Wednesday's briefing: Man Utd join Sesko race and Rangers dominate first leg
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside Newcastle's transfer turmoil and the EIGHT players Eddie Howe's missed out on
Newcastle United have gone in for a number of targets as they look to kick on from last season but have been turned down time and time again in a frustrating summer To say Newcastle United have endured a frustrating summer would be an understatement. Qualifying for the Champions League will often make it easier for a team to convince transfer targets to sign, but that's been far from true for Eddie Howe's side. Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale have moved to St James' Park, but plenty of other players have opted to move elsewhere. Not only that, but last season's top scorer Alexander Isak could yet move on before the window shuts. "Why can't Newcastle get business done?" former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer asked when speaking to Betfair. "I don't know whether it's to do with the fact they don't have a Chief Executive or Sporting Director. They've known for months now that the Chief Executive was leaving so I'm pretty surprised that one hasn't been announced as yet. "The Sporting Director left a couple of months ago now and they've known that, so that's a big surprise that those spaces haven't been filled. Whether that has anything to do with Newcastle's lack of business and the number of players that have said no to them, I don't know. It's not a good look." There is still time for the club to make up for lost time, but a lot of targets have already chosen to continue their careers elsewhere. Here, Mirror Football takes a closer look at who said no to the Magpies. Dean Huijsen We'll begin at the very start of the window. Spanish centre-back Huijsen enjoyed a breakout season with Bournemouth, prompting Newcastle and a number of their Premier League rivals to explore a move. Unfortunately for them, Real Madrid were also keen. And that meant this was going to be a short saga with an obvious conclusion for a player with an eye on Spain's World Cup squad next summer. " It's the best day of my life. For me, it's a dream to be here, and I'm going to give everything for the team," the young defender said at his unveiling. "With regard to offers from other teams, for me, Real Madrid is the best club in the world, and there is no other team like it." Liam Delap A new striker was always going to be high on Newcastle's list regardless of what happens with Isak. The club lost Callum Wilson after five years, with the experienced striker later joining West Ham, and a younger model was pursued. Liam Delap was one of those contenders after an impressive season with relegated Ipswich. A £30million release clause meant Newcastle were always going to have rivals for his signature, and Chelsea won the race. "I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach," the England Under-21 star said. "It's going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies." Joao Pedro Here, as with Delap the promise of Champions League football wasn't enough. Chelsea could offer the same, along with Club World Cup football, and the Brazilian chose the Blues. "Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history,' the former Brighton star said. "They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. So I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing — win." Newcastle might be back in the Champions League, but some may feel other members of last season's top five are in better shape all around. Time will tell if they're right. Mohammed Kudus Newcastle completed a move for Elanga in mid-July, but only after failing to land Kudus. The Ghana international had looked set for a move away from West Ham since the start of the summer, and chose Tottenham. It's easy to see why the former Ajax man was an option, given his ability to play across the front line. Once again, though, it soon became clear Howe's team were up against it from the very start. "The most important part of why I came here is the project and how the manager sees I can develop under him," Kudus said upon joining Thomas Frank's side. "Where he's come from and seeing the amount of talent he's developed to become great players, it's a big sign of why I wanted to work under him as well." Bryan Mbeumo Versatile forwards were clearly the order of the day this summer, and you can hardly accuse Newcastle of not being focused. The issue for them is failing to convince so many of those targets that St James' Park is the place for them. Mbeumo was also eyed by Spurs and Manchester United when it became clear he might be leaving Brentford. The Cameroon star's former team-mate Yoane Wissa could yet end the window as a Newcastle player, but Mbeumo himself has moved to Old Trafford - saying that was always part of the plan. 