Arsenal are reportedly looking to strengthen their central defence following news that William Saliba is expected to be sidelined for an extended period with a back injury. The club is considering options such as Aston Villa‘s Ezri Konsa and former Manchester City centre-back John Stones, who is available as a free agent. Stones is said to be open to a move to London, with his prior relationship with Gunners manager Mikel Arteta potentially influencing his decision.

In other transfer news for Arsenal, the club has announced the signing of 24-year-old forward Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge in a £34m deal. Arsenal are also reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes. However, Newcastle is said to be frustrated by a perceived lack of contact from the Premier League champions regarding the midfielder.

Liverpool and Tottenham pursue wingers

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has indicated a clear need for a winger in the current transfer window. The club has reportedly turned its attention to Monaco‘s Maghnes Akliouche, who is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain. PSG’s Bradley Barcola remains another target for Liverpool, with reports suggesting an official bid has been made for the 23-year-old, who was a part-time player for PSG last season.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has expressed satisfaction with the team’s ongoing summer spending, stating that the transfer market is “not finished yet.” De Zerbi aims to build a strong team with a distinct “soul.” Tottenham has already made contact with Benfica regarding winger Andreas Schjelderup, with Chelsea and Liverpool also reportedly interested.

In other Tottenham news, the club has acquired Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United in an £85m move. West Ham, following their relegation to the Championship, has agreed a £60m deal to sell winger Crysencio Summerville to Al Hilal. Summerville, a 24-year-old Netherlands international, was expected to leave West Ham, and Al Hilal is set to beat other Premier League clubs for his signature. West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has confirmed his intention to remain with the club next season.

Midfield and defensive movements across the league

Manchester United are actively seeking to add another midfielder, having already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. The club has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with France international Manu Kone. Manchester United is also stepping up its interest in Orlando Gill, a goalkeeper from San Lorenzo. Additionally, Manchester United is reportedly ready to make a $68.5 million (£51 million) bid for PSG midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery.

Real Madrid is reportedly interested in Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who was named player of the tournament at the World Cup. Rodri, 30, has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract and is reportedly keen on returning to Spain. This potential move could impact other players, including Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, who have been linked with Manchester United. Atlético Madrid and Barcelona have also joined the race to sign Rodri, with Barcelona’s interest contingent on the sale of Frenkie de Jong.

Chelsea has emerged as a front-runner to sign 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, who impressed for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup. Alajbegovic rejoined Bayer Leverkusen before the tournament, and Xabi Alonso‘s side is expected to rival Juventus for the attacker. Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson has completed a £116m move to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest, signing a five-year deal. This transfer made Anderson the most expensive English player ever, until Chelsea subsequently paid £117m for Morgan Rogers.

Aston Villa has shown interest in Rafael Leao, the 27-year-old Portuguese attacker from AC Milan, who could be available for around £50m. Villa is also likely to sign Pervis Estupinan from AC Milan, with Lucas Digne potentially moving to PSG. Nicolas Jackson, a striker for Chelsea, is reportedly interested in reuniting with manager Unai Emery at Aston Villa. Alejandro Garnacho has joined Aston Villa on loan from Chelsea.

Barcelona has reached an agreement to sign 18-year-old winger Jesse Bisiwu from Club Brugge for a fee of $9.7 million (€8.5 million).

Source: independent.co.uk

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Derby Match Preview

Hull FC is set to face Hull Kingston Rovers in a Betfred Super League Round 20 fixture at the MKM Stadium on Thursday. The match, which kicks off at 8pm, will be broadcast on Sky Sports+. This derby comes just three weeks after Magic Weekend, marking another significant encounter between the city rivals.

Hull Kingston Rovers secured a 26-12 victory over Hull FC on July 4 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This win was their tenth in the last 12 meetings between the two teams. Despite this historical dominance, recent performances suggest a shift in momentum for the reigning Super League champions.

