Liverpool are prepared to sell midfielder Alexis Mac Allister to help fund a £100m transfer for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
The Argentine international was a crucial figure during the club’s recent title-winning campaign.
However, his domestic form has significantly dipped during a challenging 2025-26 season at Anfield.
As a result, the Merseyside outfit are actively exploring ways to reshape their squad under new manager Andoni Iraola.
Palace demand premium fee
Crystal Palace have placed a £100m valuation on Wharton to deter potential suitors.
The England international is widely regarded as one of the finest ball-progressing midfielders in the top flight.
Iraola reportedly views the highly-rated prospect as the ideal candidate to revitalise his tactical system.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has indicated that initial discussions regarding the player have already taken place.
Midfield clear-out looms
Securing the young playmaker will heavily depend on generating substantial transfer revenue from outgoing personnel.
Alongside the former Brighton star, academy graduate Curtis Jones could also be allowed to depart the club this summer.
Atletico Madrid have registered an early interest in acquiring the South American World Cup winner.
The Spanish giants are yet to submit a formal bid and continue to evaluate alternative targets across Europe.
Meeting the £100m asking price for Wharton ultimately remains a significant hurdle for the Reds’ recruitment team.
VAR will continue to retrospectively punish players for diving at the 2026 World Cup, provided the defending player has been incorrectly shown a card.
The clarification follows a confusing incident during the United States’ opening tournament fixture against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday.
Paraguayan forward Miguel Almiron went to ground under pressure from US captain Tim Ream near the edge of the penalty area.
Dutch referee Danny Makkelie initially awarded a free-kick to the South American side and booked the defending centre-back.
Mistaken identity loophole applied
Television replays quickly confirmed that the American defender made absolutely no contact with the attacker.
The former Newcastle United winger had thrown himself to the floor to deliberately deceive the match official.
Play was halted moments later when the stadium screens displayed a message confirming a video review for mistaken identity.
Makkelie consulted the pitchside monitor before rescinding the initial caution and issuing a yellow card to the simulating forward instead.
Fifa satisfied with unique intervention
Video technology protocols strictly prohibit interventions solely to review or correct standard yellow cards.
Overturns are typically reserved for goals, penalties, straight red cards, and traditional cases of mistaken identity.
The official regulations define mistaken identity as instances where an official penalises an offence but sanctions the wrong individual.
Football’s global governing body is understood to be satisfied with how the officials uniquely applied this rule to combat simulation.
Administrators only noted that play should have restarted with a contested drop ball rather than a free-kick for the host nation.
Future implications for simulation
Attackers attempting to win cheap free-kicks now risk retrospective cautions via the video booth throughout the remainder of the competition.
However, this technological safety net only applies if the referee mistakenly issues a card to an innocent opponent.
If no disciplinary action is initially taken against the defending player, video assistants have no jurisdictional grounds to review the dive.
Toyota have claimed victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours after surviving a dramatic late battle with BMW and Cadillac, ending Ferrari’s recent dominance at the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe.
Former Formula 1 driver Kamui Kobayashi crossed the line in the number seven GR010 Hybrid, finishing 10.9 seconds ahead of the pursuing BMW M Hybrid V8.
Switzerland’s Sebastien Buemi secured third place in the sister number eight car, crossing the line a further 9.5 seconds adrift.
The winning three-driver line-up was completed by Britain’s Mike Conway and Dutchman Nyck de Vries.
Late drama and Ferrari struggles
This triumph marks a second career victory at the legendary endurance race for the 42-year-old Conway.
British ex-F1 racer Will Stevens narrowly missed out on a podium finish for Hertz Team Jota, bringing his American Cadillac V-Series R home in fourth.
The result breaks a significant streak for the Italian marque, whose 499P hypercars had won the past three events since their return to the top class in 2023.
The Prancing Horse endured a remarkably ragged race in north-west France, with their number 51 entry finishing more than two minutes behind the eventual winners.
Upgrades fuel Japanese resurgence
The number 50 Ferrari was forced to retire entirely following early contact with lower-class competitors.
Several drivers questioned the hypercar class’ controversial ‘balance of performance’ regulations as teams struggled to maintain the leading pace.
The Japanese manufacturer arrived at the event with a minor upgrade to their vehicle, which ultimately paid dividends in securing their sixth overall victory at the track.
