Sky Sports

Tottenham Hotspur have rejected a takeover proposal from an American consortium and have reaffirmed their "not for sale" stance regarding the club.

In a statement on Friday, the Spurs board, led by majority shareholders ENIC group, announced it has "received and unequivocally rejected" an informal expression of interest by a consortium led by Brooklyn Earick, a former DJ who used to work at NASA.

The informal approach - which came some time ago - came through an email to check whether the club was for sale. There were no advisors to the approach, nor any proof of funds.

"The board of the club and ENIC reconfirm that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and ENIC is not looking to sell its stake in the club," the Spurs statement, made by new non-executive chairman Peter Charrington, read.

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The US consortium now has until 5pm on October 24 to either announce a firm intention to make an offer for the club or not.

On his Instagram account on Friday, Earick posted a photo of the Spurs dressing room with a countdown to the deadline.

A source close to the Lewis family who run Spurs said: "This unsolicited and unnecessary interest does nothing to change the family's resolve and commitment to do whatever it takes to drive success on the pitch. The club is not for sale."

The news follows Daniel Levy's departure from the club after nearly 25 years as executive chairman.

Levy's exit led to further speculation that the Lewis family are preparing for a potential sale - something that has been rumoured in football for some time. Sky Sports News has been told the decision was taken in pursuit of long-term success and building on the foundations of their Europa League triumph.

Frank: My interactions with Lewis family have been good

Spurs head coach Thomas Frank, who was appointed by Levy and the Spurs board in the summer, said his interactions with the Lewis family have been "good" amid this latest takeover proposal.

"You can say the start of my time here was very stable," Frank said. "Daniel has been here for almost 25 years, and then the change came - okay, I didn't expect that.

"Since then, the Lewis family have been very transparent and good in the way they have communicated that the club is not for sale.

"Vinai [Venkatesham, Spurs' CEO] has been on top of everything and has been very clear, so for me I feel a very stable environment.

"I have learned over a lot of years that the only thing which helps me and the team is to fully focus on the team and the players.

"I've said two or three times before, I've had some interactions with the Lewis family. It's been good."

Who is Brooklyn Earick?

Earick is an American tech industry expert, who founded Redacted RnD, a company with a focus on technology, sports, media and entertainment.

The 41-year-old also founded Algorith Capital, an investment fund entity.

In his earlier days, Earick was a DJ and secured a record deal with Warner Records. He also performed at the Sundance Music Festival.

He then changed careers after suffering from burnout and secured an internship at NASA as an electrical engineer in the small spacecraft division.

Earick's Redacted RnD group was said to be in talks over buying Maserati's Formula E team, but the move fell through.

Tottenham Hotspur have rejected a takeover proposal from an American consortium and have reaffirmed their "not for sale" stance regarding the club.

In a statement on Friday, the Spurs board, led by majority shareholders ENIC group, announced it has "received and unequivocally rejected" an informal expression of interest by a consortium led by Brooklyn Earick, a former DJ who used to work at NASA.

The informal approach - which came some time ago - came through an email to check whether the club was for sale. There were no advisors to the approach, nor any proof of funds.

"The board of the club and ENIC reconfirm that Tottenham Hotspur is not for sale and ENIC is not looking to sell its stake in the club," the Spurs statement, made by new non-executive chairman Peter Charrington, read.

Transfer Centre LIVE! | Tottenham news & transfers⚪

Spurs fixtures & scores | FREE highlights▶️

Got Sky? Watch Tottenham games LIVE on your phone📱

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺

The US consortium now has until 5pm on October 24 to either announce a firm intention to make an offer for the club or not.

On his Instagram account on Friday, Earick posted a photo of the Spurs dressing room with a countdown to the deadline.

A source close to the Lewis family who run Spurs said: "This unsolicited and unnecessary interest does nothing to change the family's resolve and commitment to do whatever it takes to drive success on the pitch. The club is not for sale."

The news follows Daniel Levy's departure from the club after nearly 25 years as executive chairman.

Levy's exit led to further speculation that the Lewis family are preparing for a potential sale - something that has been rumoured in football for some time. Sky Sports News has been told the decision was taken in pursuit of long-term success and building on the foundations of their Europa League triumph.

Frank: My interactions with Lewis family have been good

Spurs head coach Thomas Frank, who was appointed by Levy and the Spurs board in the summer, said his interactions with the Lewis family have been "good" amid this latest takeover proposal.

"You can say the start of my time here was very stable," Frank said. "Daniel has been here for almost 25 years, and then the change came - okay, I didn't expect that.

"Since then, the Lewis family have been very transparent and good in the way they have communicated that the club is not for sale.

