Nottingham Forest have confirmed the arrival of Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina in a deal worth a reported £12million. 

Milenkovic, who featured in all three of Serbia's fixtures at Euro 2024, has signed a five-year deal with Nuno Espirito Santo's side ahead of the new Premier League season. 

The 26-year-old ends a seven-year stay with the Italian side having made 264 appearances in that time, scoring 17 goals in all competitions. 

Since his senior debut for Serbia in 2018, Milenkovic has represented his country on 57 occasions, featuring in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cup. 

Milenkovic will bring an aerial threat to the City Ground, having won 112 of 141 contested duels in the air, but also has the ability to play out from the back. 

He ranked only behind Lucas Martínez Quarta (1358) and Arthur (1350) for the most successful passes for Fiorentina in Serie A last season (1338). 

Chief football officer Ross Wilson said of Milenkovic: "He is a key part of our squad planning this summer and I know how enthusiastic he has been to join the club.

"We have long admired his performances with the Serbia national team and in Serie A and European competitions for Fiorentina.

"We are delighted he will bring his experience and qualities to Nottingham Forest."

Milenkovic becomes Forest's fifth signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of Carlos Miguel, Elliot Anderson, Eric da Silva Moreira and Marko Stamenic.

Forest started their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 win over Chesterfield last week and will play Championship side Sunderland in Spain this Saturday. 

Joshua Zirkzee feels privileged to have Dutch coaches during his first season at Manchester United, as he explained it is "special" to have Ruud van Nistelrooy offering a guiding hand.

Zirkzee joined Manchester United last week, signing for £35million (€42.5m) from Serie A club Bologna.

The 23-year-old Dutch international scored 11 league goals last season to propel Bologna into the Champions League.

And Zirkzee feels having compatriots like Erik ten Hag and, in particular, former United forward Van Nistelrooy in the coaching staff, can only be a benefit as he aims to adjust to life in the Premier League.

"Manchester United is a great, huge club so it's just an extra privilege and benefit for me," he said in an interview with the club's media channels.

"Having some Dutch people around obviously makes it a bit easier, [but] to be fair I'm an easygoing person, I'm not too difficult adapting.

"Obviously when I was younger, watching the Dutch national team, Manchester United, watching [Van Nistelrooy] play, he was one of the guys who you were pretending to be when you were out playing with friends.

"So having him out here is obviously a bit special, it's great."

Zirkzee is hoping to hit the ground running after impressing in Italy.

"Yeah, it's been a roller-coaster the past few weeks, but some very good experiences. I'm very happy to be here," Zirkzee said.

"Making a transfer to Manchester United is obviously something very positive, so yeah, I just can't wait to get started and continue what I basically did last season."

Zirkzee also offered a hint at what fans can expect to see from him.

He added: "As a young boy growing up, playing mostly with tougher, bigger guys who are older than you make you adapt, so I think that's something that you learn at a young age in Holland, especially where I grew up.

"[I'm a] creative player, good with the ball, I'm just a bit unpredictable at times."

Everton head coach Sean Dyche "should be in the hat" to replace outgoing England boss Gareth Southgate, according to Toffees defender Ashley Young.

Southgate announced on Thursday he would be stepping down as the Three Lions' head coach after just under eight years in the role.

The 53-year-old guided England to successive European Championship finals - losing to Italy and Spain respectively - as well as the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, and third place in the 2019 Nations League.

Young was part of the Three Lions side that reached the last four in Russia six years ago, with Southgate bringing him back into the international fold after a four-year absence.

With the search for Southgate's successor now under way, the 39-year-old believes Everton boss Dyche should be in contention.

The former Burnley coach, who has won 90 of his 314 Premier League games in charge, secured top-flight survival on the final day of the 2022-23 season - his first in charge - and, despite facing a points deduction, he steered the Toffees well clear of danger last term.

Young, who paid tribute to Southgate on X, insists his manager's credentials should not be underestimated.

"I don't think even when Gareth Southgate got the job, he [Dyche] was considered to be England manager," he told BBC Sport. "Who can say the gaffer shouldn’t be considered because you don’t know until someone is given that role?

"You have had previous managers like Steve McClaren, Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson who have come in with a longer career in the game, with more success but have not been able to get the England team to - where I feel - an England team should have been.

"There will be names thrown in the hat left, right and centre, and for the job the manager has done, of course his name should be in the hat.

"When he came in [at Everton], it looked like the club was going to get relegated, and he saved them on the final day of the season.

"He was still able to come in and turn the club around. Last season, if things were different, the position we could have finished in could have been totally different.

"I don't think he is given the praise for what he does and brings to the club. There should be so much more praise for what he has done."

Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales says the club will "fight to keep" Eddie Howe, amid speculation linking the Magpies boss with the England head coach vacancy.

Howe is among the frontrunners to replace Gareth Southgate, who announced on Tuesday he would step down as the Three Lions' boss after their Euro 2024 final heartbreak against Spain.

The 47-year-old, who guided Bournemouth into the Premier League in 2015 and oversaw a five-year stay in the top flight, has also made great strides with Newcastle since replacing Steve Bruce in October 2021.

The Magpies were bottom of the Premier League when Howe took over the reins, but he guided them into the Champions League in his first full season, while they finished a respectable seventh last term.

Howe, who previously said he was not ready for international management, signed a lucrative long-term contract extension with Newcastle last year, and Eales dismissed speculation of him leaving St James' Park for St George's Park.

"The first thing to say is that in any organisation, if you are performing well, there will be speculation from other clubs," the Magpies CEO said from the club's pre-season base in Germany. "But Eddie is under a long-term contract with the club.

"You see him, he loves the day to day of club football, and we have an exciting project here in terms of the commitment from the ownership and the journey we want to go on.

"For sure, we'd fight to keep him at the club. For us, he is exactly the right man for the project we are on at Newcastle United, and that is why we are committed to a long-term deal with him. We love him.

"It is speculation on Eddie. He has been an amazing manager at the club, and he is committed to Newcastle through the work that he has done.

"We are obviously committed to him and had a multi-year extension last summer signed. We are on an exciting journey and, as far as we are concerned, Eddie is the man to lead us on that journey. From our perspective, there is nothing to add."

Erik ten Hag slammed Manchester United as "by far not good enough" after their shock friendly defeat to Rosenborg on Monday.

The Red Devils suffered a late 1-0 loss at Lerkendal Stadion after Noah Holm's 93rd-minute winner.

An underwhelming performance in their first pre-season game was in stark contrast to their last outing before that, a 2-1 victory over rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Rosenborg were denied by the woodwork on four separate occasions while attempting 22 shots to United's meagre five.

Ten Hag started the likes of Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Marcus Rashford, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Mason Mount, leaving the United boss somewhat furious with their efforts in Trondheim.

"The result is not secondary. We play pre-season but at Manchester United, there's a standard," said Ten Hag to MUTV after the game.

"You win games. Definitely, you don't lose games. If you can't win, don't lose the game as we did at the end, the last second of the game.

"The performance is more important. The performance was below standard."

Radek Vitek, United's 20-year-old goalkeeper, was forced into seven saves in a one-sided pre-season meeting as the only Red Devils player to impress.

"Let's say he got the opportunity from the team to make some very good saves because our performance as a team is by far not good enough," Ten Hag responded when asked about Vitek's showing.

"I have seen this is not the standard for top football. Top football, you have to achieve much higher standards. It starts with any individual, make sure you are fit.

"I know we can't be match fit in this moment, therefore, you need these games. I know we are playing an opponent who are in their league, they have a much higher fitness level.

"But still we are Man Utd and players and teams from Man Utd must perform better."

Ten Hag's only credit from the game was placed on the youngsters who came on at half-time in wholesale changes.

"They always listen, they try to transfer. We didn't succeed today," the Dutchman said of his younger players.

"But the attitude, they want to transfer the coaching play model, they are always willing to do it. But it is clear today we didn't transfer it to the pitch."

Manchester United have completed the signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £35million (€42.5m).

The Netherlands international, who was part of the side that reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals, has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the option for a further year.

Zirkzee is United's first major signing of the transfer window, as Erik ten Hag looks to improve on the Red Devils' disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season.

The 23-year-old scored 11 Serie A goals last term as Bologna secured Champions League qualification for the first time in their history.

Zirkzee told United's official website: "Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United.

"I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.

"It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away."

United sporting director Dan Ashworth believes the addition of Zirkzee, who outperformed his league expected goals (xG) of 9.0 by two goals last season, represents a major positive for the club.

"Securing a forward to enhance our already strong group of attacking players was a key aim for this summer," Ashworth said.

"We are delighted that we’ve managed to sign a player of Joshua’s calibre this early in the transfer window.

"Joshua is an outstanding talent who is ready to make an impact for Manchester United. His ability and desire to grow into a world-class player means that he will be a great addition to the squad that we are building for the exciting season ahead and beyond."

United are also interested in bringing Zirkzee's Netherlands team-mate Matthijs de Ligt, with the defender reportedly keen to leave Bayern Munich.

Everton, meanwhile, have rejected two offers from United for centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

Southampton have announced the signing of Yukinari Sugawara from AZ.