They remain the only major marque to have stayed committed through the sport’s leaner years, having previously dominated the event between 2018 and 2022.
“Finally we bring in a new car and that’s made it happen. Mr Toyoda-san has been supporting big time – finally we’re back on top.”
Kamui Kobayashi
A golden era for sports cars
The World Endurance Championship has experienced a massive resurgence in popularity following the introduction of the new hypercar regulations in 2021.
Major manufacturers such as Peugeot, Alpine, Aston Martin, and Genesis have now joined the ranks to compete at the highest level of motorsport.
The flagship 24-hour race remains a sellout event every year, attracting approximately 350,000 passionate fans to the French circuit.
Leigh Leopards winger Josh Charnley has broken the all-time Super League try-scoring record, securing a historic hat-trick to seal a 38-12 victory over the Bradford Bulls at Odsal.
The 34-year-old surpassed former Leeds Rhinos winger Ryan Hall to reach an unprecedented 272 career tries.
His treble helped the visitors secure a sixth win in seven matches, keeping their playoff hopes firmly alive.
Record-breaking treble at Odsal
Vintage finishing was on full display from the veteran back, whose illustrious career has included spells with Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves.
Adam Cook initially got the scoreboard moving with a penalty goal for the Leopards.
The Australian stand-off then delivered a perfectly weighted kick for his prolific team-mate to collect and cross the line for his first of the afternoon.
A moment of individual brilliance soon followed as the explosive runner side-stepped two defenders to dive over on the right touchline.
Leigh close gap on playoff spots
Bradford showed brief signs of resistance in the second half when scrum-half Chris Atkin broke the line to score.
However, the momentous milestone was reached shortly after as another precise pass from Cook allowed the unstoppable winger to complete his hat-trick.
Caleb Aekins managed a second consolation try for the hosts following a fine burst from full-back.
Late scores from Innes Senior, Bailey Hodgson and Louis Brogan ultimately added gloss to a dominant afternoon for the away side.
Injury concern mars historic afternoon
Despite the resounding triumph, Leigh remain in seventh place at the halfway point of the regular campaign.
They have now moved within just two points of St Helens, who currently occupy the final crucial playoff spot.
The only dampener on a celebratory afternoon was the sight of the newly crowned record-holder limping off the field with 15 minutes remaining.
Looking ahead, these two cross-Pennine rivals will make history next February when their corresponding fixture is staged in Las Vegas.
England will renew their fierce rivalry with Croatia later this week as Thomas Tuchel’s side face a familiar threat in 40-year-old veteran Luka Modric during the World Cup group stages.
The legendary midfielder was already in the twilight of his career when he helped orchestrate a devastating semi-final defeat against Gareth Southgate’s team in Russia eight years ago.
Now 40, the former Real Madrid and Tottenham playmaker remains the heartbeat of his national side two decades after making his international debut.
He recently earned his 198th cap during a 2-1 warm-up victory over Slovenia and is poised to break the 200-appearance barrier during this tournament.
A familiar foe for the Three Lions
Encounters between these two nations often carry an extra edge.
The 2018 semi-final was famously fuelled by perceived English arrogance regarding their tournament prospects.
Football’s not coming home!
That was the mocking declaration from current assistant coach Vedran Corluka to the assembled media after that fateful match.
The Three Lions have since claimed victories against the Balkan nation at both Euro 2020 and in the Nations League.
However, the winner of this upcoming fixture will immediately become the overwhelming favourite to top their group.
Tuchel prepares for crucial encounter
New manager Thomas Tuchel has dismissed suggestions that his squad were handed an easy pathway through the competition.
The German coach correctly noted that statistically, his team received the toughest possible draw based on FIFA rankings.
Despite their formidable reputation, the current iteration of the Croatian team is arguably weaker than the squad that reached the 2018 final.
Relying on an ageing golden generation
A failure to seamlessly replace their veteran stars means the national team continues to lean heavily on experienced campaigners.
Their ageing core includes Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric, who are all deep into their thirties.
Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol remains the notable exception, having emerged as a global star during their run to the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago.
Yet the spotlight inevitably returns to their talismanic captain.
Following a season featuring 47 appearances for AC Milan, the veteran maestro remains in remarkable physical condition and is ready to frustrate English ambitions once again.
A teenager was shot and a World Cup fan bus was set on fire in New York as chaotic celebrations erupted following the Knicks’ first NBA Finals victory since 1973.