"Vinai [Venkatesham, Spurs' CEO] has been on top of everything and has been very clear, so for me I feel a very stable environment.

"I have learned over a lot of years that the only thing which helps me and the team is to fully focus on the team and the players.

"I've said two or three times before, I've had some interactions with the Lewis family. It's been good."

Who is Brooklyn Earick?

Earick is an American tech industry expert, who founded Redacted RnD, a company with a focus on technology, sports, media and entertainment.

The 41-year-old also founded Algorith Capital, an investment fund entity.

In his earlier days, Earick was a DJ and secured a record deal with Warner Records. He also performed at the Sundance Music Festival.

He then changed careers after suffering from burnout and secured an internship at NASA as an electrical engineer in the small spacecraft division.

Earick's Redacted RnD group was said to be in talks over buying Maserati's Formula E team, but the move fell through.

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Chelsea 0-0 Brighton

Chelsea 0-0 Brighton

Chelsea 0-0 Brighton

KICK OFF: We’re underway at Stamford Bridge! Chelsea in their traditional blue, Brighton in their yellow strip, as Enzo Maresca’s side look to build on that midweek Carabao Cup win.

A big afternoon ahead in West London. Can the Blues get back to winning ways in the Premier League, or will Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton spring a surprise on the road?

Chelsea vs Brighton LIVE!

Sky Sports' Oliver Yew at Stamford Bridge:

"Plenty of jeers from the away end for the former Brighton stars as the Chelsea line up is read out again.

"There's plenty of them, which adds a bit of spice to this game."

Kick off approaching!

The players are on the pitch, and kick off is imminent!

Team news reminder!

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Caicedo, Estevao, Enzo, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro.

Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadioglu, Baleba, Gomez, Ayari, Minteh, Georginio, Mitoma.

Alejandro Garnacho not in XI

Once again, there’s no starting place in the Premier League for Alejandro Garnacho, who begins on the bench.

The winger came on late at Old Trafford but hasn’t done enough to force his way into Enzo Maresca’s starting XI today.

With Estevao and Pedro Neto preferred out wide, Garnacho will be hoping to make an impact off the bench this afternoon.

'Home comforts could prove decisive for Blues'

Sky Sports' Oliver Yew at Stamford Bridge:

"Chelsea come into this game without a win in two in the Premier League.

"They let slip a last-gasp lead at Brentford, while goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off early in the defeat at Old Trafford.

"However, the Blues will be delighted to be back in front of their own fans this weekend.

"The Blues Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 12 home Premier League games, winning nine and drawing three.

"They have also kept seven clean sheets in their last nine at Stamford Bridge and they’re are looking for four home clean sheets in a row for the first time since their first five under Thomas Tuchel between January and March 2021."

All set for an entertaining game...

Brighton have won three of their last six league meetings with Chelsea (L3), this after winning none of their first 14 beforehand (D4 L10).

'Chelsea not building a squad that can win the league'

Paul Merson says Chelsea's model for buying players doesn't allow them to buy a top goalkeeper and that they are not building a squad capable of winning the Premier League.

Read his full column below...

Paul Merson says Chelsea's model doesn't allow them to buy a top goalkeeper asks if squad is capable of winning Premier league

Sky Sports

Hato set to make Stamford Bridge debut

A big day for Jorrel Hato, who makes his home debut for Chelsea from the start today this afternoon.

The Blues paid an initial £35.5m plus add-ons for the 19-year-old defender, who joined from Ajax on a seven-year deal earlier this summer.

A versatile option at the back, Hato’s composure and ball-playing ability must have already impressed Enzo Maresca!

Do Chelsea have a Palmer problem - or are issues hidden elsewhere?

Do Chelsea have a Cole Palmer problem?

Palmer has suffered a drop off in form and has picked up a groin injury, but is still Chelsea's best player.

His importance to the club's success under Enzo Maresca is more apparent then ever, which beckons the question: is Palmer's form actually indicative of issues elsewhere?

Read Laura Hunter's feature below...

Cole Palmer and Chelsea: Injuries, fatigue and form - what are the big issues and how are they best solved?

Sky Sports

Your match officials for this afternoon...

Today’s referee at Stamford Bridge is Simon Hooper. He’s assisted by Adrian Holmes and Simon Long, with Ruebyn Ricardo the fourth official.

Darren England is on VAR duties, supported by Assistant VAR Gary Beswick.

Can Brighton keep Joao Pedro quiet?

Sky Sports' Oliver Yew at Stamford Bridge:

"Brighton will not need any reminding of the talents of Joao Pedro.

