Chelsea are rapidly advancing in their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as manager Xabi Alonso reshapes his squad ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
The west London club have already made headlines this week by securing a £117m deal for Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers.
Attention has now shifted towards strengthening the defence before their opening domestic fixture against Fulham.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations for the 26-year-old centre-back are progressing very quickly.
The news of the day was about Maxence Lacroix, the defender from Crystal Palace. I’m told that this deal is advancing quite fast.
Fabrizio Romano
A highly successful spell at Selhurst Park
The French international has been a revelation since joining the Eagles from VfL Wolfsburg for £18m in the summer of 2024.
He played a pivotal role in the most successful period of Palace’s history under manager Oliver Glasner.
The commanding centre-half helped secure a historic FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May 2025.
He then lifted the Europa Conference League trophy just twelve months later.
Those impressive club performances earned him a debut call-up to Didier Deschamps’ national squad earlier this year.
The former Wolfsburg man subsequently featured in three matches during the recent World Cup in North America.
Defensive restructuring at Stamford Bridge
Central defence remains a critical area requiring improvement if Alonso intends to challenge for major silverware.
The Blues currently possess a heavily bloated roster in that particular position.
Ten different centre-backs are presently available to the Spanish tactician, including Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana and recent arrival Jorrel Hato.
Significant outgoing movement is anticipated before the transfer window closes to accommodate the prospective signing.
Securing the signature of the World Cup defender could serve as the catalyst for a much-needed defensive clear-out.
Norwegian Football Association president Lise Klaveness has called for Gianni Infantino to face an ethics investigation following Donald Trump’s interference in a World Cup disciplinary case.
The US president recently confirmed he personally contacted the head of world football’s governing body regarding a one-match ban handed to American striker Folarin Balogun.
Following the political intervention, the player’s suspension was controversially lifted by tournament authorities.
This unprecedented move prompted the Norwegian FA chief to announce she will recommend a formal grievance to her national board.
Crossing a red line
The Scandinavian official warned that capitulating to political pressure sets a dangerous precedent for the international sport.
“When you bend a rule like this, you’re on a slippery slope that will put the whole game at risk.”
Lise Klaveness
A spokesperson for the international governing body defended the suspension reversal by referencing their internal disciplinary code.
They stated that the independent judicial body retains full discretion to suspend sporting sanctions when deemed appropriate.
History of tension
This is not the first time the Norwegian executive has clashed with the Swiss-Italian administrator over his relationship with the US leadership.
Klaveness previously demanded the abolition of the inaugural ‘Fifa Peace Prize’ after it was awarded to the Republican politician by the 54-year-old president.
She remains adamant that external forces dictated the outcome of this latest disciplinary process.
“If you start to adapt in such a way towards state leaders and state politics, you will move your behaviour, and also the red line of what states’ leaders should interfere with.”
Lise Klaveness
Jurgen Klopp is expected to appoint former Liverpool assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz to his backroom team after agreeing to become the new head coach of the German national side.
The former Anfield manager is preparing for his first foray into international football and is eager to surround himself with familiar faces.
Reports in Germany suggest the 59-year-old has already finalised his ideal coaching setup ahead of an official unveiling by the national football association.
Trusted allies return to the fold
Both Lijnders and Krawietz worked intimately alongside the Stuttgart-born tactician during his highly successful tenure on Merseyside.
Krawietz remained a key part of the coaching staff until Klopp’s emotional departure at the end of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.
Lijnders subsequently pursued a career as a primary manager, embarking on a stint in charge of Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg.
The Dutchman then secured an assistant role under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, a surprising move that his former mentor actively encouraged.
When I spoke with Jurgen he was so clear: ‘If you don’t do it, I will take the assistant job.’
A bond built on mutual trust
Speaking previously about their working relationship, Lijnders highlighted the profound professional and personal bond he shared with the two-time Bundesliga-winning manager.
I believe you need 100 per cent trust in this job because we have to make so many decisions on a daily basis.
