FOOTBALL SHORTS

But Barcelona will be back with more cash

÷ NEWCASTLE have made an approach to take Kenedy on loan from Chelsea. The 21-year-old Brazilian was disciplined by Chelsea after posting offensive messages against the Chinese while on tour in the Far East. The Stamford Bridge club are keen for Kenedy to gain further experience and game time. The Brazil Under 20 international had a spell at Watford last season but played only once. ÷ GARETH BALE has claimed Jose Mourinho is on the road to restoring former glories at Manchester United. The Real Madrid forward suggested United can be a force in the Champions League after beating them 2-1 in Tuesday’s Super Cup. Bale said: ‘By bringing Mourinho in, it’s boosted the club. They’re getting back to where they belong. I see no reason they can’t challenge.’ ÷ WATFORD have completed the signing of Burnley striker Andre Gray, 26, for a club record £18.5million. The deal came after it was revealed that Burnley boss Sean Dyche barred Gray’s girlfriend, Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, from sitting in the directors’ box because he did not want to give her special treatment for being famous.

LiverpooL have rejected a £90million bid for philippe Coutinho from Barcelona.

The Merseyside club are adamant that the Brazilian playmaker will not be sold this summer, despite this third bid that follows Barca’s initial offers of £72m and £80m last month.

Although Coutinho has made Liverpool aware that he is keen to leave, they are fighting to resist the moves from Spain — especially so close to the new season. Coutinho, 25, is expected to miss Liverpool’s premier League fixture at Watford on