Chelsea have made another move in the transfer market, while fellow Club World Cup participants Manchester City are looking to maintain their momentum in the tournament.
Elsewhere, long-time Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has left the Merseyside club, while England coasted past Jamaica in their final European Women’s Championship warm-up.
Pedro Chelsea-bound
Brighton’s Joao Pedro is on his way to Chelsea
Brighton’s Joao Pedro is on his way to Chelsea(Adam Davy/PA)
Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Brighton striker Joao Pedro, the PA news agency understands, for a fee reported to be £60million.
It has also been reported the 23-year-old has agreed a seven-year deal with the Blues and could feature for them in the on-going Club World Cup after flying from Brazil to the US for his medical.
Harry McKirdy requiring surgery which could sideline Hibs forward for six monthsChelsea agree deal to sign Brighton striker Joao Pedro for reported £60m
Pedro could make his Chelsea debut in Friday’s quarter-final clash against Palmeiras in Philadelphia.
The Brazilian, who will become Chelsea’s sixth summer signing, scored 10 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions for Brighton last season.
City still seeking successful reset
Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes believes the team has developed a “different energy” at the Club World Cup (John Raoux/AP)
Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes believes the team has developed a “different energy” at the Club World Cup (John Raoux/AP)(John Raoux/AP)
Manchester City will bid to join Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup as they come up against Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal on Monday.
City were the only team in the tournament to win all three of their group games and will hope to carry that momentum into their last-16 outing in Orlando.
Unlike Chelsea, who are trying to add a final flourish to a 2024-25 season in which they won the Conference League, City have been trying to make a fresh start in the United States.
“We’re still early in the season, but I think the energy is different,” said Matheus Nunes.
“I think last year we were a little down in terms of spirit, but we know what it means to play for Manchester City and this season that’s definitely going to change.”
Toone gets two as England complete Euros preparation
England's Ella Toone scores against Jamaica
Ella Toone scored two in England’s 7-0 friendly win over Jamaica (David Davies/PA)
England signed off their last assignment before the European Women’s Championship in style with a comprehensive 7-0 victory over Jamaica at the King Power Stadium.
The Lionesses were looking to gather some momentum before they faced France in their Euros curtain-raiser next Saturday and were more or less out of sight at the half-time whistle.
Ella Toone struck twice from distance either side of Lucy Bronze’s header to give England a three-goal lead at the break, but things could have been different if Kayla McKenna’s effort for the visitors had not been ruled out by VAR for offside at 1-0.
England still had room for more though. Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, Aggie Beever-Jones and Beth Mead also got in on the act to give England the perfect send off before they attempt to defend their European crown.
Calvert-Lewin bids farewell to Everton
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s nine-year Everton career is over
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s nine-year Everton career is over(Peter Byrne/PA)
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is to leave Everton after nine years with the club.
The striker endured a difficult final season, scoring three goals in 26 league appearances and missing over three months between January and May due to injury.
“After nine remarkable years at this club, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision – together with my family – to begin a new chapter in my career,” the forward wrote on Instagram.
“This isn’t something I chose lightly. We believe it’s the right moment to seek a new challenge and continue growing, but that doesn’t lessen the bond I’ll always have with Everton.”
What’s on today?
Defeated Champions League finalists Inter Milan face Brazil’s Fluminense in the last 16 of the Club World Cup.