"They come up against their former forward and keeping him quiet this afternoon may be key to their chances of coming away from west London with something.

The 24-year-old has hit the ground running since joining the Blues for £60m in the summer. He's already registered five goals and three assists in nine outings for Enzo Maresca's Blues.

"In the absence of the inured Cole Palmer, he's going to be vital for Chelsea this afternoon."

Brighton hoping for a clean sheet?

Brighton and Hove Albion have only kept one clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League matches, a 2–0 win over Wolves in May. Since the start of 2023–24, the only ever-present sides with fewer clean sheets than the Seagulls (14) are West Ham and Wolves (13 each).

Gomez rewarded for midweek efforts

Brighton have made one change from their 2-2 draw against Tottenham last weekend.

Diego Gomez is rewarded after his four-goal haul in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley in midweek.

He replaces Brajan Gruda in the starting XI.

Two changes from Chelsea's trip to Old Trafford

Enzo Maresca makes two changes from the side beaten 2-1 at Old Trafford last weekend. Hato replaces Fofana at the back, while Andrey Santos comes into midfield in place of Cole Palmer.

Reece James captains the side, with Robert Sanchez returning in goal after serving a one-match suspension.

The Spaniard was sent off for denying a goal-scoring opportunity in the defeat to Manchester United, missing the midweek Carabao Cup win over Lincoln City.

Brighton team news

Team to face Chelsea: Verbruggen, Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadioglu, Baleba, Gomez, Ayari, Minteh, Georginio, Mitoma.

Subs: Steele, Gruda, Tzimas, Welbeck, Milner, Boscagli, Wieffer, De Cuyper, Coppola.

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Chelsea team news

Lineup to face Brighton: Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Caicedo, Estevao, Enzo, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro.

Subs: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Gusto, Badiashile, Lavia, Gittens, Garnacho, George, Guiu.

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'Big week coming up for Chelsea'

Sky Sports' Paul Merson:

"It's been so stop-start from Chelsea so far this season.

"People have said, 'oh it was good at Bayern Munich'. It was only alright. They didn't rip it up and they didn't really take the game to Bayern Munich. I thought Bayern were in second gear at times.

"It's now a big week for Chelsea.

"This weekend against Brighton - they always do well at Chelsea. That's why Chelsea end up buying all their players.

"Everyone will be trying for Brighton this weekend because they're on trial, ready to get their £50m or £60m move in January. It's unreal how many players have made that move.

"All the Brighton players will have got an early night on Friday."

Crystal Palace 0-0 Liverpool

Crystal Palace 0-0 Liverpool

Palace got the better of Liverpool on penalties in the community shield - can they cause another upset against the champions today?

Here come the players!

The Crystal Palace and Liverpool players make their way onto the turf at Selhurst Park - and we're closing in on kick off!

Glasner: We need to create chances

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner to Sky Sports:

"[Structure] is very important today. We have to be compact. You can't just defend, we need pressure and to create chances in their half, and that's the plan"

Slot: Isak is ready

Liverpool manager Arne Slot to Sky Sports:

"He's getting more and more ready - he's already with us longer now. He knows his teammates better. He's the most ready now, but unfortunately we face a very strong team today.

"One of their strengths is their discipline. They don't give away many opportunities. We have to match their intensity"

Murray: Palace a tough test for Isak

Former Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray on Soccer Saturday:

"They'll want him up to speed as soon as possible, but it's going to be a tough test against this Crystal Palace team - they aren't going to give him much space to get in behind.

"When you're Alexander Isak, you have a whole host of ways that you can score goals - there's no doubt he can be the difference."

Sarr looks sharp as he prepares to hurt Liverpool again

Sky Sports' Peter Smith at Selhurst Park:

"Sarr has just cracked a shot into the top corner in front of me as the Palace players go through their pre-match shooting drill.

"It's a big boost for the home side to have him back. An integral player in their success last season - and a big influence at Wembley in August, too.

"He won the penalty for Mateta to score Palace's first and then tucked in their second before scoring in the shootout.

"Sarr gave Van Dijk a tough afternoon that day. Can he trouble the Dutchman and this Liverpool defence again today? He looks sharp after his spell on the sidelines."

How they could shape up...

Gravenberch to maintain his scoring streak?

Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch has scored two goals in his last four Premier League appearances, more than he managed in his first 63 games (1).

He is averaging 1.8 shots per 90 minutes in 2025-26, having only averaged 0.6 per 90 last season.

Guehi focused on Palace project after Liverpool move falls through

Marc Guehi makes no mention of his failed move to Liverpool in his captain's notes in today's match programme - perhaps no surprise!

