Liverpool are preparing to trigger a £21.7m release clause to sign Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries this summer as they look to rebuild their squad.
The Premier League side are targeting the right flank of their team amid growing expectations that forward Mohamed Salah will depart Anfield.
The Netherlands international has unexpectedly fallen down the pecking order at the San Siro during the current campaign.
Despite helping the Italian giants reach last year’s Champions League final, the 29-year-old is now primarily utilised as a substitute.
Contract clause offers cut-price deal
The Dutch defender signed his current contract in 2024, inserting a €25m (£21.7m) buyout option valid until his deal expires in 2028.
Inter are now attempting to negotiate a one-year extension specifically to remove this vulnerable clause.
However, the former PSV Eindhoven star is reportedly open to a fresh challenge in England after losing his starting position in Serie A.
Personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block given the substantial financial power of the English top flight.
Tactical fit and squad depth
The Merseyside club are actively seeking defensive alternatives after dealing with persistent injury problems throughout a highly challenging domestic season.
The current squad relies heavily on Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, but both players have struggled to maintain consistent fitness.
A successful move for the lightning-fast wing-back would provide vital versatility and allow the management to adjust tactical systems when required.
However, questions remain over whether the veteran’s attacking profile is a perfect long-term fit for a traditional defensive role.
“But he’s 29, injury concerns exist, and he’s more wing-back than full-back – questionable fit for Liverpool’s system. Good short-term option, limited long-term upside.”
A final transfer decision now hinges on whether the Milan-based hierarchy can persuade their unsettled defender to remain in Italy.
Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez has fuelled speculation over a potential summer transfer to Real Madrid by admitting he would like to live in the Spanish capital.
The Argentine international has repeatedly cast doubt over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge following the club’s recent exit from the Champions League.
Speaking in an interview broadcast on YouTube, the World Cup winner revealed his clear preference for a move to Spain if he were to ever leave London.
‘More comfortable in Spanish’
“I’d like to live in Spain, I really like Madrid; it reminds me of Buenos Aires,” he said.
The 24-year-old explained that while he currently manages with English, he would feel far more settled operating in his native language.
“Players live where they want. I’d live in Madrid,” he added.
“I get by in English, but I’d be more comfortable in Spanish.”
Delaying a definitive decision
These latest comments follow earlier remarks made to ESPN Argentina, where the Blues midfielder refused to explicitly commit to remaining in the Premier League next season.
While confirming there have been no formal discussions with the La Liga giants, he insisted his immediate focus remains on his current employers and the upcoming World Cup.
“Right now I’m focused on Chelsea, we’ll see after the World Cup.”
Future River Plate ambitions
Despite heavy links to Spain, the former South American prospect also outlined his desire to eventually return to his boyhood club in Argentina.
However, the combative playmaker made it clear that such a homecoming would not be treated merely as a retirement tour.
“I’ll go back to River, but not to retire – I want to return while I’m still at my best.”
Former New York Marathon champion Albert Korir has been handed a five-year ban from athletics after testing positive for a blood-boosting substance.
The 32-year-old tested positive for CERA, a modern variant of erythropoietin (EPO), across three separate samples collected in Kenya last October.
Those tests were conducted while the long-distance specialist was preparing for a subsequent race in the United States.
Aggravating circumstances
The Athletics Integrity Unit confirmed that all of the runner’s results since October will be disqualified.
This ruling means he will lose his third-place finish from last November’s event in New York.
Investigators noted that returning three positive samples constituted clear evidence of prohibited substance use on multiple occasions.
“This is expressly identified in the definition of aggravating circumstances.”
Admission reduces sanction
The Kenyan athlete’s suspension is currently scheduled to expire in January 2031.
His punishment was reduced by a year because he admitted to the doping violation rather than requesting a formal hearing.
Despite the severe penalty, the 2021 champion will be allowed to retain his most famous victory.
He has also historically performed well in the Big Apple, finishing as runner-up in both 2019 and 2023.
Wider East African concerns
This latest suspension adds to growing anti-doping concerns within Kenyan athletics.
Women’s marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich was recently banned for three years following her own positive test.
She returned a sample containing the banned substance hydrochlorothiazide earlier this year.
However, the Chicago Marathon winner has been allowed to keep her historic world record time because it pre-dated the failed test.