The right-back has signed a four-year contract after joining the club for a reported £6million fee.

Sugawara initially joined AZ on loan in 2019, before making the move permanent the following season.

In five years at the Dutch club, the Japan international made 198 appearances in all competitions, including a club-record 53 in Europe.

Speaking to the club's media channels, he said: "To come to Southampton and to play in the Premier League is one of my biggest dreams since I was young, so I am really excited to be here.

"I felt Southampton is a really good club. When Southampton gave me an offer, I said yes after one second!"

Sugawara is the sixth addition to Southampton's squad in this transfer window following their return to the Premier League.

Manchester United have confirmed that defender Tyrell Malacia has stepped his fitness programme ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season. 

Malacia did not feature for Erik ten Hag's side last term due to injury, as the Red Devils won the FA Cup for 13th time against rivals Manchester City. 

The Dutch defender arrived from Feyenoord for £15million in 2022, making 39 appearances in all competitions in a promising debut season at Old Trafford. 

However, Malacia struggled with a knee meniscus injury towards the end of the 2022-23 campaign, requiring two surgeries, that latter coming in November last year. 

That meant he had to restart his recovery, with the club announcing that the left-back had suffered a setback in his rehabilitation in December. 

But the 22-year-old has been pictured at Carrington, doing individual work as he aims to be fit for the start of ten Hag's third season at the helm.

Malacia last appearance came for the Netherlands against Croatia in the Nations League semi-final in June 2023. 

Ten Hag will be hopeful to have the Dutch defender available for the new season, having spent much of last campaign without first choice left-back, Luke Shaw. 

Shaw made just 12 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils last season and has not featured for the club since a 2-1 win over Luton back in February. 

Ipswich Town have signed Manchester City forward Liam Delap in a deal reportedly worth up to £20million.

Kieran McKenna's side confirmed their fourth first-team arrival on Saturday, with Delap joining on a five-year deal after Jacob Greaves' move from Hull City was announced the day before.

Delap and Greaves played together for the Tigers in the Championship last season, with the striker scoring eight goals in 32 appearances.

Ipswich have reportedly paid an initial £15m fee for the 21-year-old with a further potential for £5m in add-ons, as well as City holding a 20% sell-on clause on any future transfer.

"We are delighted to bring Liam to the club," McKenna told Ipswich's official website.

"We think he is a player with the qualities to help the team this season but also to be an important player for the club for many years to come. 

"He is a player with outstanding physical and technical attributes who has a hunger to come here and continue to learn and improve.

"He has gained good first-team experience from a young age and we feel he has the potential for development here."

Delap had previously endured less successful Championship loan spells with Stoke City and Preston North End, but found form under Liam Rosenior with Hull in the 2023-24 campaign.

His season was hampered by a cruel knee injury in January before returning to the squad as Hull narrowly missed out on the play-off positions.

Southampton were also said to be interested in the five-cap England Under-21 international, though Delap opted to follow Greaves to Ipswich, who have also brought in Omari Hutchinson and Ben Johnson already.

"I have heard so many good things about the feeling around the club, and how the players and staff work. That's exactly why I'm excited to be here," Delap said.

"The manager here likes to play exciting football. It's quick and intense and I am looking forward to that. I want to bring goals and assists and I'll work as hard as I can to help the team."

Brighton have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Malick Yalcouye from Swedish side IFK Goteborg. 

Yalcouye joins the Seagulls on a five-year contract, arriving at the AMEX Stadium for a reported £6million fee. 

The teenager, who holds dual nationality with Mali and Ivory Coast, joined Goteborg last year after making his debut in the African Champions League for ASEC Mimosas. 

He made 11 appearances in the Swedish Allsvenskan, making his debut in February and scoring his first goal six games later against IF Brommapojkarna. 

"He is a talented midfielder with lots of potential to develop into a top-class player," new head coach Fabian Hurzeler said on his latest signing. 

"He's excited about this next stage of his career and we're looking forward to helping him progress."

Yalcouye becomes Brighton's fifth summer signing as they look to improve on their 11th place finish in the Premier League last season. 

The Seagulls have already confirmed the arrivals of Ibrahim Osman, Yankuba Minteh, Mats Wieffer and Amario Cozier-Duberry.

Manchester City defender Sergio Gomez has completed a move to Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth €10million (£8.4m). 

Gomez ends a two-year stay at the Etihad Stadium having made 38 appearances for Pep Guardiola's side, winning five major honours that included their maiden triumph in the Champions League and two Premier League titles. 

The 23-year-old struggled to cement a place in the Citizens first-team having arrived from Anderlecht in 2022 in a deal worth £18million. 

