LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Put this one in the win column for the Rockford Rivets, and put an exclamation point next to it. Second baseman Jackson Forbes slugged a three-run homer in the bottom of the 9th inning to break up a 5-5 tie and give the Rivets an 8-5 walk-off win against the Traverse City Pit Spitters Wednesday night.
Forbes also had another hit. Center fielder Connor Kave had three hits. Third Baseman Beau Bloxdorf had two hits.
The Rivets now head out on the road for a single game in Kenosha Thursday night. The Rivets will then head home for three games over the weekend.
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O'Connor was in a similar role in Ann Arbor, as she rose to Director of Football Performance Nutrition at UM. According to Doug Samuels of FootballScoop.com, O'Connor will "oversee performance nutrition across all sports, with a stated emphasis on continuity of care for student-athletes."
While with the Wolverines for nearly a decade, O'Connor was part of the Michigan teams that made three straight trips to the College Football Playoff, concluding with a national championship in 2023. She has also worked at Minnesota and Houston.
O'Connor is a Registered Dietitian, a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach.
The Sooners will face O'Connor's old team on the road in Week 2 on September 12th. Oklahoma won in 24-13 last season in Norman.
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This is the fourth in a series of pieces breaking down each position group for the Bengals. Next up: Defensive line.
The Cincinnati Bengals still ranked among the worst offensive lines last year, but by the end of the season, quarterback Joe Burrow was calling it the best he’s played behind.
A slow start, while finding the best combination and chemistry, impacted the numbers behind what Cincinnati’s offensive line was doing. However, in the second half of the season, the Bengals found consistency and better protection.
Now the Bengals are running it back with the same group, as all five starters return, thanks to right guard Dalton Risner re-signing, but there is still room to improve. Orlando Brown Jr. has the most to prove, especially after signing an extension this offseason, and that’s the spot where Cincinnati should be looking for more.
Let’s take a look at the past performances of the Bengals’ offensive linemen, and how they are expected to stack up in 2026 with help from some analysis and data from Pro Football Focus.
Offensive linemen on the roster
* Projected starters: LT Orlando Brown Jr., LG Dylan Fairchild, C Ted Karras, RG Dalton Risner, RT Amarius Mims
* Reserves: Cody Ford, Connor Lew, Brian Parker II, Jalen Rivers
* Others in the mix: Liam Brown, Andrew Coker, Javon Foster, Jacob Bayer, Christian Jones, Corey Robinson
Brown Jr. by the numbers
* 2025 stats: Started all 17 games after missing six games in 2024 due to injuries; played the fifth-most snaps for an offensive tackle but allowed nine sacks, 46 pressures and 10 hits and had 10 penalties.
* PFF grades for 2025: Brown ranked 66th of 89 qualifying tackles with an offense grade of 60.3 last year. He was 64th in pass blocking grade (62.0) and 61st in run blocking grade (59.8).
* PFF ranking for 2026: PFF has not yet released individual rankings for offensive linemen.
Fairchild by the numbers
* 2025 stats: Played 15 games, all starts and allowed just two sacks, 31 pressures and five hits as a rookie.
* PFF grades for 2025: Fairchild ranked 46th of 81 qualifying guards with an offense grade of 59.1 last year. He was 25th in pass blocking grade (67.5) and 61st in run blocking grade (54.3).
* PFF ranking for 2026: PFF has not yet released individual rankings for offensive linemen.
Karras by the numbers
Risner by the numbers
* 2025 stats: Played 14 games with 11 starts after signing at the end of preseason; allowed just two sacks, four hits and 17 pressures; had four penalties.
* PFF grades for 2025: Risner ranked 26th of 81 qualifying guards with an offense grade of 69.4 last year. He was 17th in pass blocking grade (71.5) and 23rd in run blocking grade (69.0).
* PFF ranking for 2026: PFF has not yet released individual rankings for offensive linemen.
A Big Ten Network analyst believes Michigan State is the team to beat in the league this year.
National college basketball analyst Jon Rothstein posted his Big Ten preseason power rankings on Wednesday, which of course had the Spartans near the top. He had Michigan State at No. 2 in the league behind only Illinois. But a notable Big Ten Network analyst disagreed with that statement.
Rapheal Davis of the Big Ten Network responded to Rothstein's rankings with his own version of the top six teams, which was quite different. Notably for us Spartans, he had Michigan State at the top of the list, one spot ahead of rival Michigan.
You can see the complete post from Davis embedded below:
Michigan State has been ranked near the top of the nation in most polls I've came across this offseason. But most of those same polls have either Illinois or Michigan (or both) ahead of the Spartans among Big Ten teams. So seeing Davis place Michigan State as his top team in the league is definitely noteworthy.
At this point in the offseason, it's hard to truly know who will pan out and be the best in the league. But it definitely doesn't hurt to see Michigan State near the top of these lists. And in this case with Davis, as his preseason favorite to win the league.
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Episode 149 of The Detroit News' OctoPulse podcast takes the pulse of Steve Yzerman's rebuild for the last time under Yzerman's watch.
Hired in 2019, the Red Wings' GM stepped down on Wednesday morning, leaving the team on thin ice as owner Chris Ilitch looks for his replacement.
Beat reporter Ted Kulfan said he was "shocked" at the timing of the Red Wings' decision.
"You kind of wonder why he (Ilitch) let Steve Yzerman handle the draft and free agency," Kulfan said on the podcast. "And then there's the whole Dylan Larkin saga. Was that the final straw? It doesn't look like a deal is going to get done anytime soon.
"I really thought Steve Yzerman was going to be here for at least a couple of years. He didn't show any signs of retreating in any of his press conferences."
Kulfan said candidates to replace Yzerman include assistant GMs Kris Draper and Shawn Horcoff, ex-Sabres GM Kevyn Adams and Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger.
"This team's future in the near term isn't very good," Kulfan said. "They're not going to make the playoffs this year, especially with Larkin still looking for a situation where he has a chance to win.
"He's not public enemy No. 1 in Detroit, but he's definitely not one of the most popular folks in Detroit. The people would boo the heck out of him on opening night and it probably won't get any quieter as the season goes on.
"I think whoever comes in now, there's a greater possibility of sending him off somewhere for draft picks and future young players. I think there's going to be a longer leash for the new GM and you've got a valuable chip chip there. You got to get a lot of pieces for the future."
▶ D: Nate Danielson, Dave Drinkill, Jamie Drysdale, Ken Dryden, Jake Davis
▶ E: Cole Eiserman, Simon Edvinsson, Mike Emrick, Emerson Etem
▶ F: Jordan Forgione, Everett Fitzhugh, Jim Fox, John Forslund
▶ G: Cutter Gauthier, Dylan Guenther, Jerry Green, Stu Grimson, Gerard Gallant, Liam Greentree, Bruce Garrioch, John Garrett
▶ H: William Horcoff, Mark Howe, Cross Hanas, Luke Hughes, Murray Howe, Milan Hejduk, Brian Hayward, Brandon Hawkins
▶ I: Greg Innis
▶ J: Kent Johnson
▶ K: Joakim Kemell, Mark Kirton, Megan Keller, John Kelly, Mike Keenan, Emily Kaplan, Rich Kincaide, Alex Kannok Leipert, Ryan Kennedy, Hilary Knight
▶ L: Ryan Leonard, Nick Libett, Chaz Lucius, Brian Lawton, Pat Lafontaine, Nicklas Lidstrom, Craig Laughlin, Dave Legwand, Bill Lindsay
▶ M: Doug MacLean, Al Montoya, Tim Mayer, Wes McCauley, Dan Milstein, Max Namestnikov, Ken Morrow
▶ N: Ted Nolan, Frank Nazar, Dwayne Norris, Pat Nagle
▶ O: Mark O'Brien, Phil Osaer
▶ P: Madison Packer, Dave Poulin, Gabe Perreault, Jakub Petr, Doug Plagens, Cole Perfetti, Darren Pang, Zayne Parekh, Julie Petry, Chris Pronger
▶ R: Abby Roque, Jason Ross, Manon Rheaume, Lucas Raymond, Marco Rossi, Luc Robitaille, Marcus Ragnarsson, Sam Rosen, Daryl Reaugh
▶ S: Riley Sawchuk, Bob Stauffer, Will Smith, John Shannon, Paul Stewart, Moritz Seider, Tim Stutzle, Jake Sanderson, Craig Simpson, Kirsten Simms, Mats Sundin, Brad Stuart, Melissa Szkola, Callie Shanahan, Colin Stephenson
▶ T: Tripp Tracy, Bryan Trottier, Tim Taylor, Jacob Truscott, Amanda Thiele
▶ V: Rick Vaive
▶ W: Paul Woods, Shane Wright, Bob Wilkie
▶ Z: Rick Zombo, Trevor Zegras
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A former Spartans star had himself an impressive outing in the NBA Summer League on Wednesday.
Former Michigan State basketball guard Jase Richardson put up a stellar performance in his NBA Summer League matchup on Wednesday. Richardson scored 25 points on 10 of 15 from the field in the Orlando Magic's 97-92 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Richardson also finished the game with four assists, two rebounds and three steals.
Richardson is entering his second season in the NBA after being a first round pick by the Magic in the 2025 NBA Draft. He appeared in 54 games for the Magic this past season, averaging 4.4 points, 1.1 assists and 1.2 rebounds across 10.9 minutes per game.
Richardson played only one season with the Spartans, starring as a true freshman during the 2024-25 campaign. His stellar play helped lead Michigan State to a Big Ten championship and the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Robert Bondy on X @RobertBondy5.
With the Iran conflict once again in full swing and demand for AI chips booming, industry sources expect that semiconductor raw material prices will only increase. Earlier this month, China created some turmoil in the semiconductor manufacturing raw materials supply chain when it announced that it would suspend Helium exports due to the supply chain turmoil. While China is not a key Helium exporter in terms of capacity, its role nevertheless could create trouble down the road if there is further disruption. Semiconductor Manufacturing Raw Materials Providers Raise Prices As Demand, Supply Dynamics Bite The complexity of semiconductor fabrication, which […]
NVIDIA has unveiled its brand-new Jetson Thor solutions, expanding into mainstream robotics, humanoids & Edge AI with the T3000 & T2000. NVIDIA Jetson Thor T3000 Offers 865 TFLOPs of AI Compute For Humanoids & Robotics, While T2000 Pushes 400 TFLOPs For Edge AI We already told you that some big news was coming on the Physical AI side of things when Jensen landed in Japan yesterday, and the first of these announcements has been revealed in the form of the NVIDIA Jetson Thor T3000 and T2000. Kawasaki Heavy Industries provides technology designed to improve the overall efficiency of hospital operations, including […]
Jude Bellingham seemed to blame England teammate Jordan Pickford for the Enzo Fernandez goal for Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
Chelsea midfielder Fernandez fired in a superb long-range strike for Argentina to make it 1-1, but it seems Bellingham feels the shot was actually quite central.
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Watch below as some fans seem to have been able to lip-read Bellingham’s reaction to the goal, with the Real Madrid ace complaining that it was in the middle of the goal…
Bellingham moaning about Pickford’s little arms. ‘It’s the middle of the goal’ ?? pic.twitter.com/eMqWz2FKg7
Make your own minds up, but that perhaps seems a bit harsh on England goalkeeper Pickford, who mostly had a really good game and another strong tournament overall.
Bellingham has been superb for England at this World Cup, but it’s moments like this that perhaps rub some fans up the wrong way, as he can be a little petulant when things aren’t going for him.
Who’s to blame for England’s World Cup exit?
England will likely need to do some soul-searching after this World Cup semi-final loss, as they were a goal up with just a few minutes left, but perhaps handed momentum back to Argentina by being overly defensive and cautious.
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Still, this was a good tournament for England and there’ll perhaps be some optimism about what they can build for the future, even if it feels painful now to have missed out on a place in the final.
England still haven’t won the World Cup since all the way back in 1966, and to many this felt like the best opportunity to finally do it again.
Argentina are a fantastic team, however, and are now looking to retain the trophy in what should be a mouth-watering encounter against Spain this Sunday.
When asked about his decision, Tuchel insisted he had no regrets and that he did what he felt he had to do against Argentina as they kept finding too much space.
“I analysed the match and I did it a certain way so that’s my responsibility,” Tuchel said, as quoted by BBC Sport.
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“In the moment, no regrets. The team gave everything and we were very, very close. We deserved to be up 1-0.
“We played one of our better matches, maybe our best match in the circumstances. The team was top, we couldn’t get over the line but no regrets.
“I think we saw the mentality throughout the match and the strong group. We played the matches how they were, we played against strong teams in the group, travelled a lot of miles, played at altitude, we played with 10 men, we played in the heat and we overcame every obstacle.
“We were very close today. It’s not the moment to analyse the full tournament, we just went our because we lost a crucial match.”
Dan Burn responds to questions about England’s approach
England defender Dan Burn also spoke after the game about how Tuchel set the team up.
It seems the Newcastle man was sympathetic with the Three Lions boss, and admitted that it was also a response from the players to a certain extent, while for some time it also seemed like it was working.
“I thought we had the gameplan pretty well for the majority of it. But obviously, when we scored, we went a bit passive and dropped off and were ultimately punished for it,” Burn said.
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“We probably conceded too many chances and if you do that, they are going to get goals. Disappointing from us. We have defended games better and seen them out. When you get that close to the World Cup final, that hurts.”
He added: “It’s only human nature a little bit as well. You know how well we have defended leads in previous games. That tends to happen to majority of teams.”
Where do you stand on this? Should England have done better to control the game without just taking off attacking players and sitting back? Or was it the right idea and just a bit of bad luck against a quality side? Share your thoughts in the comments!
The biggest stars in sports will take center stage Wednesday night as the 2026 ESPY Awards celebrate the year’s most memorable athletes, teams, and performances from across the sports world.
Jul 15, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Marcello Hernandez arrives on the red carpet before the 2026 ESPY Awards at Lincoln Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The 2026 ESPY Awards air live on Wednesday, July 15, at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and stream on the ESPN App. This year’s ceremony returns to New York City at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center and will be hosted by Marcello Hernández of Saturday Night Live. Top nominees include Shohei Ohtani, Lionel Messi, Rory McIlroy, Jalen Brunson, Victor Wembanyama, Myles Garrett, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Alysa Liu, while special honors will recognize inspiring achievements on and off the field.
Fans can also expect appearances from many of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, along with musical performances and celebrity presenters throughout the evening. As always, the ESPYS blend championship celebrations, unforgettable moments, and emotional tributes, making it one of the premier annual events on the sports calendar.
This is a great event that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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James Franklin’s Penn State tenure was defined by consistent regular-season success but disappointment in the biggest games. The team went just 4-17 against Michigan and Ohio State during Franklin’s 12 years with the team, but arguably his biggest win in that period came against the Buckeyes nearly a decade ago.
On Oct. 22, 2016, more than 100,000 fans packed Beaver Stadium and witnessed a classic game, where the Nittany Lions blocked a kick that would have put them down seven points and returned it for a touchdown to take the lead. This game is ingrained into the minds of all Penn State fans and supporters, but former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer doesn’t see it in the same light.
He revealed on his podcast that he believes a missed penalty was the real reason that Penn State won the game, along with his time mismanagement to bring the field goal unit on late.
Meyer has given the Nittany Lions a lot of time and attention as of late, using his platform to discuss new coach Matt Campbell and what the next chapter of the team looks like. While his views have been mostly optimistic, this comment is sure to boil some blood in Penn State fans.
That win is the only time the team has taken down the Buckeyes in the last 15 years, and it was arguably the brightest moment of the Franklin era. Meyer’s team gave up 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter and committed a memorable special teams mistake that let Penn State back into the game. Maybe there were some questionable aspects of the blocked field goal, but the Nittany Lions played well enough to win the game, and they did.
Playing basketball at North Carolina was a dream come true for Drake Powell, who grew up in Chapel Hill and played his high school ball down the road at Northwood.
Powell suited up for UNC during its 2024-25 season, which ended in a Round of 64 NCAA Tournament loss to Ole Miss. Powell quickly earned a name for himself thanks to shutdown defense, but also for his ability to score the basketball from anywhere.
Now entering his second NBA season, Powell just enjoyed his best Summer League output on Tuesday night. Powell scored 18 points in the Brooklyn Nets' 115-83 win over the Sacramento Kings, making six of his 10 shots from the field (4-of-7 mark on 3-pointers) and his lone free throw attempt.
Originally selected 22nd overall by the Atlanta Hawks in last year's NBA Draft, Powell had his Draft Day right traded to Brooklyn. Powell had a solid rookie season, averaging 6.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists across 63 games (24 starts) while shooting 89.6 percent on free throws, but Brooklyn finished with its third-straight losing campaign and playoff absence.
The Nets upgraded their roster earlier this offseason, acquiring star power forward Julius Randle via trade and drafting point guard Mikel Brown sixth overall, while retaining former Tar Heel Day'Ron Sharpe. Powell may have to compete for starting minutes again, but his sophomore campaign should result in more victories.
Powell's lone season as a Tar Heel was the last for RJ Davis, who currently is playing Summer League ball with the Austin Spurs. Now entering Year Two, Powell is ready to further prove himself as a valuable NBA asset.
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The Washington Wizards (2-1) lost their first game after shutting down top overall pick AJ Dybantsa and return on Wednesday night to take on the LA Clippers (1-2) in the NBA Las Vegas Summer League.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver greets the fifth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Illinois guard Keaton Wagler after he was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Kobe Sanders, coming off his rookie season with LA, scored 18 points on Tuesday night as the Clippers dropped a 99-87 decision to the Los Angeles Lakers. No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler added 16 points, and second-round selection Nick Martinelli, acquired from the Houston Rockets after being picked by the New York Knicks, came off the bench for 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Free agent Chris Livingston led the Wizards with 21 points on Tuesday in their 99-87 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Undrafted free agent Seth Trimble, looking for a contract, added 13 points, and second-round pick Felix Okpara had 12 points. Free agent Kadary Richmond went for 11 points and eight rebounds in the loss.
Washington is looking to return to playoff contention with the addition of Dybantsa to veteran stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young and recent lottery picks Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, and Bub Carrington. The Clippers have a deal in place to move Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors as they look to move on from a star-powered squad that hasn’t gotten past the first round of the playoffs in the last five seasons.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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After losing 14 players to the transfer portal and having 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, Texas A&M placed a major emphasis on hauling in some of the top talent in the nation to replace the production they lost.
Third-year head coach Mike Elko did just that by signing the No. 4 portal class in college football, which includes electric playmakers, physical linemen and powerful game-wrecking athletes who will look to make a splash in their first campaign donning the Maroon and White uniform.
In 2025, transfer standouts like KC Concepcion and Mario Craver helped lead the Aggies to their first 11-0 mark since 1992 and first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff.
Here are three 2026 transfers who could make the biggest impact for Texas A&M this season:
1. Isaiah Horton (Alabama)
While Texas A&M's 2025 wide receiving corps featured no shortage of speed and elusiveness, the one aspect the Aggies lacked was a big-bodied wideout who could beat man coverage and be a massive vertical threat. At 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, Alabama transfer Isaiah Horton could be exactly what the Aggies' offense needs in 2026.
Horton hauled in 42 receptions for 511 yards and eight touchdowns for the Crimson Tide last season, after spending his first three collegiate seasons with the Miami Hurricanes. The Nashville, Tennessee, native has the physical attributes and experience to be a breakout star for Texas A&M, alongside fellow Aggie wide receivers Mario Craver, Terry Bussey and Ashton Bethel-Roman.
If the 2025 Texas A&M WR group had one weakness, it was their lack of a big-bodied WRs who can be an outside man beater and grab 50-50 balls. New A&M WR Isaiah Horton can be that guy and led Alabama with eight receiving TDs in 2025. pic.twitter.com/Ui86ViPjcQ
Northwestern transfer edge rusher Anto Saka could be one of the most underrated players in the conference entering the 2026 season. At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, he is a freakish athlete with elite speed and acceleration. Saka racked up 13 total tackles, three sacks and led the Wildcats with two forced fumbles during his junior campaign. Through three seasons with Northwestern, the powerful Baltimore, Maryland, native has recorded 41 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and three forced fumbles.
It is difficult to replace such an elite talent like Cashius Howell, who had historic success last year with the Aggies, but Saka has all the tools to step up and be the anchor for Texas A&M's defensive unit this season.
Texas A&M’s new DE Anto Saka might be one of the most feared pass rushers in the SEC this year and this is why ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ufWwGTxTry
Texas A&M lost five of its six starting offensive linemen to the NFL Draft this offseason, putting the position as a top priority for Elko and company entering 2026. To replace that production, the Aggies dipped into the portal and signed former LSU left tackle Tyree Adams. Despite an ankle injury that sidelined him for some time in 2025, Adams has the versatility and physicality that Elko is looking to build his offense around. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed no sacks in 276 blocking snaps in his final season in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
His health is a factor to watch as he plays for the Maroon and White, but his athleticism and elite run-blocking could be a huge bright spot for the Aggies' offensive line this season.
Tyree Adams (#71) Texas A&M
✅ Has shown versatility by logging snaps at every spot except for center ✅ Arm length ✅ Fires off the ball as run blocker ✅ Good athleticism pic.twitter.com/b0AT5R4xVH
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
Boston hopes to tie up its third Summer League win when it takes on Sacramento this Wednesday.
Apr 12, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (42) shoots a free throw during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
The Boston Celtics are back in action at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Wednesday when they take on Sacramento in the latest leg of their Summer League schedule. Amile Jefferson has enjoyed a positive spell coaching the team so far this summer and hopes to unseat the Kings from their throne in Nevada.
Veteran guard Derrick White has also tried his hand at the coaching gig during Summer League and oversaw Boston’s comfortable win against Charlotte on Sunday. Jefferson was back in his rightful seat for Monday’s 102-90 defeat to Atlanta, however, perhaps signaling White may be something of a good luck charm.
Second-round Draft pick Dillon Mitchell seemed to benefit in particular from White’s methods as he topped the points (24) and rebounds (eight) lists against the Hornets. The rookie forward couldn’t replicate the same output in Monday’s defeat to the Hawks and is one looking to reclaim his perch for Boston in midweek.
For Sacramento, second-year talent Maxime Raynaud has caught the eye and looked a cut above in a wide defeat to Washington over the weekend. Point guard prospect Darius Acuff Jr finished as the top scorer in the California Classic league of the off-season and hopes to make another positive impression in front of Summer League coach Chris Darnell here.
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AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D 3D V-Cache CPU is now available at a fantastic price of just $299, which makes it cheaper than the upcoming Ryzen 7 7700X3D. Microcenter Offers Ryzen 7 7800X3D At An Absolutely Fantastic $299 Price While AMD's Upcoming Ryzen 7 7700X3D 3D V-Cache CPU Would Cost $329 Tomorrow, AMD will finally launch its brand-new Ryzen 7 7700X3D 3D V-Cache CPU for the AM5 platform. This chip promises to offer the same 3D V-Cache goodness to gamers for a lower price point than what the 7800X3D retails for. But it looks like Microcenter is spoiling the fun of […]
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez came off the bench to give Argentina a 2-1 comeback victory over England, sending them into the World Cup Final against Spain.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, Como’s Nico Paz and Juventus-owned Nico Gonzalez were on the bench for the reigning champions. England made several changes, starting Inter-linked Djed Spence and Aston Villa wide man Morgan Rogers.
It was, as expected, a scrappy affair with numerous fouls and arguments from the opening whistle. The first real chance saw John Stones nod wide from a free kick to the back post, while Enzo Fernandez saw his scorcher flash inches off target.
The first genuine save was at the dawn of the second half with Jordan Pickford parrying the Julian Alvarez effort low at the near post.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: Anthony Gordon #18 of England scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
However, England opened the scoring when a low Morgan Rogers cross from the right found Anthony Gordon ready to tap in at the far stick.
Argentina immediately threatened an equaliser with Alvarez, only to be denied by a stunning tackle from Inter-linked full-back Djed Spence, formerly of Genoa, and Enzo Fernandez then blasted over.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: Djed Spence #25 of England makes a stop against Giuliano Simeone #17 of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Nico Gonzalez of Juventus came off the bench and immediately knocked a dangerous ball back to be cleared by Stones, then Pickford got down for a great save on his glancing header.
Argentina poured forward and were unlucky to see an Alexis Mac Allister free header smack against the upright on Rodrigo De Paul’s cross.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera from behind the goal.) Alexis Mac Allister #20 of Argentina attempts a header against Jordan Pickford #1 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Lautaro Martinez was finally introduced for the final 10 minutes, and a long-range Enzo Fernandez screamer was fingertipped over the bar.
Argentina’s siege finally paid off with a scorcher from Enzo Fernandez on the resulting short corner and Lionel Messi assist, smashing in from well outside the area.
“Enzo Fernandez has simply been setting his sights!”
The momentum had shifted too much with England’s defensive attitude, and it cost them in added time, because after another Mac Allister effort came off the woodwork, Messi floated in the cross for Lautaro Martinez’s header. It was the Serie A Capocannoniere’s third goal of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina are ahead!
A relentless spell of pressure sees Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before ANOTHER Lionel Messi assist sets up Lautaro Martinez to make it 2-1. pic.twitter.com/kVoNouFgKZ
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The knives are really out for England manager Thomas Tuchel this evening as a host of journalists have taken to social media to slam his tactics against Argentina.
Tuchel has long been regarded as one of the top coaches in the game, but he went defensive far too early in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat on Wednesday night.
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While teams sometimes have to be a bit more cautious towards the end of close games, Tuchel just overdid it a bit tonight and also started that negative approach quite early.
Take a look at the screen grab below
Thomas Tuchel criticism on social media
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Thomas Tuchel’s defensive substitutes for England against Argentina
See below for the subs Tuchel made for England, and what minute they came in, and it certainly paints a picture…
Player subs
Minute
Gordon off, Konsa on
72′
Rice off, O’Reilly on
82′
James off, Burn on
82′
Stones off, Toney on
96′
Spence off, Rashford on
96′
This will be an important lesson for England and for Tuchel, who surely had enough quality in the team to continue to take the game to Argentina.
No one is arguing that England should have continued to go all-out-attack, but it’s rare that a team can just defend their way to a win.
All this did was hand the momentum to Argentina, and when you allow the likes of Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez more and more opportunities to get into dangerous positions, you’re always going to get punished eventually.
Argentina have beaten England and made it to the World Cup final, with Lionel Messi and co. now preparing to take on Spain.
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in Wednesday night’s semi-final, but Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scored twice late on to send the Three Lions out of the World Cup.
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For England, the 60 years of hurt goes on, and they’ll have to look back at what ended up being a pretty negative performance against Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel went far too defensive after England went ahead, so it’s not exactly the players’ fault, but here’s our look at how the players from both sides rated…
Argentina 2-1 England World Cup semi-final player ratings
Jordan Pickford – 6
Reece James – 7
Djed Spence – 7
Marc Guehi – 6
John Stones – 6
Declan Rice – 7.5
Elliot Anderson – 6
Jude Bellingham – 6.5
Morgan Rogers – 7
Anthony Gordon – 7.5
Harry Kane – 6
Not too many stand-out performers there from England, but Rogers and Gordon combined well for the goal, while Rice also played his part and generally worked hard in a difficult midfield battle. James and Spence were also in good form at both ends of the pitch, with the latter particularly impressive with one last-ditch challenge in the second half.
Argentina were not exactly spectacular, but Messi and Fernandez produced when it mattered and that will give them confidence against Spain in the final. A word too to Romero, who hasn’t always been at his best in a Tottenham shirt, but who looked like a real leader at the back tonight in an important game, keeping Kane quiet throughout.
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Who do you think will win this weekend’s final now? Give us your predictions in the comments!
Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning goal to level things up for Argentina against England in tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash.
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The Chelsea midfielder scored an absolutely sublime long-range effort after a short corner by Argentina, with Lionel Messi setting him up to hit it from outside the box.
Watch below as Fernandez finally beat Jordan Pickford, who had been superb for England to keep out Alexis Mac Allister on numerous occasions…
"Enzo Fernandez has simply been setting his sights!" ?
We all know Fernandez has that in his locker, with the 25-year-old often scoring some real beauties for Chelsea.
Now he’s delivered on the big stage for his country as they look to be heading for a second consecutive World Cup final appearance.
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Argentina produce stunning comeback against England
Lautaro Martinez has just scored a second for the South American giants, who now lead 2-1 with just a few minutes of stoppage time remaining.
Watch below as Messi was again the creator with a lovely cross to set up Martinez for the header…
Argentina are ahead! ?
A relentless spell of pressure sees Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before ANOTHER Lionel Messi assist sets up Lautaro Martinez to make it 2-1. pic.twitter.com/kVoNouFgKZ
Having won the World Cup in 2022, it looks like Argentina are heading back to the final as they look to retain their trophy, with Spain waiting for them this time.
For England, unless something dramatic happens in the next few moments, it’s more heartache at a World Cup, with 60 years of hurt set to continue for even longer.
DALLAS (AP) — SMU has launched a Heisman Trophy campaign for senior quarterback Kevin Jennings, and also is putting his name on a new recovery center in the school's football complex.
The third-year hometown starting quarterback, who led the Mustangs to the College Football Playoff two seasons ago, is believed to be the first player to have an area on any campus named for him while still active in his college career.
“When you started looking at a legacy that’s going to be left, every player that comes through SMU is going to see Kevin’s name up there and be reminded of the impact he had, but also what his accomplishments allow us to do to leave something that’s going to help make their experience here better,” Mustangs coach Rhett Lashlee said Wednesday.
The announcement of the Kevin Jennings Recovery Center came two days after SMU officially launched its “K7NG OF DALLAS” campaign That title is a nod to the city where the school is located and where Jennings was born and grew up, plus the two-time captain's jersey number.
SMU's only Heisman Trophy winner was halfback Doak Walker in 1948. Walker is the namesake of the annual award for the nation's top college running back.
Jennings is 19-7 as SMU’s starter with 7,709 yards and 55 touchdowns passing, well within reach of the school’s career records of 9,081 yards and 72 TDs. He completed 300 of 454 passes (66.1%) for 3,641 yards and 26 touchdowns last season, the Mustangs' second in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
“That was a no-brainer,” Lashlee said of the organized Heisman push. “He’s more than deserving of it. We've got to win games, we've got to play well. I think we've got a good team around him, but he’s earned it."
SMU's recovery center will include two dedicated spaces with state-of-the-art equipment for physical and mental recovery such as light infrared saunas, dry plunge and sleep pods. They will be in areas that will be renovated inside SMU's endzone facility that opened two years ago, and could be ready early in the upcoming season.
“It means a lot. I’m just super-excited for it,” Jennings said. “It’s honestly just a blessing being in this situation I’m in right now.”
SMU said the center inspired by Jennings' vision was made possible by financial support from alumni Ann and Malcolm Holland.
WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — The Winnipeg Jets re-signed Cole Perfetti to a five-year contract worth an average of $6 million annually, the team said Wednesday.
The 24-year-old forward had 12 goals and 20 assists with 20 penalty minutes in 68 games for the Jets last season. He set a career high with 15 minutes 37 seconds of ice time per game.
Perfetti was Winnipeg's first-round pick —10th overall — in the 2020 NHL draft. He had career highs of 50 points and 32 assists in 82 games in 2024-25 as the Jets won the Presidents’ Trophy with the best regular-season record.
He scored the latest tying goal in a Game 7 in NHL history to help Winnipeg overcome the St. Louis Blues in their first-round matchup.
Perfetti has 157 points — 59 goals, 98 assists — and 68 penalty minutes in 290 career regular-season games with Winnipeg.
Internationally, Perfetti had two goals and four assists in 10 games while helping Canada to the gold medal at the 2021 world championship.
As Iowa basketball battles for prized 2027 five-star point guard recruit Cayden Daughtry, the 6-foot-1, 155-pound point guard from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., continues to garner praise nationally.
247Sports' national basketball director Eric Bossi compared Daughtry's summer emergence to NBA greats Trae Young and Steph Curry.
"Right now, Cayden Daughtry is in the midst of, if we're talking about production-wise, one of the most incredible summers before a senior season that we've ever seen from a point guard and it is very reminiscent of Trae Young's summer of 2016 with MOKAN Elite. He absolutely blew up the EYBL circuit, won a Peach Jam...
"And with Daughtry, we're talking about a guy who is not only leading the EYBL in scoring but I also think is second in assists. He's just been tearing it up. Over Memorial Day, he was great. At the USA trials, he was fantastic," Bossi said on "The Assist with Kyle Tucker."
Eric Bossi says he sees flashes of Trae Young and Steph Curry in 5-star PG Cayden Daughtry 👀
“Right now, Cayden Daughtry is in the midst of, production-wise, one of the most incredible summers before a senior season that we’ve ever seen from a PG.” @ebosshoopspic.twitter.com/eSAFspAEBk
In his first 14 Nike EYBL games this summer, Daughtry averaged 25.6 points, 6.0 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game on 55% field goal shooting. Daughtry then went for 32 points, nine assists and seven steals in his first Peach Jam game.
"Daughtry also shows some flashes of Steph Curry in his game at times if we're being honest, especially when he's on from three. I'm not saying he's either of those guys, but you can see the influence in them," Bossi said.
On3's Joe Tipton reported last month that Daughtry will take an official visit to Iowa on Sept. 12, which is the weekend of the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series football game between Iowa and Iowa State.
According to 247Sports, Daughtry is ranked as the No. 9 prospect nationally, as the No. 3 point guard and as the No. 5 player in Florida in the 2027 class.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second installment in a series breaking down each position ahead of the opening of Buffalo Bills training camp July 29.
ORCHARD PARK — Quarterbacks tend to make bad decisions when they have been hit enough times. There’s one decision to make on the way to the turf for a sack: don’t let go of the ball.
Seems simple enough, right?
But putting quarterbacks on the ground before the ball was thrown wasn’t a high priority during the Sean McDermott era. Instead, his defense focused on confusing quarterbacks, making them think longer than preferred and banking on them making a bad decision.
The Bills ranked in the top-10 in takeaways eight times in nine seasons under McDermott, including five in the top-five. They ranked in the top-10 in sacks once during that span.
It worked for the Bills during the regular season, ranking in the top-five five times in pass defense. But in the playoffs, it’s much harder to fool good quarterbacks and it showed in their inability to create pressure and make quarterbacks uncomfortable.
In the AFC divisional round, Denver quarterback Bo Nix was the only playoff quarterback in the last 25 years to attempt 45 passes, complete fewer than 60% of them and not get sacked. In McDermott’s playoff wins, the Bills had a 42.8% pressure rate, compared to 25.8% in losses, with average for last year’s playoff winners being 36.8%.
Enter defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, whose blitz-happy scheme is as hyper-aggressive as McDermott’s was when he first arrived in Buffalo. And the man charged with flipping Buffalo’s edge rushers from watchmen to predators is his former co-defensive coordinator at Wisconsin, Bobby April III.
The last time April coached for the Bills, the expectations were through the roof. He was the outside linebackers coach for Rex Ryan in 2015 and 2016, but the pass rush fell flat.
After getting fired with the rest of Ryan’s staff, April spent a year out of football and has since spent his time in college, most recently as Stanford’s defensive coordinator.
