LiveScore Daily: Today's football news in bite-sized chunks

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Roo speaks out

Wayne Rooney believes sleeping pills are now a major issue in professional football.

Discussion has raged about the prevalence of the tablets within the modern game following Dele Alli's revealing interview with Gary Neville last week.

Among other sensitive subjects, the 27-year-old midfielder confessed he had become addicted to the prescription pills — something his former England captain Rooney says is becoming all too common.

The D.C. United boss told The Athletic: "I have seen it first hand with players. Sleeping tablets are a big problem.

"But Dele giving the interview he gave, maybe I'll now look guilty of judging him as a player and not understanding the full background and the story of where everything was.

"For young players now, it can be a real tough place in terms of social media and the scrutiny that could come. 

"You can make decisions and bad decisions, which can have a real impact on your life. And I'm sure there are a few more out there [with similar issues]."

Mikel's masterplan

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says his summer transfer activity has been crafted with his side's Champions League return in mind.

Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, Ajax defender Jurrien Timber and West Ham skipper Declan Rice have all arrived at the Emirates in what has been an impressive window for the North Londoners so far.

Speaking ahead of a pre-season clash with MLS All-Stars, Arteta explained: "It will be more difficult [next season] for sure, because the league is going to go to a different level again, which is already incredible.

"And obviously playing the Champions League, which we haven't played in many years at the club, that's why we need a different squad from what we had last year. 

"I think what we've done this summer is related to that, and we have added more quality as well, for sure.

"The way to do it is to recruit players with huge talent, but who fit in our culture as well, and I think we've done that really, really well."

Happy camp

England ace Chloe Kelly says spirits are high among the Lionesses squad ahead of the Women's World Cup kick-off.

Co-hosts New Zealand and Australia play in the tournament's first two games tomorrow, while Sarina Wiegman's Euro 2022 winners get their own campaign started against Haiti on Saturday.

Speaking on the first episode of Lionesses: Down Under connected by EE, Manchester City star Kelly was quick to point out how enjoyable her experience has been so far.

She said: "We're having so much fun. I think that's what it's all about, especially at this stage of the tournament. 

"We haven't played any matches yet, we’re really enjoying ourselves in training, but come Saturday we’ll be ready and playing with smiles on our faces."

And on the impressive support she and her team-mates have received already Down Under, she added: "It's really important that we get the support back home, but it’s also so important in the stadiums here. 

"We really embrace that and are so appreciative of our fans that are out here and have travelled so far to support us. And we’re also so appreciative of the locals that are supporting as well."

Leeds land Ampadu

Wales international Ethan Ampadu has completed a permanent move to Leeds from Chelsea.

Having joined the Blues from Exeter as a 16-year-old, Ampadu made only 12 appearances for the Premier League giants alongside loan spells with RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia.

Now 22, he will hope to lay down some firmer foundations at Elland Road, as the Whites look to bounce back to the top tier at the first attempt. 

After signing, the versatile youngster said: "When I spoke with the boss [Daniel Farke], as soon as I got off the phone call I knew what I wanted — he really impressed me. 

"He told me what he liked about me and where he thinks I can improve as a player. That all helped me choose Leeds."

Edwin improving

Ex-Manchester United and Ajax goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is out of intensive care after suffering a bleed on his brain earlier this month.

The legendary Dutchman, 52, posted an encouraging update about his condition on social media yesterday.

It read: "I'm happy to share that I'm no longer in the intensive care unit 

"However, I'm still in hospital. I hope to go home next week and take the next step in my recovery."

And on the outpouring of well-wishes sent his way, he added: "We want to thank everyone for all the great and supportive messages."

Bayern blitz

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich kicked off their pre-season with a 27-0 thumping of local side FC Rottach-Egern.

Thomas Tuchel's men showed no mercy against their amateur opponents, with Mathys Tel and former Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer netting five times each in the mauling.

The only sour note came when centre forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting limped off injured in the second half — something that could see Die Roten's pursuit of Tottenham skipper Harry Kane intensify.