Tottenham Hotspur are pursuing a summer move for AS Roma forward Paulo Dybala as manager Roberto De Zerbi prepares to overhaul his squad.
The north London club require just one point from their final two games to secure their Premier League status.
Ensuring top-flight survival will allow the Italian head coach to begin shaping the team in his own image.
Sky Sports report that the Argentine World Cup winner is ready to embrace a new challenge in England upon the expiry of his current contract this summer.
A long-awaited arrival
Spurs previously agreed a £64.4m deal for the 32-year-old in August 2019 during his time at Juventus.
That historic transfer collapsed at the final hurdle due to complex complications regarding the player’s image rights.
The versatile attacker remained in Turin until 2022 before joining Roma, where he has continued to showcase elite technical qualities.
Available on a free transfer, the experienced playmaker represents a highly attractive proposition for a side operating without European football revenues next season.
End of the road for Richarlison
The potential arrival of the former Juventus star casts severe doubt on Richarlison’s long-term future in the capital.
The Brazilian striker has frequently found himself relegated to the substitutes bench since De Zerbi took charge last month.
This reduced role has persisted despite a heavy injury crisis sidelining key attacking figures including Dominic Solanke and James Maddison.
Offloading the out-of-favour frontman would make room for a proven leader possessing top-level experience to guide a transitioning dressing room.
Rugby’s multi-million-pound concussion lawsuit is on the verge of collapse after governing bodies applied to have the majority of cases struck out over a failure to provide medical records.
World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union claim lawyers representing former players have breached a court-mandated deadline to share vital information.
The ongoing legal dispute involves approximately 1,200 cases from former athletes across both the union and league codes.
Dispute over medical disclosure
Legal teams have repeatedly clashed over the collection and distribution of neurological test results since proceedings originally commenced in 2020.
A High Court judge ruled last December that compiling these extensive files was necessary, dismissing claims from the claimants’ representatives that the process was too costly and onerous.
“In view of the continued failure to comply with the unless order made by the court… the defendants have applied for a declaration that many of the claims are now struck out.”
A joint statement from the sport’s administrators expressed disappointment at the failure to follow the judicial directive despite repeated warnings.
Lawyers accuse authorities of delay tactics
Rylands Garth has promised to fiercely contest any attempt to remove individuals from the landmark legal action.
The firm representing the athletes accused administrators of deliberately stalling proceedings with unreasonable demands for documentation.
“The governing bodies want access to confidential information that is covered by legal privilege – they are not medical records.”
“The defendants have all the information they need and more – they are resorting to these tactics to delay the claimants their route to justice.”
Crucial July hearing looms
The claimants, including England World Cup winners Steve Thompson, Mark Regan and Phil Vickery, allege that inadequate safeguards led to their permanent neurological conditions.
The accused organisations, which also include the Rugby Football League, firmly deny all liability regarding the historic head impacts.
A pivotal court hearing is now scheduled for the end of July to determine the immediate future of the massive lawsuit.
A judge will rule whether to grant another paperwork extension or officially strike off those who lack complete medical files.
Thai teenager Panchaya Channoi has defeated Reanne Evans 6-2 to claim the Women’s World Snooker Championship title in Dongguan, China.
The 18-year-old comfortably outplayed the 12-time champion to secure the prestigious Mandy Fisher Trophy.
Evans was bidding for a record-extending 13th world crown but struggled to match the scoring power of her younger opponent.
Century breaks secure Thai victory
A stunning century break in the opening frame immediately set the tone for the newly crowned champion.
The Asian rising star remained firmly in control during the early stages to establish a 3-1 advantage.
Although the Englishwoman pulled a frame back to reduce the deficit, she was quickly punished by another outstanding display of break-building.
A magnificent clearance of 107 in the sixth frame restored a two-frame cushion before the teenager surged toward the finish line.
She claimed the seventh frame and sealed her historic triumph with a clinical break of 59 in the eighth.
Historic double marks new snooker era
This breakthrough victory ensures the prodigy becomes only the second competitor to achieve the world and Under-21 championship double.
She matches the remarkable feat accomplished by China’s Bai Yulu during the 2024 season.
