Stan Kroenke has been criticised by Arsenal supporters' groups in a letter that labels the American billionaire "passive" and "absent" and using the club as an "investment vehicle."

A two-page letter, signed by several major supporters' groups and bloggers, claims that "Arsenal is at a crossroads. Things need to change" as well as describing Emirates Stadium as a "soulless place" on matchdays.

- Premier League fixtures 2019-20 in full
- Who has qualified for Europe from the Premier League?
- When does the transfer window close?

It reads: "As Arsenal fans we have watched with frustration as the team's football performances have declined over the past decade. When Stan Kroenke began buying Arsenal shares the club had just competed in a first Champions League final. Twelve years on Arsenal are about to play in the Europa League for the third year running.

"Off the pitch fans have never felt more marginalised, less listened to or valued. This was sadly illustrated when Stan Kroenke forcibly bought out the last remaining supporter-shareholders without even a word of appreciation for their custodianship role in the club.

"It feels as though Arsenal is at a crossroads. Things need to change. What all of us as signatories to this statement want to see is meaningful action by Stan Kroenke to reinvigorate our football club."

Kroenke first invested in Arsenal in 2007 and went on to become majority shareholder in 2011.

Arsenal have not won the Premier League since 2004 and the 2019-20 season will be their third in a row without Champions League football.

Their only signing so far this summer is Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli, while Aaron Ramsey has left for Juventus and captain Laurent Koscielny is on strike.

The letter continues: "Arsenal have invested money in recent years but their approach to both buying players and paying wages looks uncoordinated and appears to lack strategy.

"There has also been a lot of turnover in the senior football personnel. A strong board would be proactively managing this.

"On a matchday the Emirates Stadium can be a soulless place. The atmosphere is poor and there are thousands of empty seats blighting almost every game.

"If Arsenal really cared they would make sure seats weren't left empty by investing in an improved ticketing system and actively supporting initiatives like safe standing. The club uses the strapline 'Always ahead of the game'. It would be good to see action to demonstrate this."

It also urges Arsenal to make public their position on proposals of a European Super League that they say is "driven by greed."

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he needs a player like Bryan Robson in his team as he looks to strengthen his midfield ahead of next season.

Solskjaer is looking for at least one new midfielder this summer after Marouane Fellaini's January move to Shandong Luneng and Ander Herrera's departure on a free to Paris Saint-Germain.

- Premier League fixtures 2019-20 in full
- Who has qualified for Europe from the Premier League?
- When does the transfer window close?

And the Norwegian has said Robson, a dynamic midfielder known for his leadership qualities as captain of both United and England, is the type of player he is looking for.

"We are on the way to building a new squad," Solskjaer said, speaking at a fan event alongside Robson in Perth. "We've got new staff in, coaching staff.

"I believe so much in this club and this project. To be manager of this club is fantastic. I never had the honour of playing with Robbo but we need a player like him in the team."

Solskjaer may have even more work to do on his midfield if Paul Pogba gets his way and engineers an exit before the transfer deadline.

Negotiations are continuing with Leicester for defender Harry Maguire and there is still interest in Sean Longstaff and Bruno Fernandes but the United boss said he is running out of time with less than a month left of the window.

He has started to put his own stamp on the squad with the arrivals of Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and despite still looking for more additions, he is confident he is taking the club back in the right direction.

"I'm following some great managers," Solskjaer said. "Sir Alex was the best and I'm trying to take the best from him and put my own personality on the job.

"We've got such a big fanbase and such a history that I feel that it is a fantastic opportunity for me. We're waiting for the young ones to come through because we've got so many exciting players and I'm sure we'll see the best of them in the years to come.

"There are some experienced ones as well that still have a few years left in them. We can back to the level we were, definitely.

"I come in at 7 a.m. thinking I'm the first one and Michael [Carrick] and Kieran [McKenna] are already there planning the sessions. I know this club is going places because of the people we have here."

United continue their preseason preparations with a game against Leeds United in Perth on Wednesday.

Leeds have left a number of players at home and arrived in Perth with just a 16-man squad. Manager Marcelo Biesla is not due to arrive in Australia until Tuesday and has left open the possibility of returning home immediately afterwards while his players continue on to Sydney to play the Western Sydney Warriors on Saturday.

It means the Argentinian could spend as little as 36 hours in the country either side of two 17-hour flights.

The game against United will also see former Valencia teammates Pablo Hernandez and Juan Mata go head-to-head before Solskjaer's team move on to Singapore to play Inter Milan.

"When I arrived here, I text him and he text me: 'See you Wednesday'," Hernandez said. "He told me he wants my shirt and I want his shirt, I have a lot of his shirts but I want the new one.

"He was my teammate for four years in Valencia and my roommate and I am happy to play against him."

Beating Monday's 4 p.m. ET deadline for franchised players to sign long-term extensions this year, the San Francisco 49ers and kicker Robbie Gould reached agreement on a two-year, $10.5 million fully-guaranteed deal that, including an option clause, can turn into a four-year, $19 million deal that includes $15 million guaranteed, league sources tell ESPN.

It is likely to be the only deal done before the deadline, per sources. The other two players facing a deadline are Houston linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and Atlanta defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Clowney will not get a deal done before the deadline, per sources, and it will be difficult for Jarrett to get one as well.