Geoff Burrow, the father of rugby league legend Rob Burrow and a prominent motor neurone disease campaigner, has died after a period of ill health.
Leeds Rhinos confirmed the sad news in a statement, revealing the lifelong supporter passed away on Monday.
The devoted grandfather became a tireless advocate for the MND community following his son’s devastating diagnosis in December 2019.
He continued raising vital funds and awareness even after the former Great Britain scrum-half passed away in June 2024.
A tireless voice for the MND community
Before his charitable efforts thrust him into the national spotlight, the Leeds-born father spent his career as a dedicated trade union representative.
This commitment to advocating for others was a core trait he brought directly into the public fight against the cruel neurological condition.
It was also his lifelong passion for the sport that paved the way for one of rugby league’s most iconic careers.
He famously took a young Rob to his very first match at Headingley, sparking a love affair with the Rhinos that would eventually yield eight Super League titles.
Tributes paid to a devoted family man
The Yorkshire club released a touching tribute acknowledging the profound impact of his relentless charity work.
“Geoff was always a champion for those who did not have a voice throughout his career as a trade union representative.”
The Super League side extended their deepest condolences to his wife Irene and the wider family.
Club officials have asked that the grieving family be granted privacy during this immensely difficult period.
The final six places for the expanded 2026 World Cup will be decided on Tuesday as Italy lead a host of nations battling in crucial play-off fixtures.
This summer’s tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico marks the first time 48 teams will compete on the global stage.
While 42 countries have already secured their tickets, intense drama awaits in both the European and intercontinental brackets.
European heavyweights face nervous wait
Four-time world champions Italy are desperate to avoid the unthinkable prospect of missing a third consecutive finals.
The Azzurri face a tense winner-takes-all encounter against Bosnia-Herzegovina to secure their passage to North America.
Elsewhere in Europe, Sweden clash with Poland while the Czech Republic take on Denmark in high-stakes ties.
The winner of the tightly contested fixture between Kosovo and Turkey already knows their broader destiny.
Whoever emerges victorious from that tie will slot straight into Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay and Australia.
Intercontinental tickets hang in the balance
The final two global places will be punched during a separate intercontinental tournament hosted in Mexico.
Fifa’s unique qualification route has been whittled down from six global hopefuls to just four decisive contenders.
Congo will lock horns with Jamaica in Guadalajara as both nations chase a historic qualification.
Meanwhile, Monterrey will play host to a definitive showdown between Bolivia and Iraq.
Historic expanded tournament awaits
The upcoming spectacle kicks off at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on 11 June.
Action will conclude more than a month later with the final on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
European nations dominate the current entry list with 12 sides already confirmed for the transcontinental showpiece.
Heavyweights including England, France, Germany and Spain are among those already preparing for the historic event.
Arsenal forward Alessia Russo has reignited the debate over her optimal role after scoring a blistering 27-minute hat-trick against north London rivals Tottenham.
BBC pundits Fara Williams and Anita Asante were quick to praise the England international following her devastating attacking display.
The former Manchester United attacker showcased her clinical finishing abilities during a dominant performance against Spurs.
This remarkable treble has prompted intense discussion regarding her long-term position within the Gunners’ tactical setup.
Tactical dilemma: Number nine or number ten?
Williams and Asante utilised the Women’s Football Show to carefully analyse the 25-year-old’s overall contribution to the team.
The central talking point remains whether the prolific forward operates more effectively leading the line or dropping deeper as a primary playmaker.
Russo has frequently demonstrated a natural propensity to link play, often vacating the penalty area to receive the ball in tight spaces.
However, her quick-fire treble serves as a potent reminder of her elite predatory instincts when deployed as a traditional striker.
A world-class derby statement
Delivering such a commanding display in a fiercely contested derby heavily reinforces her status among the Women’s Super League elite.
“That’s world-class.”
The studio analysts noted how her intelligent movement and exceptional spatial awareness completely overwhelmed the opposition defence.
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall now faces a welcome tactical headache as he looks to consistently maximise the output of his marquee forward.
Tottenham Hotspur are pursuing Roberto De Zerbi to lead their Premier League survival fight, while Atletico Madrid are monitoring Arsenal forwards Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli ahead of the summer transfer window.
The north London club are frantically searching for a permanent head coach following the departure of interim boss Igor Tudor by mutual consent.
Spurs currently find themselves embroiled in a desperate battle for top-flight survival.
