Ismaila Sarr has completed a return to the Premier League with Crystal Palace, the club confirmed on Thursday.

Sarr, who played two seasons in English football's top flight with Watford, has signed a five-year contract at Selhurst Park for a reported £12.5million fee. 

The 26-year-old is seen as a replacement for Michael Olise, who joined Bayern Munich for £50million earlier in the transfer window. 

In his 35 appearances for Marseille, the Ivory Coast international scored five goals, three of which came in Ligue 1. 

During his time with Watford in the Premier League, Sarr made 50 appearances, scoring 10 goals and adding six assists, with his most prolific seasons for the Hornets coming in the Championship, where he notched 39 goal contributions in 78 outings. 

“I am very happy to be here because Crystal Palace is a great club," Sarr said.

"Thanks to the coach and the Sporting Director – they told me about their project, and I accepted because it is a good project.

"I am going to work hard on the pitch and off the pitch for the team and for the fans as well."

Sarr becomes Palace's third signing of the transfer window following the arrivals of midfielder Daichi Kamada and defender Chadi Riad.

Head coach Oliver Glasner added: "We're happy that Ismaïla has decided to join Crystal Palace because he knows the Premier League when he played at Watford, he knows living in England, and he also had many games with Marseille last season.

"In every year, in every club where he was, he's showed that he can score goals. He showed it as well in the national team for Senegal, so we are really pleased that he will join our group."

Nottingham Forest have confirmed the arrival of Portuguese international Jota Silva from Vitoria. 

Silva, who scored 15 goals in 42 matches in all competitions with the Primeira Liga side, has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at the City Ground. 

Forest finished 17th in the Premier League last season, six points above the relegation zone, and were among the lowest scorers in the division. 

Only Sheffield United (35), Everton (40) and Burnley (41) scored fewer goals than Forest's 49 last year, with Chris Wood the only player in the squad to hit double figures in the league.

Nuno Espirito Santo was keen to add more firepower to his side, with Silva's arrival bolstering their attacking options ahead of the new Premier League season. 

Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson said: “We can see how excited Jota is to continue his career journey beyond Portugal where he has enjoyed such a strong period in the Primeira Liga with Vitoria Guimaraes, which resulted in him earning his debut for the Portuguese National Team back in March.”

Silva becomes Forest's fifth addition of the transfer window following the signings of Newcastle's Elliot Anderson and Fiorentina's Nikola Milenkovic. 

Both Marko Stamenic and goalkeeper Carlos Miguel have been loaned out to Olympiacos and Corinthians respectively. 

Manchester United's new signing Leny Yoro has been ruled out for three months, while Rasmus Hojlund will be out for six weeks, according to widespread reports.

Yoro joined the Red Devils earlier this month in a £52.2million deal from Lille and impressed in his first pre-season appearance against Rangers.

However, he was forced off with a foot injury in the first half of United's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in Los Angeles on Saturday and was seen days later wearing a protective boot and using crutches.

The defender will have more tests when he returns to the UK with the rest of the squad but is currently set to be out until October, missing the opening three months of the Premier League season.

Hojlund scored in the loss to Arsenal, but suffered a hamstring shortly afterwards, with his game also being cut short.

He is set to miss six weeks, keeping him out until after the September international break.

Erik ten Hag's injury worries grew in their 3-2 friendly win against Real Betis in San Diego on Wednesday as well.

Marcus Rashford limped off in the second half with an injury to his right ankle after a heavy tackle, while Antony's cameo off the bench only lasted 23 minutes before he had to go off with a hand problem, though both substitutions were later described as “precautionary”.

Jurgen Klopp has suggested he is more likely to retire than step back into management.

Klopp left Liverpool at the end of last season, and is enjoying a sabbatical away from the game.

The German had been linked with the vacant England job, but has distanced himself from such speculation, while he also reportedly turned down an offer to coach the United States.

And now the 57-year-old, who coached Mainz before leading Borussia Dortmund to back-to-back Bundesliga titles, has claimed, for the time being, he is considering himself as retired, though he did leave the door open to return to football in some capacity.

"Let's see what it will look like in a few months. Nothing is coming through at the moment," Klopp said.