'From the start, I wanted to join this massive club,' he said. 'Now I'm here, I'm just really happy. For me, it's the biggest club in the world. The fans are crazy, the stadium is amazing, and every player wants to play here.' Hugo Ekitike When it first looked as though Isak might join Liverpool, Newcastle stepped up their interest in French frontman Ekitike. Now, though, we could end the summer with Ekitike and Isak at Anfield. The former PSG frontman struggled to get a look in with Les Parisiens but thrived last term at Eintracht Frankfurt. Newcastle were ready to break the bank, but in the end it was Liverpool who won the race for the £69m star. 'I've been dreaming to come and play in the Premier League. And to play for Liverpool is a big, big good feeling for me," Ekitike said after joining the champions. "I just can't wait to start to play games and to win trophies." James Trafford The summer began with some uncertainty over Newcastle's starting keeper after Martin Dubravka and Nick Pope shared duties last term. Trafford long looked destined for a move to the North East, but there was a problem. The 22-year-old Cumbrian was fresh off promotion to the top flight with Burnley, but felt he had unfinished business at former club Manchester City. As soon as City activated a buy-back clause, there was only one possible outcome. 'I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to Manchester City," Trafford said upon his return. 'This is the place I call home – it's a truly special football club with fantastic people who make it such a unique place to work and play." Benjamin Sesko If you thought the impending start of the season might bring an end to Newcastle's transfer disappointment, it's time to guess again. Sesko became a realistic target once Arsenal turned to Viktor Gyokeres, but there was still another potential suitor. This time, once again, Manchester United stand in the Magpies' way. Ruben Amorim's side might not be able to offer European football, but that doesn't seem to matter. Both clubs have bid enough to tempt RB Leipzig to cash in on the Slovenian star - somewhere in the region of £70m - but we're expecting Sesko to announce sooner rather than later that Old Trafford is his preference. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
6 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Rangers star and glam Wag spotted at popular Glasgow restaurant after Light Blues' huge Champions League triumph
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RANGERS enjoyed a night to remember as they brushed aside Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday night. And one Ibrox ace who was part of the squad enjoyed an evening at a popular Glasgow restaurant to celebrate. 5 Oscar Cortes in action for Rangers agains tMIddlesbrough Credit: Willie Vass 5 Cortes and stunning partner Isabel enjoyed a night out Credit: INSTAGRAM/@ISABELCAAICEDO 5 They headed for a popular Glasgow spot Credit: INSTAGRAM/@ISABELCAAICEDO Rangers already have one foot in the Champions League play-off round after the 3-0 win over Viktoria Plzen in the first leg. Djeidi Gassama fired a double, striking either side of a Cyriel Dessers penalty, as the Gers secured a commanding advantage before going to the Czech Republic next week. A play-off clash against either Red Bull Salzburg or Club Brugge awaits, with a place in the Champions League league phase and the riches that come with it the prize for the victor. It's advantage Brugge after the first leg after they left Austria with a 1-0 win. Gassama has scored four goals in three European games for the Gers since arriving from Sheffield Wednesday while Oliver Antman enjoyed a superb debut against Plzen. Those new recruits have pushed Oscar Cortes further down the pecking order. The Colombian winger, 21, was an unused substitute for the clash with the Czech side and his only appearance so far this season was as a late sub against Motherwell on Saturday. Cortes has been at Rangers since January 2024 but has only made 18 appearances with injury wrecking his time at the club. After just 11 games in all competitions last season, his move from French club Lens was made permanent this summer. That's because the loan deal had a £4.5million obligation to buy inserted. Rangers star John Souttar opens up on his future as he reveals new contract talks have stalled But with Rangers bolstering their forward areas with THREE new wingers, competition has never been more fierce. But Cortes' opportunity could yet come, especially after he was singled out for praise by boss Russell Martin after the friendly against Middlesbrough a couple of Saturdays ago. And the winger himself was all smiles as he enjoyed an evening out in Glasgow with his glamorous girlfriend. The footie ace's partner Isabel Caicedo shared some snaps of the loved-up couple at El Santo in Glasgow city centre. The popular spot is a Latin bar and restaurant, serving up cuisine and cocktails from Brazil and Mexico. Stunning Isabel shared the pictures, with one of herself and Cortes tagged "mi vida," which translates to 'my life.' Cortes will be hoping to see some action this weekend when Rangers take on Dundee at Ibrox. They'll be looking to win their first Scottish Premiership match of the season having been held to a 1-1 draw by Motherwell in their opening game last weekend. 5 Oscar Cortes and Isabel Caicedo on holiday together Credit: INSTAGRAM/@ISABELCAAICEDO 5 Glam Isabel has been with Cortes for some time Credit: INSTAGRAM/@ISABELCAAICEDO Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Metro
