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AC Milan has reportedly submitted a €60 million offer for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, emerging as serious contenders for the Uruguayan. This development follows Napoli's withdrawal from pursuing the player after their earlier bid of €50 million plus €5 million in bonuses was rejected by Liverpool as insufficient. Napoli, frustrated by Liverpool's valuation, has shifted its focus to Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca, expected to cost around €34 million. With Napoli out of the picture, AC Milan's offer is seen as aligning more closely with Liverpool's expectations, potentially facilitating further talks. Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal also remains firmly interested in Nunez and could return with a counteroffer, giving both Liverpool and the player options. Nunez's future has been a persistent topic this summer, with a growing sense that a fresh start might be beneficial for all parties after a mixed season under manager Arne Slot. The key difference between the collapsed Napoli move and the potential Milan transfer is the reported offer meeting Liverpool's valuation. With Milan and Al-Hilal seriously involved and the player open to a move, Liverpool may have reached a decisive point in negotiations regarding Nunez's future.
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The Dallas Cowboys, facing diminished expectations after a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024 where quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending injury in Week 9, are surprisingly viewed as an under-the-radar team heading into the 2025 NFL season. Despite Prescott's expected full recovery and offseason roster upgrades, external expectations outside the organization are reportedly low. However, analyst Mike Jones labeled the Cowboys as underrated, citing Prescott's healthy return as key to improving an offense that struggled without him. Jones suggested the pairing of new receiver George Pickens with holdovers CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and tight end Jake Ferguson could create a potent attack if Pickens matures, making a playoff push behind Philadelphia and contending with Washington plausible. The analysis argues the Cowboys should not be overlooked. Before his injury, Prescott was performing near an MVP level. With new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Prescott is anticipated to return to the upper echelon of quarterbacks. While acknowledging some roster weaknesses, the piece concludes the Cowboys possess enough offensive firepower to compete significantly in the NFC. The team faces a challenge in the highly competitive NFC East division, but with a healthy Prescott and a dynamic new receiver duo, Dallas is positioned as a team requiring close attention in the upcoming season.
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Arsenal are finalizing a new long-term contract for midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, effectively ending any possibility of his departure. Nwaneri, whose current deal had entered its final 12 months, attracted significant interest from Premier League and foreign clubs. However, the England Under-21 international prioritized staying at Arsenal, the club he joined at age eight. Negotiations accelerated upon his return from representing England and taking a holiday, as Arsenal could only propose new terms after he turned 18 in late March. The academy graduate is now ready to commit. Nwaneri enjoyed a breakthrough 2024-25 season, contributing nine goals and two assists across 37 appearances for Mikel Arteta's team. This substantial playing time for a young talent meant game time assurances were not a demand during contract talks. He was primarily deployed on the right side of Arsenal's attack, featuring prominently when Bukayo Saka was injured, and is expected to soon occupy a more central role, providing competition and back-up for captain Martin Odegaard. Analysis highlights Nwaneri's clear ambition. Despite his nine-goal season, he publicly stated he aimed for ten. He identified his goal against Manchester City as his standout moment from the season. Nwaneri also achieved notable Champions League milestones, becoming the youngest player to score in successive Champions League games (against Girona and PSV Eindhoven) and is now the third-youngest scorer in a Champions League knockout game, behind Jude Bellingham and Bojan.
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Morgan Gibbs-White has resumed training with Nottingham Forest and engaged in further discussions with club management amidst an ongoing dispute over his failed transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. The proposed £60 million move to Spurs collapsed last week after Forest reported Tottenham to the Premier League for an alleged illegal approach, accusing them of tapping up the player by making unauthorized contact. Gibbs-White, who had been granted extended leave following his participation with England in June, returned to Forest's training ground on Monday; Spurs are thought to have activated his release clause, but Forest contend the approach violated regulations. In response, Forest have formally instructed Tottenham to cease all communication with Gibbs-White and have submitted written complaints to both Spurs and the Premier League, escalating the conflict. Premier League officials are now expected to consider an investigation, and if Tottenham are found guilty of misconduct, potential penalties include a substantial fine or a transfer ban.
