Manchester United have renewed their interest in signing Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, with scouts reportedly monitoring the centre-back during his recent World Cup appearances.
The 29-year-old recently completed the full 90 minutes as South Korea secured a 2-1 victory over Czechia in their opening Group A fixture.
Staged at the Estadio Akron in Mexico, the commanding performance further showcased the qualities that have caught the eye of the Premier League club.
German publication TZ reports that emissaries from Old Trafford have been tracking the imposing centre-half across multiple appearances.
A long-standing defensive target
This is not the first time the Red Devils have pursued the South Korean international.
The English giants closely monitored his progress during a standout spell in Italy with Napoli.
However, they ultimately missed out when the Bundesliga heavyweights activated a £43m release clause to bring him to Germany in 2023.
The former Serie A winner will have another opportunity to impress potential suitors when his nation faces World Cup co-hosts Mexico on Thursday.
United active in the transfer market
The Old Trafford hierarchy have already demonstrated their intent to rebuild by acting decisively in the summer window.
The Manchester club recently struck a deal to sign Atalanta star Ederson for an initial £35m fee.
With performance-related add-ons included, the overall value of that transfer could eventually reach £38.8m.
Meanwhile, pursuit of Nottingham Forest prospect Elliot Anderson has reportedly cooled, with rivals Manchester City now emerging as the preferred destination for the English talent.
The United States and Canada will play their opening fixtures of the 2026 World Cup on Friday, hosting Paraguay and Bosnia-Herzegovina respectively.
The co-hosts are eager to make an immediate impact as the expanded 48-team tournament gets fully underway across North America.
Los Angeles provides the backdrop for the Stars and Stripes, who take on South American opposition in their crucial first group stage encounter.
Meanwhile, the Canadian national team will welcome their European challengers to Toronto.
Early tournament drama sets the stage
The global showcase has already delivered significant talking points following the initial round of fixtures.
Fellow tournament hosts Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a highly physical encounter marred by multiple red cards.
Elsewhere, South Korea demonstrated remarkable resilience to overcome an early deficit and defeat Czechia 2-1.
A historic competition unfolds
This iteration of the premier international tournament is the largest event in football history.
Matches are being distributed across three nations, testing the logistical preparations of the entire continent.
Anticipation continues to build across the host cities as the remaining contenders finalise their tactical preparations.
Away from the football pitch, Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was among the high-profile sporting spectators soaking up the North American atmosphere at the Stanley Cup.
The Republic of Ireland will play their home Nations League fixture against Israel behind closed doors at a neutral overseas venue this October following approval from Uefa.
The Football Association of Ireland requested the move to address operational concerns surrounding the scheduled Dublin match on 4 October.
European football’s governing body has now sanctioned the relocation, ensuring the tie goes ahead away from the Republic’s capital.
The two nations are already slated to meet on 27 September for the corresponding Group B3 fixture, which will also take place at an unconfirmed neutral location.
Mounting Boycott Pressures
Domestic pressure has been intensifying to boycott the international matches entirely owing to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Last month, the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign staged a major protest outside the national parliament demanding action.
Campaigners from Irish Sport For Palestine have also launched a dedicated movement aimed at halting the upcoming fixtures.
Political demonstrations previously spilled into the sporting arena during May’s international friendly victory over Qatar.
That match at the Aviva Stadium experienced brief disruptions when protesters threw tennis balls adorned with the Palestinian flag onto the pitch.
Governing Body Stance and Player Reaction
Despite the mounting backlash, the domestic football administration confirmed earlier this year that they intend to fulfil all competitive obligations.
David Courell, the association’s chief executive, previously warned that withdrawing from the games could result in severe disciplinary action.
“We have no choice but to play, and could face serious consequences if we pulled out of the games.”
Within the playing squad, senior figures have expressed mixed feelings regarding the complicated geopolitical situation.
Veteran defender Seamus Coleman recently suggested that political and administrative authorities should have resolved the controversy long before it reached the dressing room.
Meanwhile, team captain Nathan Collins offered support to any squad members grappling with the moral implications of participating.
“If individual players felt strongly enough to boycott the games, we are not going to stand against them.”
Former Wolverhampton Wanderers, Millwall and Swansea City manager Kenny Jackett has died at the age of 64 following a 30-year career in the English Football League.
The hugely respected coach stepped down from his final role as director of football at Gillingham on medical grounds in November 2024.
