SOCCER

The Magpies submitted an improved proposal that included a £35 million initial payment with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons. Negotiations between the two clubs were reopened on Wednesday, but sources confirmed to BBC Sport that the bid still fell short of Brentford's valuation of the 28-year-old.

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Arsenal face an immediate test of their title credentials against a revamped Manchester United, while a new-look Liverpool launch the new Premier League season at home to Bournemouth on Friday.

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Espanyol came from a goal down to cause a shock on the opening weekend of the LaLiga season by beating Atletico Madrid 2-1 at the RCDE Stadium, ending an eight-match winless H2H run in the process. Both sides have been active in the transfer window this summer, and it was one new man for either side who combined for the first real highlight of the contest. 

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Wayne Rooney has responded to criticism from NFL star Tom Brady, saying it was "very unfair" of Brady to question his work ethic during his brief stint as head coach at Birmingham City. Rooney was sacked by Birmingham, where Brady is a part-owner, after only 83 days in the job in January 2024. Rooney said he was "really disappointed with the comment."

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Manchester United has announced a new three-year partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, naming the beverage giant as the club's Official Carbonated Soft Drinks Partner in the United Kingdom and Europe. The agreement will see Coca-Cola assume a prominent role on matchdays and at various fan-focused events, offering a wide range of refreshments both at Old Trafford and beyond.

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Fenerbahce dug deep to progress from the Champions League (UCL) third qualifying round, defeating Feyenoord 5-2 in Turkey to claim a 6-4 aggregate win. Progression keeps their hopes of a first UCL main draw appearance since 2008/09 alive.

The reigning champions are preparing to honour their former forward, who tragically died at the age of 28 in a car accident in northern Spain last month. His younger brother, Andre Silva, aged 25, also lost his life in the crash.

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FC Copenhagen clinched their place in the UEFA Champions League play-off round after a dominant 5-0 victory over Malmö FF in the second leg of their third qualifying round tie at Parken Stadium.