Football news LIVE: Postecoglou reveals reaction to Spurs sacking at Forest unveiling, Chelsea hit with 74 charges, Onana arrives in Turkey

Levy removed to gain sporting success

Daniel Levy was removed as Tottenham chairman despite their statement saying he had 'stepped down' talkSPORT understands.

The club confirmed the long-serving chairman's exit on Thursday after 24 years in the role.

Spurs' decision came as part of a move to gain more sporting success on the pitch, despite winning the Europa League last season.

Levy's departure followed months of internal reviews, with the 63-year-old sensing for much of the summer he would be leaving.

Although he still holds shares in ENIC, Levy will no longer have any day-to-day influence at the club.

Instead, owner Joe Lewis' children Vivienne and Charlie, who played a key role in the decision, are set to be crucial to whether Spurs will be put up for sale.

There are currently no imminent plans to change ownership, though, although multiple investors have been in talks with the club valued at more than £3billion.

Elsewhere, Fabio Paratici's return to oversee recruitment has not been impacted and he is set to complete his comeback before the end of October.

Newcastle trumped again

Newcastle had a higher bid rejected for new Liverpool signing Giovanni Leoni, according to Parma's CEO.

The Italian defender completed a £26million move to Anfield last month.

Leoni has signed a six-year deal with the Reds after bolstering their centre-back options.

Parma CEO Federico Cherubini has now revealed Parma had initially turned down a higher offer from Newcastle in a bid to keep hold of Leoni.

However, they ultimately sold the 18-year-old due to his desire to join the Premier League champions.

Cherubini told Gazzetta Parma: "We rejected a higher offer from Newcastle for Leoni. But plans have changed with Liverpool.

"I’ve always said the club wanted to keep Giovanni, and he’s always said he’d be happy to stay.

"When the Reds came forward, our plans changed: both because the offer was very attractive and because Giovanni made it clear he was very happy to take advantage of this opportunity."

Levy 'very helpful'

Harry Redknapp has provided an insight into working under Daniel Levy after his Tottenham exit.

Spurs announced that the Premier League's longest-serving chairman had left his role on Thursday after 24 years.

During that time, 14 managers worked under Levy in north London, including Redknapp.

Asked about his relationship with his former chairman, he told talkSPORT breakfast: "I never had a problem with Daniel. I found him good to, I couldn't sit here and I don't have any relationship with him or speak to him.

"I don't want to speak to him, I just live my life. I had no problems with him at all. I found him very good to work for.

"He wasn't at the training ground every day. He wasn't poking his nose in as to who should play and who shouldn't play.

"I found him very, very good and helpful to work with and my relationship with him when I was there was very good.

"But in the background, I think Joe (Lewis) was. Joe would be pulling a lot of strings. That was how I always felt.

"And certainly when I left the club, I think it was probably more Joe's decision than it was Daniel's. That was my opinion."

Redknapp spent just under four years in charge of Spurs between 2008 and 2012, securing Champions League qualification for the first time during that period.

Messi tears

Lionel Messi broke down in tears ahead of Argentina's latest World Cup qualifier.

The 2022 winners hosted Venezuela on Thursday night in Buenos Aires.

Messi scored twice in a 3-0 win, with Argentina already assured of a place at next summer's finals.

Prior to the match, though, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was visibly emotional as the crowd chanted his name.

He could be seen wiping away tears during the warm-up prior to what could be his final home appearance for his country.

The match was Argentina's penultimate qualifier before they conclude their campaign away to Ecuador on Tuesday.

Messi will be 39 by the time the 2026 World Cup concludes in July.

Following his brace last night, he has scored 114 goals in 194 caps as well as being his nation's all-time leading scorer and appearances maker.

Transfer record broken

London City Lionesses have completed the signing of Grace Geyoro.

The France international has joined the newly-promoted side from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee in the region of £1million.

Geyoro's deadline day arrival was officially confirmed by London City on Friday morning.

However, London City's CEO told talkSPORT the fee is lower than the the world record £1.1million paid for Lizbeth Ovalle by Orlando Pride last month.

Midfielder Geyoro has 22 goals in 103 caps for France.