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AC Milan have recently made contact with striker Dusan Vlahovic, driven by manager Max Allegri's desire to reunite with the player after their time together at Juventus. Milan continues to pursue this move despite existing obstacles. Vlahovic's contract with Juventus expires in June 2026, and a contract renewal in Turin appears improbable. Consequently, a sale this summer is highly likely, with Juventus potentially allowing him to leave for a relatively affordable transfer fee of €20 million. However, the low transfer fee is offset by Vlahovic's substantial salary demands; he would bring an expensive wage of €12 million per season from Juventus. Despite this financial hurdle, the relationship between Vlahovic and Allegri remains strong following the initial contact revealed on June 7th, with further recent communication taking place. Maintaining Milan's position in the race for Vlahovic is becoming increasingly important as the weeks pass. Allegri was instrumental in bringing the Serbian striker to Juventus from Fiorentina originally. Therefore, while acknowledging a long road ahead with many obstacles, Milan remains alert and attentive to the possibility of signing Vlahovic.
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Müller Yogurt & Desserts has launched a new limited-edition Raspberry and White Chocolate flavour of Müller Rice, developed in collaboration with England international footballer Declan Rice. This marks the brand's first limited-edition release in five years. The new product leverages Müller's original creamy rice pudding recipe and is positioned as a convenient snack or post-meal treat, aiming to cater to the growing demand for such options. It is HFSS-compliant, appealing to health-conscious consumers, and specifically targets a younger demographic. This launch builds on Müller Rice's ongoing partnership with Declan Rice, which began in 2022 and has already contributed to an 11% increase in volume sales for the brand. The Raspberry and White Chocolate Müller Rice will be initially available exclusively at Asda before rolling out to additional retailers in September. Talar El Asswad, marketing director at Müller Yogurt & Desserts, stated that positive feedback on the partnership encouraged this flavour collaboration as a vital step to attract a younger audience to the Müller Rice brand through innovation. Müller UK & Ireland, part of Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller, is a major FMCG player in Great Britain with a wide range of dairy products.
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Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has declared that the club's Club World Cup victory demonstrates they are ready to win either the Premier League or Champions League as soon as next season. Colwill made this statement following Chelsea's shock 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Sunday, a victory that crowned them world champions for the next four years in FIFA's expanded global tournament. He personally set up Cole Palmer's second goal in the win. Colwill expressed strong confidence in the team's future success, stating "Yeah, definitely" when asked if Chelsea could build on this triumph to win major European or domestic titles. He recalled that people initially thought he was "crazy" when he predicted winning the Club World Cup at the start of the tournament, and he is now making the same bold prediction for the Premier League and Champions League. He described the Club World Cup as "the biggest trophy I've ever won," believing it will be bigger than the Champions League and highlighting that Chelsea were the first team to win the revamped competition. Colwill called the win a "statement victory" and believes consistent trophy wins will earn the team deserved respect, though he acknowledges the future will reveal the outcome, asserting "I think we're ready and we'll see next season." The victory marks a significant achievement for Chelsea under manager Enzo Maresca, coming after they finished fourth in the Premier League and won the Conference League last season. It also represents the first major success for co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital since their 2022 takeover, despite their strategy of signing young players on long contracts facing criticism. Colwill, however, believes Chelsea now possess a winning team capable of emulating the club's past glory days led by legends like John Terry, Frank Lampard, and Didier Drogba. He emphasized the team identity and unity, stating "we're carrying it on" and that the current squad, filled with talented young players, has the plan "to win the biggest trophies for Chelsea."