Gould's deal, which his agent Brian Mackler and 49ers executive Paraag Marathe have been working on for months, reached a breakthrough over the weekend. At the start of the weekend, both sides thought it would be challenging to get it done, but the two sides reached a compromise on Sunday, by installing an option clause that gave each side comfort.

The 49ers have an option in which they can pick up the remaining two years on Gould's contract by the 17th week of the 2020 season, per source. To do that, the 49ers would have to fully guarantee Gould $2.25 million at that time, and then another $2.25 million on April 1, 2021.

The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus and a $3.15 million fully-guaranteed base salary this season, then a fully-guaranteed $4.35 million base salary in 2020, per a source. If the option is picked up, the deal would include a $4.5 million base salary in 2021 and a $4 million base salary in 2022.

But the 49ers have assured themselves of having their 36-year-old franchise kicker under contract for at least the next two seasons, and up to four seasons.

Back in April, the sides were at such an impasse that Gould requested a trade. The team said then it wouldn't honor Gould's request.

San Francisco put the franchise tag on Gould in February, a designation that came with an offer of a one-year deal for around $5 million.

That tag came after months of negotiations that did not result in a deal, and Gould told ESPN he was discouraged by the Niners' interest in kicker Stephen Gostkowski, who ultimately re-signed with the New England Patriots.

An inability to come to terms on a long-term contract combined with Gould's desire to return closer to his Chicago home prompted him to shut down any further contract talks and to formally request a trade via his agent, Brian Mackler.

Gould had been living in a hotel near the Niners' team facility in Santa Clara the past two years while his wife and family remained in Chicago during the season.

In two seasons with the 49ers, Gould has been one of the league's best kickers. Gould, 36, has made 72 of 75 field goal attempts since signing with San Francisco and led the league in field goal percentage (97.1) last season.

Information from ESPN's Nick Wagoner was used in this report.

Will Madison Bumgarner, Trevor Bauer, Zack Wheeler and other top-flight arms move in July deals? The MLB trade deadline is approaching and we've got you covered with all of the trade rumors, reaction and analysis you need as your team ponders its next blockbuster move in the first season with one single deadline. Whether you root for a buyer or a seller -- or someone in between -- you can keep up with all of the completed trades, team needs, deals we'd like to see and even weigh in with our deadline polls from now until the 4 p.m. ET deadline strikes on Wednesday, July 31.

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Latest MLB trade rumors | Top deadline targets | Trades we'd like to see
Buyers, sellers and needs | Trade tracker | Your turn: Deadline poll center

The latest MLB trade rumors and buzz we're hearing

Today's trade chatter

Left-handed bullpen help is Cubs' deadline priority: The Chicago Cubs have been upfront with their need for a left-handed reliever as they continue to scour the market. Ironically, they have one to offer up, as Mike Montgomery's name has been involved in trade talks. He fits the bill for a long man or starter; his current team needs a lockdown one-inning guy. The Cubs are also interested in a bat, potentially for the top of the order. They have a catching surplus in the minors -- and two solid catchers in the majors -- which means a backstop from the farm could be dangled for either need. -- Jesse Rogers

Are the Red Sox done shopping? The buzz around the Boston Red Sox is that they've already made their major move: Andrew Cashner. After dealing for the Orioles starter, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski emphasized that the Red Sox were committed to maintaining the top of their prospect pool, signaling that the team won't make a blockbuster trade leading up to the deadline. Pending the health of Nathan Eovaldi and his return off the injured list as a reliever rather than a starter, Boston will likely not chase a reliever at the deadline. -- Joon Lee

Dodgers will be aggressive for bullpen help: The Los Angeles Dodgers' only perceived weakness resides in their bullpen. Look for them to be aggressive here, with the hopes of acquiring both a reliable setup man and someone who could be effective against opposing left-handed hitters.

The Dodgers have the assets to compete with anyone. The question is how willing president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman will be to part with those assets in order to address a position that is traditionally so volatile, especially in a year when bullpen help is such a pronounced need throughout the sport.

"We've demonstrated an aggressiveness in the past, and we will equally approach this year not just in terms of the bullpen, but any kind of upgrade aggressively," Friedman said recently. "But we won't err on the side of stupid. We're comfortable being aggressive. We're not comfortable being stupid." -- Alden Gonzalez

Angels facing unique deadline dilemma: The Los Angeles Angels face a common problem with the trade deadline approaching: They reside on the very edges of contention, but are not quite close enough, or good enough, to trade future assets for short-term additions. The Angels need to bolster their starting rotation. Ideally, general manager Billy Eppler will acquire a top-of-the-rotation starter who is controllable beyond this coming season -- an even bigger need in the wake of Tyler Skaggs' sudden death.

Given the unique circumstances facing his team, Eppler was asked if he feels an added responsibility to acquire a big-name player simply to provide a jolt of energy to a team that could desperately use one for the final two months.

