NEW YORK -- With two minutes remaining in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals and his team down by a goal, Edmonton Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen sprinted to his team's bench. About a minute and a half later, Gabriel Landeskog sent the puck into that abandoned net. It clinched the win for the Colorado Avalanche. But it also added to an unexpected NHL record during the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Through 76 games, there have been 41 empty-net goals scored, setting an NHL postseason record. According to the league, the previous mark was 36 empty-netters, which was set twice: in the 2017-18 season in 84 games, then matched in the 24-team 2019-20 postseason in 130 games.

Last season, there was one player with multiple empty-net goals: Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon with three. This season, through two rounds, there are already four: Toronto Maple Leafs forward Ilya Mikheyev, New York Rangers forward Andrew Copp, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ondrej Palat and Oilers forward Evander Kane.

In total, 37 different players have at least one empty-net goal in this postseason.

What has led to this record number of empty-netters? Here are four theories:

Goals up, empty-net goals up

In the regular season, the NHL saw its highest goals-per-game average since the 1995-96 season (6.29 in both seasons). That scoring surge produced some incredible numbers: a 60-goal season for Auston Matthews, with four different players hitting at least 50 goals; the Florida Panthers scoring 4.11 goals per game, the highest average for a team since the 1995-96 Pittsburgh Penguins; and final scores on some nights that looked more like MLB than NHL.

It also produced an NHL record for empty-net goals in the regular season: 477 in 1,312 games, according to the NHL. That broke the previous record of 408 empty-net goals set in 2018-19, which itself broke the record of 368 empty netters in 2015-16.

The scoring boom has carried over to the postseason. At 6.42 goals per game through 76 games, this is the highest-scoring postseason since 1992-93 (6.84). And with the Oilers and Avalanche playing at least two more times after 18 combined goals in Games 1 and 2, who knows how high that could climb?

Goalies being pulled earlier

Fun fact: The top 13 regular seasons in empty-net goals have been since 2007-08. Some of this is a function of expansion: more games, more goals. That includes this season, as the expansion Seattle Kraken pumped up the total games played from 1,271 to 1,312 in a non-pandemic-interrupted season. But some of it is because of tactical changes that coaches have made on when to pull a goalie.

It has been well documented that teams are pulling their goalies earlier than ever before. The trend was first noted in 2014-15, as teams down by two goals or more began pulling their goalies on average with over two minutes remaining in the game for the first time in the NHL.

A big influence here is the analytics community, which had been screaming for years that pulling a goalie earlier greatly increased the chances for a team tying a game or cutting into a deficit. As FiveThirtyEight reported in 2015, one statistical model showed that pulling the goalie with 2½ minutes to go gives a team a 19-20% chance of tying the game, but if a coach waits until the one-minute mark, those chances drop to 17%.

Still, NHL coaches swear that the analytics aren't the reason for their goalie-pull strategies.

"It's not an analytics thing for me. They think I should have had him out at the six-minute mark or something," Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour told ESPN. "It is a feel thing for me."

New York Rangers coach Gerard Gallant agreed.

"It's the gut for me. If the score is 6-5, I might wait a little longer. If it's 1-0 or 2-1, I might go a little quicker. That's the way I do it," he said.

Pulling goalies even earlier in playoff games

With goalie pulls becoming much more aggressive in the regular season, how does that change for the playoffs?

According to Stathletes data, teams are even more aggressive in pulling their goalie within the confines of a seven-game series. The average pull time for a goalie in the regular season, with a team trailing by one goal, was 1 minute, 4 seconds left in regulation. The average pull time in the playoffs for a team trailing by one goal: 1:19.

In the regular season, a team trailing by two goals pulled their goalie with 1:44 left in regulation on average. In the playoffs, that increased to 1:56 left in the game. Clearly, even in games in which teams need two goals to tie, they're going for it.

But as Brind'Amour said, there are times when a coach must admit the game is out of reach.

"Down two, for sure. Down three? It's a little different," he said.