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The NFL is experiencing a shift in contract norms, with second-round draft picks now seeking fully guaranteed deals—previously reserved for first-round selections. Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins have already secured such contracts, setting a new precedent for their draft class. As training camp approaches, the remaining 30 unsigned second-round rookies face contract uncertainties. Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre Harris initiated a holdout for guaranteed money, potentially triggering similar actions across the league. Baltimore Ravens edge defender Mike Green (59th overall pick) is among those likely to follow, despite complicating factors in his negotiations. Green, a first-round talent who recorded 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss in his final college season at Marshall, fell to the second round due to two pending sexual assault charges that led to his dismissal from Virginia's football program in 2022. While the Ravens conducted thorough investigations and express confidence in his character, these allegations create additional hurdles in contract discussions. Baltimore rookies report to camp by July 15, creating urgency for a resolution. Green's potential absence would impact the Ravens' defense significantly, as he addresses their 2024 shortcomings in pass-rush consistency and explosiveness. His leverage stems from projected stardom, yet the organization must weigh the risks of offering guarantees amid unresolved legal concerns.
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Bologna are reportedly targeting Brazilian forward Wesley Gassova, as indicated by Sky Sport Italia, despite his €18m transfer to Al-Nassr in August 2024. The 20-year-old, who has earned nine caps for Brazil's Under-20 team, previously played for Corinthians before joining the Saudi Pro League club. At Al-Nassr, Wesley became teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo and worked briefly under Italian coach Stefano Pioli. Bologna's interest emerges as a potential contingency plan should they decide to sell Dan Ndoye this summer, though CEO Claudio Fenucci recently stated the club has "no need to sell anymore players" following Sam Beukema's transfer to Napoli, casting doubt on Ndoye's departure. Wesley offers tactical versatility, capable of playing on either wing in a trident attack or as a central supporting striker. During his debut season with Al-Nassr, he made 22 appearances across all competitions, contributing one goal and three assists.
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Barcelona is targeting a return to the renovated Camp Nou stadium after the September international break. The club plans to host the Joan Gamper Trophy match there as a test event before resuming La Liga and UEFA Champions League games, marking the first event since construction began on August 10th. Initial plans for 60,000 spectators at the Gamper Trophy have been reduced to 25,000-35,000 due to construction delays, with stands behind the goals remaining closed. Barcelona has secured the first of two required council licenses (for activities and construction), but needs a "first entrance" license after completing necessary stadium work. A private test event without fans is scheduled for July 28th to ensure safety compliance. No competitive matches will occur before Barcelona's September 13/14 home game against Valencia. UEFA officials have confirmed the stadium will be ready for Champions League matches, aligning with La Liga's return timeline.
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Former Washington Commanders running back Adrian Peterson is officially set to participate in a celebrity boxing match against Joe Castaneda, the same individual he was involved in a physical altercation with at a Houston poker game back in May. The initial fight, captured on video, went viral after Peterson was identified. According to TMZ Sports, Peterson has signed on for the boxing bout and is reportedly "taking it seriously," with Castaneda also agreeing to compete. The report clarifies that while both men are serious about the fight, it is purely a competition and there is no lingering animosity between them following the resolution of their issues from the poker game incident. Peterson, 40, retired from the NFL not long after his time with Washington. Following his stint with Washington, he played 16 games for the Detroit Lions in 2020, rushing for over 600 yards on 156 carries. His final NFL season in 2021 saw brief appearances with the Tennessee Titans (3 games, 27 carries) and the Seattle Seahawks. Before joining Washington in 2018, Peterson's career appeared to be declining. After rushing for 1,485 yards with the Minnesota Vikings in 2015, a knee injury limited him to just 3 games and 72 yards in 2016. In 2017, he played four games for the New Orleans Saints before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he rushed for 448 yards and two touchdowns over six games. Signing with Washington in 2018 revitalized Peterson. He rushed for 1,042 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games that season. He re-signed in 2019, appearing in 15 games and producing 898 yards with five touchdowns. Although his time with Washington was relatively short, it was impactful. He retired with nearly 15,000 career rushing yards and exactly 120 touchdowns. Peterson is now focusing on this upcoming boxing match. It remains unclear if he will pursue more fights after this, but he is reportedly looking forward to competing again.