She becomes London City's 16th summer signing ahead of their maiden Women's Super League campaign.

They face Arsenal on Saturday in their opening fixture before a home clash against Manchester United on September 14.

Suarez sorry

Luis Suarez has issued an apology after appearing to spit on a member of Seattle Sounders staff after the Leagues Cup final.

The Inter Miami forward was caught on camera performing the act during a touchline scuffle at full-time.

Miami had been beaten 3-0 by their MLS rivals in the clash on Sunday.

Punches were also thrown during the melee, including by Suarez's team-mate Sergio Busquets.

However, it was Suarez's apparent spitting towards a Sounders staffer which has brought the most condemnation since the event.

The Uruguayan took to Instagram on Thursday to apologise for his behaviour, writing: "First of all, I want to congratulate the Seattle Sounders for their Leagues Cup victory.

"But more importantly, I want to apologize for my behaviour at the end of the game.

"It was a moment full of tension and frustration, when things took place at the end of the game that shouldn’t have occurred, but that doesn’t justify my reaction. I made a mistake and I’m sincerely sorry.

"That’s not the image that I want to portray in front of my family, who suffer for my errors, and (Inter Miami) doesn’t deserve to be affected by this either.

"I feel bad for what happened and I did not want to miss this opportunity to recognize it and ask everyone for forgiveness who felt poorly about what I did.

"We know there is still a lot of season to play for and we’re going to work together in order to accomplish the goals that this club and its fans deserve."

Watch your back

Jason Cundy admits the departure of Daniel Levy could be a scary prospect for Tottenham Hotspur's rivals.

Levy made the shock announcement that he's left Spurs earlier today after 24 years as chairman of the club.

talkSPORT understands Middle East and Saudi investment could be on its way to the north London club.

And with that could pose an opportunity to transform the team's fortunes on the pitch.

Cundy, once of Spurs, told talkSPORT: "Football is about glory. There's two parts to football. It's always been a business, but none more so now in the modern game because of the finances.

"We are talking ridiculous numbers. These are telephone numbers that football clubs earn now.

"You go back 30, 40, 50, 60 years, it's a very different game. There's always superstars. There was always the big dogs and the little dogs, the medium dogs. Spurs were very much in around that top six-ish.

"The problem is since the finances have come in and clubs have been allowed to spend huge sums of money, Spurs have never competed. We go to my club Chelsea. When Roman came in in 2003, he came in and bang, blew billions at the football.

"Before that we saw Blackburn Rovers in the early-mid 90s. They've done that. After that, Manchester City came in. Things have changed.

"The landscape of financial investment in a football club has changed. Newcastle have found that out to their cost. Spurs always felt to me that they were a club that didn't need huge investment like a Roman, like the Sheikh Mansour, like PSG have had. It always felt as if they were saying, we'll do enough.

"We'll try and compete to get there. You've come close a couple of times, by the way. You've got the Champions League final. You finished second. There's a year that you finished third. You were in the title race.

"But Spurs have always been, and it's great fun because I love the fact that you support Spurs, because you just aren't quite there to go and you need to hone us on the table.

"Here's what we're going to do. I know Liverpool are coming from a space of strength where they've won the title and they are now the club in the country and they've gone bang, bang, bang, bang. I love it.

"And no one should ever be afraid or scared, in my opinion, or should be stopped from spending the most they can spend.

"Spurs haven't done that. So maybe there is something behind Spurs now between now and the next five years where should the Premier League be scared?

Should there be someone that comes in and goes, 'I've seen enough of Beyonce. NFL, bring them in. We're going to go large."

The future

Investment from the Middle East and Saudi Arabia could be heading towards Tottenham Hotspur, talkSPORT understands.

A new era awaits the north London club with chairman Daniel Levy announcing his shock departure from the role after 24 years at the helm.

talkSPORT also understands Levy's departure was driven by the Lewis family, who own the club.

All sorts of rumours about the future of Spurs are flying about and talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook says he's heard whispers of investment coming from Saudi.

Crook told talkSPORT in the immediate aftermath of the news of Levy's departure: "What it means for the future of Spurs I think is unclear at this moment in time.

