David de Gea has secured a way back into football after it was confirmed the former Spain international had completed a move to Fiorentina on Friday.

De Gea, who has been without a club since leaving Manchester United last year, has signed a one-year contract with the Serie A side with an option of another 12 months. 

The Spaniard had been offered a contract extension to continue at Old Trafford, but chose to end his 12-year stay with the Red Devils. 

De Gea made 545 appearances in all competitions for United following his move from Atletico Madrid in 2011, keeping 190 clean sheets, 148 of which came in the Premier League.

The 33-year-old won eight major honours under eight different managers at Old Trafford, winning the division's Golden Glove on two occasions. 

His last competitive appearance came in United's 2-1 defeat to rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup last year. 

Fiorentina finished eighth in Serie A last campaign, with Raffaele Palladino aiming to improve their defence, having managed just seven clean sheets in their 38 league games. 

Sheffield United kickstarted their quest for an immediate return to the Premier League with a comfortable 2-0 win over Preston North End at Deepdale. 

Oliver Arblaster would net the Championship's first goal of the season with 12 minutes on the clock as his deflected effort wrong-footed Freddie Woodman. 

In a half that only saw seven attempts from either side, a moment of magic from Gustavo Hamer after the interval would secure Chris Wilder's men the win. 

Hamer, who scored nine goals in his last campaign in the second tier with Coventry, intercepted Woodman's throw out from the back, taking a touch before lobbing the North End goalkeeper. 

The Blades will be looking for an improved display when they face QPR next weekend, recording an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.19 from their 10 shots. 

Meanwhile, in the other game taking place, Blackburn recorded their biggest opening day win in 21 years after beating newly-promoted Derby County 4-2 at Ewood Park. 

Tyrhys Dolan gave the hosts the lead in the 19th minute, firing the ball into the roof of the net after the Rams failed to clear Makhtar Gueye's cross into the area. 

The visitors would draw level in the second half as Curtis Nelson powered a header beyond Aynsley Pears, but their joy was short-lived. 

Two goals in four minutes from substitute Andreas Weimann and last season's Golden Boot winner Sammie Szmodics put John Eustace's side back in the driving seat. 

Rovers' new signing Yuki Ohashi would put the game beyond doubt with a delicate chipped finish, with Kane Wilson netting a late consolation for the Rams. 

Newcastle produced a rampant first half display in their penultimate pre-season outing as they thrashed La Liga side Girona 4-0 on Friday. 

The Magpies blitzed their opponents in the opening 45 minutes, with Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon giving the hosts a 3-0 lead after just 15 minutes. 

Longstaff notched his brace before the interval to secure the Magpies' first win in their two pre-season fixtures taking place at St. James' Park this weekend. 

In a frantic start to proceedings, Longstaff opened the scoring in the third minute, with Murphy adding Newcastle's second with a fierce strike off the crossbar. 

A mistake by David Lopez allowed Alexander Isak to pick out Gordon two minutes later, composing himself before sending a left-footed strike into the far corner. 

Isak had the chance to increase the hosts' advantage in the 21st minute after being brought down in the box, but saw his penalty saved by Paulo Gazzaniga. 

The first half rout was complete after Joelinton saw his headed effort hit the crossbar, only for the rebound to be volleyed home by Longstaff. 

Murphy and Isak squandered opportunities to increase their advantage in the second half, but the damage was done in the first 45 against the La Liga side. 

Newcastle conclude their pre-season preparations against French side Brest on Saturday ahead of their Premier League opener against Southampton next weekend. 

Data Debrief: Magpies on fire, but should have been more

Newcastle would have been expecting a tougher test from a side who will play Champions League football next season, and should have won by a more handsome scoreline. 

The Magpies recorded an expected goals (xG) of 3.24, an underperformance of 0.76, with 11 of their 20 shots on target, while also missing four big chances. 

Sergio Camello came off the bench to score twice in extra time as Spain added Olympic gold to their glittering trophy cabinet with a thrilling 5-3 victory over France.

Three goals in 10 first-half minutes – two from Fermin Lopez and the other from Alex Baena – appeared to take the final away from Thierry Henry's hosts, who had led early on through Enzo Millot.

However, Maghnes Akliouche teed up a grandstand finish at the Parc des Princes, then Benat Turrientes' foul allowed Jean-Phillipe Mateta to force extra time with a 93rd-minute penalty.

Both teams threw caution to the wind in the additional period, but Camello was the hero, producing a wonderful lob and a breakaway second to secure gold for Spain.