8 minutes ago
- Metro
Arteta rates Gyokeres' first Arsenal start and provides Havertz injury update
Arsenal boss Mike Arteta says he saw 'a lot of things' to be positive about in Viktor Gyokeres' display against Villarreal and is confident the striker will be in a 'better condition' to face Athletic Bilbao this weekend. Gyokeres was named in Arteta's starting XI for the first time having swapped Sporting for Arsenal last month and the 27-year-old will have been desperate to open his account in front of a home crowd at the Emirates. But it wasn't to be for Gyokeres, despite the Swede's new team-mates making a noticeable effort to help get their marquee summer signing off the mark in the entertaining 3-2 defeat. Gyokeres was on the field for an hour in north London and his best opportunity to find the net came just before he was substituted, but the forward's powerful effort was well saved by Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior. While Christian Norgaard and Martin Odegaard did manage to get on the scoresheet, goals from ex-Gunner Nicolas Pepe, Karl Etta Eyong and Arnaut Danjuma were ultimately enough to secure victory for the visitors. In The Mixer: Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every week – click here and sign up before Friday to make sure you don't miss the first edition. Arteta will no doubt be hoping his side return to winning ways when they return to the stadium on Saturday to face Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup. Asked if it could take some time for Gyokeres to get acclimatised to a new environment, Arteta told reporters: 'We already broke that line today because I think it was very important for him to start a match and start to have the feeling and the connection with the team. 'He's been with us only a week or so, but I really saw a lot of things and a lot of purpose, especially the way he was attacking certain spaces. 'So in general, for a lot of players that haven't played many minutes, we have a lot now that they're going to be ready for Saturday in a much better condition.' Pressed on how long it could take his players to get used to Gyokeres, the Arsenal head coach replied: 'I hope days, and every day in training I think he's getting a really good feeling. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I think he's built connections as well outside, which I think is really important with players that are going to help him to get in the position that he needs to get in. 'On his fitness level, I think he hasn't trained really with the team for two months, so he's done now six or five sessions, I think, before today. 'So I think on Saturday again he will take another step and he will be in a better condition.' Arteta is confident Gyokeres will be '100 per cent' ready to make his mark come August 17, when Arsenal open their Premier League campaign against Manchester United. 'I think mentally and understanding what he needs to do, he will be 100 per cent or more because he's so willing and so confident as well that he can deliver straightaway,' he added. 'I have no doubt that he will be in a really good place.' Arteta reassured Arsenal fans over Kai Havertz's fitness after the German was missing from his matchday squad to face Villarreal. More Trending 'Yesterday in training he felt something and this morning he wasn't quite right, so we decided to rest him,' the Spaniard explained. 'I think it's going to be a matter of a couple of days, hopefully at the weekend, if everything goes to plan, I think he will be fit.' The contest also came too soon for Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori, but there is a 'chance' all three could feature against Athletic Bilbao. 'The three that we lost during the tour, it was Gabi, Leo and Richy, and for Saturday I think both of them have a chance, if everything in the next few days evolves in the way that it's been evolving in the last few days,' he added. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Mikel Arteta drops major hint over Max Dowman ahead of new Premier League season MORE: Arsenal and Man Utd told they should have 'taken a chance' on £46m Liverpool star MORE: Arsenal told to sacrifice one of two players to fund £68m transfer