Hull Kingston Rovers have experienced two consecutive losses since their win on Merseyside. They were defeated 34-12 by Warrington last Saturday, and Wakefield secured a 20-6 victory the week prior. These results have seen Willie Peters’ side drop out of the playoff positions. The team also relinquished their Challenge Cup earlier this season. While Hull Kingston Rovers had a successful 2025 season, winning three trophies and following it up with the World Club Challenge at the start of the current season, their recent form indicates a departure from the side that lost only five times in 2025.

Team News and Squad Updates

Interim Head Coach Andy Last has announced Hull FC’s 21-man squad for the upcoming match. Two changes have been made to the squad that played against Leigh last week. Lewis Martin returns after completing his head injury protocols, and Max Wood has rejoined the team on a one-month loan from Warrington.

These additions replace Yusuf Aydin, who is out due to head injury protocols, and Ben Johnson. Several players remain sidelined for Hull FC due to various injuries, including Will Pryce (ACL), John Asiata (hamstring), Sam Lisone (pectoral), Ligi Sao (shoulder), Arthur Romano (ankle), Connor Bailey (clavicle), Brad Fash (MCL), Will Kirby (knee), and Joe Ward (ACL).

Hull FC’s starting lineup includes Logan Moy, Barron, Hardaker, Litten, Briscoe, Arthur, Sezer, Salabio, Cust, Hill, Batchelor, O’Neill, and Bell. Substitutes for Hull FC are Bourouh, Clark, Ese’ese, and Wood. During the last match, Salabio was substituted for Wood at 20 minutes, Cust for Clark at 35 minutes, and both Hill for Ese’ese and Bell for Bourouh at 25 minutes.

For Hull Kingston Rovers, the starting lineup features Broadbent, Davies, Hiku, Gildart, Burgess, Mourgue, May, Sue, Litten, Hadley, Whitbread, Batchelor, and Minchella. The substitutes for Hull Kingston Rovers are Amone, Luckley, Lawton, and Dezaria. In their previous game, Sue was substituted for Amone at 20 minutes.

Recent Form and Outlook

Hull FC has faced a challenging period, losing nine of their last ten matches. Only Huddersfield currently sits below them in the standings. Despite these results, the team has shown signs of competitiveness. In their recent 32-22 loss to Leigh, Hull FC demonstrated resilience by scoring 22 unanswered points in the second half after being 28-0 down at half-time.

This fighting spirit will be crucial against Hull Kingston Rovers. However, given their recent form, Hull FC is considered to be in a more difficult position than their rivals. The match is anticipated to be a cagey affair, with Hull Kingston Rovers looking to regain their winning momentum. The fixture between Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers is scheduled for Thursday, July 23.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Mercedes addresses power unit issues

George Russell has indicated that his Mercedes team has identified and resolved an engine problem that affected his performance in recent races. The issue, related to electrical energy deployment, particularly impacted him at Silverstone and Spa, circuits known for their energy demands. Russell expressed frustration after the problem contributed to his exit from the Belgian Grand Prix.

During the Belgian Grand Prix, Russell reported a lack of electrical energy when exiting turn one on the opening lap. This left him vulnerable to other cars, including Ferraris, and led to a collision with Lewis Hamilton, resulting in Russell’s retirement from the race. Mercedes acknowledged a problem with the car’s energy management but initially struggled to pinpoint the cause of the erratic performance, which is governed by electronic control systems within the engine’s hybrid battery unit.

Russell confirmed that the team has found a solution before the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix. He stated, “I’m feeling good and glad there are some positive answers that have come back from the battery and it’s eyes forward now.” He added that the new power units are complex, and the issue was difficult to detect. Russell also mentioned that Spa and Silverstone likely highlighted the problem due to their track characteristics.

Incidents at the Belgian Grand Prix

At the Belgian Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli secured a victory from pole position. This win extended Antonelli’s lead over Russell in the drivers’ championship. Russell’s race ended prematurely due to the collision with Hamilton.