"They're saying that the way the club is run the ownership structure will remain the same but I've got to say there have been whispers and myself and Ben Jacobs have been sort of trying to find out more about this in the last few weeks that there is significant outside investment coming into Tottenham probably from the Middle East, from the likes of Saudi Arabia.

"So you wonder if this is the first step to a change of ownership at the top of the club despite what Spurs are saying at this moment in time."

Explained

Daniel Levy's decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur was driven by the Lewis family, talkSPORT understands.

The 63-year-old made the sudden announcement today having been in the role for 24 years.

Spurs confirmed there would be no changes to its ownership or shareholder structure.

Peter Charrington has been appointed as the newly-created non-executive chairman.

Charrington's new role comes after he was brought on as a non-executive director in March 2025.

The club also pointed out the recent spate of appointments, including Vinai Venkatesham and Thomas Frank as their new CEO and men's head coach respectively, is part of its long-term succession planning.

What next?

Former Spurs striker Darren Bent has hailed Daniel Levy for the state he's left Tottenham Hotspur.

But the talkSPORT pundit is now intrigued to see what the future holds for the club without Levy rule.

Bent said: "From a business perspective, he's left that football club in an incredible state. But I understand that football fans and Spurs fans don't want to hear about the stadium.

"Certainly financially, he's in a great spot because Beyonce was there ... But all the fans care about is what's going on on the pitch. What players are we bringing in? What investments are we going to put into the football team?

"It would be interesting to see what direction Spurs go into now, because again, I think he's left them in good shape.

"But whoever comes in next or takes that role on, is it going to be the exact same as it's been for the last two decades, where they're not quite happy with the investment?

"Or are they going to go completely the other way, where it's like, here we go, hands in our pockets, all the money in the world's coming in?"

Levy departure reaction

More from Jamie O'Hara on Daniel Levy's shock departure: "When you look back at the transfers that have been potentially available to Spurs, there's so many that we've let slip.

"There was talk of Eden Hazard back in the day. There's been so many chats of players that we could have potentially got over the line. And yeah, look, they're going to Liverpool, they're going to Man United…

"Of course, they're bigger clubs than Tottenham, I get that. But there has been times when we could have had unbelievable football players at the club, and he hasn't done it. He hasn't finished it. He hasn't got the job done.

"Morgan Gibbs-White would have been an unbelievable signing. Eberechi Eze, and that's just this season.

"Every season there's a signing where you go, 'should have got that done, didn't get it over the line. Should have had that player, didn't get it done.'
"We end up getting a second player or a third player. I think we've done alright in the transfer window, to be fair, with the players that we've got.

"But this has been over a long period of time where Tottenham could have had better players, and we haven't done it. And look, people will say they're sad.

"The stadium's unbelievable. You can't get away from that. But on the pitch, we have not fulfilled the potential that Tottenham could be. And that's because of Daniel Levy, as simple as that."

Low approval rating?

Ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O'Hara believes the news of Daniel Levy's departure from the club will be good news for 90-95 per cent of fans.

Speaking on Drive, O'Hara said: "I think 90 per cent, maybe 95 per cent. Look, you've got to be careful what you wish for at the end of the day because the man is a very good businessman.

"He's done a great job in terms of making Tottenham a rich football club. But we don't spend enough money when it matters.

"We don't bring in the top players when it matters. We haven't won enough trophies for what this football club could do.

"It's a huge football club and we've fallen behind the big teams. Arsenal are a million miles in front of us and we need to try and catch up with them types of teams. Under Daniel Levy, his reign, we haven't done that. Simple as."

'I'm happy'

Jamie O'Hara welcomes the departure of Daniel Levy as Tottenham Hotspur's executive chairman.

The former Spurs midfielder admits Levy has done many great things during his 25-year tenure at Spurs but believes a new face is needed to take the club to the next level.

Reacting to the news, O'Hara said on Drive: "I think this is good news, right? This is, it's time to move on from Daniel Levy. There's been so much toxic nature around him.

"It's a tough one because he's done so many good things for the football club in terms of commercially where he's put the football club.