"As of today, that's it for me as a coach. I didn't quit on a whim, it was a general decision.

"I've also coached the best clubs in the world. Maybe we can talk about it again in a few months.

"I still want to work in football and help people with my experience and contacts. Let's see what else there is for me."

Klopp has won 13 major honours during his managerial career, but enjoyed his most success across his nine-year stint at Anfield. 

The 57-year-old would lead Liverpool to eight major trophies, including their first Premier League title and their sixth success in the Champions League. 

Of the three sides he managed, Klopp managed more games (491), oversaw more wins (299) and scored more goals (1035) during his Liverpool tenure. 

Should this be the end for Klopp, he ends his managerial career having won 584 of his 1075 games in charge, averaging 1.87 points per game across his 23-year career.

Eddie Howe is hopeful that Newcastle United can bring in a new signing soon after their resounding 4-1 win over Urawa Reds in Japan on Wednesday.

Alexander Isak opened the scoring early on before Rio Nitta levelled for the J. League side. Nick Pope then saved a penalty before Jacob Murphy scored a brace, netting either side of half-time.

Lewis Hall then rounded off the scoring just after the hour mark to ensure Newcastle made it two wins from two in pre-season.

Howe was keen to protect his players during the game as Isak was removed early on, but he was also forced to play Joelinton in defence for the final 10 minutes without a ready replacement.

Newcastle are looking to expand their squad depth, and when asked about transfer plans, Howe gave a small hint that someone could be coming soon.

"I hope so, but I have no idea how close things are," Howe said after the game.

"I hope so. We are working hard to make things happen."

Newcastle beat Hull City 2-0 in their opening pre-season match on Saturday and are currently in Japan for their tour.

The Magpies will face Yokohama before flying home to host Girona and Brest at St. James' Park, and Howe was pleased with what he saw in their second friendly as they step up their preparations for the new Premier League season.

"I thought it was a good game and good conditions to improve our fitness levels," he added.

"It was a little bit cooler at kick-off but still a hot and humid day. It has certainly helped the players, but we still have lots to improve on. I thought mentally we could not complain about the players."

Brentford have confirmed that record signing Igor Thiago has had successful surgery on his meniscus injury sustained in pre-season, but will be out of action until late 2024.

Thiago, who arrived from Club Brugge for £30million in July, picked up the injury in Brentford's 5-2 win over AFC Wimbledon earlier this month. 

The Brazilian had scored twice on his first appearance for the club against the League Two side, but was withdrawn from the action at half-time. 

Thiago was expected to be the replacement for Brentford's all-time top scorer Ivan Toney, but the recent news makes a move for the England international now less likely. 

The 23-year-old scored 29 goals in 55 appearances in all competitions for the Belgian side last season, helping them claim a 19th Jupiler Pro League title. 

Thomas Frank's side continue their preparations for the new campaign this weekend against Watford, before facing Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg in their final pre-season outing.

The Bees welcome Crystal Palace to the Gtech Community Stadium on the opening day of the Premier League season, searching for a first win over their opponents since a 2-1 victory in the League Cup back in 1977. 

Sean Dyche has brushed off suggestions that the signing of Jake O'Brien from Lyon is directly related to Jarrad Branthwaite's future.

Manchester United have had two bids for Branthwaite rejected earlier in the transfer window, though are expected to try again to draw the defender away from Goodison Park.

And on Tuesday, Everton announced the signing of O'Brien on a four-year contract after an impressive season in Ligue 1.

Among Lyon players, O'Brien made the most blocks (18) and clearances (96), while only Duje Caleta-Car (57) won more contested aerial duels than his 44.

The Republic of Ireland international is the fifth signing for Everton so far, and Dyche explained why he felt it was so important to use this transfer window to build for the future.

"Putting two and two together at Everton football club. No way!" Dyche joked.

"What I would suggest is, it's nothing to do with that. It's just trying to model the club with the finances available. Trying to bring in players who can add to the layers of the club.

"Obviously, we're stretched at the moment, but the depth of the club, with a younger style of players who can develop and protect the club both on the pitch with their performances and in the future with the finances.

"It's a tough juggling act and tough to find the players who can do that, but we think we've got a few here now.

