Enzo Maresca has agreed to succeed Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager, with the Catalan set to step down after Sunday’s final Premier League match against Aston Villa.

The current City boss reportedly has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave the Etihad Stadium a year early.

Staff and players at the reigning English champions anticipate an official announcement regarding his departure will be made next week.

Maresca agrees Etihad return

Former Chelsea head coach Maresca has already agreed terms to take over the managerial hot seat.

The Italian tactician previously worked under the departing manager as part of the City coaching staff before embarking on his own successful spells elsewhere.

His appointment would ensure a degree of tactical continuity for a squad accustomed to a highly specific possession-based approach.

An era concludes against Aston Villa

Sunday’s season finale at home to Aston Villa is now poised to serve as an emotional farewell for the most successful manager in the club’s history.

Should the reports prove accurate, it marks the end of a transformative era that saw the Manchester club completely dominate the English top flight.

Elsewhere in the Premier League

In other news, West Ham United will be under immense pressure to raise more than £100m through player sales if they suffer relegation.

Everton and Aston Villa are reportedly exploring a move for Newcastle United’s 22-year-old Danish forward William Osula.

Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton is poised to sign a one-year contract extension to remain at Manchester United for a sixth consecutive season.

The Football Association is also set to review rules surrounding the FA Youth Cup final following a furious dispute between both Manchester clubs over this year’s edition.

Aaron Rodgers has surprised his Pittsburgh Steelers team-mates by immediately joining voluntary organized team activities on Monday after signing a new one-year contract.

The 42-year-old quarterback agreed to terms on a deal worth up to $25m (£19.7m) just days prior to his arrival.

His early appearance marks a significant shift from last year, when the veteran delayed reporting to Pittsburgh until the eve of mandatory minicamp.

Early arrival shocks team-mates

Inside linebacker Payton Wilson admitted he was caught off guard upon seeing the decorated signal-caller at the team training facility.

I was walking in, and he was coming out, and it was good to see him. I was a little shocked, definitely.

The multi-time Most Valuable Player arrived shortly after 07:00 local time to complete his medical examination with head athletic trainer Gabe Amponsah.

Following official confirmation of his signature, he took to the field alongside his new colleagues for the morning session.

Kicker Chris Boswell welcomed the early integration of the offensive leader.

For him to come back early right now and be around the guys, obviously one of his previous coaches, I mean, it’s only positive.

Building chemistry with new weapons

During the media viewing window, the seasoned American immediately assumed first-team repetitions during offensive installation drills.

He shared the quarterback rotation with Will Howard, Mason Rudolph and Drew Allar, completing five passes in his opening passing period.

His very first completion found newly acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr, who joined from the Indianapolis Colts earlier in free agency.

Even in the first day, he made a couple of great throws, and I was like, wow, I’m really playing with Aaron.

The receiver noted that adjusting to the exacting standards of the future Hall of Famer is a straightforward, albeit demanding, process.

He’s just a super vet quarterback, so he knows what he likes and what he doesn’t like. If you’re not doing what you’re supposed to do, he’s going to let you know, which is good.

Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have revealed their Premier League awards for the 2025-26 campaign, agreeing on nine players in their combined team but splitting their votes for the top individual prize.

The former defenders made their selections during the final Monday Night Football broadcast of the season.

Both analysts largely concurred on the standout performers across the English top flight.

Their respective XIs featured nine identical selections, with the line-ups heavily dominated by Arsenal and Manchester City players.

Fernandes and Rice vie for top prize

Despite their broad agreement on the best XI, the pair diverged on who deserved the ultimate individual accolade.

Neville opted for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, praising the playmaker’s resilience during a turbulent campaign at Old Trafford.

The ex-United full-back highlighted the Portuguese international’s elite creativity.

“Bruno getting level with Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry puts him in the very best company in terms of what the Premier League has to offer.”

Neville noted that the midfielder excelled even when the Red Devils faced a desperate situation before Christmas.

He commended the 31-year-old for persisting in a struggling side before helping them secure crucial victories against traditional rivals.

Carragher backs Arsenal midfield dynamo

Conversely, Carragher selected Declan Rice as his standout performer of the year.

