Liverpool fans may still be waiting for the party Jurgen Klopp promised them to celebrate last season’s long-awaited Premier League success, but they will begin the new campaign among the favourites to win another title.

The Premier League season begins on September 12. Here, the PA news agency picks out some of the talking points. Absent friendsThe big kick-off will once again take place behind closed doors due to coronavirus restrictions.

Ahead of the new campaign, the PA news agency takes a statistical look at the 2020/21 Premier League season. 48 – days between the 2019/20 campaign finishing on July 26 and the new season starting on September 12.

Dean Henderson has signed a new long-term contract with Manchester United, the club have announced.

Harry Maguire's conviction for assaulting a police offer and attempted bribery has been nullified after it was confirmed his legal team had lodged an appeal against Tuesday's guilty verdict.

The news that Lionel Messi is attempting to leave Barcelona has, unsurprisingly, sent social media into a frenzy - with clubs across the sporting world scrambling to tempt the superstar into their colours.

The lawyer who represented two police officers in the Harry Maguire assault case says it is “shocking” that there has been no apology from the Manchester United captain and his co-defendants.

Manchester City are expected to be one of the clubs in the running to sign Lionel Messi after the Argentina international expressed his desire to leave the Nou Camp this summer.

England defender found guilty in Greece of assaulting a police officer, swearing, resisting arrest and bribery.

Former England colleague Rio Ferdinand tweeted that Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is interested in bringing the Argentina star to Stamford Bridge

Gareth Southgate has explained his reasoning for omitting Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish from his latest England squad – insisting he is fighting a host of big-names for a place.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been given a 21-month suspended sentence after being found guilty of assault, following his arrest after a brawl last week on the Greek island of Mykonos.

Manchester United footballer Harry Maguire has been found guilty of assault, following his arrest after a brawl last week on the Greek island of Mykonos.

None of the three goalkeepers in the Ireland squad have been playing regular first-team football with their clubs

Harry Maguire has been named in the England squad despite his ongoing court case in Greece, while Gareth Southgate has handed uncapped Mason Greenwood, Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips their first call-ups.

The trial of Manchester United footballer Harry Maguire has started in Greece following his arrest after a brawl last week on the island of Mykonos.

Chelsea are on the cusp of completing two major transfers, having agreed deals to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz and Paris St Germain defender Thiago Silva, according to The Times.

Barcelona’s shake-up is causing ripples throughout Europe, with new manager Ronald Koeman eager to sign a host of players including Manchester City’s 19-year-old centre-back Eric Garcia, Spanish website Sport reports.

Kingsley Coman offered some sympathy to his hometown club after scoring the goal that gave Bayern Munich a 1-0 win over Paris St Germain and a sixth European title.

Paul Pogba will not be sold by Manchester United this summer and talks over a new contract at Old Trafford will start soon, according to the France midfielder’s agent.