Former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde is closing in on a return to Athletic Bilbao after emerging as their preferred candidate ahead of Marcelo Bielsa. The 58-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by the Blaugrana midway through the 2019/20 season and has had two previous stints with the Basque giants.
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Gareth Bale has agreed to join MLS side Los Angeles FC on a one-year deal. The forward, a free agent after leaving Real Madrid this summer, had other offers but has chosen to move to California and the MLS. Bale is looking to maintain his fitness ahead of Wales’ appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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Wayne Rooney has told troubled Derby County that he wishes to be “relieved of his duties as first-team manager” with immediate effect. The 36-year-old’s contract with the club had another year to run. The Rams have been in administration since September last year and were relegated to League One last season.
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FIFA has decided to increase the size of the squads as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the unusual timing of the tournament. National teams will be allowed to include a maximum of 26 players in their final squads for the World Cup this year. Previously, coaches were allowed to bring 23 players along to each tournament.
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Bayern Munich have completed the signing of Sadio Mane from Liverpool in a deal worth up to £35m. The 30-year-old has signed a contract with the German champions until 2025. Bayern will pay Liverpool an initial £27.5m with a further £5m based on appearances, and will pay another £2.5m based on individual and team achievements.
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