There are fewer overtime games

There can't be empty-net goals without an empty net. One of this postseason's peculiarities is a lack of overtime games through two rounds. In 76 games, there have only been 11 overtime games (14%). That's down from 32% last season and down from 2019-20 (22%) and 2018-19 (20%). It's the lowest total since 2017-18, when there were just 10 overtime games (12%) and 36 empty-net goals -- at the time, an NHL record.

Until it was shattered in this postseason, in which the goals are pouring in -- whether there's a goalie in the crease or not.

Jon Rahm has had a lot of success at Muirfield Village, winning the Memorial Tournament in 2020 and nearly doing the same a year ago.

But since walking off the 18^th green on Saturday in '21, things have not gone well – at this venue – for the world No. 2.

Rahm led by six strokes through 54 holes last year, before being informed that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and would have to withdraw. Upon his return this year, Rahm opened in even-par 72, complete with three bogeys and a double bogey.

On Friday, Rahm had a faux paus and a foul ball.

Playing the par-4 11^th, his second hole of the day, Rahm was disappointed with his approach shot and flung his iron, nearly hitting an on-course microphone operator. Rahm apologized immediately and the woman was heard saying, “It’s OK.”

After making the turn in 1 under for the day, Rahm’s approach shot at the par-4 second wasn’t pleasing, either. In fact, it was a shank.

From 191 yards, Rahm’s second shot went dead right. He eventually made bogey, but birdied the next hole on his way to a 2-under 70. Rahm said after his round that he isn't comfortable with his swing and the shank was a direct result of that.

"Absolutely. Absolutely. Ball below my feet, uncomfortable shot, wind. And tried to drive it in low and didn't clear at all. Full of indecision. It was a recipe for disaster. Could have been either green-side bunker or short, and ended up being worse," he said.

"I did get lucky with what happened. I was able to save a bogey, which was minimizing the mistake. I thought it was going out of bounds, and I was staring at a 7."

If there was anything positive from the day, Rahm did manage to amuse Justin Thomas, who has had his share of shanks during tournament rounds.

After the Memorial's first two rounds, Rory McIlroy has his sights on finally getting that coveted handshake from the Golden Bear. 

McIlroy hasn't won since the CJ Cup in October, however, he's posted a runner-up (Masters), a solo fifth (Wells Fargo Championship) and a solo eighth (PGA) in his last three starts. And now, he's two shots off the lead at Muirfield Village, but a few blunders on Friday stick out like a sore thumb. 

"Another solid day's play," McIlroy said after a second-round 3-under 69. "Couple of silly bogeys. Bogeyed the 11th, par-5, and the [par-4] 14th for the second day in a row. But I guess it sort of happens around here. It's getting tricky and you're going to make bogeys regardless of where they come. 

"Overall, two solid rounds of golf, right in contention going into the weekend, depending what guys do this afternoon. Yeah, happy with how everything is sort of going."

If the world No. 8 can ride the momentum from his last three starts and break through this weekend, it would be McIlroy's first win at Jack's Place. Though the 33-year-old has claimed many accolades in his career, this one would have added significance because of who would accompany McIlroy in the winner's circle. 

"Think it's a special moment in anyone's career being able to walk up the hill off your tee and get that handshake (from Jack Nicklaus)," McIlroy said. "I'd love to win here. I won at Bay Hill (in 2018) at [Arnold Palmer's] place, but I was never able to get that handshake because Arnold passed away a couple years before (in '16). It makes it extra special when you're able to win a tournament, whether it's hosted by Jack or Arnold or any of the greats in the game."

Brazil striker Neymar has mocked Argentina for celebrating too much after winning the Cup of Champions at Wembley.

Argentina beat 2020 European Championship winners Italy 3-0 on Wednesday to lift their second title in the space of 11 months.

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The Albiceleste upset Brazil 1-0 at the Maracana stadium last year in the Copa America final to win their first major title since 1993.

Photographs of Argentina's locker room celebrations after Wednesday's win went viral on social media and Neymar posted a comment under one Instagram post jokingly asking if Argentina had won the World Cup.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward, who scored twice in Brazil's 5-1 win over South Korea in Thursday's international friendly, wrote: "Did they win the World Cup?"