The historic 4-1 series triumph over the San Antonio Spurs triggered wild scenes across midtown Manhattan on Saturday night.
Hundreds of jubilant basketball fans swarmed the streets surrounding Madison Square Garden before the situation escalated dramatically in the early hours of the morning.
Police confirmed a 17-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the foot in Times Square, leading to three individuals being taken into custody.
Riot police deploy as World Cup bus burns
The widespread disorder also impacted supporters returning from a football match between Brazil and Morocco.
Revellers climbed onto the roofs of yellow school buses operating as municipal shuttles for the international tournament.
Video journalists at the scene reported that at least one of these convoy vehicles was subsequently engulfed in flames.
Authorities in riot gear were eventually forced to intervene after holding back and observing the chaos for approximately two hours.
Mounted officers pushed the sprawling crowds back to restore order across the bustling tourist district.
Brunson heroics end 51-year championship drought
The off-court chaos temporarily overshadowed a monumental sporting achievement for the Eastern Conference franchise down in Texas.
Star point guard Jalen Brunson delivered a scintillating 45-point performance to orchestrate a 94-90 comeback win in game five.
The dynamic playmaker was rightfully named Finals Most Valuable Player as his team rallied from a double-digit deficit to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
A star-studded crowd, including long-time superfan Spike Lee and the Duke of Sussex, witnessed the historic close-out game.
Spain winger Lamine Yamal has returned to full training following a hamstring injury, providing a major boost ahead of their World Cup opener against Cape Verde on Monday.
The 18-year-old sensation has been sidelined since late April but was spotted rejoining the squad at their Tennessee base.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente expects the teenage prodigy to be ready for action, though his minutes on the pitch may be carefully managed.
Fellow attackers Nico Williams and Mikel Merino have also shaken off their respective fitness issues to declare themselves available.
Neymar targets Brazil return
Elsewhere in the tournament, Brazil are closely monitoring their veteran forward after he missed an opening draw against Morocco.
The 34-year-old sustained a grade two calf strain just three weeks before the finals began in North America.
National team manager Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic that the former Paris St-Germain star will feature against Haiti next Friday.
“Neymar is working very hard to recover as quickly as possible. The expectation is that he can rejoin the group next week.”
Carlo Ancelotti
Pulisic withdrawn as a precaution
United States captain Christian Pulisic is managing a calf problem of his own after being substituted during a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino replaced the AC Milan playmaker at half-time to prevent any long-term muscle damage.
“He received a kick in his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half. We didn’t want to take any risks.”
Mauricio Pochettino
The American forward later reassured reporters, explaining that he expects to be fully fit for Friday’s clash with Australia in San Francisco.
Davies sidelined for Canada
Meanwhile, co-hosts Canada were forced to navigate their 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina without Alphonso Davies.
The dynamic full-back sat out the fixture in Toronto, but management staff are hopeful he will return to face Qatar in Vancouver.
Leicester City are close to appointing Russell Martin as their new manager as the club prepares for life in League One following back-to-back relegations.
The 40-year-old is expected to finalise terms this weekend, marking his return to the dugout since departing Rangers last October.
The East Midlands outfit had originally targeted the former Scotland defender last summer before he opted for a move to Glasgow.
Instead, the Foxes appointed Marti Cifuentes, whose tenure lasted just six months before his dismissal in January.
Tasked with rebuilding a struggling squad
Under the temporary stewardship of Gary Rowett, the club suffered a catastrophic drop into the third tier of English football.
This latest demotion completes a dismal period for the 2016 top-flight champions, who experienced Premier League relegation during the 2024-25 campaign.
Their struggles on the pitch were severely compounded by a six-point deduction for breaching English Football League financial regulations.
The incoming boss will become the seventh individual to take charge in just over three years since Brendan Rodgers departed the King Power Stadium in April 2023.
Looking to bounce back after Scottish Premiership exit
The highly-rated tactician arrives with a point to prove following a brief and challenging spell north of the border.
His tenure at Ibrox lasted a mere 17 matches, culminating in his dismissal with the Glasgow giants languishing in eighth place.
Despite that setback, the former MK Dons and Swansea City head coach remains highly regarded within the English pyramid.
He notably guided Southampton to Premier League promotion by triumphing in the Championship play-offs during the 2023-24 season.