By Tim Stannard

1) Paco Alcacer passes medical ahead of move from Mestalla

Unless Real Madrid pull off something spectacular with either James or even a swoop for Leo Messi, Barcelona have won the all-important battle for being the most entertaining member of the Clasico club in the transfer market. While the Bernabeu outfit have been busy presenting players they already own, the Camp Nou has been all with the revolving door with their squad.

Last week was all about the comings and goings of goalkeepers. On Monday it’s spare strikers to sit on the bench for much of the season with Paco Alcacer passing a medical with Barcelona ahead of sealing a move from Valencia for around $33 million. Munir is expected to be heading in the opposite direction to join a relegation battle with the Mestalla club.

2) Ramos “surprised” by absence of Iker as Madrid win Spain battle

Sergio Ramos has been speaking to the world whilst on duty with Spain – yes, sorry, it’s international break time. The Real Madrid man showed that he was perhaps alone in the universe by remarking that he was “surprised” that former trouble-making teammate Iker Casillas was not part of the first squad for new boss, Julen Lopetegui.

However, Ramos was chuffed that the number of Real Madrid players in the team outnumbered those of Barcelona for the first time in forever. "It's good news that there are many Madridistas because in our club we are doing things right.” Spain are playing Belgium in a friendly on Thursday.

3) Torino harts Joe as Juve make late bid for Cuadrado

Manchester City’s Joe Hart was part of the Barcelona goalkeeping triangle last week, with Claudio Bravo taking his spot. On Monday, the English papers are reporting that the English keeper is considering a move to Torino. Sami Nasri has also been linked with Turkish club, Besiktas.

Juventus are still on the hunt for a midfielder to try and fill the Paul Pogba vacuum. The Turin club are reportedly trying to bring Juan Cuadrado back on loan again, but Antonio Conte is apparently interested in using him for Chelsea this season. Although not so far this season. 

4) Balotelli receive Nice news from France as Leicester look for slimming striker

After being touted around nearly every club in the world, Liverpool's unwanted Mario Balotelli may finally, finally, finally have found a team that wants him. That club is Ligue Un outfit, Nice, with the club president asking reporters if they have the number of the Anfield exile. Then again, it could be Palermo.

Leicester City may well be spending big before the transfer window closes on Wednesday. The reigning EPL champions have their eyes on Sporting Lisbon and Algeria striker, Islam Slimani, although the asking price of a $44 million may be a little steep for the Foxes, who recorded their first league win over the weekend.

5) Djokovic needs to leave doldrums as US Open gets underway

The US Open gets underway on Monday with a very out-of-sorts Novak Djokovic defending his men's title and in action in the evening. One of the outside chances of taking his throne, Canada's Milos Raonic has parted company with coach, John McEnroe, on the eve of the tournament due to conflicts for the American legend with his broadcasting career. 

WHAT IS SPORTS BURST?

The life philosophy of Sports Burst is that if you are not upsetting someone, then you are not trying hard enough. SB is a daily trawl and troll through the morning's sports news to bring you fact-nuggets to make you both smile and swear. Hopefully at the same time.