Liverpool are preparing an opening bid for Rayo Vallecano right-back Andrei Ratiu as they look to rebuild their defence this summer.
The Merseyside club have identified the 28-year-old as a primary target to resolve ongoing structural issues on the right flank.
According to reports from Sportsboom, an offer is being readied for the highly-rated Romania international.
The La Liga outfit are expected to demand a fee in the region of £25m to £30m for their standout defender.
Adapting to Iraola’s system
The Reds are undergoing a period of significant transition following the managerial appointment of Andoni Iraola.
The incoming head coach is eager to implement a high-energy, possession-based style to revitalise the squad.
Recent arrivals such as Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have begun the rebuild, but defensive reinforcements remain a priority.
A move for a seasoned full-back has become essential following the recent exits of key figures including Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate.
Replacing Alexander-Arnold
Right-back proved to be a severe problem area during Arne Slot’s spell in charge last season.
The Premier League side struggled to replace long-serving star Trent Alexander-Arnold after his high-profile move to Real Madrid.
Injuries and inconsistent form heavily hampered both Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong.
This personnel crisis forced midfielders Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai to awkwardly deputise out of position on the flank.
Securing a specialist would provide immediate tactical stability for the incoming coaching staff.
Overcoming contract hurdles
Negotiating a deal with the Madrid-based club may prove challenging due to the player’s current contract status.
The sought-after full-back signed an extension last November, committing his future to his current employers until 2030.
He enjoyed an exceptional campaign last year, helping his side reach the Europa Conference League final before suffering defeat to Crystal Palace.
If a transfer is successful, it could cast doubt over the long-term futures and expected game time of existing defensive options on Merseyside.
South Korea face a nervous wait to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stages after a shock 1-0 defeat by South Africa in Monterrey.
Manager Hong Myung-Bo took a massive gamble by omitting captain Son Heung-Min from his starting line-up.
The Taegeuk Warriors only needed to avoid defeat on Wednesday to guarantee a second-place finish and a subsequent clash with Canada.
Instead, the unexpected loss to Bafana Bafana leaves them languishing in third place in their group.
They must now await the conclusion of the group stage on Saturday to discover if they progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
Managerial gamble backfires
The decision to drop the national hero sent shockwaves through the stadium before kick-off.
It marked the first time since 2010 that the Tottenham Hotspur forward had been benched for a World Cup match.
The controversial call abruptly ended his remarkable streak of 12 consecutive tournament starts.
Fans in attendance made their feelings known immediately when the team sheet was confirmed.
Loud jeers cascaded down from the stands as the head coach’s face was shown on the big screen.
Early chances fail to pay off
Despite the absence of their iconic number seven, the Asian powerhouse made a bright start.
Stand-in captain Kim Min-Jae almost opened the scoring in the second minute.
The towering Bayern Munich defender met Lee Kang-In’s corner with a powerful header, but Aubrey Modiba scrambled the ball off the line.
The Paris St-Germain midfielder then dragged an effort just wide of the post shortly after as early pressure mounted.
As the first half progressed, the African side weathered the storm and began to assert their own dominance.
Thapelo Maseko proved to be a constant menace down the right wing, continuously exposing spaces left behind by the Korean defence.
Co-hosts Mexico have eliminated the Czech Republic from the 2026 World Cup, securing a 3-0 victory at the Azteca Stadium to conclude a flawless Group A campaign.
Second-half goals from Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones and Alvaro Fidalgo ensured El Tri advanced to the knockout stages with three consecutive victories.
The festive atmosphere in Mexico City was heightened by two historic milestones for the national side.
Ochoa and Mora enter record books
Veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was introduced as a late substitute to make an appearance at a record sixth World Cup tournament.
The 40-year-old joins elite company, matching the longevity milestones previously established by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, teenage sensation Gilberto Mora shone brightly during a record-breaking start.
Aged 17 years and 101 days, the creative midfielder became the youngest player to start a World Cup fixture since Nigeria’s Femi Opabunmi in 2002.
