Liverpool have opened exploratory talks to sign 17-year-old Club Tijuana midfielder Gilberto Mora ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Premier League club have made initial contact with both the Mexican side and the teenager’s representatives.
Regarded as a standout talent at the recent World Cup, the young playmaker is already attracting vast global interest.
However, the Merseyside outfit face severe competition from European heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona for his signature.
Rebuilding after major summer departures
The pursuit of the highly-rated Mexican youth international comes amid a period of significant transition at Anfield.
First-team regulars Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have all recently departed the club.
Following a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Premier League last season, manager Andoni Iraola is urgently seeking squad reinforcements.
The Reds have already confirmed the capture of Spanish winger Victor Munoz after hijacking a proposed move to Newcastle United.
Immediate impact versus future potential
While securing the Tijuana academy graduate would represent a major coup, the 17-year-old is unlikely to be a guaranteed starter.
Reports suggest the coveted youngster harbours ambitions of playing for Real Madrid, adding further complexity to the ongoing negotiations.
Priority now turns towards finding a ready-made replacement for Salah on the right flank as the English side aim to climb back up the table.
Aston Villa set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee is plotting a path to international glory with Portugal after orchestrating remarkable European success for the Premier League club.
The 46-year-old Scottish coach has become an integral figure in the dugout for both club and country.
His tactical ingenuity was recently highlighted when Youri Tielemans scored a choreographed goal during a crucial European fixture against Freiburg.
Goalkeeper Emi Martinez notably bypassed his outfield team-mates to celebrate directly with the mastermind behind the routine.
Praise from Premier League peers
The former Hearts caretaker manager has earned glowing endorsements from key figures within the Midlands club following a decisive 3-0 victory in Istanbul.
Head coach Unai Emery recently labelled the tactician a fantastic creator.
Club captain John McGinn praised his countryman as a great set-piece coach, while striker Ollie Watkins highlighted his tactical courage.
An unconventional footballing journey
The distinctive coach faced unfair criticism during his time in Scottish domestic football despite his obvious pedigree.
His diverse resume includes guiding Cupar Hearts to the Scottish Amateur Cup final and scouting for Mexico at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The well-travelled tactician also spent a formative year at Danish side Midtjylland, a club widely renowned as a global hotbed for set-piece innovation.
Former Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill previously mounted a passionate defence of his former assistant to combat intense domestic scrutiny.
Austin brings a high level of knowledge on the opposition, a creative way to train and he’s creative in how he brings information to the players.
Michael O’Neill
Targeting international silverware
After instrumental contributions to Northern Ireland’s historic Euro 2016 qualification, the set-piece guru is now applying his craft on the biggest global stage.
The strategist will aim to provide the marginal gains necessary for the star-studded Portuguese squad to conquer their upcoming knockout fixtures.
A highly anticipated World Cup last-16 clash against Spain in Dallas awaits the Iberian nation, where meticulous dead-ball planning could prove decisive.
The 2026-27 Uefa Champions League begins on Tuesday with the first qualifying round, just 38 days after Paris St-Germain won last season’s final.
While the 2026 World Cup continues, Europe’s premier club competition is already getting underway.
The preliminary stages feature a host of unheralded teams beginning their long journey towards the lucrative group phases.
Among those in early action are Irish champions Shamrock Rovers.
World Cup stars and stretched squads
The Dublin-based outfit will have to navigate these continental fixtures while managing limited resources.
They are currently without standout defender Roberto Lopes, who has been starring for Cape Verde on the global stage.
The centre-back recently helped the African islanders push reigning world champions Argentina to extra time in the round of 32.
Luxembourg debutants make history
Elsewhere in the draw, Atert Bissen are making their maiden appearance in the competition following an extraordinary domestic ascent.
They recently became only the second European team to go from the third tier to national champions in three consecutive seasons.
Their rapid rise was masterminded by club president Carlos Teixeira.
The construction entrepreneur successfully lured talent by offering regular employment alongside semi-professional football contracts.