The former Liverpool centre-back argued that the England international operated under greater pressure in high-stakes fixtures.

“I’m a huge fan of Bruno Fernandes, but you’re picking a player whose games haven’t had any real jeopardy.”

Carragher emphasised the midfielder’s role as a driving force for Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side.

He specifically praised the former West Ham captain’s outstanding display in the Champions League semi-finals against Atletico Madrid.

Defensive disagreements in the best XI

The only variations in their respective teams of the season occurred in the wide defensive areas.

Neville insisted on including Jurrien Timber at right-back, declaring the Dutchman the best in the division by a considerable margin.

Carragher instead chose Matheus Nunes, praising the natural midfielder’s seamless adaptation to a makeshift defensive role for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Both pundits selected Arsenal pair William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back, alongside Gunners goalkeeper David Raya.

World Gymnastics has lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athletes with immediate effect, allowing them to return to international competition under their national flags following an executive committee meeting in Egypt.

Competitors from the two nations were initially banned from international events in March 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine.

They were subsequently granted permission to participate as neutral athletes towards the end of 2024.

Reversal spans all gymnastics disciplines

The governing body confirmed the major policy shift in a public statement released after their weekend meetings.

This comprehensive reversal applies across all five athletic disciplines overseen by the organisation.

A return for a traditional powerhouse

Historically, the Eastern European nation has been considered one of the most dominant forces in the sport.

Competing under the Russian Olympic Committee banner, their squad secured two gold medals and ten overall podium finishes at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

However, the global suspension meant their elite gymnasts were entirely excluded from the recent Paris 2024 Games.

Wider sporting trend emerges

This latest development mirrors a growing trend among international sporting federations regarding competitor eligibility.

World Aquatics made a similar decision to reinstate competitors under their national colours earlier this April.

The International Judo Federation also lifted its own suspension last November.

Furthermore, the International Paralympic Committee removed its restrictions last year to clear the path for participation in the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics.

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke will name his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, with late injuries forcing tight decisions over his attacking options.

The national team boss has typically shown fierce loyalty to a settled group of players during his seven-year tenure.

However, a 28-year absence from football’s premier tournament means competition for a seat on the plane to the United States is more intense than ever.

Late surges in form and untimely fitness concerns have left several key positions unresolved ahead of the looming announcement.

Stewart and McBurnie battle for striker vacancy

A recent injury to Middlesbrough forward Tommy Conway has blown the race for a striking berth wide open.

The 22-year-old left the pitch in tears during a recent play-off defeat, creating a widespread expectation that he will miss the tournament.

Ross Stewart is emerging as a prime candidate to capitalise on that misfortune following a stunning return to fitness.

The Southampton forward has netted five times in his last ten outings, including a crucial goal in the Championship promotion play-off semi-final.

Hull City frontman makes direct appeal

Oli McBurnie offers another compelling attacking option for the final roster.

The Hull City talisman has enjoyed a highly productive campaign, registering 18 goals across 41 appearances for the Tigers.

The confident 29-year-old recently took matters into his own hands by telephoning the manager to discuss his prolonged absence from the international setup.

Both target men will face off in the upcoming Championship play-off final, presenting a dramatic final audition for a ticket to North America.

Curtis times sensational late run

Further down the flanks, teenage sensation Findlay Curtis has thrust himself into contention following blistering domestic performances.

The Kilmarnock winger was on the periphery of the last international camp but has since scored four goals in five matches for Neil McCann’s side.

The 19-year-old has routinely dazzled crowds at Rugby Park, notably shining when the Scotland manager was evaluating from the stands.

Former Livingston manager Marvin Bartley firmly believes the Ayrshire prodigy must be included in the travelling party.

“It’s very early in his career to be going to a World Cup, but we just don’t have enough players throughout the squad who…”

Marvin Bartley

West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa have been named in the Democratic Republic of Congo squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Croydon-born Wan-Bissaka switched his international allegiance to the African nation in August 2025 after previously representing England at Under-21 level.

The 28-year-old former Manchester United full-back has since earned nine caps for the Leopards and will now anchor their defence on the global stage.

Wissa returns following injury struggles

Wissa earns a recall from head coach Sebastien Desabre having been omitted from the nation’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

The lightning-fast forward has endured a difficult period with form and fitness since swapping Brentford for Tyneside last summer.