"You know, the stadium's unbelievable. You know, he's made it a rich football club. The training facilities are world-class…

"But I believe over his 25 years that we haven't done enough as a football club to win trophies, to be amongst the elite teams.

"And there's been too many signings that haven't fulfilled the potential of the football club.

"So yeah, look, it's hard to say I'm happy, but I'm happy because I think a lot of Spurs fans will say they are happy. The club's in a good position.

"You can't get away from the fact he's done a good job in terms of putting the club where it's in, but we need to win more trophies."

Levy leaves

Like the rest of us, former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent is in shock at the seismic news of Daniel Levy's departure from the club.

In a shock statement released just minutes ago, Levy announced he would step down from his role as executive chairman of Spurs with immediate effect.

Reacting to the news, Bent said live on talkSPORT: "Yes, huge. I never thought I'd actually see the day that it happened because he's been there for so long.

"I mean, the fans have non-stop complained about him for years and years and years. It just felt like he was an irremovable object, like he was just going to be there the whole time.

"You have to kind of deal with it. The fact he's decided to step down. Maybe he feels he can't do the job as well as he maybe once could. Maybe he feels that the club's going in a different direction that maybe he feels it needs to.

"It's the start of something new. Spurs fans have wanted this for such a long time. Every single time they go through a bad period, it's Daniel Levy, it's their fault. He's not investing properly.

"He's penny pinching, he's not buying the best players to help this football club. So it's huge, huge news now and, listen, he's done a good job.

"He's overseen them into the best stadium in the world, one of the best training grounds. He's assembled over the years some really exciting teams.

"I know maybe the silverware has been lacking a little bit, but we have seen in recent times, winning the Europa League, get themselves in the Champions League, get into a Champions League final, all under his watch.

"But the Spurs fans have not been happy. They want to see more for their, they want to see more investment, more top players coming through the door."

Breaking news

Daniel Levy has stepped down from his role as Tottenham Hotspur chairman, effective immediately.

It brings an end to his near-25-year association with the north London outfit.

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done together with the executive team and all our employees," Levy said in a club statement.

"We have built this club into a global heavyweight competing at the highest level. More than that, we have built a community.

"I was lucky enough to work with some of the greatest people in this sport, from the team at Lilywhite House and Hotspur Way to all the players and managers over the years.

“I wish to thank all the fans that have supported me over the years. It hasn’t always been an easy journey but significant progress has been made. I will continue to support this club passionately.”

Peter Charrington, who has been appointed as the newly-created Non-Executive Chairman, said: “I am very honoured to become Non-Executive Chairman of this extraordinary Club and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Daniel and his family for their commitment and loyalty to the Club over so many years.

“This is a new era of leadership for the club, on and off the pitch. I do recognise there has been a lot of change in recent months as we put in place new foundations for the future.

"We are now fully focused on stability and empowering our talented people across the Club, led by Vinai and his executive team.”

In the statement, Tottenham confirmed there would be no changes to its ownership or shareholder structure.

Romeu released

Former Chelsea and Southampton star Oriol Romeu was released by Barcelona without a club statement.

According to Spanish outlet AS, the LaLiga side terminated his contract on August 28.

Romeu has yet to find a new club in the week since his Barca departure.

The 33-year-old midfielder started his senior career with the club after coming through their famed La Masia academy.

After spells at Chelsea, Southampton and Girona, he rejoined Barca in 2023.

However, he returned to Girona on loan last season before his quiet Nou Camp exit.

Across his two spells at Barca, Romeu made 39 appearances in midfield.

He also won a LaLiga title during his first stint at the club in 2011.

Sesko opens up

Benjamin Sesko has admitted it may take some time to adjust to the Premier League after joining Manchester United.

The Slovenian striker arrived at Old Trafford in a £74million deal from RB Leipzig last month.

Sesko has penned a five-year deal with the Red Devils but is still waiting to open his account for Ruben Amorim's side.

He has now reflected on his move to England and how he is adapting to his new surroundings.

Speaking to reporters on international duty, Sesko explained: "The level of the matches is certainly much higher, the players and teammates are also at a higher level.

