Tottenham Hotspur have agreed terms on a new four-year contract with Pedro Porro to extend the defender’s stay until 2030.
The agreement ends recent speculation linking the Spanish international with a £60m return to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi reportedly views the right-back as an untouchable asset in his ongoing tactical rebuild in north London.
The 26-year-old initially arrived from Sporting CP in 2023 in a deal worth £39m and has since become a vital attacking outlet through his crossing and set-piece expertise.
Defensive overhaul continues
Securing the former Sporting star represents a significant boost for the Lilywhites as they systematically restructure their backline this summer.
The club have already confirmed the arrivals of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson to bolster their defensive options.
Further reinforcements could follow shortly, with talks reportedly under way to sign Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.
Conversely, existing central defenders Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin are expected to depart the club in the coming weeks to balance the squad.
Future contract priorities
With their premier right-back secured, Tottenham’s recruitment team can now evaluate other pending contractual situations within the squad.
Forward Richarlison, alongside Ben Davies and Dane Scarlett, have entered the final 12 months of their respective deals and appear unlikely to be offered extensions.
Looking further ahead, key personnel including James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will see their current terms expire in 2028.
However, the immediate focus is expected to remain on finalising outgoing transfers and acquiring new targets ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Promoter Eddie Hearn is confident the highly anticipated heavyweight bout between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will take place in the UK this November, with Wembley Stadium the clear favourite to host.
The monumental clash between the British heavyweights has long been craved by boxing fans and appears closer than ever to becoming a reality.
Both fighters must first navigate summer tune-up bouts to keep the lucrative showdown on track.
The former Olympian makes his ring return on 25 July against Albanian Kristian Prenga, while the ‘Gypsy King’ plans to fight in Dublin on 1 August.
Contractual push for a British blockbuster
There had been ongoing speculation the fight could be staged in Saudi Arabia or the United States, given the involvement of boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh.
However, the Matchroom Boxing boss insists existing agreements mandate a domestic setting.
“The contract is very clear. It specifically states the fight must take place in the UK,” Hearn confirmed.
“We also understand that Turki Alalshikh is paying for the fight, so if he comes up with a plan to stage the fight somewhere else, there will be a sensible conversation and a renegotiation of that contract if we want to move forward with that.”
Hearn emphasised that the clause was intentionally included to guarantee the biggest fight in British boxing history happens on home soil.
Wembley leads the stadium race
Wembley is currently the leading candidate to stage the event, remaining ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
The national stadium previously hosted a record-breaking crowd of 98,128 when the Watford-born fighter suffered a shock defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
A precise date remains unconfirmed, but organisers are targeting a Saturday night in the middle of November.
Concerns over staging an outdoor stadium event deep into the British autumn have been quickly dismissed by Joshua’s camp.
Hearn referenced Conor Benn’s recent rematch victory over Chris Eubank Jr at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as proof that winter conditions are no barrier.
“That fight can take place in the snow – I don’t really care, as long as it takes place,” he joked.
Highly decorated Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed as the new manager of the Brazil national team, tasked with securing a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
The veteran tactician becomes the first foreign manager to lead the South American giants in over six decades.
Taking the helm of the Selecao represents the ultimate international challenge for a man who has already conquered the club game.
The seasoned boss holds the unique distinction of winning domestic titles in all five major European leagues alongside a record five Champions League crowns.
Returning to the World Cup stage
This new chapter brings the former Real Madrid head coach full circle to the United States, where he served as Arrigo Sacchi’s assistant during the 1994 tournament.
On that occasion, the Italian dugout suffered a painful final defeat against the very nation he has now been hired to lead.
International glory has consistently eluded the esteemed tactician during his playing days, having missed Italy’s triumphant 1982 campaign due to a severe knee injury.
He was also an unused substitute when the Azzurri crashed out of their home tournament at the semi-final stage in 1990.
A deep connection with Brazilian talent
The Brazilian Football Confederation’s decision stems largely from his exceptional track record in knockout competitions and his proven affinity with their star players.
His admiration for the nation’s footballing culture dates back to watching their legendary 1970 squad conquer the globe in Mexico.
“It was the first time I realised how much talent Brazil has.”