The highly-rated coach also praised his colleague’s unique approach to man-management, tactical innovation and lack of ego.
Jurgen is a true leader. He is inspirational and motivational, and he still surprises me every day with something he says.
Building the national team setup
The incoming head coach is widely respected for cultivating strong, unified environments with both his backroom staff and playing squad.
Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender is also expected to be named as part of the newly restructured coaching department.
The immediate focus for the reshaped management team will be preparing the four-time World Cup winners for their upcoming international fixtures.
World football’s governing body FIFA has confirmed that no evidence of match-fixing or suspicious betting activity was found during the 2026 World Cup.
An official Integrity Task Force monitored all 104 matches at this summer’s showpiece tournament in real time.
The global organisation stated that extensive analysis of betting markets and on-field behaviour identified zero indications of match manipulation.
Unfounded allegations and refereeing defence
Rumours of corruption plagued the tournament, with defeated nations accusing officials of consistently favouring defending champions Argentina.
Egypt manager Hossam Hassan fanned the flames of these conspiracy theories following his side’s controversial 3-2 defeat in the last 16.
“They want Argentina and Messi to stay in the World Cup for marketing,” he said.
Those serious accusations were swiftly and categorically denied by FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina.
“Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials,” Collina stated.
The Italian official added that unfounded allegations provoke dangerous reactions and threats against referees and their families.
Post-match brawls and legal threats
The integrity statement arrives in the wake of a chaotic final at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Spain secured a 1-0 victory over the South American giants.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal, but the aftermath was marred by unsavoury altercations between the two nations.
Disciplinary proceedings are already under way against Argentine players Nahuel Molina, Leandro Paredes, and Thiago Almada following the full-time whistle.
Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Association is reportedly exploring legal action to combat the spread of misinformation regarding their squad.
Anthony Joshua has revealed that Oleksandr Usyk’s team urged him to “show greatness” during training sessions ahead of his heavyweight comeback against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia.
The 36-year-old is preparing for his highly anticipated return to the ring this Saturday.
He spent time preparing alongside his former Ukrainian rival in an effort to sharpen his competitive edge.
Raising the standard
The two-time world champion explained how the elite setup demanded he elevate his daily standards.
A potential blockbuster clash with domestic rival Tyson Fury looms on the horizon later this year, adding significant weight to his upcoming performance.
“It’s an elite team. I got to see how he prepared for Rico Verhoeven,” Joshua said.
“I’m quite strong. I can take, I can give, so sometimes I can just get away with doing enough but still be good enough.”
“But these guys are like, ‘nah’. They want to see more, like bring it out.”
Delivering under pressure
The veteran fighter acknowledged the stark difference between comfortable gym form and the reality of a high-stakes bout.
“Sometimes in a fight, you don’t have that luxury to make improvements,” he explained.
“You’re fighting because you’re in such a moment that puts so much pressure on your shoulders.”
The visiting training camp instilled the belief that exceptional performances must become a daily habit rather than a sudden reaction.
“That’s what Usyk’s team were saying. Your greatness should just be something that you do every day in the gym.”
“You shouldn’t have to take yourself to that level where you’re under so much pressure. You should be able to do it from round one.”
Seeking a ruthless finish
The British heavyweight boasts a formidable professional record, having secured 29 victories across 33 career bouts.
Crucially, 26 of those wins have come by way of knockout, underlining the historical finishing power he hopes to unleash this weekend.
He remains determined to showcase his raw aggression and stop his opponent early if the opportunity arises.
“That’s the name of the game. There’s no overtime,” he stated.
“If I can end it, trust me, I will. But I know what my mind is telling me. I know what I have to do.”
Liverpool could generate a transfer budget of more than £215m this summer by selling several established first-team players, including World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.
The Merseyside club are currently evaluating potential squad changes while undertaking their pre-season tour of the United States.
Finding a long-term successor for talismanic forward Mohamed Salah remains an ongoing priority for the Anfield hierarchy.