April has coached big-time college edge rushers like Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Pittsburgh’s Nate Herbig and the Jets’ No. 2 overall pick David Bailey. But now he must apply it to the NFL.
“I took everything I was teaching the NFL player to the college level,” April told GNN Sports. “I felt like I was using the tools that I was using with grown men initially. … Luckily we had success. We had good kids too that bought in. … And that’s really the NFL, just having guys buying and believing what you do.”
April is tasked with elevating 2021 first-round pick Greg Rousseau, who was good enough to net a four-year, $80 million extension, but still hasn’t logged more than eight sacks in a season. April has already said the Bills intend to unleash Rousseau rather than forcing him to set the edge all the time.
Alongside Rousseau is veteran Bradley Chubb, who inked a three-year, $43.5 million contract in March. And second-round pick T.J. Parker. April says it’s like having three first-round picks and an ideal scenario.
At 30, Chubb is the veteran with two Pro Bowls on his resume. Rousseau is only 26, but he’s played 78 career games. And Parker is the hungry young upstart looking to carve a niche in the NFL.
“It’s kind of like being a foster dad a little bit,” said April, whose father was Buffalo’s special teams coach from 2004-2009. “You’ve got three big brothers and they’re all trying to compete for the same, whatever it may be. … I think there’s a fine line of turning it into a competitive I-want-to-beat-you battle to an I-want-to-get-you-better battle. And that’s where we’re at right now.”
Rousseau is playing a position similar to the one he played at the University of Miami. Chubb played for Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph when he was Denver’s head coach and Leonhard spent the last two seasons working for Joseph.
In Chubb’s experience, the Bills won’t be deploying a passive rush when the game is on the line.
“Just playing fast, playing physical, getting off the ball, putting fear in the tackle’s feet,” Chubb said. “If you’ve got guys who have been in this defense in the past like (Denver’s) Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, they do the same things. They just get off the ball and ask questions later.”
Training camp battles
Rostered outside linebackers (8): Bradley Chubb, Mike Danna, Cade Denhoff, Michael Hoecht, Andre Jones Jr., T.J. Parker, Greg Rousseau, Javon Solomon.
Chubb, Rousseau and Parker are going to get the bulk of the snaps. Hoecht, who expects to be ready to start training camp coming off a torn Achilles, may not have a big role early in the season as he continues to heal, but should eventually find a spot as an early-down edge defender and an inside rusher on passing downs.
That makes Danna’s situation intriguing. Danna isn’t a big pass-rush threat with 21 ½ sacks in 87 career games with the Kansas City Chiefs, but he can set the edge against the run. Whether Danna can play 3-4 defensive end at 261 may determine his roster fate.
Solomon is also interesting because general manager Brandon Beane mentioned him multiple times during the offseason as possibly being a better fit in the 3-4 than McDermott’s 4-3.
Solomon never found a consistent role defensively under McDermott during his first two seasons, but he was a core special teams player. That likely puts him ahead of Danna in the pecking order.
We are closing in on fall camp and it’s time to talk about the worst part of football: injuries. Relatively, Texas has benefitted from injury luck during the Sarkisian era, not losing any irreplaceable player for the season. That being said, there have been preseason injuries the past two seasons(Andre Cojoe, CJ Baxter). Considering that, I figured it’s time to highlight the six players I believe Texas can’t afford to lose if they want to realize their ultimate goal.
Arch Manning - QB
This goes without saying. If Arch Manning is not on the field throughout this season, Texas is not winning a National Championship. Now, that doesn’t mean KJ Lacey can’t perform in a game or two if called upon, but it can’t be in major moments. Manning fought through an injury last season and performed well down the stretch, but Texas needs him fully healthy if they want to finish the season on top.
Trevor Goosby - LT
If Arch Manning is on this list, the man protecting his blindside should be as well. Goosby is one of the best OTs in the country and Texas needs him healthy and on the field all season. He’s dealt with a shoulder injury this offseason but seems to be healthy heading into fall camp. Again, there are players that can fill in sparingly, but noone that can match Goosby over a full season.
Rasheem Biles - LB
Many have circled linebacker as the position of concern for Texas this season. One of the sole reasons it’s not a major issue is Rasheem Biles. The Pitt transfer is coming off an 100-tackle, 4.5 sack season and figures to repeat this season. If Biles goes down, not only are freshmen LB to step up but the versatility of the defense drops drastically. Biles is a chess piece for Muschamp and losing him would lower the ceiling considerably.
Jelani McDonald - S
The other position where depth is a concern is safety. McDonald and Derek Williams Jr. are the favorites to earn the starting jobs. Jordon Johnson-Rubel, Kobe Black and Xavier Filsaime will factor into the rotation as well. Like Biles, McDonald has elite versatility and without him, the secondary loses its leader and main communicator. Poor communication can lead to consistent busted coverages, a championship killer.
Cam Coleman - WR
There are many reasons Cam Coleman was regarded as one of the biggest portal pickups this offseason. The underrated one is his gravity. Every time No. 8 steps on the field, the defense will have thier eyes on him. It’s likely many defenses will commit a cornerback and a safety to him throughout the game. That gravity is as important as anything for this Texas offense and without it, the offense could fall back into stop-and-start drives.
Colin Simmons - EDGE
Finally, the most obvious statement ever: the best player on the team cannot miss major time. Simmons is the Jeremiah Smith of defense. He’s the player teams commit extra resources to stop, which opens up opportunities for other players. Losing him would make the job of opposing offensive coordinators much easier. No. 11 has been a dominant force since he stepped onto campus and Texas needs that to win a title this season.
BLOOMINGTON — Indiana basketball will take the floor at Assembly Hall on Wednesday night for a preseason exhibition game against Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf. The teams will tip off at 7 p.m. in a game being played under FIBA rules.
The new-look Hoosiers have been practicing all summer as they prepare for a trip to Peru to represent the United States in the FISU American Games.
Indiana basketball vs Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf game information
When: 7:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, July 16, 2026
Where: Assembly Hall (17,222), Bloomington, Indiana
Indiana's exhibition against Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf tips off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday night. The doors at Assembly Hall will open at 5:30 p.m. with free parking in Gates 2, 4, 12, and 14.
Will Indiana basketball's exhibition against Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf be televised?
Indiana's exhibition on Wednesday night won't be televised or streamed, but the Hoosiers games in Peru for the FISU America Games from July 20 to August 1 — their schedule has yet to be announced — are expected to be available to stream. The competition brings 20-25 countries from North, Central and South American as well as the Caribbean together a multi-sport event.
What uniforms will Indiana basketball wear vs Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf ?
Indiana basketball plans on wearing Team USA jerseys in the exhibition on Wednesday night. The Hoosiers offered a sneak peek at their new threads in a video posted to social media. They have white and navy blue uniform combinations with the IU symbol printed on the front of the shorts.
Arrive early to SSAH tomorrow for your chance to get an autograph from select #IUFB players!
Indiana athletics planning autograph sessions for fans
Indiana basketball players will sign autographs for fans on the court after the game. Before tipoff, IU football players will be in the South Lobby at Assembly Hall for a separate signing. The list of players expected to be on hand includes:
Khobie Martin, RB
Tobi Osunsanmi, DE
Nick Marsh, WR
Shazz Preston, WR
Ryland Gandy, DB
Rolijah Hardy, LB
Chiddi Obiazor, DE
Davion Chandler, WR
Joe Brunner, DT
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
But the moment the final whistle blew, Mercedes-Benz Stadium turned into an emotional and politically charged gathering.
Decades before Wednesday’s match, England and Argentina fought in the Falklands War, after Argentina invaded and unsuccessfully tried to take over the Falklands Islands in 1982. In England, arguably the bigger sore spot with Argentina is Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal, but the two-month war looms large in Argentine memory. The islands, called “Las Malvinas” in Spanish, are frequent themes in soccer supporters’ songs, and signs littered throughout the country read “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas.”
Even Maradona called his handball goal “symbolic revenge” for the war.
After the win, as Argentine supporters sang and danced in the stands, the Argentina players laid down a banner on the pitch reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (“The Falklands Are Argentine”). Thousands of fans joined the players in jumping and singing “El que no salta, es un Inglés!” (“Whoever doesn’t jump is English!”).
FIFA previously didn’t punish players for singing a popular supporters song that includes lyrics about the Falklands after the win over Egypt. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the post-match demonstration.
The Injective ecosystem just added another milestone to its growing AI ambitions. The blockchain has officially become a core member of the x402 foundation under the Linux foundation, joining a roster that includes Google, AWS, Visa, Mastercard, Stripe, Coinbase, Circle, and other major industry participants. It’s a notable development, especially as the race to build …
Atalanta are edging closer to an agreement for Kerim Alajbegovic, with reports of a new offer worth €25m plus add-ons to Bayer Leverkusen and the player asking Sead Kolasinac for advice.
It has been said by several sources over the last few days that La Dea are making a strong bid to sign the Bosnia and Herzegovina talent.
Now Sky Sport Italia and Sport Mediaset note that a new proposal has come in worth €25m plus bonuses, which is edging close to the €30m asking price.
Atalanta want Alajbegovic
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates after winning in the penalty shoot out in the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Alajbegovic won’t turn 19 until September, but has already made a real name for himself both playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and at club level.
The attacking winger spent last season on loan at RB Salzburg, where he scored 13 goals and provided four assists in 44 competitive appearances.
Another sign of progress in the negotiations is the suggestion he has already spoken to Bosnia teammate Kolasinac to ask about life in Serie A, and specifically living in Bergamo.
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Kolasinac has been at the club since the summer of 2023 and was part of the Atalanta squad that won the Europa League in 2024.
COMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Mergim Vojvoda of Como 1907 shoots to score his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
There had been reports of interest from the likes of Cagliari, Venezia and Monza, but it would seem as if Udinese have the upper hand.
Sky Sport Italia give the figures as €1.3m plus €0.3m in add-ons.
Now it is up to the Friulani to agree personal terms with the versatile defender, who can also play in central defence, or in a more advanced position down the right flank.
He made 34 appearances for Como last season between Serie A and the Coppa Italia, scoring two goals with three assists.
Napoli agreed personal terms with Exequiel Zeballos and reports are growing that they made the first formal offer to Boca Juniors worth just under €10m.
Multiple sources had already noted that the club had swooped for the player, who is primarily wide right of a trident attack, but can also go on the left or in a centre-forward role.
His contract with Boca Juniors only runs to December 31 this year, so although there is a release clause in his contract at €14.5m, this won’t be the asking price in the circumstances.
Zeballos has heart set on Napoli
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – MAY 19: Otavio of Cruzeiro blocks a shot from Exequiel Zeballos of Boca Juniors during a Copa CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 group D match between Boca Juniors and Cruzeiro at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on May 19, 2026 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
Aave has expanded its V4 lending protocol beyond Ethereum for the first time by deploying it on Avalanche to support tokenized real-world asset lending and institutional credit markets. According to an announcement from Aave, the deployment brings the protocol’s latest…
England have taken the lead against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final thanks to a goal from Anthony Gordon!
The former Newcastle United winger, who recently sealed a transfer to Barcelona, has his first goal of this summer’s World Cup, and he’s picked a hell of a moment to get it.
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Watch below as Gordon tapped in from close range after great play down England’s right-hand side from Declan Rice and Morgan Rogers…
Gordon has often been quite prolific from out wide, so it’s no surprise to see him making that run from the left into the penalty area and finding the back of the net.
Still, he can’t have scored many bigger goals than this one, with England now closing in on a place in their first World Cup final in 60 years!
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Thomas Tuchel’s gamble on Morgan Rogers pays off
It was superb play by Morgan Rogers on the right flank, not normally his best position, to set Gordon up for the simple finish.
Rogers has often played out on the left or in a central attacking midfield role for Aston Villa and England, but he has had to adjust to a new position tonight.
Still, Thomas Tuchel’s gamble looks to have paid off, with Rogers performing well so far and doing brilliantly with his cross to pick out Gordon.
The right-hand side has been an issue for England so far at this tournament, with Bukayo Saka’s fitness issues meaning that Noni Madueke has played a lot of games.
While Madueke has his qualities, he hasn’t had enough of an impact so far, which led to Tuchel trying Rogers on the right this evening, and it looks like a tactical masterstroke.
Can England hold on or even add a second? Give us your thoughts in the comments!
The referee in tonight’s World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina has come in for strong criticism for a lack of yellow cards.
More specifically, a number of high-profile media figures cheering on England are not happy at what they perceive as favourable treatment towards Argentina in this game.
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They may have a point, but these discussions often feel a little tedious in what has generally just been quite a close game without much else to talk about so far.
See below as former footballer Stan Collymore claims Argentina could easily have had two players sent off as both Enzo Fernandez and Giuliano Simeone have made the equivalent of three yellow card offences…
Argentina have certainly been quite aggressive, and that’s always frustrating when you’re on the receiving end of it.
Still, it seems a tad over-the-top to be suggesting there’s any serious favouritism going on.
England looking to make first World Cup final since 1966
England have done well at this World Cup, and they’re taking the fight to current holders Argentina so far.
They can do better, though, and will likely have to in the second half if they are to have a serious chance of making it to the World Cup final for the first time since they won the competition all the way back in 1966.
Argentina, meanwhile, are looking to retain the trophy they won back in Qatar in 2022, and they’ll hope for more Lionel Messi magic tonight to continue the remarkable form he’s showed at this year’s tournament so far.
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has praised the “incredible” Morgan Rogers as they play together for England in tonight’s World Cup semi-final vs Argentina.
Rogers starts on the right-hand side for England, with Thomas Tuchel trying something a bit different in this big game after mostly using Noni Madueke in that position throughout this World Cup.
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With Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka not fully fit, another Gunners star Madueke has come in for the Three Lions, but he’s not been that convincing.
Rogers, meanwhile, has been linked with Arsenal very strongly this summer, and it seems Rice is clearly a big fan of the Aston Villa man as they prepare to link up this evening…
Declan Rice looking forward to playing with Morgan Rogers
On Rogers starting, Rice said: “Yeah I think the manager’s obviously made a decision there. Morgan’s an incredible player, obviously he’s going to be playing off the right.
“He’s direct, he’s fast, he’s strong, can come inside, so whoever starts, whoever comes off the bench as seen throughout this tournament has made a massive impact, so I don’t think it’s going to affect much, but it’s a player we’re all looking forward to playing with today.”
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Morgan Rogers on Arsenal’s agenda
Rogers has shown outstanding quality with Villa and England, and it seems inevitable that he’ll soon get himself a big move.
As has been widely reported, our understanding is that Arsenal are making Rogers a priority this summer, and the 23-year-old is also keen on the move to the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners would do well to bring Rogers in, though he doesn’t normally play on the right, so would likely be signed with the view of replacing the departing Leandro Trossard on the left-hand side, or to provide an alternative to the likes of Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze in the centre.
Either way, Arsenal fans will no doubt be excited that Rice is such a big fan of Rogers, and perhaps take it as a hint that there’s strong interest from everyone at the club in signing him this summer.
Why wouldn't Manning be a good pick? One possible reason would be a more balanced Texas offense. The Longhorns were historically bad in the running game in 2025, causing Manning to threw more than desired. That shouldn't be a problem this year with the transfer portal additions of Hollywood Smothers from NC State and Raleek Brown from Arizona State.
But that is a pretty minor concern, considering Texas also added star receiver Cam Coleman from Auburn to compliment Ryan Wingo. We should also see Manning run more in 2026, which are like bonus points in fantasy football. Most experts believe Manning will be a great fantasy pick, maybe the best.
— Yahoo Fantasy Sports (@YahooFantasy) July 9, 2026
Yahoo Sports’ Lead College Fantasy Football Analyst Eric Froton has ranked the top-10 fantasy quarterbacks. Arch Manning sits atop his list. In 2025, Manning had 3,163 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, just seven interceptions. He also tacked on 399 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Manning passed for 300-plus yards three times and scored a rushing touchdown in four games. His final game may have been his best rushing the ball. The New Orleans native rushed for 155 yards and two scores.
As soccer mania reaches a fever pitch across the country this weekend, officials in Toy Town are inviting fans to come together and experience the biggest match in the sport on the big screen.
Winchendon will host a free World Cup final watch party on Sunday, July 19, at the Robinson-Broadhurst Performing Arts Amphitheater at 86 Ingleside Road, giving residents and visitors alike a chance to cheer on the finalists in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.
Shaina Cunningham, coordinator for the town's Parks and Recreation Department, said the idea grew out of a desire to create a community event centered around one of the world's most-watched sporting events.
“Not a lot of local municipalities in our region are hosting World Cup final watch parties, so we marketed this on social media, not only to our local community, but also to surrounding communities,” Cunningham said. “We generally draw from Southern New Hampshire up through North Central Massachusetts for our amphitheater events.”
World Cup final to be shown at Winchendon amphitheater
The match will be shown on a large LED screen set up on the amphitheater stage, turning the venue into an outdoor soccer destination for the afternoon.
Gates open at 1 p.m., and the championship match kicks off at 3 p.m. Spain will face either England or Argentina for the World Cup title at New Jersey Stadium.
Fans who arrive early will have more than just the game to enjoy. Soccer Shots, a Massachusetts-based youth soccer program, will host a children's soccer clinic before kickoff, giving young players a chance to get in on the action before the world's best take the field.
Organizers are encouraging attendees to bring lawn chairs or blankets, find a comfortable spot and settle in for an afternoon of soccer, food and community spirit.
Cunningham said excitement has been building as the tournament has captured the attention of fans across the United States.
“I think a lot of folks think this is a wonderful idea. It’s been amazing to watch the momentum that the World Cup has brought to the U.S., so the feedback from the community has been good,” she said. “We’re really hoping to bring the community out and together.”
For Winchendon officials, the event is about more than just soccer. It's an opportunity to gather neighbors, welcome visitors and share in a global moment together, all from the heart of Toy Town.
Former Clemson basketball forward RJ Godfrey is part of a group lawsuit against the NCAA filed July 9 to gain a fifth year of eligibility, according to Cobb County, Georgia, court records.
If his lawsuit is successful, Godfrey likely would not return to the Tigers and coach Brad Brownell in 2026-27.
In the complaint, Godfrey is among 16 players who are arguing that the NCAA "unfairly" limited the number of games those athletes can participate in during their five-year eligibility window and "unjustifiably (restrained)" their ability to earn money through NIL.
Godfrey and others are seeking an immediate injunctive relief that would allow them to sign scholarship and revenue-sharing agreements with schools plus with third-party agreements for NIL compensation to play in the 2026-27 season.
The NCAA approved a change to its eligibility rules on June 23, giving all athletes five years of eligibility over five seasons instead of five years to play four seasons.
Under the new rules, there will be no more redshirts, and waivers will only be granted in the case of pregnancy, military service or religious missions. An athlete's five-year clock would start the academic year after their 19th birthday or upon college enrollment, whichever is earlier.
Athletes who completed their fourth year of eligibility in 2025-26, like Godfrey, were not given an extra year, though. This has created lawsuits against the NCAA as players are seeking a fifth season.
For Godfrey, who had pre-NBA draft workouts but wasn't selected or signed to an undrafted free-agent deal, it would give him another season to boost his stock. However he likely wouldn't finish his career with Clemson and would likely play in the SEC.
The lawsuit stated that Oklahoma, Arkansas and LSU all have expressed interest in Godfrey if he is awarded another year of eligibility.
He would unlikely return to Clemson as the Tigers have one roster spot available for another player and would not have the dollars to bring back that caliber of player.
Clemson also went out to replace Godfrey's production in the portal, adding Samford forward Dylan Faulkner and San Francisco forward David Fuchs. The Tigers retained starting center Carter Welling, too.
There's no guarantee that Godfrey is granted an injunction, but he hired Darren Heitner as one of his lawyers for this legal battle. Heitner helped Clemson football wide receiver Tristan Smith get another year of eligibility in a South Carolina court in June.
RJ Godfrey stats at Clemson
After spending one season in Georgia in 2024-25, Godfrey transferred back to Clemson for the 2025-26 season. He led Clemson in scoring with 12 points and was second on the team in rebounds with 5.3 per game.
With Godfrey, Clemson made the NCAA Tournament in 2024, including an Elite Eight appearance, and 2026. In his Tigers career, he averaged 7.2 points and 3.6 rebounds and shot 60% from the field over 104 games and 33 starts.
Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at DCarter@usatodayco.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00
Jensen Huang, chief executive of Nvidia, denied reports about delays of the company's next-generation AI platform and said that production volumes of the upcoming Vera Rubin platforms are 'giant.' He didn't address reports about delays of Vera Rubin Ultra-based rack-scale systems carrying 144 AI GPUs.
"[The reports about Vera Rubin delays are] not true," Huang told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Japan, reports Bloomberg. "Vera Rubin is already in production. Giant amounts of production incoming."
Nvidia confirmed production of its Vera Rubin platform in January and then sampling in February, so the current comment reiterates what we already know. Nvidia stressing that 'giant amounts of production' are incoming is meant to reassure investors that the company is on track to sell a boatload of its next-generation Vera CPUs, Rubin GPUs, and Vera Rubin NVL72 systems in the coming quarters, which means more record-setting quarters.
What Huang did not address — or perhaps he wasn't asked — is Nvidia's rumored delay of its Kyber NVL144 rack-scale solution with copper interconnects due to the system's complex PCB midplane by more than a year from 2027 to 2028. An alternative dual-rack design has reportedly been canceled and an even larger CPO-based NVL576 configuration may also face delays or limited availability, the same report from SemiAnalysis claimed earlier this month. The setback could leave Nvidia's Rubin Ultra platform with a smaller NVLink scale-up domain than originally envisioned. Nvidia says its roadmap is intact.
The Kyber NVL144 architecture was designed to connect 144 Rubin Ultra GPUs using a copper-based NVLink 7 scale-up fabric, so the machine required a sophisticated PCB midplane to carry high-speed electrical links between the system's components. SemiAnalysis claims that this midplane was challenging to manufacture, leading to a delay. The report does not identify defective chips or problems with particular components mounted on the board, but specifically points to the manufacturability of the PCB infrastructure itself.
"Our roadmap is intact," a spokesperson for Nvidia told Tom's Hardware.
Nvidia's statement on the matter neither confirms nor denies the report, but indicates that the company will be able to offer products mentioned in its roadmap without revealing whether they also remain on their previously announced launch schedules.
(Image credit: Nvidia)
Nvidia reportedly considered another copper-based design, called NVL72x2, as an alternative to Kyber. The system would have placed two Oberon racks back-to-back to expand the size of the NVLink scale-up domain without using optical interconnects. However, SemiAnalysis says customers rejected the unusual design and operational requirements, but does not specify their individual objections that could include serviceability, cooling, cabling, and data-center layout.
Meanwhile, the planned NVL576 rack scale solution that was supposed to combine eight Oberon racks interconnected using co-packaged optics between NVSwitches has also been postponed, or shipped in relatively small quantities because of 'ongoing CPO challenges,' SemiAnalysis claims.
The existence of the planned NVL576 configuration suggests that Nvidia had been developing some form of CPO-enabled NVSwitch connectivity for the Rubin generation. In theory, similar optical switch-to-switch connectivity could potentially be used to join smaller GPU groups into an NVL144 system and bypass Kyber's problematic copper midplane. However, the available information does not clearly indicate whether the CPO technology intended for NVL576 could reproduce Kyber's topology, bandwidth, and latency characteristics, or whether it was sufficiently mature for high-volume deployments by potential NVL144 customers.
The reported Kyber delay comes on the heels of another report saying that Nvidia had canceled quad-compute-chiplet version of its Rubin Ultra in favor or a dual-compute-chiplet design that is projected to deliver 2X lower performance. With Kyber NVL144 delayed and NVL72x2 cancelled, Nvidia will only be able to offer 72-way scale-up systems till sometimes in 2028, meaning that AMD and Google may end up with more competitive scale-up systems in 2027 – 2028. AMD's Mega Pod based on the Verano CPUs and Instinct MI500-series accelerators, is expected to pack up to 256 accelerators. Google's TPU 8i can provide roughly 1,024–1,152 accelerators within one low-latency domain, whereas the TPU 8t goes much further and can get to 9,600 chip packages per domain.
OpenAI, which is in the middle of a legal battle with Apple over hardware trade theft allegations, just released a light-up keyboard designed to be paired with its agentic coding app.
Apple has published the policies governing its upcoming Maps advertising business, revealing a strategy that differs from Google’s. The new rules prohibit home services businesses like plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, and roofers from advertising on Apple Maps, along with several other sensitive categories, suggesting Apple is taking a more curated approach to these ads.
The stock has steadily fallen from the euphoric post-IPO high, showing that markets may be sobering up to the promises CEO Elon Musk made before and after SpaceX went public.
Can a handful of engineers really do the work of an army of consultants? That’s the bet behind Ode with Anthropic — the joint venture dedicated to embedding forward-deployed engineers in enterprise firms, backed by Anthropic, Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, Goldman Sachs and others. On this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Rebecca Bellan sits down with Ode’s leaders Chris Taylor and Eddie Siegel, who founded Fractional AI, […]
XRP Ledger has entered the final two-week activation countdown for its fixCleanup3_2_0 amendment after validator support exceeded the network’s required 80% approval threshold. According to XRP Ledger governance data, the bundled maintenance amendment currently has 85.71% validator support, with 30…
Bitcoin has climbed above $65,000 after softer-than-expected U.S. producer inflation reduced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike later this month. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, June’s Producer Price Index (PPI) added fresh momentum to…
Como President Mirwan Suwarso has confirmed the report he called Inter to offer a pact of non-aggression over Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah. ‘This is a win-win relationship.’
The two Serie A teams were reportedly about to spark a bidding war for the England international, with an asking price of €35m from Stamford Bridge.
To the general astonishment of the Business of Sport podcast crew, the Como President confirmed all of that was entirely accurate.
Como take modern approach to transfer market
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Mirwan Suwarso president of Como during the Serie A match between Bologna and Como at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 01, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“There was a story in the media that we were in competition with another Italian team for a British player, they were saying we might want to buy him,” Suwarso told Business of Sport.
“So you know what, why don’t I just call the President of the other club and say, do you want him? If you want him, you go for it, we’ll back out. But if you buy him, then give me one of yours.
“He said, thanks for calling, I appreciate this, I’ll let you know. So we said these are the other targets we’re going after, we’re happy to share with you.
“So for me this is a win-win relationship with other clubs, we are open, it helps all of us to grow. I have a lunch next week with another chairman of another club, who can start managing their clothing brand together.”
There are some Serie A sides who produce their own kits and lifestyle products, specifically Napoli and Venezia, so it is likely one of these is his lunch dates.
Como do things very differently to other clubs, and part of that is because they were so small before the Indonesian decided to take them from Serie C to the Champions League.
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Cesc Fabregas coach of Como 1907 reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
“We spent a quite significant amount, but we do believe that we can break even and start no longer requiring injections from the owners at the end of next season,” said Suwarso.
“I met with UEFA, there’s no precedent of where we are, because UEFA look at the last few years. In comparison with Juventus and Aston Villa, the start-up level and growth level is different. Even they say they would have to evaluate how they look at Financial Fair Play.
“We want to become good members of the Association, so if you have to fine us, then fine us, that can be an objective we need to overcome. We don’t want to be treated differently.”
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Nico Paz of Como 1907 talks to Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907 during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Suwarso confirmed purchased Como for €850,000 plus €150,000 in debt, but then poured money into the club, including the construction of a training ground that previously didn’t exist.
There’s now confirmation in a report from the Daily Mail that Camavinga’s Madrid future is in some doubt under new manager Jose Mourinho.
It remains to be seen if Camavinga will definitely leave, as the Mail note that his personal preference would be to remain at the Bernabeu.
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Still, it’s suggested that there are some doubts about his long-term future with Real, and that could mean there’s an opportunity there for United to pounce.
Manchester United linked with Eduardo Camavinga as they chase third midfield signing
United have already had a busy summer, with deals for midfield duo Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos both officially announced in the last few days.
It could be, however, that MUFC will now pursue a third signing in that area of the pitch, with Camavinga one of the options on their radar.
Another one to watch could be Roma’s Manu Kone, with Fabrizio Romano posting on his YouTube channel that United have been in touch with the France international’s representatives.
Camavinga and Kone are similar profiles, so could be good signings for United, though it’s debatable if they really need yet another arrival in that part of their squad.
Where else could United strengthen?
Michael Carrick could do with more depth in attack and defence as well as in midfield, though in fairness he’s coping with the loss of both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
The latter of those is admittedly only out with an injury, though it looks like a serious and long-term one, but Casemiro left on a free transfer after his contract expired, and will be hard to replace.
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Over the course of a long season, United will need the option to rotate, and Camavinga would perhaps also be a good option for them due to his ability to fill in at left-back.
David Ornstein says there could be a “great market opportunity” for Manchester United and other clubs to sign Roma midfielder Manu Kone this summer.
The France international has been in superb form in Serie A and also put in some “excellent” displays for Les Bleus at the 2026 World Cup.
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Kone has been linked with a number of top clubs in recent times, and it seems Ornstein is aware of Man Utd’s interest in him, with the Athletic journalist describing him as a good cheap option on the market this summer…
A lot of reports suggest that Manchester United are looking at him, and I think that would be excellent.
“It's, from what we hear, a great market opportunity, the value that you could get him from Roma.”
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 15, 2026
“It’s, from what we hear, a great market opportunity, the value that you could get him from Roma,” Ornstein said of Kone.
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Manu Kone transfer: What we know so far
Kone previously made a name for himself at Borussia Monchengladbach before moving to Roma in 2024, in an initial loan move that later became permanent.
The 25-year-old now clearly seems to be on United’s radar, following updates from both Ornstein in the video above, as well as a recent YouTube post from Fabrizio Romano.
MUFC have already confirmed the signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in midfield, but it seems they’re keen on a third new addition in that position.
Do Man United need Manu Kone?
Some fans might feel a third new midfielder is a bit excessive, but there could be a case for completely revamping that position.
Casemiro has just left Old Trafford after coming to the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte is out with a long-term injury and hadn’t particularly impressed enough to be a regular starter for the club anyway.
There’s also Kobbie Mainoo, but if Michael Carrick can rotate between him, Kone, Tielemans, and Santos, that should cover the team well for the season ahead, with the team now set to have more games due to being back in the Champions League.
In part one, the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes took spots four through seven in our ranking of the best front offices.
Each of those teams has made a few mistakes over the years, but big wins have far overshadowed the mistakes.
The Avs won big in the draft multiple times and have made adding depth through trades and free agency look easy. The Stars are the best drafting team of the past 15 years in the NHL, and have pulled off major trades for Tyler Seguin and Mikko Rantanen.
The Wild acquired their top defensive pair, Quinn Hughes and Brock Faber, by nailing multiple trades. They also drafted top-line forward Kirill Kaprizov with the 135th pick in 2015. Great moves over the years have put them at the top of the Central Division with the Avs and Stars, both powerhouses of the last five years.
The Hurricanes built their core through the draft and made one of the best coaching hires in recent memory, Rod Brind’Amour.
While those four franchises’ front offices have done a fantastic job, the top three stand out even more. These three front offices pull off the unthinkable time and time again. They consistently make moves to get the missing puzzle pieces and will find loopholes like the long-term injured reserve (LTIR).
Their choices seem questionable at times, but always turn out for the better in the long run. The success this produces, by no coincidence, also makes these three teams some of the most hated in the NHL.
3. Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are the greatest franchise of the 21st century thus far. They’ve appeared in five Stanley Cup Finals, winning three of them. Other than the two seasons impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, they haven’t had a sub-94-point season since the 2012-13 season. Their 94-point season in 2016-17 was the only time they missed the playoffs since Jon Cooper first coached a full season there, and they were only off by one point.
The building blocks of the modern Lightning dynasty were assembled in the late 2000s, when the team draftedSteven Stamkos and Victor Hedman. Stamkos was the first pick in 2008, and Hedman was the second pick in 2009.
Stamkos served as captain when the team won back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021. Meanwhile, Hedman remains a key component of the roster to this day.
Nikita Kucherov, selected by the Lightning in the 2011 NHL Draft, became one of the greatest second-round picks in NHL history. The electrifying (pun intended) right winger has been averaging a point per game for the last decade and still has juice left in the tank at 32 years old.
Later in that same draft, the Lightning selected Ondrej Palat all the way at pick 208.
In the next few years, Tampa also drafted legendary goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, along with forwards Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli. Both Point and Cirelli were third-round picks. The franchise has demonstrated skill in picking several great prospects in multiple rounds.
Perhaps most important was the man who could glue everything together, Jon Cooper. The Lightning hired Cooper as their head coach in 2013, and the franchise hasn’t looked back since. He now has a list of accolades that gives him an argument to be the greatest head coach ever.
On this day 13 years ago, Jon Cooper was hired as the TB Lightning head coach.
Among his many honors,
Highest win % in NHL history (min. 1000 GC) 3rd most reg. season wins in NHL history (616) 2nd fastest to 600 wins in NHL history (1004 GC) 2 Stanley Cups 11… pic.twitter.com/C91PdVB5Rv
Tampa’s best trades of the decade have been crucial to their championship runs. In 2017, they tradedJonathan Drouin for Mikhail Sergachev. Drouin never blossomed into a star, while Sergachev greatly improved during his time in Tampa. The Lightning also made a deal with the Rangers in 2018 to acquire Ryan McDonagh, a quality, experienced defenseman.
Furthermore, the team got forward Pat Maroon at a massive bargain. Maroon not only brought a hyper-physical presence, but championship experience too.
The Lightning’s 2022 trade to acquire Brandon Hagel was another good deal that helped the team after their cup runs. And while trading Mikhail Sergachev and letting Steven Stamkos walk in 2024 was arguably ruthless, it is the nature of the sports business. In fact, other teams have been even worse in that department (more on that later). It ultimately turned out to be the right move, as it freed up cap space to sign top forward Jake Guentzel.
The Lightning front office also abused a loophole through the LTIR to spend more on their roster. Until it was patched, teams were able to exceed the salary cap by the LTIR player(s)’ contract amount and have those players return in the playoffs.
While it felt like cheating, it was within the rules, and the innovative idea set a precedent for another team (that will be mentioned later).
2. Florida Panthers
Remember how, in part one, I said the Hurricanes’ playstyle works 90% of the time? The majority of the remaining 10% is when they play this team. The Panthers and Hurricanes matched up in the Eastern Conference Finals in both 2023 and 2025, and the Panthers were close to completing both sweeps before the Canes took Game 4 in 2025.
The Panthers have been the more physical team and have nullified the Canes’ aggressive forecheck these past few years. The result? Domination of the Eastern Conference whenever healthy.
After an injury-riddled 2026 season where captain Aleksander Barkov never played, the Panthers are favorites to win the 2027 Stanley Cup. This would mark their fourth appearance in five seasons, and their third Cup.
This Offseason Alone
The Panthers are already arguably the most physical team in the NHL. They added multiple new physical players this offseason. They acquired Brady Tkachuk, the younger brother of their second-line winger Matthew.
After failed negotiations with former star goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, they then traded for Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid. It’s crazy to think Evan Rodrigues was going to be a fourth-liner on this team after scoring some key goals for Florida the past few years. The team got their value in return by dealing him for a positional need in Markstrom.
