Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has declared he is ready to return to the dugout amid speculation linking him with replacing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The 46-year-old has been out of work since departing Stamford Bridge in January following a behind-the-scenes fallout.
Despite Guardiola remaining under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2027, the Premier League champions are reportedly formulating contingency plans.
A familiar face in Manchester
The Italian tactician is well-acquainted with the blue half of Manchester.
He previously guided the club’s under-21 side to their first Premier League 2 title during the 2020-21 campaign.
Following a brief stint in charge of Parma, the former Juventus midfielder returned to serve on Guardiola’s coaching staff as City secured the league title in 2023.
Ready for the next chapter
Speaking to Sky Italia, the former Leicester City boss expressed his eagerness to resume his managerial career.
“I feel ready for the next chapter, that is the most important thing,” he said.
When pressed specifically on the prospect of taking the reins at City, he refused to dismiss the possibility.
“What matters, regardless of the club, is being ready,” he replied.
“There are only a few weeks left until the end of the season, then we’ll see what happens.”
Chelsea success and departure
The highly-rated coach claimed two trophies during an 18-month spell in west London, notably securing the Club World Cup.
His debut season also yielded Champions League qualification and a Conference League triumph before a congested fixture list took its toll.
A subsequent run of two wins in nine matches, combined with off-field disagreements, resulted in a mutual parting of ways.
Maresca is now attracting interest from his homeland, with Serie A sides Napoli and Roma reportedly monitoring his situation.
However, Guardiola recently suggested he intends to remain in England, citing an incredible environment at his current club.
Jake Paul has revealed he may be forced to retire from boxing after sustaining a double jaw fracture during his knockout defeat by Anthony Joshua in Miami last December.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer suffered the severe facial injury after being stopped in the sixth round of their heavyweight clash.
He underwent major surgery to insert titanium plates, but recovery complications recently forced a necessary second procedure.
The 29-year-old has not yet returned to training and requires official medical clearance before he can safely spar again.
Medical advice casts doubt on future
Speaking on the Ariel Helwani Show, ‘The Problem Child’ admitted his medical team has strongly advised against stepping back into the ring.
“My doctor Arman… he doesn’t want me to fight again!”
Jake Paul
The controversial fighter confirmed he is awaiting further scans in the coming days to determine exactly how the bone is healing.
He also revealed he lost a back tooth during the bruising encounter and will require a permanent dental implant.
“Most definitely [I am considering my future]. I think it just depends on how the bone heals,” he admitted.
Unfinished business in the ring
Despite the severe medical warnings, the former social media star insists his professional career is not over.
“I can just feel it in my spirit and my soul, and my heart that I have more fights left,” he added.
However, the ultimate decision rests entirely on whether he can secure the required medical clearance to legally compete.
To date, Paul holds a professional record of 12 wins and two defeats, with his only other loss coming against Tommy Fury.
Meanwhile, former world champion Joshua is scheduled to face Kristian Prenga on 25 July before a highly anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is expected to make a crucial decision regarding his Formula 1 future ahead of July’s British Grand Prix following a difficult start to his Ferrari career.
The veteran racer has endured a challenging transition since departing Mercedes for the Italian marque, failing to secure a race victory this season.
He currently sits fifth in the drivers’ standings and has been consistently outperformed by team-mate Charles Leclerc.
The sole highlight of his campaign came during March’s Chinese Grand Prix, where the British driver claimed his maiden podium in red.
Silverstone announcement predicted
Speculation is mounting that the sport’s most successful driver could announce his departure at Silverstone, a circuit where he holds a record nine victories.
Dutch motorsport journalist Louis Dekker believes the historic British venue would be the logical location for such a significant declaration.
“Ferrari is disappointing me. Besides the excellent starts, they are not capable of fighting for victories.”
Dekker told the NOS-F1 podcast that rival teams have comfortably bypassed the Scuderia in the development race.
“They seemed to be the team to beat, but McLaren is once again ahead. I’d be willing to bet on it. I think Hamilton will announce his retirement at Silverstone at the end of this season.”
Fellow broadcaster Jeroen Bleekemolen echoed these sentiments, suggesting a final decision may have already been made behind closed doors.
Calls to step aside for youth
The pressure on the former Mercedes star is being compounded by calls from pundits to make way for emerging talent.
Six-time Grand Prix winner Ralf Schumacher believes both the Stevenage-born driver and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso should conclude their illustrious careers this year.
“Hamilton is in a better position again this year but, over the course of the season, he won’t stand a chance against Leclerc.”