The Dongguan success also makes her the third winner from Thailand, following in the illustrious footsteps of Mink Nutcharut and Siripaporn Nuanthakhamjan.
Defeat marks the first time the 40-year-old veteran has ever lost a World Championship decider.
Widely regarded as the most successful competitor in the history of the women’s game, the English icon was playing in her first world final since 2019.
Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from this summer’s Wimbledon Championships as he continues his recovery from a persistent wrist injury that has already ruled him out of the French Open.
The Spaniard was forced to concede defeat in his battle to be fit for the grass-court major following a lack of progress in his rehabilitation.
This frustrating announcement represents a significant blow to the tennis prodigy, who previously captured titles at the All England Club.
Recovery timeline remains uncertain
The multiple-time major champion sustained the problem earlier in the season and has struggled to accelerate his return to the court.
Missing both Roland Garros and the historic London tournament will severely impact his ranking points during a crucial phase of the calendar.
Tournament organisers at SW19 will now be without one of the sport’s most dynamic attractions when the prestigious main draw commences in July.
Grand Slam aspirations on hold
The former world number one must now shift his ultimate focus towards regaining full fitness ahead of the demanding North American hard-court swing.
Supporters of the lightning-fast baseliner will be hoping this extended absence allows the joint to heal entirely without requiring complex surgical intervention.
Aston Villa will aim to win their first European trophy in 44 years when they face German side Freiburg in Wednesday’s Europa League final in Istanbul.
The Midlands club secured their passage to the showpiece event after a commanding 4-0 aggregate victory over Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals.
Victory would crown an already stellar campaign for the Premier League outfit, who have guaranteed Champions League qualification with a top-five domestic finish.
A manager with proven European pedigree
Head coach Unai Emery is intimately familiar with the exacting demands of this continental competition.
The Spanish tactician is preparing for his sixth Europa League final, having previously lifted the trophy three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal.
Striker Ollie Watkins believes the former Arsenal boss is the perfect leader to guide the squad through such a high-stakes encounter.
“I can’t speak highly enough of Unai Emery. There’s been a massive turnaround since he’s come into the club.”
The England international added that the squad’s remarkable achievements are a direct result of implementing their manager’s rigorous game plans.
Aiming to emulate the heroes of 1982
The current crop of players are looking to mirror the legendary team that defeated Bayern Munich to win the European Cup over four decades ago.
Despite a lack of collective final experience, the squad has built resilience through recent runs to the latter stages of both the Champions League and Conference League.
Watkins, who has contributed five goals and two assists in this tournament, emphasised the team’s unwavering determination.
“We are in a good run of form and everyone is excited for the game. Hopefully we can bring the trophy back to Birmingham.”
Capping off a remarkable domestic season
Securing a European title would represent a monumental milestone in the ongoing project at Villa Park.
The manager acknowledged that while defeating their Bundesliga opponents remains a stern test, the team is playing at a high enough level to succeed.
“It would be another step forward. But to play for a trophy is difficult, it’s 50-50 for us or Freiburg to win it.”
He concluded by expressing his pride in the team’s current trajectory and a desire to deliver memorable moments for the travelling supporters.
Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson will miss the remainder of the WNBA season after suffering a torn left anterior cruciate ligament during Sunday’s victory against the Minnesota Lynx.
An MRI scan confirmed the extent of the damage on Tuesday, and the 23-year-old will now undergo surgery at an unconfirmed date.
Devastating blow for breakout star
The former Tennessee standout had enjoyed a phenomenal start to her third year in the professional ranks.
Prior to the weekend, she was leading the Chicago offence with an impressive average of 22 points per game.
Jackson joined the Illinois franchise this off-season following a trade from the Los Angeles Sparks, where she established her reputation as an elite scorer.
General manager Jeff Pagliocca expressed his profound disappointment but backed the 6ft 2in star to bounce back.
“We’re devastated that Rickea suffered this injury, but we are confident she will make a full recovery,” Pagliocca said.
“Rickea was playing at an All-Star and All-Defensive level early in the season. We are certain she was primed for a career year.”
Mounting injury crisis in Chicago
This latest setback compounds a growing availability crisis for head coach Tyler Marsh.