However, significant departures may be necessary before the six-time European champions can comfortably finance their desired incoming deals.
Real Madrid monitor Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister represents one of the most valuable assets potentially heading for the exit door.
Real Madrid are reportedly maintaining a strong interest in bringing the Argentine midfielder to the Spanish capital.
The 2022 World Cup winner is valued at approximately £60m, although his current employers would likely demand a significantly higher fee.
With contractual uncertainty looming, the board could look to cash in rather than risk losing him on a free transfer further down the line.
Tottenham track Dutch forward
Cody Gakpo is another high-profile name currently attracting interest from rival Premier League sides.
Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the Netherlands international following their heavy expenditure earlier in the transfer window.
The former PSV Eindhoven captain experienced a slight dip in productivity last season compared to his blistering start to life in England.
Despite reportedly warning potential suitors away, a lucrative offer from the North London outfit could force a rethink from the Liverpool hierarchy.
The Boston Red Sox have matched an 80-year-old franchise record by securing their 15th consecutive victory with a 6-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles in Wednesday’s split doubleheader opener.
The historic winning streak equals the legendary 1946 American League championship squad spearheaded by Hall of Famer Ted Williams.
A lightning-fast start at Fenway Park saw the hosts establish a commanding 4-0 lead in the opening inning against visiting starter Dean Kremer.
Caleb Durbin continued his excellent recent form by driving in two runs with a precise line single.
Jarren Duran further extended the early advantage with a two-out hit, later adding a sacrifice fly to his impressive offensive contribution.
Bennett survives injury scare to claim win
Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett earned the victory after battling through five and two-thirds innings on the mound.
The young prospect experienced a frightening moment in the fifth inning when he was struck in the stomach by a 102.8 mph line drive from Taylor Ward.
Following immediate medical assessment on the field by interim manager Chad Tracy and first baseman Willson Contreras, the resilient pitcher was remarkably cleared to continue.
He eventually allowed three runs on nine hits during a gritty and determined outing.
Chapman makes history as streak continues
Christian Encarnacion-Strand attempted to spark a comeback for the visitors with a solo home run into the batter’s eye during the fourth inning.
However, Ceddanne Rafaela swiftly restored the comfortable cushion for the hosts by launching a powerful solo shot over the famous Green Monster.
Veteran closer Aroldis Chapman was then introduced to successfully secure the final three outs of the momentous contest.
The formidable reliever recorded his 23rd save of the current campaign and the 390th of his illustrious career.
This monumental milestone moves the veteran southpaw into a tie with Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley for ninth on the all-time major league saves list.
Arsenal have confirmed that defender William Saliba will not require surgery on a back injury sustained during the World Cup, though he faces an extended period of rehabilitation.
The French centre-back limped out of his country’s semi-final defeat to Spain.
Initial reports suggested the defensive standout might face an operation and several months on the sidelines.
Rehabilitation over surgery for key defender
A club statement revealed that extensive specialist reviews in London concluded an operation was unnecessary.
However, the Premier League champions admitted their star defender will still miss a significant portion of the upcoming domestic campaign.
William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.
The North London club added that medical staff are fully focused on supporting his return to full fitness as swiftly as possible.
Playing through the pain barrier
France manager Didier Deschamps revealed after the tournament exit that his player’s pain had become unbearable.
The towering defender had reportedly been managing the underlying physical issue since March.
Speaking before the international tournament, the French international admitted he had been pushing his body to the limit.
I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League.
I’m not at 100 percent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either.
William Saliba
A blow to Arsenal’s title defence
The absence of their defensive talisman is a major setback for the reigning English champions.
The injured star formed Europe’s most formidable central defensive partnership alongside Gabriel last season.
Their resolute performances formed the bedrock of a historic campaign that ended a 22-year wait for a top-flight crown.
The Gunners face a demanding start to their title defence, with early trips to Aston Villa and Liverpool.
They must also navigate a crucial London derby against Chelsea within their opening ten domestic fixtures.