"We've made it clear to him [Branthwaite] that there was nothing other than that. But like you said, put two and two together and everyone starts speculating. What can you do?"

Amad Diallo is hopeful of more game time at Manchester United this season and wants to continue playing for the club for years to come.

The Ivorian did not feature often last season, with injury stalling his progress while manager Erik ten Hag also favoured Antony or Alejandro Garnacho.

Nevertheless, Diallo showed what he could do in flashes, with his injury-time winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup one of the high points of United’s season.

The 22-year-old is confident of more involvement this term, having held conversations with Ten Hag about his progress going forward.

He said: "I am so excited, I believe in the manager, I know last season I didn't play a lot but this season is going to be a good season for everyone and motivated to start the season.

"We [myself and Ten Hag] had a conversation, a positive conversation and he said good things.

"I believe in the manager, last season I didn't play a lot, but I think we will have good things this season."

Asked if he had considered leaving, Diallo replied: "I'm very happy here.

"I think everyone is happy with me because I smile with everyone, good energy. Why not stay here all my life?"

Diallo's FA Cup goal against Liverpool will go down in United folklore and the man himself is still processing the enormity of the strike, especially with the club going on to win the competition.

When asked if he still watches back the winner, he said: "Yeah, so many times. That goal was the most important goal of my life.

"I was very happy to score the goal. Even now I can’t believe it."

Diallo is happy to play across the frontline for United but confirmed that he was at his most comfortable when drifting in from a right-wing position, despite starting out centrally earlier in his career.

He said: "My first position was number 10 when I was at Atalanta. After that, a right winger, but I can play number 10, left winger, I can play everywhere in the forward line, I’m ready to play every single position.

“Right winger [is my favourite]. I have played there for a long time. That is my best position. I am more comfortable in that position."

Diallo will hope to be in action for United’s next pre-season match against Real Betis in San Diego.

Chelsea have signed goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal for a reported £20.7million (€24.5m).

Jorgensen made 36 LaLiga appearances for Villarreal last season.

The 22-year-old made 143 saves, the most in Spain's top flight, keeping six clean sheets and conceding 63 goals in total, registering a save percentage of 69.42.

Those performances have persuaded the Blues to bring in the Dane to compete with Robert Sanchez and Djorde Petrovic, though there are reports the latter could be moved on.

"This move is a dream come true," said Jorgensen, who has penned a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

"I am very excited to have signed for Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world. I can’t wait to get to know everyone and to start playing with all my new team-mates."

Jake O'Brien has become Everton's fifth signing of the transfer window after his reported £16.43million switch from Lyon was confirmed on Tuesday. 

O'Brien, who made 27 Ligue 1 appearances last season, has penned a four-year contract at Goodison Park ahead of the new Premier League campaign. 

The Republic of Ireland international scored five goals in all competitions last term, including in Lyon's Coupe de France final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in May. 

The 23-year-old defender kept seven clean sheets from his league outings last season, and will provide another solid defensive option for the Toffees next season. 

O'Brien won 44 of his 69 contested aerial duels for Lyon, a total only bettered by his central defensive partner Duje Caleta-Car (57). 

"I’m buzzing and so happy to have signed for Everton," O’Brien said.

"I've been dreaming of this kind of move in the Premier League, with such a historic club. It's a very exciting move for me.

"Everton is a huge club with a lot of history behind it and there's a big future as well.

"When the transfer window opened there were other clubs in for me but there was only one club I wanted to go to – it was Everton.

"They’ve shown the faith in me so now it's my turn to show why on the pitch."

Southampton have announced the signing of Ben Brereton Diaz from Villarreal for a reported fee of £7million. 

Brereton Diaz, who featured in all three of Chile's Copa America fixtures last month, has signed a four-year contract at St. Mary's. 

The 25-year-old ends a torrid spell with Villarreal, having failed to score in his first 20 appearances following his move from Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer last year.

Brereton Diaz spent the second half of last season on loan with Sheffield United, scoring six goals in his 14 Premier League outings. 

During his time at Bramall Lane, he accumulated the second-highest expected goals (xG) within the Blades' squad (6.07), a total only bettered by Oli McBurnie (6.89) who played in seven more games and scored the same number of goals. 