"We try to approach every single decision with a mindful, pragmatic approach, and understand all the variables that govern decisions, and ultimately think about the health of the organization first and foremost," Eppler said. "If you do that, it'd be very rare to regret decisions." -- Alden Gonzalez

Could Rays make deadline splash?: Some rival evaluators think Tampa Bay could be one of the most aggressive teams in adding players before the deadline -- Buster Olney

ESPN+: More trade market insight from Buster Olney

Wheeler next pitcher to go? With Andrew Cashner and Homer Bailey being dealt over the weekend, watch for New York starter Zack Wheeler as the next pitcher to be traded. Scouts are impressed with the right-hander's raw stuff, and the Mets are motivated to deal the pending free agent. -- Jeff Passan on Baseball Tonight

MLB trade deadline targets

ESPN's top 10 deadline targets (listed alphabetically)

Trevor Bauer, SP, Cleveland Indians

Madison Bumgarner, SP, San Francisco Giants

Scooter Gennett, 2B, Cincinnati Reds

Shane Greene, RP, Detroit Tigers

Will Smith, RP, San Francisco Giants

Marcus Stroman, SP, Toronto Blue Jays

Noah Syndergaard, SP, New York Mets

Felipe Vazquez, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates

Zack Wheeler, SP, New York Mets

Kirby Yates, RP, San Diego Padres

Buster Olney's names to watch: Trevor Bauer, Marcus Stroman, Madison Bumgarner, Will Smith, Ken Giles, Tony Watson, Zack Wheeler, Shane Greene, Scooter Gennett, Noah Syndergaard, Martin Maldonado.

David Schoenfield's names to watch: Trevor Bauer, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman, Madison Bumgarner, Matthew Boyd, Zack Wheeler, Will Smith, Shane Greene, Jose Abreu, Nicholas Castellanos.

Bradford Doolittle's names to watch: Kirby Yates, Will Smith, Noah Syndergaard, Trevor Bauer, Matthew Boyd, Zack Wheeler, Felipe Vazquez, Ken Giles, Zack Greinke, Whit Merrifield.

MLB trades we'd like to see

Madison Bumgarner, Zack Greinke and Trevor Bauer all on the move? An All-Star closer to the Dodgers? Here's the blockbusters we're hoping go down before July 31. Bradford Doolittle (ESPN+)

GMs to watch at the deadline

Buyers, sellers and MLB team-by-team needs

Five key potential buyers

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Big need: Middle relief

Potential targets: Edwin Diaz, Ken Giles, Felipe Vazquez

The Dodgers have close to a perfect roster, leaving them with the luxury of targeting the reliever they need. That would be Vazquez, the ultimate late-inning lefty.

2. New York Yankees

Big need: Pitching depth

Potential targets: Matthew Boyd, Trevor Bauer, Kirby Yates

The Yankees don't need much but have the prospect surplus to aim high at the best pitchers on the trade market, the type who could make their biggest impact in October.

3. Houston Astros

Big need: Postseason starter

Potential targets: Matthew Boyd, Trevor Bauer, Marcus Stroman

Like the Yankees, once the Astros get healthy, they don't have many roster holes. Another ace-level starter would be ideal, and wouldn't it be just so tasty to have Bauer teamed up with college frenemy Gerrit Cole?

4. Minnesota Twins

Big need: Middle relief

Potential targets: Kirby Yates, Will Smith, Ken Giles

The Twins' only soft spot, other than the underbelly of statistical regression, lies in consistent sixth- and seventh-inning options, so even if Minnesota doesn't want to cough up the prospects needed to get the top available firemen, it should be able to bolster the bullpen one way or another.

5. Atlanta Braves

Big need: Veteran pitching

Potential targets: Zack Greinke, Trevor Bauer, Marcus Stroman

Given Kevin Gausman's struggles and the youth around Dallas Keuchel, another top-level veteran for October makes a lot of sense, and should someone such as Bauer or Greinke become available, no team has the prospect stock to outbid the Braves.

Five key potential sellers

1. San Francisco Giants

Big chips: SP Madison Bumgarner, RP Will Smith, 1B/3B Pablo Sandoval, RP Reyes Moronta, RP Sam Dyson, RP Tony Watson, RP Mark Melancon, 2B Joe Panik

What would they want back? Controllable starters, infielders, outfielders, prospects, salary flexibility

The Giants haven't helped first-year president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi's case to sell by overachieving just enough to hang on the fringes of contention. One more hot streak could put him in an awkward spot. If the Giants sell as expected, few teams have more quality options to offer contenders.

2. New York Mets

Big chips: OF Michael Conforto, SP Zack Wheeler, 3B Todd Frazier, SP Jason Vargas, C Wilson Ramos, SP Noah Syndergaard, RP Edwin Diaz

What would they want back? Relievers, prospects, salary flexibility

Whether it's Diaz, Wheeler or even Conforto, if the Mets decide to sell, freeing up future payroll would be nearly as important as adding a semblance of quality to a depleted farm system.

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

Big chips: SP Zack Greinke, OF David Peralta, C Alex Avila, SP Robbie Ray, RP Greg Holland

What would they want back? Prospect depth, salary flexibility

In some ways, it might almost be better if Arizona slumps the next couple of weeks, because if tomorrow were July 31, you could flip a coin as to whether the Snakes should buy or sell. If they sell, it would be a tough balancing act to determine how much cash they'd have to eat to move Greinke while getting some kind of future piece in return.

