Michael Butler

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Michael Butler

FOOD FOR THOUGHT“Real Gs move in silence like lasagne” – Lil Wayne, 2011. With the transfer window opening, closing and opening again, it might surprise you to learn that the domestic season in Italy, specifically in Serie B, is not yet over. The relegation playoff to decide who falls into the Italian third tier rages on, with Sampdoria – who originally had been automatically relegated following a dismal season – given a late reprieve after Brescia were docked points for financial irregularities.

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Michael Butler

Real Madrid might be the biggest successful side in Europe but that doesn’t mean they are too big for a bargain. David Alaba, Kylian Mbappé, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tony Rüdiger and Steve McManaman have all moved to the Bernabéu on a free transfer in the past and now the Spanish giants are reportedly targeting another soon-to-be out-of-contract star.

1 week ago | theguardian.com | Michael Butler

Having been left out of Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad entirely, Jack Grealish is badly in need of an Italian renaissance. Having rescued one Briton from Manchester last summer in the form of Scott McTominay, Napoli could repeat the trick this year. Grealish’s wages are a sticking point – the 29-year-old earns close to £300,000 a week at City following his £100m move to the Etihad in 2021 and would need to take a drastic pay cut if a permanent deal with Napoli is to be arranged.

2 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Paul Campbell |Michael Butler

1.Senegal beat England this week 3-1 at the City Ground in Nottingham. Which other African country has won a game against England? None. Senegal are the first2.Which city will return to the F1 calendar next year, making its first appearance since 1981? 3.Which country has qualified for next summer’s World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada, continuing their record of being their only team to have qualified for every tournament since the began in 1930?

2 weeks ago | theguardian.com | Michael Butler

Leroy Sané has been heavily linked with a move back to England this summer but looks as if he is going to swap Bayern Munich for Galatasaray, with the Turkish champions reportedly in advanced talks to sign the German international. Sané’s contract in Bavaria will run out at the end of the month and, despite an improved offer from Bayern, the winger is favouring Gala after they tabled an offer with wages close to £200,000 a week.