The Panthers also traded for Radko Gudas and Garnet Hathaway. Both of whom have a history of dirty plays, especially Gudas, who endedAuston Matthews’ season with a knee-on-knee hit last season.
Florida already had three of the dirtiest players in the NHL in Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk. Their new additions can guarantee that this squad will lead the league in controversial plays in the upcoming season.
This team is built on a formula that works and has two of the past three years’ rings to show for it. They aren’t going away anytime soon.
Looking Back
The Florida Panthers have been built over 13 years of great decisions. They drafted Selke Trophy-winning captain and first-line center Aleksander Barkov in 2013 and top defenseman Aaron Ekblad in 2014.
Then came the man who doesn’t miss: Bill Zito. The Panthers hired Zito as their GM in 2020. He signed now-first-line left winger Carter Verhaeghe to a great deal after Verhaeghe never broke through in Tampa. He claimed Gustav Forsling off waivers. Forsling developed into one of the best two-way defensemen in hockey.
Zito then proceeded to fleece multiple other teams in trades. Sam Bennett, Brandon Montour, Sam Reinhart and Matthew Tkachuk all came to South Florida for a great price. While criticized at the time, Bill Zito had the insight to trust his bet that the Matthew Tkachuk trade would pan out.
Four years later, he was right. The hockey world was wrong. The Panthers know how to keep their talent too. Tkachuk has praised the organization for their roster construction and the way they take care of the players.
Zito hired Paul Maurice, who is responsible for their aggressive style that makes other aggressive teams look weak. He rented Anthony Stolarz, who became one of the best backup goalies on Earth in his one season with Florida. Bill Zito knows what it takes to win and how to get there, whether it’s in Florida or winning gold at the Olympics.
1. Vegas Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights are hands down the most ruthless front office in hockey. The franchise started in 2017 as an expansion team and immediately got to work. Marc-Andre Fleury was the franchise’s first starting goalie and led the team to a Stanley Cup appearance in their first year. The expansion draft provided the Knights with numerous crucial pieces for years to come.
The team made plenty of fantastic trades. They made a massive trade with the Ottawa Senators to bring in Mark Stone, their now-captain. Brett Howden even became a key piece after the New York Rangers dealt him to Vegas.
The Knights gambled in a trade for Jack Eichel. Their reward? One of the best puck handlers and passers in the sport. Vegas also stoleIvan Barbashev, their top-line left wing, from the St. Louis Blues. Soon after, they brought in Jonathan Quick, a legendary goalie who still had more left in the tank.
In 2024, they pulled the LTIR trick à la Tampa with Mark Stone to gain more cap space to get top-tier two-way defenseman Noah Hanifin and big-time two-way center Tomas Hertl. And with heavy anticipation, Stone magically was ready to play to start the playoffs. The internet didn’t hold back with their reactions, jokingly making posts targeting the Knights captain.
While they couldn’t get past the first round, where the Dallas Stars knocked them out in seven games, that year’s roster was one of the best ever assembled…on paper.
The next year, they pulled out a trick no one saw coming by poachingMitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs through a sign-and-trade, providing a boost to their top six.
Beyond the Trade Block
The Knights don’t only succeed on the trade block, though. While they’re notorious for trading picks, Pavel Dorofyev turned out to be a brilliant selection with the 79th pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. Alex Pietrangelo was one of the team’s best free agent signings. He provided the team with size, championship experience and great defense.
Perhaps one of Vegas’ strongest points is always having the right coach. Gerard Gallant, their first coach, was able to bring the misfits together and make it all the way to the Stanley Cup in one season. When the team’s performance under him worsened, they brought in Pete DeBoer, who got the team back to the Western Conference Finals.
The team did the same when they later brought in Bruce Cassidy, who brought them a Cup. And when the team was buckling under Cassidy, they brought in John Tortorella. The Knights went from possibly missing the playoffs to winning two games in the Stanley Cup Finals. GM Kelly McCrimmon’s intuition in this regard is incredible. Now Ryan Craig is in. Don’t be surprised if he succeeds too.
Many have criticized the Knights for their lack of heart towards their players. Jonathan Marchessault won the Conn Smythe trophy en route to the Stanley Cup, notching 13 goals in the last 15 games. A year later, the Knights let him walk. They traded Alex Tuch to get Jack Eichel. These are emotionally tough moves, just like the coach firings, but in retrospect, they were the right calls.
Mistakes and Outlook
The Golden Knights have made a few mistakes in their short history. Trading Nick Suzuki for Max Pacioretty didn’t age well. Their other mistakes have been in the net. Ever since they traded Marc-Andre Fleury, their goalie rotation has been disastrous.
They committed to Robin Lehner, who later stepped away from the NHL for off-ice reasons. Adin Hill took over in the 2023 playoffs and gave the Knights a fantastic run to the championship, but that was as good as he’d get. Logan Thompson requested a trade since the Knights wouldn’t make him the starting goalie over Hill, and he has put up better numbers than Hill in both of the past two seasons for the Capitals.
The Knights still suffer a goalie problem to this day, as their goalie tandem doesn’t reflect the caliber of the rest of the roster. However, the willingness of the organization to put feelings aside and prioritize what helps the team win has made them a perennial contender. According to Statmuse, they boast the best winning percentage of any franchise since 2000. At the end of the 2027 season, expect the Knights to be in the hunt for Lord Stanley once more.
SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — More than 300,000 fans will attend the British Open at Royal Birkdale this week, making it a record crowd for golf’s oldest major championship.
They’ll need to bring sun cream and some manners.
For the first time, the R&A has felt it necessary to publish a fan code of conduct, at a time when some of golf’s biggest events have been marred by unsavory and even abusive behavior by spectators.
Titled “The Open Commitment,” the code boils down to these five basic requirements of fans: respect the players, respect the links, respect each other, be aware, enjoy responsibly.
Essentially, just be a nice person. If not, the R&A says it can punish “serious or repeated breaches” by removing the guilty parties from the property “without refund.”
“I’m all for an atmosphere,” said Matt Fitzpatrick, one of the 21 English players in the field who are most likely to be cheered rather than heckled. “Obviously I don’t want it to cross a line.”
That’s what happened at last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, when Team Europe’s players — especially Rory McIlroy — endured a torrent of personal insults and shouting on their back swings and putts. McIlroy deemed the abuse from the New York crowd “unacceptable.”
Wyndham Clark didn’t get much love at last month’s U.S. Open, with spectators cheering his mistakes — conduct that Scottie Scheffler said was “a bit much to me.”
Even the most recent British Open held on English soil — just down the road at Hoylake — didn’t escape some crowd misbehavior as American player Brian Harman defied some jeers and insults on his way to lifting the claret jug.
Clark doesn’t appear too concerned about any repeat incidents at Birkdale this week, describing British golf fans as “the best.”
“They respect the game, they respect the players and they really understand golf,” he said. “If you hit it into a tough spot and make the correct play or the smart play, the prudent play, they clap; they understand sometimes 20 feet is a great shot.”
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said marshals, volunteers and officials have been well-briefed on what constitutes poor fan conduct.
“We feel that it’s within our gift, if someone does step over the line, to ask them to leave the venue,” Darbon said, “and I think that’s a pretty powerful display. That’s the mechanism that we’ll use rather than fining a spectator.”
The World Cup effect
Tee times for the final round at Royal Birkdale are open to change.
And it's all because of a soccer match.
The World Cup final being staged in the United States on Sunday is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. in England — just 80 minutes after organizers estimate the final putt will drop in the Open Championship, unless there's a playoff.
The big issue is that England could be in it. Its team was playing Argentina in the semifinals on Wednesday night and the R&A is waiting on the result.
Mark Darbon, the R&A's chief executive, says it would be a “great problem to have” because he's an England fan and that his organization has been thinking a lot about the schedule.
“We think that, even if we go to a three-hole playoff, we’ve got time to complete the championship,” Darbon said. “So at this stage, no plans to alter anything, but we’ll maintain that under review and finalize our position after the semifinal.”
R&A chief says links courses not required to change to keep the Open
Royal Birkdale went through a number of changes, such as eliminating the par-3 14th hole and building a new par-3 15th. Darbon said “it would be wrong” to suggest changes are driven by spectator movement.
“The changes to the golf course have been driven by the members,” he said. “Given the strength of partnership that we have with our host venues, of course we’re part of some of those discussions, and where there are things that we can do together that also help us operationally, they often make sense to do to help with the staging of the championship.”
It’s hard to imagine Royal Birkdale members wanting a new hole, leading Darbon to be asked if the members’ decision was based on concerns the Open might not return.
“At no stage would we threaten a non-return to a venue on that basis,” he said.
Darbon also pushed back on the idea the British Open is moving toward bigness, particularly attendance. Martin Slumbers, his predecessor, had said before retiring, “Big-time sport needs big-time crowds.”
“If we’re able to facilitate spectator volumes onsite, we’ll always consider that, but it’s not the primary driver for us,” Darbon said.
He cited a return to Royal Lytham & St. Annes, which has a smaller footprint than Royal Birkdale.
“We’re not taking venues off the rotation because they’re smaller than others,” he said. “But there’s a balance to be struck, too, and we think we’re getting that right.”
As for Muirfield, which last hosted the Open in 2013, Darbon said the course requires some tweaks but the R&A looks forward to returning.
Rai gets a letter from the Golden Bear
Aaron Rai might not have been aware of all the things that come with winning a major as the PGA Championship was his first one. He knew about the Wanamaker Trophy (maybe not how heavy it is) and the five-year exemption to the majors.
The surprise was in the mail.
Jack Nicklaus for years has been writing a note of congratulations to major champions.
“After the PGA I received a handwritten letter from Jack Nicklaus, which was kind of surreal when we opened the mail,” Rai said. “For someone like that to take the time to write to me after the PGA, it definitely shows the class of what Jack is about.”
Adam Scott get an inaugural award in his 25th Open appearance
The Royal & Ancient has come with a new honor, announcing Adam Scott as the first recipient of the “Spirit of Golf Award” for his contributions to golf around the world.
The award is to recognize an individual who exemplifies the spirit of the game on a global scale and displays the values, behaviors and traditions inherent to golf.
Scott is playing his 101th consecutive major at the British Open, the second-longest streak in golf behind Jack Nicklaus. Scott turns 46 on Thursday, the first round of the Open.
“As someone who has spent my entire life in the game of golf it is so meaningful to be recognized for my impact on golf across the world, not only from a playing point of view but for also upholding values which are so integral to the sport,” Scott said.
The R&A said the award would be annual, though it could also be given to a team or organization, and is not restricted to professionals.
The 2026 college football season is nearly here, and the ACC is holding its annual ACC Kickoff this week in Charlotte, North Carolina. The FSU Seminoles spoke on Wednesday, the first day of the event.
Head coach Mike Norvell was joined by wide receiver Duce Robinson, quarterback Ashton Daniels, and cornerback Ja'Bril Rawls to preview the season. All four of them took to the main stage on Wednesday to answer questions.
Norvell, who is on the hottest seat in the country, is looking to get the Seminoles back on track after consecutive losing seasons. They will be relying on a core of returning players that they have supplemented through the transfer portal. That has been a specialty of Norvell, but they have struggled with their additions over the past two seasons.
He talked about his excitement about this team, their mentality, why fans should be excited, what Daniels brings to the team, and more. Here is everything Norvell had to say on Wednesday.
Opening statement
Appreciate everybody being here. Definitely excited for the season that's ahead, the opportunity that's in front of our football team. Grateful for the work our players have been putting in this off-season.
Coming off disappointing results from a year ago, but excited about the core of this football team, the guys that have returned, some of the young players that have continued to emerge, decisions from guys to return that had other opportunities.
The choice that they made to come be difference makers and leaders within this program.
Definitely excited about the newcomers that have joined our football team, the way they've really come in and embraced the culture. Really having a mindset to leave their mark, to be able to pour everything they have in representing this incredible football program, institution, our wonderful fan base.
Honored to be here today with three great young men that will speak on behalf of our football team, guys that have truly been through the journey. Ja'Bril Rawls, a guy that I think is going to be one of the best corners in all of college football, a guy that has been at Florida State coming out of high school. Has had his ups and downs dealing with injuries, but truly has emerged as a great player, and just a wonderful representative of what it is to be a Seminole.
Duce Robinson, I think one of the best receivers in all of college football. His choice to forego going to the NFL, to come back and leave his mark here, truly just to go and help lead this football team, be the best player that he can be.
Ashton Daniels, coming in, joining the program in January, tremendous leader, somebody that is truly all about the work, great skill set, ability. Has done a wonderful job in his short time here in Tallahassee representing this football program.
We got an exciting team, a team that I think is a very talented roster. As I mentioned earlier, it's a great combination of guys that have been here, last year we had 19 true freshmen that played 4-0 or more games. Young team, guys that got throne into the fire and had to learn on their road as we went through the highs and the lows. A year ago you lose five games by one score, there's a lot of lessons to be learned. It's about taking the lessons, the application of that moving forward to go be the best that we can be.
We understand the expectation. There's no person or place that has higher expectations than we have being part of this program, making sure we're doing things the right way, the Florida State way, competing for championships, in all things that we do.
That is our expectation as we go into this season with a very talented roster and a great coaching staff that we've been able to assemble.
You've seen the continuity within the staff when you look at Coach White coming into his second year as the defensive coordinator. Really excited about the personnel; excited about the staff under his leadership on that side of the ball. Really taking another step in our performance to what we're going to do defensively.
Offensively Coach Harris going into his second year within the program, and as our offensive coordinator has done an outstanding job putting his mark within the program as well as continuing to help develop the young men we have.
Obviously, the addition of Adam Scheier as our special teams coordinator, somebody that is extremely innovative, somebody that is going to put our guys in great positions to win in that third of the game.
It's an exciting team, one that understands all that's in front of us. We have a great opportunity, a great platform. Obviously these guys are excited to get out on the field here in this next month and prepare for it here in fall camp; ready to kick off in week zero of this college football season.
You called this an exciting team. How do you capitalize on the conflation of talent in what feels like a strike-now season?
When you look at our roster, I think in all phases, starting in the trenches of the guys up front, four of our top six defensive linemen have returned. Some guys that have great talent and ability. Be able to bring in a couple of newcomers that I think are going to be very dynamic.
You know, great leadership at the linebacker position, you know, guys that have been through it. Whether it's the transfers that have come in that have joined very productive, talented players, as well as you look in the defensive backfield. I think we have got some great play-makers in that position, and guys with versatile skill sets that will allow us to do a lot of different things.
And then offensively starting up front, we were able to bring in a good group of transfers that have joined that bring experience, coupled with the guys that we have that have continued to grow and develop as well as just an outstanding group of skill players with the receiver position, led by Duce, guys like Micahi Danzy, Jayvan Boggs, and some really impressive newcomers that have joined the program. I really love our running back room, running back and tight end room and the versatility, what we're going to be able to do. That is surrounded with the quarterback that can truly make it happen.
We want to be versatile, attack. We understand with the talent that we have, I'm not going to put any limits to what this football team can accomplish and what we can do.
The time is now; the time is today. The willingness to show up, be the best that we can be. If that's what we'll continue to do, I got a lot of confidence in the results showing up.
FSU fans aren't just asking for wins, they're asking for consistency and championships. You've obviously won one. What makes this team different and why should FSU fans be excited about this upcoming season?
I love the mentality of this group. Obviously you see throughout the journey just the margin between victory and defeat, it's a very thin line. But it's about the mentality, about the response. It's about the work that you're willing to put in, not getting caught up in all the other things that can surround you on the journey that we find ourselves on.
But this football team, yes, they are talented. What I love is their work, their camaraderie, the sacrifices that they're willing to make, the way that they challenge themselves on a daily basis.
We have won, as you mentioned. We went through a stretch where we won 19 straight games. There were still a lot of close games, one-score games. The ebb and flow of what shows up. It's the way that that team came together, the mentality they brought, how they responded throughout that journey that really set them apart.
I've seen that within this team. This is a group from the players that returned to the guys that came in, we were looking for the right type of guys, guys that were going to represent our program and perform and execute at a level that is going to make our fan base proud in all things that we're doing.
This is a team that I do believe will rise to the occasion from the coaching staff to the players, everybody involved in the program, to go make sure we're doing things to the level of our expectation and that Florida State standard.
You often talk about you know the expectation, you know what it looks like, you've seen it done, but four out of the last six years at Florida State have been losing seasons. What can you say to this fan base to make them believe that you can bring Florida State back to its traditional winning ways?
In reality, the words don't matter, it's about the action. That's our focus. I could stand up here, you could say a lot of things, but it's still about what's going to show up. That's what I believe in.
As we came into the program six years ago, there were some challenges that we faced. Those first two years, for all the different circumstances that showed up, we stayed focused on our path and the growth, the improvement, making sure we were ready for the moment. We had players that bought into that.
As you get into '22, '23 season, a couple of the best stretches that Florida State has had, 19-straight wins, being able to put ourselves in that position was something that had to be worked for. It wasn't just because we talked about it; it was about what was done.
Yes, the last two years as college football has changed, continuing to evolve, we have to be better. This past season we showed glimpses of playing at a very high level. Big wins, some great moments, but also had some disappointing results in some close games and opportunities we did not capitalize on.
It's not about me giving a great speech, trying to say things. It's about showing up and being willing to do. That's the focus of this coaching, this football team, that's my focus, is pouring everything I have into them, into this staff, into the opportunity we have in the '26 season.
As I said, I know what it looks like because we've done it. I know the steps. I know what we need to do to get back to that level. I'm very confident what's it's going to be.
A couple days ago you made a pretty good hire in Tom Herman. How important was it to you to land a guy like him as you go out there and prepare for the season knowing he has head coaching experience, a proven winner?
Being able to have the opportunity for Tom to come and join the program is something I'm excited about. He came in the spring, was able to come out to practice, visit with staff. Obviously had to compete against him years ago when he was at Houston, I was at Memphis; we have a long relationship.
For how things all transpired, we were able to visit a little bit this summer. We found a role and opportunity that I think he can make a great impact in helping support this staff, being able to add a new perspective to things that he's done, to be able to help assist the guys within our football team just to go and achieve at a very high level.
Last year you stepped back into the CEO role by nature with Gus as the play-caller. Now you're back as the primary play-caller. What did you learn last year being able to observe from the high-level view that you can apply to this year?
Yeah, I mean, I've been fortunate, going into my 11th year I guess of being a head coach. For me, most those years were as a play-caller. As college football emerged, the different aspects of personnel, being able to step back, kind of focus and address needs that I felt within the team, having a guy I trusted, was great.
And to be able to see -- you know, it wasn't unfamiliar. I had a long-lasting relationship with Gus. Was grateful for the work he did. But for me, every year's a learning process. Every year you're continuing to grow and mold, develop things for the guys that you have, putting them in the best position.
I've been fortunate throughout my career to be able to do that as a high level, being a play-caller, coach, growing up on the offensive side of the ball.
I'm excited about the group of players I get to work with every single day, the play making ability they have and the positions we're going to be able to put them in.
Transfer portal, obviously you've gone there for the quarterback these last few seasons. What did you see in Ashton Daniels and why it's important to reach into the portal?
I think Ashton is a guy that can really do it all. As we talk about experiences, Ashton has a great deal of experience throughout his college career. He's been put in a lot of different situations that he's had to work through. You see somebody that's just continued to grow.
As I did my research getting to know him, the coaches I worked with, the people around him, so many incredible qualities of the young man, the talent, the ability.
When he joined the program in January, the words then become secondary because you see it in his actions, just the passion that he has for who he gets to work with. You know, he's not somebody that comes in having to wave the towel and give a speech, but when he talks, people listen just because of all the things they see from him.
As I even watched him through 15 practices in spring ball, his continued growth. He's progressed and I think has an incredible ceiling in front of him; a guy that's a natural play-maker, can extend plays, live in the pocket, make all the different throws; a guy that has a wonderful understanding of offensive football being in a bunch of different systems. Incredible smart and an incredible worker, as well.
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Patrick Surtain II has built an impressive resume in just five seasons.
The Denver Broncos defensive back has made four Pro Bowls, been first-team All-Pro twice, second-team once and was only the seventh cornerback to win AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, earning the award after the 2024 season.
Surtain now has been voted the top NFL cornerback for the second straight year by The Associated Press in a preseason survey.
Surtain received seven first-place votes from a panel of eight AP pro football writers who ranked the top five players at the position, basing selections on current status entering the 2026 season. First-place votes were worth 10 points. Second- through fifth-place votes were worth 5, 3, 2 and 1 points.
Derek Stingley Jr. got the other first-place vote and finished second. Quinyon Mitchell and Devon Witherspoon tied for third, and Trent McDuffie and Sauce Gardner tied for fifth.
1. Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos
Surtain has become an elite player at a premier position. He allowed 31 receptions and a 66.5 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks in 2025.
Surtain had one interception, mainly because teams don’t throw his direction. He missed three games with a pec strain but returned in the playoffs to help the Broncos reach the AFC championship game.
2. Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans
Stingley earned All-Pro for the second straight season, and has developed into one of the league’s best cover cornerbacks for Houston’s stingy defense.
He had four interceptions, allowed 34 receptions in coverage and broke up nine passes in coverage last season. Opposing quarterbacks had just a 67.4 passer rating against him.
Stingley was selected one spot ahead of Sauce Gardner at No. 3 overall in the 2022 draft.
He got five second-place votes and appeared on seven ballots.
3. (tie) Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles
Mitchell earned All-Pro honors in just his second season in the NFL.
He gave up 36 catches in coverage, broke up seven passes and QBs had just a 58.4 passer rating against him. Mitchell doesn’t have an interception in the regular season but he’s snagged four picks in five playoff games for the Eagles.
Mitchell appeared on six ballots.
3. (tie) Devon Witherspoon, Seattle Seahawks
Witherspoon made his third Pro Bowl in three seasons, earned second-team All-Pro honors and helped Seattle win the Super Bowl.
He surrendered 46 receptions in coverage and QBs had a 99.8 passer rating against him. Witherspoon appeared on four ballots.
5. (tie) Trent McDuffie , Los Angeles Rams
McDuffie has been one of the league’s best slot cornerbacks in his first four seasons in Kansas City, helping the Chiefs win two Super Bowls and play in another one.
McDuffie was a first-team All-Pro slot cornerback in 2023 and a second-team choice in 2024. The Rams acquired him for a package of draft picks, including No. 29 overall in this April's draft.
He allowed 37 passes in coverage, broke up four and had one pick. He allowed a 94.7 passer rating when targeted.
McDuffie appeared on three ballots.
5. (tie) Sauce Gardner, Indianapolis Colts
The two-time All-Pro was traded from the Jets to the Colts in a blockbuster deal for two first-round picks midway through last season but played in only four games for his new team because of a calf injury.
Argentina faces England in a World Cup semifinal match that pits soccer great Lionel Messi against the young superstar Jude Bellingham.
The winner will meet Spain, whose defensive prowess and swagger allowed them to clinch a spot in the World Cup final with a 2-0 win against France on Tuesday.
Follow along for live updates, highlights and analysis as the second spot in the World Cup final is decided.
England and Argentina make lineup changes for semifinal
England coach Thomas Tuchel has selected Morgan Rogers to start in place of Noni Madueke on the right wing. Defenders Reece James and Djed Spence also will start, replacing Ezri Konsa and Nico O’Reilly.
For Argentina, coach Lionel Scaloni picked Gio Simeone in midfield over Rodrigo De Paul.
Argentine soccer federation president attends match despite investigation
Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia posted a photo on Instagram of himself sitting next to Argentina stars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul.
Tapia is under investigation over his assets and the organization’s financial management. He received judicial authorization to travel to the World Cup despite the ongoing probes.
“Here we go again, with hope as our guiding principle, representing an entire nation. More united than ever,” Tapia wrote.
Argentina fans banned from carrying Falklands flags into World Cup match
Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva has said fans won’t be able to carry some of their flags and banners that incorporate images of the Falkland Islands into the World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and England.
Monteoliva cited FIFA’s code of conduct, which bans politically divisive content. But her comments led to a social media backlash in Buenos Aires.
England reasserted control of the Falklands in a 1982 war with Argentina. Argentines claim the British protectorate as the Malvinas and consider the South Atlantic islands essential to their national identity.
FIFA’s code of conduct also says fans cannot “curse or chant in a political, offensive and/or discriminatory manner.”
But Britain’s top representative in Atlanta has said she expects Argentines to continue with their chants that reference the Malvinas along with soccer greats Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Consul General Rachel Galloway told Atlanta First News that although fans might sing about those issues, “we find a way to work together.”
Toronto’s World Cup fan festival canceled because of wildfires
Wildfires in Canada forced officials to call off Wednesday’s planned FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto. Thousands of people were expected to be there to watch the England-Argentina match.
“The health and safety of attendees, staff, volunteers, and emergency personnel remains our top priority,” organizers said.
More than 100 wildfires were burning in Canada on Wednesday, with wind pushing smoke southeast. Warnings about unhealthy air extended from Minnesota through Toronto and into New York.
The World Cup final will be in East Rutherford, New Jersey — just outside of New York City — on Sunday.
Argentina’s vice president calls England ‘usurping pirates’
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has tried to play down his country’s clash with England as nothing more than a soccer game.
But some Argentine politicians have not been shy about bringing up longstanding tensions between the countries.
Argentine Vice President Victoria Villarruel described the match as a fight against “usurping pirates.” That’s a reference to England’s control of the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.
Villarruel shared a photo of an Argentine jersey draped over the grave of a soldier killed in the deadly 10-week Falklands War of 1982. She also made references to Argentine greats Diego Maradona, who led a World Cup quarterfinal victory over England in 1986, and Lionel Messi.
“This isn’t just another match. … It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last one, and it’s putting the brakes on the invaders,” she said.
The race for the Golden Boot
Kylian Mbappé, one of the biggest stars of this year’s World Cup and one of the game’s greatest scorers, just couldn’t generate many chances in France’s 2-0 loss to Spain in the semifinals on Tuesday.
Through Tuesday, Mbappé and Lionel Messi remain tied atop the leaderboard with eight goals each. Mbappé, who won the Golden Boot at the last World Cup four years ago in Qatar, holds the first tiebreaker with the edge in assists. Messi has a chance to pull ahead in the race on Wednesday as Argentina faces England.
Both players will then have one more match before the award is decided. France will play the loser of the other semifinal match in the third-place game on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida. Spain will take on the winner in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the final.
The battle of No. 10s
It’s England vs. Argentina in the World Cup semifinals. It’s also Lionel Messi vs. Jude Bellingham.
The battle of the two No. 10s could be pivotal to deciding Wednesday’s match in Atlanta.
“We know how good Messi is,” England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said of the Argentina great, whose enduring brilliance has been on show again even at the age of 39.
Messi and Bellingham have been inspirational in their teams’ respective runs to the final four. And Wednesday’s match may well be determined by which one has the biggest say on the day.
A first for Lionel Messi
He is already considered by many to be the greatest of all time — the GOAT — and his performances at what is likely his last World Cup, aged 39, have only strengthened that argument. This will be Lionel Messi’s first ever game against England.
If Messi can lead Argentina to the title, he would surpass the great Maradona by winning two World Cups for his country.
Argentina would also become the first back-to-back champion since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Soccer great Pelé was part of those Brazil teams and also went on to win a third World Cup in 1970.
Spain awaits the winner of Argentina-England
Spain’s Pedro Porro, right, and Spain’s Lamine Yamal celebrate after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Spain’s defensive prowess and swagger were just too much for an attacking trio led by France great Kylian Mbappé, and just enough to get the 2010 champions into another World Cup final.
The Spanish team managed a record sixth shutout in seven games so far, winning 2-0 in the semifinals Tuesday against one of the most prolific scorers in World Cup history.
Spain will face the winner of Argentina-England on Sunday at New York New Jersey stadium.
Argentina and England resume their fierce rivalry
Argentina and England have plenty of beef on and off the soccer field coming into today’s World Cup semifinal game in Atlanta.
The off-the-field tensions go back to the 1982 conflict over the Falkland Islands while the soccer rivalry also has been intense for decades.
Argentina captain Antonio Rattin, whose death was announced on Saturday, was sent off in a bad-tempered quarterfinal match against winner England in 1966. England manager Alf Ramsey tried to stop his players from swapping shirts with their opponents after a 1-0 victory.
David Beckham was sent off in 1998 for kicking out at Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone, who was predictably criticized by the English media for his reaction to what appeared to be light contact. Argentina won the round of 16 match on penalties.
Beckham got his revenge four years later by scoring a penalty in a 1-0 win that contributed to Argentina being eliminated at the group stage.
How to watch today’s match
Today’s Argentina-England matchup in Atlanta will be at 3 p.m. EDT and available in English on Fox or FS1.
For those who prefer the Spanish broadcast — Telemundo has been a very popular option.
The World Cup’s viewership in the U.S. has been strong throughout the tournament.
Fox reported more than 21.7 million tuned in to watch England’s 3-2 victory in Mexico City on July 5. That topped the previous record of the final between Argentina and France in 2022, which was seen by 16.7 million.
Every match of the tournament has been available for U.S. viewers in English on Fox or FS1, on Telemundo or Universo in Spanish. Streaming options include Fox One and Peacock.
In a clip from "The Triple Option" show July 15, Meyer said that an uncalled penalty during an Ohio State field goal attempt prevented the Buckeyes from tying the Nittany Lions.
With OSU up 21-17 with 4:39 remaining in the fourth quarter, Meyer sent out the field goal unit on fourth-and-7 for a 45-yard attempt, but linebacker Marcus Allen blocked Tyler Durbin's kick. Penn State cornerback Grant Haley scooped up the loose ball and returned it to the end zone, turning Ohio State's three-point lead into a Penn State four-point advantage.
"By rule, you can't physically pull the field goal protector out of the way of the guy jumping through," Meyer said.
Meyer was referencing Penn State defensive tackle Ryan Bates, who appears to pull Ohio State offensive lineman Brady Taylor out from the middle of the line. The open space gave Allen a lane to jump up and block the kick.
Now down 21-24, Meyer's team had one more offensive drive to try and tie the score, but Penn State's defense forced the Buckeyes to go for it on fourth-and-23 from their own 29-yard line, and OSU failed to convert.
"I turned it in, and I didn't [expletive] a lot about it," Meyer said. "My fault that we ran the field goal unit on late."
The loss against Penn State was the Buckeyes' only regular-season loss in 2016, costing the team the Big Ten Championship. Penn State beat Wisconsin 38-31 in the conference championship game and lost a month later as the No. 5 seed to No. 9 USC 52-49 in the Rose Bowl.
Despite the loss, Ohio State qualified for the College Football Playoff semifinal as the No. 3 seed. The Buckeyes lost to eventual champion Clemson, the No. 2 seed, in the Fiesta Bowl 31-0.
"They later came back and said it could have been and should have been a penalty, if I remember right," Meyer said. "If they would've thrown that flag, obviously, we win."
Whether or not a penalty should have been called for the reasons Meyer specified, the play definitely would have been illegal a year later. Big Ten Coordinator of Football Officials Bill Carollo spoke at Big Ten media days in 2017 and said that, according to a change in the NCAA's 2017 football rulebook, Allen would have been prohibited from jumping to block the kick after he had already reached the neutral zone.
“Last year, legal. This year, illegal,” Carollo said, in a report by SB Nation.
Korean chip giant Samsung is reportedly considering outsourcing orders to design a portion of Google's Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) AI chips. Samsung is believed to be Google's manufacturing partner for the TPU chip's input/output (I/O) die. While the TPU's compute tile is expected to be manufactured by TSMC, the part on which the tile will be connected, called the I/O, is said to be Samsung's responsibility. For the I/O, Samsung is considering outsourcing the back-end design for the chip in order to ensure that Google's design is fit for its manufacturing facilities, says the Korean press. Several Korean Firms in […]
You would have to be wholly fatuous to leak the details of an ongoing negotiation with a company as private as Apple, and from the mouth of the CEO no less, as PrismML appears to have done recently, indicating that the tidbit about its impending acquisition by Apple was nothing more than a glorified PR campaign. You don't leak details of an ongoing negotiation, especially when a company as sensitive as Apple is involved, if those talks have even a snowball's chance in hell of succeeding While speaking with CNBC earlier this week, PrismML's CEO casually lobbed a bombshell: Apple […]
Livestream shopping platform Whatnot has acquired AI startup Shaped, a machine learning company focused on real-time recommendations and search. The deal will bolster Whatnot’s personalization and discovery features as it expands into new product categories.
Como have officially signed Italy Under-20 international Mattia Liberali from Catanzaro, activating the €6m release clause after he turned down a return to Milan.
“I’m really keen to develop and improve, and I’ve found we share a lot of common ground with the club in this regard. I’ve also spoken to the manager, and I think the playing philosophy is perfect for me. I can’t wait to take to the pitch at the Sinigaglia and meet the fans.”
Liberali ready to take off at Como
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 31: Mattia Liberali of AC Milan reacts during a Pre-Season Friendly match between AC Milan and Real Madrid at Soldier Field Stadium on July 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The creative midfielder only turned 19 in April and has represented Italy at various youth levels throughout his career.
He was a product of the Milan youth academy, but left amid frustration last summer when he realised there would be no playing time or imminent promotion to the senior squad.
Liberali joined Catanzaro effectively for nothing, but with Milan still owed 50 per cent of the future sale fee.
FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 13: Mattia Liberali of Italy U17 in action during the International friendly match between Italy U17 and France U17 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on February 13, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
However, he was convinced that Como and working with Cesc Fabregas would be the correct next step in his career.
He has signed a contract with Como until June 2031.
“Mattia is a creative player with excellent technical ability and confidence in possession,” coach Fabregas told the club website.
“He can operate in tight spaces, create chances and contribute in the final third. We believe his qualities fit our style and look forward to helping him continue his development.”
Last season, Liberali scored four goals with four assists in 30 games for Serie B side Catanzaro.
It seems that surprise talks could be about to begin for Fenerbahce to sign Manchester United misfit Marcus Rashford this summer.
The England international, currently at the World Cup 2026 and preparing for tonight’s semi-final clash against Argentina, has been left in limbo after his loan spell at Barcelona.
Rashford shone during his spell at the Nou Camp last season, but it seems that Barca will not be taking up the option to sign him permanently.
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Rashford was once a star player for Man Utd and showed he’s still got what it takes to perform at the highest level with some fine performances for Barcelona in La Liga and the Champions League.
So, in many ways, it seems slightly surprising that Rashford might now be about to move to the Turkish league, which would represent a significant step down in terms of the competitiveness of the division.
Still, there are also a lot of good players at clubs like Fenerbahce, Galatasaray, and Besiktas, so perhaps Rashford can flourish there and make an impact in major competitions like the Champions League.
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It would also be interesting to see Rashford linking up with his former United teammate Greenwood again, with the pair often combining well together at Old Trafford.
MUFC will now have a decision to make, as some fans might even feel that Rashford’s fine form at Barcelona last season should mean he’s in contention for a first-team role again.
Perhaps that ship has now sailed and a fresh start would be the best for everyone, but much of that will now hinge on whether or not Rashford himself is open to joining Fenerbahce, or if he waits for other opportunities.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is reportedly set to start Morgan Rogers on the right against Argentina in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.