Gomez made just 18 appearances in the Premier League, with Guardiola preferring summer arrival Josko Gvardiol in the left-back position. 

City have a 30% sell-on clause in the transfer, with the Spaniard joining the La Liga side on a six-year deal. 

Gomez returns to his homeland where he started his senior career with Barcelona B, followed by spells at Borussia Dortmund and Huesca. 

“It’s time to leave Manchester City but I’d like to thank everyone at the CFA for their support and guidance during my time at the club,” Gomez said.

“Being part of such a talented, ambitious and successful squad was a true honour and winning a host of major trophies, including the treble, is something I will never forget and will always look back fondly on.

“I am excited for this new adventure but I wish Pep Guardiola and the players every success in the future.”

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Renato Veiga from FC Basel on a seven-year contract.

The Blues have paid a reported €14million (£11.8m) for the youngster, with the option to extend his deal for an extra year, which could keep him at the club until 2031.

Veiga joined Basel in August 2023 on a four-year deal, and cemented his place in the first team after making his debut in September.

He went on to make 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice in the Swiss Super League.

"I'm absolutely buzzing to be here," Veiga told Chelsea's media channels. "This is one of the biggest clubs in England – the biggest for me – and I'm just really excited to get started."

Veiga is the fifth player signed by Chelsea in this transfer window, following Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall into the club.

Jonny Evans has extended his stay at Manchester United until the end of next season, penning a new one-year contract.

Having come through United's academy and spent an initial nine-year spell in the Red Devils' first team between 2006 and 2015, Evans returned as cover for Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof last year.

With all four of those players enduring injury-hit 2023-24 seasons, Evans played a far more prominent role than expected as United finished eighth in the Premier League.

The 36-year-old made 30 appearances across all competitions, including coming off the bench in May's FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester City.

Evans has now won every domestic trophy with United, having claimed three Premier League titles and two EFL Cups during his first stint with the club.

Speaking to the club's website after penning his extension, Evans said: "I am delighted to have extended my contract at Manchester United for another season.

"To play for this great club and feel the support from our incredible fans is always a privilege.

"Returning to the club last season was an honour; representing the team on the pitch alongside fantastic team-mates under an excellent manager.

"Winning the FA Cup together was an unforgettable experience; I know we can challenge for more trophies in the season ahead."

Rodri is being told to leave Manchester City "every day" by Dani Carvajal as the Real Madrid defender believes his Spain team-mate is "perfect" for the LaLiga giants.

The pair are playing together at Euro 2024, where Spain will meet England in Sunday's final in Berlin.

While the Three Lions were widely considered the pre-tournament favourites, La Roja have been the standout team at the finals, led by Rodri.

The 28-year-old midfielder has established himself as one of the best in world football since joining City from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

And despite his Atleti past, Rodri can be in no doubt about the sort of welcome he would receive if he returned to Madrid, his home city, with Los Blancos.

Carvajal has made it clear how Rodri would fit in at the Santiago Bernabeu, revealing their conversations to El Partidazo de COPE.

"Without a doubt, I tell him this every day," Carvajal said when asked if he would sign Rodri. "[I tell him] to leave Manchester, that there is no sun, 'you are from Madrid and we need you'.

"But he drags it out. He would fit in perfectly."

Rodri scored eight goals and provided nine assists in the Premier League in 2023-24, setting career highs in both categories while also shielding the second-best defence in the division.

Meanwhile, Toni Kroos was Madrid's leading creator in LaLiga, with eight assists, but has since retired.

Manchester United have confirmed the arrivals of Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant managers to Erik ten Hag.

The pair join the Red Devils ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season, replacing the departing Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy. 

Van Nistlerooy returns to the club he spent five years with as a player, scoring 95 times in 150 Premier League appearances. 

The Dutchman previously managed PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, leading them to the KNVB Cup and Johan Cruyff shield during the 2022-23 season. 

Hake also brings a wealth of managerial experience, having previously managed Go Ahead Eagles and Utrecht, leading the former to a ninth place finish in the Dutch top flight - the club's best finish for more than 15 years.

 

“Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men’s first-team operations, and refreshing the coaching staff is an important part of that," new sporting director Dan Ashworth told the club's official website. 

“It’s a particular pleasure to welcome Ruud back to the club where he enjoyed so much success as a player, and I know that he and Rene will help reinforce the winning mentality and high standards we are aiming for.” 

Manchester United kickstart their pre-season preparations against Norwegian side Rosenborg next Monday at the Lerkendal Stadion. 

Ten Hag's first competitive game of the new season takes place on August 10 against rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield, a repeat fixture of their FA Cup triumph in May. 

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