4. Toronto Blue Jays

Big chips: SP Marcus Stroman, SS Freddy Galvis, RP Ken Giles, 2B Eric Sogard, RP Daniel Hudson, RP Sam Gaviglio, RP Joe Biagini, 1B Justin Smoak, OF Randal Grichuk, SP Aaron Sanchez

What would they want back? Prospects

This is a crucial month for a franchise still early-ish in its rebuild that has nonetheless already graduated some high-impact talent to the majors. Toronto has some excellent pieces to sell, and getting near-ready prospects or controllable young veterans to augment the young core would improve the short-term outlook immensely.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates

Big chips: 2B Adam Frazier, RP Felipe Vazquez, RP Francisco Liriano, OF Starling Marte, RP Richard Rodriguez, OF Corey Dickerson, OF Melky Cabrera, OF Gregory Polanco

What would they want back? A young catcher

We know the Pirates aren't going to go all-in with a splashy move, so a move to acquire a young catcher makes a lot of sense in light of Francisco Cervelli's wise decision to give up the tools of ignorance. A deal built around Vazquez and one of the Dodgers' near-ready catching prospects makes a whole lot of sense for both teams.

What should your team do at the deadline?

Buyer/seller status and aggression rating for all 30 teams

Completed MLB trade tracker

The deal: Athletics get Homer Bailey from Royals (July 14)

Our one-sentence take: As they make their midseason surge up the standings, the Athletics added an under-the-radar starter having his best season in five years.

A's acquire Bailey from Royals for prospect

The deal: Red Sox get Andrew Cashner from Orioles (July 13)

Our one-sentence take: With Nathan Eovaldi ticketed for a bullpen role upon his return from the injured list, the Red Sox turned their attention to the rotation and added a veteran with American League East experience, in Cashner.

Red Sox land Cashner in deal with O's

The deal: Yankees get Edwin Encarnacion from Mariners (June 16)

Our one-sentence take: Yes, this trade happened more than a month before the deadline, but there might not be a more impactful slugger than Encarnacion on the move this summer.

Olney: Yankees can overpower all rivals after Encarnacion trade

Your turn: MLB trade deadline poll center

Novak Djokovic's epic five-set win over Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final on Sunday attracted a peak TV audience of 9.6 million on BBC 1.

On a huge day for British sport, an average of six million people tuned in to watch the longest ever Wimbledon final, lasting four hours 57 minutes.

England's Cricket World Cup final win over New Zealand was watched by a peak of 7.9m across Channel Four and Sky.

A peak of 2.5 million viewers watched the British Grand Prix on Channel Four.

Sky was the live TV rights holder for the Cricket World Cup and agreed to show the final on free-to-air television once England secured their place.

An average of 1.6 million people watched the action from Lord's on Sky with an average of 2.4 million watching on Channel 4, with the peak occurring at 19:25 BST during New Zealand's super over.

The peak audience for the Wimbledon final was at 19:05 during the historic fifth-set tie-break, which Djokovic won 7-3 to claim his fifth title at SW19.

The British Grand Prix was watched by an average of 1.8 million viewers with the peak at 15:30 as Hamilton took the chequered flag to win the race for a record sixth time.

The highest TV sport audience of the year so far remains England's semi-final defeat by the USA in the Women's World Cup on 2 July, which had peak viewing figures of 11.7 million. The game attracted an average audience of 10.3 million.

Episode one of BBC One's Line of Duty is the most watched programme overall of 2019 with 13.2 million, based on 28-day viewing data.

Sale Sharks back row Josh Strauss has left the club with a season remaining on his three-year contract in order to join Super Rugby side Blue Bulls.

The 32-year-old Scotland international joined Sale in the summer of 2017 from Glasgow Warriors and played 46 games.

"I would like to thank Josh for his endeavours over the last two years with the club," boss Steve Diamond said.

"I am sure he will be a huge success at his new club, and he is welcome back to Manchester anytime."

Strauss has won 22 caps for Scotland, the last as a replacement in the Six Nations game against England in March which ended in a 38-38 draw.

The theme of the rankings this week is communication. It's important to be clear with your message when conducting the very important business of soccer: Miscommunication can lead to a host of problems and result in numerous aggrieved parties. No one wants angry middle-aged men stalking referees and screaming obscenities. Think of the children.

Here at the rankings, we always aim to be understood. We say what we mean, no messing around. Our hand signals are vigorous; our voices are resonant. So here they are.

Previous rankings: Week 18 | Week 17 | Week 16 | Week 15 | Week 14 | Week 13 | Week 12 | Week 11 | Week 10 | Week 9 | Week 8 | Week 7 | Week 6 | Week 5 | Week 4 | Week 3 | Week 2 | Week 1

1. LAFC (14 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses)

Previous ranking: 1

Next MLS match: July 19 at LA Galaxy, (10 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPNdeportes)

Nine changes, no problems for Bob Bradley's group in Houston. After playing a first choice lineup in the Open Cup loss on Wednesday night, Bradley rotated his squad for the trip to Texas. Turns out LAFC can win convincingly without Carlos Vela. Uh oh. El Trafico cometh.

2. Philadelphia Union (10-6-6)

Previous ranking: 3

Next MLS match: July 20 vs. Chicago (7.30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Knock knock. (You say "Who's there?") Orange. (Now you say "Orange who?") ... Orange you glad the Union aren't playing Orlando City anymore? Back-to-back games separated by four days between the same teams just feels weird. Let's not do that anymore.