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Chelsea is preparing for the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain while simultaneously planning squad reinforcements for next season, particularly focusing on their return to the Champions League. The club has already signed Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens this summer and is known to be seeking a centre-back and goalkeeper. Additionally, Chelsea is now looking to add a new midfielder to their squad. Chelsea's interest has centered on Barcelona's Marc Casado, and they have reportedly increased their pursuit. However, they face competition from Arsenal and Manchester United, who have also enquired about signing the player. Barcelona is reportedly open to selling Casado for a suitable offer. Although his release clause is €100 million, the Spanish champions are expected to accept a fee around €50 million. Casado, aged 21, played 36 matches for Barcelona in the 24/25 season, contributing one goal and six assists, demonstrating potential. However, a move to Chelsea would see him compete for playing time with existing midfielders like Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos, and Moises Caicedo.
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The announcement of a new "hoddle hero" at Hoddle Headquarters (presumably a Tottenham Hotspur fan site) has been temporarily suspended. This follows the recent arrival of player Kota Takai, which marked the end of the daily Micky van de Ven picture feature and the promise of a new hero. The suspension is due to a sudden surge of activity surrounding the club, particularly the unexpected signing of Mohammed Kudus on Thursday. The past week has been described as exceptionally busy and dizzying for Spurs, especially considering it's July, making it difficult to proceed with the hero announcement immediately. The decision to delay the announcement for a week is framed positively ("a good thing"), allowing time for the recent developments to settle and for the situation to become clearer ("see how things shake out this week") before choosing the new hero.
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Patrick Mahomes has been ranked as the NFL's top quarterback in a preseason survey by The Associated Press. This marks the third consecutive year he has held the top spot, though he faced increased competition compared to his unanimous selections in 2023 and 2024. A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked the top five quarterbacks based on their current status entering the 2025 season, using a points system: 10 points for first place, 5 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth, and 1 for fifth. Mahomes received five first-place votes. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen finished second with two first-place votes, and Joe Burrow placed third with the remaining first-place vote. Lamar Jackson finished fourth, and Jalen Hurts, who outperformed Mahomes in Philadelphia's Super Bowl victory over Kansas City, was fifth. Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud also received votes. Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and three-time Super Bowl MVP, led his team to their third straight Super Bowl appearance and fifth in his seven starting seasons despite posting a career-low 3,928 passing yards and tying his fewest touchdown passes (26). Turning 30 in September, he has a chance to become only the fourth quarterback to win four Super Bowls. He received two second-place votes and one fourth-place vote in the poll. Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen led his team to a fifth straight AFC East title and edged Jackson for the MVP award last season. However, he and the Bills were again eliminated from the playoffs by Mahomes and the Chiefs in the AFC title game. Allen threw for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns, and had 6 interceptions (101.4 passer rating), while also running for 531 yards and 12 scores, becoming the first NFL player with five consecutive seasons of at least 40 total touchdowns. He received three second-place votes, one third-place vote, and two fourth-place votes. Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow set career highs last season in nearly every passing category, including yards (4,918), touchdowns (43), and QB rating (108.5), earning his second AP Comeback Player of the Year award. Despite this, the Bengals missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record.
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Atalanta midfielder Ederson has been linked with a move away from the club, attracting interest from Manchester United. Fabrizio Romano confirms the 26-year-old Brazilian is appreciated by Manchester United. However, Romano states that Ederson would be a very expensive acquisition and that Manchester United's current focus is on other targets, specifically mentioning Bryan Mbeumo. Consequently, the situation regarding Ederson is described as quiet at the moment. The report suggests Ederson could be an ideal fit for Manchester United's need for more quality and depth in midfield. He possesses the physicality, technical attributes, intelligence, and composure to adapt to English football, adding creativity, drive, and defensive cover. Described as a "modern midfielder," he is seen as potentially the complete player United desperately need. Ederson is in the peak years of his career, making it potentially the right time for him to join a big club and take on a new challenge. He has proven himself in Serie A and is looking to test himself at a higher level. The opportunity to move to a club like Manchester United and the Premier League could be hard to turn down, and he has the ability to transform United's midfield.