The stewards investigated the incident between Hamilton and Russell. They determined that Russell was making a legitimate overtaking attempt and was entitled to racing room. The collision was attributed to Hamilton’s car sliding, despite his attempts to correct the steering. Hamilton was deemed at fault for the collision and received a five-second time penalty, reduced from the standard 10 seconds due to his attempt to avoid contact and the incident occurring on the opening lap.

Another incident involved Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Oscar Piastri of McLaren. The stewards ruled that Piastri was not far enough alongside Leclerc’s car to be entitled to the same racing room as Russell in his incident with Hamilton. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella commented on the need for drivers to leave sufficient space when cars are alongside each other for extended periods.

Broader power unit challenges

The issues experienced by Mercedes and McLaren at Spa highlight the complexity of the current Formula 1 hybrid engines. Both Russell and Piastri encountered a mystery lack of energy during qualifying and the race. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff noted that all Mercedes engines had an energy deficit out of Turn One, affecting Russell more significantly than Antonelli.

The highly intricate nature of these power units and their operating rules means that teams are still learning about their behaviour. Small variations in driving can have a substantial impact on energy availability, a factor that drivers have expressed dissatisfaction with. Stella, known for his technical communication, has discussed these challenges extensively throughout the season.

The Belgian Grand Prix saw a record attendance of 400,000 over the weekend. Despite the popularity of circuits like Spa, the compilation of the F1 calendar involves various factors, including financial considerations. Spa is scheduled to host the Belgian Grand Prix for four out of six years of its current contract, meaning it will be replaced in 2028 and 2030.

Beyond the immediate issues, discussions are ongoing regarding the F1 calendar. The possibility of the Malaysian Grand Prix returning this year has been mentioned, potentially fitting between the races in Baku and Singapore on 4 October. Additionally, alternatives are being considered for the final two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi if they are cancelled, with Portimão in Portugal being a potential candidate two weeks after the Las Vegas round.

The sport will delay a decision on cancelling the Middle East meetings until as late as possible.

Source: theguardian.com

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Tyson Fury weighed in lighter than his opponent, Mariusz Wach, for the first time in 15 years as he prepares for their fight in Thailand on Friday. The British boxer registered 18st 13lb (120kg), which is 26lb less than Wach’s weight of 20st 11lb (132kg) for the heavyweight contest.

The fight, which will take place in Pattaya, is expected to draw approximately 1,500 fans and will not have a television broadcaster. Fury, who is 37, will face the 46-year-old Wach in what marks only the fourth occasion in his professional career that he has weighed less than his opponent. His last such instance was during his initial fight against Derek Chisora in 2011. He also weighed less than John McDermott and Daniil Peretyatko in a career that has spanned over 17 years and included more than 38 professional fights.

Fury arrived at the weigh-in wearing a designer robe and a large cross chain. He engaged in playful banter and laughter with Wach during their face-off before they posed for photographs. His current weight is 3lb lighter than his last fight in April against Arslanbek Makhmudov.

Preparation for Future Bouts

The bout against Wach is seen as a low-risk, low-key tune-up fight for Fury, designed to provide preparation without jeopardising a potential major fight in British boxing. The fight is being held behind closed doors at his training base in Thailand. Promoter Frank Warren stated that Fury wants to remain active and avoid long periods out of the ring, having fought only once in the preceding two years if a proposed November fight were to occur.

Fury’s last appearance in the ring was in April, where he defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov by unanimous decision. His previous fight before that was in December 2024. He expressed his desire to stay busy, mentioning that he might have as many as 10 fights this year. He also noted that he wants to box for 10 rounds, but would not mind if the fight ended earlier.

The decision to fight Wach was made because he is considered a credible and durable opponent who can provide the necessary test for Fury without posing a significant risk to a potential showdown with Anthony Joshua. Wach’s record stands at 39-13 (20 KOs) from 52 fights, with losses to fighters such as Tyson Fury’s cousin Hughie Fury, Dillian Whyte, Frazer Clarke, and a points loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2012. Wach has lost seven of his past 10 fights, including a knockout defeat to Moses Itauma two years ago, and enters this contest having lost three of his last four fights, including a second-round TKO defeat to Moses Itauma in July 2024.