Neymar's comment emerged after Argentina international Nicolas Otamendi shared a clip of his team's locker room celebrations after Wednesday's triumph where players were heard singing a song dedicated to neighbours Brazil, reminding them of their Copa America final defeat.

"Brasilero, what happened? [Argentina captain Lionel] Messi went to Rio [de Janeiro] and got the Copa [America]," the song goes.

A big rivalry exists between the two South American countries.

Last year, Brazil players made fun of Argentina following their elimination from the football competition in the Olympic Games.

The Canarinha went on to win gold after beating Spain in the final.

Brazil and Argentina have gone unbeaten in qualifying to reach the World Cup in Qatar.

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is committed to staying at Manchester United next season and is confident the club will win trophies under new manager Erik ten Hag.

United endured their worst season in Premier League history with their lowest points tally (58) in the competition's era and failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Despite their disappointing campaign, Ronaldo said he is looking forward to being successful next season and helping the club return to "where they belong."

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"I was happy of course to be back at a club that really raised my career. So it was unbelievable," he told the club's official website on Friday.

"The feeling when I [came] back again, it was nice to feel the supporters. The happiness of them as great. I was -- and still am -- very happy to be here."

He added: "It's still my motivation to carry on working hard, to still love the passion for the game, and of course Manchester and my teammates help me all the way so I have to appreciate all the people who help Cristiano.

"But the most important thing for me is to try to win the games and try to win some championship or some cup but I believe that Manchester will be where they belong. Sometimes it takes time, but I still believe."

Ronaldo enjoyed an impressive return to Old Trafford with 24 goals in all competitions and was nominated for the English Professional Footballers Association Player of the Year award.

New manager Ten Hag arrives to United after winning three league titles with Ajax and Ronaldo said the Dutchman needs time to achieve success in England.

"I know he did a fantastic job for Ajax and that he's an experienced coach," Ronaldo added. "But we need to give him time and things need to change -- the way he wants.

"I hope we have success of course. Because if you have success, all of Manchester are going to have success as well.

"So I wish him the best. We are happy and excited -- not only the players but the supporters as well. I wish him the best and let's hope that next year we're going to win trophies."

UEFA have issued an apology to the fans who were affected by the events surrounding the Champions League final after ticket fraud and crowd trouble marred the showpiece event at the Stade de France in Paris.

The match was delayed by more than 30 minutes after officers forcefully held back people trying to enter the Stade de France while riot police had also sprayed tear gas on fans, including women and children.

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"UEFA wishes to sincerely apologise to all spectators who had to experience or witness frightening and distressing events in the build-up to the UEFA Champions League final... on a night which should have been a celebration of European club football," it said in a statement on Friday.

"No football fan should be put in that situation and it must not happen again."

Much of the blame was placed on Liverpool fans by France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin but he acknowledged police were caught off-guard by several hundred local "delinquents" who turned up to cause trouble.

Europe's soccer governing body had commissioned an independent report earlier this week.

On Friday they outlined its scope as they look to establish a timeline of events, examine operational plans, assess roles and responsibilities and the response to events inside and outside the stadium.

"The Review will engage with UEFA and all relevant stakeholders, including, but not limited to, fan groups... the finalist clubs themselves, general spectators, the French Football Federation, the police and other public national and local authorities, and the stadium operator," it added.

Also on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron told local media that ticket holders who were blocked from entering the Stade de France by security personnel must be reimbursed "as fast as possible."

"I have a thought for the families who have been pushed around, who have not been able to access the seats they had paid for. This is why I hope that we can compensate them as soon as possible," Macron said in the interview.

"I have asked the government to clarify what happened, to determine the responsibilities and to explain them in detail to our compatriots, the British and the Spanish."

Real Madrid had demanded answers from organisers over measures taken to protect supporters while Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan had reiterated a call for an investigation, saying they had written to UEFA and raised specific questions.

Real Madrid won Saturday's final 1-0 to win a record-extending 14th European Cup.