Bosnian champions seek further progress
Also entering the fray are Borac Banja Luka, who have claimed the Bosnian Premier League title twice in the last three years.
The Republika Srpska-based side boast recent continental pedigree.
They made history two seasons ago by becoming the first club from their nation to reach the knockout phase of a major European competition.
Romanian side CS Universitatea Craiova will also be looking to make their mark as the qualifying rounds intensify over the coming weeks.
The United States face Belgium on Monday for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals, aiming to capitalise on a surge in domestic soccer popularity.
Football has traditionally lagged behind established American sports like baseball, basketball and American football in the national conversation.
However, the current tournament has generated unprecedented excitement across the co-host nation.
National spotlight on the USMNT
Americans are flocking to matches, pop-up shops and viewing parties spread across parks and museums.
Fans dressed in the stars and stripes are a commonplace sight throughout the host cities.
Many supporters believe this tournament will be a tipping point for the sport regardless of Monday’s result against the Red Devils.
Unifying experience for American fans
Documentary filmmaker Erik Olsen noted the tournament’s unique ability to bring diverse communities together.
“To have all these different people come together to cheer on the US team, and maybe even their own team – if you’re from Mexico or Argentina or someplace else – we need that kind of global spirit right now.”
Lifelong supporter Steve Salcedo has observed younger generations embracing the sport much faster than previous cohorts.
“The hype is definitely here for the World Cup, it’ll be here until the World Cup ends. Of course it’s going to die down, but in general I think soccer is here to stay.”
Inspiring the next generation
The fervent atmosphere is also encouraging young fans to actively participate in the game.
Sixteen-year-old Keenah Pacheco admitted the national team’s run has inspired her to return to the pitch.
“The last time I played soccer was when I was eight years old. Watching the World Cup has really made me want to play again, so it’s really bringing out this passion back.”
The American women’s national team has long been a global powerhouse, but a deep run by the men’s squad could finally elevate their status to a similar level.
Spain are aiming to make World Cup history as the only team yet to concede a goal at the 2026 tournament prepare to face Portugal in the last 16.
Luis de la Fuente’s side have reached the knockout stages in imperious form following a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria.
That dominant performance ensured they became the first team not to face a single shot on target in a knockout match since Germany defeated Argentina in the 2014 final.
The Iberian nation are also the first European side to keep clean sheets in each of their opening four matches since Switzerland managed the feat in 2006.
Simon surpasses Zenga milestone
Goalkeeper Unai Simon has now gone 519 consecutive tournament minutes without being beaten.
The 28-year-old stopper has surpassed Walter Zenga’s long-standing tournament benchmark of 517 minutes and overhauled Iker Casillas’ national record.
His rapid ascent on the international stage has been underpinned by the unwavering faith of his manager.
De la Fuente has continued to select his preferred number one ahead of Premier League Golden Glove winner David Raya and Barcelona standout Joan Garcia.
I feel proud of him; I feel like he is a member of my family and I’m very happy for him.
Luis de la Fuente
Collective effort targets Swiss record
Despite heaping praise on his goalkeeper, the national team boss was quick to stress these achievements reflect a wider collective effort.
He played a very big role in the victory, but it’s not just about individuals as it is about the whole group coming together for that defensive effort.
Luis de la Fuente
Another significant piece of tournament history is now within touching distance for La Roja.
Switzerland’s run of 559 consecutive minutes without conceding between 1994 and 2010 remains the longest streak by any nation.
If the former world champions can keep their neighbours scoreless until the 41st minute of their upcoming knockout tie, they will set a brand new benchmark.
Recent statistical evidence suggests the formidable defensive unit have every chance of achieving that milestone.
No opponent has managed a single shot on target against the Spanish backline in the opening 75 minutes of a match during this entire campaign.
Tottenham have completed the club-record signing of midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in an agreement that could ultimately reach £100m.
The 26-year-old makes the switch to north London after spending three highly eventful seasons on Tyneside.
