Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford remains a target for Barcelona, while Paris St-Germain have joined the race for West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville.

A lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia for Raphinha could pave the way for the Catalan giants to secure the 28-year-old England international.

The potential departure of the Brazilian winger would provide crucial transfer funds for Barcelona to approach Old Trafford decision-makers.

Paris St-Germain challenge Manchester United for Summerville

Meanwhile, the Red Devils face stiff competition in their pursuit of Crysencio Summerville following his stellar World Cup campaign with the Netherlands.

The 24-year-old’s impressive international displays have alerted the French champions to his immediate availability.

West Ham are now bracing themselves for a fierce bidding war between the two European heavyweights over their highly-rated attacker.

Red Devils stand firm on Sesko as domestic rivals plot moves

Manchester United are resolute in their stance regarding Benjamin Sesko and have absolutely no intention of sanctioning a summer departure.

The 23-year-old Slovenia striker had previously attracted serious admiration from Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Arsenal are hoping Declan Rice can convince his international team-mate Morgan Rogers to leave Aston Villa for Emirates Stadium.

European giants monitor Premier League talent

Juventus have drawn up an ambitious summer shortlist featuring Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and former Manchester City defender John Stones.

At Stamford Bridge, Nicolas Jackson is determined to impress newly appointed Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso during pre-season rather than seeking a transfer.

Newcastle United are actively monitoring Yasin Ayari’s contract situation at Brighton, while Leeds United have tabled an initial £20m bid for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.

West Ham are also exploring a move for veteran English defender Adam Webster following his recent release from Brighton at the end of the season.

Ollie Watkins says he is ready to embrace a crucial role as an impact substitute for England under manager Thomas Tuchel during their World Cup campaign.

The Aston Villa forward acknowledges he remains behind national team captain Harry Kane in the starting pecking order.

However, the 28-year-old is prepared to replicate the heroics that saw him score a dramatic late winner against the Netherlands at Euro 2024.

Tuchel has openly stated his desire to utilise dedicated “finishers” to alter the momentum of tight international matches.

Praising a unique captain

Watkins paid tribute to his Bayern Munich counterpart but insists he offers a completely different tactical threat when introduced from the bench.

“I think with H, his performances speak for themselves, his goal record speaks for itself and he’s very unique in the way that he plays.”

The former Brentford striker admits he cannot replicate the deeper playmaking qualities of his country’s record goalscorer.

“He’s very intelligent and I can’t play like him,” Watkins admitted. “I stick to what I can do, so I don’t try to copy him or do anything like that.”

Attacking impact from the bench

The attacking depth of the current squad was evident during a recent victory over Croatia, where a wave of reinforcements secured the win.

Tuchel introduced Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, and Bukayo Saka during the second half to overwhelm the opposition defence.

“Bringing on pacey players that just want to run forward, score more goals and it’s exciting. Everyone’s got a big part to play.”

Saka fitness boost

The Villa talisman also provided a positive update on the fitness of Arsenal winger Saka ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Ghana in Boston.

Saka had undertaken an individual training programme over the weekend, raising initial concerns regarding his availability.

However, his international team-mate dismissed any lingering injury fears by confirming the wide man is fully integrated into squad preparations.

“He hasn’t missed a day of training so that’s a good thing. He’s a top quality player and he brings quality to the pitch for Arsenal and England as everyone can see.”

World champion Tadej Pogacar and home favourite Marlen Reusser secured the overall Tour de Suisse titles after winning the final stages of their respective races on Sunday.

Pogacar was making his debut in the men’s event and started the fifth and final stage with a commanding four-minute advantage over Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz.

The Slovenian superstar hunted down Lenny Martinez at the conclusion of a punishing 151km mountainous route.

He caught the French climber just 800 metres from the finish line to register his third stage victory of the week.

“We tried but he was just too strong in the end,” said Martinez.

“Tadej wins a lot of races and he keeps wanting to keep winning, so it’s difficult. I knew he wasn’t going to let me win.”

Pogacar’s dominance continues

The 27-year-old has now triumphed in six of the seven most historic week-long stage races on the cycling calendar.

His sensational season includes an astonishing 13 victories from merely 16 race days, building upon his Milan-San Remo success in March.