Fight Logistics and Future Implications

The fight is scheduled for around 10pm local time (4pm UK) on Friday, with Fury unusually being the first fight on the card. He mentioned that boxing in Thailand in a 1,500-seater stadium will be a unique experience, akin to a kickboxer movie atmosphere, and that he has never opened a show in his career before.

The reason for the lack of live television broadcast is that promoters Eddie Hearn and Warren have indicated that a defeat for either Fury or Joshua in their warm-up bouts could jeopardise their highly anticipated fight. This situation has led Fury to seek a balance between getting sharp for Joshua and minimising the risk against a warm-up opponent. Wach was chosen as the safest option, even if it means the fight might not appeal to broader television audiences.

Footage from the Wach fight is expected to be included in the third season of Fury’s Netflix series, At Home with the Furys. Without live broadcast revenue, Fury is anticipated to receive a smaller purse than he typically earns, but he is expected to recover some of this through his Netflix deal. The fight is taking place in Thailand because Fury has been training there for the Joshua showdown, appreciating the local culture and low profile it offers. He intends to give back to the community by hosting the fight at Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya and donating ticket profits to local charities. He will also receive the inaugural WBC Humanitarian title on fight night.

Remaining in Thailand also offers logistical advantages, with minimal travel required for promotion or participation in the fight. The behind-closed-doors bout is described as a glorified sparring session, with the increased stakes due to the potential impact on his plans to fight Joshua. A defeat for Fury against Wach would raise significant questions about his readiness to face Joshua, potentially leading to paused negotiations and a reduced financial valuation for the mega-fight, increasing the risk of it not happening at all. The objective of this low-risk return is to gain valuable rounds, sharpen his timing, and maintain momentum while minimising the chances of an upset derailing the long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua, who has his own warm-up bout against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

Source: bbc.com

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The president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Giovanni Malagò, has indicated that financial “exceptions” are in place to potentially allow Pep Guardiola to become Italy’s next head coach. This comes after Guardiola departed Manchester City at the conclusion of last season, ending a 10-year tenure where he secured six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, five League Cups, and the Champions League.

Guardiola, who has previously managed Barcelona and Bayern Munich, is currently unattached and has been linked with the Italy vacancy for some time. Reports earlier this week suggested that he has engaged in discussions with the FIGC. The position became vacant in April following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation after the four-time World Cup champions failed to qualify for a third consecutive tournament.

Malagò was quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport stating, “Exceptions have been made, exceptions that for example may concern the name that is so overbearing in these hours: Pep Guardiola.” He added that these exceptions are for “obvious reasons” but noted that the appointment is not yet certain.

FIGC’s pursuit of Guardiola

The FIGC has held talks with Guardiola in an effort to persuade him to take on the role of national team head coach. Officials Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo met with Guardiola over a three-day period in Barcelona, where they outlined their vision for the national team’s future. The FIGC is prepared to make “exceptional” adjustments to its budget to secure his appointment.

The proposal presented to Guardiola extends beyond a simple coaching role. The FIGC envisions him as a central figure in an ‘Azzurro project’ aimed at rebuilding Italian football from its foundations. This comprehensive overhaul would encompass not only the senior national team but also other national teams. Guardiola has reportedly listened to the offer and is now considering his response.

The appointment of a new national coach is seen as a crucial initial step in reforming Italy’s youth and talent infrastructure, which has faced significant challenges. Italian football has experienced a period of difficulty, marked by an early exit from European club competitions last season and the failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Other candidates and Guardiola’s past comments

Alongside Guardiola, other reported candidates for the head coach position include Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 success, and former Azzurri midfielder Andrea Pirlo. When asked if Guardiola, Mancini, and Pirlo were the only names on the shortlist, Malagò clarified that this was not the case, but confirmed these names fit the desired profile.

