Sports
Chelsea Secure Europa Conference League Spot
Chelsea advanced to the league phase of the Europa Conference League, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Servette in the second leg of their qualifying play-off in Switzerland. Enzo Maresca’s side held on to a 3-2 aggregate win, thanks to their strong first-leg performance at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues, who entered the match with a 2-0 lead from the first leg, quickly extended their advantage when Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty in the 14th minute. The spot-kick was awarded after Mykhailo Mudryk was fouled by Servette’s Keigo Tsunemoto.
However, Servette fought back, with Jeremy Guillemenot scoring after a well-placed pass from Dereck Kutesa. The Swiss side then took the lead on the night when Enzo Crivelli headed in a cross from Miroslav Stevanovic, making it 2-1.
Despite the pressure, Chelsea managed to hold on, preventing Servette from finding the crucial third goal that would have forced extra time. The result sees Chelsea progress to the league phase of the Europa Conference League, keeping their European campaign alive.
Sports
Nottingham Forest Prepare Improved £45m Bid for Tottenham Midfielder Luka Bergvall
Nottingham Forest are preparing an improved £45 million bid for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Bergvall after their opening offer of £38 million was rejected.
Forest remain keen to strengthen their midfield following Elliot Anderson’s record-breaking move to Manchester City and are expected to return with a higher offer for the 20-year-old Sweden international.
Speaking during his first press conference as Forest head coach, Oliver Glasner did not comment directly on Bergvall but admitted he is eager to welcome new signings before the club’s pre-season preparations gather pace.
“I have one strength and weakness—it’s impatience. Sometimes it’s a strength, sometimes it’s a weakness,” Glasner said.
“Of course, I would have hoped they were already training with us. It’s impossible because the players we’re talking to were involved in the World Cup and are still on vacation. I’m pretty convinced we’ll have a few players joining us in Portugal.”
Bergvall joined Tottenham from Swedish side Djurgarden in 2024 and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, winning the club’s Player of the Year award after helping Spurs lift the Europa League, ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy.
His performances earned him a new long-term contract in April 2025, keeping him at the club until 2031.
The midfielder made 33 appearances last season before an ankle injury required surgery, sidelining him for two months. Despite the setback, he remains one of Sweden’s brightest young talents, earning 14 senior caps and featuring at the World Cup, where Sweden were knocked out by France in the last 32.
Forest are expected to make further additions before the transfer window closes but are focusing on quality rather than quantity after spending around £180 million on 13 new players last summer.
The club is also targeting a goalkeeper to provide competition for Matz Sels and John Victor, as well as a striker to support Chris Wood and Igor Jesus.
Sports
Brighton Complete Signing of Luka Vuskovic
Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic, with head coach Fabian Hurzeler urging supporters to give the youngster time to adapt to life in the Premier League.
“There has been a lot of external noise about Luka joining us, but he is still a young player who will need time to adjust to the demands of playing for Brighton and in the Premier League,” Hurzeler said.
“We are confident he will take it all in his stride.”
Vuskovic arrives to replace Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, who has joined Tottenham Hotspur in a £52 million move after completing a long-term deal.
Born in Split, Vuskovic came through the ranks at hometown club Hajduk Split, making history as the youngest player to feature in Croatia’s top flight at just 16 years old. He later became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
The highly rated defender enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Bundesliga last season, earning the league’s Rookie of the Season award and a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Year.
On the international stage, Vuskovic has made six appearances for Croatia, scoring once, and made his FIFA World Cup debut against England during the group stage last month.
Brighton will begin their Premier League campaign at home to Aston Villa on Sunday, 23 August, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00pm BST.
Sports
Manchester United Close In on Youri Tielemans Signing
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season.
The Red Devils have made reinforcing the centre of the pitch a priority this summer but have endured a series of setbacks in the transfer market. Their pursuit of Elliot Anderson ended unsuccessfully after the midfielder opted to join Manchester City, while Mateus Fernandes chose to move to Tottenham Hotspur instead of Old Trafford.
United had also agreed a £35 million deal with Serie A side Atalanta for Brazil international Ederson, but that transfer has been put on hold.
Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos is understood to have completed a medical ahead of a proposed £48 million move elsewhere, while United are expected to remain active in the market before the transfer window closes.
With Kobbie Mainoo currently involved in England’s World Cup campaign, United have limited experienced options in central midfield, making the addition of an established player a key objective.
Tielemans, 29, has long been admired by the club, with his extensive Premier League experience viewed as a major asset. The Belgium international played an important role in his country’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals but was forced to miss their 2-1 defeat to Spain after suffering an injury during the pre-match warm-up.
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