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Real Madrid anticipates a busy final stretch of the summer transfer window with potential signings and player departures. Midfielder Dani Ceballos is identified as one player who could possibly leave the club. Ceballos is considered underrated at Real Madrid but has consistently been behind Tchouameni, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric, and Kroos in the midfield hierarchy in recent years, limiting his starting opportunities. Despite struggling for consistent playing time, he has impressed when given chances. After earning a run of starts in the second half of last season, an injury sidelined him long-term, and he hasn't regained his place since. His prospects under new manager Xabi Alonso appear uncertain based on the Club World Cup. However, reports indicate Alonso is currently counting on Ceballos for the upcoming season, and the 28-year-old isn't actively seeking a move. His stance could change if Real Madrid signs another midfielder, as Ceballos prioritizes regular playing time to secure a spot in Spain's 2026 World Cup squad. Ceballos has frequently been linked with a return to his boyhood club, Real Betis, who have openly expressed interest. While a summer move to Betis remains possible if Madrid signs a midfielder, it's still considered unlikely. With Ceballos' contract running until 2027, Real Madrid would likely be open to his departure this summer but won't override Alonso's preference. The situation depends on whether Real Madrid decides to sign a new midfielder, a decision they haven't finalized yet.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have never had an NFL MVP winner or even a serious candidate. NFL.com explored potential MVP candidates from franchises without an MVP, identifying Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence as their best hope. Lawrence, entering his fifth season, is the only Jaguars player to ever receive MVP votes, finishing seventh in 2022. That year also marked his sole Pro Bowl selection. However, Lawrence has struggled to replicate that success consistently and is now working under his third head coach (Liam Coen) and third offensive coordinator since being drafted first overall in 2021. For Lawrence to become a viable MVP candidate in 2025, the Jaguars need significant team success, specifically winning the AFC South at minimum. While considered unlikely given the team's current standing and Lawrence's inconsistency, the article notes it shouldn't be completely dismissed. It draws a parallel to 2022, Lawrence's best season and the Jaguars' only playoff appearance under then-new head coach Doug Pederson, which came just a year after the team had the league's worst record. The suggestion is that Lawrence, the Jaguars, and new coach Coen could potentially replicate that turnaround.
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Liverpool paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva during a pre-season friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale, their first match since the pair died in a car accident in Spain on July 3. Emotional pre-match scenes included a rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone', Preston captain Ben Whiteman laying a wreath in front of Liverpool fans, and players entering the field led by Mohamed Salah and Whiteman while supporters displayed flags and banners and sang Jota's name. A moment of silence was observed before kick-off, with both teams gathered around the centre circle. Players wore black armbands, and digital tributes were displayed on the stadium's big screen and pitchside LED boards during the silence. The crowd sang Jota's name again in the 20th minute of the match. Liverpool confirmed prior to the game that the number 20 shirt, worn by Jota, would be permanently retired across all levels at the club in his honour. The pre-match programme also featured written tributes to Jota and Silva. Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed the club's sentiments, stating on the Liverpool website: "We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go... To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should and have done… I think what I take comfort in [is that] in the last month of his life he was a champion in everything."
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With seven weeks remaining in the transfer window, Premier League clubs are active. Liverpool secured Florian Wirtz in a record deal, alongside full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, and may pursue defender Marc Guehi and striker Hugo Etikike, facing potential competition from Newcastle. Arsenal signed Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with Noni Madueke potentially joining from Chelsea. Crucially, Arsenal agreed a deal worth £55m upfront plus £8.6m in add-ons (£63.6m total) to sign striker Viktor Gyokeres on a five-year deal, facilitated by the player's agent waiving his fee percentage after Sporting reduced their initial £70m+ demand. Tottenham's attempt to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest is on hold after Forest accused them of an illegal approach. Manchester United may seek a new goalkeeper following Andre Onana's hamstring injury and are pushing to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Chelsea and Manchester City are also expected to conduct further business. Elsewhere, Galatasaray and Napoli are negotiating Victor Osimhen's permanent transfer, with Gala offering £35m upfront plus £25m in installments against Napoli's £60m asking price. Osimhen is keen to stay in Istanbul. Porto signed winger Borja Sainz from Norwich for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old played 82 times for Norwich since 2023 and was joint-top scorer in the Championship last season.