He amassed vast experience across four decades in the dugout, taking charge of more than 900 matches after beginning his managerial journey with Watford in 1996.
Success across the English Football League
The experienced tactician earned promotions with both Swansea and Millwall before taking charge at Molineux in 2013.
Arriving with the West Midlands club languishing in League One, he immediately secured promotion by winning the title at the first time of asking.
The former Watford boss subsequently made them highly competitive in the Championship, narrowly missing out on a play-off spot.
His extensive resume also included challenging spells at Rotherham United, Portsmouth and Leyton Orient.
During his tenure at Fratton Park, he guided the south coast side to consecutive EFL Trophy finals, lifting the silverware in 2019.
Tributes pour in for a ‘hugely capable leader’
Several of his former employers have released emotional statements acknowledging his profound impact on their respective histories.
Millwall Football Club is extremely saddened to announce the passing of former manager Kenny Jackett at the age of 64. Kenny managed over 300 games during his time with the club, leading The Lions to promotion from League One and to an FA Cup Semi-Final. Rest in peace, Kenny.
Wolverhampton Wanderers echoed those sentiments, highlighting his crucial role in modernising the club.
Kenny led the club to its incredible record-breaking League One title and laid the foundations for the club as we know it today. The thoughts of everyone at Wolves are with Kenny’s family and friends at this time.
League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan praised his lasting influence on the sport.
He embodied everything we like to see in a manager, humility, professionalism and a deep care for his players and staff. He improved every club he served and did so with quiet dignity throughout his career.
Bevan added that the much-loved figure would be remembered for an incredible sense of responsibility to his teams and to the game itself.
Brighton have launched a £30m bid to sign highly-rated 19-year-old defender Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur.
The south coast club have made their move amid ongoing speculation regarding the teenager’s future in north London.
Spurs are reportedly eager to retain the centre-back and hope to negotiate a new contract before potentially sending him out on another loan.
Stellar spell in Germany
Interest in the prospect has intensified following a highly successful temporary stint in the Bundesliga with Hamburg.
During his time in Germany, the defender excelled and was ultimately crowned the division’s young player of the season.
The Croatian international is set to return to his parent club for pivotal talks following his upcoming involvement in the 2026 World Cup.
Intertwined transfer targets
This significant offer arrives as the two Premier League sides find themselves locked in parallel negotiations.
Tottenham have already seen two bids rejected for Seagulls centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke during the current transfer window.
Brighton have now responded with a firm counter-punch by targeting one of the London club’s most promising young assets.
Further developments are expected as both clubs look to resolve their respective defensive pursuits ahead of the new campaign.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has admitted that a lack of squad connection off the pitch hampered England during their run to the Euro 2024 final.
The Three Lions reached the showpiece event in Germany but suffered a painful defeat to Spain in what proved to be Gareth Southgate’s final match in charge.
Despite reaching a second successive European Championship final, the national side struggled for form and fluency throughout the tournament.
Heavy burden of expectation
The 22-year-old previously suggested he felt scapegoated for the failure, but has now acknowledged that internal atmospheric issues played a major role.
“At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch,” the former Borussia Dortmund star said on the Lions’ Den show.
“I don’t feel like the group connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons.”
He explained that the weight of expectation heavily impacted the camp following strong showings at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
“We were not playing particularly well so even when we were winning you didn’t get the feeling you were as happy as you should be.”
World Cup campaign under Tuchel
England will begin their latest World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, 17 June, before facing Ghana and Panama in Group L.
The dynamic playmaker faces fierce competition for a starting berth, with German manager Thomas Tuchel expected to choose between him and Morgan Rogers.
However, the Aston Villa attacker insists there is a healthy competitive spirit within the current squad dynamic.
“We are really aligned and it is really easy and seamless for anyone to fit in the group,” Rogers explained.
“Wherever you are from, wherever you play, ages – it doesn’t matter in this group, and it is a joy to be here.”
Barcelona have opted against immediately triggering their €30m option to buy Marcus Rashford from Manchester United as they prioritise signing a replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
The LaLiga champions had until 15 June to make the England forward’s loan move permanent.
However, the Catalan club have formally communicated they will not execute the clause at this stage.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign in Spain, registering 14 goals and 14 assists to help secure a second successive league title.
Striker search takes precedence
Despite his impressive form, the Spanish giants are directing their immediate financial resources towards a marquee centre-forward.
