Tottenham have pulled off the major signing of Dutch international Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in a welcome boost for new boss Thomas Frank. Spurs have tracked a high-quality addition all summer and after recent failed pursuits of Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze, the capture of 22-year-old Simons represents a significant coup for the north London club.
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Both Liverpool and Manchester City will face 15-time winners Real Madrid in the league phase of the Champions League, while Tottenham and Newcastle must both play holders Paris St-Germain. The 36-team league – introduced last season – will see six Premier League teams in action for the first time, but they can not face each other until the knockout stages.
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Crystal Palace started the new season with a suddenly familiar feeling, basking in trophy glory as triumphant underdogs at Wembley. The FA Cup holders beat Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw to win an enthralling Community Shield on Sunday. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson was the shootout hero for Palace as he saved from Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott, while Mohamed Salah sent his kick over the bar.
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Manchester United have agreed a deal worth £73.7m €85m) with Red Bull Leipzig to sign Benjamin Sesko.
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Alexander Isak’s standoff with Newcastle escalated on Wednesday when the striker was ordered to train separately from his teammates and stay away from a lunchtime training‑ground barbecue. Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, had organised the gathering for his players and staff and their partners and children, but Isak was told to delay his arrival for solitary training until later in the afternoon.
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