The hosts took the lead with the very first attempt of the game as Millot pounced on a loose clearance to fire goalwards from the right side of the area. Spain goalkeeper Arnau Tenas seemed to misjudge the flight of the ball, palming it into the bottom-left corner.

However, Spain soon hit back through Barcelona youngster Lopez, who swept his finish into the bottom-left corner after being found in the middle of the area by Baena.

Buoyed by that strike, Spain built a two-goal lead within 10 further minutes. Lopez pounced for his second when Guillaume Restes could only parry Abel Ruiz's shot to put them 2-1 up, then Baena added the pick of the goals.

Lining up a free-kick just to the left of the D, the Villarreal man gave Restes no chance by whipping a sensational effort over the wall and into the top-left corner.

Manu Kone missed a great chance to cut Spain's lead when he nodded against the crossbar after the break, but Les Bleus' hopes were rekindled with 11 minutes to play as Michael Olise's free-kick was steered into the far corner by Akliouche.

There was more drama in stoppage time, with Turrientes clumsily dragging Arnaud Kalimuendo down from a corner. Mateta kept his nerve from the spot to level, though Turrientes almost redeemed himself with a dream winner when his shot clipped the crossbar at the other end.

France continued to press in extra time, but they were caught out in the 100th minute as Camello latched onto Adrian Bernabe's pass before sitting Restes down with a delicate chipped finish.

Camello was not done there, latching onto a long throw from Tenas as France threw players forward in stoppage time, before making sure of the gold by finishing past Restes.

Data Debrief: Roja end 32-year Olympic wait

Since an iconic Spain team featuring the likes of Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique won gold on home soil at Barcelona 1992, La Roja have been reduced to the role of nearly men at the Games.

They were losing finalists at Syndey 2000 (versus Cameroon) and Tokyo 2020 (against Brazil), but they got over the line this time around, even if they had to go the distance.

With the senior squad winning a record-breaking fourth European crown last month and the under-23s claiming gold in Paris, it looks like this era of Spanish success could go on for some time yet.

Emma Hayes is eyeing gold in her first tournament in charge of the USWNT, labelling their journey to the Olympics final as "the stuff dreams are made of". 

The United States face Brazil in Saturday's showpiece match at the Parc des Princes in a repeat of the 2004 and 2008 finals, fixtures the US won on both occasions.  

Hayes, who was appointed as Vlatko Andonovski's successor in May, has won eight of her nine games in charge (D1), scoring 19 goals and conceding just twice. 

The former Chelsea head coach won her seventh WSL title in her final season with the Blues, saying her rapid transition to the international stage has been a "whirlwind". 

"Going from my beloved Chelsea to the US women’s national team - what a whirlwind and what a dream all at once," Hayes said.

"To finish my time with Chelsea with another Women's Super League title and then be here competing for gold, honestly this is the stuff dreams are made of.

"I have visualised this moment so many times in my life."

Brazil are seeking their first gold in women's football at the Games, and are boosted by the return of Marta, who will play her final international match on Saturday.

The 38-year-old was shown a red card in Brazil's final group game against Spain for a high foot, resulting in her missing the quarter and semi-finals. 

Marta has scored 121 goals in 203 appearances for her nation, becoming the first player to score in five straight Olympics with her brace against Japan. 

“When I was a young coach assisting Vic Akers at Arsenal, we played a Women’s Cup two-legged final against Umea, the Swedish champions, and they had a young Marta,” Hayes recalled.

“I remember being on the touchline thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, who is this extraordinary player?’ To witness what she’s done on the pitch, I think she’s been more than a role model and icon, she’s been the best player.

“What she’s done for Brazil or the generation coming through, she’s been an inspiration.”

Team USA have the chance to win a first gold medal since London 2012 after winning bronze in Tokyo three years ago. 

Despite winning 16 major titles during her time at Chelsea, Hayes is hungry to add to her trophy cabinet while continuing her unbeaten start in the US dugout. 

"I like winning, it's part of my DNA," Hayes said. "I'm with a team that likes winning so of course our goal is to win the gold medal."

Wolves head coach Gary O'Neil has signed a new four-year contract with the club following an impressive first season at the helm.

O'Neil joined Wolves on the eve of the 2023-24 season after Julen Lopetegui resigned over the club's transfer policy, having been sacked by Bournemouth despite leading them to Premier League safety in 2022-23.

Following a slow start, O'Neil won plaudits for keeping Wolves away from a relegation battle, masterminding a memorable victory over Manchester City as well as league doubles over Chelsea and Tottenham.