Replacing the departing Lewandowski is understood to be the absolute priority for the club’s hierarchy.
They recently committed up to €80m to sign winger Anthony Gordon, further squeezing their current transfer budget.
Once a new leading frontman is secured, officials at the Nou Camp may revisit a deal for the Manchester United academy graduate.
Old Trafford exit remains likely
A return to the Red Devils appears highly improbable after an 18-month absence that included a prior loan spell at Aston Villa.
The Manchester club remain eager to sell and are reportedly willing to negotiate a similar or slightly reduced fee later in the window.
The lightning-fast attacker has already agreed to a pay cut in order to facilitate a permanent departure from his boyhood team.
He is not the only high-profile player waiting on the Spanish champions this summer.
Outgoing Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has also been offered to the club but must wait until their primary attacking targets are acquired.
Chelsea emerge as potential suitors
If a permanent move to Catalonia collapses, Stamford Bridge has been touted as a viable alternative destination.
Former Chelsea winger Joe Cole believes Xabi Alonso should target the forward to bolster his wide options in west London.
“Rashford ticks a lot of boxes, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on him – he’d do a good job for Chelsea.”
Speaking to Sun Sport, Cole added that the forward still has plenty of room to improve away from Manchester.
“He needs to keep his confidence up because he rebuilt himself at Barcelona, and there’s still another level for him to jump to.”
The coming weeks will dictate whether that next step is taken in Spain or back in the Premier League.
Striker Edin Dzeko is set to lead Bosnia-Herzegovina into the 2026 World Cup in what will likely be the final tournament of his remarkable career, beginning with a group-stage clash against co-hosts Canada on Friday.
When the veteran forward eventually decides to retire, his career highlights reel will be remarkably extensive.
Two Premier League titles feature prominently in an impressive collection of club honours won during spells with Manchester City, Inter Milan and Wolfsburg.
Yet the enduring image of the 40-year-old’s playing days may ultimately prove to be a much more vulnerable one on international duty.
Moments after his national side beat Italy on penalties to qualify for only their second World Cup, the captain was seen celebrating cautiously while nursing his arm in a sling.
A nation’s hopes resting on veteran shoulders
For almost 20 years, the prolific goalscorer has carried the heavy expectations of a country still deeply affected by past horrors.
“His career is connected to the country’s own image – resilience, persistence and proving people wrong.”
That is how Bosnian journalist Sasa Ibrulj summarises the monumental impact of the nation’s most famous sporting export.
Placed in a relatively even World Cup group alongside Canada, Switzerland and Qatar, the final chapter of this celebrated playing career could spark a new beginning for the European side.
Their tournament campaign begins against the North American co-hosts at 20:00 BST on Friday.
Forged in the fires of the Sarajevo siege
The player affectionately known as the ‘Bosnian Diamond’ grew up against a harrowing backdrop of war, poverty and suffering.
He was just six years old when the Bosnian War began in 1992, sparking a devastating conflict that cost the lives of approximately 80,000 fellow Bosnian Muslims.
His family remained trapped in Sarajevo during the near four-year siege of the city as snipers routinely targeted civilians.
Following the destruction of his parents’ house, the youngster was forced to move into a tiny, cramped apartment with his grandparents.
“It was terrible. The whole family was there, maybe 15 people all staying in an apartment about 35 metres square.”
Speaking previously to the Guardian, the former Roma talisman recalled the constant, daily stress of fearing that loved ones had been killed.
A childhood tragedy was only narrowly avoided when his mother forced him to stay home from a local football pitch on a day a shell struck the field, killing several children.
From misunderstood youth to European royalty
After the war concluded, the towering striker began his footballing journey with local club Zeljeznicar.
His early career was largely misunderstood by coaches, earning him the nickname ‘Kloc’ – local slang for a lamp-post – due to his lanky physical appearance.
Zeljeznicar directors could barely believe their luck when Czech side Teplice offered to buy the young forward for a mere 25,000 euros.
Years later, the acclaimed international became the first player in history to score at least 50 goals across the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A.
Despite achieving global superstardom, the national hero has never forgotten his roots.
He has made numerous charitable donations to aid renovations at his boyhood club and proudly became his country’s first Unicef ambassador in 2009.
“What makes him different is that people in Bosnia have never experienced him as distant or untouchable.”
Ibrulj notes that fans deeply respect the fact their talisman did not emerge from a privileged background or a powerful academy system.