Will Wilson is stepping down as CEO and secretary general of the U.S. Soccer Federation "to pursue new professional ventures and opportunities," effective Oct. 31, the USSF announced Friday.

Wilson had been in his current role since March 2020. The USSF said that it would "immediately begin a nationwide search" for Wilson's replacement.

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"It has been an honor to work with the U.S. Soccer board and the dedicated executives and staff at the Federation, and especially with Cindy Parlow Cone, during this pivotal time in sports and for the organization," Wilson said in a statement.

"My goal has always been to make sure the Federation was in a better place than when I started, and I'm stepping away knowing that the organization is positioned for continued long-term global success."

Wilson's departure comes while the U.S. men's national team prepares to participate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup starting in November. Also, work is yet to be done regarding the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico. The USSF, however, said that Wilson will remain in his role during this transition phase "to ensure seamless continuity."

Whoever succeeds Wilson will inherit a vastly different landscape from the one he encountered at the start of this tenure. Back then, the COVID-19 pandemic was just starting.

There also was the equal pay lawsuit as well as a collective bargaining agreement to negotiate with the men's national. That situation grew to include the CBA for the women's national team when it expired at the end of 2021.

All of those issues have now been settled, including provisions to equalize prize money in the two CBAs. Wilson also oversaw a new sponsorship deal with Nike and a media rights deal with Warner Media starting in 2023.

Before his stint with U.S. Soccer, Wilson was the co-head and executive vice president overseeing football at Wasserman Media Group. He has held executive positions at Soccer United Marketing and the National Football League.

The summer transfer window is approaching, and there's plenty of gossip swirling about who's moving where. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings and goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Pogba, Juventus near deal

Juventus are entering the final stages of completing a three-year deal for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, according to Sky Sports.

The report states that the Serie A side have been given "verbal assurances" that the 29-year-old will re-join them as a free agent, after leaving United to join them for a then-world-record fee of £89.3 million in 2016.

Pogba's second departure from Old Trafford was formally announced on Wednesday, after a divisive six-year spell in the Premier League, making 233 appearances, only 27 of which came under the two previous managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is reported to have been the key figure to convince the France international to re-join the Old Lady, ahead of interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester City, and a move back to Turin will make him one of the side's highest earners.

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LIVE BLOG

20.58 BST: Lazio and Shakhtar Donetsk have completed a deal for Marcus Antonio, according to Sky Sports Italia. The 21-year-old midfielder will join the Serie A side for €10m and will undergo medical tests in the coming days.

The Brazil under-20 international is set to arrive at the Stadio Olimpico as a replacement for Lucas Leiva, who is leaving this summer as a free agent.

20.28 BST: New Fenerbahçe manager Jorge Jesus confirms that Mesut Özil is not part of his plans for next season, reports the Daily Mail.

The 33-year-old announced his desire to end his career with the Turkish side on Tuesday, with two years left on his contract. However, the midfielder has not featured in the Süper Lig since March after being suspended following an argument with interim head coach Ismail Kartal.

When speaking to the press for the first time since his appointment, the Portuguese manager referred to "the end of the Ozil era," suggesting that the German international will have to fight hard for his place if he is to stay next season.

20.01 BST: The agent of Mahmoud Trezeguet confirms that reports of an agreement with Besiktas are false. Ekrem Konur reports that the 27-year-old's agent, Christian Emile, has been approached by the Turkish side, alongside other clubs in Europe.

This report follows a standout season for Trezegue in the Süper Lig, where the Egyptian midfielder scored six and assisted four in 13 starts for Başakşehir. However, no formal agreement has been made with any of the interested sides.

19.39 BST: Robin Olsen has reached a full agreement to join Aston Villa on a permanent basis, with the deal set to be announced soon, reveals Fabrizio Romano.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who arrived at Villa Park in the January transfer window, has only made one Premier League appearance this season, a 3-2 loss to Manchester City on the final day. However, the West Midlands side have reportedly triggered his €3.5m buy option clause to secure a permanent move from A.S Roma for the Sweden international.