The Aston Villa attacking midfielder usually plays on the left or centrally, so this is a slightly unfamiliar role for him, but he’s also someone who’s surely good enough to contribute in almost any attacking role.
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See below for David Ornstein’s update on England’s team selection for this evening’s big game, with the journalist posting on X that Tuchel is set to reward Rogers for his impact off the bench in the win over Norway in the last round…
“Morgan Rogers set to start on right for England in #FIFAWorldCup semi-final … Opportunity would see 23yo Aston Villa forward rewarded after impact off bench against Norway & form for #AVFC + across Thomas Tuchel reign,” Ornstein said.
In truth, something needed to change on that right-hand side as Noni Madueke hasn’t been particularly convincing at this tournament, though he’s started a lot of games because Bukayo Saka isn’t 100% fit.
Tuchel will need to get his team selection right tonight for this huge game, which some people are calling their biggest since the World Cup final victory in 1966.
England haven’t been in a World Cup final since their only victory 60 years ago, so it would be a huge achievement to do it.
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Argentina are the current holders, so will probably be the favourites tonight, especially with Lionel Messi in such exceptional form at this year’s tournament so far.
For England, the key men will surely be Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have both been superb for the Three Lions, though a top young talent like Rogers could also cause Argentina some problems.
Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly attracting transfer interest from as many as five clubs as he could be on the move this summer.
The Brazil international has perhaps not developed quite as well as many at Arsenal will have expected, scoring only one league goal for the entire 2025/26 campaign.
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Martinelli fared better in Europe, scoring six goals in 14 Champions League games as the Gunners reached the final of the competition.
According to Ekrem Konur, it now seems Martinelli could leave Arsenal, and he has interest from big clubs such as Manchester United, Newcastle, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Roma…
?#Arsenal Gabriel Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer.
? Man United, Newcastle and Bayern Munich are interested.
Konur posted: “Gabriel Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer. Man United, Newcastle and Bayern Munich are interested. Roma and Juventus have also contacted Arsenal for the Brazilian winger.”
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Arsenal need an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli
It’s surely time for Arsenal to move on from Martinelli, who is just not consistent enough to start regularly for a club with the ambition to win major titles like the Premier League and the Champions League.
The 25-year-old has been at the Emirates Stadium since 2019 and perhaps he’d now benefit from a change of scene.
Arsenal could also do well to try something different on that side of their front three, and they’ve been strongly linked with Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis by Ben Jacobs and others.
Could Gabriel Martinelli still have a good Premier League career?
Martinelli has still shown enough during his time at AFC that could make him tempting to other English clubs, so the links with Man Utd and Newcastle aren’t too surprising.
The Magpies could do well to land Martinelli as a replacement for Anthony Gordon, who left for Barcelona earlier this summer.
United, meanwhile, might do well to bring in Martinelli to give them more depth behind their first choice front three of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, as he can fill in on the left, right, or as a central striker.
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is reportedly keen on a transfer to Real Madrid this summer, while the Spanish giants are eyeing a record move.
This is not the first time we’ve heard speculation about Olise’s future in recent months, with the France international in absolutely stunning form in 2025/26 with 29 goals and 32 assists.
Those numbers, via WhoScored, are for club and country, including last summer’s Club World Cup with Bayern, and this summer’s 2026 World Cup with the French national team.
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According to Santi Aouna, Olise is now eyeing Real Madrid as his preferred next move, and ideally wants it to happen this year, with Bayern already keeping an eye out on potential replacements…
“Michael Olise wants to join Real Madrid THIS SUMMER,” the journalist posted on X. “The French international believes it’s the perfect club to continue his progression.
“Real Madrid wants to pull off a record transfer. Bayern’s official stance: Olise is not for sale but the truth is more nuanced. The Bavarian club would like to extend his contract, but has also been in contact in parallel with players who could come in to replace him.
“Olise will discuss with his leaders after the World Cup.”
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Will Michael Olise be Real Madrid’s next Galactico signing?
Olise looks like he has it in him to get even better, and it would be exciting to see the 24-year-old at the Bernabeu alongside other world class talents like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
The former Crystal Palace man was not at his best in France’s defeat to Spain yesterday, but in general he has been really consistent on the biggest stage, winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern and helping them to the Champions League semi-finals.
Olise’s best position is coming off that right flank so he can cut onto his left foot, and that’s undoubtedly somewhere Real Madrid could do with strengthening.
Bayern don’t tend to sell their star names, but it seems this can’t be ruled out, with Olise keen on the move to Spain, as has been previously reported by TEAMtalk.
The Major League Baseball draft hurt the Auburn Tigers as two of their infield stars and a high school signee were selected. Auburn baseball is working to rebuild its infield by adding a player from the transfer portal late in the cycle.
Sheff, a native of Las Vegas, hit .295 for the Rebels last season with nine home runs, 38 RBI, and five stolen bases. He recorded multiple hits in 14 games last season. He reached a season-high four hits against Washington State on April 19, one day after recording three hits against the Cougars. Sheff also smashed two of his nine home runs in a road game at Northwestern on March 8.
Auburn second baseman Chris Rembert and third baseman Eric Guevara were both selected during the 2026 MLB Draft that took place last weekend, as was high school signee Jace Matacynski. The Tigers return shortstop Brandon McCraine and first baseman Ethin Bingaman for 2027, and will look to fit Sheff and Iowa transfer Ben Swails into the mix.
Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
There is no denying the Alabama Crimson Tide have a number of question marks surrounding the roster entering the 2026 season. Even in spite of that, the program could still be good enough to compete for a national title this fall.
Entering Year 3 of the Kalen DeBoer era, Alabama is in an interesting spot roster-wise as it approaches fall camp. The Crimson Tide boast a team that features a number of experienced veterans, as well as some newer faces who have yet to break out at the collegiate level.
Alabama is also tasked with replacing a number of prominent starters on both sides of the ball, including at quarterback, the offensive line, and others.
There are some unknowns regarding just how good Alabama can be in 2026, though. Yes, the Crimson Tide could struggle at times, particular early in the season, but they could also be one of college football's best this fall, finding themselves making a deep run toward a title in the College Football Playoff.
Taking a look at the Crimson Tide's roster in particular, here are three reasons why Alabama could make a deep CFP run toward a national title in 2026, as well as three reasons why they might not.
Why: Alabama secondary might be college football's best
Alabama boasted one of college football's top secondaries a year ago, and with all five starters from the end of last season returning in 2026, there is certainly reason to believe the Crimson Tide's defensive back room could be the best in the country. Among that position group, Bray Hubbard, Zabien Brown, and Keon Sabb are all marquee names in college football, and the same will likely happen for both Dijon Lee Jr. and Red Morgan in 2026, if they aren't already there.
Why Not: Alabama offensive line too big of an unknown
While there is no denying the amount of talent the unit has, the Crimson Tide's offensive line is still a huge unknown entering the fall due to lack of starting experience. Time will only tell the impact that could have in 2026. A group that returns only one starter in Michael Carroll, Alabama's offensive line will have to improve in 2026 if the Crimson Tide wish to contend for a title.
Why: Quarterback can be difference-maker for Tide
In today's college football, elite play at the quarterback position is required to win a national title more times than not, and there is potential for Alabama to receive just that this fall. There is a bit of an unknown surrounding both Austin Mack and Keelon Russell due to lack of starting experience, but both have ample talent and will have a deep wide receiver room to work with. That should put the Crimson Tide in a good spot no matter who wins the starting job.
Why Not: Tide counting on huge bounce back from run game
Alabama's running game last season was one of the program's worst, ranking next to last in the SEC at an average of 104.1 yards per game. The Crimson Tide have made some additions to the group like top freshman EJ Crowell, and there is certainly reason to believe the unit could have a bounce-back 2026 campaign, but they will also be doing so behind a brand new offensive line. That makes it a huge unknown.
Why: Alabama's pass rush should be elite
Similar to strong quarterback play, an impactful pass rush can go a long way in making a team a contender, as we've seen with past Alabama title-winning teams. The Crimson Tide's unit this fall should be elite. Leading the way will be one of college football's best pass rushers in Yhonzae Pierre, while Justin Hill and South Carolina transfer Desmond Umeozulu are also featured in a group that should be very impactful.
Why Not: Inexperience at inside linebacker for Tide
Lastly, there's another position where starting experience is a question mark for the Crimson Tide, and it comes at one of the most important on defense: inside linebacker. Caleb Woodson, a transfer from Virginia Tech, could be a key player in 2026, but the Crimson Tide will need someone to emerge like QB Reese, Cayden Jones or Luke Metz, among others.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
Heading into the 2026 season, few players will face more attention than Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer. The Sooners' quarterback arrived in Norman with massive expectations after a breakout season for the Washington State Cougars.
Mateer threw for 2,885 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while rushing for 431 yards and eight scores. However, those overall numbers don't tell the full story of Mateer's first season in Norman. The first four games, he threw for 1,215 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions, while rushing for 190 yards and five scores. In the eight games following that, he threw for 1,670 yards, eight touchdowns and eight interceptions, while rushing for 241 yards and three scores.
The big factor behind the split was the thumb injury he suffered on his throwing hand during the fourth game of the season. The biggest question entering 2026 is whether the injury was the primary reason for his struggles or if the increased level of competition also played a role. On3's J.D. PicKell believes a healthy Mateer will be the key to unlocking Oklahoma's offense this season.
"Y'all know how I feel about John Mateer," PIcKell said. "There are so many takes out there about what he wasn't when he had the thumb injury. Hey, if he's playing like he was in September a year ago, if the vibes from the Manning Passing Academy carry over to this year, Oklahoma is going to be good on offense."
Mateer's 2026 season will likely determine how high Oklahoma's ceiling can be. The Sooners have one of the best defenses in college football, but to compete for championships in the SEC, they will need consistent production from their quarterback. If the version of Mateer from the beginning of last season returns, Oklahoma could have the offensive weapon it needs to complement its elite defense.
The questions surrounding his injury and late-season struggles will remain until he proves otherwise, but a healthy Mateer has the talent to change the entire outlook of the Sooners' season.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X (formerly known as Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.You can also follow Jaron on X @jaronspor.
ATLANTA (AP) — Lionel Messi faces England in the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday with the chance to move clear of Kylian Mbappé in the race for the golden boot.
Messi and Mbappé are tied on eight goals for the tournament. Messi is also the all-time top scorer in World Cups with 21 goals.
Stopping him is the biggest challenge for England in Atlanta.
“It’s just incredible his campaign, this tournament, how he carries that team, it’s just absolutely incredible,” England coach Thomas Tuchel said of Messi. “There are no words ... left for this kind of achievement, the responsibility and the quality that he shows again in this tournament.”
At the age of 39 this could be Messi's last World Cup and he could surpass Argentina great Diego Maradona by winning the trophy for a second time after victory in Qatar in 2022. Maradona led his country to the title in 1986 and was runner-up four years later.
Argentina is aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since Brazil in 1958 and 62.
England's star players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are also in contention for the golden boot with six goals each.
Despite France losing to Spain in the semifinals, Mbappé could still add to his goals tally if he plays in the third-place match against England or Argentina.
Curt Cignetti doesn't smile or laugh a lot along the sideline, with his fists often attached to his hips. But not many college football fans can work up a great hatred for him.
The national champion Indiana football coach joined the "Up and Adams" podcast, and host Kay Adams jokingly scolded him for place eighth on a recent survey of hated college football coaches.
Cignetti offered a potential reason: "Maybe I'm so cuddly and likable."
The Rotowire poll of fans listed LSU's Lane Kiffin as the most hated coach. Also "more hated" are Colorado's Deion Sanders, Clemson's Dabo Swinney, USC's Lincoln Riley, Ohio State's Ryan Day, Georgia's Kirby Smart and Miami's Mario Cristobal.
Cignetti is apparently slightly more hated than North Carolina's Bill Belichick and Texas Tech's Joey McGuire.
Cignetti, of course, doesn't have much use for that kind of poll.
"The only thing that matters is, how did your team do at the end of the year?" he said. "Did you get the most out of your team?"
IU football coach Curt Cignetti acts in State Farm commercial
The coach came to the podcast immediately after shooting a commercial for State Farm. Is he ready for his close-up?
Cignetti graded his acting skills: "C-, and that's probably being generous."
Curt Cignetti doesn't smile or laugh a lot along the sideline, with his fists often attached to his hips. But not many college football fans can work up a great hatred for him.
The national champion Indiana football coach joined the "Up and Adams" podcast, and host Kay Adams jokingly scolded him for place eighth on a recent survey of hated college football coaches.
Cignetti offered a potential reason: "Maybe I'm so cuddly and likable."
The Rotowire poll of fans listed LSU's Lane Kiffin as the most hated coach. Also "more hated" are Colorado's Deion Sanders, Clemson's Dabo Swinney, USC's Lincoln Riley, Ohio State's Ryan Day, Georgia's Kirby Smart and Miami's Mario Cristobal.
Cignetti is apparently slightly more hated than North Carolina's Bill Belichick and Texas Tech's Joey McGuire.
Cignetti, of course, doesn't have much use for that kind of poll.
"The only thing that matters is, how did your team do at the end of the year?" he said. "Did you get the most out of your team?"
IU football coach Curt Cignetti acts in State Farm commercial
The coach came to the podcast immediately after shooting a commercial for State Farm. Is he ready for his close-up?
Cignetti graded his acting skills: "C-, and that's probably being generous."
Former Duke football quarterback Darian Mensah reflected on his college football journey on Wednesday, July 15 at ACC Football Kickoff.
Mensah, who spent time at Tulane and Duke before landing at Miami, took to the podium in Charlotte seven months after helping the Blue Devils win their eighth ACC championship and first since 1989.
"It's been a special journey to say the least," Mensah said. "Being at multiple stops, it's helped me within my own game. I've been through different OCs now, all different types of offenses. It only makes me a better player going through the transfer portal multiple times."
Mensah also said seeing Miami quarterbacks Carson Beck and Cam Ward succeed played a role in his decision to join the Hurricanes.
"That was a huge factor as far as deciding to transfer, seeing what those two guys did last year," he said. "Made an attractive decision for me. My OC, Coach Dawson, I think the way he will form the offense around the quarterback, around the stuff that he likes to do, also made it something that I wanted to be a part of."
Mensah entered the portal on the final day of its two-week window, announcing his transfer to Miami not long after. Duke originally sued Mensah, claiming a breach of his multi-year contract, but the parties ultimately reached a settlement on Jan. 27.
The Blue Devils in turn picked up San Jose State transfer Walker Eget from the transfer portal. Redshirt freshman Dan Mahan and freshman Terry Walker III are also in the quarterback room.
Manny Diaz, Nate Sheppard, Luke Mergott and Jeremiah Hasley will take the stage in Charlotte for the Blue Devils on Friday, July 17. Duke opens its season on Sept. 5 vs. Tulane.
Anna Snyder covers Duke for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at asnyder@usatodayco.com or follow her @annaesnydr on X, formerly known as Twitter.
AI continues to wreak havoc on the tech industry, driving up the prices of processors, RAM, motherboards, and more PC hardware so companies can keep up with its hunger for more power (and RAM).
Fortunately, Newegg is offering a limited sale on several discounted bundles containing AMD processors we've tested and rated highly for their solid performance, alongside compatible motherboards and 16GB RAM modules to help these CPUs reach their full potential.
So, if you're looking to upgrade your PC with some of the best CPUs for gaming or productivity content creation, along with the best motherboards and precious RAM to maintain their stability, this round-up could be your next best solution.
"True to its word, AMD has specifically targeted gamers with this affordable powerhouse, and I expect my upcoming tests only to cement its place in your next rig." — Ben Wilson, Senior Editor
"In a masterclass of performance-per-watt efficiency, AMD offers incredible single-core performance scores that beat its intended 14600K rival and even challenge the 14700K." — Ben Wilson, Senior Editor
This bundle contains an AMD Ryzen 5 9600X processor along with a compatible MSI B850 GAMING PLUS WIFI6E motherboard with fast WiFi 7 wireless connectivity and two 8GB RAM sticks.View Deal
This gaming-focused bundle contains an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor, a GIGABYTE B650E EAGLE WF6E motherboard that offers PCIe 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6E, and two 8GB RAM sticksView Deal
This bundle contains an AMD Ryzen 9 9900X processor with an ASUS TUF GAMING X870E-PLUS WIFI7 motherboard that features two onboard PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots with fast Wi-Fi 7 and two 8GB DDR5 RAM sticks.View Deal
FAQ
How long will these discounts last?
These discount deals will last from July 14, 2026 to July 31, 2026.
Are these AMD processors good for gaming?
Indeed, they are. AMD's Ryzen 9 9900X, Ryzen 7 7800X3D, and Ryzen 5 9600X processors all offer good to exceptional performance for boosting frame rates and smoothness, particularly the -X3D chips.
Which of these processors is good for productivity?
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D productivity performance is somewhat underwhelming, while the Ryzen 9600X fares much better with creative apps and solid single-core performance.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
An entry-level Alienware PC almost sounds like a contradiction; it's long been the all-out brand you could choose when money isn't a concern, and you'd rather have a guarantee your games will run. So, does the Alienware 15 need to exist, or is it just competing with the tantalizingly new category of high-end gaming handhelds?
Including NVIDIA's RTX 5050 graphics certainly piqued my interest, because until now, I've never seen what this low-end laptop GPU can actually do. Is it worth picking the 50 Series chip for the benefit of cutting-edge DLSS upscaling, or is it too weak to be worth your time? I had so many questions, and these are the conclusions I reached from my testing for this review.
How much does the Alienware 15 cost?
Alienware's modern design language still peeks through in parts of this entry-level laptop. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
The Alienware 15 starts at $1,399.99 on Dell.com, featuring the same AMD Ryzen 7 260 processor as my sample but with a previous-generation NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 discrete graphics card. Memory and storage remain at 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, but upgrading to an RTX 5050 GPU increases the price to $1,459.99.
A third and final variant of the AMD model increases storage to 1TB with an RTX 5060 GPU for $1,849.99, but the CPU remains the Ryzen 7 260. Alternatively, an Intel-based Alienware 15 starts at $1,499.99 on Dell.com with a Core 7-240H CPU, RTX 5050 GPU, and 16GB/512GB of memory and storage, though you can upgrade to RTX 5060 graphics and a 32GB/1TB RAM and SSD combo.
In the United Kingdom, the AMD-based Alienware 15 starts at £829.00 with a less powerful Ryzen 5 220 processor, RTX 3050 graphics, and 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. At the time of writing, an Intel-based Alienware 15 starts at £849.01 with a Core 5-210H CPU, RTX 3050 GPU, and the same 8GB/512GB RAM/SSD.
This gets you exactly what I tested, or an upgrade to a more powerful RTX 5060 GPU and 1TB SSD will cost you $1,849.99. If you aren't confident in self-installed upgrades, you should strongly consider it.View Deal
Is the Alienware 15 well made?
180W AC power requires an outdated barrel jack, but Ethernet, HDMI, and USB-A/C are all welcome.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralWired headphones and another USB-C port on the right side will likely be well used.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralAn elevated portion of the underside holds the cooling fans, and they work hard.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralThe touchpad feels small, but it's good enough to navigate Windows 11.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
The Alienware 15 is a bit of a mixed bag, starting with a relatively plain exterior design featuring an iridescent alien head logo and thick air vent panels underneath, synonymous with the capable cooling you'll see in this category. And while its most striking first impression is how heavy it is — at 4.89 lbs (2.22 kg) — it still isn't much different from its rivals. Gaming laptops are just heavy.
Its 15.3-inch screen sits on a gapped hinge, which looks strange at first glance, but I can feel airflow around the gap while it's in use, so it makes sense. The backlit keyboard is unremarkable, sticking to a single color and including a number pad that I'm sure most gamers will never use, and, as usual, I wish the space had been saved for larger speakers.
The 180W AC adapter uses an outdated barrel jack, but you can charge up to 100W with USB-C.
Admittedly, despite my gripes with the lack of any significant bass response, the sheer volume of the fans during games likely nullifies the appeal of its speakers anyway. As with all gaming laptops, I'm recommending you use headphones here. A small 5.5-inch mechanical touchpad only clicks properly in the bottom half, but you'll probably use a dedicated mouse for most games.
A 3.5mm audio jack pairs with a USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 port on the right side, while a single USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 is available on the left side, along with two traditional USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports for dongles, HDMI-out 2.1 for external monitors, and gigabit Ethernet for wired networking. The 180W AC adapter uses an outdated barrel jack, but you can charge up to 100W with USB-C.
How fast is the Alienware 15?
Counter-Strike 2 demands a smooth frame rate, and 165 FPS is attainable with the RTX 5050.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralYou barely have to tweak the settings in CS2 to keep the FPS high enough.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
Starting with Counter-Strike 2, the game recommends 'High' settings with AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution and vsync disabled for native, uncapped rendering at 1920 x 1200. While spectating a few rounds on Dust II, I saw the frame rate remain around the 165 FPS target when I was connected to AC power and Alienware's 'Performance' mode was active.
However, the laptop's fans were extremely loud throughout, keeping the CPU and GPU temperatures at around 68 °C and 60 °C, respectively. Switching to 'Stealth' mode reduced the fan speed, but no amount of graphical tweaks brought them down to a comfortable, more inconspicuous level. This is a loud laptop, and you'll have to get used to wearing headphones when you're gaming.
Cyberpunk 2077 is quickly becoming the poster child for DLSS because it works so well.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralCertain visuals will look better than others, but upscaling certainly helps the game run smoothly.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
In Cyberpunk 2077, I found that the 'High' preset with ray tracing and upscaling disabled most consistently achieved a native 60 FPS baseline in the game's built-in benchmark. Of course, the game supports DLSS 4.5, so setting Super Resolution to 'Balanced' and Multi Frame Generation (MFG) to 4X in the 'Ray Tracing: Low' preset has the Alienware 15 scaling to 171 FPS, up from ~42 FPS.
I have to assume you're considering a gaming laptop with NVIDIA's RTX 50 Series graphics to take advantage of realistic, ray-traced lighting. Luckily, that is quite possible with the RTX 5050 in the Alienware 15, depending on your feelings around MFG and "fake frames". If, on the other hand, you don't care so much about those visual luxuries, then it runs quite smoothly without ray tracing.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS dips in busy areas, but I was able to stay above 100 FPS.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralApex Legends fared better with frame pacing, though it needed more fine-tuning in the settings.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
For other popular multiplayer titles, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS generally runs above 60 FPS with the 'High' preset at render scale 100, but you can push it to 165 FPS or higher by switching to the 'Medium' preset and further lowering some settings. Similarly, Apex Legends can reach 165 FPS and beyond with a little time spent in the settings, but the laptop's fans will be loud.
Performance benchmarks
Geekbench 6 CPU benchmarking shows the Ryzen 7 260 being beaten by years-old handheld chips.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralWhile the 512GB SSD is limited in capacity, it reads just as fast as the SSDs in Alienware's high-end laptops.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralYou'll see the RTX 5050 suitably appearing in plenty of entry-level gaming laptops like this.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
To put the specs of Alienware's cheapest laptop into perspective, the Ryzen 7 260 is a "Hawk Point" processor built on AMD's previous-generation Zen 4 architecture and ranks as the second-fastest CPU in the Ryzen 200 Series mobile range. That 8-core, 16-thread chip pairs with NVIDIA's entry-level RTX 50 Series mobile GPU, the GeForce RTX 5050.
However, benchmarking the Alienware 15's CPU in Geekbench 6 burst performance tests placed the Ryzen 7 260 even lower than I perhaps expected, even falling below the original ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld from 2024. Cinebench 2024 failed to run any extended CPU stress tests after complaints of insufficient memory, so there's sadly no reprieve for this processor.
(The RTX 5050 is) faster than the last-gen RTX 4050, but of course, it still falls behind the 4060.
Testing the RTX 5050 across 3DMark's full gamut of GPU-centric tests yields a reasonably consistent and unsurprising conclusion: it's faster than the last-gen RTX 4050, but of course, it still falls behind the 4060. If you were choosing between a gaming laptop with an older GPU, such as an RTX 3060, and the 5050 in this Alienware 15, you'd choose the Alienware.
Finally, the PCIe Gen 4 SSD hits around 7,023 MB/s read speeds in CrystalDiskMark, while write speeds drop closer to 5,962 MB/s. It's a fast drive, and one that sees the Alienware 15 running neck-and-neck with the high-end Alienware m18 R2 from 2024. The 512 GB SSD has limited storage capacity, but it performs as expected.
Does the Alienware 15 have any issues?
After installing only four PC games, I started seeing warnings about low storage space. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Above all, the most significant issue I had during my time with the Alienware 15 was its limited 512 GB SSD, reporting a usable 477 GB with only 332 GB of free space on its first boot into Windows 11. It simply isn't enough, and no amount of optimizations offered by the pre-installed 'SupportAssist' app can help that. After installing only four games, I was out of space.
Alienware advertises"user-upgradeable options" for "up to 1TB PCIe SSD (Gen4) storage", promoting "the flexibility to adapt for whatever comes next", but the ongoing memory crisis stunts that notion. It isn't Alienware's (or Dell's) fault, but I quickly learned that 512 GB isn't good enough in a gaming laptop, and upgrades are extremely expensive in 2026.
Holding up a decibel meter during gameplay demonstrates how loud the fans really are.Ben Wilson | Windows CentralThe keyboard gets warm during gameplay, which eventually made my fingers uncomfortable.Ben Wilson | Windows Central
Otherwise, the loud fans (~58 dBA) are difficult to ignore and will likely annoy anyone around you. Booting into a game switches the Alienware 15 into 'Performance' mode via the Alienware Command Center companion app, which quickly ramps up the fan speed. Profiles like 'Stealth' mode advertise the laptop as "ideal for any environment", but it's only true if you aren't gaming.
Despite the fans working as hard as they can, the keyboard still gets quite warm during gaming, and it felt a little uncomfortable after a while. I could solve it by plugging in my Steam Controller or by using an external keyboard and mouse, but at that point it feels like I'm hardly using the laptop. Using a thermal camera, I detected a temperature of 46°C around the WASD keys — not abnormal for a gaming laptop, but not exactly ideal either.
Should you buy the Alienware 15?
Switching power modes with F6 and F7 wrangles the fans a little, but it doesn't stop the overall roar. (Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
You should buy this if ...
✅ You want a modern, entry-level NVIDIA gaming laptop
✅ You don't have space for a full-sized desktop PC
You should not buy this if ...
❌ You're looking for quiet, portable AAA gaming
The biggest problem with entry-level gaming laptops is that they immediately compete with high-end gaming handhelds, like the Xbox Ally X, which will be more tempting for its versatility alone. However, if you're looking for a stay-at-home gaming machine that occasionally travels with you — with an 180W AC adapter included — the Alienware 15 keeps up with modern gaming by leaning heavily on NVIDIA's RTX 5050 GPU.
Its 512 GB of storage will fill up fast, so you'll either have to be happy with regularly switching between installed games from your library, or rely on an external hard drive to transfer backups. This laptop is loud, restrained, and heavy, but it will play your games, particularly so if they support NVIDIA's latest DLSS upscaling technology. If you're pondering the Alienware 15 on a budget because it's on sale, then I say go for it.
Alienware
15 (Ryzen 7 260, RTX 5050)
NVIDIA's GPU does all the heavy lifting, with DLSS upscaling helping this entry-level gaming laptop to keep up.
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In a development that comes on the proverbial heels of China's formal approval of Apple Intelligence features for the country's consumers, Alibaba has notified that its Qwen family of AI models will be integrated into Apple Intelligence, bringing AI-powered experiences for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS users. Users in China will now be able to access Qwen’s entire range of AI capabilities, including text, image, and content generation, directly on Apple devices Alibaba has now officially confirmed that users in China will be able to access its Qwen AI models via Apple devices, going on to note in a statement: […]
Although FromSoftware is known for keeping a very tight lid on its projects, the silence surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive The Duskbloods is getting deafening. After resurfacing during last month's Nintendo Direct, we have learned that a closed network test is scheduled for this Summer, and today we have finally learned when the Japanese development studio, will lift the veil from the game it reportedly spent the most time on to date. "We will be hosting a network test for The Duskbloods on Nintendo Switch 2 from Aug. 21 (Fri.) - Aug. 24 (Mon.). Participant registration will begin on […]
Dünya çempionatının (DÇ-2026) yarımfinalında Fransa ilə oyun İspaniya millisinin futbolçuları Rodri və Emerik Laport üçün əlamətdar olub.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, onlar 2:0 hesablı qələbəyə sevindikləri bu matçda dünya çempionatları tarixinə düşüblər.
Rodri mundialın yarımfinal görüşündə 67 dəqiq ötürmə yerinə yetirib. Bununla da “Mançester Siti”nin futbolçusunun DÇ-2026 ərzində etdiyi dəqiq ötürmələrin sayı 655-ə çatıb. Beləliklə, 30 yaşlı yarımmüdafiəçi 1966-cı ildən etibarən statistikanın aparıldığı dövrdə dünya çempionatlarında ən çox dəqiq ötürmə edən futbolçu rekordunu yeniləyib.
İspaniya millisinin müdafiəçisi Emerik Laport da tarixi göstəriciyə imza atıb. 31 yaşlı futbolçu dünya çempionatları tarixində doğulduğu ölkəni yarımfinal mərhələsində məğlub edən ilk oyunçu olub.
Fransada anadan olan Laport bu ölkənin aşağı yaş qrupları üzrə milli komandalarında 50-dən çox oyun keçirib. Lakin o, baş məşqçi Didye Deşamın rəhbərliyi altında Fransa millisində debüt etmək imkanı əldə etməyib.
Daha sonra İspaniyanın “Atletik” (Bilbao) klubuna transfer olunan müdafiəçi 2021-ci ildə İspaniya vətəndaşlığı alaraq bu ölkənin millisində çıxış etməyə başlayıb.
Qeyd edək ki, İspaniya millisi DÇ-2026-nın yarımfinalında Fransanı 2:0 hesabı ilə məğlub edərək finala vəsiqə qazanıb.
“Fənərbağça”nın futbolçusu Nqolo Kante klubu tərk edə bilər.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, “Paris” yarımmüdafiəçini transfer etmək istəyir. Bu barədə Fransa mətbuatı məlumat yayıb. Liqa 1 təmsilçisi İstanbul klubu ilə danışıqlara start verib.
35 yaşlı futbolçu bu ilin fevralından “Fənərbağça”da çıxış edir. O, Super Liqada 14 oyunda 2 qol vurub.
Binance has unveiled an $800,000 XRP airdrop campaign for eligible Ripple USD holders, introducing weekly rewards designed to encourage activity around Ripple’s dollar-backed stablecoin. According to a July 15 announcement from Binance, users holding RLUSD in Binance Earn, Margin, or…
Circle has secured a court-backed arbitration win after records made public in a Boston federal court detailed why the stablecoin issuer suspended Heka Funds’ USDC minting and redemption services over suspected market manipulation involving Tether. Court filings submitted by Circle…
Andrea Pirlo has emerged as the frontrunner to become Italy’s next head coach, but the prospect of appointing the former World Cup winner has already divided opinion across the country. Lorenzo Bettoni and Alasdair Mackenzie discuss in the latest episode of the Football Italia Summer Show.
While Pirlo’s reputation as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation is beyond question, his relatively limited experience in management has prompted a lively debate over whether he is the right man to lead the Azzurri into a new era.
Official: Andrea Pirlo is the new head coach of the Dubai-based United FC of the UAE first division.
With the Italian Football Federation facing a crucial decision, several other candidates have also been linked with the role.
Each brings a different profile, from proven tactical expertise to international experience, making the search for Italy’s next coach one of the most intriguing storylines in Italian football.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 29: Andrea Pirlo during the “Panchina d’Oro” award season 2022/2023 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on January 29, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
In the latest episode of our Summer Show on YouTube, Lorenzo Bettoni and Alasdair Mackenzie examine Pirlo’s coaching career, weighing up both the strengths and the concerns surrounding his candidacy.
They also assess the leading alternatives, discussing which coach would be the best fit for the national team and who offers Italy the strongest chance of returning to the top of international football.
Roma are actively working to sell Manu Koné for at least €60m, with reports in Italy claiming Manchester United are ahead of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal for the France midfielder.
His asking price had already been a minimum of €50m before the World Cup, but has since surged thanks to his impressive performances, as confirmed by how badly he was missed in the semi-final against Spain when making way for Aurelien Tchaouameni.
Koné targeted by Premier League
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 30: Manu Kone #6 of France inspects the pitch before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between France and Sweden at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 30, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
There are some suggestions in England, most notably from Rio Ferdinand on his YouTube channel, that Manchester United have already agreed a deal worth €53m.
That is not the version given by the Corriere dello Sport, who insist that while Manchester United have been the most consistently interested and taken more steps, they are by no means the only club.
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 13: Manu Kone of France in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between France and Ukraine at Parc des Princes on November 13, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
Above all, the price is not going to drop below €60m (approximately £51m) after those performances in the 2026 World Cup.
The 25-year-old is going to provide a hefty profit regardless, as he was purchased from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2024 for just €18m plus €2m in add-ons.
Sunderland have been linked with interest in another Ligue 1 player who has impressed in the French league.
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Sunderland did an exceptional job last summer in revolutionising their squad after promotion to the Premier League.
Things have been a lot quieter this year – as you’d expect. But they’ll still want to make some important additions.
One player we’ve seen linked to the Black Cats in recent days is Dayann Methalie. Football Insider are among the publications connecting the Toulouse left back to a move to the Premier League.
Methali already ready to step up to Premier League from Ligue 1
Methalie played 28 times in Ligue 1 last season for a Toulouse team who did well. He looks ready for the step up to the Premier League. According to the Football Insider piece, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris and his staff consider the youngster as someone ready to make the move to England.
Sunderland did especially well raiding Ligue 1 last season, so we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see them wrap up this deal. The fact that they will be playing in the Europa League means they need to add depth as well as quality, and at the right price this deal looks like an obvious one to go forward with.
In other news…
Barcelona star Marc Casado is considering leaving the club this summer, and he has decided he wants one guarantee from his new team.
Diogo Costa remains a potential target for Chelsea, although we still have our doubts that they would actually spend the €60m required to sign him.
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England legend Wayne Rooney has backed Harry Kane to “destroy” Argentina’s centre-backs if he’s really on his game in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.
Spain beat France last night to book their place in the final, and now fans will be preparing to follow England vs Argentina in the second semi-final, with the Three Lions chasing a first appearance in a World Cup final since their famous victory of 1966.
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Speaking ahead of the big game, former England forward Rooney is backing Kane as the big difference-maker, as he could be too much for Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero if he plays at his best.
Wayne Rooney makes big Harry Kane claim
Watch below as Rooney explains how Kane could cause that duo a lot of trouble with his intelligent movement…
“If Harry Kane is on it, they won’t be able to deal with Harry Kane,” Rooney said. “Because Harry’s a nightmare for that type of defender.”
He added: “If Harry’s just dragging them into positions where they feel a bit exposed, which they will do … it’s just about the timing of the pass and the timing of the run in behind them.
“I think if Harry is on it he will absolutely destroy those two centre-backs.”