Southampton were on the hunt for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Che Adams to Torino last week, with the Scotland international leaving the club having scored 48 goals and adding 20 assists in 191 appearances for the Saints. 

“I’m absolutely buzzing. It’s been smooth these past couple of days, and I’m happy to get everything sorted and signed. I’m really excited to meet everyone, it’s great to be involved with this great club," Brereton Diaz said. 

“Watching the club when I was younger, it was always in the Premier League. Obviously last season, the way the team played, they went down but they bounced straight back up as a team.

"Also the gaffer as well – everything has aligned together, and I think it’s an amazing club. I can’t wait to get started.”

Brereton Diaz becomes Russell Martin's eighth arrival this transfer window following the signings of Adam Lallana, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Yukinari Sugawara and Flynn Downes.

Jack Grealish said his omission from England's Euro 2024 squad was "the most difficult thing I've ever had to deal with".

Grealish was left out by Gareth Southgate, despite having been a regular in England's set-up since 2021.

The playmaker, who joined City from Aston Villa for £100million after helping England reach the final of Euro 2020, endured a stop-start campaign for Pep Guardiola's team in 2023-24.

Grealish scored three goals and set up a further three in 36 appearances in all competitions for City last season, but injuries and a loss of form meant he often had to settle for a cameo role. 

But after missing out on Euro 2024, the 28-year-old has additional motivation to get back to his best.

"I'll be honest it was probably, football-wise, the most difficult thing I've ever had to deal with in my career," Grealish said ahead of City's pre-season clash with Barcelona.

"I was absolutely heartbroken and then obviously when you're on your holidays, wherever I was, every time you turn on the phone or turn on the TV or whatever, you just see it. So it was hard to not to see it.

"For myself now, moving forward, I have to just try to use that as motivation going into this season and try to have the same mentality as I had two years ago.

"In my first season at City I don't think I performed as well as I could and in the second season I played in a lot of the games and that was down to the first season. I had wanted to come back stronger and I certainly did that, so hopefully I can do that again.

"This is my chance to get my fitness, to have a two-week head start and try to be as fit as possible. And I'm playing with confidence. I feel like that's what I need and fingers crossed I can do that."

In Guardiola, however, Grealish feels he has the ideal mentor.

He added: "I always speak to him. I won't go into too much detail about what we speak about because that's between me and him.

"He's been so good for me in the three years I've been here - there’s not too many people better to take advice from. Pep is a master in this game."

Former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes the Reds have the quality to challenge for the Premier League next season.

Liverpool were part of a three-horse race for top spot for the majority of last season, along with Manchester City and Arsenal.

However, a run of poor results in April saw them drop out of contention, eventually finishing nine points behind Pep Guardiola's side in Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge.

Arne Slot has stepped into the German's shoes, having been picked for a similar style of tactics to his predecessor, and questions have been asked whether Liverpool can pick up where they left off under a new manager.

And Leiva, who played for the Reds for 10 years between 2007 and 2017, has backed them to do just that.

"I think Liverpool can challenge against [Manchester] City, against Arsenal," Leiva told Stats Perform.

"Last year, like I said, Liverpool missed out in the last four weeks of the season. Of course, it will be difficult.

"Man City and Arsenal and other teams are getting stronger, and we know how difficult it is to beat Man City. But Liverpool showed last year the quality to challenge with a lot of young players coming through, and it was very positive.

"I don't see why Liverpool could not challenge Man City this year for the Premier League. I think the team is very good, and of course, other players will arrive to help."

Despite the optimism surrounding Liverpool's new manager, there are concerns over whether key players will still be at Anfield come the end of the season.

Mohamed Salah is entering the final year of his contract and has attracted interest from a number of Saudi Pro League clubs.

The Egyptian has scored 211 goals since joining the Reds in 2017, though his Premier League tally of 18 goals was his least prolific season for them, and Leiva thinks he may have a point to prove under the new manager.

"Mo, what a player he has been for the club," Leiva said. "We know that he came under Jurgen, but I think Mo has got a point to prove as well now.

"He will be a very important player, not only on the pitch, but off it as well. On the pitch, he's been amazing, and he's scored a lot of goals. He has been one of the best [players] in the history of the club.

