Investment arm of Chinese Government is now favourite to buy Liverpool FC before end of August although Hodgson has been assured his job is safe. Fabregas almost certain to stay at Arsenal for another season as FC Barcelona concede it highly unlikely he will join this summer. Manchester United continue their high scoring pre-season tempo with 7 against an Irish XII, but Rooney fails to score again. Chelsea lose 3 in a row pre-season and look short of confidence before Sunday’s Community Shield.

La Liga

FC Barcelona embark on their pre-season to Asia whilst Mourinho takes Madrid to California for warm up fixtures. Raul and Guti both leave Madrid after many years service to join respectively Schalke and probably Besiktas whilst Thierry Henry has signed for New York Red Bulls. More updates on Spanish football at www.soccer-spain.com