Is this going to turn into Lionel Messi vs Harry Kane?
Football is complex and unpredictable, so to say any game is a battle between any two individuals is far too simplistic.
However, we also know that there are certain talents who are a level above the rest, and that entire game plans can revolve around.
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Kane and Lionel Messi fall into that category, as, arguably, does Jude Bellingham after the form he’s shown at this World Cup so far.
If Rooney is right and Kane can unsettle that Argentina defence, then that could be the game plan that brings England victory.
Marc Casado is picking his new destination very carefully after a lack of minutes in Barcelona, meaning some Premier League teams will miss out.
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Marc Casado has long been talked about as one of the most promising young players who will be on the market this summer, and there is no shortage of interest in him.
But the 22 year old Barcelona star is being very picky about where he goes next. He’s highly rated in Catalonia, but isn’t getting the minutes he wants. That’s why he’s reluctant to respond to the interest from the likes of Chelsea and Man City. Man U are also interested, but their signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in the last couple of weeks have really closed off some avenues there.
Casado wants to play at all costs
Instead, according to a report from TeamTalk, Casado will consider teams slightly further down the Premier League, in order to guarantee playing time.
The likes of Newcastle, Everton, Fulham and Brighton are all named as destinations where he would be able ot play regularly and potentially shine.
He could also yet stay at Barcelona, with manager Hansi Flick trying to convince him of his importance to the squad, even when he’s not a regular starter.
In other news…
Diogo Costa remains a potential target for Chelsea, although we still have our doubts that they would actually spend the €60m required to sign him.
Fabrizio Romano says that Bournemouth are close to completing their latest impressive deal – a move for Antonio Silva from Benfica.
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The Kentucky Wildcats basketball team's roster currently has one open spot left. However, coach Mark Pope has stated that he's happy with the team as it is, so filling the final spot isn't a priority as of now. If a recently filed lawsuit succeeds, though, there could be some intriguing options available, including a former target.
The NCAA has changed the rules of eligibility this summer, going to the five-for-five model that gives each player five years of play and eliminates redshirts and injury waivers. That did not include players who just finished their fourth seasons, though, meaning that their college careers are over. This has been challenged by a group of players suing to give them a fifth year.
One of those players is Cade Tyson, and according to rumor, if he succeeds in gaining another season, Kentucky will be interested. It would make plenty of sense.
Tyson spent his first two seasons at Belmont, where he was an instant impact player. As a sophomore, he averaged 16 points per game and shot 46% from three point range. Then he entered the transfer portal. Mark Pope made contact with him, but he chose North Carolina, but that didn't work out. Tyson averaged just 8 minutes per game and less than 3 points per game. He then headed to Minnesota, where he got back on track, averaging 19.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting 41% from behind the arc.
If Tyson is granted another year of eligibility, there could be plenty of suitors, but the fit at Kentucky is solid. While Pope's third squad has talent at guard, they don't have a proven sharpshooter. Another elite shooter could boost the Wildcats into the top ten, and give them a better chance at a deep NCAA Tournament run.
First, Tyson has to win the lawsuit. It's also important to note that Kentucky's interest is just a rumor as of now. We will follow this story and provide updates as they come.
The Badgers will face Villanova on Dec. 12 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, UW announced July 15 via social media. It did not indicate a time for the game.
The game, operated by Intersport and billed as the “Philly Hoops Showdown,” officially is a neutral-site game. It is the second half of a two-game contract after the Wildcats defeated the Badgers in overtime at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee in 2025-26.
Villanova posted a 24-9 overall record and 15-5 Big East record in 2025-26, which was Kevin Willard’s first year at the helm. The Wildcats were a No. 8 seed in March Madness and lost to Utah State in the first round.
UW denied an open-records request for other men’s basketball game contracts, and the university's public records officials have not yet responded to follow-up questions regarding the denial of records that UW and its peers have historically provided.
After a dominant run through the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defending champion France was denied a third consecutive trip to the final with a 2-0 loss to Spain in Tuesday’s semifinal match. It was a rather stunning end to the team’s run given the way it played throughout the tournament, but none of the players were particularly interested in talking about it.
France entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the betting favorite to lift the trophy, and it certainly looked the part through the group stage and the first three matches of the knockout round, winning every match it played by more than two goals per match on average.
The team was a perfect 6-0 in the tournament entering Tuesday’s match and had not so much as surrendered a goal through the first three matches of the knockout round, all while its high-powered offense, led by the tournament’s leading scorer Kylian Mbappé, made scoring feel inevitable.
But all that changed in Tuesday’s match. Not only did France surrender its first two goals of the knockout round, but Mbappé and company had no answers on the offensive side as they were held scoreless for the first time all tournament.
Needless to say, it was a surprising result, but France did not seem all that willing to answer for it after the match.
According to Michael J. Duarte of The California Post, no French player went through the media mix zone after the match. While not every player is required to speak to the media after matches, teams are required to designate some players to speak in the media mix zone. According to Duarte, that didn’t happen.
All of the French players refused to come through the media mix zone after the match.
FIFA will hopefully fine them.
None of the French players wanted to talk about the loss to Spain that ended their World Cup.
“All of the French players refused to come through the media mix zone after the match. FIFA will hopefully fine them. None of the French players wanted to talk about the loss to Spain that ended their World Cup,” he wrote in a post on X.
It is worth noting that Mbappé appears to have spoken to at least some members of the media in some capacity, as he is quoted in a Reuters article where he called the team’s performance “sloppy.” He also interviewed with Fox Sports reporter Jenny Taft following the match. So it’s probably not fair to say that all of the French players were entirely unwilling to speak on the loss. Whether Duarte and others got the chance to talk to French players, however, is obviously a different story. But based on FIFA’s rules, players are supposed to be made available in the mixed zone, and teams can be fined if that doesn’t happen.
After the loss, France will now take on the loser of Wednesday’s match between England and Argentina in the third-place match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday afternoon.
Less than a day after going undrafted, former Longhorn Cal Higgins found a new home. The Nebraska native signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday and can now focus on starting his professional career. While his career with Texas was full of ups and downs, Higgins did enough to catch the attention of the Phillies front office and scouts. During the 2026 campaign, Higgins posted a 5.56 ERA in 11.1 innings of work. While the Kearney High alum struggled to limit hard contact, he did strikeout 16 batters and added one win to his resume. Those numbers may not jump off the page, but Higgins had a solid track record before transferring to Texas.
The newest member of the Phillies organization began his college career at Western Kentucky. Higgins posted a 3.18 ERA during his sophomore season before taking his game to another level. As a junior, he recorded a 1.87 ERA in 22 games while striking out 52 batters. The talented lefty also pitched in some high-leverage situations, adding six saves to his resume.
As Higgins begins the next chapter of his baseball career, he will be around a familiar face. The Phillies used the 100th overall pick on former Longhorns ace Ruger Riojas. Having a former teammate also making the transition to the next level should make life easier for Higgins as he continues to improve his game.
Cal Higgins (@WVBlackBears) impressed with a quality three-pitch mix last night, picking up all three outs via the strikeout.🐻
— MLB Draft League Data (@draftleaguedata) June 24, 2026
Over the last few days, Longhorns baseball has had plenty to celebrate. Higgins joined Carson Tinney, Aiden Robbins, Thomas Burns, Luke Harrison, and Cody Howard as alumni who were either drafted or signed by an MLB team this year. That is not bad company to be in.
Now, for Higgins, the focus will be to show that he can be a piece of the Phillies' future as he moves closer to the majors.
The 2026 football season for the Auburn Tigers is on the horizon. As we anticipate the start of the season, let's introduce you to a key member of the 2026 roster.
A defensive piece that has the capability to be the next man up for the loaded Auburn linebacking room is sophomore Bryce Deas. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker saw the field 11 times this past year for the Tigers. Deas is projected to be a second-team linebacker, obviously with the two studs in junior Xavier Atkins and sophomore Elijah Melendez ahead in the depth chart.
Defensive coordinator DJ Durkin's defense has been very productive in the linebacking corps. Deas has that chance to be the next one of those guys that Durkin has gotten the best out of at the position. As a true freshman, he debuted against Baylor and recorded his first tackle-for-loss against Ball State. Throughout the season, Deas would be used in a rotational piece-type role on defense for the Tigers.
Coming out of high school, he was rated a four-star (composite industry score) and was seen as the No. 50 player at his position by 247Sports. He played at St. Francis Academy in Maryland. He led the team as a team captain and played both sides as a running back and linebacker. He excelled in track and field, where he lettered.
Learn more about Auburn linebacker Bryce Deas by checking out his 2026 Auburn football player profile below.
Bryce Deas' player profile
Position: Linebacker
Hometown: Prince George's County, Maryland
High School: St. Francis Academy
Height: 6-1
Weight: 225
Class: Sophomore
Bryce Deas as a recruit
Recruiting class: 2025
Position rank: No. 50 linebacker (247Sports)
State rank: No. 19 from Maryland (247Sports)
Rating: Four-star (Composite)
Other schools in the mix: Boston College, Colorado, Georgia Tech
Bryce Deas' career stats
YEAR
GAMES PLAYED
STARTS
TACKLES
TFL
INT
PBU
2025
11
1
12
2
0
2
TOTALS
11
1
12
2
0
2
Bryce Deas PFF report card
2025: 74.3
Strengths: Coverage (77.2 in 2025), Pressures (created 8 in 2025), Tackling (missed 4 in 185 snaps in 2025)
Photos of Bryce Deas' career
Check out our other Auburn football player previews
Auburn Wire is preparing for the 2026 season by profiling several notable players. Check out the 2026 player profile of your favorite player below.
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Voters expect Florida A&M football to be in the bottom half of the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s East division during the 2026 season, as released on Wednesday, July 15, during Media Day in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Rattlers were picked fourth out of six teams in the SWAC East in the league’s 2026 predicted order of finish. They received 70 points in the voting panel of head coaches and sports information directors.
The East, in order, is led by Alabama State (131 points, 16 first-place votes), and followed by Jackson State (122 points, seven first-place votes), Bethune-Cookman (71 points), FAMU (70 points), Alabama A&M (66 points), and Mississippi Valley State (29 points).
In contrast, the SWAC West’s six teams in order of prediction are Prairie View A&M (130 points, 19 first-place votes), Grambling State (93 points, two first-place votes), Alcorn State (90 points, one first-place vote), Texas Southern (79 points, one first-place vote), Southern (65 points, one first-place vote), and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (32 points).
That means FAMU received the eighth-most points out of the SWAC’s 12 teams.
SOUTHPORT, England — The fan village sits right of the 13th hole at the 154th Open Championship, all retail tents and corporate fortresses and vendor buggies. Rising from the open field it's an impressive sight, so long as you don't think too hard about what it replaced.
This is usually Royal Birkdale's practice range, arguably the best in the United Kingdom, unarguably one of the coolest parts of the property. It's the spot where Jordan Spieth spiritually fused with the ghost of Seve for 22 beautiful minutes, an episode that explains why the Spieth Experience™ still has gravitational pull long after his star stopped emitting light. Now, where Spieth's shot cleared the dunes and vanished into the unknown, you can buy a claret jug hat for £20.
It's one change in a wave of them at Birkdale. Each is defensible on its own. Together, they leave things unsettled. The Open, at its core, is an exercise in preserving art from a distant time. Lately it feels like the art is being altered just to get more people through the door, compromising the very reason they came.
This isn't a rant against commercialism for its own sake. The R&A is transparent that Open week funds nearly everything the organization does the rest of the year. Grassroots grants, course-access programs, sustainability research, the amateur game, women's and girls' initiatives. It’s money that reaches well past St. Andrews, into municipal courses with no connection to major championships. The R&A is not a private equity fund extracting value. It's a good steward putting the money to good use. The more this week makes, the more work it can do the other 51.
That's all well and good. It's just that the Open guards a purity that much of the rest of the professional game waved goodbye to long ago. Players historically used the same modest clubhouse lockers. You see them walking into town for dinner, unbothered, sometimes unrecognized. Get a tee time at a neighboring course at dusk and you'll find a caddie or two playing nine with a local, chasing the last of the light. Fans camp in fields a mile out and walk in at dawn. The merchandise tent, until recently, looked more like a pro shop than a flagship store. No tier system for how close to the game you were allowed to get. The competition and the people who showed up for it was the product.
For years, that was the reality. It's still the promise. It's just not entirely the experience anymore.
Players now get driven to holes in Mercedes courtesy cars. The merchandise area has grown to the size of a department store. The R&A, it seems, has done the math on what the Masters makes off sales like these. The grounds overflow with branded "experiences," from whiskey to tourism, to credit cards and insurance and watch-making. Hospitality has expanded, too, tiered now into "Signature," "Platinum," "Premium" and "Select," in descending order of how close your money gets you to the game. Signature is the top of the ladder. It buys access to "Clarets," the venue overlooking the 17th green, plus three others around the course. A reserved grandstand seat at 18. A Q&A with a past or current player. A photo with the claret jug. A fast track through the Open Shop. All-inclusive food and beverage. Early-bird pricing runs $1,344 for Wednesday, $3,286 for Sunday.
It's not that these changes are being made—this is happening at all of golf’s biggest events—but how. Only the Old Course has hosted the Open more than Royal Birkdale over the last 70 years. That legacy didn't stop the club from remaking its setup wholesale since 2017: a full redesign of the short par-4 fifth; a shortened and rebuilt par-3 seventh; the old par-3 14th erased entirely; the old par-5 15th rebuilt to become the the new 14th; a new par-3 15th that shares almost nothing with the hole it replaced. Erasing the old 14th also opened ground to carve out a short-game area that wasn't there before.
An aerial view of Royal Birkdale for this week's Open, with the spectator village located in what's the club's practice facility.
Oisin Keniry/R&A
The changes collectively feel like a betrayal of what a links is supposed to be. A proper links isn't a sequence of holes so much as a single organism. One that breathes with the land, exhales with its weather and remembers, hole to hole, what it asked of you a few holes back, the way a good novel plants a line in the opening pages and cashes it in Chapter 20. That rhythm isn't decorative, as old Scottish and English architects walked the ground until it told them where the holes already were, and then they got out of the way. It's the entire architectural philosophy separating links golf from the parkland style America perfected, where nothing is imposed and everything is discovered.
Bolt three or four new holes onto that organism, built to modern spec, with modern equipment and modern crowd-flow math in mind, and you don't get a stronger version of the same course. You get a graft that never quite takes.
Scottie Scheffler, perhaps accidentally, delivered a dagger on Tuesday, stating "I think it's pretty obvious … the one thing I found interesting is it's so obvious as to which holes had been redone. They look like they're not even on the same golf course. You look at 14, 15, 16, those green complexes and the amount of slope that they have off of them are pretty severe and quite challenging. The fifth hole is kind of like that, seventh hole as well. It was pretty obvious like, oh, these are the holes that got redone because they look like they're on a different golf course."
Christian Petersen
If you're wondering why a links tracing its roots to the 19th century made changes this drastic, it wasn't entirely for shot-making. It wasn't for tournament toughness, either. It was for crowds, crowd flow and the bottom line. In 2017, the Open drew a then-record 230,000 here. This week, that number is expected to jump 30 percent to 300,000 on the grounds. The math is simple: more tickets, more merchandise, more money.
In his annual address to the media, R&A chief Mark Darbon pushed back against the idea that Birkdale had bent to spectator demand. "Given the strength of partnership that we have with our host venues, of course we're part of some of those discussions, and where there are things that we can do together that also help us operationally, they often make sense to do to help with the staging of the championship," Darbon said of course changes he insists the members were behind. "I think it would be wrong to say that all of the changes are driven by a need to accommodate spectators."
But is there a potential price for refusing to change? Darbon says there's no threat to those that don't, but Royal Portrush had to carve out two new holes to build a fan village in 2019. Royal Liverpool did the same in 2023.
And there are the current predicaments of rota courses Muirfield and Turnberry. Both spent years on a kind of shadow probation over political entanglements—Turnberry for its ties to the Trump family, Muirfield for its no-women membership—the sort of principled stand the R&A could make and still look virtuous doing it. Now each is sidelined for other reasons. Turnberry is deemed too remote; the R&A wants new roads built to handle the traffic. Muirfield's sin is refusing to remodel itself for bigger crowds; a smaller, more intimate footprint that once read as a virtue is now treated as a disqualifier. The 2013 Open at Muirfield drew roughly 140,000 fans, less than half of what's expected this week. The same logic applies to Portmarnock, waiting in the wings for its own Open bid, already being told the local infrastructure isn't ready with not enough beds, not enough roads, fans possibly ferried in by boat.
The real test of how far this goes arrives next July, at St. Andrews, when it hosts the 2027 Open Championship. The Home of Golf is supposed to shatter this week's attendance record, drawing as many as 30,000 to 40,000 more fans than it did in 2022. Somewhere near 330,000 people funneled into a town of 17,000. That's a town problem, a roads problem, a can-this-place-physically-hold-this-many-people problem. St Andrews is the source code. If the Old Course starts getting redrawn to answer to a gate number, there's no longer a version of the Open immune from this thinking. Everything becomes negotiable once the birthplace of the game is on the table.
To be fair, the Open isn't the only one making this trade. The Masters has spent the last decade turning its hospitality operation into an arms race, expanding merchandise revenue and premium patron packages well beyond what Augusta once tolerated. The USGA has followed a similar path at the U.S. Open, layering in more corporate hospitality tiers each cycle. The Ryder Cup, run by the PGA of America, now functions as much as a hospitality event as a competition, with ticket packages becoming controversial.
Still, is there a cost to what the Open is doing? This championship has a version of the game closest to how it was actually invented. Played over land no one built, on ground fast and cruel enough that luck and skill blur into the same thing, in weather nobody controls and nobody thinks to complain about. Every other major sells controlled perfection; the Open, historically, has sold the opposite. Not pure, exactly. But the closest thing left. The Open's value was never tradition for tradition's own sake but a reminder of what this game once was and, if only for a week, can still be again.
This week, there sure feels like a lot of proverbial scaffolding.
And the thing about that is, put it up, keep it up long enough, and eventually people forget there's a building underneath at all. They start to think the scaffolding is the attraction.
If the Open gets sanded down into something more legible for a bigger gate, it won't have necessarily failed. Attendance up. Revenue up. Grants written, courses funded, good work done. But it will be another step away from why any of this matters in the first place. Nobody votes to kill an identity. They just keep trading slivers of it for next year's numbers, until one day the identity is simply gone, and no one knows why it vanished. But at least you can buy a hat at the spot where the identity once lived.
NEW YORK (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes will raise their second Stanley Cup championship banner on Sept. 29 before hosting the Florida Panthers to kick off the NHL season.
The opener pits the most recent champions against the winners the previous two years. The Panthers look primed to contend for another title until injuries derailed them and caused them to miss the playoffs. Carolina lost only one game to get through the Eastern Conference, then defeated Vegas in the final to win it all for the first time since 2006.
The league announced home openers for all 32 clubs Wednesday. The full schedule is set to be released on Thursday.
The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins will also face off as part of a five-game curtain raiser. The Chicago Blackhawks visit the Vegas Golden Knights in the nightcap.
Play begins before October as the league moves to an 84-game schedule for the first time since 1993-94. The 1,344 games will be the most in NHL history.
Nowadays, storage devices for consumer and data center applications differ rather dramatically, as do approaches to product design as well as go-to-market strategies. Therefore, to get a more or less comprehensive overview of the storage market in general, you must observe both ends of the spectrum. To complement our interview with Nelson Duann at Computex, we also sat down with his colleague Alex Chou, who is in charge of Silicon Motion’s enterprise storage business.
Alex Chou is an interesting person to talk to. Before joining Silicon Motion, he spent some 18 years at Broadcom, where he led the wireless connectivity business, also initiating the Enterprise Switch, PoE, and 10-G Base-T PHY business with a product marketing focus. Before that, he worked at UMC Capital, ARK Logic, and Western Digital, where he developed graphics accelerators. He deeply understands the industry and uses his knowledge to expand SMI's business into the data center segment. As he is the first general manager of Silicon Motion's enterprise business unit, it is safe to say that all the success that the company has faced in the new segment so far can be attributed to Alex Chou.
Anton Shilov: Can you introduce yourself to our readers, please?
Alex Chou: My name is Alex Chou. As you know, Silicon Motion has two business units: the client business and the enterprise business. I am responsible for the enterprise business unit. My responsibilities include defining new products, leading development teams, bringing products to market, and working with OEMs, cloud service providers, and other customers to promote our technology and differentiation.
Getting into enterprise SSD business
Historically, Silicon Motion was focused on NAND controllers for client applications as well as embedded graphics processors and USB display controllers. Following the restructuring in the early 2020s, SMI formed a separate business unit to offer enterprise-grade SSD controllers, though it took the company some time to land its first tangible orders. By now, the company has yet to grab a 10% market share, yet it has clients among cloud service providers (CSPs), hyperscalers, and OEMs, significant achievements given Silicon Motion is a relatively new market entrant.
Anton Shilov: It has been a challenging year for much of the industry, particularly for memory-related segments. Yet Silicon Motion reported first-quarter revenue of $342.1 million, up 23% sequentially and 105% year-over-year, while SSD controller sales increased by roughly 40% to 45%. Can you explain what drove those results, particularly on the enterprise side?
Alex Chou: It depends on how you define a difficult year. If you look at the results, I would argue that this has actually been one of the best years the storage industry has seen.
Silicon Motion is fundamentally a controller company. We build controllers that work with NAND from all major memory suppliers. On the enterprise side, we are still relatively new compared to some established competitors, but we have secured a number of new projects and have started delivering products to customers.
We have invested heavily in PCIe Gen5, Gen6, and Gen7 enterprise SSD controllers. Today, our Gen5 products are beginning to ramp into volume production with multiple OEM customers. That ramp is contributing to our growth.
Anton Shilov: Do you have an estimate of your market share in the enterprise SSD controller market?
Alex Chou: That depends on how you define the market. Some people measure market share by unit shipments, while others look at exabytes shipped because SSD capacities continue to increase.
We have only recently begun shipping enterprise products in volume. If you listened to our CEO's comments during the earnings call, we expect enterprise shipments to increase significantly in the second half of the year. We are still in the early stages of our ramp, but we are making good progress with several key customers.
If you look beyond the initial ramp and think about the full-year run rate, I believe we can build from there and target a much stronger position next year. Longer term, our goal is to exceed 10% market share in the $4B enterprise SSD controller market, but this year is really about getting through qualification, customer testing, and the early production ramp in 2 half of this year.
Our goal is to continue expanding our share. We are only beginning the ramp [of our data center-grade SSD controllers] today, but we expect our share to increase meaningfully as deployments grow.
Anton Shilov: Who are your primary customers? SSD manufacturers, OEMs, or hyperscalers?
Alex Chou: We primarily work with OEMs. We sell controllers and firmware solutions to SSD manufacturers and OEMs. Some customers use our complete controller-and-firmware solution, while others develop their own firmware.
At the same time, we work directly with hyperscalers and cloud service providers to explain the advantages of our products and ensure they understand our technology roadmap.
Enterprise SSDs are used in several different segments. Traditional compute servers represent one market. High-density storage systems used for AI and large-scale data storage are another. We also see growing interest in storage systems located near GPUs, where latency becomes particularly important.
One area where we differentiate ourselves is quality of service. We have developed a patented traffic-shaping engine that helps maintain latency consistency under heavy workloads and multi-tenant environments. That capability is particularly attractive to hyperscalers and cloud service providers.
Anton Shilov: Do you see the enterprise SSD market splitting into different categories depending on workload?
Alex Chou: Yes. We see at least three major categories emerging.
The first is traditional compute-attached enterprise SSDs, which are used in conventional servers and storage systems. The second is very high-density storage for AI and hyperscale environments, where capacity, throughput, and cost efficiency are critical. The third is storage located closer to GPUs, where the requirements are very different because latency and quality of service become much more important.
That third category is particularly interesting. In AI systems, the storage subsystem is no longer just feeding CPUs. It increasingly has to support GPUs directly, especially for workloads involving very large datasets or KV-cache offload. In those environments, low latency and predictable performance matter much more than they did in traditional storage deployments.
Storage Next, PCIe 6 and PCIe 7 SSD controllers
Anton Shilov: Is that where Nvidia's Storage Next vision comes in?
Alex Chou: Yes. Storage Next is one of the major industry developments we are watching very closely.
The idea is that storage will move closer to the GPU and become part of a much more tightly integrated data path. In some cases, the goal is not just to maximize bandwidth, but to ensure that latency remains low and deterministic enough for AI workloads that continuously move data between accelerators, system memory, and storage.
This is one of the reasons we have invested heavily in QoS and latency control. Through our traffic-shaping technology, we can manage access patterns and reduce latency spikes when multiple tenants or applications share the same SSD. In a cloud environment or an AI storage environment, that becomes very important.
(Image credit: Silicon Motion)
Anton Shilov: So, the challenge is no longer just raw throughput, but how predictably the SSD behaves under load?
Alex Chou: Exactly. Bandwidth still matters, but in many enterprise and AI environments, consistency matters just as much.
When multiple applications, multiple VMs, or multiple users share the same storage device, you need to control latency and quality of service carefully. If performance becomes unpredictable, it can affect the entire system.
That is why we have focused on a traffic-shaping mechanism that can prioritize and isolate workloads more effectively. We believe that kind of latency management will become a key differentiator for enterprise SSD controllers going forward.
Anton Shilov: How does that affect your roadmap for future controllers?
Alex Chou: It affects it quite a bit. Our upcoming controllers are not designed only for higher sequential bandwidth. They are also being designed for newer enterprise requirements such as OCP 2.7 compliance, stronger security, better QoS, and support for more advanced deployment models.
Anton Shilov: Are you already sampling your PCIe 6.x controllers?
Alex Chou: On the Gen6 side, our controller design is essentially complete; we have an FPGA [emulating algorithms], and we expect tape-out very soon. If everything goes according to plan, we expect first silicon back in the second half of 2026.
That controller not only supports a faster host interface, but also supports new features and requirements we see from AI infrastructure and hyperscale customers.
Anton Shilov: So, the PCIe Gen6 SSD platform is not just a speed upgrade for Silicon Motion?
Alex Chou: Correct. PCIe Gen6 obviously provides more bandwidth, but for us the more important part is that the surrounding system requirements are changing as well. Security, QoS, cloud deployment models, and AI storage architectures are all evolving at the same time, so the controller has to evolve with them.
Anton Shilov: Let us talk about the roadmap in more detail. You said the PCIe Gen6 enterprise controller is close to tape-out. What comes after that?
Alex Chou: PCIe Gen6 is the next major step for us, and the design is essentially complete. We expect to tape out very soon and, assuming [everything works correctly], receive first silicon in the second half of 2026.
But internally, we are already working beyond PCIe Gen6. PCIe Gen7 development has already started. In fact, the overall architecture for our Gen7 enterprise controller platform has already been defined. That means we are not just planning the interface speed increase; we are also defining the surrounding architecture, feature set, and deployment model that will be needed in the next generation of enterprise and AI systems.
Anton Shilov: So, SMI's PCIe Gen7 controller is no longer just a concept?
Alex Chou: Correct. PCIe Gen7 is already in active development. The current plan is to have internal samples in 2H, 2027 and to move toward production in that same general timeframe.
As controller development becomes more complex, you cannot wait until the market is ready before starting work. By the time a new interface reaches the market, the controller has to be nearly finished already. So, we are always working at least one generation ahead, and in practice often two.
Anton Shilov: As NAND becomes denser and more complex, error correction also becomes a bigger issue?
Alex Chou: That is a major part of controller development now. As NAND moves to higher layer counts and denser cell structures, the controller has to do more work to maintain reliability, endurance, and data integrity.
One of the areas we are working on is stronger LDPC. On the enterprise side, LDPC with a 16KB collaborative codeword is already used with SM8466, SMI’s first Enterprise PCIe Gen6 controller, and it is part of the roadmap because future NAND will require more robust error correction. That is one of the reasons enterprise controller architecture keeps becoming more complex generation after generation. You are no longer designing only for interface speed. You are also designing for signal integrity, power, security, QoS, error correction, and support for future NAND generations that may behave very differently from today's devices.
Anton Shilov: Will LDPC with 16KB collaborative codeword be enough for next generations of 3D NAND with hundreds of active layers?
Alex Chou: A 16KB LDPC engine already consumes a significant amount of silicon area and is quite sophisticated. For PCIe Gen7 controllers, our goal is to optimize and improve that engine from multiple angles rather than simply keep expanding it. We still need our architects to make the final call on exactly which improvements we will implement, but at this point we are more likely to refine and enhance the current design than to move beyond 16KB LDPC.
SSD controller development strategy
Anton Shilov: Speaking more generally, SSD controllers are increasingly becoming full platforms rather than just controllers, because integration matters so much. Do you expect close collaboration between controller vendors, NAND makers, and SSD manufacturers to become even more important as the industry moves to next-generation storage devices?
Alex Chou: I may not fully understand your question, but let me explain how we approach it.
At Silicon Motion, we design the controller architecture and build the firmware stack with a rich feature set. For example, we have developed our own [PerformaShape] traffic-shaping engine to improve QoS. That is the foundation of the platform.
From there, we have to look at how NAND evolves from one generation to the next. As we move from PCIe Gen5 to Gen6 to Gen7, controller performance has to scale accordingly. If you want to saturate the PCIe interface and deliver, say, 7 million IOPS today and much higher performance in future generations, you have to understand exactly where NAND is going.
That is why my team meets regularly with Samsung, SK hynix, SanDisk, Kioxia, and all other NAND vendors to review their roadmaps. Silicon Motion is part of that ecosystem, and because of those relationships, we usually get early visibility into future NAND generations and often receive early samples so we can bring up our controllers and make sure they take advantage of new NAND as quickly as possible.
That matters even more in the current supply environment. Because we work with all NAND suppliers, hyperscalers and cloud service providers can come to us and ask for a solution that is not tied to a single memory vendor. A company like Samsung naturally builds around its own NAND, but we have the advantage of being able to support multiple suppliers. That gives customers much more flexibility when supply is tight.
So yes, we have a core controller architecture and a common firmware base, but one of our strengths is that we work very closely with NAND vendors on future generations and make sure our platform can take advantage of faster interfaces, higher die counts, and new NAND capabilities as they arrive.
XL-Flash and storage-class memory
Anton Shilov: What about storage-class memory? Are there any developments there? As far as I can tell, adoption of Kioxia’s XL-Flash has been limited.
Alex Chou: That’s a very good question. I am actually going to visit Kioxia, so I should have a better sense of their plans after that. At the moment, Kioxia is essentially the only company still pushing XL-Flash, so they are trying to build something around it.
The challenge is that it is not just about the technology itself. You need a broader ecosystem to support it, and that is what makes the situation more complicated. We are watching it closely and trying to understand whether it is something we really need to support, but at this point I do not have a definitive answer. We are still evaluating it.
Anton Shilov: Have you heard anything similar from other suppliers? Quite a few memory makers used to talk about storage-class memory or similar technologies in their roadmaps.
Alex Chou: Based on what we know, not really. If you look back at last year’s Flash Memory Summit, several NAND makers were talking about higher-performance flash and storage-class-memory-like concepts. That created a lot of buzz at the time, and we looked into it, just as we have looked into XL-Flash, to understand whether there was a real ecosystem forming around it.
But there is much less discussion around those ideas now. One reason is simple: memory vendors do not really need those products at the moment because they can sell conventional NAND at very high prices and still generate strong returns.
Anton Shilov: In other words, they can just sell QLC 3D NAND and be perfectly happy.
Alex Chou: Exactly.
Anton Shilov: On the other hand, Nvidia wants storage devices capable of 100 million IOPS.
Alex Chou: Yes, that is where Storage Next comes in.
Anton Shilov: Has anyone actually come close to 100 million IOPS yet?
Alex Chou: I would say Storage Next gains many attentions. XL-Flash could be one possible approach to address that kind of requirement. But these are other options aiming to address high-performance and low latency needs.
What matters more is that Storage Next has a much stronger ecosystem behind it because Nvidia is actively driving it. There are regular meetings around it, and our architect has been involved from the very beginning. We have been tracking it closely and trying to make sure our future controller architecture can support it if and when the market materializes.
At the same time, Nvidia itself appears to recognize that 100 million or 200 million IOPS may not be realistic in the near term. The target seems to be moving closer to something like 50 million IOPS, which is more achievable. So yes, we are watching it very closely, and we are building in the flexibility to support it if needed.
In storage, having a technically interesting idea is not enough. The industry has to agree on how to use it, how to deploy it, and how to integrate it into systems. Storage Next currently has more momentum because the ecosystem behind it is much stronger.
Anton Shilov: So, you see Storage Next as more commercially relevant than storage-class memory, at least for now?
Alex Chou: Yes. At least today, Storage Next looks more immediate and more actionable.
We are already participating in those discussions and thinking about what future controller requirements will look like in that environment. That includes not only bandwidth, but also latency behavior, QoS, and the role storage plays in systems where GPUs are increasingly central to the data path.
That does not mean other technologies disappear. It just means that if you ask where the market is actively moving right now, the answer is much more on the Storage Next side than on the storage-class-memory side.
Anton Shilov: So, in practice, you make sure your controller works with all relevant NAND types, while the memory vendor mainly has to make sure the media itself complies with the interface requirements?
Alex Chou: When we design a controller, we already cooperate closely with NAND suppliers. Our architects look at all of the major vendors to understand whether there are any special requirements we need to account for. Then we handle another layer of optimization in firmware to make sure we can support all of those devices properly.
If you look deeper into enterprise NAND, most products also use interface chips internally to connect large numbers of dies. Those interface chips can differ from vendor to vendor, so we need to understand their configurations as well, including die counts, planes, and other architectural details. The goal is to make sure the controller and firmware together can support all of those different combinations.
So far, our architecture has been able to support NAND from SanDisk, Kioxia, SK hynix, and the other major vendors. Even if the interface chips differ, we try to keep the overall hardware design as flexible as possible.
There are really three elements involved: the controller itself, the hardware board, and the firmware. Ideally, you do not want a completely different board design for every NAND supplier. Fortunately, the industry has standardized a lot of the pinouts and module interfaces, which makes it possible to use a common hardware design and swap in NAND from different suppliers with the right firmware support.
We spend a lot of time making sure we can support all of those different combinations.
Anton Shilov: So you are effectively building controllers with a fairly clear view of what future NAND generations will look like.
Alex Chou: Exactly. We want to make sure that when the next generation of NAND arrives, we are ready to support it as broadly as possible.
For the longest time, I thought that, despite their annoyances, iPhones had something big over the best Android phones: PC connectivity. I'd always seen iPhone and Mac-owning friends quickly send files between the two, and assumed it was an Apple-exclusive feature.
As it turns out, this isn't true. Android users can use a Windows app that brings loads of really useful features — and it's really underutilized, which is why a tech journalist like me hadn't heard of it.
This software is called Phone Link, and we've got a guide on how to connect your Android phone to a Windows PC using Phone Link elsewhere on TechRadar. I downloaded it about a year ago, largely out of duty to test every tool, appliance, and gadget I could get my hands on. I was expecting it to last a weekend.