Guardiola is a free agent for the first time in a decade after concluding his association with Manchester City, where he won 20 trophies and achieved a win ratio of 70.8 per cent. Prior to his departure from City, Guardiola had expressed an intention to take a break from football to spend more time with his family, reiterating this sentiment in his final press conference.

He previously stated in an interview that he would be interested in the challenge of international management, noting, “What I’m not going to do is leave Manchester City and go to another country to do the same thing as I am now.” He added, “Maybe a national team, but that’s different.” Italy’s next scheduled fixture is a Nations League Group A match against Belgium on 25 September.

Source: theguardian.com

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Fernandes’ impactful debut

Mateus Fernandes made a significant impact in his debut for Tottenham, scoring a stunning goal just three minutes into a behind-closed-doors friendly against League One side MK Dons. The goal, described by Fernandes as “the best goal of his career,” secured a 1-0 victory for Tottenham. The midfielder, a reported £85m signing from West Ham, struck a first-time volley from range into the top corner.

The 22-year-old positioned himself effectively to meet a long punch clear from MK Dons goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray following a corner. From 20 yards out, Fernandes hit the ball first time, sending it into the top corner via the post. This early display of skill immediately raised excitement among Tottenham fans.

Fernandes’ performance was part of a 45-minute display before he was substituted at half-time as manager Roberto De Zerbi made several changes. The Portugal international started alongside Sandro Tonali, a reported £100m signing from Newcastle, forming a new midfield duo that cost a combined £185m. This partnership provided significant control for De Zerbi’s side during their time on the pitch.

New signings impress

Beyond Fernandes, other new arrivals also made their debuts. Sandro Tonali, making his first appearance since joining from Newcastle, partnered Fernandes in a midfield double pivot. Tonali was noted for his decisive play on the ball and his experience in guiding his new teammates. While Fernandes’ flair stood out, Tonali provided a solid presence in midfield, keeping the play flowing.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka also featured, coming on at half-time for Antonin Kinsky. Dubravka, who joined on a free transfer from Burnley in June, made a sharp save from close range, reacting quickly to push a header from six yards over the bar. His performance, despite the limited action for either goalkeeper, demonstrated his reflexes and capability.

The debuts of these players come as Tottenham has seen an upward swing in fortunes, moving from a Premier League relegation battle to securing two record signings. This trajectory is attributed to the arrival of ambitious manager Roberto De Zerbi, who took over after Igor Tudor’s struggles last season.

Youth and pre-season outlook

With several senior players absent, the friendly provided an opportunity for younger members of the squad to impress. Mikey Moore, an 18-year-old, caught the eye playing on the left wing. Midfielder Rio Kyerematen, 21, was the only player to complete the full 90 minutes, showcasing his versatility by playing both left-back and right-back.

Another teenager, 17-year-old attacking midfielder Luca Williams-Barnett, also shone. Deployed in a deeper role, Williams-Barnett displayed confidence and fearlessness, including a notable pinpoint pass that created a scoring chance. These performances offer encouragement following recent academy sales.

Tottenham’s pre-season schedule continues with a trip to New Zealand. The team is set to face A-League side Auckland in a friendly at Eden Park on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 04:00 BST.

The club’s media channels featured former Spurs defender Sebastian Bassong, who praised Fernandes’ goal. Bassong highlighted the balance, quality, and connection in the strike, noting that Fernandes maintained sight of the ball throughout the execution. He described Fernandes as a gifted player, drawing comparisons to goals scored by Gareth Bale and Zinedine Zidane.

The pre-season friendly, while not a definitive test against a side from two divisions lower, offered moments of quality that pleased Tottenham fans. The early impact of new signings, particularly Fernandes’ memorable goal, provides a positive start to the club’s preparations for the upcoming season.

Following the match against Auckland FC, Tottenham will continue their pre-season tour with fixtures against Sydney FC and Chelsea in Sydney, before returning for further friendlies against Getafe and Hoffenheim in August.

Source: bbc.com

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Rangers manager Derek McInnes has been issued a four-match touchline ban by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) for remarks he made concerning match officials. The sanction stems from comments made during his tenure as head coach of Hearts, following a match between Motherwell and Celtic last season.