Wolves were in contention for a European place in March, only for injuries to key attackers Matheus Cunha, Pedro Neto and Hwang Hee-chan to cost them as they faded to a 13th-place finish in the Premier League. 

O'Neil's work with the Molineux club led to suggestions he could attract interest from elsewhere, with the 41-year-old being tentatively linked with Liverpool and England.

Wolves have now moved to tie their boss down until 2028, amid an impressive pre-season that has included dominant wins over West Ham and RB Leipzig in the United States.

O'Neil told the club's website: "I'm really pleased. Me and [sporting director] Matt [Hobbs] started discussing it towards the latter part of last season, but there were a lot of things going on. When the time arrived to discuss it, it was fairly straightforward from my point of view. 

"I'm absolutely loving my time here, my staff love it, my family love it, so it's felt a really special place for us over the past year and I'm looking forward to continuing the journey."

Wolves won more points (46) and scored more goals (50) in the Premier League last season than they did in any of their previous three campaigns, last bettering those figures when they finished seventh under Nuno Espirito Santo in 2019-20 (59 points, 51 goals).

O'Neil's side have brought in Rodrigo Gomes, Pedro Lima and Jorgen Stand Larsen ahead of the new campaign, with their Premier League opener taking them to Arsenal next Saturday.

They sold club captain Max Kilman to West Ham last month, while winger Neto is reportedly close to joining Chelsea in a deal worth a reported £55million. 

Conor Gallagher has arrived in Madrid to complete his reported £33.7million move to Atletico Madrid from Chelsea. 

Gallagher, who captained Chelsea to European football last season under Mauricio Pochettino, is set to sign a five-year deal with the eight-time La Liga champions. 

The England international will be the club's third major signing following the captures of Real Sociedad's Robin Le Normand and Villarreal's Alexander Sorloth. 

Gallagher will become only the second Englishman to play for Atleti after Kieran Trippier, who won the league under Diego Simeone during the 2020-21 season. 

The 24-year-old made 95 appearances for Chelsea, 50 of which came last season, scoring 10 goals and adding 10 assists in that time. 

Chelsea are set to take their spending beyond the £150million mark, with Atletico's Samu Omorodion expected to join Enzo Maresca's side in the coming days. 

The Blues have also reportedly agreed a £54million deal for Wolves' Pedro Neto, with those two potential signings adding to the eight new faces at Stamford Bridge. 

Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Bournemouth have held talks with Tottenham over a move for Dominic Solanke.

Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that he wants to sign a striker this transfer window, having failed to find a replacement after Harry Kane's departure last year, with Solanke their main target.

Reports now suggest that the two clubs have come to an agreement, with Spurs willing to meet his £65million release clause.

Solanke played in every game for Bournemouth last season, only failing to start in one, while he netted a club-record 19 goals in the Premier League from 38 shots on target.

Earlier on Friday, Iraola confirmed the talks between the clubs were ongoing, and highlighted just how big a miss Solanke will be to the squad, not only due to his goals.

"I know that talks are ongoing," Iraola said in a press conference. "I cannot tell you much more, obviously. For us, Dom is a very, very important player, but I cannot tell you how this is going to finish.

"Probably everybody focuses on the goals he scores. He scores a big portion of our goals, but he gives us much more than goals. He's very complete.

"I've said it a lot of times that he helps us in all the phases of the games. He will be a big miss, obviously.

"He's someone that has been very involved, he played all the games last season, he scored a lot of goals, but if this happens, it has happened in other positions.

"We have to trust the people inside the club, and I am sure they will be ready."

Callum McGregor has confirmed his retirement from international following Scotland's disappointing showing at Euro 2024.

McGregor, who started all three of Scotland's group games in Germany, made 63 appearances across a seven-year career, netting three goals. 

The 31-year-old helped the Tartan Army qualify for Euro 2020 - their first major tournament since 1998 - scoring in a 3-1 defeat to Croatia in their final group fixture. 

McGregor ends his international career with the 14th-most appearances for Scotland, with only John McGinn (69) and Andy Robertson (74) playing more from their Euro 2024 squad. 

He captained Celtic to a 4-0 win over Kilmarnock last weekend as he chases down a 23rd major honour with the 54-time Scottish League champions. 

“It has been a huge honour to achieve 63 caps for my country," McGregor said.

"Appearing just once would have been a dream come true so to achieve 63 and be inducted into the International Roll of Honour after getting 50 is something I could only have dreamed of as a young kid.

“Playing for Scotland always meant so much to me and reaching two major tournaments will always be a source of real pride.