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Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, a second-round NFL Draft pick from Ohio State, was arrested on July 12 in Fort Lauderdale. He faces misdemeanor domestic battery charges following an incident reported at approximately 9 a.m. in the 1500 block of West Cypress Creek Road. According to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, officers determined a battery occurred after speaking with the victim. Judkins, born October 29, 2003, was taken into custody and transported to Broward County Main Jail under Florida Statute 784.03-1a1. He was held overnight and scheduled for a hearing on Sunday. The NFL confirmed awareness of Judkins' arrest but declined further comment, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. The league may impose punishment, complicating Judkins' situation since he hasn't yet signed his rookie contract. This incident could potentially reduce the guaranteed money in his forthcoming contract.
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Sixteen years ago on July 13th, 2009, Manchester City completed a shock £25 million signing of Carlos Tevez from rivals Manchester United. The Argentine forward scored 73 goals in 148 appearances for City, winning one Premier League title and FA Cup, while his £150,000 weekly wage—considered astronomical at the time—reportedly stunned United players. Currently, another transfer involving both Manchester clubs is emerging, as Manchester City plans a late bid for Flamengo right-back Wesley, who is also targeted by Manchester United. Brazilian outlet Terra reports Pep Guardiola personally requested the signing despite Roma nearing a deal for the 21-year-old Brazilian international, having already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract. Guardiola views Wesley as an ideal tactical fit following Kyle Walker's sale to Burnley, prompting director Hugo Viana to prepare an imminent bid. Liverpool also joins the pursuit for the €40 million (£35m)-rated defender. City's urgency stems from recent reliance on midfielder Matheus Nunes at right-back, where he struggled—notably in last season's 2-1 defeat to United—though some fans advocate patience after his Club World Cup performances. A potential £35m move for Wesley risks displeasing supporters who want Nunes to retain opportunities, as his signing would likely relegate the 26-year-old Portuguese to the bench.
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Liverpool will play their first pre-season friendly against Preston at Deepdale on Sunday, July 13, 2025 (3pm BST). This match marks the team's return to action following the tragic death of Diogo Jota, an event described as an "unfathomably sad period" in the club's history. The game represents Liverpool's attempt to move forward respectfully. Plans for the match include significant tributes to honour Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Preston has requested all supporters be seated by 2:45pm for performances of Elvis Presley's 'Can’t Help Falling In Love' and Liverpool's 'You’ll Never Walk Alone' by singer Claudia Rose Maguire. Representatives from both clubs, likely including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, will lay wreaths in front of the away end (Bill Shankly Kop). A minute's silence will be observed before kickoff, with tributes displayed on the big screen and pitchside LEDs. Players from both teams will wear black armbands. Preston is also producing a free special edition matchday programme dedicated to Diogo and Andre, and further tributes are expected in the stands throughout the afternoon.
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Jacksonville Jaguars Chief Football Strategy Officer Tony Khan announced that the role of wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, the team's No. 2 draft pick, will be flexible and change weekly based on the game plan. Khan stated that Hunter will contribute significantly on both offense and defense, playing a lot of snaps, and his addition is exciting for the Jaguars' young core. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson discussed the adjustments he's made to become a franchise quarterback, identifying leadership, specifically being more vocal, as an area he needed to develop. Jackson admitted he prefers leading by example through his play rather than giving motivational speeches but acknowledged coaches have pushed him to communicate more directly with teammates and voice his observations. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen expressed frustration with his performance during his first season with the team after signing a $41 million contract. Despite grading as the 125th linebacker out of 189 by PFF, Queen stated he holds himself to high standards and was aggravated by not playing the type of football he expected, taking full accountability for not being sufficiently prepared for the new system despite it being his fifth NFL season.
