The Premier League will not bow to pressure to reduce in size from 20 to 18 clubs, says chief executive Richard Masters. The new season kicks off on 15 August, just three weeks on from Chelsea’s victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final as tensions continue to boil over the congested football calendar.

A former Premier League striker has advised a Chelsea star to find a new club in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Chelsea striker Marc Guiu is set to join Premier League rivals Sunderland on a season-long loan. The agreed deal is a straight loan, so the newly-promoted side will not have an option to buy Guiu once the loan spell ends.