"Scoring at Hampden at the EUROs in front of our fantastic supporters will always be a special highlight for me.

“I have worked with some excellent managers, team-mates and staff and I thank them all for their incredible efforts during the time we have had together.

“I would like to wish Steve, the current Scotland players and all the players who follow me nothing but success for the future."

Scotland are next in action in the Nations League where they will face Poland and Portugal, aiming to respond from their poor showing at the European Championships. 

Ann-Katrin Berger clinched the Olympic bronze medal for Germany with a last-gasp penalty save as Die Nationelf edged out Spain by a 1-0 scoreline on Friday.

Giulia Gwinn gave Germany the lead from the penalty spot but Alexia Putellas had a chance to send the game to extra time at the death, only to be denied by Berger.

In a very even first half, Spain failed to register a shot on target, though they had the better chances as they twice struck Berger's crossbar. Teresa Abelleira curled a free-kick against the woodwork before Aitana Bonmati rifled a powerful long-range effort off it just before the break.

Germany's attempts to play on the counterattack eventually paid off, with Cata Coll giving away a penalty when she rushed off her line, only to crash into Gwinn.

The winger stepped up to take the spot-kick that she won, sliding it into the bottom-right corner and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Berger later pushed away Jenni Hermoso's tame close-range header, but Spain would get one last chance when Janina Minge tripped Lucia Garcia in the box with mere seconds remaining.

Putellas' penalty was at a comfortable height for Berger, who dived the right way and got two strong hands on the shot to ensure her team got the prize.

Data Debrief: Gwinn's winning touch

Gwinn was the biggest attacking threat for Germany in the bronze-medal match, having the most shots (two) and more touches in the box (five) than any of her team-mates.

It is the fourth Olympic bronze that Germany have won, and their first since a run of three straight between 2000 and 2008. 

Meanwhile, Spain's torrid run against Germany goes on - they have never beaten Die Nationelf in their history, and their wait for a first women's football medal at the Olympic Games will continue for at least another four years.

Pep Guardiola said he will "have to decide" on his next managerial venture after Wayne Rooney suggested the Spaniard should be the next man in charge of England. 

It was announced on Friday that Lee Carsley had been appointed as the interim coach of the Three Lions ahead of their Nations League fixtures next month. 

Carsley, who has been England Under-21 manager since 2021, led his side to victory in the European Championships last year following their triumph over Spain. 

Guardiola was one of several names listed to succeed Gareth Southgate, with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe all linked with the position. 

The Spaniard was asked about former England captain Wayne Rooney's comments, proposing he should be the next permanent manager. 

“I have to decide what I want to do with my life,” said Guardiola. "Do I want to carry on here, take a break or manage a national team?

"I’m looking forward to all coming back together and seeing how we behave every day.”

“There are a lot of options. I’m fully excited for this season because I see things I like. It’s a new challenge and we can break our own record."

Manchester City face Manchester United in this weekend's Community Shield, with Guardiola out to claim his third success and add another trophy to his growing collection.

City lost to Arsenal in last year's final at Wembley, and Guardiola stressed the importance of the fixture ahead of their Premier League opener against Chelsea. 

“It’s important, it’s a final against United. But part of that is to try refine ourselves step by step,” Guardiola said. 

“Our break for most of the players and the young players, how they behave on a bigger stage, [this is] a good game. We will go for it.”

England legend Wayne Rooney believes Lee Carsley deserves his chance to lead the Three Lions on an interim basis next month, but he still feels Pep Guardiola should be the Football Association's top target.

On Friday, the FA confirmed England Under-21 boss Carsley would take over as interim head coach of the senior side ahead of next month's Nations League fixtures.

The Three Lions face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on September 7 before hosting Finland three days later.

The FA has pledged to undertake a thorough recruitment process as they seek a replacement for Gareth Southgate, with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe linked with the role.

Some have suggested Carsley could remain in charge until next year if the FA approaches Guardiola, whose Manchester City contract expires at the end of 2024-25.

The statement confirming Carsley's interim appointment suggested he could remain at the helm beyond next month's matches, and Rooney still feels Guardiola should be offered the job.

The Plymouth Argyle boss told Sky Sports: "I'd like Pep to be honest. I think England have to strive for the best managers and Pep would be great; the way he gets his teams playing. 

"But I think Lee Carsley deserves his opportunity. I played with Lee at Everton, we were both younger and he is a very good person and coach. 

"He's done really well with England's under-21s, similar to Gareth's pathway. 

"So I think he deserves this opportunity and if he does well, maybe you are looking at the next England manager."

