Tony Mogan

Manu Kone prefers a move to the Premier League after rejecting Atletico Madrid, with Manchester United preparing a significant bid following the collapse of their deal for Atalanta’s Ederson. United seek multiple midfield signings, including Andrey Santos from Chelsea, while Arsenal and Newcastle also retain interest. Kone’s performances at the World Cup have increased his value, and Roma are demanding around £42.6m for the midfielder.

Harry Kane confirmed he played golf with Donald Trump 18 months earlier in Florida, describing the invitation and experience as surreal while praising Trump’s skill at his age. The comments came ahead of England’s World Cup quarter-final match against Norway in Miami.

Norway’s John Arne Riise outlines how his side can target England’s right flank in their World Cup quarter-final, emphasising the threat posed by Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb and Erling Haaland. England face uncertainty at right-back due to injuries and suspension, while Norway’s midfield strength, particularly Patrick Berg’s emergence, is highlighted as a potential advantage. Both teams’ attacking fullbacks are expected to leave exploitable space, setting the stage for a tactically demanding matchup.

Manchester United are reassessing their £35m move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson after an early medical raised concerns, delaying completion while he finishes further checks. Ederson had paused talks with other clubs after an agreement in June but his World Cup call-up interrupted the process. United, short on midfield options after departures and injuries, are also close to signing Chelsea’s Andrey Santos and continue to monitor targets including Manu Kone and Alex Scott.

Manchester United have approached AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone amid their ongoing midfield rebuild and interest from Arsenal, who were previously reported to have agreed personal terms. Kone’s strong World Cup performances have increased his value and drawn praise from Patrick Vieira, while Real Madrid’s expected renewal of Aurelien Tchouameni has shifted United’s focus. The club is also finalizing deals for Andrey Santos and Ederson as they aim to reinforce the squad following injuries and international commitments.

Atletico Madrid are close to signing Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand for £34m despite Chelsea submitting a higher financial offer to persuade him to move to London. Hjulmand prefers Atletico and the Spanish club expect no issues completing the deal. Chelsea had also considered him after failing to sign Granit Xhaka, whose club Sunderland rejected an £8m bid. Meanwhile, Chelsea have agreed a £50m sale of Andrey Santos to Manchester United, with the midfielder preparing for a medical as part of the move.

A security incident occurred at England’s World Cup media centre when a distressed man carrying a wrench entered the building, leading the Football Association to initiate a review. The individual was removed and dealt with by local police. England continue preparations for their quarter‑final against Norway while managing multiple squad issues, including Jarell Quansah’s two‑match suspension, injuries to Marc Guehi and Bukayo Saka, and sickness affecting Declan Rice.

Bruno Guimaraes has agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with Arsenal, who are preparing an improved bid after Newcastle set a £70 million valuation. Lyon stand to benefit from a sell‑on clause. Arsenal have already secured Piero Hincapie on a permanent deal and confirmed the free‑transfer signing of goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who expressed excitement about joining the Premier League champions.

Nicky Butt criticises Manchester United’s decision to spend £50 million on Andrey Santos, arguing the midfielder lacks proven top‑level impact after limited starts at Chelsea. He suggests United should instead target Norway’s Sander Berge, who impressed at the World Cup, though he doubts the club can afford another midfielder given needs in defence and attack. United continue a midfield rebuild with Santos and Ederson arriving as departures and injuries shape their squad priorities.

Rio Ferdinand doubts new £48m signing Andrey Santos will immediately start for Manchester United despite the club’s shortage of midfield options following Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s injury. He sees Santos as a long‑term partner for Kobbie Mainoo but believes United still need additional midfield reinforcements. Ferdinand views Santos as a promising addition but not yet ready to replace Casemiro or start regularly at the beginning of the season.

Keir Starmer indicated he may approve a bank holiday if England reach and win the World Cup, potentially making it one of his final actions before stepping down as prime minister. England prepare for a quarter-final against Norway after their dramatic win over Mexico, with the possible holiday expected on 24 July. Starmer ruled out intervening in Jarell Quansah’s red card, contrasting with Donald Trump’s involvement in overturning a suspension for USA striker Folarin Balogun.

David James argues that England’s World Cup campaign has already tested the team in ways France and Spain have yet to experience, highlighting their resilience in overcoming setbacks and responding strongly under pressure. He contrasts England’s tough route, including comebacks against DR Congo and Mexico, with Spain’s flawless defensive run and France’s confidence built on pace and attacking talent. James suggests that England’s exposure to adversity gives them an advantage as they approach their quarter-final against Norway.

France’s players downplay concerns after FIFA assigns an all-Argentine refereeing team to their World Cup quarter-final against Morocco, despite frustration from fans and sections of the French media. Facundo Tello and his Argentine assistants will officiate the match, following earlier controversy involving match officials in previous games. French players emphasize focusing on performance rather than referee decisions, while the Egyptian FA files a complaint regarding a French referee involved in Argentina’s win over Egypt.

Egypt lodged a formal complaint with FIFA after their World Cup defeat to Argentina, alleging a series of refereeing errors influenced the match, including a denied penalty and a disallowed goal before Argentina staged a late comeback. Egyptian officials and players accused the referee team of bias and called for their removal from the tournament, while questioning whether Argentina received preferential treatment. FIFA has not yet responded to the request for an investigation.

England defeated Mexico 3–2 at the Azteca Stadium to reach the World Cup quarter-finals despite going down to ten men after Jarell Quansah’s red card. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession before Julián Quiñones reduced the deficit. Second‑half penalties from Harry Kane and Raul Jimenez set up a tense finish, but England held firm under late pressure to secure a place in the last eight against Norway.

José Luis Chilavert sparked controversy by making racist remarks about the French national team ahead of their World Cup match against Paraguay, prompting criticism due to his history of offensive comments. France enters the match as strong favourites after an impressive attacking performance throughout the tournament, while Paraguay advanced after a defensive performance against Germany. Didier Deschamps noted that extreme heat may affect the match as France aims to progress to the quarter-finals.

Declan Rice continues to manage a neural back and hamstring issue that causes lingering pain after matches, but experts expect him to start England’s World Cup knockout match against Mexico. Despite recurring discomfort and reduced recovery time following a demanding season with Arsenal, medical management and rest between games are helping him remain available. The condition is unlikely to fully resolve during the tournament, though short‑term rest after the World Cup may improve recovery.

Louis Saha urges Manchester United to pursue a midfielder with Premier League experience as the club looks to reinforce its midfield following injuries and missed transfer targets. With market prices rising and several options already secured by rival clubs, he highlights Bruno Guimaraes as a strong candidate who could provide immediate impact and leadership after Casemiro’s departure. Arsenal’s interest in the Newcastle midfielder heightens competition as United seek reliable additions ahead of a challenging season.

Ian Wright argues Argentina look vulnerable in their bid to retain the World Cup after being pushed to extra time by Cape Verde, highlighting weaknesses in wide areas and noting Cristian Romero’s fortune in avoiding a second booking. Cape Verde’s strong performance adds to their impressive tournament run after holding several major teams to draws.