Throughout his illustrious career at clubs like AC Milan, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, the 64-year-old has consistently brought out the best in South American talent.
His dressing rooms have featured legendary figures including Ronaldo, Kaka, Cafu, and Thiago Silva over the past two decades.
More recently at the Santiago Bernabeu, his guidance proved instrumental in elevating current national team stars like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo into global superstars.
Overcoming wider squad deficiencies
Despite this perfect synergy between coach and personnel, significant underlying issues remain within the current national setup.
Critics argue that even the most successful club manager in European history may struggle to mask the structural deficiencies holding back the five-time world champions.
As the countdown to the next global showpiece begins, the legendary coach faces immense pressure to finally end a prolonged trophy drought and secure that elusive sixth star.
Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez hit a grand slam and a two-run homer in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals on Friday.
The left-handed slugger initially drove in two runs with an opposite-field strike.
He then returned to the plate to clear the bases with a two-out shot to centre field.
His remarkable effort secured six runs batted in during a dominant nine-run opening frame for the visiting side.
Matching a baseball legend
Since RBIs became an official statistic in 1920, such an explosive start has been exceptionally rare.
Only Hall of Fame icon David Ortiz has previously recorded two home runs and six RBIs in a first inning, achieving the feat in 2008.
Leading the major leagues
The 28-year-old Cuban now boasts 24 home runs for the current season.
This impressive tally ensures the former American League Rookie of the Year leads the AL standings.
He is currently tied with Philadelphia Phillies standout Kyle Schwarber for the overall Major League Baseball lead.
A proven postseason performer
The three-time All-Star has consistently delivered on baseball’s biggest stages throughout his career.
He was named the AL Championship Series Most Valuable Player in 2021.
The prolific batter then guided his franchise to the World Series title the following year.
United States captain Tim Ream has caused a social media stir after appearing to actively ignore a motivational video call from President Donald Trump ahead of their World Cup opener against Paraguay.
The veteran central defender looked visibly unimpressed as the White House leader delivered a rallying message to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
The former Fulham stalwart stood stoically throughout the interaction while his international manager expressed gratitude for the presidential encouragement.
Social media reacts to silent protest
Footage of the team meeting quickly went viral on social media platforms as supporters dissected the player’s dismissive body language.
Fans praised the St Louis City defender for his apparent refusal to engage with the highly controversial political figure.
“Tim Ream wants absolutely nothing to do with this. Donald Trump is a bad omen man.”
One supporter noted on X
“Tim Ream was fighting for his life to avoid saying something mean, I love him.”
Another account added online
Political tensions overshadow tournament build-up
The preparation for this summer’s tournament has been heavily marred by ongoing controversies surrounding the current US administration.
Widespread visa issues have left international squads, coaches, referees, and travelling supporters struggling to securely enter the host nation.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has publicly urged stakeholders to remain calm amid growing concerns over poor attendance figures and geopolitical friction.
Pochettino’s side target knockout stages
On the pitch, the Stars and Stripes are aiming to progress from a challenging Group D containing Australia, Turkiye, and their South American opening opponents.
The world’s 17th-ranked side will rely heavily on European-based talents like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie to successfully navigate the opening phase.
Reaching the knockout rounds would represent a respectable campaign for the host nation before they inevitably face elite global opposition.
Jarell Quansah believes his £35m transfer from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen last summer was crucial in securing his place in England’s World Cup squad.
The 23-year-old departed his boyhood club in search of regular first-team football.
His impressive performances in the Champions League for the German side have clearly caught the eye of national team manager Thomas Tuchel.
A difficult departure
Stepping away from Anfield was not a choice the young centre-half took lightly.
“Last summer it was a really tough decision to be honest, to walk away from my boyhood club – a club I’ve been at all my life.”
“But I just knew it was the best thing that I needed for my career, to be playing week in week out.”
The versatile defender has now established himself as a key figure in Tuchel’s plans ahead of the tournament in the United States.
Gaining vital European experience
Leaving the Premier League giants allowed the former Reds academy graduate to test himself regularly against the continent’s elite.
“It was massive for me playing in the Champions League.”
“We played top teams in England and we played well, so it was always good to play well in those games and you can never take those nights for granted, they’re so special.”