Schumacher told Sky Germany that it was time for the veteran world champions to step out of their cockpits.
“Hamilton and Alonso have had a wonderful time in Formula 1. But now it’s time for both of them to give young people a chance.”
Scrutiny building ahead of home race
Ferrari currently trail their German rivals in the constructors’ championship, adding further frustration to a winless streak for their star signing that dates back to July 2024.
Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok agrees that the narrative surrounding the legendary driver will peak during the European summer.
“I think this conversation becomes a talking point when we get to around the British Grand Prix. That’s when we can start to have this conversation.”
Despite the growing clamour, Chandhok acknowledged that the fierce competitive nature of the grid’s most decorated driver could yet see him extend his stay at the pinnacle of motorsport.
Three-time Olympic medallist Katie Archibald has retired from competitive cycling to pursue a career in nursing, withdrawing from Scotland’s 2026 Commonwealth Games squad.
The 32-year-old departs the Great Britain Cycling Team as a current world and European champion.
She also leaves the sport as an integral part of the women’s team pursuit squad that currently holds the world record.
In December, the track specialist was among the first athletes selected to represent her nation at the home games in Glasgow this summer.
The pull of the real world
Despite her ongoing success on the boards, the highly decorated athlete felt it was the right moment to embrace a new path.
“The draw of the ‘real world’ has been pulling me for a while,” Archibald told British Cycling.
“I’ve been too scared to leave the world I know and love and, ultimately, to let go of something I’m good at.”
The former world champion explained that she finally feels ready to step away because the fear of the unknown has vanished.
“I only have a craving to live the life I’ve been saving for a rainy day, and no fear that I’ll miss the sunshine,” she added.
An outstanding track legacy
A relative latecomer to elite competition, the endurance rider did not join the British squad until she was 19.
She made an immediate impact, securing the European team pursuit title during her senior competitive debut.
Over an illustrious 13-year career, the Scottish star amassed a staggering 51 medals across major international events.
Her remarkable medal haul includes two Olympic golds, an Olympic silver, a Commonwealth title, seven world championships, and a record-breaking 21 European titles.
This tally could have been even greater had injury not forced her to withdraw from both the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and the recent Paris Olympics.
Finding a new passion
Currently retraining in healthcare, the former Olympian says she has fallen completely in love with the nursing profession.
She highlighted how special it feels to be a trusted figure when people desperately need help.
“I’m not hoping for a grand legacy, but I hope I’ve made an impact on the individuals I’ve worked with,” she said.
Great Britain Cycling Team performance director Stephen Park paid tribute to her relentless drive and deep passion for the sport.
“Katie has given cycling audiences some of the best moments of the sport’s history and we are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved both on and off the bike,” Park said.
Aston Villa are monitoring Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes as a potential summer replacement for Emiliano Martinez.
The 21-year-old has emerged as a prime candidate for the Premier League side amid growing speculation over their current number one’s future.
The Argentina international saw a proposed transfer collapse last year but remains heavily linked with lucrative moves to Saudi Arabia and across Europe.
Consequently, the Villans’ recruitment department is actively preparing for life without the World Cup-winning stopper.
A successor with high pedigree
The French youth international has firmly established himself as a highly-rated prospect in Ligue 1.
Despite his young age, the promising keeper boasts significant senior experience with over 100 top-flight appearances for his boyhood club.
His impressive domestic form also earned him a starting role for his nation at the recent Olympic Games.
Former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry has even compared the agile prospect to legendary French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.
European ambitions driving summer plans
It is understood the youngster would be open to a move to England in pursuit of a step up in competition.
Unai Emery’s side are currently balancing their domestic and continental commitments during a highly successful campaign.
The Midlands club sit four points clear of Bournemouth in the race for Champions League qualification following a recent draw with Burnley.
They are also preparing for an impending Europa League final showdown against German outfit SC Freiburg.
Successfully navigating the upcoming transfer window will be vital to cement their growing status among Europe’s elite.
Leeds United are exploring a summer loan-to-buy agreement for Juventus forward Lois Openda after securing their Premier League status for next season.
Daniel Farke’s side have made the recruitment of a new striker their primary objective ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
The Belgian international is reportedly open to a move to Elland Road following a difficult campaign in Italy.
Search for regular football
The 26-year-old attacker has endured a frustrating season in Turin, registering just two goals across all competitions.
Despite his recent loan move to the Serie A giants becoming permanent, the forward and his representatives are actively seeking options away from the club.
