Their technique and composure whilst in possession was of the highest order but Ajax’s ability to press their opponents without the ball was even better.

Ajax are mourning the abrupt conclusion of Abdelhak Nouri's career after the young Dutchman suffered serious and permanent brain damage when falling ill during a pre-season friendly.

Cork City’s European tour takes a turn with a difference over the next two weeks as the club heads for Cyprus’s very own little enclave of Spain.

Striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar has returned to a Ajax for a second spell after signing a one-year deal, the Eredivisie club have announced.

Jan Vertonghen believes Tottenham will be missing the best player in the Premier League while Harry Kane is out injured.

Jose Mourinho bemoaned an offside goal after Manchester United’s Europa League campaign got off to a losing start against Feyenoord last night.

He may have an economics degree but chemistry has always been of interest to Arsene Wenger. 

JURGEN KLOPP

Georginio Wijnaldum has become the third most expensive signing in Newcastle’s history after putting pen to paper on five-year deal.

AC Milan went on a spending spree last night as they agreed deals for two hot European properties.

Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the Copa America as they pursue their interest in South American trio Roberto Firmino, Carlos Bacca and Salomon Rondon.

Gary Neville is excited by the prospect of watching Memphis Depay play for Manchester United, but admits the winger still has much to learn if he is to become a star.

Memphis Depay vowed to help bring the glory days back to Old Trafford after agreeing a £25 million (€33 million) “dream” move to Manchester United.

Premier League

Dutch international Jetro Willems received the fastest red card in Eredivisie history - after just 29 seconds of the win over NAC Breda.

Neymar: “Tomorrow we have a match we have to win, and only after that we will start thinking about El Clasico.”

Having been battered from pillar to post for his failures in last summer’s transfer window, Ed Woodward’s promise of a fluid budget for the new Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal represents a rigid dichotomy between the approach under David Moyes, even if such grand promises could easily become the sword Woodward falls upon.

Fifa doesn’t allow non-rights holders such as Sky Sports access to any of its World Cup media centres, but a broadcasting colossus like Chris Kamara doesn’t need that kind of mollycoddling to make an impact in Brazil.

Patrick van Aanholt, the Chelsea left-back who has spent the last two years on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, has been dropped from the Holland squad for the World Cup.

The stories about Louis van Gaal are many, and some of them are even true.

Ajax have such a memorable past, as a football institution as well as serial winners, that it is easy to forget they have had their ups and downs.

Manchester United’s deadline-day recruitment drive will not include a pursuit of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid.

Chelsea defender Patrick van Aanholt has rejoined Vitesse Arnhem on loan for another season, the Dutch club have confirmed.

Sunderland and AZ Alkmaar have reached agreement over a deal for striker Jozy Altidore.

The head of one of Holland’s leading players’ unions says the growing trend of players being relegated to the reserves amid stalled contract negotiations is a “sickening state of affairs”.

Vampire or pistolero?

As the olés reverberated across the old Lansdowne Road, a smiling Robbie Keane looked around and took it all in. This, it seemed at the time, had the potential to develop into something great.

Former England manager Steve McClaren has parted company with Dutch club FC Twente amid growing unrest over their season.

Former Ajax, Juventus and Barcelona midfielder Edgar Davids has taken up a coaching role with the Football League’s bottom club, Barnet.

Richard Dunne is considering his international future with the Republic of Ireland and has asked Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert for advice.

Holland international Ron Vlaar is excited at a possible switch to Aston Villa.

Marco van Basten insists he has no interest in returning to manage Holland after the departure of Bert van Marwijk following the team’s woeful performance at the European Championship.

Real Madrid sealed a first La Liga title in four years last night after cruising to a 3-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.

Australia midfielder Brett Holman has agreed to join Aston Villa at the end of his contract with AZ Alkmaar this summer, the Barclays Premier League club have announced.

PSV Eindhoven have confirmed they have parted company with coach Fred Rutten following the side’s poor recent form.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis reflected on a thrilling seven-month adventure to the corners of the continent after his side’s Europa League run was finally brought to an end by Valencia in the last 32 last night.

Swansea transfer target John Goossens has turned down a move to the Liberty Stadium and will stay with NEC Nijmegen for the rest of the season.

FC Twente have parted company with coach Co Adriaanse, the Eredivisie side have announced on their website.