The ban, which includes one suspended match, means McInnes will not be in the dugout for his first three competitive domestic games as Rangers boss. The club has indicated its intention to appeal the decision.

Details of the Sanction

McInnes’s comments followed Motherwell’s defeat to Celtic in a crucial fixture towards the end of last season. Hearts were involved in a closely contested Scottish Premiership title race with Celtic at the time, which was ultimately decided on the final day. The specific incident that drew criticism was a penalty decision awarded to Celtic in the closing moments of the game, which led to the match-winning goal.

The penalty was given for handball against Sam Nicholson, following advice from video assistant Andrew Dallas to referee John Beaton. McInnes described the decision as “actually quite disgusting” and remarked, “I shouldn’t be commenting on another game, but having seen that, it feels like us against everybody.”

The SFA’s disciplinary rule 72 prohibits criticism that suggests “bias or incompetence” on the part of match officials or impinges on their character. The Rangers statement in response to the ban asserted that McInnes’s comments were directed at the specific decision rather than representing a broader criticism of officials’ competence or integrity. The club also highlighted that McInnes’s concerns were widely shared by other commentators across the UK, and that the SFA’s independent Key Match Incident Panel later concluded the referee’s original decision was correct and VAR should not have intervened.

The club further argued that similar language has been used in Scottish football by others with less severe or no disciplinary action, raising questions about consistency in the application of rules. Despite the comments predating McInnes’s appointment at Rangers, the club believes the issue is significant enough to be challenged, advocating for managers, players, and clubs to be able to speak honestly about major decisions to improve standards and maintain trust within Scottish football.

Impact on Rangers’ Fixtures

The ban means the 55-year-old manager will be in the stands for Rangers’ season opener against Dundee United on July 31. He will also miss their Premiership game against Hibernian at Ibrox and their League Cup second-round tie scheduled for the weekend of August 15/16.

The fourth match of the ban is suspended and would only be implemented if McInnes breaches the same rule again before the end of the new season. This decision follows a similar ban issued to former Motherwell player Elliot Watt, who received a four-match ban from the Scottish FA for social media comments describing Celtic’s penalty as the “worst VAR decision in history.” Motherwell FC was also fined £5,000 for their own social media post regarding the game.

The incident that led to McInnes’s ban occurred during a period when Hearts had defeated Falkirk 3-0 at Tynecastle Park, placing them on the verge of winning the Scottish Premiership. Simultaneously, Celtic secured a late penalty against Motherwell, which ultimately led to a win and set up a winner-take-all clash on the final day of the season. The notice of complaint was issued by the Scottish FA after McInnes expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision in the Celtic-Motherwell game.

Rangers’ upcoming fixtures include a match against Dundee United on July 31, followed by Hibernian on August 9, St Mirren on August 22, and Aberdeen on August 29. In September, they are scheduled to play Falkirk on September 2, Motherwell on September 5, and Celtic on September 20.

Source: skysports.com

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Fan perspectives on transfers

As the summer transfer window progresses, Everton supporters have shared their thoughts on potential player movements, including who they would like to see depart and who they hope the club will sign. Among the players mentioned for potential sale is Beto, with some fans suggesting he could be replaced by Liam Delap. One supporter noted that Beto’s potential sale over Thierno Barry is due to Barry’s youth and perceived potential. Another fan suggested Barry should move on, citing off-field issues from last season and doubts about his ability to become a consistent Premier League striker.

There is also a call for a significant number of players to leave, with one fan suggesting at least half a dozen departures are needed. This sentiment extends to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, with the idea of cashing in on him. However, some fans advocate for retaining key players such as Iliman Ndiaye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Jake O’Brien.

Regarding new arrivals, a consistent theme among supporters is the need for a new right-back. Names like Djed Spence and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been put forward as potential targets. Other suggestions for the right-back position include Brooke Norton-Cuffy, who is noted for his top-flight experience in a major European league and a mention of a fee that would not be excessive. Jordan Bos, an Australian defender capable of playing on either flank, was also mentioned for his speed, athleticism, and skill.