Key personnel including Azura Stevens, DiJonai Carrington and Courtney Vandersloot have all failed to make their season debuts due to various ailments.
Furthermore, Skylar Diggins was sidelined for Sunday’s 86-79 win with an eye issue, although she is expected to return to the court shortly.
The franchise will now rely on its world-class medical staff to rehabilitate their leading scorer ahead of next season.
Conor McGregor will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon against Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on 11 July, ending a five-year absence from the sport.
The Irishman has been sidelined since suffering a horrific leg break against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
His comeback had been shrouded in doubt amid speculation over his promotional contract and a potential move to the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
However, the UFC has now confirmed the 35-year-old will headline the T-Mobile Arena card this summer.
A decade in the making
The highly anticipated showdown serves as a rematch of their 2013 preliminary card clash.
The former two-weight world champion secured a unanimous decision victory over the Hawaiian on that occasion.
Both men have since forged legendary careers inside the cage.
The Notorious has climbed to 22 professional wins, while his opponent boasts a formidable 27-9 record.
Contrasting paths to the Octagon
The Las Vegas bout will take place in the welterweight division, presenting a fresh dynamic for the rematch.
Fighting at 170lbs presents a new challenge for the former featherweight champion, who has never competed above lightweight.
Conversely, the returning Dubliner has fought three times in the heavier weight class.
He previously secured notable welterweight victories over Nate Diaz and Donald Cerrone.
Despite the size advantage, ring rust remains a significant question mark for the returning superstar.
A scheduled June 2024 bout against Michael Chandler was previously scrapped after the controversial striker suffered a broken toe.
Poirier weighs the odds
In stark contrast, the BMF titleholder has remained highly active during his rival’s five-year hiatus.
The 32-year-old has stepped into the cage eight times since 2021.
He has collected impressive stoppage wins against top contenders, including Justin Gaethje and Poirier himself.
Former interim lightweight champion Poirier, who shares extensive history with both main event stars, has been closely evaluating the matchup.
The Louisiana native highlighted the stark difference in recent cage time as a potentially decisive factor when the pair finally renew hostilities.
Elsewhere on the card, British favourite Paddy Pimblett will face French contender Benoit Saint-Denis in a lightweight co-main event.
Arsenal supporters are paying more than £10,000 on resale websites for tickets to Sunday’s crucial Premier League finale against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Mikel Arteta’s side sit five points clear of nearest challengers Manchester City, knowing a victory will secure their first top-flight crown since 2004.
Pep Guardiola’s team must win their game in hand against Bournemouth to ensure the title race goes down to the final day.
With only 3,000 away tickets allocated in the 25,000-capacity stadium, desperate followers of the north London club are turning to the secondary market.
One online platform has reportedly listed away-end seats for a staggering £33,000, while others have seen transactions exceeding £10,000.
Enhanced security for London derby
Crystal Palace officials have implemented strict security measures ahead of the 16:00 BST kick-off.
Ticket sharing has been completely disabled, and any home supporter found transferring their seat faces a ban for the following campaign.
The south London club issued a strong warning that any visiting fans discovered in the home sections will be immediately ejected from the ground.
Additional Metropolitan Police officers will be deployed to manage the highly anticipated event.
Echoes of historic title triumphs
Ticketless supporters are expected to flood pubs along Holloway Road and gather near the Emirates Stadium to follow the action.
The fixture is being widely regarded as the club’s most significant domestic match since Michael Thomas scored a dramatic injury-time winner at Anfield to clinch the 1989 championship.
A triumph on Sunday would end a 22-year drought stretching back to Arsene Wenger’s legendary undefeated team.
During that historic 2003-04 campaign, French forward Thierry Henry top-scored for the eventual champions with 30 league goals.
Champions League final awaits
The current squad recovered from a mid-season wobble, stringing together four consecutive victories following defeats to Bournemouth and Manchester City.
Meanwhile, the defending champions stumbled, dropping vital points during a recent 3-3 draw with Everton.
Beyond domestic glory, the league leaders are also preparing for a monumental Champions League final against Paris St-Germain on 30 May.
More than 20,000 fans are expected to travel to Budapest for the European showpiece, while thousands more will watch a live screening at their home stadium.