Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest snippets from the footballing world, including Alexis Sanchez's praise of Romelu Lukaku, Samuel Umtiti's burglary misfortune and Alan Smith's critique of Arsenal. Scroll down for more!
Dubravka 'close' to new Newcastle deal
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Newcastle United stopper Martin Dubravka has said that he is ready to sign a new-long term deal with the club. The 30-year-old still has three years remaining on his current contract but is quoted by The Chronicle as saying: "We're in talks. I'm close. That's what I can say."
Sanchez praises 'unique' Lukaku
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Alexis Sanchez has praised Inter Milan teammate Romelu Lukaku after both players moved to the side from Manchester United this summer. Talking to ESPN, Sanchez - on loan with Antonio Conte's side for the season - said: "You won't find anyone else like him, anywhere in the world. Lukaku and I trained very well. But we needed to play more in games to get to our best. It wasn't the right time for us to be at Manchester. Too many changes. When you change that much, it's tough."
Wolves poised for investment?
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Wolverhampton Wanderers' Chinese owners Fosun International are prepared to sell a 20% stake in the club in order to raise funds for player investment, according to the Daily Star. The Midlands side have flourished since Fosun took control in 2016, earning promotion to the Premier League and qualifying for this season's Europa League. The newspaper says that Fosun remain fully committed to the club but are keen to raise additional funds to help them achieve their aim of cracking the top six.
Alan Smith: 'Arsenal players confused by Emery tactics'
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Ex-Arsenal forward Alan Smith has suggested that the squad have been left confused by manager Unai Emery's frequent changes in formation this season. "On the evidence so far, something needs to change. Because as well as Arsenal played going forward in the second half against Tottenham, that midfield offered scant protection to a back four in need of plenty," Smith wrote in his column for the Evening Standard. "Maybe it is down to a lack of understanding. I have heard whispers, after all, that some of the players find their manager's instructions confusing, that they do not really know what he wants them to do. If so, that does not bode well. A clarity of purpose is essential."
Grealish left fuming after Palace game
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Aston Villa's Jack Grealish has admitted that he was left in a rage after he was booked for a dive before his side had a goal harshly disallowed in their defeat to Crystal Palace last month. "It was a massive frustration that night, horrible," he recalled to the Birmingham Mail. "I just couldn't really sit still for the night. It was a tough one to take but it's something you've just got to deal with. I was so angry. Throughout the season you'll get decisions which go for you and against you."
Umtiti house burgled during Barcelona game
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Samuel Umtiti had his house burgled during Barcelona's 5-2 win over Valencia on Saturday night, according to Marca. A police investigation is now ongoing after the Frenchman's home was raided by four people "wearing balaclavas".
Guardiola jokes Liverpool have won title
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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola jokingly offered his "congratulations" to title rivals Liverpool following his side's shock defeat to Norwich City on Saturday night. The result saw City fall five points behind the perfect Reds, leading the Spaniard to remark to reporters: "We are in September, OK? Congratulations Liverpool, you are the champions. We're in September, what do you have to do? We'll recover, train and come back."
England players arranged 'secret bonus deal'
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Several senior members of the England squad arranged a secret deal that resulted in a £3m bonus being shared after last year's World Cup, The Sun has alleged. The newspaper says that the likes of Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire, Eric Dier and Jesse Lingard negotiated a deal with the FA prior to the tournament that eventually saw each member of the squad pocketing £137,000. Gareth Southgate's side received universal praise last year after it emerged that they had all donated their £2,500 match fees to charity.