Beyond the right-back position, there is a desire for an experienced centre-forward, with Ivan Toney being named as a suitable candidate. One fan also suggested that Nathan Patterson should be given a chance elsewhere, as he has not consistently featured for Everton.

Club’s transfer activities and priorities

Everton has already completed three permanent signings during the summer transfer window. Merlin Rohl, a versatile midfielder, has become a permanent member of the squad after the club secured its Premier League safety. Additionally, winger Tyrique George has returned to Merseyside after a renegotiated deal with Chelsea. The club also secured the signing of Middlesbrough midfielder and Championship Player of the Season, Hayden Hackney.

Despite these additions, the club’s transfer priority remains securing a new right-back. Several names, including Raoul Bellanova, Guela Doue, Djed Spence, Ben White, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, have been linked with the club. The acquisition of an attacking right-back is seen as crucial for enhancing the team’s capabilities and addressing a long-standing squad issue.

Another significant target for Everton is the potential return of Jack Grealish. Discussions about bringing the England international back are reportedly complex, partly due to his recovery from a serious injury that ended his previous loan spell with the club. Grealish is nearing a return to training at Manchester City, which would address one of the main questions surrounding his potential return. The financial aspects of a deal for Grealish, who is in the final year of his contract at City and reportedly earns a substantial weekly wage, present another challenge. City would prefer a permanent sale, while Everton’s preference might be another loan. Grealish’s return would likely be popular among his teammates and supporters, given his contributions of two late, match-winning goals and six assists in the first half of last season.

The club is also assessing its transfer plans, with youngsters such as Adam Aznou and George Finney having impressed in a friendly match. These performances have reportedly shown the energy, drive, and balance that the team has been seeking. The transfer window activities are shaping the squad under David Moyes, with interest in players like Mandela Keita also being considered.

Everton is set to begin their new campaign against Crystal Palace in one month’s time, with the match scheduled for August 22.

Source: bbc.com

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A Distinguished Career Concludes

Anthony Taylor, a prominent referee from Wythenshawe, has announced his immediate retirement from officiating after a career spanning two decades. His final match was the World Cup last-16 tie, which saw Spain defeat Portugal 1-0. Taylor, who was a prison officer before becoming a professional referee, joined the Football League list at the start of the 2006-07 season.

He was promoted to the Premier League in 2010, where he oversaw 432 top-flight matches and officiated every major domestic cup final. Throughout his career, Taylor officiated a total of 831 matches, including 668 professional games in England and 163 international matches. He was also on Fifa’s list of officials for 14 years, participating in the 2022 World Cup, as well as the Euros in 2020 and 2024.

Reflecting on his decision, Taylor stated that officiating at the elite level was an immense privilege, but acknowledged the intense pressure and constant scrutiny associated with the role. He expressed that the time was right to step aside and transition to the next phase of his career, thanking his assistants, colleagues, and family for their support.

Challenges and Recognition

Taylor’s career included officiating significant matches such as the 2015 EFL Cup final. He also became the first referee since 1901 to take charge of two FA Cup finals, overseeing Arsenal’s 2-1 victories against Chelsea in both 2017 and 2020. Other notable appointments included the 2015 Community Shield and the 2018 Championship play-off final.

Internationally, Taylor was entrusted with major fixtures, including the 2020 Uefa Super Cup, the 2021 Nations League final, and the 2023 Europa League final. He received praise for his handling of the Euro 2020 game between Denmark and Finland, which was halted after Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest.

However, Taylor also faced significant abuse, particularly after the 2023 Europa League final, where Sevilla defeated Roma on penalties. Following the match, Roma manager Jose Mourinho confronted Taylor in a car park, an incident that led to a four-match ban for Mourinho. Taylor and his family were also subjected to verbal abuse from fans at Budapest Airport.