They sit precariously just one point clear of the relegation zone with only seven matches remaining in the campaign.
De Zerbi emerges as Tottenham’s primary candidate
Sources indicate the Spurs hierarchy are eager to convince the highly-rated Italian tactician to take the reins immediately.
The former Brighton manager has been without a club since departing Marseille earlier this year in February.
Despite his historical preference to wait until the summer, reports in Italy suggest the 45-year-old could be persuaded to accept the challenging role now.
Former managers Harry Redknapp, Tim Sherwood and Glenn Hoddle have also been linked with the vacancy, alongside Sean Dyche and Robbie Keane.
Atletico Madrid explore move for Brazilian forwards
In Spain, Diego Simeone’s side are reportedly plotting an ambitious double swoop for two of Mikel Arteta’s attacking options.
Both Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have frequently found themselves utilised as squad players at the Emirates Stadium this season.
Reports suggest the Gunners would not obstruct a potential departure if either player expressed a desire to seek regular first-team football elsewhere.
The South American pair possess long-term contracts running until 2027 in north London.
However, the 23-year-old winger retains a 12-month extension option that could theoretically secure his services until 2028.
Liverpool join race for highly-rated French defender
Meanwhile, Liverpool are closely monitoring Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix ahead of a potential summer approach.
The 25-year-old has established himself as a key figure at Selhurst Park and recently earned his first senior cap for the French national team.
His impressive domestic performances have consequently attracted attention from heavyweights including Chelsea, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.
Palace executives are reportedly experiencing growing concern regarding a defensive exodus following Marc Guehi’s lucrative January switch to Manchester City.
Barcelona seek Cancelo return as McTominay rejects Saudi riches
In Catalonia, Barcelona are exploring avenues to retain full-back Joao Cancelo beyond the conclusion of his current loan agreement.
The Portuguese defender returned to the Blaugrana in January for a second stint from Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal.
Financial constraints mean paying a permanent transfer fee is viewed as highly complicated for the Spanish giants.
Elsewhere, Scotland international Scott McTominay has reportedly rejected a lucrative financial package from the Saudi Pro League.
The former Manchester United midfielder is currently locked in negotiations with Napoli over a contract extension spanning until 2030.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff believes former Red Bull boss Christian Horner will struggle to secure a return to Formula 1 after leaving behind significant controversy.
The 52-year-old was dismissed from his long-standing position in July following a period of declining team performance and intense internal disputes.
Prior to his exit, the British executive faced accusations of sexual harassment and coercive behaviour from a female employee, though he was twice cleared following investigations by independent lawyers.
“He has broken quite a lot of glass, and these things have repercussions in our microcosm.”
Toto Wolff speaking to the Press Association
A controversial legacy
The pair endured a fierce rivalry over the past decade as they battled for motorsport supremacy.
Under Horner’s stewardship, the Milton Keynes-based outfit secured eight drivers’ titles and six constructors’ championships.
This success included Max Verstappen’s run of four consecutive drivers’ crowns from 2021 to 2024, which famously ended a dominant era for Lewis Hamilton and the Silver Arrows.
“I said to Fred Vasseur that it needs the good, the bad, and the ugly, and it is now only the good and the ugly left,” Wolff admitted.
“The sport is missing personalities, and his personality was clearly very controversial and that is good for the sport.”
Alpine investment rumours
Recent speculation has linked the former championship-winning principal with a potential move to Alpine.
The French constructor confirmed in January that the unemployed manager was among multiple interested parties discussing potential investment opportunities.
Mercedes are simultaneously exploring the purchase of a 24% stake in Alpine currently held by private investment firm Otro Capital.
However, the Austrian billionaire firmly denied any collaborative intentions, stating it would be quite sad if a joint venture was considered.
“Would I consider that he could ever be an ally or someone that shares objectives?” Wolff questioned.
“I don’t think so,” the Mercedes chief concluded.
Unfinished business
Despite the bitter history between the two executives, Wolff acknowledged his rival’s undeniable achievements.
“Over those years it was just too intense, too fierce, and things happened which even today I cannot comprehend why he has done them,” Wolff explained.
“I certainly don’t wish him bad, and we need to give each other credit as there are not many team principals who have done what he has done.”
The ousted Red Bull leader has previously insisted he has unfinished business in the paddock, despite being overlooked for a vacancy at Aston Martin last year.