Today's briefing

"Hello, it's Jeff. Let's not talk too much and start right on."

August 9, 2023

Wolves have ended their contract with head coach Julen Lopetegui due to disagreements over recruitment policy. Anthony Joshua's rematch with Dillian Whyte is cancelled after Whyte fails a drugs test. Manchester City bids £70m for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta. Arsenal agrees to sign goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford. England's star forward Lauren James awaits a decision on her participation in the Women's World Cup 2023 quarter-final due to a red card.

Wolves part ways with head coach Julen Lopetegui over recruitment policy

Wolves have mutually agreed to end Julen Lopetegui's contract due to disagreements regarding the club's recruitment policy. Lopetegui led the team to a 13th-placed finish last season, and Gary O'Neil has been lined up as his replacement. Wolves' owners emphasize the need to be cautious with summer spending to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.

Anthony Joshua's rematch cancelled as Dillian Whyte fails drugs test

The highly anticipated rematch between Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte has been called off after Whyte tested positive for banned substances. Joshua remained composed and expressed gratitude to promoter Eddie Hearn while apologizing for the unfortunate news. Joshua will now face Robert Helenius as a late replacement, while Whyte's career is in jeopardy as investigations continue.

Manchester City bids £70m for West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta

Manchester City has made a substantial £70 million bid to acquire West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian international impressed in his debut season with West Ham, but the club is reluctant to sell him due to his crucial role in their Europa Conference League triumph. The departure of Paqueta would leave West Ham thin in midfield, while Manchester City seeks to strengthen their options following the departures of Gundogan and Mahrez.

Arsenal agrees to sign goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford

Arsenal has reached an agreement to sign goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford in a deal worth up to £30 million. Raya, a long-term target for Arsenal, casts doubt on Aaron Ramsdale's future at the club. Meanwhile, former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel questions Matt Turner's potential move to Nottingham Forest, criticizing his choice to be a backup. Arsenal and Tottenham are also interested in Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.

England awaits decision on star forward Lauren James ahead of Women's World Cup 2023 quarter-final

England's star forward, Lauren James, faces the possibility of being ruled out of the Women's World Cup 2023 quarter-final due to a red card. The team survived a scare against Nigeria to reach the last eight, and upcoming matches on Friday will feature Spain vs Netherlands and Sweden vs Japan. England will face Colombia on Saturday, and James has apologized for her actions, vowing to learn from the experience.