The Premier League will not bow to pressure to reduce in size from 20 to 18 clubs, says chief executive Richard Masters. The new season kicks off on 15 August, just three weeks on from Chelsea’s victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final as tensions continue to boil over the congested football calendar.

A former Premier League striker has advised a Chelsea star to find a new club in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Manchester United may be forced to act as West Ham have reportedly made a bid for one of Ruben Amorim’s transfer targets. The Red Devils have so far signed three players this summer – Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon – and are now prioritising a new striker.