Danny Welbeck joins Chelsea from Brighton

Chelsea have signed Brighton’s veteran striker Danny Welbeck in a deal worth a reported £5m. Welbeck has agreed a two-year contract and will link up with Xabi Alonso’s squad on their pre-season tour. The 35-year-old’s move to Stamford Bridge is a break from Chelsea’s policy of signing younger players with the potential to be developed. It is the first time they have paid a transfer fee for a player over the age of 26 since they signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona in 2022 when the striker was 33.

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Kieran McKenna steps down as Ipswich manager

Kieran McKenna has resigned as Ipswich Town manager, just weeks after clinching a return to the Premier League. The 40-year-old took charge of the Tractor Boys in 2021 and guided them to three promotions in the past four seasons, two of which have taken the club into the top flight. Former Wolves head coach Gary O’Neil – currently boss of Strasbourg – is one manager in the frame to replace McKenna.

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Liverpool appoint Andoni Iraola as new head coach

Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as their head coach on a two-year contract following the sacking of Arne Slot. The Reds announced Slot’s exit on Saturday, a year after the Dutchman guided them to the Premier League title, and have moved swiftly to bring in a successor. Former Bournemouth manager Iraola, 43, joins after delivering the Cherries’ finest top-flight season to date, finishing in sixth place.

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Chelsea appoint Xabi Alonso as new manager

Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Chelsea manager has been confirmed on a four-year deal. The former Real Madrid boss will take charge of the Blues from 1 July in what is his first managerial role in the Premier League. Callum McFarlane has been in interim charge since the sacking of Liam Rosenior last month and was on the touchline for Chelsea’s FA Cup final loss to Manchester City on Saturday.

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Tottenham held by Leeds as relegation battle continues

Tottenham forward Mathys Tel went from hero to zero after he gave away a reckless penalty following his opener in a 1-1 draw with Leeds to leave his team mired in relegation trouble. Arsenal’s controversial 1-0 victory at 18th-placed West Ham on Sunday provided a pre-match boost for both clubs and Spurs were set to go four points clear of the relegation zone when Tel produced a wonderful 50th-minute opener.

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