"After all, English football is at the highest level in the world of football.

"But I am very much looking forward to the coming period, also because I am getting better and faster in every training session, and I am also progressing in my football mentality every day.

"I wanted to move to England and fortunately my wish came true."

Sesko has made three substitute appearance in the Premier League so far this season without scoring.

He also played the full 90 minutes against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, scoring his penalty in the shootout defeat.

Rangers talks

Mark van Bommel has lifted the lid on reports linking him with the Rangers job earlier this summer.

The Dutch coach was a candidate to take charge at Ibrox prior to Russell Martin's appointment.

Asked how close he came to getting the role, Van Bommel told White & Jordan: "There were some talks, but not directly to the board of Glasgow Rangers."

He continued: "It's kind of a Dutch team. With a lot of Dutch players and also [Former manager Dick] Advocaat.

"I played once with PSV. It's an atmosphere that's unbelievable.

"I loved it at Antwerp as well, similar to Rangers. The Scottish league is a good league and it's a real challenge to become champion and then play in Europe.

"I think that's the big goal for the teams in Scotland."

As for potentially managing in England, the former midfielder said: "That would be nice. I had some offers to play in the early 2000s. But I didn't go. Sometimes it was another club or whatever.

"But of course, if you see the Premier League, it's amazing. And also the championship, the crowds, the players, it's a lovely atmosphere."

Van Bommel is currently without a club having left Antwerp in June 2024 after winning a league and cup double the year before.

Brownhill agrees move

Josh Brownhill is set to land himself a new club over two months after leaving Burnley.

The former Clarets skipper scored 18 goals and provided six assists to help the club secure promotion to the Premier League.

Several clubs have shown an interest in the midfielder since he left Turf Moor.

However, he has now agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab, according to Sky Sports.

The White Lions finished sixth in the table last season and are managed by former Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil.

Brownhill could make his debut as early as next Friday when Al Shabab host Al Hazem on September 12.

Manager of the Month nominees

The Premier League has announced four nominees for the August Manager of the Month award.

A quartet of coaches have been recognised for their sides' performances in the opening month of the season.

Arne Slot is the only manager to win all three matches so far this term after Liverpool made a perfect start to their title defence.

The Reds will return from the international break two points clear at the top of the table.

Their nearest challengers are fellow unbeaten outfit Chelsea, with manager Enzo Maresca also nominated.

The Blues have conceded just once in their three matches, picking up wins over London rivals West Ham and Fulham.

Elsewhere, Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has been recognised following the Black Cats' top-flight return.

His side followed up their opening victory against the Hammers with another home win over Brentford on Saturday.

David Moyes completes the list of nominees after recovering from a narrow defeat to Leeds on matchday one.

Everton have since beaten Brighton and Wolves in their two matches since.

Pogba to face PL duo

Paul Pogba could be set to take on Manchester City and Tottenham in the coming weeks.

The midfielder has been named in Monaco's Champions League squad for the upcoming league phase.

Pogba joined the Ligue 1 side as a free agent this summer on a two-year deal.

His move came seven months after having his Juventus contract terminated.

The Italian club parted ways with Pogba in the wake of his four-year ban for doping, which was later reduced to 18 months on appeal.

Although he is yet to make his Monaco debut, he has been named in their Champions League squad.

The 2004 finalists host both City and Spurs during the league phase next month.

They will welcome the Premier League duo to the Stade Louis II on October 1 and 22, respectively.

Meanwhile, he could also take on former club Juve for the first time since leaving the club.

The Italian side will visit the principality on the final matchday on January 28.

United injury blow

Manchester United have been handed a potential injury setback ahead of the Manchester derby.

Diogo Dalot has been released from international duty, the Portuguese FA have confirmed.

The full-back had been included by Roberto Martinez for their World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Hungary.

However, Dalot will not feature after complaining of muscle discomfort in training.

He has been replaced in the squad by former Arsenal man Nuno Tavares.

Dalot is now a doubt to face Manchester City following the international break.

United travel to the Etihad Stadium to face their local rivals on Sunday, September 14.