But nonetheless it is a talking point this afternoon, especially with Liverpool's defensive resources being hit by the injury to Giovanni Leoni.

Guehi writes: "...on our day we have the ability to compete with the very best sides in the world" in reference to Palace's penalty shootout win over Liverpool in the Community Shield.

Regardless of all the off-pitch noise about his future, Guehi and his Palace team-mates will be hoping to deliver another statement performance today.

Behind the scenes at Selhurst...

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Salah two goal involvements off another record

Since the start of last season, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has been involved in 51 Premier League goals (31 goals, 20 assists), 20 more than any other player.

He has 274 goal involvements for the Reds (186 goals, 88 assists), just two shy of the record for a single club – Wayne Rooney for Manchester United (183 goals, 93 assists).

The venue

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Remembering Jota - the difference maker in this game last season

Last season the late Diogo Jota’s ninth minute goal was all that separated the sides at Selhurst Park, giving Liverpool victory in October.

Liverpool fans will remember him in the 20th minute again today.

Slot: Palace are hard to score against

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was asked what the biggest challenge facing Crystal Palace is - and he said it was breaking down Oliver Glasner's defence.

"It's very hard to score goals against them," Slot said in Friday's pre-match press conference.

"It's a difficult team to score against. They've improved, especially compared to the first time we played them at the beginning of last season.

"We have players who can score goals, the quality as a team to create chances for our front three or four players. Because of the way they play and line up as a 5-2-3 or 5-4-1, it's not easy to create against. When we create, we will be smart to score as soon as we can.

"You can only score a winner if you prevent the other team from scoring as well. You do see teams that attack a lot, who get frustrated and then in transition, don't sprint back as fast as we do. We work really hard, that is one of our strengths."

Guehi starts as Sarr makes his return from injury

Marc Guehi faces off against the team he so nearly joined on deadline day!

The Crystal Palace captain leads a side which is changed by just one from the line-up which went out for the win against West Ham last weekend.

And it's a big boost for Palace, with Ismaila Sarr fit again after his thigh problem to come straight into the XI. Will Hughes makes way.

There is more positive news for Palace, with Yeremy Pino fit to start after hurting his knee in that game at West Ham.

British-record buy Isak makes first PL start for Liverpool

Alexander Isak makes his first Premier League start for Liverpool today, while Florian Wirtz is also back into the Reds' XI.

Isak scored his first goal for his new club on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup against Southampton. Arne Slot is managing his minutes after his disrupted pre-season but Hugo Ekitike's suspension for his red card later in that cup game means Isak goes from the off again here.

It's good news for Wirtz, too, who began on the bench last weekend in the Merseyside derby and didn't feature in the squad on Tuesday night. Cody Gakpo is among the subs - and that's the other change from the win over Everton last time out in the league.

Giovanni Leoni, of course, isn't involved after his ACL against Southampton, which means Joe Gomez is the back-up should Arne Slot need to make a change at centre-back.

Liverpool team news

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Crystal Palace team news

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Joao Palhinha scored an overhead kick opener to help Tottenham beat League One side Doncaster 3-0 at home in the Carabao Cup third round.

Thomas Frank's side have been handed a tough draw in the fourth round as they travel to holders Newcastle, with the tie taking place in the week commencing October 27.

Palhinha was one of four players to retain his place against Doncaster from Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw at Brighton as Frank made seven changes.

Match stats | How the teams lined up

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The Portugal international, who played at centre-back, struck an acrobatic 14th-minute goal from a corner as he pounced on Doncaster goalkeeper Ian Lawlor's poor punch to finish wonderfully into an empty net.

"Joao's been very good for us since he joined," Frank said after the game. "He slotted into that centre-back role, played very well and scored a goal. I'm very pleased."

Spurs doubled their lead just three minutes later as Doncaster defender Jay McGrath turned Wilson Odobert's fizzing low cross into his own net.

Doncaster were denied a route back into the game by Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who made a fabulous 39th-minute save to tip Owen Bailey's first-time volley across goal onto the post.

Spurs struggled in the second half as they had less of the ball than their lower-league visitors, who lacked the final-third quality to threaten a comeback.

There was a Spurs debut late on for 16-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett - and the academy graduate nearly had a hand in a goal as he played in Destiny Udogie, whose ball across was tapped home by Lucas Bergvall, but Brennan Johnson was offside in the build-up.

Johnson, however, made up for his error by scoring with the final touch of the game in stoppage time as he deftly finished off his one-on-one chance after being released by Bergvall.

The victory means Spurs have progressed from 18 of their last 19 League Cup ties against sides from a lower division.