Joining the Premier League duo in the travelling party is Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe and Hibernian centre-back Rocky Bushiri.

Bushiri’s inclusion comes as a surprise after the defender limped out of a weekend defeat to Motherwell with a suspected Achilles injury.

Veterans recalled for Group K challenge

Desabre has also turned to experience by recalling 34-year-old playmaker Gael Kakuta to the international setup.

The former Chelsea midfielder has featured just twice for the Congolese side over the past two years.

Watford’s Edo Kayembe and Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki provide further English-based representation within the midfield ranks.

The Leopards have been drawn into Group K for the tournament, where they will face formidable opposition in Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

Ending a half-century absence

This tournament marks the nation’s first appearance at the global showpiece since competing as Zaire in West Germany half a century ago.

Their 1974 campaign ended in the group stages following three consecutive defeats, including a heavy 9-0 loss to Yugoslavia.

That historic appearance is perhaps best remembered for Mwepu Ilunga famously breaking from his own defensive wall to blast the ball away during a Brazilian free-kick.

Full DR Congo World Cup Squad

Croatia have named 40-year-old midfielder Luka Modric in their 26-man World Cup squad as he recovers from a fractured cheekbone ahead of the North American tournament.

The veteran playmaker suffered the facial injury following a clash of heads while playing for Inter Milan against Juventus at the end of April.

Since undergoing surgery, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner has returned to training wearing a protective mask.

Dalic confident in captain’s fitness

“He’s training with a facial mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him,” head coach Zlatko Dalic said.

“We’ll see his condition, but I don’t doubt him. He’ll be in good form.”

The former Real Madrid and Tottenham star was instrumental in his nation’s run to the 2018 final and 2022 semi-final.

This summer’s tournament will mark a remarkable fifth World Cup appearance for the enduring midfielder.

Gvardiol included despite shin fracture

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol has also been named in the travelling party despite breaking his shin in January.

The 24-year-old centre-back will use upcoming warm-up fixtures to build match fitness before the tournament kicks off on 11 June.

“We hope he’ll be ready to play. We expect him to be a major boost for us in the US,” Dalic added.

Gvardiol’s club team-mate Mateo Kovacic joins him in the squad alongside Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.

Focus shifts to England opener

The European side begin their Group L campaign against England at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas on 17 June.

Following their opener against the Three Lions, they will face Panama and Ghana to complete their group stage fixtures.

“The main goal is to get through the group. I’m optimistic as always, we have a good national team,” the Croatian manager stated.

He admitted his side will adopt a more defensive, midfield-heavy approach against an England team harbouring ambitions of becoming world champions.

“Against Ghana and Panama, it will be different, much more attack-oriented but neither are any less challenging.”

Croatia’s 26-man squad in full

Spain and Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez is expected to miss the upcoming World Cup after fracturing his right foot during a domestic fixture against Real Betis.

The 23-year-old will undergo surgery for the fifth metatarsal injury sustained on Sunday.

Lopez suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot in the game against Betis. The player will undergo surgery.

While a specific recovery timeline has not been provided, the Catalan club’s confirmation effectively rules the playmaker out of this summer’s tournament.

A major blow for La Roja

The national team begin their group-stage campaign against Cape Verde on 15 June in Atlanta.

They subsequently face Saudi Arabia six days later before concluding the initial phase against Uruguay on 27 June.

The dynamic attacker was widely expected to be named in the final squad following an outstanding spell of international form.

Recent international success

He was a key member of the national squad that triumphed at the 2024 European Championship.

The talented midfielder also fired his nation’s under-23 side to Olympic gold in Paris.

During that tournament, he scored six goals, which included a decisive brace in the final against host nation France.

To date, the academy graduate has earned seven senior caps and featured in three World Cup qualifiers last year.

Stellar domestic season cut short

This setback represents a cruel end to a highly impressive club campaign under manager Hansi Flick.

The versatile star scored six goals in 30 league appearances to help his side comfortably retain the Spanish top-flight title.

He added a further six goals in the Champions League before a quarter-final exit at the hands of domestic rivals Atletico Madrid.