18.59 BST: Brentford look set to make transfer swoop for Emmanuel Dennis from relegated Watford, according to the Sun.

Thomas Frank is reportedly interested in the 24-year-old to play alongside Ivan Toney next season. The Nigerian international arrived at Vicarage Road from Club Brugge last year for just £3m, however, after ten goals and six assists in 33 Premier League appearances, the Hornets reportedly value the striker at around £20m if he were to leave this summer.

18.25 BST: Henrikh Mkhitaryan has agreed to a two-year deal with Internazionale, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Following reports of an ultimatum from A.S. Roma with their latest contract offer, the 33-year-old is set to join Serie A rivals in Inter Milan. The promise of Champions League football next season is reported to be the deciding factor for the Armenian international not to extend his contract.

17.33 BST: Bayern Munich fear that Robert Lewandowski could force his way out this summer. According to Bild, the Bundesliga side are concerned that the 33-year-old could utilise the 'Webster Ruling' to join Barcelona this summer transfer window, despite having another 12 months left on his contract.

Article 17 of FIFA's Regulations states that any player who signed a contract after the age of 28 can buy themselves out three years after the deal was signed. If the clause was activated the Poland international would have to pay the German side around €24m to cover his final year wages, with the LaLiga side reportedly prepared to offer €32m for the striker.

16.45 BST: Pascal Gross has signed a new contract at Brighton until June 2024, the club has announced.

The 30-year-old will extend his stay with the Seagulls for two more years, after joining from Ingolstadt in 2017 as the first signing following their promotion from the Championship. Since then, the German midfielder has made 155 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 17 and assisting 27.

15.28 BST: Strasbourg striker Habib Diallo is attracting interest from multiple Premier League clubs, sources told ESPN.

The Senegal international, 26, scored 11 goals in Ligue 1 this season from 16 starts (31 appearances in total). His ratio of a goal every 140 minutes made him the seventh-most prolific striker in France, and his performances have attracted the interest of a range of clubs, including Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Brighton.

14.41 BST: Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso has his sights set on a move to the Premier League this summer, sources told ESPN.

Tolisso, 27, will leave Bayern when his contract expires at the end of June and is assessing his options, with offers expected to come in for him this summer.

The France international enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in Germany, winning the Bundesliga five times as well as the Champions League. Tolisso, a World Cup winner with France in 2018, is likely to receive a range of offers but sources told ESPN that the Premier League is his favoured destination.

Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all keen on adding a midfielder to their respective squads this summer and Tolisso would represent a decent option on a free transfer.

14.00 BST: Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini is set to sign a deal with LAFC this week, following his exit from Juventus, but is it the right move?

13.19 BST: Arsenal have announced that forward Alexandre Lacazette will leave the club at the end of his contract on June 30 and sources have told ESPN that he will return to his home club Lyon.

Lacazette, 31, joined Arsenal from Lyon in 2017 and has made 206 appearances across all competitions and scored 71 goals.

"Five years ago, my dream came true.. To sign for @arsenal .. It's been an honour to wear the jersey, to be a part of this family. I won trophies, I met real and nice [people], and I fell even more in love with this club," he wrote on Instagram. "Good luck for the future of the club and the fans, it's been a pleasure.

"Once a gunner, Always a Gunner. Thank you Arsenal."

12.58 BST: TalkSPORT says that Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has been told he can leave the club this summer.

Ake, 27, only started 10 Premier League games this season, as City won the Premier League trophy on the final day of the season with a comeback from 2-0 down against Aston Villa.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is reportedly interested in signing Ake, with the pair having worked together at Bournemouth, though City would want to recoup a fair part of the £41m they spent to sign him in 2020.

12.16 BST: Tottenham are continuing to demand up to €25m for Steven Bergwijn despite the winger's preference for a move to Ajax, sources have told ESPN.

