Manchester City XI vs Liverpool: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest for Community Shield

Aymeric Laporte is Manchester City’s only real injury concern heading into Saturday’s Community Shield with Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola has confirmed the Spanish international would likely miss a month or so of action after undergoing knee surgery after City’s Premier League title-winning campaign, leaving the champions somewhat light in that department.

John Stones and Nathan Ake could start in the centre of defence with Ruben Dias not yet fully fit.

The world, of course, awaits to see what Erling Haaland can do in the Premier League. Already on the scoresheet in City colours after netting on his debut against Bayern Munich, the summer signing is expected to be involved at the King Power Stadium.

Still, given the fact Haaland struggled with slight niggles upon arriving at the Etihad Stadium, it’s difficult to judge just how heavily he will be relied on.

Reds said to be talking to Serie A players Belotti and Ceppitelli

Toronto FC’s lineup may be getting even more Azzurri blue.

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, the Reds are still in the hunt to acquire Italian national team striker Andrea Belotti. The 28-year-old is currently a free agent and is also wanted by AS Roma.

Belotti scored 113 goals in 251 total appearances for Torino of Serie A in his seven seasons there. According to TransfersMLS, TFC has offered Belotti $10 million per season and the ball is now in the Italian’s court as to whether he accepts the deal.

A TFC source told the Sun that they have followed Belotti for close to a year. Cagliari defender Luca Ceppitelli, 32, is also said to be talking to the Reds.

Barcelona transfers: How are they able to buy players despite €1 billion debt?

Despite being €1.3 billion (£1.1b/$1.3b) in debt at the end of 2021, Barcelona haven’t shied away from spending big this summer.

With the recent agreement to sign Sevilla star Jules Kounde, the Catalan club are poised to take their transfer spree this window past €150 million (£125m/$152m).

While Franck Kessi and Andreas Christensen have arrived on free transfers, Kounde along with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowksi haven’t come cheaply.

To further complicate matters, Barcelona have only pocketed a transfer fee for Philippe Coutinho so far this window with four other players leaving on free transfers.

How are Barcelona able to buy players despite their debt?

“It’s the only club in the world that can buy players without money. It’s kind of weird and crazy,” Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann recently said of Barcelona’s financial situation.

The German isn’t the only one confused by Barca’s transfer dealings but the Spanish giants have essentially been relying on what are known as ‘economic levers’.

These levers are used to alleviate the impact of existing debt and activated by selling assets of the club to bring in long-term revenue.

For Barcelona this has involved selling portions of the club’s TV rights and part of their Licensing and Merchandising (BLM).

“They have sold 10% of their TV rights for €207 million. Then they increased that share to 25% which I think gives them some €350 million more. That would be €500 million and I think they have another third lever worth around €200 million,” La Liga president Javier Tebas explained in late July via SPORT.

Gianluca Scamacca: West Ham complete £35.5m deal for Sassuolo striker

Gianluca Scamacca has completed his move from Sassuolo to West Ham in a £35.5m deal; Italy striker has signed a five-year contact plus the option of a further 12 months; the 23-year-old scored 16 goals in 36 Serie A games last season; Scamacca becomes club’s fourth summer signing

West Ham have completed the signing of Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca in a deal worth £35.5m.

The Italy international, who scored 16 goals in 36 Serie A appearances last season, has signed a five-year contract, plus the option of a further year at the London Stadium.

The Hammers have agreed to pay Sassuolo an initial £30.5m with £5m in add-ons. The deal also includes a 10 per cent sell-on clause for the Italian side.

Scamacca, who has been handed the number seven shirt, said: “I am really excited to join West Ham. I’ve waited a long time for this moment – it’s been a dream to play in the Premier League.

“I feel like West Ham is the perfect team for me. They showed they really wanted me and when I spoke to the manager there was an instant understanding. I can’t wait to play and show the supporters what I can do in the West Ham shirt – I hope we will love each other.”

West Ham boss David Moyes added: “We’ve been looking to add more strength to our attacking options for a while, so we’re delighted to have got Gianluca in. He comes really well recommended – and we’re looking forward to working with him. He’s a young centre-forward with a really bright future ahead of him.”

Gianluca Scamacca’s stats for Sassuolo in the 2021/22 Serie A season

Scamacca becomes West Ham’s fourth summer signing, following the arrivals of defender Nayef Aguerd, who joined from Rennes for £30m, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola for £7.75m from Paris Saint-Germain, and midfielder Flynn Downes from Swansea City for £12m.

West Ham were also interested in signing Chelsea forward Armando Broja, but while signing both Broja and Scamacca has not been ruled out, it’s increasingly likely to be one or the other.

The Irons also want to further strengthen in central midfield having made a bid for Lille’s Amadou Onana, while they are keeping an eye on Piotr Zielinski’s situation at Napoli.

Moyes is looking to improve his squad ahead of a season that will see West Ham combine Premier League improvement with a first Europa Conference League campaign.

West Ham make £12.75m bid to sign Frankfurt’s Kostic

Following Scamacca’s arrival, West Ham will now work on a deal to sign Filip Kostic from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Hammers have made a £12.75m bid to sign the left-sided player, who has entered the final year of his contract at the Bundesliga side and believes his next deal is likely to be the last big one of his career.

The Hammers have offered an initial £10m with £2.75m in add-ons for the 29-year-old, who can play as a left winger or as a left wing-back.

The Serbia international likes West Ham and has a lot of respect for the club but remains undecided on whether he will join, given he has the guarantee of Champions League football with Frankfurt next season.

Left-back has been a priority position this summer for Moyes and the club have moved for Kostic, who helped Frankfurt win the Europa League last season.