His ability to seamlessly operate at both right-back and in the heart of defence provides invaluable flexibility for the Three Lions.
Backing himself on the biggest stage
Despite the inherent risks of moving abroad, the English prospect never doubted his own potential.
“People who know me know I back myself no matter what and I feel like I’m capable of playing at the highest level and I wanted to show that this season.”
“To be rewarded being selected for the World Cup is an absolute honour and it’s all down to hard work I’ve put in over the past 12 months.”
He insists his rapid development stems purely from consistent minutes on the pitch rather than a simple change of scenery.
“I feel like with every game I play, I’m getting better.”
Captain George Furbank scored two tries in his final home game as Northampton Saints defeated Leicester Tigers 45-31 in a thrilling East Midlands derby at Franklin’s Gardens to reach the Premiership final.
The England international, who departs for Harlequins next season, ensured his current club has an opportunity to secure a second consecutive domestic title at Twickenham.
The hosts emerged victorious from an absorbing semi-final that featured an incredible first-half hat-trick from Tom Litchfield.
The table-topping Saints will now meet either defending champions Bath or Exeter Chiefs in the showpiece event.
Litchfield sets play-off record in frantic start
A bustling run from Henry Pollock laid the foundation for the fastest try ever scored in a Premiership play-off match.
Litchfield scythed through the opposition resistance after just 87 seconds to ignite the ferocious local rivalry.
The visitors responded swiftly through Hanro Liebenberg, who powered over in his final appearance for the Leicestershire club.
Fit-again full-back Freddie Steward then stretched over to give Geoff Parling’s side a momentary lead, remarkably scoring with the same hand that required thumb surgery just weeks ago.
Furbank finishes the job after first-half fireworks
A defensive mix-up allowed Litchfield to pounce for his second try before Tommy Freeman produced a spectacular solo effort.
The lightning-fast winger smartly side-footed a pinpoint Fin Smith cross-kick to extend the home advantage.
Ollie Hassell-Collins hit back for the fourth-placed Tigers, finishing well out wide following a clever kick from Billy Searle.
However, Litchfield muscled over with a last-gasp effort before the break to complete his treble and secure a 26-19 half-time lead.
Saints march on to Twickenham
The frenetic pace continued after the interval as the departing home skipper crossed the whitewash to consolidate the advantage.
Orlando Bailey and a second score from Hassell-Collins briefly kept the contest alive for the visitors.
Ultimately, Archie McParland’s fine effort and another clinical finish from Furbank sealed a memorable victory in front of a raucous home crowd.
The result sends the 2024 champions back to Twickenham, rewarding a spectacular regular season campaign where they finished comfortably at the summit of the standings.
Former United States forward Clint Dempsey has strongly rebuked Canada manager Jesse Marsch for claiming he had to “beg” American players to sing their national anthem.
The current Canadian boss made the controversial remarks while comparing the patriotism of his squad to his past experiences within the American setup.
Marsch served as an assistant coach to Bob Bradley for the US national team between 2010 and 2011, a period when the former Fulham and Tottenham attacker was a prominent fixture in the side.
National pride questioned ahead of World Cup
Speaking ahead of his team’s World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, the 51-year-old manager praised the deep passion of his current roster.
The former international midfielder suggested his Canadian players belt out their anthem to the top of their lungs because they want to demonstrate immense pride in their country.
In the US, sometimes we had to beg players to sing the national anthem.
That specific comparison immediately struck a nerve with the all-time record goalscorer in American men’s international history.
‘I bled for this country’
Appearing as a pundit on American television, the 41-year-old furiously dismissed the legitimacy of the observations.
The retired forward emphasised his profound commitment to his homeland, noting he underwent two heart procedures and suffered a broken nose while representing the nation.
He really said that? Man, I can’t take this guy too seriously.
He also pointedly stated that the current Canada coach had chosen to manage a rival nation and should focus exclusively on his own affairs.
I’m not going to take advice from someone who’s switched to the other side and is singing another country’s national anthem.
Upcoming tournament fixtures
The verbal sparring adds an unexpected layer of tension as both North American nations prepare to launch their respective World Cup campaigns.
Canada will host Bosnia and Herzegovina before the United States take to the pitch against Paraguay in Los Angeles.