Spurs initially saw an £80m approach rejected by the Magpies before eventually agreeing to pay a guaranteed £92.5m alongside a further £7.5m in performance-related add-ons.
Overcoming adversity to secure silverware
The Italy international originally arrived in the Premier League from AC Milan for £55m in July 2023.
His early career in England was severely disrupted when the Italian Football Federation handed him a 10-month suspension for breaching betting regulations.
However, the combative midfielder returned to become a pivotal figure for Newcastle, driving them to Carabao Cup glory in 2025 to end a 70-year major trophy drought.
De Zerbi drives ambitious summer rebuild
Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi has been a long-term admirer of his compatriot, having initially identified him as a target during his managerial tenure at Sassuolo.
This marquee acquisition continues an incredibly aggressive summer recruitment drive by the capital club.
The former Milan playmaker arrives shortly after Spurs secured Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United for a staggering £85m fee.
Defensive reinforcements have also been a priority, with experienced duo Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi joining on free transfers.
Should a proposed move for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke materialise, Tottenham’s combined outlay on their new midfield and defensive core alone will reach £237m.
Nottingham Forest have appointed former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner as their new manager until 2029, following the abrupt dismissal of Vitor Pereira.
The Premier League club parted ways with Pereira via email just two minutes before a specific clause in his contract was due to expire.
The 57-year-old Portuguese coach had successfully guided the East Midlands side to top-flight safety last season after taking charge in February.
He also led the team to the Europa League semi-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by Aston Villa.
Glasner’s pedigree and vision
Owner Evangelos Marinakis has moved swiftly to secure the services of Glasner following the expiration of his contract at Selhurst Park.
During a highly successful three-year tenure in south London, the Austrian tactician secured both the FA Cup and the Europa Conference League.
“From my very first conversations with the owner and the leadership team, it was evident to me that they have a clear vision for this football club.”
Oliver Glasner
The 49-year-old added that his immediate priority is meeting the playing staff ahead of their pre-season schedule.
Marinakis targets major honours
Forest’s ownership group maintains lofty ambitions for the upcoming campaign under their new managerial appointment.
“Our ambition is not simply to compete – our ambition is to win, to challenge for major honours and to create a football club that our supporters can be proud of.”
Evangelos Marinakis
Marinakis praised his new head coach as a proven winner who possesses the necessary leadership and tactical style to elevate the squad.
The sudden managerial change leaves Pereira searching for a new role just as he was actively preparing the squad for the forthcoming season.
Ten-man England have secured one of their greatest World Cup victories by defeating host nation Mexico 3-2 at the iconic Estadio Azteca to reach the quarter-finals.
Thomas Tuchel’s side will now travel to Miami on Saturday to face Norway in the last eight of the tournament.
Two goals from Jude Bellingham inspired the monumental triumph in an incredibly hostile environment.
The historic win was achieved despite defender Jarell Quansah receiving a red card early in the second half.
Overcoming the elements and the odds
The dramatic knockout tie was initially delayed by an hour due to severe thunderstorms sweeping across the Mexican capital.
Facing an intimidating atmosphere at an altitude exceeding 7,000 feet, the visiting team breached a formidable fortress where El Tri had previously lost only two of 89 competitive matches.
The German head coach celebrated wildly at the final whistle, embracing his two-goal midfield talisman on the pitch after a physically draining encounter.
A victory for the ages
The Three Lions had faced significant criticism for their spluttering progress through the group stages, but this heroic display answered those doubts emphatically.
Former national team captain Alan Shearer praised the immense resilience shown by the squad under immense pressure.
“Those players have represented their country in magnificent form.”
Shearer told BBC Sport.
“Everything that could have gone against them, everything that was thrown at them – the energy, the altitude – they have got past all of that and they deserved it.”
Surviving 11 agonising minutes of stoppage time with a numerical disadvantage guarantees this phenomenal performance will be remembered alongside the legendary 1966 triumph.