3. San Jose Earthquakes (9-4-7)

Previous ranking: 7

Next MLS match: July 20 at Vancouver (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

San Jose outscored rivals Galaxy 6-1 over two games separated by two weeks, with Friday's domination coming on the road in front of the Galaxy's own fans. The Quakes' climb up the standings -- and more importantly, the rankings -- continues with every Almeydian performance.

4. New York City FC (7-8-3)

Previous ranking: 2

Next MLS match: July 20 at Colorado (9 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Dome Torrent and his NYCFC side were extremely angry about the strange corner kick-that-became-a-throw-in, leading to the Red Bulls' winning goal on Sunday. So many questions come to mind. How did VAR not correct the call? Does NYCFC even have a beef, since they'd probably prefer to give up a throw-in than a corner?

5. Minnesota United (10-3-7)

Previous ranking: 12

Next MLS match: July 20 at Real Salt Lake (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

The Loons are in full-flight as winners of four straight. Goalkeeper Vito Mannone's heroic performance against FC Dallas on Saturday was the latest massive individual performance from a team that seems to have a different player step up big every week.

6. New England Revolution (6-6-8)

Previous ranking: 11

Next MLS match: July 17 v. Vancouver (7 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

Bruce Arena's first trip to DC as head coach of the Revolution ended with a draw, which is fine, really. The intrigue came after the game when the architect of United's 90s dynasty roasted his old club for a lack of respect for its history. Was Bruce asking for a statue of himself out front of Audi Field? Maybe.

7. Seattle Sounders (10-5-5)

Previous ranking: 15

Next MLS match: July 21 v. Portland (9.30 p.m. ET)

Sunday's win over Atlanta is a credential-builder for the Sounders, who got another goal from Raul Ruidiaz. The Peruvian is among the best goalscorers in MLS since his arrival in Seattle last season and probably doesn't get as much attention as he deserves.

8. FC Dallas (8-5-8)

Previous ranking: 5

Next MLS match: July 20 at Sporting Kansas City (8.30 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

Sometimes there's just not much you can do when a goalkeeper plays out of his mind. In most games, like they one they played on Saturday in St. Paul, FC Dallas would have something to show for the effort. Instead, they left Minnesota frustrated and slipped into the final playoff spot in the West.

9. LA Galaxy (11-1-8)

Previous ranking: 4

Next MLS match: July 19 vs. LAFC (10 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPNdeportes)

The Galaxy made a lot of noise about playing even with San Jose two weeks ago when the Quakes beat LA in Stanford. After Friday night's Quakes win in Carson, those claims seem ridiculous. LA was outshot 22-2 by their old rival this weekend and now have the fun task of facing a primed LAFC team on Friday.

10. New York Red Bulls (9-4-7)

Previous ranking: 8

Next MLS match: July 17 at Toronto FC (8 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Throw-ingate (nope, that's terrible, we can do better) is the latest famous moment in the still-young rivalry between the Red Bulls and NYCFC. New York is red, but did it come from an unfair advantage? It's tough to blame the Red Bulls, who forced the issue and found the winner because they didn't stop playing.

11. Atlanta United (9-3-8)

Previous ranking: 6

Next MLS match: July 17 v. Houston (7 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Following the controversy that erupted around Pity Martinez last week, Frank de Boer decided against dropping the Argentine DP. Martinez stepped up with a decent 90 minute performance, but United fell in Seattle. A win would have gone a long way towards easing pressure on everyone involved.

12. D.C. United (8-8-5)

Previous ranking: 9

Next MLS match: July 18 at FC Cincinnati (8 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPNdeportes)

Quincy Amarikwa's goal off the bench for United -- his first since joining the team just ahead of the season -- helped DC salvage a draw at home against the Revs. Alarm bells continue to ring for a team that remains in second-place despite only a single win since May 15.

13. Colorado Rapids (5-5-10)

Previous ranking: 10

Next MLS match: July 20 v. NYCFC (9 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

A couple of months back, no one would have guessed the Rapids could get a draw on the road in hostile Providence Park. Considering the man-advantage Colorado got early in the second half, however, Conor Casey's team is probably upset they weren't able to get three points.

14. Montreal Impact (9-3-10)

Previous ranking: 13

Next MLS match: July 20 at Columbus (7.30 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

Things are starting to catch up with the Impact, who used smoke and mirrors to hang around near the top of the Eastern Conference for a while, but are starting to slip in the second half of the season. An Ignacio Piatti return to health might be the only hope they have of a rebound.

15. Portland Timbers (7-3-8)

Previous ranking: 14

Next MLS match: July 18 v. Orlando (10 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPNdeportes)

Like so many clubs in MLS, the Timbers are dealing with a wild stretch of the schedule that brings games one on top of another with little chance to pause and breathe. Following a disappointing home draw with the Rapids, Portland faces two games in four days in Week 20.

16. Orlando City (7-4-9)

Previous ranking: 17

Next MLS match: July 18 at Portland (10 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPNdeportes)

Everybody is beating the Crew these days, so the Lions' narrow 1-0 win in a game where they took just four shots, with the winning goal being the only one on target, isn't all that impressive. Give Orlando some credit for doing it without Nani, however, and for dodging a letdown after the US Open Cup dramatics in midweek.

