play.

"Before every game there are nerves but once you are out there they go out of your head. Hopefully we will get a win and I will try to get a goal. That would be perfect."

 

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Klopp eyeing more Liverpool signings


Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says that he hopes the club can make progress in the transfer window over the course of the next month.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss, however, has warned fans that the Anfield club cannot achieve miracles.“Until August 31, we run through the world with eyes open,” he said. “It’s not that we decide on our own – it’s also about other teams.“This pre-season has brought us new players. Alberto Moreno is 100 per cent back, which is really nice after a difficult year.

“Andy Robertson has shown all the skills he’s got. He’s still adapting to our kind of football but you can see what a threat he can be offensively.“That means James Milner is free to play in midfield. Without going into the transfer market, we’ve got a new midfielder, which is nice.”

As well as Robertson, signed for £8 million from Hull, the Reds captured Mohamed Salah from Roma for £36.9m, while young forward Dominic Solanke arrived from Chelsea for a fee decided by tribunal.

 

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Aubameyang staying at Dortmund after considering China offer


Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says he is staying at Borussia Dortmund despite giving serious thought to an offer from China after telling his club he wanted a new challenge.

The 28-year-old, scorer of 40 goals in all competitions last season, confirmed he had received and considered an approach from a Chinese club, before ultimately deciding to reject a move.

Aubameyang revealed he told Dortmund he was ready to move on earlier in the transfer window, but is now happy to stay after none of the clubs linked with him, including AC Milan, Chelsea and Liverpool, struck a deal with the Bundesliga side.


The lucrative China approach was ultimately spurned by Aubemeyang over concerns about the level of professionalism in the Chinese Super League, with the on-off transfer saga involving Anthony Modeste, a star for Cologne in the 2016-17 Bundesliga, confirming his fears."It is true that I spoke to Borussia Dortmund before I went on vacation," Aubameyang told Welt am Sonntag.

"I told them my thoughts, that I was maybe ready to try something different. The discussions with Michael Zorc and Hans-Joachim Watzke were open and fair."But none of the clubs that wanted me could make a transfer happen, so I will stay here at Borussia Dortmund. I like staying here very much. I feel at home in Dortmund.

"Of course, China was an option. It is only natural that I thought about it when they offered that much money. "I know many people said I couldn't go to China because it would be a step backwards in football terms, but I think anyone would at least consider such an offer."I received an offer, but I think the Chinese struggled to make an offer to BVB. I don't think the structures are yet as professional as in Europe.

"I also noticed the back and forth when Anthony Modeste changed clubs to Tianjin Quanjian. I like clear things and this was anything but clear, so I set it aside."I believe in God and fate. I believe that everything happens for a reason, so this is definitely the right path."

Aubameyang was reluctant to make any long-term commitments, adding: "No one can say what the future holds."I want to get the maximum out of my career. Football is my life. And when my career is over, I want to look after my family to help my children. That is all."

Aubameyang scored in Dortmund's DFL-Supercup clash against Bayern Munich on Saturday, which his side lost 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

 

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Miedema fires Netherlands to Euro 2017 glory

Hosts Netherlands claimed UEFA Women's Euro 2017 glory in thrilling fashion with a 4-2 final victory over Denmark at Twente Stadion.

Vivianne Miedema was the hero on Sunday, starring with a brace in a pulsating contest, in which Denmark drew first blood thanks to Nadia Nadim's sixth-minute penalty.Arsenal forward Miedema provided a swift response and Lieke Martens of Barcelona netted from 20 yards out before the half-hour mark to put Oranje ahead.

Denmark captain Pernille Harder slotted home to ensure it was even at the break but Netherlands hit the front once more, as skipper Sherida Spitse dispatched a free-kick beyond goalkeeper Stina Lykke Petersen.

Miedama had the final word with a fine solo effort before the final whistle sparked joyous celebrations.

 

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Arsenal 1 Chelsea 1 (4-1 pens): Courtois and Morata blunder in shoot-out

Thibaut Courtois and Alvaro Morata missed from the spot as Arsenal claimed the Community Shield by beating 10-man Chelsea 4-1 on penalties.

