Wednesday's briefing: Man Utd join Sesko race and Rangers dominate first leg
Rangers beat Viktoria Plzen 3-0 in the Champions League third qualifying round.
Elsewhere, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been conditionally bailed over rape charges.
United bid for Sesko
Manchester United have made an offer for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko after Newcastle submitted a second bid for the Slovenia international, the PA news agency understands.
PA understands Newcastle made a second approach to Leipzig after seeing an initial offer for the 22-year-old – reportedly worth 75million euros (£65.1m) with a further 5m euros (£4.3m) in potential add-ons – rejected last week.
That improved offer of at least 80m euros (£69.5m) has been followed by Ruben Amorim's United cementing their long-standing interest with a bid of their own.
The Red Devils have tabled a proposal worth a reported 75m euros (£65.1m) plus a potential 10m euros (£8.7m) in add-ons as they seek to take Sesko to Old Trafford.
Rangers put one foot in Champions League play-off round
Full-Time: Rangers 3-0 FC Viktoria Plzeň | #UCL
👏 Three goals at Ibrox in tonight's first-leg victory. pic.twitter.com/ABmwVoN9SY
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 5, 2025
Russell Martin's bold team selection paid off as Rangers battered Viktoria Plzen 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifier at Ibrox.
The Gers boss hit out at some of his squad following their deflating 1-1 draw at Motherwell on Saturday, questioning mentality, egos and application, and captain James Tavernier and midfielder Nicolas Raskin were the biggest names left out among the expected changes.
Martin got the required reaction as winger Djeidi Gassama scored after 15 minutes with his third European goal in three ties before returning striker Cyriel Dessers added a second from the spot just before the interval.
Gassama, signed this summer from Sheffield Wednesday, scored a third in the 51st minute to put the Govan side into a commanding lead and eventually a comfortable win.
Partey bailed over rape charges
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on rape and sexual assault charges.
The Ghanaian, 32, has been charged with five counts of rape against two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he was an Arsenal player.
His bail conditions include that he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
It comes amid reports that Partey is set to join Spanish club Villarreal.
Wednesday's Championship opener to go ahead
Tickets for our trip to Leicester on Sunday have now sold out, thank you for your support 🦉 #swfc
— Sheffield Wednesday (@swfc) August 5, 2025
Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan expects the crisis-hit club to fulfil their opening Sky Bet Championship fixture away to Leicester.
Wednesday's players refused to feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley on Saturday after wages were not paid on time for the fourth time in five months.
Sheffield Wednesday Supporters' Trust plans to protest against under-fire owner Dejphon Chansiri during Sunday's televised match against the Foxes at the King Power Stadium.
Asked if there was a prospect of players going on strike, Bannan, who on Saturday signed a new contract at Hillsborough, told talkSPORT: 'No, I don't think so.
'We pulled out of the Burnley game at the weekend, that was simply because it's happened too much now and I think it's a lot easier to pull put of a pre-season friendly game than it is a Championship fixture.'
What's on today?
League of Ireland side Shelbourne travel to Croatia to play Rijeka in the Europa League third qualifying round.
There are six matches in the third qualifying round of the Champions League including Nice against Benfica and Feyenoord against Fenerbahce.
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