"But with a new manager coming in now, I think he will need the senior players to help the other guys to settle in, even the new manager to settle in. So, Mo will be really important as well off the pitch. And I'm sure that he has many, many good years ahead of him in the Liverpool shirt."

Another Liverpool stalwart entering the final year of his contract is captain Virgil van Dijk, who has been a talismanic presence since joining from Southampton in 2018.

Only four players have made more appearances than his 197 since making the move to Anfield, and Leiva is confident he will not be leaving any time soon.

"I expect Virgil to stay. He's under contract," he added.

"He's the captain of the team. He had a great Euro, and the same as Mo, he will be really important.

"[Arne] is a Dutch manager, so he will play a big part in helping this new team, this new Liverpool team, going forward. Now he's on holiday, and hopefully, he will come back recharged and ready to go."

Trent Alexander-Arnold rounds out the trio with their future up in the air going into the new season.

The right-back, who started in the Liverpool academy in 2004 aged six, has been integral to Liverpool in recent seasons.

He was involved in the most attacking sequences among Liverpool defenders in the league last season (151), and Leiva is adamant the club should make it a priority to keep the home-grown talent.

"I've known Trent since he was 16 years old. He started when I was playing for the club, and at that young age we could see how good he was," Leiva said.

"He's a Liverpool player born in Liverpool. He is what Liverpool means.

"I think it's really important to keep your best players, and Trent is one of them. Like I said, he's a Scouser, and I'm sure that he'll be focusing on helping the team.

"He's a vice-captain of the team. He's grown so much in the last few seasons, and like all the senior players, I think these players now will play a big part in the new team. Helping the young lads coming through, as well as the academy.

"So, of course, with contract talks, you always have speculation, but I think you know it's really important for Trent to stay at the club because it's his home and I know how much it means to him to play for Liverpool."

Manchester City attacker Julian Alvarez will not make a decision on his future before Argentina's Olympics campaign is over.

Alvarez has been a useful member of Pep Guardiola's squad over the past two seasons.

However, with Erling Haaland the clear first-choice striker, Alvarez has often had to deputise in an attacking midfield role, particularly as cover for Kevin De Bruyne.

The 24-year-old, who is representing Argentina at the Paris Olympics after he helped his country win the Copa America earlier this summer, is reportedly drawing interest from Atletico Madrid, but he has not yet made a decision on whether he wishes to leave City.

"There is a lot of talk," said Alvarez ahead of Argentina’s clash with Ukraine.

"I am focused here [at the Olympics] because it is a short tournament. At Manchester City I feel very good, I played a lot of minutes.

"But we will see after the Games. First, if I can, I will take a few days off. Then we will decide.

"Maybe it's annoying to be out in big games, players always want to help on the pitch. But my season was good, so I'm very happy."

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

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

Guardiola is eager to keep Alvarez on board, though conceded there is only so much he can do to keep the player happy.

"I don't think about replacing [him]," Guardiola said.

"I know he wants to play in important moments, but the other players [want that] too.

"We have 18 or 19 players who want to play in the important games.

"I read he has to think about it, so OK, think about it and after that he will inform us what he wants to do."

Julian Alvarez has expressed doubts over his Manchester City future after being left out of 'important games'.

Alvarez played 2657 minutes in the Premier League for City last season, his most in a single campaign since joining the club in January 2022.

He made 31 starts in the league, though mainly as an attacking midfielder, and in other competitions, including the Champions League and FA Cup, in which the Citizens reached the final, he was often second choice to Erling Haaland.

The Argentinian, who is currently representing his country at the Olympics, admitted his frustration at not getting a chance in big games when asked about his future.

"I haven't stopped to think about what I'm going to do," Alvarez told DIRECTV Sports.

"Last season I was one of the players who played the most minutes in the team.

"But it's true: in the end, in some important games, it's not pleasant to be left out. I will have time to consider my decision.

"I haven't stopped to think things through calmly. Once the Olympic Games are over, I will take the time to reflect on what I want for myself."

Alvarez has scored 36 goals in 103 appearances for City in all competitions, also providing 18 assists.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in the 24-year-old's signature should he decide to move away from the Etihad.