Tom Sunderland

Manchester United are considering further signings after an encouraging start to Michael Carrick’s first transfer window. Arsenal academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly has reportedly been offered to United and Chelsea, with his versatility potentially addressing United’s need for both a left-back and a midfield option; a fee of about £45 million has been suggested. Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy are also mentioned as left-back alternatives. Real Madrid are reportedly willing to consider selling Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Raul Asencio, although United are not currently pursuing a central defender and the players may prefer to remain in Madrid.

Luka Modric damaged his reputation at Tottenham by refusing to join the club’s 2012 pre-season tour in an effort to force a transfer to Real Madrid. He was fined two weeks’ wages, later apologised, and eventually moved to Madrid for £33 million. Modric subsequently expressed regret over the way he left Spurs but said he was following his dreams, going on to win six Champions League titles and several domestic and international trophies. The saga is presented as both a regrettable departure and a missed opportunity for Tottenham to secure a larger fee.

FIFA is reportedly seeking to stage a Finalissima rematch between 2026 World Cup finalists Spain and Argentina before the end of 2026, with November the preferred window. The proposed match was previously cancelled because of the Iran conflict and difficulties agreeing on a venue. Scheduling remains complicated because Spain already has Nations League fixtures in both available international windows, while the final was marred by a contentious 1-0 extra-time victory for Spain, post-match brawls and red cards for Argentina players.

Bryson DeChambeau incurred a two‑shot penalty at The Open for improving his lie during his backswing, costing him over £200,000 in prize money. Although he disputed the ruling and briefly threatened to withdraw, officials upheld the penalty, dropping him from contention and ultimately to a tie for 14th place. Fellow players Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy commented on the controversy, with Scheffler defending DeChambeau’s integrity. The incident led to delays and ongoing debate among competitors, while DeChambeau avoided media appearances afterward and prepares to compete in the upcoming LIV Golf UK event.

Former tennis star Arantxa Sanchez Vicario says she lost her £31 million fortune due to the actions of ex‑husband Josep Santacana and is repaying a £5.5 million debt to the Bank of Luxembourg by forfeiting half her wages. She explains her lack of financial oversight during her career and discusses past tax‑evasion charges, her suspended prison sentence and emotional struggles. Expressing regret over past accusations against her family, she credits her children for motivating her as she works as a tennis instructor in the United States and hopes to return to Spain.

Lamine Yamal appeared reluctant to shake Donald Trump’s hand during Spain’s World Cup 2026 trophy ceremony, briefly pulling his hand away before accepting his medal. Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were loudly booed by the New Jersey crowd, reflecting widespread frustration over tournament costs and organisation. Yamal warmly greeted King Felipe VI in contrast to his cold exchange with Trump, while Argentina’s Cristian Romero entirely ignored the US president when receiving his runner‑up medal. Despite limited impact due to injury, Yamal contributed to Spain’s victory, as criticism continued over Trump remaining on stage during the celebrations.

Bryson DeChambeau responded indirectly to Nick Faldo’s criticism of his supposed lack of strategy by highlighting his deliberate approach following an opening-round 67 at The Open. After avoiding mainstream media interviews, he used the R&A’s in‑house channel to emphasize his strategic play. DeChambeau later received a two‑shot penalty for improving his lie, turning a bogey into a triple bogey and leaving him five under heading into the weekend. He also reflected positively on playing alongside Scottie Scheffler and Tyrrell Hatton, noting areas of his game he aims to improve.

Leeds United are pursuing three potential signings worth a combined £73 million as manager Daniel Farke looks to strengthen the squad following a 14th‑place Premier League finish. Tarik Muharemovic is valued at £34 million, with negotiations progressing positively after his strong World Cup performance. Nico Elvedi, available for around £9 million and entering the final year of his contract, is reportedly open to joining after Switzerland’s World Cup exit. Southampton’s Shea Charles is also a target, with Leeds seeking to agree a fee as the midfielder is understood to favour a move to Elland Road.

Broadcast details for the 2026 Wimbledon men’s singles final outline a 4pm BST start time for the match between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, with coverage available on BBC television, BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website, and TNT Sports. Radio commentary will air on BBC Radio 5 Live. Sinner enters the final following a straight‑sets win over Novak Djokovic and holds a dominant head‑to‑head record against Zverev, who reached his first Wimbledon final after defeating Arthur Fery.

Clement Turpin, an experienced French referee active in FIFA competitions since 2010, is set to officiate England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway. He regularly handles Ligue 1 matches and has overseen major European finals, including the 2021 Europa League and 2022 Champions League finals. Turpin has featured in multiple international tournaments, refereeing key Euro 2024 and World Cup fixtures. His past encounters include sending off Thomas Tuchel during a 2023 Champions League match and issuing a red card to Dayot Upamecano that was later overturned by VAR. Known for managing high-profile players and allowing physical play, he previously officiated England’s 4-2 win over Croatia without issuing any cards.

Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland confirmed the squad is dealing with a sickness bug ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against England, noting the team doctor is busy managing the issue. The illness has affected several players and staff during the tournament, with striker Jorgen Strand Larsen previously hospitalised. Despite this, Norway delivered a strong performance in their win over Brazil, highlighted by Erling Haaland’s brace and Nyland’s key saves. The team hopes to recover fully before facing England as they continue their best-ever World Cup run.

Andrew Castle is stepping down from his Wimbledon commentary role after declining a reduced position offered as part of the BBC’s plan to modernise coverage under a new broadcast agreement with the All England Club. Castle, who has been with the BBC for more than two decades, said he felt upset by the decision but accepted the change. BBC sport director Alex Kay-Jelski said the network wanted him to stay while it searches for the best future lead commentator. Andrew Cotter is rumoured to be the likely successor, and colleagues such as Sue Barker voiced surprise at the move.

Serena Williams was seen wearing kinesiology tape on her face and neck during her Wimbledon 2026 comeback, a method she uses to manage chronic sinus problems that cause pressure, pain and congestion during competition. The tape is intended to lift the skin and aid drainage, easing symptoms that have affected her throughout her career. Despite manufacturer warnings against facial use, Williams applies the tape to reduce discomfort during high‑stakes matches.