The highly decorated rider will now shift his focus toward securing a record-equalling fifth Tour de France crown next month.

Reusser reigns supreme on home soil

In the women’s race, Reusser successfully defended her crown to claim a third overall victory in just four years.

The 34-year-old time-trial specialist laid the foundations for her win on Saturday before entering the final 100km mountain stage with a narrow 10-second advantage over Elisa Longo Borghini.

While the Italian attempted to apply early pressure, Reusser remained composed before launching a decisive attack.

The Swiss powerhouse dropped Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Cedrine Kerbaol inside the final kilometre to take the stage win.

Meanwhile, Longo Borghini crossed the line almost 10 minutes later, plummeting down the final general classification standings.

Final General Classification Standings

Men’s Top Five

Women’s Top Five

Seven-time champion Serena Williams will make a surprise return to singles action at Wimbledon this month after accepting a main draw wildcard.

The 44-year-old has been awarded the final spot in the women’s draw, filling a gap left following Tuesday’s initial entry announcements.

This shock comeback follows her recent competitive return in two doubles matches, ending a four-year absence from professional tennis.

Chasing Margaret Court’s elusive record

The American tennis icon currently holds 23 major singles titles, leaving her just one short of Margaret Court’s all-time record.

She had already confirmed her participation at SW19 in the doubles event alongside her older sister Venus.

When asked earlier this month about a potential singles comeback, the former world number one initially played down expectations.

“You think I’m ready for singles? I need to get to work.”

A dominant history on the London grass

The legendary competitor has not secured a singles victory at the All England Club since reaching the 2019 final against Simona Halep.

Despite recent struggles, her grass-court pedigree remains unmatched with an 87% career win-rate on the pristine surface.

The 73-time WTA tour winner captured her first Venus Rosewater Dish in 2002 after defeating her sister in the showcase match.

She subsequently dominated the tournament over the next two decades, adding six more singles triumphs and six women’s doubles crowns to her historic tally.

Overcoming recent injury heartbreaks

Recent appearances at the historic venue have ended in frustration for the career Golden Slam winner.

Her 2021 campaign lasted a mere six games before an unfortunate injury forced a tearful retirement against Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

A wildcard entry the following year saw her fall agonisingly short in a final-set tie-break against Harmony Tan.

When questioned if that defeat marked her final Wimbledon appearance, she offered a cryptic response regarding her future.

“That’s a question I can’t answer. Who knows? Who knows where I’ll pop up?”

Fans will discover her first-round opponent when the official tournament draw takes place this Friday, ahead of the first matches on Monday, 29 June.

Belgium are heavy favourites to win World Cup 2026 Group G, but the draw is overshadowed by Iran competing while at war with co-hosts the United States.

The European powerhouse are expected to comfortably overcome a pool containing Egypt, New Zealand and the Asian nation.

However, the unprecedented geopolitical situation surrounding the tournament has drawn intense global focus to the early fixtures.

In a first for the 96-year history of the competition, a participating country is actively engaged in a military conflict with one of the host nations.

Strict travel limits for Iranian squad

The war between Tehran and Washington began in late February and has continued despite numerous international peace proposals.

Consequently, the Iranian delegation has been forced to establish their tournament base camp in neighbouring Mexico.

Players and staff are only receiving strict matchday visas to enter the United States for their two fixtures in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.

Potential knockout clash looms

The complex logistics dictate that the squad will fly into American territory, play their scheduled fixture, and immediately depart.

A secondary storyline could see an astonishing round-of-32 showdown in Dallas on 3 July if both conflicting nations finish second in their respective groups.

Meanwhile, the final group stage match between Egypt and Team Melli is scheduled to coincide with Seattle Pride weekend.

Golden Generation seeks final glory

On the pitch, the Red Devils are attempting to navigate a transitional phase after failing to reach the final of a major tournament during their peak years.

Veterans from their 2018 semi-final run remain, including elite Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfield maestro Kevin de Bruyne.

Manager Domenico Tedesco has also selected Romelu Lukaku, even though the striker endured an injury-ravaged campaign at Napoli and barely featured all season.

They will rely heavily on the dynamic Premier League wing pairing of Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard to dismantle New Zealand, who enter the competition as the lowest-ranked team.