17. Real Salt Lake (9-2-9)

Previous ranking: 18

Next MLS match: July 20 vs. Minnesota (10 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

What a day for Jefferson Savarino against Philadelphia on Saturday. The Venezuelan owned the Union, scoring twice and providing an assist. Philly boss Jim Curtin joked about "burning the tape" of the game -- maybe he could use the heat coming off of Savarino's performance.

18. Houston Dynamo (8-3-8)

Previous ranking: 16

Next MLS match: July 17 at Atlanta (7 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

The Dynamo looked good for some sort of result after taking an early lead on LAFC, but the good times didn't last. Losses in five of their last six now have Houston out of the playoff spots and it doesn't get easier: Next up is a Wednesday visit to Atlanta to face the champs.

19. Sporting Kansas City (6-7-7)

Previous ranking: 20

Next MLS match: July 20 v. FC Dallas (8.30 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

Sporting jumped up to ninth with a pair of wins over the last two weeks. Neither of them can be called "impressive" considering the opposition, but Peter Vermes and his team can't be too worried about reputation when just climbing back into the playoff conversation is the focus.

20. Toronto FC (7-5-8)

Previous ranking: 21

Next MLS match: July 17 v. Red Bulls (8 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

TFC got a pair of goals from its DP attackers and collected a clean sheet on the debut of Omar Gonzalez at centre-back. Against anyone else, that would be worth celebrating. Coming as it did on the road in Montreal, the Reds can also savour the sweet taste of a rivalry win.

21. Chicago Fire (5-7-9)

Previous ranking: 22

Next MLS match: July 17 v. Columbus (7 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

On July 3, the Fire whipped Atlanta 5-1 at Toyota Stadium in a game that seemed to show Chicago at their best and suggest a turnaround. Ten days later the Fire had dropped two games to teams in last place in their respective conferences. Even Dr. Jekyll can't figure this one out.

22. Vancouver Whitecaps (4-8-9)

Previous ranking: 19

Next MLS match: July 17 at New England (7 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

After getting thumped 3-0 at home by Sporting, the Whitecaps have fallen into the Western Conference basement. Halfway through the season, Vancouver's commitment to Marc Dos Santos and his rebuilding project is getting a serious test.

23. FC Cincinnati (5-2-13)

Previous ranking: 24

Next MLS match: July 18 v. DC United (8 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPNdeportes)

Credit where it's due: FC Cincinnati has a winning streak (two-in-a-row) for the second time this season and the first time since March. A chance at an MLS first for the club, a three-game winning streak is very real with a struggling DC United team coming to Nippert Stadium on Thursday.

24. Columbus Crew (5-2-14)

Previous ranking: 23

Next MLS match: July 17 at Chicago (8 p.m. ET on ESPN+)

The good news: The Crew are not technically in last place, thanks to a tiebreaker with FC Cincinnati. The bad news: The Crew are tied with the last place team in the East on points and now, thanks to having the most losses in the league, have nosedived all the way to the bottom of the rankings.

The European transfer window is open. Click here to review all the latest transfers, and keep up to date with the latest gossip below.

Top free agents in 2020 | What do Europe's elite need

TOP STORY: Arsenal gunning for Everton

Brazil international Everton has revealed he has an offer on the table, but the tease hasn't disclosed which club it is that's keen on signing him.

Everton was one of the stars of Brazil's successful Copa America campaign and scored in the final in a 3-1 win against Peru. His performances have brought him to the attention of some of Europe's top clubs, and the Mirror is suggesting Arsenal could be the club leading the race for his signature.

It says that AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also keen to sign the 23-year-old, though Everton himself has said recently that he expects to be playing for Gremio when they play Bahia in the Copa Do Brazil on Wednesday.

Arsenal have made only one signing this summer so far, recruiting 18-year-old forward Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano, with transfer fees appearing to be the Gunners' biggest hindrance.

However, Everton is unlikely to command a huge fee at this stage of his career, and so he could fit into the Gunners' pay structure, though it depends on whether they can complete the signing of Kieran Tierney from Celtic on their budget.

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11.34 BST: Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Sebastian Haller could be set for a move to London where West Ham have reportedly made a second bid in the region of €45m, say kicker.

Alongside new Real Madrid attacker Luka Jovic and Croatia international Ante Rebic, the 25-year-old was part of one Germany's most exciting forward lines in recent years. However, Haller could now be tempted to cash in on his good form and join the Hammers on a five-year-deal which could include a release clause if a Champions League club comes calling.

11.15 BST: Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny will meet club officials this week in London to learn the sanctions he faces after refusing to go on the preseason tour to the U.S. on Thursday with the rest of the first-team squad, sources told ESPN FC.

The French defender feels the club has disrespected him because of a dispute over his contract. Koscielny, 33, has one year left on his current deal and wanted to commit to two more seasons but received no offer from the Gunners despite being open to an option based on appearances and bonuses.

10.57 BST: Sevilla are on the verge of signing FC Porto's creative midfielder Oliver Torres in a €12m transfer, according to Estadio Deportivo.