A year on, though, and Phone Link has become such a useful part of my workflow that I'd forgotten it's something not everyone's heard about. It's such a natural part of the way I use my phone and computer that I'd totally forgotten it was something I initially downloaded to test!
Well, no longer: TechRadar has let me wax lyrical about Phone Link, and I'm going to give the tool its time in the sun.
Sending photos from phone to PC
(Image credit: Future)
For the most part, whenever I want to connect my phone to my PC, it's to move pictures between the two devices.
As a smartphone journalist, you can understand that I'm sending snaps from my phone to my computer a lot. Sometimes it's camera samples from a mobile I'm testing that I want to upload for a review. Occasionally, I want to back up pictures I really like before I wipe a phone and send it back to the company.
The most frequent use case, though, is to transfer to my PC pictures I've taken on one phone, of another. I use smartphones to do review photography, and it's a great way to test out a phone I'm reviewing.
Before Phone Link, I'd have to use a USB cable to connect my phone to my computer — approving the connection on my Android's end, because they're always annoyingly suspicious — and drag and drop all the relevant pictures into a folder on my computer. It's not an especially onerous process — it's a lot quicker than when I used to use Google Drive to transfer pictures, for instance — but it takes a little while of fiddling with my phone and digging out a cable to work.
Not so with Phone Link. Its Photos tab shows a big old list of all the pictures you've taken recently, giving you options to save them to your PC, open them in an editing app, and share them with others.
These pictures appear as soon as you take them, as long as your phone is on the same Wi-Fi as your computer. I've become used to taking photos in one room of my home, and entering my office, to see them linked up on Phone Link, ready for an edit. When I've got PC notifications turned on, I can even hear the 'bong' of my computer telling me they've arrived.
Phone Link also lets you browse the contents of your mobile in the Files tab, where it appears in the Devices and drives list alongside any cloud or local drives you have. I don't use my phone to handle non-photo files, but it's a nice touch that'd be really useful if I were in another line of work.
Apps on my PC
(Image credit: Future)
Ostensibly, one of the main uses for Phone Link is that it lets you open your smartphone apps on your computer. Its Apps page shows you a massive list of every one you have installed on your mobile, and clicking on it opens it in a window.
This doesn't override anything you have going on on your phone; if you're using it as a second screen to watch a YouTube video or act as a music player (one of many ways you can repurpose an old Android phone), the app will open in your PC window alone.
When I first started Phone Link, I tried using it for everything, but often bounced straight off. In many circumstances, using a smartphone is simply more intuitive than using a mouse and keyboard, given that phone apps are designed for thumbs. But over time, I've found a few uses of Phone Link's app windows that are genuinely handy.
As mentioned, one of those uses is as a music player. I can let Spotify hang around as a spare window, ready to skip tracks or change playlists when I want. It's also useful as a way to check apps that don't have PC equivalents, like Too Good To Go or Mubi Go, or ones that do have web functions but are easier on the phone, like my national health service's app.
There's one way that Phone Link saved me hours, though. When I used to work for a company that didn't let you use your work Gmail account on personal computers, Phone Link was my workaround to still see emails on my PC. This saved me ages each day; time that'd otherwise be taken up checking and replying to emails on my phone, or trying to get my decrepit work laptop to turn on.
Naturally, you can manage your calls and texts via Phone Link too. Personally, I don't think I've sent an SMS or made a non-WhatsApp voice call since the 2010s, but I'm sure there are some people who'd find this handy.
I also appreciate a notification list down the left side of Phone Link. This transforms it from being software solely for controlling your mobile to a veritable hub of information from your handset. I'll often keep it up on my second monitor; it makes good use of its space.
Controlling my phone from my computer
(Image credit: Future)
As mentioned, you can use your computer to control your mobile's apps via Phone Link, but you can also use it to change the actual settings of the device itself, which proves itself useful in an entirely different way.
Phone Link lets you monitor your phone status; I can see how it's connected to other devices, what battery it's on, and whether it's currently paired with Phone Link or not. I can even see a little representation of what my wallpaper currently is. All useful to a small degree, but the charge is the only one of those that's seriously useful.
What's more important are the status controls. You can toggle between vibrate, sound, and silent, turn Do Not Disturb on and off, and turn on the media player.
From a cursory mention of the tools, these might not sound that important, but I've found them really useful in a pinch. I'm constantly forgetting to mute my phone before I go on a video meeting, and a quick click of the Do Not Disturb button means I'm not going to have unexpected calls.
As a lazy person, I also love the fact that you can use Phone Link to play a sound from your phone; I'm always doing this instead of spending five seconds actually looking.
My one gripe with Phone Link is that I still need my phone with me to use it. When you start using it each session, you're required to unlock your device and approve the connection. But this is a small price to pay for the transformational effect it's had on my workflow — and I hope that you, too, consider giving it a try.
Back in 2023, T-Force by TeamGroup introduced its first Gen5 SSD solution, the CARDEA Z540. Based on the Phison E26 controller, this SSD offered up to 12.4 GB/s speeds, making it a solid option back then. At the moment, there are plenty of Gen5 SSD controllers in the market, Phison has its new E28 and E31T, the SMI SM2508 is doing great, and InnoGrit, along with Samsung, has its own solutions offering really fast storage capabilities on NVMe products. TeamGroup has also streamlined its product family over the years, now leveraging the G-series branding in "GE", "GC", and "GA". The […]
A former TSMC executive, suspected of taking the firm's trade secrets to Intel, has had his records on Taiwan's research institute's body removed, according to reports in the local media. The executive, Wei-Jen Lo, was TSMC's senior vice president for corporate strategy and development and he played a role in helping the firm mass produce its 5-nanometer, 3-nanometer and 2-nanometer chip manufacturing process technologies. Authorities began investigating Lo last year in November after he left TSMC following allegations that the former executive took proprietary company data to Intel. Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) Removes Former TSMC Executive's Page Amidst […]
NVIDIA CEO, Jensen Huang, has arrived in Japan and will be holding key meetings with robotics partners to advance the Physical AI era ahead. Jensen Huang Arrives In The Birthplace of Humanoid Robots To Kickstart The Physical AI Era AI is a multi-domain market, and while Agentic AI is all the buzz these days, there's one other key market that is growing at a rapid pace with the evolution of AI: Physical AI. Robots are to Physical AI what humans are to Agentic AI. And NVIDIA has a vast robotics platform ready for the future. It is mainly powered by […]
ZeniMax Online Studios was among the first-party studios most affected by the Xbox layoffs in both July 2025 and 2026. Last year, the team saw its sci-fi online game Project Blackbird (with related layoffs of a few hundred employees who had been working on it for years) canceled despite then-Xbox CEO Phil Spencer reportedly loving it. The end of Project Blackbird also directly led to the resignation of ZeniMax Online Studios founder Matt Firor, who would later label it as a missed opportunity for Xbox. Following the cancellation of Blackbird, ZOS refocused on its prize jewel, the popular MMORPG The […]
CAGLIARI, ITALY – MAY 09: Oumar Solet of Udinese warms up ahead before the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Sant’Elia on May 09, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
When Inter did come forward with proposals for Solet, they were believed to be worth €20m including add-ons, which is not enough to tempt Udinese into a sale.
UDINE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 15: Oumar Solet of Udinese celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Friuli on February 15, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
It is a big profit for Udinese, who picked up the Frenchman as a free agent in January 2025 after he left RB Salzburg in a contract dispute in September 2024.
Chelsea are still being linked with a top goalkeeper over a potential summer transfer – although it still feels unlikely.
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Chelsea’s stance on their goalkeeper situation this summer has seemed pretty clear – they’re going to stick with Robert Sanchez while bringing young talent Mike Penders back from loan to be his backup.
But rumours about the Blues wanting to spend big on on a ready made, elite option won’t go away. SportWitness today claim that a move for Diogo Costa of Porto is still on the cards.
Chelsea could be persuaded to change goalkeeper plan by one thing
The report claims that Chelsea are reluctant to pay the goalkeeper’s €60m release clause, instead aiming to pay around €40m.
That is a big gap, and one we don’t see being bridged easily.
We still don’t believe Chelsea will change their plans – there is only one thing that might have affected things. The appointment of Xabi Alonso, if he really insists he wants Costa, could be enough to get the Blues to consider a new approach.
Even at the full €60m, while expensive, it’s not insane for a player who could change the whole team’s prospects. It would be like Alejandro Garnacho plus Deivid Washington, for example…
In other news…
Fabrizio Romano says that Bournemouth are close to completing their latest impressive deal – a move for Antonio Silva from Benfica.
Coventry City are close to a deal for Aurele Amenda, the Frankfurt central defender who has just returned from a spell at the World Cup with Switzerland.
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England manager Thomas Tuchel has dodged a question about whether he thinks Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time.
The German tactician is preparing to lead the Three Lions against Argentina in tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash, and stopping Messi will probably be the tactic he most needs to get right.
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Messi has never played against England before, so it will be interesting to see what he can do, but he goes into this game in superb form as he’s joint-top of the Golden Boot charts at the World Cup so far.
Tuchel also sent a clear message about not worshipping Messi too much, which seems like the right kind of mentality for England if they are to avoid being overawed by the 39-year-old.
How can England stop Lionel Messi?
Tuchel also spoke in another video clip about how he’s tempted to try an old-school man-marking system to keep Messi quiet.
See below as the England manager admitted to that kind of plan crossing his mind, though he obviously wouldn’t reveal one way or another if he’d definitely choose that particular option, as it might not be something that works on Messi anyway…
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Ultimately, it might just be best not to focus too much on Messi, as throughout his career he’s got the better of pretty much every top defence you can think of.
It might work best for England if they just focus on their own game tonight, and do their best to keep the ball, create chances, and limit what Messi can do by simply being the better team.
That’s easier said than done, of course, but if they retreat and make everything about stopping Messi, chances are he’ll find at least one moment of immense quality to undo all that work anyway.
Manchester City have reportedly intensified talks over signing Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Arsenal are also still in the running.
The talented young Morocco international has shone in Ligue 1 and also impressed with his national team at the 2026 World Cup, though his tournament ended with the recent defeat to France.
A recent report from the Guardian claimed Man City were keen on a potential £85m deal for Bouaddi, and there’s now been a new update.
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According to TEAMtalk, City have communicated to Bouaddi’s representatives that they want the player to come in straight away and become part of Enzo Maresca’s first-team.
They add that Arsenal remain ‘firmly’ in contention for Bouaddi, even if City have clearly been advancing on this one.
Should Ayyoub Bouaddi choose Arsenal or Manchester City?
A few years ago this would probably have been a no-brainer, with City the go-to destination for the world’s best players due to the chance to play under Pep Guardiola and get as good a guarantee as you can get of winning major trophies.
With Guardiola leaving this summer, though, there is no longer that guarantee, even if Maresca is also a good manager, and this remains a City squad full of world class players.
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Arsenal are reigning Premier League champions and possibly the favourites to retain their title in 2026/27, so Bouaddi could do well to choose the Emirates Stadium for the next step in his career.
It’s not an easy decision, though, with City probably likely to be able to offer more money, while there’s actually also a lot of competition in Arsenal’s midfield at the moment.
The Gunners already have Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Myles Lewis-Skelly in that area of their squad, so there’s no guarantee Bouaddi would get regular minutes.
City, by contrast, probably need to start thinking about rebuilding their midfield a little bit as Rodri is not getting any younger and has had some injury problems in the last couple of years, with Bouaddi looking like an ideal long-term successor in that role.
Bournemouth’s ridiculous run of impressive transfers is set to continue, with Antonio Silva close to joining from Benfica.
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Benfica centre back Antonio Silva is close to agreeing a move to Bournemouth, Fabrizio Romano has claimed today. The Italian insider claims that there is an “agreement on personal terms” and that a club to club deal is “very close.”
The 22 year old came through the Eagles academy and has been a regular for their first team since 2022. After turning down their offer of a new contract, he’s opened the door to a big move. The transfer fee isn’t yet known – but given AC Milan’s €20m offer was rejected out of hand, we can only assume it’s €30m or more.
Silva ready for Premier League move
There’s no doubt that, after years of being linked with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, this is a bit of a step down for Silva. He’s also trading Champions League football and potential titles in Lisbon for a quieter life on the South Coast of England.
But it’s also clear that Bournemouth are a great shop window for players looking to break into the Premier League, and Silva’s stay could be pretty short if he impresses.
In other news…
Coventry City are close to a deal for Aurele Amenda, the Frankfurt central defender who has just returned from a spell at the World Cup with Switzerland.
One defender who came to the fore at the World Cup is already a major target for Bournemouth and Southampton – although Leeds look to have the lead in the chase for his signature.
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Swiss centre back Aurele Amenda is set to join Coventry for almost 20m according to the BBC’s report today.
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It’s been a slow start to the transfer window from newly-promoted Coventry, but they’re about to get into gear with a huge deal by their standards.
Nizaar Kinsella of the BBC is reporting that the Sky Blues are close to a £17m deal for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Aurele Amenda.
The Swiss centre back has just got back from the World Cup and is now able to engage fully with a potential deal. He will cost £15.4m up front, with another £1.7m in add-ons, and will sign a four year contract.
He has apparently been persuaded by a “strong pitch” from manager Frank Lampard.
Coventry add more quality in key position – but still lack goalkeeper deal
Coventry completed an even bigger deal for Burnley’s Loum Tchaouna this week, and made Frank Onyeka’s loan from Brentford permanent earlier this summer.
Once they get Amenda over the line, their priority will be securing goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, who was excellent on loan from Brighton last season. The Seagulls are asking for big money, however, and Coventry may have to turn to Chelsea backup Filip Jorgensen as an alternative, according to this report.
In other news…
One defender who came to the fore at the World Cup is already a major target for Bournemouth and Southampton – although Leeds look to have the lead in the chase for his signature.
USC basketball upgraded its roster in Eric Musselman's second season. It wasn't quite enough to make the NCAA Tournament only because of several injuries which led to many dozens of games missed. Now Musselman sees NBA-caliber talent on his roster, giving the Trojans the ingredients they need to be a nationally relevant team. He talked to USC athletics about this point.
"In year one at Arkansas, we felt there were two really talented players in Mason Jones and Isaiah Joe. It was super important that we retained those two guys, which we did, and they ended up both being future NBA players," Musselman began. "Now, in the Big Ten, you have to have NBA players to win. At Nevada, we had NBA draft picks and guys that went on to play in the NBA, then at Arkansas, we had the first one-and-dones ever at a very historic program. They had never even had a lottery pick before. We feel like we're going to have multiple guys that put on an NBA uniform on this year's roster, which is a change from where we've been in years one and two. I can pretty much guarantee we're going to have at least one guy get drafted. But that's what happens when you're building a program: You're learning a new conference, your campus and your academic culture all before you build. Hopefully this is the year that we turn the corner."
There is little doubt that USC will be well-represented at the 2027 NBA Draft unless the Trojans get hit hard by the injury bug. There are definitely multiple NBA-quality performers on this squad, and USC has what many analysts view as a Sweet 16-caliber team which should rise to the second tier of the Big Ten this season behind the top three of Illinois, Michigan, and Michigan State.
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"No one, so far, has stood out like Malachi Goodman. He was an extremely rare though overlooked piece of last year's team. The true freshman was an impressive five-star recruiting talent who picked the Nittany Lions over Alabama, Georgia and USC, arrived in State College as a 17-year-old freshman and then waited his turn, redshirting. The New Jersey native is a physical anomaly at 6-foot-6 and 331 pounds, looking long-limbed and lean, like he's at least 30 pounds lighter. Only now, after that long first college year of learning and transitioning to a new staff and teammates, he's being unleashed as the Lions' new left tackle. Goodman may be the most intriguing piece of what is arguably the most integral unit on the field. He's polite, articulate and upbeat, though more comfortable saying less than more to reporters. He's just beginning to understand his potential and power in college, it seems.
"'He put his hand through my heart today, hard. I probably bruised,' (offensive line assistant coach Ryan) Clanton said with a smile, describing a blocking drill ... He can glide. He’s long, he’s aggressive and he’s smart," Clanton said. "And he does a good job of retaining information and putting it out there on the field. He plays confident, you forget how young he is sometimes. He’s done a great job transforming his body like when you look at him, he’s 330 pounds and he lowered his body fat."
USC's defensive line has to be able to make this young and inexperienced player hesitate and doubt himself. Malachi Goodman has impressive physical tools. USC has to make him question if those tools are ready to be used properly.
SOUTHPORT, England — R&A CEO Mark Darbon will announce the Champion Golfer of the Year on Sunday at Royal Birkdale, the honorific given to the winner of the Open Championship along with the claret jug. But moments before doing, Darbon hopes to hand out the Silver Medal awarded to the low amateur through 72 holes at the Open, a keepsake earned by such notable golfers over the years as Frank Stranahan, Joe Carr and Sir Michael Bonallack, Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick.
But that’s the catch: One of the 10 amateurs in the field this week must make the cut in order to claim the prize. For the last three years, the silver medal has grown cobwebs, after being handed out six out of the eight previous years from 2015 to 2022.
So who’s the most likely candidate to claim the award in 2026? Take a look at the 10 amateurs competing, and if you’re like us, you’ll be rooting for several of these inspiring stories.
Age: 21 Country: South Africa WAGR: 88 How he qualified: Africa Amateur champion Skinny: Was a six-shot winner of the Africa Amateur in this year. Plays college golf at USC. Attended the 2017 Open at Birkdale as a 12-year-old, where he got a signed glove from Rickie Fowler and a golf ball that Kevin Na made a hole-in-one with during a practice round.
Alejandro de Castro Piera
Alex Burstow/R&A
Age: 21 Country: Spain WAGR: 52 How he qualified: Final Qualifying Skinny: Finished his college golf career at Long Beach State, where he posted nine top-10 finishes in 12 starts and won 2026 Big West golfer of the year honors.
Stuart Grehan
Stuart Franklin/R&A
Age: 33 Country: Ireland WAGR: 19 How he qualified: British Amateur champion Skinny: Got his amateur status back early in 2025 and proceeded to win the Irish Amateur, then qualify for the 2025 GB&I Walker Cup team. Built on that momentum to win the British Amateur over American Matt Moloney at Royal Liverpool. Works as a financial advisor in Ireland.
Lev Grinberg
Oisin Keniry/R&A
Age: 18 Country: Ukraine WAGR: 40 How he qualified: Open Amateur Series winner Skinny: Was born in Kyiv, becoming the first Ukrainian-born golfer to compete in the Open. Started playing the game there, but moved to Belgium at 11 to have more access to the game. He since moved to France, and this year changed his sports nationality to France for international events.) Won the St. Andrews Links Trophy in June. His grandfather still lives in Ukraine: “I’m in contact with him every day. He’s always like, ‘Did you win?’ It was really nice at St Andrews to say that after some time that I actually won. It’s difficult, I mean now it’s much better but he’s in a safe place and he’s OK.”
David Howard
Oisin Keniry/R&A
Age: 25 Country: Ireland WAGR: 1,441 How he qualified: Final qualifying Skinny: Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 7 and hopes to use his first appearance in the Open to inspire others. Works as a qualified mechanic for Audi.
Mason Howell
Christian Petersen
Age: 19 Country: United States WAGR: 45 How he qualified: U.S. Amateur champion Skinny: Is the first U.S. Amateur champion to take advantage of his exemption into the Open since Gunn Yang in 2015. Tied for the most major experience of any amateur in the field with Mateo Pulcini, with appearances at the Masters and U.S. Open. However, he missed the cut at both, as well as four other PGA Tour events he’s played in 2026.
Fifa Laopakdee
Augusta National
Age: 21 Country: Thailand WAGR: 23 How he qualified: Asia Pacific Amateur champion Skinny: Father’s love of soccer is how he gained the nickname Fifa. Plays college golf at Arizona State. Rallied from six shots back on the final day to win the Asia Pacific Amateur last fall.
Mateo Pulcini
Stuart Franklin/R&A
Age: 25 Country: Argentina WAGR: 78 How he qualified: Latin America Amateur champion Skinny: Oldest ever winner of the LAAC, and enjoyed the spoils of playing in the Masters and U.S. Open. Among the few at Royal Birkdale this week who hope England does not win the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.
Nevill Ruiter
Ross Parker/R&A
Age: 24 Country: The Netherlands WAGR: 126 How he qualified: Final Qualifying Skinny: Played in the U.S. at the College of Charleston. Finished second in the European Amateur, just missing the automatic exemption into the Open for the win. Turned around then to make it through final qualifying for his first major start. Finished T-66 at the KLM Open earlier this year.
Tim Wiedemeyer
Oisin Keniry/R&A
Age: 21 Country: Germany WAGR: 10 How he qualified: European Amateur champion Skinny: A decorated German golfer who has played in his national team since 2021. Was the first golfer to win the Jacques Leglise Trophy with the continental European team three times (2021, 2022, 2023), and was unbeaten in two appearances. Plays college golf at Texas Tech and has two college wins, including the 2025 Olympia Fields/Fighting Illini Invitational.
Orenthal James Simpson's fall from grace was so spectacular and visible that it will always be the first thing which comes to mind when his name is mentioned. We know that. Yet, on the field, there can be no denying he was one of the greatest college football players ever at USC. How great? Sports Illustrated put him in the all-time top-25 player list.
"Simpson was at the beginning of a colossal American life—one that would culminate with his trial and acquittal on two murder charges, as well as a prison sentence for armed robbery—when he suited up for the Trojans. However, the elements that would make him a celebrity were there, including—most crucially—his preternatural talent running the football. He led the nation with 1,415 rushing yards in 1967 and repeated the feat in 1968, winning the Heisman Trophy and scoring 22 touchdowns in just 10 games," SI wrote.
OJ Simpson won one national title and led USC within one win of back-to-back championships. His cutback touchdown run against UCLA in 1967 is arguably the greatest single play in USC history, and it is easily the greatest play in the existence of the USC-UCLA football rivalry. OJ began the eight-year period from 1967 through 1974 in which the Trojans won three national titles and came achingly close to two other championships, the height of their golden era which continued through the 1979 season. For OJ Simpson, personal dominance and team excellence went together. It's a big part of why he is rightly viewed as a top-25 college football player of all time.
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Marcus Allen is one of the most decorated football players ever. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1981. He won the Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Raiders. He won the Rose Bowl and the national championship at USC. He is one of football's consummate winners and champions. Sports Illustrated rightly included him among the 50 greatest college football players of all time:
"USC’s history of elite running backs is difficult for any other program to match and Allen is right near the top of any list of greatest Trojans, but he almost didn’t line up in the backfield. Allen was recruited as a defensive back and when he was initially moved to offense, it was as a fullback, with fellow Heisman winner Charles White entrenched ahead of him on the halfback depth chart. When he finally got his shot as RB1, he ran for 1,563 yards and 14 touchdowns in 1980, following it up with a sensational 2,342 yards—the first 2,000-yard season in college football—and 22 touchdowns in ‘81, earning him the Heisman. That mark stands as the USC single-season record and only four players have topped it in FBS history, with Barry Sanders’s legendary 1988 being the only better season in terms of yards per game," SI wrote.
Marcus Allen made a very difficult game look easy. His fluid and graceful running style did not prevent him from being productive or durable. It's notable that Allen was behind Charles White on the USC depth chart at one point, if only because the two men ran the ball in very different ways. White sought contact and was as physically tough a running back as USC and college football have ever seen. Marcus Allen was the running back who managed to glide past defenders and lean forward for crucial yards in traffic. Allen and White showed there isn't one way to be a hugely successful and memorable running back.
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Former FSU outfielder has found his next school, and he is staying in Florida. According to Brandon Hewig of On3, Williams has signed with the UCF Knights out of the transfer portal.
Williams spent two seasons in Tallahassee, making 63 starts and playing in 69 games. He spent one season at Northwest Florida before transferring to FSU ahead of the 2025 season.
The switch hitter finished his time as a Seminole hitting .294 with two home runs, 11 doubles, three triples, 45 runs scored, and 32 RBI. The speedster stole 33 bases over the two seasons. He had a .377 on-base percentage and drew 30 walks, striking out 72 times.
Williams was at his best during the 2025 season, hitting .342 with 20 RBI and a .474 slugging percentage in 114 at-bats. He missed time in the season with a shoulder injury, but battled through it at the end of the season. That injury limited his offseason, and he was never able to get going in the 2026 season, though he did continue to play excellent defense in the outfield.
The Seminoles have added one transfer outfielder this offseason in Ty Peeples, who spent his freshman season with the Georgia Bulldogs. John Stuetzer and Brody DeLamielleure are both back, and the three will likely be the starters.
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Gears of War: E-Day receives a PC-focused RTX trailer Nvidia and The Coalition have released a short PC trailer for Gears of War: E-Day, confirming that the game will have official “RTX” support on day-1. On PC, the game will support Nvidia DLSS 4.5 and make extensive use of ray tracing. On compatible GeForce RTX […]
The most exciting new Surface features in years are now available on a PC with a Snapdragon X processor. The Surface Laptop 8 for Business can now be purchased with a Snapdragon X2 Plus or Snapdragon X2 Elite.
For those who prefer a 2-in-1 over a traditional laptop, the Surface Pro 12 for Business (13-inch) is also available with a Snapdragon X2 chip. Like its clamshell sibling, the Surface Pro for Business also had an Intel model launch earlier this year.
The official names of the new PCs are "Surface Pro for Business 12th Edition" and "Surface Laptop for Business 8th Edition" but I've referred to them as the Surface Pro 12 for Business and Surface Laptop 8 for Business in this piece for ease of reading.
The standout feature of this year's Surface lineup is the privacy screen seen in the Surface Laptop 8 for Business. That display can be set to obscure content on your screen when people try to view it at an angle. It's similar to Samsung's screen on the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
The built-in privacy screen of the Surface Laptop 8 for Business combats creeping eyes from all angles, as opposed to third-party privacy screen protectors that only work from the sides.
The Intel version of the Surface Laptop 8 for Business launched earlier this year and received high marks from our Editor-in-Chief. The vast majority of what makes that laptop great extends to the Surface Laptop 8 for Business with Snapdragon X2, which are now available to order.
The Surface Laptop 8 for Business is the only version with the built-in privacy screen. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
The haptic trackpad of the Surface Laptop 8 for Business is also a key addition. Thanks to a recent update to Windows 11, you can now feel the operating system and supported apps as you interact with them. Haptic buzzes occur when you drag files in File Explorer or perform certain actions.
The Surface Laptop 8 for Business is one of few devices to support the new haptic experience.
The new Surface Pro 12 for Business is largely a spec bump when compared to its predecessor. The Snapdragon X2 chip inside delivers better graphics performance than the first-gen Snapdragon X.
The Surface Pro has matured over more than a decade of refinement, so it's hard to complain about Microsoft sticking with what works.
What's special about Surface for Business PCs?
When Microsoft first introduced Snapdragon X chips to its Surface hardware, a split was formed that saw Intel on business PCs and Snapdragon X on consumer hardware. That's no longer the case, since you can order Snapdragon X processors in consumer or business PCs.
Notably, there are no new Intel-powered Surface PCs for consumers in 2026.
Access to the cloud-based Surface Management Portal
Native corporate domain onboarding pathways during initial setup
Intel models available
Most of the features seen in the Surface for Business PCs are options general consumers would never use. The exception being the privacy screen that I wish was available on consumer versions of the Surface Laptop.
One key difference between the Snapdragon X2-powered Surface Pro 12 for Business and its Intel counterpart is that you can only get 5G connectivity with the Intel model.
Anyone can purchase a Surface for Business device. You don't need to own a business or have some sort of special account. But again, you're likely paying for unneeded features compared to the consumer Surface PCs unless you really need a privacy screen.
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The MacBook Neo has turned into an instant hit, and even with the price bumps that Apple introduced that made the company’s most affordable notebook $100 more expensive for both configurations, the bigger figure isn’t what’s derailing the portable Mac’s momentum. It’s the lack of chip supply for the A18 Pro, and according to an analyst, Apple’s MacBook Neo shipments are expected to suffer considerably, with up to a whopping 40 percent drop. It appears that AI firms gobbling up the entire supply have made the situation quite uncomfortable for both TSMC and Apple. Updated shipment forecast states the MacBook Neo will […]
CXMT's DDR5 memory has some major drawbacks versus DRAM modules from the big three, as ASUS highlights poor overclocking and worse performance. Motherboard Vendors Have Unlocked Over 8000 MT/s Speeds On CXMT-Based DDR5 Memory Modules, But The DRAM Is Inferior In Performance & Overclocking With the ongoing DRAM shortages, China's DIY PC market has started relying heavily on domestic memory solutions. We have seen brands such as Kingbank, Gloway, Lexar, and many more utilize CXMT DDR5 memory. As such, motherboard vendors have started offering optimized support for these modules. With strengthened BIOS support, these memory modules can now surpass 8000 […]
Anthropic-backed Ode launches as AI labs bet that embedding forward-deployed engineers inside enterprises is the key to accelerating enterprise AI adoption.
Most robotics startups promise what factories might look like years from now. Walden Robotics says its robots are already on the job. The company emerged from stealth on Wednesday with a $300 million seed round, valuing the startup at $1.1 […]
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is seeking a 500 billion yuan ($74 billion) valuation in a new fundraising round as it quietly prepares for a mainland stock market debut, according to multiple people familiar with the discussions. The move comes only […]
It’s Tuesday, July 14, 2026, and the flow of capital today underscores familiar but intensifying trends: governments and venture firms are doubling down on AI infrastructure and sovereignty, as well as defense and related automation. In the past 16 hours, […]
Boards keep asking the same thing this year: hire internally or bring in people who’ve already done this elsewhere? AI rewrites roadmaps faster than most teams can staff, and budgets haven’t kept up with the hype. That’s the gap advisory firms […]
Artificial intelligence is creating a new problem for Wall Street. AI can generate emails, marketing campaigns, research, and trading activity in seconds. Compliance teams still have to review all of it. That gap is growing, and legacy compliance software was […]
New York became the first U.S. state on Tuesday to halt construction of large new AI data centers, imposing a one-year moratorium over concerns that the facilities are driving up electricity costs, straining water supplies, and burdening local communities, according […]
A group of 26 former Meta employees has sued the company, alleging that artificial intelligence played a central role in deciding who lost their jobs during the latest round of layoffs and that the system unfairly penalized workers with disabilities, […]
The race to build humanity’s future beyond Earth is creating a new generation of startups. TerraFirma, a construction tech startup founded by two former SpaceX engineers, has raised $115 million from a group of high-profile investors to bring SpaceX-style speed […]
You pick up your phone to reply to a message. A few taps later, you’re watching a TikTok about a restaurant in Sicily, a boutique hotel in Copenhagen, or a local business you hadn’t heard of before.
Maybe you Google it right away. Maybe you don’t. But days or weeks later, someone mentions it, and you search for it. Just like that, discovery becomes search.
That’s happening more often than many businesses realize. People increasingly discover brands before they actively look for them, making Google less of a starting point and more of a place to validate decisions. That shift has important implications for SEO, local visibility, and content strategy.
Recommendation engines change the rules
TikTok’s recommendation engine is one of the most sophisticated consumer recommendation systems available today. Rather than waiting for users to type a query, it continuously learns from subtle behavioral signals, such as watch time, rewatches, pauses while scrolling, shares, and saves.
According to TikTok, recommendations are driven by a combination of user interactions, video information, and viewing behavior, not a single ranking signal.
If discovery increasingly happens before search, visibility strategies need to evolve.
The content that earns attention tends to share a few characteristics:
A strong hook.
Storytelling that keeps people watching.
Fast-paced editing, visuals, and sound that feel native to the platform.
The shift is significant enough that even Google has acknowledged it. Google’s SVP Prabhakar Raghavan revealed that almost 40% of young people looking for somewhere to eat turn to TikTok or Instagram instead of Google Search or Google Maps.
Recommendation engines don’t wait for users to express intent through a search. They predict what people may find interesting before they even think to look for it.
Google understands intent. TikTok understands curiosity.
TikTok analyzes spoken language, captions, and on-screen text to understand what a video is about before deciding who should see it. It also reads text that appears within the video, considers location signals, and rewards content that generates meaningful conversations in the comments.
Experienced creators deliberately craft seamless loops in which the final seconds of a video naturally connect back to the beginning. Viewers often replay the video without realizing it, increasing completion rates and sending stronger retention signals that encourage wider distribution. Videos that continue generating saves and engagement over time are also more likely to keep being recommended.
Comments can be used to create conversations. Instead of ending the interaction with a simple answer, encourage the original commenter, or someone else, to reply again, even if the question has already been asked. For businesses, it’s also an opportunity to naturally reinforce important keywords by mentioning your hotel, restaurant, location, or services in your replies.
Every conversation adds another layer of semantic relevance, helping both users and TikTok better understand what your content is about.
This behavioral shift is especially important for businesses where visual trust shapes purchasing decisions, including:
Restaurants.
Hotels.
Beauty.
Fitness.
Retail.
Before visiting somewhere new, people increasingly want to experience it from their sofa. Short-form video makes that possible by instantly communicating atmosphere, context, and emotion.
More importantly, it dramatically reduces the cognitive effort required to make a decision. Instead of reading reviews, comparing ratings, opening photo galleries, and jumping between websites, people can evaluate an experience in seconds.
When planning your content strategy, ask yourself:
What does the restaurant actually look like?
What’s the atmosphere like?
Does the food look as good as it tastes?
Within the first few seconds, viewers have often answered many of those questions.
The first decision is emotional. The research comes afterward.
Google continues to dominate high-intent searches, Maps, local business information, and transactional queries.
What’s changing is where the customer journey begins.
In travel, hospitality, and lifestyle, discovery increasingly happens on platforms like TikTok, while Google becomes the place to validate those decisions.
Today’s customer journey is an interconnected discovery ecosystem. Every platform plays a different role, and brands that understand how they work together will earn both attention and conversions.
TikTok as a market research tool
Recommendation platforms aren’t just changing how people discover brands. They’re also changing how brands discover customer demand.
One of the biggest mistakes brands still make is creating content around what they want to communicate instead of what their audience actually wants to know.
TikTok’s Creator Search Insights is becoming one of the most valuable market research tools available because it reveals rising searches, unanswered questions, and content gaps directly from user behavior.
These insights help identify:
Rising search topics.
Unanswered questions.
Seasonal demand.
Content gaps.
Emerging customer interests.
The findings should shape your SEO strategy, local landing pages, editorial planning, FAQs, and even product positioning. The most valuable keyword research may no longer begin inside a keyword tool. It may begin inside TikTok.
As search becomes increasingly AI-driven, earning attention before someone types a query may become one of the strongest competitive advantages a business can have.
The brands that succeed won’t start with channels. They’ll start with customer behavior.
The same person may search Google for a marketing course, browse TikTok for vacation inspiration, and turn to Instagram before buying a skincare product. Discovery doesn’t happen in the same place for every customer or every decision. It depends on the intent behind the search.
As AI-powered search increasingly answers questions without requiring a click, visibility will depend on far more than rankings alone. Brands will need to earn attention before the search, build trust throughout the journey, and be present wherever their audience chooses to discover, validate, and decide.
The brands that win won’t create content for algorithms. They’ll create content people genuinely choose to watch.
Ultimately, the future of SEO isn’t just about ranking when someone searches. It’s about becoming visible before they ever think to search.
