Summary

  • Former England international Trevor Francis has died aged 69 after suffering a heart attack in Spain

  • Francis was Britain's first £1m footballer on completing a transfer from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest in 1979

  • Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal make world record bid for Kylian Mbappe

  • Top European clubs still chasing Spurs' Harry Kane

  • Galatasaray close on Wilfried Zaha signing after Palace contract expires

  • Newcastle sign Harvey Barnes as Allan Saint-Maximin closes on Al-Ahli move

  • Liverpool step up pre-season with friendly against Furth

  • Premier League Summer Series kicks off in Philadelphia

  • Get Involved: Tweet #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

Live Reporting

Harry De Cosemo and Alastair Telfer

  1. Thank you and goodbye

    Trevor FrancisGetty Images

    It has been an emotional end to the day after Trevor Francis' family released a statement confirming the former England international had passed away aged 69.

    Thanks for all of your messages and you can read more about his tragic passing and incredible career here.

    Here are the rest of today's big stories:

  2. 'Another legend gone too soon'

    Former WBC heavyweight champion Frank Bruno tweeted: "Trevor Francis RIP sad new about the sudden death of Trevor he played in an era when I watched Match of the day avidly another legend gone too soon we met a few times especially when I did events in and around the Midlands."

  3. Get Involved - Trevor Francis tributes

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    As a young and very nervous Matchtime worker I was sent to collect Trevor Francis at Old Trafford for a TV interview just after his £1m signing. I couldn't get into the players' lounge where he was a guest at a game, and we were eventually so late heading back. He was good enough to run with me from the taxi up endless stairs and along a maze of corridors at Granada studios, and I just got him to the interview. I've never forgotten that kindness and good humour in saving a lowly worker from disaster! Very sad news. RIP.

    Phil, Cumbria

  4. 'Very kind'

    Former Sheffield Wednesday striker Mark Bright tweeted: "RIP, Trevor Francis. Trev signed me when he was player/manager at Sheffield Wednesday The club experienced some great times in the early 90’s, both Trev his wife Helen, were very kind in helping me to settle in at the club, I greatly appreciated it then & now. Love to sons Matthew & James."

  5. Get Involved - Trevor Francis tributes

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    He is also a legend at Hillsborough. He was only at Wednesday a few years but 70+ appearances and scored vital goals. Who could forget the FA Cup semi at Wembley as a manager.

    Anon

    A sad day, Trevor and Forest brought joy in my youth.

    George

  6. 'One of the best'

    The EFL's official account has tweeted: "One of the best English football has ever seen. Rest in peace, Trevor Francis."

  7. 'Well respected'

    Former Birmingham defender Paul Robinson tweeted: "I had the pleasure in meeting Trevor numerous times whilst at Birmingham. A fantastic man who was well respected around the club and the footballing world. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends at this difficult time."

  8. 'Deepest condolences'

    Former England goalkeeper David Seaman tweeted: "Very sorry to hear that Trevor Francis, my old team mate and manager has sadly passed away…sending my deepest condolences to his family."

  9. Get Involved - Trevor Francis tributes

    Tweet #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    I'm only 23, so obviously never saw him play. But the stories about Francis and his legacy at Forest were always being told. For the club's 150th anniversary, I got Francis seven on the back of it. Absolute legend!

    Elliott Stockdale

  10. 'One in a million'

    Former Liverpool and Nottingham Forest striker Stan Collymore tweeted: "The loveliest of men, humble, humorous, always giving of his time and advice. Absolutely gutted that Trev has gone, they say never meet your heroes, well, I met mine and he was an absolute gentleman. Rest in peace, Ledge, one in a million."

  11. Tributes welcome at St Andrew's

    Birmingham City

    Birmingham City have followed up on their initial tweet (15:16): "If supporters wish to pay their respects, there is a designated area towards the Ticket Office at St. Andrew’s, where tributes can be placed."

  12. 'Our thoughts are with Trevor's family and friends'

    QPR

    Queens Park Rangers have tweeted: "Everyone at QPR has been saddened to learn of the passing of former player and manager Trevor Francis. Our thoughts are with Trevor’s family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace."

  13. 'What a player'

    Chris Kamara tweeted: "Oh no, just heard Trevor Francis has passed away. What a player he was & what a gentleman. Got to know him well when Trevor was doing his Co Commentary’s for Sky a job he loved. RIP Trevor the first Million pound player who always looked a million dollars."

  14. 'A true legend'

    Aston Villa

    Aston Villa have tweeted: "Everyone at Aston Villa is deeply saddened by the passing of Trevor Francis, a true legend of the game, especially in the Midlands but also across the football world. The thoughts of all at the club are with Trevor’s family and friends and everyone at Birmingham City at this time."

  15. Get Involved - Trevor Francis tributes

    Tweet #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Trevor FrancisGetty Images

    Trevor Francis, quite simply the greatest Birmingham City player ever, my all time sporting hero, and the reason why I made my Dad start to take me to St Andrews as an eight year old in 1971-72 season!! RIP Trevor, you’ll never be forgotten at St Andrews!!

    Steve Bailey, Birmingham

  16. 'A giant of the Club'

    Birmingham City

    Birmingham City have tweeted: "Blues is deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Club legend Trevor Francis, at the age of 69 on Monday 24 July 2023.

    "Trevor will forever be revered as a giant of the Club, the player everyone wanted to see. He represented Blues on 330 occasions, scoring 133 goals

    "Blues sends its thoughts and deepest sympathies to Trevor’s family and friends."

  17. Get Involved - Trevor Francis tributes

    Tweet #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    Terribly sad news about Trev Francis only 69 too. Great player and always seemed to be a great bloke. Condolences to his family. RIP Trev.

    Steve, Stourbridge

    So sad Trevor Francis has passed, two time European Cup winner with Forest in 1979 scoring the winner but then cruelly missing 1980 final through injury. The best million pound football player ever. RIP.

    Anon

  18. 'Deeply saddened'

    England

    The England national team account has tweeted: "We are deeply saddened by the news that Trevor Francis has passed away aged 69. He won 52 caps and scored 12 goals – including two at the 1982 World Cup – for the Three Lions between 1977 and 1986. All of our thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs."

  19. Get Involved - Trevor Francis tributes

    Tweet #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    RIP Trevor Francis. First 1million pound player, Forest legend and great human.

    Simon

    Trevor FrancisGetty Images

  20. Get Involved - Trevor Francis tributes

    Tweet #bbcfootball, WhatsApp 03301231826, text 81111 (UK only, standard rates apply)

    We want to hear your memories of Trevor Francis, the man many are calling 'wonderful'.

    Share them with us in the usual ways and we will share as many as we can.