Torres reportedly arrived in Seville on Sunday evening and will undergo a medical on Monday before becoming the club's ninth summer signing. Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui knows Torres well, having coached him in Spain's Under-20 and Under-21 squads, as well as at FC Porto.

The 24-year-old spent two seasons on loan at Porto from Atletico Madrid before joining the Portuguese giants on a permanent transfer in February 2017.

10.38 BST: Atletico Madrid are interested in taking James Rodriguez across the city from Real Madrid, a source close to the Colombia international has confirmed to ESPN FC.

James, 28, is returning to Madrid this summer after Bayern Munich declined to take up their €42m option to sign him permanently following two years on loan in Germany.

Napoli, and a reunion with the Serie A side's manager Carlo Ancelotti who worked with James at both Madrid and Bayern, had looked a likely destination. But ESPN FC has been told that Atletico have made contact over bringing James to the Wanda Metropolitano and that nothing has yet been decided over the player's next club.

10.14 BST: Barcelona have made one final attempt to sign Matthijs de Ligt, say Mundo Deportivo.

The Ajax defender, 19, seems set to join Juventus for around €75m, but could yet be ready to move to Camp Nou.

09.55 BST: ICYMI: Paris Saint-Germain are set to sign Borussia Dortmund and France Under-21 defender Abdou Diallo, sources have told ESPN FC. Reports of the deal were first published in French media on Sunday afternoon.

After dropping behind in the race for Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt and making contact with Napoli for Kalidou Koulibaly, the French champions turned their attention to Diallo, who will sign a five-year deal on Monday. PSG will pay Dortmund €32m, including bonuses.

09.42 BST: Superdeporte report that Manchester City's Nicolas Otamendi is not willing to listen to any other offers as his wish is to return to play for Valencia.

Valencia are looking to strengthen their defensive line and believe their former player to be an ideal reinforcement. The Argentina international joined City from Valencia in the summer of 2015 but the 31-year-old centre-back is now keen to return to the Mestalla stadium.

However, according to Superdeporte, Valencia's chances of getting Otamendi are limited as the player is also a target of Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and PSG. Valencia need to sign a central defender before the end of the transfer window and are hoping Otamendi's desire to return will open the door to negotiate a potential move.

09.19 BST: Philippe Coutinho's agent Kia Joorabchian has told RMC Sport that Barcelona are giving out mixed messages about the forward's future.

Coutinho has been linked with swap deal plus cash for PSG's Neymar, but Joorabchian insists he was told the Brazilian is going nowhere before finding out the club are actually looking to move him on.

"As I have said before, Pep Segura (Barcelona's director of football) has told me that Philippe is not available a move away from Barca," he said. "The president was clear -- there was no intention of selling the player to any club. After this, we chose to not look at the market for our player out of respect for Barca's desire to keep him.

"However, I have learned that it is fact that Andre Cury's (Barca's South American recruiter) discourse is totally different. Cury is pushing for Coutinho to be included in a potential move to bring Neymar back. Like I said, Philippe has no offers from other clubs as we respected Barca's stance. However, they have not respected their word to us. I kept silent during this period, but I will not allow Barca to lie about Philippe -- they must tell the truth! If they want him to go, they have to say that. With the player, we will decide what is best for his future."

Of a possible destination back in the Premier League, Joorabchian added on Sky Sports: "I think Liverpool lies very, very deeply in his heart. He was a big fan of them throughout the campaign [last season]. He was wishing for them to win the title and he has a very strong affinity there so I think it will be very difficult for him to go to a direct competitor of Liverpool from a personal standpoint."

09.06 BST: Marca report that Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos may continue at Real Madrid next season.

Ceballos is a reported target of Tottenham and AC Milan and is weighing up his options as he wants more playing time, although he said last week he would only leave Madrid on loan. A decision regarding Ceballos' future will reportedly be taken before July 22, the day Ceballos is due to report back to Madrid for pre-season.

The 22-year-old made 23 league appearances for Madrid, 13 as a starter, in the 2018-19 campaign and recently helped Spain win the European Under-21 Championship.

08.51 BST: Jose Mourinho says he is learning German and admits he could coach in the Bundesliga one day.

The Portuguese coach has been out of a job since being sacked by Manchester United in December but told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Right now I'm learning German."

Asked if he is learning the language because his next destination will be the Bundesliga, a league he has yet to coach in, he said: "No. I'm learning German because it is the only language that I don't have. I speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian. Of course, I don't exclude anything, not even Germany.

"I miss football, the adrenaline, the pitch, my work. Football is football."

08.20 BST: There's just 17 days left for Premier League clubs to strengthen before the transfer deadline. Will we see any movement today?

PAPER ROUND (By James Capps)

Three-way battle for Alves?

Dani Alves is also a man in demand, if you believe Mundo Deportivo. It's suggesting that Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City are all battling it out for the full-back following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain. Alves is a free agent, and it appears as though a whole host of clubs are falling over themselves to secure his marauding talents to their right flanks.

The 36-year-old was in vintage form for Brazil in the Copa America, adding a remarkable 40th career trophy to his cabinet. Alves has been reported as saying he's interested in reuniting with Pep Guardiola at Man City, but Spurs and Arsenal are also monitoring the situation.

Alves isn't getting any younger, but his experience -- coupled with his performances for his country this summer -- could make him a steal for the right club.