The Eredivisie champions are confident Bergwijn wants to join them as he targets regular first-team football ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Sources have told ESPN that Ajax had a bid rejected to sign the Netherlands international last week, having had two previous offers turned down in January. None of those bids have as yet exceeded €20m. Spurs are keen to recoup the majority of the €30m they paid PSV Eindhoven in January 2020, but the Dutchman has been reduced to a peripheral role under Antonio Conte.

Although Conte has publicly praised Bergwijn's versatility, the winger has not started a game since 23 January, when Tottenham lost 2-0 at Chelsea. Bergwijn fell down the pecking order following Dejan Kulusevski's arrival from Juventus in January and he is keen on a move to revive his career.

It remains to be seen whether Manchester United will enter the running, with Erik ten Hag now installed as the club's new manager. Ten Hag was previously at Ajax when their interest in Bergwijn began.

12.03 BST: Leeds United are set to sign FC Salzburg full-back Rasmus Kristensen for around €12m, says the Daily Telegraph.

Kristensen, 24, joins former teammate Brenden Aaronson in moving to Leeds this summer, having seen interest from Brentford and Borussia Dortmund

The Denmark international will compete with Luke Ayling at right-back, but could also reportedly be used in midfield by coach Jesse Marsch.

11.48 BST: Cristiano Ronaldo has said he is committed to staying at Manchester United next season and is confident the club will win trophies under new manager Erik ten Hag.

United endured their worst season in Premier League history with their lowest points tally (58) in the competition's era and failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Despite their disappointing campaign, Ronaldo said he is looking forward to being successful next season and helping the club return to "where they belong."

"I was happy of course to be back at a club that really raised my career. So it was unbelievable," he told the club's official website on Friday. "The feeling when I [came] back again, it was nice to feel the supporters. The happiness of them as great. I was -- and still am -- very happy to be here.

"It's still my motivation to carry on working hard, to still love the passion for the game, and of course Manchester and my teammates help me all the way so I have to appreciate all the people who help Cristiano. But the most important thing for me is to try to win the games and try to win some championship or some cup but I believe that Manchester will be where they belong. Sometimes it takes time, but I still believe."

11.16 BST: Manchester City decided not to renew winger Jayden Braaf's contract because of concerns over his attitude, sources told ESPN.

Braaf has joined Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer after leaving the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season in a move which mirrors Jadon Sancho's transfer to the Bundesliga side in 2017.

City were keen to keep Sancho, but sources told ESPN they made the decision to cut ties with Braaf as early as 2020. City bosses had high hopes for the forward when he arrived from PSV Eindhoven in 2018 and he produced a series of exciting performances during youth team games but a number of run-ins with coaches and bosses convinced the club his future would be better spent elsewhere.

Braaf, who had a loan spell in Italy with Udinese, has been disappointed at a lack of first-team opportunities but club sources insist the 19-year-old did not do enough in training to warrant a chance.

11.00 BST: Where might Gareth Bale end up once he's left Real Madrid this summer?

10.25 BST: Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has revealed that he left Atletico MG because his family failed to adapt to Brazil but refused to rule out a future move to Flamengo.

"When the negotiation [with Atletico MG] took place, I made it very clear: I have two daughters, I have a situation that depends a lot on them, in terms of adaptation," the 33-year-old said. "When I saw that things weren't going the way I wanted, I talked to the people [at Atletico] and they understood. I had an agreement."

The former Spain international has since been linked with Corinthians and when asked whether he would consider a move to Flamengo, he said: "Every player would [like to] play there. It's normal."

09.53 BST: Diego Godin could leave Atletico Mineiro to join Velez Sarsfield, according to ESPN Argentina reporter Andrea Schettino.

Godin, 36, has failed to establish himself at the Brazilian side since he arrived in January from Cagliari. The former Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan defender is looking for a new club to secure more regular playing time ahead of Uruguay's World Cup campaign.

Velez are managed by Godin's friend Cacique Medina and the negotiations are advanced, but the clubs still need to find an agreement and Schettino suggests that it could be a loan deal.

09.39 BST: Clement Lenglet has agreed to leave Barcelona this summer in search of playing time, Catalan TV3 reports.

Lenglet, 26, has slipped down the pecking order at Camp Nou and knows he is not in Barca coach Xavi Hernandez's plans for next season, while the club are reportedly in talks with Tottenham over a loan move.

