News

Dembélé invisible against Northern Ireland, his starting place with France questioned

Quiet during France's 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland, Ousmane Dembélé's legitimacy as a starter for the national team is being called into question, eight days before the competition begins.

West Ham's £85m asking price stands between Man United and Mateus Fernandes

Manchester United have made contact with Mateus Fernandes's agent over a potential transfer, but West Ham are demanding £85m for the 21-year-old midfielder — more than double the £42m they paid Southampton last summer.

Iraola's fresh-start pledge gives Harvey Elliott a route back into Liverpool's plans

Harvey Elliott's Anfield future hinges on impressing new head coach Andoni Iraola this summer, after the 23-year-old's loan spell at Aston Villa ended just one appearance short of triggering a £35m permanent deal.

Nearly 40 debutants reshape Super Rugby Aupiki rosters as 2026 season kicks off

All four Super Rugby Aupiki squads have been named for the 2026 season opener, with close to 40 debutants across the matchday 23s as sweeping off-season player movement transforms the competition's landscape.

Rashford removes Barcelona from bio as £26m move collapses after Gordon signing

Marcus Rashford has deleted Barcelona from his Instagram bio after the Spanish club opted against triggering their £26m purchase option, reportedly preferring Anthony Gordon. Manchester United are also in contact with Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who is currently in contract talks at Elland Road.

Zaïre-Emery banned from bar at France's Boston base camp, too young under Massachusetts law

The only player under 21 in the France squad, Warren Zaïre-Emery will not be able to access the bar at the Four Seasons hotel in Boston, in compliance with Massachusetts legislation that prohibits under-21s from entering bars.

Mourinho angered on day one: Real Madrid offered €150M for Alvarez without consulting him

Newly appointed Real Madrid manager José Mourinho reportedly learned through an official club announcement about the €150 million offer submitted to Atlético Madrid for Julian Alvarez — without being informed beforehand, according to his entourage.

Sky launches near-live Real Time channels for World Cup coverage on BBC and ITV

Lacroix targeted for £35m as Cucurella transfer request forces Chelsea defensive rebuild

Chelsea are plotting a significant defensive overhaul ahead of Xabi Alonso's first transfer window at Stamford Bridge, with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix emerging as a £35m target and Marc Cucurella reportedly pushing for a return to Barcelona.

Iraola eyes £80m Alex Scott move as Liverpool plot first signing of new era

New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola is targeting Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as his first Anfield signing, with the Cherries placing an £80 million price tag on the 23-year-old to fend off interest from multiple top clubs.

World Cup 2026 kicks off June 11 with 48 teams and 104 matches at expanded tournament

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11 when co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will face 47 rivals across a tournament expanded to 104 matches over nearly six weeks.

Barcelona ditch Rashford after La Liga title season, leaving Real Madrid move in play

Barcelona have decided against signing Marcus Rashford permanently despite his 14-goal, 14-assist loan season, with the Spanish champions opting for Anthony Gordon instead. The 28-year-old's next destination remains unclear, though Real Madrid and several Premier League clubs have been linked.

Klopp confirms punditry role at World Cup 2026 after teasing fans with sideline return

Jurgen Klopp will work as a pundit for German broadcaster Magenta TV at the 2026 World Cup, beginning his duties at the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 in Mexico City.

Rashford scrubs Barcelona from Instagram bio as £26m permanent move collapses

Marcus Rashford has removed all mention of Barcelona from his Instagram bio after the La Liga champions decided against triggering their £26m buy option, with Anthony Gordon's arrival from Newcastle effectively ending his hopes of a permanent move to the Camp Nou.

Fernandes forced his way out of Southampton once — and United hope he repeats it to beat £85m asking price

Manchester United are in contact with Mateus Fernandes' representatives over a potential move from relegated West Ham, who are demanding £85million for the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder — more than double the £42m they paid Southampton last summer.

Arsenal close in on head doctor signing as Rogers addresses Gunners transfer links

Arsenal are set to appoint Arnaldo Abrantes as their new head doctor after his departure from Aston Villa, while Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers has spoken openly about how transfer speculation affects his performances.

Reds teen sensation Treyvon Pritchard headlines Australia U20 squad for Junior World Championship in Georgia

Chris Whitaker has named a 30-man Australia U20 squad for the 2026 World Rugby Junior World Championship, with Queensland Reds youngster Treyvon Pritchard the standout selection and Tom Robinson named captain.

Bellingham silences doubters to seal World Cup starting spot in England's final rehearsal

Jude Bellingham delivered a commanding all-round display as England beat Costa Rica in Orlando, effectively ending the debate over whether he or Morgan Rogers should start at No 10 against Croatia on June 17.

Wenger backs Mbappé to shed 'scapegoat' label and shine at World Cup 2026

Arsène Wenger has defended Kylian Mbappé against criticism of his Real Madrid form, arguing the forward has been made a scapegoat for a weakened squad and will arrive at the 2026 World Cup physically fresh and ready to deliver.

Mexico open as heavy -245 favourites against South Africa in World Cup 2026 opener

Betting markets have moved sharply in Mexico's favour ahead of Thursday's World Cup 2026 opener against South Africa, with El Tri now priced at -245 — up from -185 at opening — as one-way public money floods in on the tournament co-hosts.