Tap-ins

- Philippe Coutinho has been linked with a move away from Barcelona all summer, but the Express is putting two and two together and suggesting that Antoine Griezmann's shirt number means the Brazilian isn't going anywhere. New-signing Griezmann wanted the Brazilian's No. 7 shirt but has been forced to take the No. 17 jersey instead, which could mean Coutinho might have another season to try to reach the kind of form that got him to the Camp Nou in the first place.

- Leroy Sane has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich this summer, with Guardiola apparently not standing in the winger's way if he wants to leave. However, the Mirror believes the left winger will be staying put in Manchester. It's suggesting that City want £100 million for the 23-year-old, which is £30 million more than the German champions want to pay. Sane indicated recently he has no desire to move back to Germany. He still has two years left to run on his contract.

- Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha is reporting that Manchester United could miss out on the signing of midfielder Bruno Fernandes because the board and manager can't agree on the fee. They suggest United's board are unwilling to pay more than £50 million for the player, while, in contrast, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is urging his bosses to spend what it takes to land the Sporting Lisbon midfielder. That could be because Fernandes contributed to 50 goals in all competitions last season.

- Napoli are running out of time to land James Rodriguez, according to AS. The Spanish title is suggesting that Real Madrid are growing impatient with the Italians' desire to sign the Colombian on loan. Madrid are keen to offload Rodriguez in a permanent deal instead and may shut the door on Napoli if they can't amend their terms.

An Australian squad of 16 for the looming Ashes series, rather than the traditional number of 17, may well play into the hands of Matthew Wade as the selectors look for a utility reserve batsman and back-up wicketkeeper to face England over five Tests.

The selection chairman Trevor Hohns has flagged 16 as the number for the final squad, which is to be pared down from the 25 players to assemble in Southampton later this week for a final warm-up match that will conclude with the naming of the group to play the Tests.

Wade, who has battered all bowling attacks he has faced in a prolific past 12 months, maintained his run by clouting 114 against the England Lions on the day of the extraordinary World Cup final at Lord's, in a stand worth 219 with Travis Head. With the national captain Tim Paine taking the gloves for the Tests, Wade's strong case as a batsman and back-up wicketkeeping skills in the event of a late injury are firming his case for inclusion.

"I think I can do both roles," Wade said in Canterbury. "I've played 22 Test matches; they've all been as wicketkeeper. So, I think if I manage to get a spot on the tour as that dual role and if anything happens to Tim, I feel I can stand in and catch them if they need me to.

"And vice versa, I'm playing more as a bat at the moment as well. Coming here I thought my opportunity would be in that dual role if they wanted to take some extra bowlers or allrounders or what have you. I'm not sure if that's the case but I feel I can do both if I'm needed."

The 17th spot has customarily gone to a back-up wicketkeeper, a role Wade himself filled in 2013, before Peter Nevill replaced Brad Haddin midway through the 2015 series. In 2009, Graham Manou played his one and only Test at Birmingham when Haddin was injured, while others such as Wade Seccombe, Darren Berry, Tim Zoehrer and Ray Phillips have all filled the role in the past. While the ODI vice-captain Alex Carey enjoyed an outstanding World Cup, his first-class record is modest when lined up against that of the more experienced Wade.

"I wasn't aware [of a 16-man squad] but that might be a good thing if they are looking to take 16, then they're probably looking for someone to bat and keep," Wade said. "I feel like I can do that, so fingers crossed I get the tap on the shoulder. If not I'm comfortable with where my game is at and comfortable with what I've done on this tour."

The century at Canterbury confirmed that Wade is both extremely well grooved into his style and rhythm of batting - taking his time early in getting to 15 from 47 balls - before taking command against the strongest attack the Australians have encountered on tour so far. He also spoke warmly of Head's innings, noting how the South Australian captain had curtailed his common tendency of flailing the bat outside the off stump.

"Traditionally, over my career, that's the way I've played," he said. "[I] give myself a pretty good chance to assess the wicket - that slope took a little bit more time than what I thought it would take to get used to - and then, as I went on, my innings certainly flourished a little bit more - runs-wise - but I tend to start like that in first-class cricket anyway.

"I think the ball just did a little bit later than what we're used to, especially early. They pitched a couple up to me and I went to drive and missed them by a little bit, so it was more just getting used to that and adjusting. I bat on off stump anyway, but some of the lefties that came off found it a lot easier batting towards the off stump and then giving themselves a better line up of where their off stump is.

"[Head] played the ball really late, he didn't go too hard outside off stump. He's done a lot of work there, but over his whole innings, he looked like he played the ball really late, let it come down to him and hit a lot of balls on the square, which over Heady's career he probably hasn't hit a lot there. He probably goes down the ground and through gully, so it looks like he's done a heap of work there and it's paying off for sure."

Another impressive aspect of Wade's innings was that his tour had been interrupted by a late call-up to join the Australian squad ahead of their semi-final against England in Birmingham, where he witnessed a heavy defeat and then travelled once more to rejoin the red-ball group in Canterbury.

"I thought it was a reward that I was really happy to get," Wade said. "I've gone away from my young family to come here and try and push for selection for World Cup and Ashes, and I suppose it was a little reward for the sacrifices that I've made and runs I've put on the board over the last 12 months."