Dalot has featured in all four of the Red Devils' matches so far this season, starting three of them.

Palace name squad

Crystal Palace have named their 25-man squad for the Conference League.

The FA Cup winners will embark on their first-ever league phase campaign this autumn.

Oliver Glasner's side host AZ Alkmaar, KuPS and AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park.

They will also travel overseas to face Dynamo Kyiv, Strasbourg and Shelbourne.

Ahead of those fixtures, Palace have released their squad list with both deadline day signings included.

Jaydee Canvot and Christantus Uche joined the club on Monday after agreeing late moves to south London.

Elsewhere, Marc Guehi unsurprisingly makes the cut having seen his departure to Liverpool break down.

The most notable absentee is midfielder Cheick Doucoure, who is not expected to return from a knee injury until November.

Palace name squad

Crystal Palace have named their 25-man squad for the Conference League.

The FA Cup winners will embark on their first-ever league phase campaign this autumn.

Oliver Glasner’s side host AZ Alkmaar, KuPS and AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park.

They will also travel overseas to face Dynamo Kyiv, Strasbourg and Shelbourne.

Ahead of those fixtures, Palace have released their squad list with both deadline day signings included.

Jaydee Canvot and Christantus Uche joined the club on Monday after agreeing late moves to south London.

Elsewhere, Marc Guehi unsurprisingly makes the cut having seen his departure to Liverpool break down.

The most notable absentee is midfielder Cheick Doucoure, who is not expected to return from a knee injury until November.

Crystal Palace's Conference League squad

• Walter Benitez
• Jaydee Canvot
• Nathaniel Clyne
• Justin Devenny
• Romain Esse
• Marc Guehi
• Dean Henderson
• Will Hughes
• Daichi Kamada
• Caleb Kporha
• Maxence Lacroix
• Jefferson Lerma
• Jean-Philippe Mateta
• Remi Matthews
• Tyrick Mitchell
• Daniel Munoz
• Eddie Nketiah
• Yeremy Pino
• Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
• Chadi Riad
• Chris Richards
• Ismaila Sarr
• Borna Sosa
• Christantus Uche
• Adam Wharton

New beginnings

Newcastle have announced that Darren Eales has stepped down from his role as the club's chief executive officer following the appointment of David Hopkinson.

Eales joined the Magpies in August 2022 - ten months after the club's change in ownership.

The Tyneside outfit stated in September 2024 that Eales would be stepping down due to health problems, but would remain at the club until a successor was brought in.

Announcing his exit, Eales said: "On behalf of my family and I, I want to extend my sincere thanks to everyone connected to this special football club for welcoming us into the Newcastle United family.

“To all supporters, staff, players, coaches and ownership, you have made my three years here so incredible and I'm immensely proud of what we have achieved together.

“I have made memories that will stay with me forever, and I’m also excited about what the future holds and the successes the club can go on to achieve.

“I want to warmly welcome David Hopkinson as the club’s new CEO. Newcastle United is in great hands, and I’d like to wish David and the executive team every success as the club continues on the next part of its exciting journey.”

Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan meanwhile stated: “Darren has played a vital role in the growth and success of Newcastle United in his three years as CEO.

“We thank him sincerely for his immense contribution to the club and extend our very best wishes to him and his family for the future.

“I would like to personally thank Darren for his friendship. He will always be welcomed at St. James’ Park.”

Warnock 'never doubted' Spence

Neil Warnock has admitted he never doubted Djed Spence's ability after his maiden England call-up.

However, he stands by his claim that the full-back's attitude was an issue during their time together at Middlesbrough.

Spence was loaned out to Nottingham Forest by Warnock in 2021, with the then Boro boss critical of his attitude.

The defender went on to win promotion to the Premier League with Forest before joining Tottenham later that summer.

Having been included in this month's Three Lions squad, Spence said: "I wouldn't say I have a list (of doubters) or anything.

"But I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong."

Warnock responded to his former player, telling Breakfast: "Nobody’s ever doubted his ability. His ability is fantastic, he’s got legs, he’s quick, he can go past people, he’s not bad at 1v1 defending.

"I never doubted him on the field, it was off the field."