The Milan Public Prosecutor has announced the dismissal of the case against ex-referee designator Gianluca Rocchi, his deputy Andrea Gervasoni and Inter, who had come under scrutiny over alleged attempts to influence the appointment of referees.
No player or coach from any Italian team was known to be under investigation, but Inter had been under scrutiny, with suspicions that some of Rocchi’s referee appointments were made to please the Nerazzurri and to avoid match officials they didn’t like.
As reported by Gazzetta, Inter simultaneously entered into the register of suspects, but the proceedings against the club were immediately dismissed.
The main allegation against Rocchi, however, was that he put external pressure to influence VAR decisions during some Serie A matches.
Rocchi voluntarily stepped down during the investigation and was first replaced by Dino Tommasi and then by Daniele Orsato.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Referee Gianluca Rocchi during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on November 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
In an official statement, quoted by Gazzetta, the Public Prosecutor’s Office said it had “requested that the Preliminary Investigations Judge dismiss the criminal proceedings concerning the offence under Articles 81 (continued offence) and 110 of the Italian Criminal Code, and Article 1, paragraph 1, of Law No. 401/1989, in relation to the alleged attempts to influence the selection or exclusion of match officials.”
With the same statement, the Milan Prosecutor’s Office said it had transferred the case file to the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Monza regarding allegations relating to incidents that occurred in the VAR operations room.
Copies of the case file were also sent to both the Federal Prosecutor’s Office of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI).
The investigation did not identify any structured scheme designed to influence the referee appointments.
The criminal investigation has been closed, but the review of the evidence relating to alleged influence on VAR will continue with the Monza Prosecutor’s Office examining the conduct of Luigi Nasca and Stefano Di Vuono, while Daniele Paterna’s position will continue to be examined in Milan.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has received the case files to determine whether the facts may constitute violations of sporting regulations, although that appears unlikely given that no sporting investigation had previously been opened.
Reports in Italy claim that Tottenham defender Djed Spence would be more expensive than Anan Khalaili for Inter, but the Nerazzurri are still willing to open talks with Spurs.
Inter are looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid after the Merengues agreed to match his €20m release clause.
Inter ready to enter talks with Tottenham for Spence
Gazzetta, Sky Sport Italia and Corriere dello Sport claim that Spence is quickly becoming Inter’s favourite target, although the Nerazzurri are still assessing and have a long shortlist, which includes Strasbourg’s Guela Doué, among others.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JULY 05: Djed Spence #25 of England clears the ball in front of Santiago Gimenez #11 of Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Mexico and England at Mexico City Stadium on July 05, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
These sources claim that Spence would be more expensive than €25m-30m, the fee that the Nerazzurri were ready to invest to sign Khalaili, who was ready to complete a permanent €25m deal plus €5m add-ons.
Despite that, according to Sky, the Nerazzurri are still determined to enter talks with Tottenham.
Informal contacts have already taken place and even involved Cristian Romero, but the Argentine centre-back would be even more expensive than Spence as Spurs have demanded €50m.
Leeds are advancing strongly to pick up one of the World Cup’s breakout young players for a hefty fee.
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Leeds United’s big move of the summer so far was signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer, but the Whites are closing in on a far higher priced deal.
MOTLeeds says that Tarik Muharemovic is close to joining for £34m. Half of that fee will go to his current club Sassuolo, and the other half to Juventus.
The young centre back impressed with Bosnia at the World Cup, and will be one of the big transfer winners of this summer’s tournament. Sunderland and Bournemouth are also linked, but it seems Leeds are further ahead in their arrangements.
Shea Charles wanted by Leeds despite big bids for Bosnia man
The piece stresses that any deal for Muharemovic won’t affect Daniel Farke’s team’s long standing interest in Shea Charles of Southampton.
Their bidding is up to £30m for the midfielder, but they are able to buy both if their offers are accepted. The sale of Pascal Struijk to Brighton has freed up some liquid spending money which will allow them to continue to reshape their squad.
Get both deals over the line and Leeds will be looking a very interesting prospect for next season.
Newcastle are front of the queue for Dodo, the flying Brazilian full back from Fiorentina wanted by Nottingham Forest.
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Newcastle have been selling big players this summer, and definitely need to start bringing some new blood in to make up for it.
One very interesting deal they’re being linked with is one for Fiorentina full back Dodo. The Brazilian is full of talent, if a little inconsistent, but is available at a low enough price to get teams interesting in taking a risk. A report from SportWitness today puts Newcastle at the front of the queue, ahead of Nottingham Forest, and says they would only have to pay €16m.
Fiorentina offering full back to teams around Europe
The key factor behind the former Shakhtar man’s low price is his contract situation. He only had a year left on his deal with the Serie A side, so they know they need to sell now if they want any money back for him.
That means Dodo is being “offered around,” and if Newcastle don’t take him, it seems likely someone else will. The report says that Serie A teams have thus far not been interested, but if Fiorentina continue to struggle to sell and the price comes down further, that may change.
The Lakers defeated the Clippers, 99-85, on Wednesday in the NBA Summer League at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Former Vol Cameron Carr started for the Lakers and led all scorers with 23 points. He converted 8-of-18 field goal attempts, 3-of-10 three-point attempts and 3-of-5 free throw attempts. Carr also recorded one rebound, two assists and one block in 29 minutes.
Kobe Sanders led the Clippers in scoring with 18 points. Keaton Wagler also scored 16 points for the Clippers.
Carr was selected by New York with the No. 24 pick during the first round of the NBA draft in 2026. He was traded to Los Angeles.
Carr played for the Vols from 2023-25.
As a freshman during the 2023-24 season, he appeared in 14 games, including six starts. Carr totaled 23 points and seven assists, while playing 60 minutes during his first collegiate season.
During the 2024-25 season, he appeared in four games before leaving the program and transferring to Baylor. At Tennessee, Carr averaged 1.6 points per game as a freshman and suffered a thumb injury four games into his sophomore campaign before transferring.
He played at Baylor during the 2025-26 season. Carr was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and was a third-team All-Big 12 selection. He averaged 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.
Chris Denson is set to become one of the most intriguing players in Clemsonfootball’s offense this season.
During Clemson Media Day on Tuesday, offensive coordinator Chad Morris revealed that the sophomore quarterback will take on a hybrid role in 2026, seeing time at wide receiver and running back while continuing to work with the quarterbacks. It’s a move designed to get one of the Tigers’ most explosive athletes on the field as much as possible.
Morris said the staff has been searching for ways to maximize Denson’s talent, and this feels like the logical next step. Clemson fans caught a glimpse of what he could do late last season when he put together an electric performance against Furman, throwing for a touchdown while also rushing for 108 yards and another score. Even before that, the coaching staff had shown confidence in his versatility by preparing a special package for him when Cade Klubnik was dealing with an ankle injury during the 2025 season.
This is a great decision by the coaching staff. Players with Denson’s combination of speed, athleticism and playmaking ability don’t come around often, and the Tigers need to take advantage of that in every way possible. Rather than limiting him to one position, Clemson is giving itself multiple opportunities to get the ball into his hands and create mismatches for opposing defenses. If the experiment works the way many expect, Denson could quickly become one of the most exciting weapons in college football and a player defenses have to account for on every snap.
Fans immediately shared their thoughts after the news became public, with plenty of excitement about what Denson’s expanded role could mean for Clemson’s offense in 2026.
Here’s a look at how social media reacted to Denson’s new role.
Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris reveals that QB Chris Denson, a talented rusher/athlete, is still taking some QB reps but has shifted into more of a “hybrid” role and will also play WR/RB for the offense in 2026. Morris on Denson: “We’re trying to find a spot for him” pic.twitter.com/DTtUtLMKu0
"He has been working receiver, some running back, he actually tweaked his hamstring the other day. He is open to figuring it out, we just haven't been on the field with him."#Clemson
LAS VEGAS – The University of Arizona is no stranger to producing NBA players.
Going into the 2024-25 season, the school had 12 players suiting up across the league, fourth to only Kentucky, Duke and UCLA.
Wildcats in the NBA
Player
Team
Aaron Gordon
Denver Nuggets
Bennedict Mathurin
Indiana Pacers
Brandon Williams
Dallas Mavericks
Christian Koloko
Los Angeles Lakers (two-way)
Dalen Terry
Chicago Bulls
Deandre Ayton
Portland Trail Blazers
Josh Green
Charlotte Hornets
Keshad Johnson
Miami Heat
Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz
Pelle Larson
Miami Heat
T.J. McConnell
Indiana Pacers
Zeke Nnaji
Denver Nuggets
[Source: University of Arizona Athletics • (Data visualization by Addison Lenhart/Cronkite News)]
“We definitely respect the program there and the players that come through there,” Spurs Summer League coach Corliss Williamson said. “The guys that we have now are definitely a reflection of that.”
Two young former Wildcats took the court during the opening weekend of the 2026 NBA Summer League, looking to strengthen the school’s professional portfolio.
One was Spurs forward Carter Bryant, a 2025 first-round pick (No. 14) who is coming off a season in which he helped guide the Spurs to the NBA Finals.
Bryant bounced back from a shaky opening game against Atlanta, where he scored 12 points on just 4-of-13 shooting from the field. In game two against the defending champion Knicks, Bryant poured in 19 on 7-of-10 shooting and added two blocks.
“I think I did a better job in terms of just being under control,” Bryant said. “I think I showed flashes of what I’m capable of in the future, but I understand there’s a lot of work I have to do to get to that point.”
Williamson noted Bryant’s marked improvement over his opening-game performance.
“I thought he played a lot better this game,” Williamson said. “He had a better feel for the game tonight and he did a better job of getting downhill and being a leader out there. His main calling card is going to be on defense for us. He set the tone for us defensively by picking them up full court. We saw what we needed to see.”
Bryant said he’s “seeing the game super clearly,” but must improve his handle to take the next step in his development for the Spurs.
“When my teammates get open, this is such a high level that those windows are small,” Bryant said. “Getting shooters shots a second earlier makes a big difference.”
Another former Wildcat and Arizona high school basketball product greatly improved his performance his second time on the floor in Vegas.
“I thought I did my job well today,” said Hornets guard Kylan Boswell, who spent his first two collegiate seasons at Arizona before transferring to Illinois. “I facilitated, knocked down shots, guarded pretty well, so I think the biggest thing for me is just making sure my body’s right and being as confident as I can.”
Boswell, who spent a year at AZ Compass Prep in Chandler prior to his time in Tucson, was unable to crack the scoring column in the Hornets’ opening matchup against the Magic, but the undrafted free-agent signing bounced back with eight points on perfect shooting from the floor in game two against the Pelicans.
“He played great, I think he facilitated the game really well,” Boswell’s teammate Hannes Steinbach said. “He did a great job pressuring the ball on defense and played pretty good.”
Boswell commanded the Hornets offense, tallying seven assists without surrendering a turnover.
“I thought he played with more confidence and was more sure of himself,” Hornets Summer League coach Blaine Mueller said. “He was really aggressive in transition, had some nice tough finishes and found guys on the perimeter.”
Boswell credits the development of his point guard skills and floor processing ability to his time at Arizona.
“I think just learning basic fundamentals as a point guard helped translate throughout the years,” Boswell said. “Arizona’s offense is big on kick-aheads, and I think it helped me grow my fundamentals being a college point guard and that’s helped translate to get to the league.”
Bryant and Boswell weren’t the only hoopers with Arizona ties who made their presence known in Vegas.
Arthur Kaluma, a Boston native and second-year player, moved from Texas to Glendale to play for Dream City Christian in high school. He tallied 34 points and made six 3-pointers against the Mavericks in his second outing of the summer for the Lakers.
“After having a year under my belt, I feel a lot more comfortable out there,” Kaluma told reporters postgame. “People come to Summer League for an opportunity. Just being able to come out here and perform at this level has been amazing.”
The night before against the Thunder, Kaluma scored 18 and didn’t miss a shot from deep, the field or the three throw line.
“The shot was just falling today,” Kaluma said. “My game is three and D. I lock up on defense, I hit open shots. I just got hot today, and I’m going to try not to let it get to my head.”
Whether they came from the high school or collegiate ranks, Arizona hoopers continue to make a name for themselves at the highest levels.
BLOOMINGTON — Indiana basketball will host Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf on Wednesday night for an exhibition game at Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers are playing the secondary school based out of Montreal as the program prepares for the upcoming FISU American Games in Peru.
Here's everything fans need to know about the matchup:
Indiana basketball vs. Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf game information
When: 7:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, July 16, 2026
Where: Assembly Hall (17,222), Bloomington, Indiana
Indiana's exhibition against Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf tips off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday night. The doors at Assembly Hall will open at 5:30 p.m. with free parking in Gates 2, 4, 12, and 14. Tickets starting at $15 are still available for the game on IU's website. The game will be played using FIBA rules.
Will Indiana basketball's exhibition against Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf be televised?
Indiana's exhibition on Wednesday night won't be televised or streamed, but the Hoosiers games in Peru for the FISU America Games from July 20 to August 1 — their schedule has yet to be announced — are expected to be available to stream. The competition brings 20-25 countries from North, Central and South American as well as the Caribbean together a multi-sport event.
What uniforms will Indiana basketball wear vs. Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf ?
Indiana basketball plans on wearing Team USA jerseys in the exhibition on Wednesday night. The Hoosiers offered a sneak peek at their new threads in a video posted to social media. They have white and navy blue uniform combinations with the IU symbol printed on the front of the shorts.
Arrive early to SSAH tomorrow for your chance to get an autograph from select #IUFB players!
Indiana athletics planning autograph sessions for fans
Indiana basketball players will sign autographs for fans on the court after the game. Before tipoff, IU football players will be in the South Lobby at Assembly Hall for a separate signing. The list of players expected to be on hand includes:
Khobie Martin, RB
Tobi Osunsanmi, DE
Nick Marsh, WR
Shazz Preston, WR
Ryland Gandy, DB
Rolijah Hardy, LB
Chiddi Obiazor, DE
Davion Chandler, WR
Joe Brunner, DT
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
Philips Hue is widely known as the best smart bulb brand, but if you're looking to get yourself kitted out with a full Hue setup from the main range, it'll cost you. You might have spotted the brand's Essential range — which looks very similar to the main lineup but comes in at a much more affordable price — and wondered where the compromise is. You can see an Essential bulb on the left of the image above, next to a main range bulb on the right.
This article is here to help you figure out whether the Philips Hue Essential range is right for you, or whether it's better to splurge on the original lineup. We've tested both, and you can get the full low-down on what we thought of the budget-friendly bulbs in our Philips Hue Essential series review. For a quick summary, though — plus links to buy — read on.
Philips Hue Essential bulbs: reasons to buy
Let's start with the good bits about the Philips Hue Essentials range. Here are the main benefits to know about:
✅ The performance is excellent: In her side-by-side tests with the main range, our Homes Editor Cat Ellis found "both were equally responsive, and produced colors that were identical to my naked eye when [she] switched between scenes". The Essential bulbs are based on a different color-matching technology to regular Hue lights, but Cat "had a hard time telling the difference".
✅ They're compatible with the full Hue ecosystem: The Essential bulbs will play nicely with any Hue gadgets you already have, making them a great way to extend your existing smart light setup.
✅ They're much cheaper than the main range: While prices vary depending on exactly which bulb you're buying, generally the Essential models come in around half the price of the main range.
Philips Hue Essential bulbs: reasons to avoid
So what about the downsides? These are the main compromises you'll be making if you opt for an Essential bulb:
❌ The white shades don't match the main range: Essential bulbs have a narrower white light range, which is an issue if you were hoping to add them into a room that already has bulbs from the main lineup.
❌ They can't dim as low: Essential bulbs can only dim to 2%, whereas the main range can go right down to 0.2%. If you want seriously muted lighting, you'll need to shell out a bit more and stick to the main range.
❌ They can't get as bright: Essential bulbs have a lower maximum brightness capacity — they can reach 803 lumens, whereas some of the standard White & Color Ambiance bulbs can hit 1,600 lumens. It's worth nothing that this spec varies by bulb; not all standard bulbs have a higher max brightness than their Essential counterpart.
Philips Hue Essential Starter kits
Most people getting started with a Philips Hue lighting setup will begin by purchasing a 'Starter kit', which bundles some bulbs, a Philips Hue Bridge, and occasionally a bonus Philips Hue accessory. A Bridge isn't essential, but it is a good idea if you want to maximize the potential of your bulbs. There are a few variations available, with different numbers and kinds of bulbs included; I've listed a selection here.
US starter kits
Philips Hue
Essential starter kit (4 E26 bulbs), White and color ambiance
Philips Hue
Essential starter kit (2 bulbs), White and color ambiance
UK starter kits
Philips Hue
Essential starter kit: 2 B22 smart bulbs, White and color ambiance
If you already have a Bridge and are looking to extend your setup, or are planning on going without (basic bulb functions can be controlled via Bluetooth), you can buy individual or multipack bulbs. There's a massive range — I've just included a selection here.
Whichever bulb lineup you choose, you'll have to decide between Hue's three light types. White and color ambiance bulbs can emit any one of millions of RGB colors, including a wide range of different white tones. White bulbs emit a warm light at a set color temperature, and White ambiance bulbs can be set to any one of a massive range of cool to warm white lights.
It packs some smart features, including pausing updates at length and a new recovery option
This patch also cures a nasty bug that slowly eats more and more drive space, but there's an issue to be aware of for Dell laptop owners
Microsoft has released its monthly patch for Windows 11 and the July update is a biggie, packing a feature that I've been awaiting for quite some time.
That would be the ability to pause updates on Windows 11 Home – beyond just a short period of time, which has been the only choice to date – and there are some other impressive additions from Microsoft here.
I'm going to pick out my top four features introduced by the July update, as well as rounding up some of the other more notable changes here. I'll also highlight an important bug fix that has been deployed for a nasty flaw that eats your drive space – along with a warning for some of those with a Dell laptop (who may not get this update for a good reason, as you'll see).
As ever, these changes were seen in the last optional update (June preview), and most of these features are being rolled out gradually, so you may not see them right away after installing this update (indeed, you may have to wait a while based on how the update winds blow regarding your exact PC configuration).
1. Pausing updates
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Sometimes you want to hold off installing an update because of a bug that you're nervous about potentially affecting your system, and up until now, Windows 11 users have only been able to avoid any given update for five weeks.
Okay, so that's a fairly long time, but what if the bug is one of those persistent and niggly affairs that Microsoft takes an age to fix? You may want to delay the update beyond five weeks, and now you can. The catch is that you'll need to continually renew the delay for every 35-day period, but nonetheless, you can now keep an update at bay for as long as you want. (Well – until you're forced to update to a new version of Windows 11, that is, when support runs out for your current version).
2. Point-in-time restore
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Another neat addition is point-in-time restore, a new recovery option that you can employ when something bad happens to your PC and you can no longer reach the desktop. Point-in-time restore lets you roll back a non-functioning system to a previous working state. It reverts to the "full system state" meaning that all your apps, files, and settings are recovered as captured at that previous time.
Hopefully this is a feature that you'll never need, but if you do, you'll be very glad of it. Note that the system backups obviously take up drive space, with older backups automatically deleted after 72 hours by default. Also, if you have a system drive that's smaller than 200GB, you'll have to enable this feature yourself (as it won't be turned on automatically due to potential space issues – note that you can specify a maximum amount of storage space used).
3. Fewer annoyances with widgets
(Image credit: Windows/Unsplash)
The July update is making the widgets panel 'quieter' by which Microsoft means that it has cut out a lot of clutter. The main change is that by default the panel just displays your widgets and Microsoft has got rid of the promotional nonsense in terms of ads and the MSN feed. Notifications and taskbar badges are also minimized by default, and widgets no longer open when you hover over them.
There are some other streamlining moves here, and even if you don't use widgets, I think this is a noteworthy change as it shows the direction Microsoft is now heading in with Windows 11 – chilling out on the upselling as was previously promised (if not entirely banishing it).
4. Screen tint
(Image credit: Shutterstock/Ham patipak)
Windows 11 has been graced with a number of accessibility improvements in the July update, first of which is a new screen tint ability. This does what it says on the tin, allowing you to tint the screen with a choice of colors to help reduce eye strain, or to make text more easily readable. You can adjust the tint intensity, and this is a very useful addition that'll save people from downloading a third-party app to get these kinds of color overlays.
Other features in the July update
(Image credit: TechRadar)
There's quite a lot going on here aside from the above major moves, and that includes Microsoft boosting the speed at which File Explorer launches (helping Windows 11 to feel more performant overall).
There's a whole lot of work on the Bluetooth front, too, as Microsoft notes: "This update improves reliability and performance when connecting to and using Bluetooth devices." That includes better driver stability, improved audio routing for calls via Phone Link, and more.
File Explorer has also been honed to be more reliable, and Microsoft has implemented a performance tweak to the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) that means PCs will shut down more promptly. If you've ever sat staring at your computer while it takes 20 seconds to shut down, wondering what on earth it's doing, that kind of behavior will hopefully be a rarer occurrence going forward.
A major bug fix – and Dell laptop problems
There's some good news for those of you who have been suffering at the hands of a mysterious bug that eats storage space (due to an out-of-control database file). This is fixed with the July update (the cure was in the June preview before it), so you can grab this to resolve the issue (hopefully).
There's some bad news on the bug front, though, namely that you won't get this update on some Dell devices with Intel CPUs, as Microsoft has blocked it due to the July patch causing all sorts of weird issues. I say it's bad news, but at least Microsoft caught the problem and has prevented the update from being piped to those machines.
Microsoft informs us: "This update might not be available for a limited number of Dell devices with Intel processors due to an incompatibility reported by Dell that can potentially cause unexpected shutdowns, poor performance, increased heat, and battery drain. We are working together with Dell to prevent the affected models from experiencing the issue and plan to release a resolution for affected devices in the coming days."
So, if you were wondering why you couldn't get this patch on your Dell laptop, now you know. You'll just have to sit tight for now until Microsoft and Dell get this ironed out.
In a rare incident, a user found himself with the same problem as before, even though MSI was supposed to get the motherboard repaired properly. User Sends His Motherboard With Bent Pin for Repair; MSI's Service Partner, ASK, Sent It Back With Another Pin Bent Not everyone has the same luck when it comes to repairs, especially RMA under warranty. We have seen multiple times how vendors fail to provide proper repairs and replacement for products that are sent for the RMA service under their warranty periods. Similarly, a user expected MSI to repair his damaged motherboard, which was under […]
The rollout of Siri AI wouldn’t have mattered in China or the EU since strong regulatory checkups would mean Apple needed to expose itself to another headache that could take months, if not years, to complete. Fortunately, one tipster reveals that the Cupertino giant has crossed that bridge because Apple Intelligence has received its regulatory filing in the region. New progress with Apple Intelligence in China means talks over potential localized partnerships with the likes of Alibaba and Baidu were fruitful The image below, shared by prolific tipster Ice Universe, is an official Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) registration list […]
China's DFSX is working on fueling its domestic AI supply chain with next-gen 3.5D "Infinity Chiplet" architectures & 3D DRAM technologies. DFSX Is Working on China's First DF1000 AI Accelerator With 3D DRAM Technology, Also Unveils 3.5D+ Packaging DFSX recently hosted a presentation where they announced China's first 3D AI chip that is built entirely using China's domestic supply chain. There is a lot to unpack here, but the key product is the DF1000, which is a software-defined near-in-memory computing AI accelerator that will be used by domestic AI and tech firms. DF1000 - China's First 3D DRAM-Powered AI Accelerator […]
The games industry is still reeling from Sony's switch to a digital-only PlayStation future starting in January 2028, but after fierce backlash from fans and developers, Sony may now face opposition from politicians, too. In Mexico, two Movimiento Ciudadano legislators stated that the Japanese corporation may be crossing into monopoly territory with its planned move, following a broader wave of criticism around Sony's abandonment of physical media and its growing control over PlayStation's storefront economy. According to Mexican website Ovaciones, Movimiento Ciudadano senator Luis Donaldo Colosio and federal deputy Iraís Reyes plan to file a complaint with Mexico's antitrust authority […]
There's no other way to describe the latest Microsoft Xbox layoffs under parent company Microsoft Gaming than tragic. With 3,200 jobs getting cut by July 2027, it's no surprise that studios from Bethesda Softworks to Obsidian Entertainment have been significantly impacted, but it feels like few have been hit as hard as id Software, the legendary development studio behind the DOOM and Quake series. An official statement released a few days ago downplayed the brutal reset, but it seems like the situation is as dire as it looked like when the first reports came in, as the cuts may have […]
The newest and flagship ASUS Tandem OLED monitors have been officially released, including full specifications. ASUS Officially Launches ROG Swift OLED PG32UCWM and PG27UCWM Tandem OLED Monitors, Featuring Tandem OLED Coupled With TrueBlack Glossy Surface Popular hardware and peripheral manufacturer, ASUS, has officially released two of its best 4K OLED gaming monitors for retail, alongside revealing their full specifications. These are the ROG Swift OLED PG32UCWM and ROG Swift OLED PG27UCWM, which were introduced several months ago along with more OLED models. Both gaming monitors boast 4K resolution and offer dual mode configuration for enthusiasts, including 4K@240Hz and FHD@480Hz. The […]
İngiltərənin “Sanderlend” klubu heyətini təcrübəli sağ cinah müdafiəçisi, 34 yaşlı belçikalı futbolçu Tomas Mönye ilə gücləndirib.
Arena.az bu barədə Premyer Liqa təmsilçisinin rəsmi saytına istinadən xəbər verir.
Tərəflər arasında 2028-ci ilin iyun ayınadək nəzərdə tutulmuş müqavilə imzalanıb.
Bu yay Belçika millisinin heyətində DÇ-2026-da çıxış etmiş Mönye Fransanın “Lill” klubu ilə müqaviləsinin başa çatmasının ardından azad agent kimi “Sanderlend”ə qoşulub.
Belçikanın Sent-Od şəhərində anadan olmuş futbolçu peşəkar karyerasına ölkəsinin aşağı liqalarında başlayıb. Daha sonra “Brügge”də çıxış etmiş Mönye burada Belçika çempionluğu və ölkə kubokunu qazanıb.
2016-cı ildə Fransanın PSJ klubuna transfer olunmuş müdafiəçi Paris təmsilçisinin heyətində keçirdiyi dörd mövsümdə üç dəfə Fransa çempionu olub və ölkə kubokunu üç dəfə qazanıb. O, 2020-ci ildə Almaniyanın Dortmund “Borussiya”sına keçib, daha sonra “Trabzonspor” və son olaraq “Lill”in formasını geyinib.
Mönye isə yeni komandasına qoşulduğu üçün həyəcanlı olduğunu bildirib:
“Sanderlend”ə keçdiyim üçün çox həyəcanlı və qürurluyam. Karyeramda yeni səhifə açdığıma görə xoşbəxtəm. Premyer Liqa dünyanın ən güclü və maraqlı çempionatlarından biridir və burada oynamaq həmişə arzuladığım çağırış idi.
Klubun layihəsi, ambisiyası və inkişaf istəyi məni çox təsirləndirdi. Avrokuboklarda iştirak etmək də qərarıma ciddi təsir göstərdi. Futbolçu kimi hər zaman ən güclülərlə mübarizə aparmaq və titullar uğrunda oynamaq istəyirsən.
Ümid edirəm ki, həm meydanda, həm də meydandan kənarda komandaya öz təcrübəmlə fayda verəcəyəm. Karyeram ərzində möhtəşəm kollektivlərin üzvü olmuşam, indi isə bütün gücümü “Sanderlend” üçün sərf etməyi, komanda yoldaşlarıma kömək etməyi və azarkeşlərlə möhkəm bağ qurmağı səbirsizliklə gözləyirəm. İlk oyunumda onların qarşısına çıxmağı səbirsizliklə gözləyirəm”.
Qeyd edək ki, Tomas Mönye yeni komandasında 12 nömrəli formanı geyinəcək.
There have been reports that Honor’s futuristic Robot Phone, first showcased at MWC 2026, will be unveiled in China this August. The handset has now secured two important certifications, indicating that the launch timeline remains on track. Here’s a look at the latest developments and what they reveal about the upcoming flagship.
An Honor smartphone carrying the model number APH-AN00 has appeared on China’s MIIT and 3C certification platforms. This device is said to be the upcoming Honor Robot Phone. While the MIIT listing does not disclose any hardware details, its appearance confirms that the device has moved one step closer to launch.
The accompanying 3C certification reveals that the handset could ship with a 120W fast charger, suggesting that Honor is preparing flagship-grade charging speeds for the device. Although certification platforms rarely reveal complete specifications, the latest listings strongly indicate that the Robot Phone is progressing towards its expected August announcement.
Honor Robot Phone specifications (rumoured)
According to recent information shared by tipster Digital Chat Station, the Honor Robot Phone could feature a 6.3-inch to 6.4-inch flat display offering a 1.5K resolution and ultra-slim bezels on all four sides. The device is also tipped to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset and may pack a battery of around 6,000mAh, placing it firmly in the premium flagship category.
The camera setup is expected to be one of the phone’s biggest highlights. The leak suggests a 200-megapixel main camera with an f/1.6 aperture, 23mm focal length and 4D gimbal stabilization. It could also include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera, with Honor’s Ailai imaging technology expected to enhance the photography experience. The tipster also claims the Robot Phone could offer an early preview of camera innovations planned for the upcoming Magic 9 series.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Google‘s next smartwatch has stayed mostly out of the spotlight compared to the heavily leaked Pixel 11 series, but that’s starting to change. After earlier reports hinted at thePixel Watch 5’s pricing and color lineup, fresh press-style renders are now giving us our first look at the upcoming wearable ahead of its rumored August 12 unveiling.
The renders come from tipster OnLeaks, working alongside The Tide Chart, and show the Pixel Watch 5 in four different case finishes across two case sizes.
Google Pixel Watch 5 renders confirm familiar design
Based on the images, it’s safe to say Google isn’t changing the design language this generation. The Watch 5 looks similar to last year’s Pixel Watch 4, with the same curved, domed-glass display, the charging pins on the side of the case, and Google’s proprietary band-attachment system rather than standard lugs.
The watch is tipped to come in two case sizes, 41mm and 45mm, each available with either Wi-Fi-only or LTE connectivity.
Color options differ slightly between the two sizes. The smaller 41mm model is expected to come in four finishes: Dark Anthracite, Natural Silver, Pyrite, and Warm Gold. The larger 45mm version, however, reportedly skips the Warm Gold option, leaving buyers with three finishes to choose from instead.
Beyond the design, rumors suggest the Pixel Watch 5 will ship with Wear OS 7 out of the box, alongside modestly larger batteries than the previous generation for improved battery life. On the pricing side, earlier leaks suggest the new watch could cost about $50 more than the Pixel Watch 4 did at launch.
With the renders now out, we can also expect more technical details to come out soon. Stay tuned for more as the launch date approaches.
For more daily updates, please visit ourNews Section.
As we head into the second half of 2026, getting a smartwatch to last through a long weekend is no longer a challenge. The combination of high-density silicon-carbon batteries and more efficient processors means that multi-day battery life has simply become the baseline for most new devices.
For this list, we are focusing entirely on full-fledged smartwatches. While there are specialized, rugged watches built specifically for hikers and endurance runners that offer significantly longer battery life, they usually achieve that by stripping away everyday smart features and apps. If you are looking for a device that offers a complete wearable experience without needing a daily charge, here is a look at the most reliable options currently on the market.
Xiaomi Watch 5
This watch runs Wear OS 6, an operating system that typically drains batteries quickly due to its heavy app integration and background syncing. However, the Xiaomi Watch 5 manages to provide up to six days of battery life in standard smart mode, and up to 18 days if you switch to power-saving mode.
It achieves this by utilizing a 930mAh silicon-carbon battery, a newer battery technology that allows for higher energy density without increasing the physical size or weight of the watch.
Additionally, it uses a dual-chip setup, pairing a main Snapdragon processor with a low-power co-processor. The co-processor handles basic background tasks like step counting and notifications, which prevents the main chip from waking up unnecessarily and draining power.
This makes it a highly practical choice if you want access to the full suite of Google apps, such as Maps and Wallet, without having to charge your watch every night.
OnePlus Watch 4
Another strong Wear OS 6 option, the OnePlus Watch 4 offers about five days of battery life in its standard smart mode. If you use it heavily, meaning frequent GPS tracking for outdoor runs, continuous heart rate monitoring, and streaming music offline, that battery life drops to roughly three days.
However, if you need to stretch the battery further, the watch includes a dedicated power-save mode. By disabling the main processor and full Wear OS functions, it relies on a low-power co-processor to handle basic timekeeping, step tracking, and essential notifications, which can extend the battery life up to 16 days.
It is equipped with a 646mAh battery that supports fast charging, allowing you to fully recharge the device from zero to 100% in about 75 minutes.
The watch features a titanium alloy case and a bright LTPO OLED display. The LTPO technology is particularly helpful for battery conservation, as it allows the screen’s refresh rate to drop significantly when you are not actively interacting with it.
It functions well as an everyday watch that provides premium materials and can comfortably last through a long weekend trip without needing a charger.
Huawei Watch GT Runner 2
If you primarily want a smartwatch for tracking workouts and do not need access to third-party apps, the Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 (full review) is a very efficient option.
It runs proprietary HarmonyOS rather than a resource-heavy platform like Wear OS, it provides up to 14 days of battery life with light use, or about seven days under typical daily conditions.
For runners and hikers, the most relevant specification is its continuous GPS tracking capability. The watch can record up to 32 hours of continuous dual-band GPS tracking on a single charge, making it useful for marathons, ultramarathons, or multi-day hiking trips.
It also features a lightweight build at just 34.5 grams and a breathable strap, focusing entirely on comfort and detailed fitness metrics rather than smartwatch app ecosystems.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
For iPhone users wanting to stay within the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers up to 42 hours of normal use on a single charge. If you need to extend that, turning on Low Power Mode will give you up to 72 hours by limiting background heart rate measurements and delaying some notifications.
While it does not last as long as the dedicated fitness watches, the S10 chip and watchOS 26 optimizations make it efficient enough to prevent the need for daily charging, even with an always-on display and cellular connectivity active.
When the battery does run low, the fast-charging capability is quite useful, a 15-minute charge provides about 12 hours of standard use, which makes it relatively easy to keep the watch topped up while you take a shower or get ready for the day.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The current Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra provides up to 100 hours of battery life in Power Saving mode, or 48 hours in Exercise Power Saving mode, drawing from its 590mAh battery. It runs Wear OS 6 layered with Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch interface, providing deep integration with Android smartphones.
For people already using Samsung devices, a practical detail is how the watch works alongside the Galaxy Ring. If you wear them both, they split the health-tracking workload. The ring can handle background tasks like monitoring your sleep and continuous heart rate, which lets the watch turn off those specific sensors to save battery.
This distribution of work can reduce the watch’s power consumption and extend its overall battery life by about 30%, depending on your daily usage patterns.
It is also worth noting that Samsung is expected to release the next-generation Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 later this month. According to recent hardware leaks, this upcoming model will be equipped with a larger battery capacity, which should further improve its overall longevity and reduce the frequency of required charging.
For more daily updates, please visit ourNews Section.
