News

BBC fear Match of the Day pundit exodus as clashes emerge ahead of new Premier League season

Ruby Tui ends retirement doubts by signing for Trailfinders Women after social media teases

Ruby Tui has signed for Premiership Women's Rugby runners-up Trailfinders Women, ending weeks of speculation about her club future. The Black Ferns wing credited friends Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Meg Jones with persuading her not to retire.

Real Betis close in on €20m Parrott deal after West Ham's valuation talks collapse

Troy Parrott looks set to join Real Betis after West Ham United failed to meet AZ Alkmaar's asking price for the Republic of Ireland striker. The Spanish side are finalising a €20m deal, offering Parrott Champions League football.

Weidman, Poirier and Masvidal push back on Makhachev's UFC GOAT claim after record-breaking win

Islam Makhachev's record-breaking consecutive-win streak and first welterweight title defence at UFC 330 have reignited the GOAT debate, but Chris Weidman, Dustin Poirier and Jorge Masvidal remain unconvinced he has surpassed Jon Jones, Anderson Silva or Demetrious Johnson.

Aston Villa reject third Al-Hilal bid for Ollie Watkins as £38m offer rebuffed

Aston Villa have turned down a £38million offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal for striker Ollie Watkins, the third bid rejected this summer, with personal terms between the player and the Saudi side reportedly already agreed.

Man United reject Galatasaray's bid to double Fernandes' salary as transfer window heats up

Manchester United will rebuff Galatasaray's approach for captain Bruno Fernandes, who the Turkish club hoped to lure with a doubled salary. Meanwhile, Arsenal's pursuit of Julian Alvarez is complicated by Atletico Madrid's refusal to sell at any price, and Manchester City face a steep premium to land Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea.

Prates denies ducking Morales and predicts first-round knockout if UFC makes the fight

UFC welterweight Carlos Prates has dismissed claims he is avoiding Michael Morales, insisting he would knock the Ecuadorian out in the first round — but only after he gets his shot at Islam Makhachev's title first.

Tsarukyan says UFC hasn't made him a star yet — but the title will change that

Arman Tsarukyan has claimed the UFC deserves little credit for his rising profile, arguing he built his own name through social media and outside ventures. The Armenian lightweight faces Mauricio Ruffy in the UFC 331 co-main event on Sept. 19.

Trophy of Champions: Referee Pignard Under Fire From Both Sides After Lens-PSG

Two red cards, an arbitration report deemed too harsh by PSG, and a fiery outburst from Lens's sporting director at half-time: Jérémie Pignard drew criticism after Lens's 1-0 victory.

Robertson rejects Thomas apology after coach's post-fight broadcast blindsided her team

Gillian Robertson has spoken out after her UFC 330 title loss to Mackenzie Dern, revealing she had no warning that coach Din Thomas would announce his departure on the post-fight show — and that she has not accepted his subsequent apology.

Figueiredo faces rising Talbott as UFC 332 Salt Lake City card adds four bouts

UFC 332 takes further shape with four new matchups confirmed for the October 3 card at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Headlining the additions is a bantamweight clash between Payton Talbott and former champion Deiveson Figueiredo, who has lost four of his last five fights.

UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van credits KO loss to Charles Johnson for title run

Joshua Van, now UFC flyweight champion at 24, says a third-round knockout defeat to Charles Johnson in July 2024 transformed his work ethic and discipline. He faces Alexandre Pantoja in a rematch at UFC 331 on Sept. 19 in Los Angeles.

Rodri takes parting shot at Arsenal as £65m Barcelona move confirmed

Rodri has left Manchester City for Barcelona on a four-year deal worth £65million, and the Spain midfielder used his farewell letter to single out his stoppage-time winner at the Emirates in 2022 among his most cherished City memories.

Gavi rejects Manchester United move to stay at Barcelona as Seys bid also fails

Manchester United's pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Gavi has ended after the 22-year-old turned down a move despite United's willingness to meet his £35m valuation. The club also hit a wall in their bid for Club Brugge left-back Joaquin Seys.

Dana White confirms Chimaev is in UFC 333 conversation but no bout finalised

Dana White says Khamzat Chimaev is being considered for UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on October 24, but no fight has been booked. Chimaev, who suffered the first loss of his career against Sean Strickland earlier this year, has been publicly calling for a rematch.

Barthez Without Diploma in Zidane's Staff: Situation Deemed 'Abnormal'

Appointed goalkeeper coach of the France national team under Zinédine Zidane, Fabien Barthez has not yet obtained his Football Coach Diploma. However, sports regulations allow his presence, as the 1998 World Cup champion is currently undergoing training.

Liverpool eye £78m Adam Wharton as Curtis Jones nears £35m Inter Milan exit

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has emerged as Liverpool's primary target to replace Curtis Jones, who could leave Anfield this summer after Inter Milan's latest £30m bid fell short of the club's £35m valuation.

Ligue 1+ to broadcast Monaco's Conference League play-offs against Gornik Zabrze

The LFP platform has acquired broadcasting rights to AS Monaco's Conference League play-off matches against Polish club Gornik Zabrze on August 20 and 27. Monaco, managed by Filipe Luis, are favourites but must be wary of an in-form opponent.

Todibo and Di Gregorio: OM accelerates on two signings despite DNCG constraints

After reaching an agreement with Jean-Clair Todibo, Olympique de Marseille is exploring a Serie A option to strengthen its defence: Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, who is being pushed out by the Turin club.

Dana White dismisses Eddie Hearn as Fury-Joshua talks circle Madison Square Garden

UFC CEO Dana White has publicly distanced himself from Tyson Fury-Anthony Joshua negotiations, taking a pointed swipe at promoter Eddie Hearn after reports emerged that the heavyweight bout could take place on 20 November at Madison Square Garden in New York City.