A return to the Bundesliga has been mooted, but the prospect of regular first-team football in the English top flight remains an appealing proposition.
Juventus are understood to be willing to sanction his departure, making a loan arrangement with an option to purchase highly feasible for the English side.
Attacking reinforcements needed
The West Yorkshire outfit mathematically guaranteed their top-flight survival following a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
However, a lack of consistent goalscoring has hindered the team throughout the domestic campaign.
Current frontman Dominic Calvert-Lewin has experienced extended goal droughts, while other attacking options have struggled to contribute reliably.
The prospective arrival of the former Lens striker would provide crucial competition for Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor.
Meanwhile, Dutch forward Joel Piroe is expected to leave the club to search for more frequent playing opportunities.
Goalkeeping targets
Alongside offensive additions, the club’s recruitment team are also evaluating vital defensive reinforcements.
Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope has emerged as a high-priority target as Farke looks to solidify his squad for the next campaign.
Matt Fitzpatrick is aiming to end a 107-year wait for an English victory at the US PGA Championship when the tournament begins at Aronimink on Thursday.
Jim Barnes was the last Englishman to lift the Wanamaker Trophy, claiming back-to-back titles in 1916 and 1919.
However, the 31-year-old from Sheffield arrives in Pennsylvania as one of the clear favourites to break that century-long streak.
Record-breaking start to the season
The 2022 US Open champion has secured three victories in his past five starts, banking more than $10.5m (£7.8m) on the PGA Tour already this year.
Currently ranked fourth in the world behind Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young, the Yorkshireman believes his current form surpasses his previous career peak.
A runner-up finish at the Players Championship in March sparked a remarkable run, leading to a triumph at the Valspar Championship and a strong performance at the Masters.
He then defeated world number one Scheffler in an RBC Heritage play-off before securing the Zurich Classic alongside his brother, Alex.
Eclipsing a golden period
“I think 2022 was my golden period and I said for two, three years afterwards it was the best period that I had ever played.” – Matt Fitzpatrick
“But the start of this year has definitely eclipsed that because of the results and the underlying numbers themselves have definitely been better.”
“I’m trying to cherish it as much as possible. It’s all happening very quickly.”
Remarkable turnaround in fortunes
This dominant streak is a stark contrast to his situation exactly 12 months ago ahead of the 2025 tournament at Quail Hollow.
Back then, the English star languished at 85th in the world rankings without a single top-20 finish to his name that season.
His rapid ascent is underpinned by elite ball-striking, ranking inside the top five on the tour for strokes gained off the tee, tee-to-green and approaching the green.
Precision key at Aronimink
While not the longest hitter on the circuit, his top-six accuracy rating will be vital at an Aronimink layout famous for its punishing fairway bunkers.
The primary concern for the major winner heading into Thursday is his performance on the putting surfaces.
He currently sits 99th on the tour for putting, a potential vulnerability on a course where he predicts the greens will act as the tournament’s main defence.
Nevertheless, historical data indicates that rolling the rock is traditionally one of his greatest strengths, offering significant hope for a historic triumph this weekend.
Max Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will join McLaren from Red Bull by 2028, sparking a disagreement between the two Formula 1 teams regarding his specific job title.
The Milton Keynes squad announced last month that the highly-rated engineer was leaving his post to join their championship rivals.
McLaren stated the new arrival would take up the position of chief racing officer no later than the 2028 season.
Those duties are currently managed by Andrea Stella alongside his existing responsibilities as team principal.
Conflicting claims over leadership
The situation became complicated during the recent Miami Grand Prix weekend.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies publicly stated that his departing employee is actually destined for the top job at the Woking-based outfit.
“GP had an extraordinary opportunity. You know, he is going to be a team principal there.”
Mekies noted that losing key personnel was inevitable but insisted his team remains focused on creating an environment to attract and retain top talent.
“It’s not something that I can do anything else than wishing him well.”
Red Bull later confirmed that the Frenchman genuinely believes the incoming engineer will eventually replace Stella at the helm of McLaren.
Stella’s long-term commitment
Stella originally joined McLaren from Ferrari in 2015 and was promoted to team principal in 2023.
The Italian has overseen a significant upward trajectory in performance over the past three years.
The 55-year-old recently signed a long-term contract and dismissed speculation linking him with a return to Maranello.
“Honestly, some of the recent rumours, including those regarding astronomical salaries and mythical pre-contracts, have made me smile.”
The current leadership structure remains formally unchanged despite the high-profile acquisition of Verstappen’s trusted trackside voice.