After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, the shoot-out saw goalkeeper Courtois, an unusual choice to take his side's second penalty, bizarrely fire his attempt way over.That was followed by new signing Morata missing the target on his competitive debut, with Olivier Giroud going on to score the winning penalty.

In the match itself, Victor Moses, sent off when the Blues lost the FA Cup final to Arsenal in May, struck early in the second half with what looked like it would be the winner.

But Chelsea had Pedro sent off for a rash challenge on Mohamed Elneny and Arsenal substitute Sead Kolasinac, on his competitive bow, scored a header from the resulting free-kick with eight minutes remaining.

Alexandre Lacazette, given his Arsenal debut from the start, had earlier come the closest to a first-half goal at Wembley, sending a strike against the post.Arsenal have now won the Community Shield three times in the last four years, while the Blues have lost four consecutive appearances in the fixture.

Victory for Arsene Wenger's men means the Shield has seen the FA Cup winners beat the defending Premier League champions for four consecutive seasons.


Despite being without the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal were the first to threaten, Danny Welbeck heading straight at Courtois.

Arsenal continued to shade the early stages and came closest to a goal in the opening half. In a fast break, Lacazette exchanged passes with Welbeck and curled his effort against the post from just inside the penalty area.

The Gunners were forced into a change around the half-hour mark, Per Mertesacker replaced by Kolasinac after drawing blood in an aerial challenge with Gary Cahill, a blow for Wenger, who was already without Shkodran Mustafi and had opted to leave out Laurent Koscielny.

That gave Chelsea some momentum, with Moses and Pedro forcing Petr Cech to parry away their efforts in quick succession.Willian then went into the book after he was adjudged to have dived under a challenge from Hector Bellerin, before the lively Alex Iwobi showed good footwork before testing Courtois at the other end.

Chelsea made the breakthrough just 50 seconds into the second half when a corner was poorly cleared by Granit Xhaka, allowing Cahill to head back into the area, with Moses timing his run to control and beat Cech from six yards.

Wenger made two changes with 24 minutes remaining, Theo Walcott and Giroud replacing Iwobi and Lacazette, and Xhaka almost equalised soon after with a superb 30-yard strike, Courtois producing a fingertip save to deny him.

The Blues appeared to be closing in on victory as new signings Morata and Antonio Rudiger were handed late debuts from the substitutes' bench, but the match turned when Pedro was shown a straight red card for bringing down Elneny with his studs raised from behind.

From the free-kick that followed, Kolasinac rose to head into the bottom corner from Xhaka's precise delivery to send the match to penalties.The new ABBA order for shoot-outs was used and there was a routine start with Cahill, Walcott and Nacho Monreal all scoring.

The penalties took a dramatic turn when surprise-taker Courtois, and then Morata, both missed the target, allowing Oxlade-Chamberlain and Giroud to seal victory for the Gunners.

 

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Congratulations Arsenal!

Community Shield Winners 2017

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[upulpdn]

Congratulations Arsenal!

Community Shield Winners 2017

​

 

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Inter 3 Villarreal 1: Jovetic stunner serves timely reminder of talents

Stevan Jovetic could be on his way out of Inter but the Montenegro international illuminated the Serie A club's 3-1 friendly win over Villarreal with a superb volley.

Jovetic, 27, spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla and Villarreal's LaLiga rivals are reportedly interested in a reunion with the forward, who is also understood to have attracted the attention of Marseille.

His sweetly struck scissor-kick after 67 minutes at the Stadio Riviera delle Palme will have done his prospects of a move to pastures new no harm, with the added bonus of Inter's new head coach Luciano Spalletti looking on as an appreciative spectator.

Inter, whose starting line-up featured new recruit and former Villarreal midfielder Borja Valero alongside Manchester United target Ivan Perisic, took a first-half lead through Italy forward Eder.

Fran Escriba's Villarreal begin their Liga campaign at Levante on August 21 and were level at the break through Roberto Soldado, but it had proved an evening to forget for their goalkeeper Andres Fernandez, before Marcelo Brozovic put the result beyond doubt.


Villarreal winger Samu Castillejo saw his free-kick skip through a crowded area and past the far post with Samir Handanovic beaten after Eder spurned an early opening at the other end.

