Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he would never have signed striker Danny Welbeck, 23, if he had not gone to Rome to meet the Pope on transfer deadline day – (Times – subscription required)
Newcastle manager Alan Pardew admits he has lost the trust of fans at St James’ Park – (Independent)
Tottenham Hotspur have received a preliminary takeover approach from a consortium of American businessmen – (Daily Telegraph)
West Brom manager Alan Irvine has pleaded with fans to give him time to get the club’s summer signings to gel – (Guardian)
Defender Pablo Zabaleta, 29, says Manchester City are out to avenge their 3-0 humbling in the Community Shield when they take on Arsenal on Saturday – (Daily Star)