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Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham is the subject of tactical advice for new manager Xabi Alonso, specifically regarding his positioning. Despite scoring 23 goals and helping win La Liga and the Champions League in his debut season, Bellingham's output dipped to 15 goals last season. He is currently set for shoulder surgery following the Club World Cup, delaying his return. Manager Xabi Alonso has indicated plans to deploy Bellingham in a deeper midfield role, focusing on his ball-playing abilities. However, Real Madrid legend Michel Salgado strongly advises against this, arguing Bellingham should be used further forward near the opposition box. Salgado stated he doesn't need Bellingham dropping deep to receive the ball or be heavily involved in the build-up, emphasizing Bellingham's "special smell" for scoring goals in the box. Salgado believes Alonso will ultimately play Bellingham in a more advanced role, predicting he will be the key player operating behind forwards Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. He expects fans will see "a different Bellingham" and "the best version" of the player this season compared to the last. The article also notes that Bellingham's England teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold has joined Real Madrid this summer, though it remains unclear when both will play together again after the team's Club World Cup semi-final exit.
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Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo demonstrated exceptional generosity during their time together at the club. Casilla described Ronaldo as a "wonderful human being" and a "phenomenon" who helps everyone, including academy youngsters. Casilla specifically recounted an incident during a pre-season tour to the United States where Ronaldo purchased the latest iPhone and Apple Watch for all staff members. This included physiotherapists, security guards, and other team personnel. Casilla emphasized that Ronaldo never publicized these acts himself, as he simply liked to help or thank people without bragging. Furthermore, Casilla highlighted Ronaldo's team-first mentality, stating that when Zinedine Zidane became manager, both Ronaldo and Karim Benzema immediately stepped up their performances to support him due to Zidane's stature. The news provides this context: Ronaldo played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018, scoring 450 goals in 438 appearances and winning numerous trophies, including 4 Champions Leagues and 2 La Liga titles, cementing his legacy alongside Lionel Messi. After leaving Madrid for Juventus, he later had a spell at Manchester United and currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he recently extended his highly lucrative contract beyond his 42nd birthday.
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La Liga president Javier Tebas stated that Nico Williams chose not to "risk" waiting for Barcelona to secure the necessary funds to register him this summer. Although Williams had agreed to personal terms with Barcelona and was reportedly keen on the move, doubts arose earlier this month due to concerns over Barcelona's ability to finance the transfer and register him within the squad. Williams subsequently rejected Barcelona's offer and instead signed a new long-term contract with his current club, effectively ending any possibility of a future transfer to Camp Nou. Tebas commented that, based on what he read, Williams had requested a registration guarantee which Barcelona, as a club, was unwilling to provide. Tebas believes Barcelona is facing a situation similar to previous seasons, where they sign players and wait until the last minute to finalize registrations. He suggested this uncertainty can deter top players who prefer not to take such risks. With Barcelona currently not operating under La Liga's 1:1 spending rule (allowing €1 spent for every €1 raised), they have now shifted their focus to other transfer targets, including Liverpool's Luis Díaz and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. Tebas acknowledged that Barcelona is close to being able to complete such signings, stating, "I think Barcelona know exactly what they have to do and if they decide to move properly, they can sign players. It’s close, in my opinion." He added that the final step depends on whether Barcelona makes certain decisions to get closer to compliance.
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During the second practice round of the American Century Championship, the author nearly collided with NFL MVP Josh Allen on Hole No. 1. Allen, attempting to sign autographs for a large group of fans despite initially saying he would sign after his round, almost ran into the author. Allen's athleticism allowed him to avoid a collision before continuing to sign autographs and take selfies. Allen proved extremely popular with fans at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, ranking among the top four most sought-after participants alongside Stephen Curry, George Kittle, and Aaron Rodgers. Fans frequently asked "Where's Josh Allen?" and were visibly thrilled upon spotting him, highlighting the tournament's appeal for fan-athlete interaction, exemplified by a group of ecstatic kids getting a photo with him. A notable incident involved Aaron Rodgers refusing to sign memorabilia for a fan carrying an item from the 2005 Packers-Saints game. Rodgers, recognizing the fan as a frequent autograph seeker (calling him an "autograph hound"), quizzed him on details of the Packers' 52-3 win. When the fan incorrectly recalled the score and couldn't state how many snaps Rodgers played in garbage time, Rodgers declined to sign, stating, "I don't believe you... You can't fool me."
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