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah has cut short his holiday in New York to join England’s 2026 World Cup squad following an injury to Tino Livramento.

A delayed message in Times Square

The versatile centre-back was exploring Times Square when national team manager Thomas Tuchel attempted to make contact.

It was not until returning to his hotel room that the former Ipswich loanee discovered the missed correspondence.

“When I saw the message, he asked if I was free to call, and I said yes. We spoke on FaceTime and he broke the news to me. I was just over the moon.”

Trevoh Chalobah

Replacing the injured Livramento

Chalobah officially becomes the 27th man in the Three Lions’ travelling party, stepping in for the sidelined Newcastle United full-back.

The initial squad announcement had ended in disappointment, with Tuchel originally leaving him off the roster but instructing him to remain prepared.

The surprise call-up triggered a frantic early morning wake-up call to his agent, who initially feared his client was in serious trouble.

Padel, new boots, and a cancelled trip

Staying fit during the off-season was a priority, with the Chelsea academy graduate employing a personal trainer during his American getaway.

However, having given away his football boots at the end of the domestic campaign, a rush request was sent to his sponsors for new equipment.

His holiday itinerary, which included trips to the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes, was supposed to conclude in Los Angeles.

“I am still trying to get my money back,” he smiled, noting his Californian hotel reservation might not be refundable.

Manifesting a childhood dream

The unexpected promotion fulfills an ambition the player publicly manifested eight years ago during a loan spell in League One.

In 2018, the teenager posted a picture of himself alongside the famous golden trophy with the caption “one day”.

Now, he is utilizing rigorous two-hour padel sessions alongside teammates Ivan Toney and Ezri Konsa to ensure peak physical condition.

The resilient defender could make his tournament debut when the national side face Ghana in Boston.

Liverpool have halted transfer talks with Inter Milan after rejecting a £21m offer for midfielder Curtis Jones.

The Premier League club immediately dismissed the second proposal from the Serie A champions, deeming the valuation significantly below their £40m asking price.

Inter’s pursuit of the England international initially began at the end of the January transfer window.

Teammate Federico Chiesa recently revealed that the 25-year-old had been asking him specific questions about the Italian giants.

Contract stand-off at Anfield

Jones will be out of contract next summer, meaning he could depart the club on a free transfer in exactly 12 months.

Despite this looming expiration date, the Merseyside outfit have not abandoned hope that their academy graduate will sign a new long-term deal.

Anfield officials remain resolute in their valuation, pointing to heavily inflated transfer fees within the current midfield market.

Market comparisons justify asking price

Manchester City recently tabled an offer exceeding £100m for Elliot Anderson, highlighting the immense premium currently placed on domestic talent.

The Reds also took note of Tottenham Hotspur’s recent £52m acquisition of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.

The central defender was in an identical contractual situation, reinforcing Liverpool’s belief that their financial demands are entirely reasonable.

Recent positional shifts under Slot

The versatile playmaker made 49 appearances across all competitions last season, although he secured only 18 Premier League starts.

Under head coach Arne Slot, the Merseysider finished the campaign effectively deployed in an unfamiliar right-back role.

Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum has signed a one-year contract extension worth $21m to remain with the franchise and avoid free agency.

The 34-year-old was eligible to enter the open market at the end of June before committing his immediate future to the team.

His new agreement includes a trade kicker, according to his representatives at Excel Sports Management.

Crucial playoff impact

The veteran playmaker arrived in Georgia last January following a high-profile trade that sent Trae Young to the Washington Wizards.

He quickly became a pivotal figure for the Hawks, helping orchestrate a remarkable late-season surge where the team won 18 out of 20 matches.

His influence carried into the postseason, notably terrifying the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks in the opening round.

The former Wizard hit a dramatic 15-foot fadeaway with 12.7 seconds remaining to seal Game 3, having already dropped 32 points to secure Game 2.

Consistent shooting excellence

Despite playing just 41 games for Atlanta last season, the experienced scorer averaged a highly respectable 18.7 points per game.

He also shot 35.7% from beyond the arc, maintaining a remarkable streak of long-range consistency.

The 13-year professional has now made at least 150 three-pointers for 11 consecutive seasons.

He stands entirely alone in NBA history as the only player to reach that specific statistical milestone every year since the 2015-16 campaign.