Inter broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, former Sampdoria man Eder capitalising on this occasion as he prodded Antonio Candreva's low cross goalwards and Fernandez fumbled the ball over his line.

The Yellow Submarine were level five minutes before the interval, Soldado pouncing when Handanovic was unable to push Nicola Sansone's volley away from danger.

A second round of Inter substitutions in the 64th minute featured both recent signing Matias Vecino and Jovetic, with the duo combining for their side's second goal.

Again Fernandez was culpable, dragging a mishit clearance straight to Vecino.
There was still plenty for Jovetic to do as his new team-mate sent possession his way, but the former Manchester City man reacted superbly when the ball spun up out of a challenge, arrowing an acrobatic volley into the top corner from 16 yards.



Manu Trigueros lifted a drive over as Villarreal pushed for an elusive equaliser but it was the Nerazzurri who struck in the final minute, club captain Mauro Icardi unpicking Escriba's backline with a fine throughball for Croatia midfielder Brozovic to slot home.

 

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Rot-Weiss Erfurt 2 Borussia Dortmund 5: Isak stars as BVB bounce back

Alexander Isak helped Borussia Dortmund forget their DFL-Supercup heartbreak by hitting four eye-catching goals in a 5-2 friendly win over Rot-Weiss Erfurt on Sunday.

The Swedish 17-year-old enhanced his growing reputation with a fine display that began by cancelling out Erfurt's shock early opener, before bagging a second-half hat-trick to sew up a hard-earned victory.

The friendly came less than 24 hours after Dortmund's penalty shootout defeat to Bayern Munich and Peter Bosz started only three players - Mahmoud Dahoud, Felix Passlack and Maximilian Philipp - from that match.

Dortmund's disappointment deepened when Lion Lauberbach handed the third-tier hosts a 12th-minute lead, but Isak and Jan-Niklas Beste quickly overturned the deficit.

Isak - who has been dubbed the 'new Zlatan Ibrahimovic' - added two more classy finishes after Elias Huth's equaliser and capped his haul with a fourth just before full-time.The Bundesliga side now look ahead to their opening fixture away to Wolfsburg on 19 August as they aim to improve on last season's third-place finish.

 

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Manchester United loan Borthwick-Jackson to Championship side Leeds United


Leeds United have signed Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on a season-long loan from Manchester United.The Championship club have embarked on a major recruitment drive this summer, recruiting the likes of Vurnon Anita, Pontus Jansson and Ouasim Bouy as they prepare for a promotion challenge in 2017-18.


Borthwick-Jackson, who has made 14 senior appearances for the Premier League side, becomes Leeds' 11th signing of the summer.The 20-year-old made his breakthrough at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal, but has struggled to nail down a first-team spot since the Dutchman's departure.

Borthwick-Jackson subsequently spent last season on loan at Wolves, though he made only seven appearances. He remains highly-rated, however, and has won caps for England at four youth levels, Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-20.

Reports suggested that Dutch giants Ajax were keen to secure a deal for the defender, only for Borthwick-Jackson to choose to remain in England instead.

 

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Good Luck Borthwick!​

 

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Dortmund deny Dembele to Barcelona agreement


Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has rejected reports claiming Ousmane Dembele has agreed personal terms with Barcelona.

Dembele has been strongly linked with Barca, who are seeking a replacement for Neymar following the Brazil international's world-record €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain.


But Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has insisted it will take more than €100m to tempt his side into allowing the 20-year-old to leave Signal Iduna Park.

And Zorc insists there is nothing in a report from France that claimed forward Dembele has reached a long-term agreement over personal terms with Barca.
"I am not aware of a commitment," he told reporters after Dortmund beat Rot-Weiss Erfurt 5-2 in a pre-season friendly.

Zorc does not expect the Dembele speculation to end any time soon but is unwilling to provide a running commentary."This will surely accompany us for a while," he said. "It makes no sense to comment on these permanent rumours every time."

Dembele said last week it was a "pleasure" to be linked with Barca and expressed his surprise at Neymar's decision to leave for PSG.

The France international only joined Dortmund in 2016 in a move from Rennes, impressing enough in his debut campaign in Germany to be named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season, as well as winning the man-of-the match award in the club's DFB-Pokal final victory.