The French centre-back is under contract with Barca until June 2026. He has played 160 games since joining the Catalan outfit in 2018 in a €38m transfer from Sevilla.

09.11 BST: Levante captain Jose Morales has undergone a medical ahead of completing his transfer to Villarreal, Marca reports.

Morales, 34, scored 13 goals and set up seven more in 35 LaLiga appearances for Levante but was unable to help the Valencia-based club avoid the drop.

The winger has turned down a contract extension with Levante and is expected to sign a two-year deal with Villarreal in the coming days.

08.47 BST: Alvaro Morata said he has "quite a lot of options" for his next move after scoring for Spain in their 1-1 draw with Portugal on Thursday.

Morata, 29 -- who has been consistently backed by national team coach Luis Enrique -- put Spain ahead with his 26th international goal in the UEFA Nations League game in Seville.

The forward spent the last two years on loan at Juventus but returns to Atletico Madrid this summer with the Serie A club unwilling to pay a €35m fee to make the deal permanent.

"It doesn't depend on me. I'm calm," Morata said in a postmatch news conference on Thursday. "It's true you have preferences, I have quite a lot of options, I'm lucky with that... I'd like to be where I'm most wanted and valued. In the last three years I've been very happy at the places I've been, the last clubs (Atletico and Juventus) that I've played at have been marvellous."

ESPN reported that Barcelona were keen on Morata in January, while he has also been linked with a move to Arsenal.

08.30 BST: Former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge was released by Australian club Perth Glory on Friday after playing less than 140 minutes of football in an injury-blighted campaign.

The 32-year-old former England international started only one of the six games he played and failed to find the net as Glory finished bottom of the 12-team A-League Men with four wins from 26 matches.

Sturridge was one of six players to leave Glory, the day after former Australia midfielder Ruben Zadkovich was named coach for the next two seasons.

PAPER GOSSIP (by Abbie Ingham)

- Real Madrid have had their opening offer for Chicago Fire FC goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina rejected as negotiations for the 18-year-old continue, according to MLSSoccer.com. The Fire has provided a counteroffer and are expecting another bid for the United States youth international, who has started all of the club's 14 games in Major League Soccer this season. Despite interest from Premier League sides Chelsea, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton, the teenager has reportedly made the Champions League winners his top choice.

- AS Roma has presented Henrikh Mkhitaryan with an ultimatum over his latest contract offer, reports Sky Sports Italia. The 33-year-old has been offered a new deal worth €3.5m plus with bonuses of €4.1m, along with an automatic one-year extension if the Serie A side qualify for Europe and he features in over half of the fixtures next season. The Armenian is reported to have until Saturday to decide whether to join Internazionale or remain in Rome this summer.

- Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with Barcelona for a loan deal for Clement Lenglet, according to SPORT. This was initially reported to be a two-year agreement, but with new rules in place next month that impede loans than extend beyond one season, the LaLiga side are looking to negotiate a clause that can keep the 26-year-old in north London for a second year. The Catalan club are reportedly keen to offload the centre-back, who is under contract until 2026 but does not feature in Xavi Hernandez's plans for next season.

- RB Leipzig will have to fight to retain Josko Gvardiol, as Chelsea and Tottenham fight to bring the 20-year-old to Premier League, the Daily Mail reports. The Croatia international, who has made 46 appearances this season, is a target for the two London clubs, who are in the market for a left-sided centre back. The Bundesliga side are expecting offers for the defender, who is under contract until 2026 and has no release clause.

- Marseille would like Manchester City's Julian Alvarez on a loan deal for the upcoming season, according to Footmercato. After an impressive season on loan at River Plate, which saw the 22-year-old score 14 goals in 17 appearances, Pep Guardiola will have to decide whether to keep the Argentine at the club this summer. With Erling Haaland set to be the lead striker at the Etihad next season, a move to the Ligue 1 giants on a one-year deal may offer the forward some valuable game time.