Czechs bow out as Soucek suffers injury
While the home nation celebrated their progression, their European opponents exited the tournament with a whimper after mustering just a single shot on target.
The visitors’ misery was severely compounded by a concerning injury to West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek.
The experienced international had to be helped from the field after jarring his knee during the second half.
Second-half surge seals victory
Following a tense opening period where both sides struggled to create clear opportunities, Chavez finally broke the deadlock with a composed finish in the 55th minute.
Mora then demonstrated his prodigious talent by initiating the slick attacking move that allowed Quinones to double the advantage shortly after the hour mark.
The resounding victory was capped deep into stoppage time when Ochoa’s long delivery upfield ultimately resulted in Fidalgo’s sweeping third goal.
This commanding performance ensures the co-hosts top their group decisively, potentially setting up a blockbuster round-of-16 clash against England.
AC Milan have rejected a formal approach from New York City FC to sign Christian Pulisic, declaring the United States forward is strictly not for sale.
The Major League Soccer outfit are preparing to open a new stadium next summer and anticipate a significantly increased transfer budget.
They have already demonstrated this growing financial power by breaking their incoming transfer record to sign Nicolás Fernández for approximately $9.3m.
However, the Serie A giants remain determined to retain the 26-year-old attacker, whose current contract at San Siro runs until June 2027.
Turmoil and rebuilding at San Siro
The refusal to sell comes during a period of immense upheaval for the Rossoneri, who have recently failed to qualify for the Champions League for a second consecutive campaign.
Following this domestic disappointment, a complete overhaul of the executive hierarchy saw chief executive Giorgio Furlani, sporting director Igli Tare, manager Massimiliano Allegri and technical director Geoffrey Moncada all depart.
Former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has since been appointed to fill the managerial vacancy and lead the rebuilding phase in Italy.
RedBird Capital Partners founder Gerry Cardinale has reportedly insisted that the former Chelsea player remains a cornerstone of the new project alongside teammates Adrien Rabiot and Michael Maignan.
World Cup focus and injury recovery
Despite the Italian club’s eagerness to secure the American international to a contract extension, he is expected to delay negotiations until greater institutional stability is demonstrated.
For now, the winger is entirely focused on his international commitments with the United States Men’s National Team at the World Cup.
A persistent calf problem had restricted the national team captain to just 45 minutes of action across his country’s opening two group stage fixtures.
However, he has now fully recovered and is available for selection in Thursday’s final Group D encounter against Türkiye.
The Stars and Stripes have already secured top spot in their group, guaranteeing their progression to the round of 32.
United States manager Mauricio Pochettino will rest four players currently on yellow cards against Turkey in California on Thursday to ensure they are available for the knockout stages.
The national team have already secured top spot in Group D, rendering the fixture against an eliminated Turkey side a dead rubber.
As a result, Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson will begin the match on the bench.
Under tournament rules, single bookings are wiped upon the conclusion of the group stage provided they do not trigger an immediate suspension.
Avoiding unnecessary risks
The Argentine head coach stated it was an easy decision to protect his key personnel ahead of their round of 32 tie on 1 July.
“I think it’s unnecessary to take a risk and then take another yellow card and be not available for the next stage,” Pochettino said.
The former Chelsea boss also expressed concerns that those on bookings might play tentatively to avoid a ban.
“My answer is I need to be sure that the team that is going to play tomorrow, want to eat the grass here in the SoFi and play as if it’s the final of the World Cup,” he added.
Pulisic returns as Tillman nears rest
Christian Pulisic is available for selection after the dynamic winger missed the victory over Australia with a minor calf problem.
Pochettino admitted he has yet to decide whether the talismanic forward will start the match or be utilised as a second-half substitute.
Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Malik Tillman could be granted a rest following a gruelling domestic campaign.
Fringe players such as Sergino Dest and Alex Freeman are expected to feature more prominently to build match fitness.
Roldan remains an injury doubt
Cristian Roldan, initially viewed as a natural replacement for Adams in midfield, remains a major doubt for the fixture.