Pep Guardiola says Julian Alvarez "wants a new challenge" as he seemingly confirmed the striker would be leaving Manchester City.

Reports earlier this week said City had agreed a club-record sale for Alvarez to Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish club expected to pay £81.5million.

Alvarez featured in 54 games in all competitions for the Citizens last season, more than any other player, though 15 of those were substitute appearances.

However, while away with Argentina at the Paris Olympics, he voiced his frustration at a lack of playing time in the big games for City, often missing out on a place to Erling Haaland.

Guardiola made it clear after those comments that he was keen to try and keep Alvarez at the club but has now passed his well-wishes to him ahead of his anticipated exit.

"First of all, I want to say my gratitude for Julian. We won everything, his contribution has been massive," Guardiola said ahead of City's Community Shield meeting with Manchester United, via Sam Lee.

"He was incredibly loved by the team for his behaviour but if he wants to leave, a new challenge — Atletico is a top club — then if you want to leave, it's okay. We wish him the best.

"I learned a lot from him, hopefully he can find what he was looking for.

"I don't know the reason why, he said to me, he wants a new challenge, he feels it's what he needs to do. Last season he played a lot, at some moments with Erling, but I understand in certain moments he didn't play.

"I said to the club many times, at the end, the club has the end decision, but I say that contracts can be broken. If you are not happy, why should you be here? He believes his period here must be over, so okay, both clubs arrived at an agreement and that's all."

Alvarez was a useful player for Guardiola, often being utilised as an attacking midfielder as well as a centre-forward.

He scored 19 goals last season, outperforming his 17.5 expected goals (xG) while also contributing 13 assists, a tally bettered only by Kevin De Bruyne (17). Only Phil Foden (107) created more chances than Alvarez (98).

His departure could leave a big gap in the squad, and Guardiola insisted he is not yet sure who they will bring in as his replacement.

"I don't know yet, we talk every day, we'll see what will happen," Guardiola added. "It could happen, it could not happen. We will see."

Dani Olmo has become Barcelona's second signing of the transfer window after his reported £47million switch from RB Leipzig was confirmed on Friday. 

Olmo, who starred at Euro 2024 in Spain's record fourth success in the competition, has signed a six-year deal with a release clause of €500m (£428.5million). 

The Spaniard brings an end to his time with RB Leipzig, leaving the club having scored 29 goals and adding 34 assists across 148 appearances in all competitions. 

Olmo created 32 chances in his 21 Bundesliga outings last year, a total bettered only by Lois Openda (35), Benjamin Henrichs (40), David Raum (68) and Xavi Simons (79) in the Leipzig squad. 

During the European Championships, Olmo became the first Spanish player to score in three successive games, despite only starting three of La Roja's seven games. 

His five goal involvements (three goals, two assists) was also the most by a Spaniard at a major tournament since David Silva at Euro 2012 (two goals, three assists). 

Olmo is Hansi Flick's second signing since becoming Barca's new head coach following the arrival of Pau Victor from Girona for a reported €3m fee. 

The 27-time La Liga champions start their league campaign on August 17 away to Valencia. 

Lee Carsley has been appointed interim England head coach for next month's Nations League fixtures versus the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

The Football Association (FA) has been searching for a new England boss for the first time since 2016, with Gareth Southgate resigning in the aftermath of the Three Lions' Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.

Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe have been linked with the post, but the FA is keen to take its time over a full-time appointment.

With that in mind, Carsley has been handed the job on an interim basis, initially just for next month's fixtures but with the potential to extend his remit into the coming months.

Carsley has been England Under-21 manager since 2021 and led the team to European Championship glory last year, beating Spain 1-0 in the final.

The likes of Anthony Gordon, Jarrad Branthwaite and Cole Palmer were part of Carsley's squad at that tournament and have since made the step up to the senior side.

England face the Republic of Ireland in their Nations League opener in Dublin on September 7 before hosting Finland three days later, having been relegated from the competition's top tier in 2022.

Carsley, who was born in Birmingham but won 40 international caps for the Republic of Ireland during his playing career, said: "It's an honour to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis. 

"As I am very familiar with the players and the cycle of international football, it makes sense for me to guide the team while the FA continues the process to recruit a new manager. 

"My main priority is to ensure continuity and our goal is to secure promotion in the UEFA Nations League."

With Carsley making the step up, Ben Futcher will oversee the under-21's Euro 2025 qualifiers versus Northern Ireland and Austria next month, with backroom staff for both teams set to be confirmed in the coming weeks.