Impact and Future of Refereeing

In an interview in October 2025, Taylor described the airport incident as the worst situation he had encountered in terms of abuse, highlighting the impact of such behaviour on officials and their families. He also spoke about the increasing challenge of maintaining fitness levels required for elite officiating at his age.

Howard Webb, chief refereeing officer at Pro Ref, praised Taylor as a fantastic servant to the game, both domestically and internationally. Webb highlighted Taylor’s consistent demonstration of being one of English football’s best officials and a role model for his professionalism and support for colleagues and future generations of referees.

Taylor’s retirement creates a vacancy at the top tier of English refereeing. Pro Ref, formerly known PGMO, has merged its officials into a single group for the 2026-27 season. This new professional referee group, which will serve the Premier League and Championship, aims to provide greater opportunities for emerging officials such as Farai Hallam and Tom Kirk.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Remco Evenepoel claimed a decisive victory in the stage 16 individual time trial of the Tour de France, held over a 26.1km course from Évian-les-Bains to Thonon-les-Bains. The Belgian rider, a time trial world champion, finished with a time of 32 minutes and 19 seconds, marking his second stage win in this year’s race.

Evenepoel’s performance saw him gain 28 seconds on Tadej Pogačar, who currently holds the yellow jersey. Despite the significant gain, Evenepoel acknowledged that challenging for the overall Tour victory, given his deficit of 4 minutes and 32 seconds, was not his focus. He expressed pride in his win, which occurred on Belgium’s national day, and noted the support of his family at the event.

Evenepoel’s Dominance and Teammate’s Crash

Evenepoel’s victory was described as bittersweet due to the crash of his Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe teammate, Florian Lipowitz. Lipowitz, who was in fifth place in the general classification at the start of the day, crashed in the closing kilometres of the stage after his wheel reportedly slid out on a bend. Evenepoel stated he would miss Lipowitz for the final week of the race.

During the time trial, Evenepoel demonstrated his strength, passing the second time check 56 seconds faster than Mattias Skjelmose and 14 seconds quicker than Pogačar. His impressive pace was evident from the start, as he went through the first checkpoint 21 seconds faster than any other rider.

Key Performances and Course Details

The stage featured a challenging course that included the second-category Côte de Larringes, a 9.7km climb with a 4.3% gradient, followed by a descent towards Lake Geneva. The terrain was not a typical flat and straight time trial, incorporating 500m of climbing between the start and finish points, both located at an altitude of 390m on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Earlier in the day, Josh Tarling of Netcompany-Ineos set the initial fastest time of 34 minutes and 21 seconds. His teammate, Filippo Ganna, finished just four seconds behind. Bruno Armirail of Visma-Lease a Bike then surpassed Tarling’s time, setting a new fastest mark of 34 minutes and 14 seconds. Mattia Cattaneo of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe further improved this, shaving off 13 seconds to record a time of 34 minutes and 1 second.

Thymen Arensman experienced an unfortunate delay at the start gate, reportedly rolling off around 10 seconds late. Despite this, he managed to slot into second place, just four seconds off Cattaneo’s time at that point. Pablo Castrillo of Movistar, the Spanish time trial champion, also showed strong form, passing the second checkpoint quicker than Cattaneo.

General Classification and White Jersey Battle

Following stage 16, Tadej Pogačar maintains his lead in the general classification. Remco Evenepoel remains in second place, with Isaac del Toro in third. The battle for the white jersey, awarded to the best young rider, saw Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas in a close contest. At the second time check, they were neck and neck, with Seixas ultimately gaining a five-second advantage at the finish line.

Other notable riders in the top ten of the general classification include Juan Ayuso, Mattias Skjelmose, and Lenny Martinez. Tom Pidcock, who finished 12th on the stage, moved up to eighth in the overall standings, less than ten seconds behind Martinez. The stage results saw Evenepoel finish first, Pogačar second, and Skjelmose third.

The next stage will see Niall McVeigh take over blogging duties, with the live coverage returning for stage 18 on Thursday.

Source: theguardian.com

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