The veteran midfielder has been unable to train with the main group since last weekend due to a persistent quadriceps issue.
“He has a small issue in his quad, but I think it’s evolving really well,” the national team manager added.
Should Roldan fail a late fitness test, Pochettino will be forced to explore alternative midfield options for the final group match.
Two late goals earned Morocco a hard-fought 4-2 victory against Haiti in Atlanta, securing their place in the World Cup round of 32 as Group C runners-up.
The 2022 semi-finalists twice trailed to the Caribbean nation before taking control in the closing stages at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Haiti, who were already eliminated heading into their final group match, took a surprise early lead when Lenny Joseph’s team move was credited as a Yassine Bounou own goal.
Atlas Lions fight back in breathless first half
It took almost 40 minutes for the North African side to equalise, with Achraf Hakimi bundling the ball home after goalkeeper Johny Placide parried an initial effort.
That parity lasted just four minutes before Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor smashed a stunning strike past Bounou to restore Haiti’s advantage.
However, Ismael Saibari ensured the teams went into the break level by calmly placing his finish past Placide on the stroke of half-time.
Late strikes seal progression
The second period proved to be a tighter affair until Soufiane Rahimi turned sharply to convert a flicked-on corner in the 78th minute.
Gessime Yassine then sealed the points in the dying moments, netting his first international goal after a lengthy VAR check confirmed the ball had remained in play during the build-up.
The result marks a harsh exit for Haiti, who gave an excellent account of themselves during only their second appearance at the global tournament.
Morocco will now face the winners of Group F in the knockout stages, which could be the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden.
Brazil forward Vinicius Junior has had a second goal disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee during an international fixture against Scotland due to a foul in the build-up.
The Real Madrid attacker believed he had extended the South American side’s advantage after successfully finding the back of the net.
However, celebrations were swiftly curtailed when the on-field official was instructed to consult the pitchside monitor.
Replays clearly highlighted an infringement during the attacking phase just before the finish was executed.
Technology provides a crucial Scottish reprieve
The referee subsequently overturned the initial decision following a thorough video review.
This critical intervention kept the deficit manageable and offered the Tartan Army a vital lifeline in the contest.
Video technology continues to heavily influence modern international fixtures, with this latest overrule proving pivotal to the match dynamics.
Despite the undeniable frustration of seeing his effort chalked off, the lightning-fast winger remained a persistent offensive threat for the remainder of the tie.
Former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has faced severe criticism after describing Ivory Coast’s playing style as “wild” ahead of a 2026 World Cup group match.
The 39-year-old World Cup winner made the remarks while working as a television pundit for German broadcaster ARD.
He praised the athleticism of the African side but controversially characterised their approach as “sometimes unorthodox, a bit wild, and not quite as tactical”.
French publication L’Equipe noted the terminology sparked immediate outrage across social media due to its racist and colonialist connotations.
The former Bayern Munich star has not yet responded publicly to the backlash, nor faced sanctions from his employer.
Klopp walks out of interview
The off-field controversy quickly escalated when Jurgen Klopp was questioned about the incident by a broadcast reporter.
The former Liverpool manager, who is also providing television analysis for the tournament, was visibly angered by the line of questioning.
He interrupted the journalist to express his extreme frustration before prematurely ending the interview.
“And now you want to carry on this subject. I have no chance to answer this question.”
“Everybody likes it, so you bring me into this situation. It’s not my job that everyone likes it.”
“But this is a serious subject. And I don’t even know what is appropriate to say.”
The 59-year-old then sarcastically thanked the German reporter before abruptly walking away.
Undav secures late victory
Amid the media storm, Julian Nagelsmann’s side secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory at Toronto Stadium.
Franck Kessie had given the Elephants a surprise lead with 25 minutes remaining.
However, substitute Deniz Undav levelled the proceedings shortly after his introduction from the bench.
The 29-year-old forward then snatched all three points with a decisive strike in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
The European heavyweights have already guaranteed top spot in Group E following the narrow result.
They will conclude their group-stage campaign against Ecuador before travelling to Boston for a last-32 fixture.