Tottenham now turn their attentions back to the Premier League as they host bottom-side Wolves on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

McCann 'disappointed' with goals conceded vs Spurs

Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann:

"I was disappointed with the goals we conceded.

"I don't think we made it hard for them to score against us but in between that, especially in the second half, it was an excellent performance."

The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday's newspapers...

THE SUN

A US consortium has launched a £4.5bn takeover bid for Tottenham, with plans for a big transfer spend in January and naming rights for the club's stadium.

Manchester United are close to signing another goalkeeper - England U16 international Charlie Hardy from Derby County.

Rio Ngumoha's Liverpool contract will see the 17-year-old earn £52,000 per year - a quadruple increase on what he was on before.

Huddersfield Town have taken complete ownership of their stadium.

Transfer Centre LIVE! Deals, rumours, news on your phone

Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from this season

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THE ATHLETIC

Liverpool have issued 1,114 lifetime bans to supporters and closed 45,000 fake accounts in their latest crack down on ticket touting.

FIFA has confirmed Clutch, Zayu, and Maple as the mascots for the 2026 men's World Cup, with a bald eagle, a jaguar, and a moose representing the three co-hosting nations: The United States, Canada, and Mexico.

TELEGRAPH

Graham Potter retains the backing of senior players at West Ham, who believe he can turn the team's form around.

SCOTTISH SUN

Nico Raskin's grandad has revealed the Rangers midfielder was 'disappointed' when his summer exit fell through.

Sunday Supplement on Sky Sports News

Sunday Supplement is back on Sky Sports News, bringing you the latest and best analysis from the latest football stories.

Dharmesh Sheth is joined by the best journalists from the Sunday papers to offer their expert insight.

Join them from 9am to 11am every Sunday for the new-look Sunday Supplement.

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Liverpool vs Man Utd - watch live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Showcase; kick-off 12pm

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Sky to show 90 per cent of all WSL games from 2025/26

Sky Sports has begun a new five-year partnership with the WSL, showing 90 per cent of all Women's Super League matches from the 2025/26 season. Sky Sports will show 118 live games, including 78 exclusively

From this season, most Women's Super League matches will kick-off at 12pm on Sundays - subject to stadium availability - giving fans a regular and accessible viewing window.

Sky Sports will broadcast matches concurrently across channels, including Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports+ and the Sky Sports app, offering greater choice and visibility.

The Sky Sports app also makes it easier than ever to follow the action on mobile with vertical video highlights, match centres packed with scores and stats available for FREE to all fans, plus live streams for Sky Sports customers.

Joao Palhinha scored an overhead kick opener to help Tottenham beat League One side Doncaster 3-0 at home in the Carabao Cup third round.

Thomas Frank's side have been handed a tough draw in the fourth round as they travel to holders Newcastle, with the tie taking place in the week commencing October 27.

Palhinha was one of four players to retain his place against Doncaster from Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw at Brighton as Frank made seven changes.

Match stats | How the teams lined up

Got Sky? Watch Carabao Cup on the Sky Sports app 📱

Not got Sky? Get instant access with no contract📺

The Portugal international, who played at centre-back, struck an acrobatic 14th-minute goal from a corner as he pounced on Doncaster goalkeeper Ian Lawlor's poor punch to finish wonderfully into an empty net.

"Joao's been very good for us since he joined," Frank said after the game. "He slotted into that centre-back role, played very well and scored a goal. I'm very pleased."

Spurs doubled their lead just three minutes later as Doncaster defender Jay McGrath turned Wilson Odobert's fizzing low cross into his own net.

Doncaster were denied a route back into the game by Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who made a fabulous 39th-minute save to tip Owen Bailey's first-time volley across goal onto the post.

Spurs struggled in the second half as they had less of the ball than their lower-league visitors, who lacked the final-third quality to threaten a comeback.

There was a Spurs debut late on for 16-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett - and the academy graduate nearly had a hand in a goal as he played in Destiny Udogie, whose ball across was tapped home by Lucas Bergvall, but Brennan Johnson was offside in the build-up.

Johnson, however, made up for his error by scoring with the final touch of the game in stoppage time as he deftly finished off his one-on-one chance after being released by Bergvall.

The victory means Spurs have progressed from 18 of their last 19 League Cup ties against sides from a lower division.

Tottenham now turn their attentions back to the Premier League as they host bottom-side Wolves on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

McCann 'disappointed' with goals conceded vs Spurs

Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann:

"I was disappointed with the goals we conceded.

"I don't think we made it hard for them to score against us but in between that, especially in the second half, it was an excellent performance."

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