ZTE has added a new 5G cellular router to its hardware lineup. Following the recent release of the G5 Pro, the company has now listed the G5 Max WiFi 5G CPE on JD.com. The new model integrates Qualcomm’s latest modem technology with an outdoor-ready enclosure. It carries a standard retail price of 2,499 yuan ($369), with an introductory price of 2,419 yuan ($357).
ZTE G5 Max Specifications
The main difference between the G5 Max and a standard home internet gateway is its physical build. The router is designed for both indoor and outdoor installation. It features an IP65-rated weather-resistant enclosure that protects against dust and water, and it is rated to operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +55°C. Measuring 225 x 142 x 48 mm and weighing about 800 grams, the unit includes mounting hardware for walls and light poles, alongside a standard desktop stand.
To make outdoor installation practical, ZTE included a 2.5GbE network port on the bottom of the device that supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). This allows users to run a single Ethernet cable to the router to supply both data and power, eliminating the need for a dedicated outdoor electrical outlet.
Inside, the G5 Max runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 5G platform. It supports a wide range of global 5G and 4G LTE frequency bands, including the high-capacity n79 5G band. To maintain a cellular connection in areas with weak coverage, the router uses a 13dBi high-gain antenna system and supports 4×4 MIMO technology. For cellular access, it includes a standard 4FF SIM card slot as well as an embedded SIM option.
For local networking, the router supports the new Wi-Fi 7 standard (IEEE 802.11be) and is backward compatible with older Wi-Fi protocols. It provides wireless speeds up to 3600Mbps and can handle up to 64 connected devices at the same time.
Software management is handled through the ZTE Smart Life app, which allows users to monitor the network locally or remotely. The system includes standard router features like bandwidth allocation, parental controls, and VPN support for L2TP and PPTP protocols.
In related news, Lenovo has recently unveiled the Legion LM50S portable Wi-Fi hotspot with Wi-Fi 6, 4G LTE connectivity, and up to 12 hours of battery life.
For more daily updates, please visit ourNews Section.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Italy’s technical director Paolo Maldini is determined to involve Gianluigi Buffon in his project, offering the former goalkeeper a primary role within the Azzurri.
Newly-appointed Italy technical director Maldini wants to include Buffon in his Azzurri project, according to Gazzetta.
Buffon given a new Italy role by Maldini?
The report claims that Buffon will be offered a primary role within Club Italia, the Body that oversees the activity of the national teams, from the youth sectors to the first team.
Buffon resigned following the Azzurri’s defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final this past March, alongside Gattuso and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
Gazzetta claims that Buffon will soon be contacted by Maldini.
Buffon previously served as Italy’s Delegation Chief under Luciano Spalletti and Gennaro Gattuso, but the offer he will receive from FIGC concerns a different role for the legendary goalkeeper.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gianluigi Buffon, Head of Delegation of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Gazzetta also confirms that Andrea Pirlo, who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy alongside Buffon, remains Maldini’s favourite option to become the new Nazionale coach.
The FIGC confirmed Maldini’s appointment as Italy’s technical director last Saturday, with the ex-defender joined by his former Milan teammate Leonardo, serving as an advisor.
Aston Villa target Pervis Estupiñán isn’t the only player expected to leave Milan this summer, as the Rossoneri are preparing for more sales, hoping to raise €150m this summer, reports Gazzetta.
After securing the signatures of Gonçalo Ramos and Mario Gila for a combined fee of around €50m, Milan are now working on exits.
Aston Villa in advanced talks for Estupinan
The more advanced situation concerns Estupinan with the Rossoneri in advanced talks with Aston Villa.
There have been mixed reports on the Rossoneri’s asking price, with SportMediset claiming that the ex-Brighton defender can leave for €18m, while Gazzetta insists that the price is €20m.
The pink paper, however, adds that Milan might eventually be satisfied with selling the 28-year-old for €15m, the same fee they are expected to demand for Fikayo Tomori.
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 28: Pervis Estupinan of AC Milan walks off after receiving a red card during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Other players are not part of Ruben Amorim’s plans, especially in central midfield.
Milan will listen to offers for Youssouf Fofana, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Warren Bondo, while winger Rafael Leao is on the market for €60m, but hasn’t yet received formal offers from any club, especially from Europe’s top five leagues.
According to Gazzetta, Milan aim to raise around €150m from player sales this summer in order to improve their financial situation after failing to qualify for the Champions League, but also to boost their budget for new signings.
Chelsea want Crystal Palace’s centre back and Palace may want Chelsea’s as a replacement. The solution is obvious.
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Chelsea and Crystal Palace have done a fair bit of business over the last few years, and that doesn’t look like it’s changing anytime soon.
The two clubs are both locked in talks over central defenders that could see them effectively change players. Chelsea insider Simon Phillips’ piece about the Blues’ plans for Trevoh Chalobah reveals all.
Chelsea and Palace have transfer arrangement fall into their lap
The defender was at Palace on loan two years ago and really impressed, before being recalled. Chelsea are now willing to sell permanently, while they’re keen to sign Maxence Lacroix from the Eagles.
The obvious solution is for each to sign the defender from the other. They can even mutually inflate the asking prices as a nice little PSR boost. Of course it’s not easy to pull off, and it would require both players to be keen on the move, but we can well imagine both sides are exploring that idea.
Lacroix was only eliminated at the World Cup last night, while Chalobah is still with England. That has slowed things, but the next couple of weeks will be very interesting.
In other news…
Another experienced Premier League defender could be on the move, with West Ham likely forced into a sale after their relegation.
Christos Tzolis is a major target for Arsenal, and he’s available at what sounds like a pretty reasonable price for a player with that much talent.
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West Ham will do all they can to keep hold of their fan favourite defender – but growing interest will make that very hard.
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West Ham’s relegation was always going to mean sales, and some of their best and brightest players have already gone.
There is still more damage to be done however, and a report today from Football Insider says that the next to go could be a defender who made himself into something of a cult hero over the last 12 months.
Konsantinos Mavropanos wasn’t able to stop the Hammers going down, but his efforts didn’t go unnoticed. The 28 year old earned himself a good reputation with the fans – and with other teams who are interested in buying him.
Mavropanos wanted by teams across Europe
The report claims that West Ham wikll do “everything in their power” to keep hold of him, but Premier League and Bundesliga teams want him. It’s judged to be “very difficult” to keep hold of him.
The strong, experienced defender would be key to any effort West Ham wanted to make to come straight back up – the next few weeks are likely to be crucial if they want to persuade him.
In other news…
Christos Tzolis is a major target for Arsenal, and he’s available at what sounds like a pretty reasonable price for a player with that much talent.
Everton want to re-sign Jack Grealish after his successes in the first half of last season, but are struggling to put together an offer that will convince Man City.
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Arsenal are stepping up their chase for Christos Tzolis, with the attacker looking the perfect replacement for Leandro Trossard.
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Leandro Trossard’s move from Arsenal to Besiktas has been confirmed – and now it’s the turn of the Gunners to accelerate plans for his replacement.
That’s just what they’re about to do, according to Ben Jacobs. He says that the Gunners are moving for Christos Tzolis of Club Brugge, and are being told to pay something between £30m and £35m. Jacobs says the Belgian side are “willing to sell this summer.”
The player has “informed Arsenal he wants to join.”
Tzolis has shown he’s ready for big step up
If Arsenal really can get him for £30m, that would seem like an exceptional bargain. Given how much Premier League teams are paying for totally unproven youngsters these days, that’s a very reasonable fee for someone who has proved to be incredibly productive.
Of course he will be stepping up a level, but he’s shown more than enough to indicate he’s ready for that. If Arsenal don’t take the plunge, it feels a lot like someone else will.
Their pursuit of Morgan Rogers, at a far higher price point, is unrelated, according to Jacobs.
In other news…
Everton want to re-sign Jack Grealish after his successes in the first half of last season, but are struggling to put together an offer that will convince Man City.
Manchester United are considering reigniting their interest in Carlos Baleba, who Brighton are increasingly willing to sell at the right price.
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May 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and guard Azzi Fudd (35) stand on the court during the second half of a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Throughout its existence, the WNBA has been made up primarily of Black women players. However, that does not extend to the league’s coaches, and Dallas Wings superstar Paige Bueckers thinks that’s a problem.
While Black women have made up most of the players in the WNBA since the league began in 1997, that is not true of the coaches throughout the league, as the WNBA does not have a single Black woman head coach. During a recent interview, Bueckers spoke out against that.
Following Sunday’s game against the Chicago Sky, Bueckers was asked about the “process” she hopes to see in terms of hiring Black women to head coaching jobs, with the WNBA not having a single Black coach throughout the league.
Bueckers, who is white, said that she would like to see “equal opportunity and no discrimination based on what you look like, who you like, and anything of that nature,” when it comes to the league making hires. She added that she thinks the league was “built on” the contributions of Black women.
“I think Black women — specifically, I grew up with a lot of prominent Black women in my life that were very important to me in how I was raised and how I grew up, being my stepmom, my AAU coach,” Bueckers said via ESPN. “So I understand how amazing they are and how they should get the same equal opportunity as a white woman, as a white man to be an important piece of this league.
“It was built on a lot of Black women — this league was — so it’s definitely right for them to get the same equal opportunity as everyone else.”
While seven of the 15 coaches throughout the league are women, none of those coaches is a Black woman, despite Black women holding most of the roster spots in the WNBA. It sounds like Bueckers wants to change that.
Just days after Texas A&M's first-round loss to Miami in the 2025 College Football Playoff, it was abundantly clear that starting quarterback Marcel Reed needed to improve in several areas, starting with eliminating "mental mistakes" against elite defenses, while the Aggies were set to transfer wide receiver KC Concepcion to the NFL Draft.
Entering his third season, coach Mike Elko was set to lose second-year OC Collin Klein, now Kansas State's head coach, and instead of pursuing an outside hire, Elko elevated WR coach Holmon Wiggins as the new OC and playcaller, while Lyle Hemphill was promoted as the Aggies' new defensive coordinator after Jay Bateman departed for Kentucky.
After Marcel Reed announced his official return, Elko and his staff went to work in the transfer portal, adding 17 players, including former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Horton, whose 6'4" frame pairs well with junior star wideout Mario Craver, who reeled in 59 receptions, 917 yards and four touchdowns during his first season in College Station.
In the backfield, former five-star prospect and redshirt junior running back Rueben Owens will be tasked with replacing Le'Veon Moss as the starter, but sophomore Jamarion Morrow, who looks like the best one-cut back on the roster, is still in contention for the starting job heading into the preseason.
After completing 62% of his passes for 3,169 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, paired with 493 rushing yards and six scores, Marcel Reed is equipped with the necessary speed and size at wide receiver to thrive in the pocket, and while four new starting offensive linemen could result in some early blocking issues, the expectations remain high for the Aggie offense.
However, even after averaging 30-plus points last season, On3's J.D. PicKell did not place Texas A&M among his top 10 college football offenses. On his list, Indiana and Texas Tech will both feature new quarterbacks, and while Marcel Reed has plenty to prove, the Aggies are well-equipped to match or improve on last season's scoring average.
NEW: Top 10 offenses in College Football for 2026⚡️
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Wisconsin’s 2026-27 women’s basketball roster is official, and the first thing that stands out is how guard-heavy it looks.
The Badgers list 14 players, with 12 of them being guards, plus one forward and one center. For a program under Robin Pingeton, that kind of roster suggests the summer is about sorting out pace, spacing, and ball-handling, not about wondering who can bring the ball up the floor.
The roster also shows how wide Wisconsin’s recruiting footprint has become. The group includes players from five different states, as well as those from Spain, Croatia and Belgium.
Coach Pingeton has created a wide-ranging roster with a mix that gives the Badgers more options, but it also means chemistry will matter from the start. This team needs to hit the ground running if they want to build on what was a step in the right direction last season.
Wisconsin’s class breakdown is just as notable. The roster page lists four freshmen, three sophomores, two juniors, three seniors, and two graduate players. That balance gives Pingeton a chance to lean on older guards while freshmen like Giselle Janowski, Adaline Sheplee, Leah Nordin, and Alicia Courthiau get their first taste of the Big Ten.
The Badgers are not done growing, but the roster page suggests the new season will begin with a much clearer identity than the last.
LONDON (AP) — World Cup veteran Thomas Meunier joined Sunderland on Wednesday ahead of the English club’s first European campaign for 53 years.
The 34-year-old Belgium defender was a free agent after playing at his third straight World Cup. His contract at Lille expired during the tournament.
Sunderland said Meunier, who previously played for Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, signed a two-year contract.
Newly promoted Sunderland was widely forecast to be relegated last season yet placed seventh to qualify for the Europa League. Sunderland previously played in the European Cup-Winners’ Cup in 1973 after a storied FA Cup title as a second-tier team.
Sunderland players carried their good form into the World Cup with captain Granit Xhaka impressing for Switzerland, Brian Brobbey scoring three goals for the Netherlands and Wilson Isidor scoring for Haiti.
The adventurous developer who recently released Linux for the Atari Jaguar (1993) has brewed up a version of the open-source OS for the Sega 32X (1994). If you can’t remember the 32X, it was Sega’s mid-gen answer to early fifth-generation challengers like the Jaguar, 3DO, and Amiga CD32. Sega’s solution added some potent processing power to a mushroom-like slot in an expansion to its popular Mega Drive/Genesis. Now cakehonolulu has got it running Linux, despite facing several major hurdles.
Compared to its Genesis host, the Sega 32X was incredibly muscular. The Genesis had relied on the capable but long-in-the-tooth Motorola 68000 (7 MHz) for years, but the 32X add-on boosted that with a pair of Hitachi SuperH SH2s (SH7604) CPUs (23 MHz). It also ramped up system RAM from the base 64KB by adding 256KB of its own. Sega’s expansion offered more than just speed; the console’s color palette was ramped up from 64 to 32,000 simultaneous colors on screen, and it was powerful enough to introduce hitherto unachievable 3D graphics elements to mainstream console gaming.
As with cakehonolulu’s tale of Linux wrangling on the old Jag, the above-linked blog talks through a long list of hurdles that needed to be leapt to get the Linux kernel booted and running BusyBox. This time around, particularly steely roadblocks included: the even more constrained RAM situation, the lack of hardware synchronization primitives, the desire to get SMP working across the pair of SH2 CPUs, no direct UART access from the 32X, and scheduler bugs, among other things.
On the positive side, smoothing the development process along were access to Chilly Willy’s 32X devkit, the linuxmd project, the Krikzz FPGA-based flash cart with ROM – RAM mapping tools, and existing SH2 documentation and sample projects. Please check through the linked blog for far more technical details from cakehonolulu.
Linux booted with BusyBox prompt on the Sega 32X (Image credit: cakehonolulu)
As you can see, cakehonolulu was successful again. So, what’s the next stop for this adventurous dev – the Sega Saturn? Whatever the project may be, it was interesting to read that works like this are basically forming a portfolio for the Spanish dev, which they hope will help them with job hunting.
The US Treasury has sanctioned First VPN's administrator for aiding ransomware attacks on American infrastructure
Another suspect was targeted for selling "cryptors" that cloak malware from security systems
The move follows a May 2026 takedown by European law enforcement and the FBI that seized the VPN's infrastructure
The United States government has officially issued sanctions against the operators of a notorious free virtual private network, escalating a global crackdown on digital infrastructure used to facilitate ransomware attacks.
On Monday (July 13), the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated First VPN Service (also known as 1VPNS) and its Ukrainian administrator, Dmytro Rashevskyi, for abetting cybercriminals. The service, which has operated since 2014, was heavily favored by ransomware gangs targeting American hospitals, municipalities, and businesses.
While the best VPN services are designed to protect everyday consumer privacy, rogue networks like First VPN provided malicious actors with the tools to "hide the origins of their attacks, deploy malware, and manage exfiltrated data," according to a Treasury Department press release.
As part of the same action, the Treasury also sanctioned Yegeniy Vladimirovich Silayev, a Belarusian national accused of selling "cryptors" to ransomware operators.
While Silayev is not directly affiliated with First VPN, his inclusion in the sanctions package highlights a broader strategy of targeting the entire cybercriminal supply chain. Cryptors are tools specifically built to disguise ransomware as harmless files, preventing security systems from detecting or deactivating the malware.
A haven for cybercriminals
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
The US Treasury's latest move is an update to an ongoing international operation against First VPN.
In a massive May 2026 takedown, a coordinated effort led by European law enforcement agencies and the FBI successfully seized the service's website and server infrastructure.
Prior to the takedown, Rashevskyi aggressively marketed First VPN on dark web forums. To lure cybercriminals, he promised total anonymity and boasted that the network "does not keep logs of users' identities or activities, and that it refuses to cooperate with law enforcement investigations into illegal activity originating from the servers it rents to customers".
According to the US Treasury, Rashevskyi went to great lengths to keep the operation running. He utilized false identities, such as "Maksim Sorin" and "Roman Chabanenko," to "buy infrastructure from companies that might otherwise refuse to do business with him because of complaints of abuse from internet service providers about illegal activity originating from 1VPNS servers".
Disrupting the cybercriminal ecosystem
This latest wave of sanctions was coordinated alongside the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and carries severe consequences for the designated individuals.
Under the new sanctions, all property and interests belonging to Rashevskyi and Silayev within the US are blocked, and US citizens are strictly prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them. Beyond the immediate financial freeze, OFAC sanctions serve as a massive reputational blow designed to choke off future revenue streams.
By focusing on the service providers and tool suppliers who facilitate these attacks, rather than just the ransomware operators themselves, authorities are aiming to maximize their impact and disrupt multiple gangs at once.
"Under President Trump's leadership, Treasury is using every available tool to disrupt the cybercriminal ecosystem and protect the American people," said Gene Lange, who is performing the duties of the Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. "We will continue targeting the actors who enable ransomware attacks against Americans and our critical infrastructure".
NVIDIA & SEGA are celebrating 30 years of collaboration, as SEGA's "Legendary" gaming titles are announced for RTX Spark PCs. There Would've Been No NVIDIA Without SEGA, & Both Brands Celebrate Their 30 Long Years of Collaboration, Starting With NV1 To RTX Spark PCs NVIDIA's first graphics accelerator, before the term GPU existed, was the NV1. The 3D/2D chip was released back in 1995 and enabled the porting of classic SEGA games such as Virtua Fighter over to PC. From Troubled Beginnings to a 3-Decade-Long Collab The NV1 was the first and only chip to feature quadratic texture mapping, a […]
It's crazy how a six-year-old CPU can sell incredibly well, given it's based on an older platform. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D Grabs Fourth Spot In Best Selling CPUs List On Amazon Despite Selling For $349 It's hardly been a month since the launch of AMD's Ryzen 7 5800X3D 10th anniversary edition, and we are already seeing the CPU in the best-selling CPUs list at major retailers. It was obvious since the Ryzen 5000 series witnessed a good demand due to a large section of PC builders transitioning to the previous-gen AM4 platform due to the current RAMpocalypse. However, we didn't […]
ASML has confirmed that Intel is leveraging its High NA EUV technology to produce its Panther Lake chips on its most advanced 18A process node. ASML's High NA EUV Enters High-Volume Logic Production With Intel's "18A" Panther Lake Chips Today, ASML announced that its first High NA EUV "EXE" equipment has been installed at Intel Foundry and is being used to make the first Panther Lake 18A products. The first of these High NA EUV lithography machines was installed at Hillsboro, Oregon, R&D site back in 2024, making Intel the first company to install and pass acceptance testing of the […]
Futbol üzrə Fransa millisinin kapitanı Kilian Mbappe DÇ-2026-nın yarımfinalında İspaniyaya 0:2 hesablı məğlubiyyətin səbəblərini açıqlayıb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 27 yaşlı hücumçu komandasının nə texniki, nə də taktiki baxımdan oyun planını həyata keçirə bildiyini bildirib:
“Nə texniki, nə də taktiki baxımdan göstərmək istədiyimiz oyunu nümayiş etdirə bilmədik. Dünya çempionatının yarımfinalında etməli olduqlarını yerinə yetirmirsənsə, qalib gəlmək mümkün deyil.
İspaniya öz oyun planına və futbol fəlsəfəsinə sadiq qaldı. Onlar topa və oyunun tempinə nəzarət etməyi sevirlər. Bizim planımız isə onlara yüksək təzyiq göstərmək, öz ritmlərini tapmalarına imkan verməmək idi”.
Mbappe topu qazandıqları epizodlarda belə səhvlərə yol verdiklərini vurğulayıb:
“Hətta topu ələ keçirdiyimiz anlarda belə ilk toxunuşlarımız kifayət qədər keyfiyyətli deyildi. Məhz bu cür detallar məğlubiyyətə səbəb oldu.
Bu, bizim üçün böyük məyusluqdur. Amma obyektiv olsaq, finala yüksəlmək üçün lazım olan bütün şərtlərə malik deyildik”.
Xatırladaq ki, İspaniya yarımfinalda Fransanı 2:0 hesabı ilə məğlub edərək DÇ-2026-nın finalına yüksəlib. Turnirin ikinci yarımfinalında Argentina və İngiltərə milliləri üz-üzə gələcək. Final oyunu isə iyulun 19-da keçiriləcək.
Fransa millisinin hücumçusu Kilian Mbappe futbol üzrə dünya çempionatları tarixində yığmanın ən çox oyun keçirən futbolçusu olub.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, 27 yaşlı forvard bu rekorda DÇ-2026-nın yarımfinalında İspaniyaya qarşı keçirilən matçda imza atıb.
Mbappe start heyətində meydana çıxmaqla dünya çempionatlarında 21-ci oyununu keçirib.
Beləliklə, o, bu göstəricidə 20 oyunla ikinci pillədə qərarlaşan, 2018-ci il dünya çempionu və Fransa millisinin sabiq kapitanı Uqo Lyorisi geridə qoyub. Təcrübəli qapıçı 2022-ci il dünya çempionatından sonra milli komanda ilə vidalaşmışdı.
Mbappe 2024-cü ildən İspaniyanın “Real” klubunun formasını geyinir. O, Madrid təmsilçisi ilə 2024/2025 mövsümündə İspaniya Super Kubokunu və Qitələrarası Kuboku qazanıb.
Fransa millisinin heyətində isə Mbappe 2018-ci ildə dünya çempionu, 2022-ci ildə dünya çempionatının gümüş mükafatçısı olub. O, Qətərdə keçirilən DÇ-2022-də vurduğu 8 qolla turnirin bombardiri adına layiq görülmüşdü.
Hijacked SpaceX and Starlink X accounts pushed the SCATMAN memecoin for a $135K payday. Why credibility, not code, is crypto's cheapest attack surface.
Antonio Conte refuses to comment on speculation regarding his possible appointment as Italy coach, but praises two of his ex-strikers, Harry Kane and Lautaro Martinez, who will meet in the World Cup semifinal tonight.
Conte left Napoli in May after spending two seasons at the Stadio Maradona.
One of the most successful Italian coaches of the last decade, Conte has long been linked with the Italy job this summer, but, following Paolo Maldini’s appointment as technical director, Conte no longer seems one of the top options for the Azzurri.
Conte gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport while on holiday with his family. The pink paper said that Conte agreed to talk to their reporter as long as the conversation did not concern his future.
“Now, I’m happy like this,” he said.
Conte did talk about the World Cup, also focusing on two of his ex-strikers, Kane and Lautaro Martinez.
“Harry [Kane] is a great No.9, but he’s almost a No.10 too,” Conte said.
“He understands the movements; he knows when to drop deep and play as a playmaker. He’s a fantastic player, with great quality and technique. It was unfair that he had never won anything, and at Bayern Munich, he’s getting the satisfaction he deserves. Who knows, maybe he can do the same with the national team. Kane is a leader in his own way. Perhaps not with words, but inside the game. His teammates look for him because they trust him, and he never lets them down.”
Conte coached Kane at Tottenham and had previously won the Serie A title at Inter, coaching Lautaro Martinez.
Conte said he was impressed with the Argentine’s “continuous growth, as well as charisma and personality.”
“There’s an Inter with Lautaro and an Inter without Lautaro. His presence shifts the balance,” continued the Italian tactician.
“Lautaro’s contribution to Argentina’s third goal against Egypt went somewhat unnoticed, but it was incredible. He carried the ball up the pitch, protected it, gave Enzo Fernandez enough time to arrive and delivered a perfect cross. You don’t expect that kind of play from a No.9.
“Lautaro, like Julian Alvarez, understood that he could still be important even if only for a few minutes. They accepted the situation by putting their egos aside and prioritising the team’s needs. Credit to both of them, and to Scaloni for convincing them.
Inevitably, however, the brightest Argentine star is once again Leo Messi.
“He’s gone beyond expectations, once more,” noted Conte.
“He has arrived in incredible shape, which once again proves his incredible professionalism and desire. Leo has the brainpower to always be in the right place because he predicts what will happen.”
COMO, ITALY – MAY 02: SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SSC Napoli at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
At the end of the interview, the journalist still tried to know more about Conte’s potential return as Italy coach.
“Too many things have been said. It’s time for action, not for talk and politics,” the ex-Napoli, Juventus and Inter boss replied.
“We cannot miss three World Cups in a row. A feat has been accomplished, but in reverse.”
Spain have now gone 37 consecutive games unbeaten, equalling Italy’s record under Roberto Mancini, and will overtake the Azzurri if they win the World Cup.
Spain beat France 2-0 on Tuesday to become the first finalist of the 2026 World Cup.
Italy and Spain share an unbeaten record
La Roja will meet the winner of Argentina vs England in the Final next Sunday.
AL RAYYAN, QATAR – JANUARY 25: Roberto Mancini, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia reacts during the AFC Asian Cup Group F match between Saudi Arabia and Thailand at Education City Stadium on January 25, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
As Gazzetta highlights, Spain have now been unbeaten in the last 37 matches across all competitions, matching the record set by Mancini’s Italy between 2018 and 2021.
This means that Spain will beat Italy’s record if they win the World Cup.
Luis De La Fuente has selected no Serie A players in his Spain team for the 2026 World Cup.
They have scored 13 goals at the 2026 World Cup so far, conceding just once, from Atalanta star Charles De Ketelaere in a quarter-final clash against Belgium.
Spain have already broken one of Italy’s World Cup records this summer, with goalkeeper Unai Simón going unbeaten for more than 519 minutes and surpassing Walter Zenga’s mark, which had stood for 36 years.
Arsenal’s attacking rebuild is gathering pace, with Mikel Arteta prepared to make several difficult decisions after guiding the club to the Premier League title.
Rather than allowing successful players to remain because of past contributions, the Gunners appear determined to refresh the squad and create room for younger or more reliable attacking options.
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The departure of Leandro Trossard has already changed the picture on the left wing, while another experienced forward could now follow him out of the Emirates.
Injuries and increased competition have reduced his importance, leaving Arsenal ready to listen to offers before his contract expires.
AC Milan emerge as leading contenders for Jesus
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal are actively trying to sell Gabriel Jesus, with AC Milan currently among the strongest contenders for his signature.
The 29-year-old has entered the final year of his contract, and the Gunners are reportedly prepared to consider proposals worth around £20 million.
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Jesus made only 14 Premier League appearances last season, scoring six goals, and now finds himself behind Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz in Arteta’s attacking hierarchy.
Milan have made contact, while Juventus, Atlético Madrid and clubs in Turkey are also understood to have explored the situation.
A move to Italy could appeal to the Brazilian. Football Italia recently reported that Jesus had spoken positively about Serie A, admitting that playing in Italian football had been a childhood dream.
His experience, movement and ability to cover several forward positions could make him a useful option for Milan.
Jesus could become the second experienced attacker to leave Arsenal this summer.
Leandro Trossard has left the club to join Besiktas after Arsenal agreed a transfer worth approximately £17m.
Sky Sports reported that the Belgian was given permission to travel to Istanbul and complete the move after recording 36 goals in 174 Arsenal appearances.
Liverpool face a delicate decision over one of their homegrown midfielders as Inter Milan continue testing their resolve.
The Italian champions have returned with an improved proposal, but the Reds are refusing to lower their valuation despite the player entering the final year of his contract.
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The situation is about more than a £3m difference. Liverpool must balance the risk of losing a useful squad member for nothing next summer against the value of keeping an experienced, locally developed player during Andoni Iraola’s first season in charge.
Inter, meanwhile, appear confident that their persistence could eventually force a compromise.
Liverpool hold firm despite improved offer from Inter
According to talkSPORT, Liverpool have rejected Inter’s latest offer of approximately £27m for Curtis Jones.
The proposal was closer to the Reds’ reported £30m asking price than Inter’s previous bid of around £21.6m, but it was still dismissed.
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However, Liverpool’s new head coach reportedly values his versatility and wants to assess him during pre-season before approving any departure.
This Is Anfield has reported that Iraola would like Jones to remain beyond the coming campaign, suggesting a new contract could still become possible if the midfielder earns an important role under the Spaniard.
Contract situation leaves Reds facing a major gamble
Liverpool cannot ignore the financial risk. Jones’ current agreement expires in 2027, and The Guardian previously reported that extension talks had failed to produce an agreement.
Inter may therefore believe Liverpool’s position will weaken as the transfer deadline approaches.
Liverpool are right to reject £27m because the gap to their asking price is small enough for Inter to bridge.
Jones is Premier League-proven, homegrown and capable of covering several midfield roles, so accepting a discounted offer would make little sense.
However, the Reds must quickly decide whether they genuinely intend to extend his contract. Keeping him for one season and then losing him for free would be poor business.
If Inter reach £30m and Jones makes it clear he wants the move, Liverpool should accept the deal and reinvest rather than allow the situation to drag on.
Arsenal are continuing to reshape their attack after Leandro Trossard’s departure, with another high-level wide forward now under serious consideration.
Mikel Arteta wants more pace, unpredictability and goals from the left side as the Gunners prepare to defend their Premier League title and challenge again in Europe.
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Morgan Rogers has been one of Arsenal’s leading targets throughout the window because of his versatility, physical strength and proven Premier League quality.
However, Aston Villa’s enormous valuation has forced sporting director Andrea Berta to examine other possibilities rather than allowing one negotiation to delay the club’s wider plans.
Arsenal consider French star as Rogers’ alternative
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are turning their attention towards Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola as a possible alternative to Rogers.
The France international can play from either flank and would give Arteta a more natural wide option capable of stretching defences with his speed and direct running.
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The Frenchman has been crucial for PSG in their two Champions League wins in the last two seasons.
The main reason for Arsenal’s change of focus is the financial difficulty surrounding Rogers. Sky Sports reported that Villa would demand a British-record fee of around £130m before considering negotiations.
With the 23-year-old under a long-term contract, Villa have little reason to accept a discounted offer.
PSG stance means alternative is not straightforward
Barcola may not be easy to sign either. talkSPORT reported that PSG do not currently consider him available, although their position could change depending on further attacking arrivals.
Barcola could actually suit Arsenal’s immediate requirements better than Rogers. He is a specialist winger with explosive pace and would bring a different threat to an attack that can occasionally become too predictable.
Rogers is more Premier League-proven and can influence matches from several positions, but paying £130m would place enormous pressure on both the player and Arsenal’s remaining transfer budget.
Liverpool’s defensive recruitment could lead them towards a familiar Premier League name following his impressive role in England’s World Cup campaign.
The Reds need greater depth across the back line, particularly players capable of covering more than one position without forcing Andoni Iraola to completely change his system.
A homegrown defender with pace, international experience and the ability to operate on either flank would address several needs at once.
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His tournament performances have increased his profile, but they may also make a potential agreement with Tottenham more expensive and considerably harder to negotiate.
Liverpool continue to monitor long term target
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool have monitored Djed Spence since his loan spell with Rennes in 2023.
Their scouts were initially watching Désiré Doué but also assessed Spence, who reportedly performed particularly well when facing the talented French winger.
Liverpool’s interest has never developed into a formal offer, although the club have continued tracking his progress and would consider acting if a realistic market opportunity appeared.
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Spence’s performances for England have strengthened his reputation.
The Times reports that he has appeared in all six of England’s matches on their way to the semi-final, starting twice and coming off the bench four times.
His speed and one-on-one defending have made him a useful tactical option for Thomas Tuchel, including during the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway.
Tottenham are in a strong position regarding Spence
Spence can play as a right-back, left-back or wing-back, while his homegrown status would also help Liverpool meet squad-registration requirements.
Those qualities make him an attractive option for a team needing reliable defensive cover.
However, Tottenham confirmed in August 2025 that he had signed a new long-term contract, leaving Spurs under no pressure to sell. His strong World Cup could further increase their valuation.
Spence would be a smart signing for Liverpool because he provides pace, flexibility and Premier League experience. He would strengthen the squad without needing a lengthy adaptation period.
Still, Liverpool should not overpay after a handful of impressive tournament appearances.
At the midway-point of July, the schedule for the 2026-27 Alabama men's basketball season has continued to take shape.
A start time for the Players Era Festival opener, as well as another nonconference date, have been announced for the Crimson Tide.
Alabama will tip off the 2026 Players Era tournament against Baylor at 9 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Nov. 24 in Las Vegas.
When the Crimson Tide's matchup against South Florida will take place was revealed when USF recently released its nonconference schedule, which featured a Wednesday, Dec. 16 slot for the showdown between coach Nate Oats and former assistant Bryan Hodgson.
Here's a full look at the updated non-conference schedule for Alabama.
11/2 vs. Sam Houston
11/13 vs. Seton Hall
11/17 vs. Kennesaw State
11/24 vs. Baylor − 9 p.m., Players Era Festival, Las Vegas, Nevada
11/26 vs. Gonzaga/Kansas State − Players Era Festival, Las Vegas, Nevada
11/27 vs. TBD − Players Era Festival, Las Vegas, Nevada
12/2 at Miami
12/12 vs. St. John’s − C.M. Newton Classic, Birmingham, Alabama
Georgia basketball brought back key pieces Smurf Millender and Blue Cain from a team that was a No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament in March.
The senior guards could return also in the 2027-2028 season after the NCAA approved a rule taking effect this academic year permitting Division I athletes five years of eligibility if they enroll in college no later than the school year after their 19th birthday or when they enroll full-time, whichever is earlier.
Center James Scott also would gain another season. He’s entering his fourth college season after playing last year at Ole Miss after previous stops at Louisville and Charleston.
Coach Mike White said on Tuesday that the Bulldogs staff and the administration have started to “have conversations,” about what the impact could be on Georgia’s roster, but he hasn’t talked to players yet about it.
“Those conversations will be had for sure,” White said. “The timing is very questionable right now. A lot of things that need to be talked through. We’ll continue to evaluate and assess our roster daily, especially in this climate, right? And with so many different moving parts and that one being the latest. Like, wow, out of left field, right? I say that but it’s been a few months in the making, bit still very different scenario then we’ve ever been in.”
White mentioned lawsuits popping up nationwide after the NCAA approved the changes last month with players trying to gain another season of eligibility.
Cain is entering his fourth Georgia season. Millender will be starting his second after playing a season at Texas-San Antonio and South Alabama.
Brady Dunlap, a redshirt junior forward, could also play another season after this one, according to his father Jeff, a former longtime college assistant coach. Brady Dunlap spent two seasons at St. Johns’s where he got a medical redshirt in his second season and played last season at Saint Louis.
It’s unclear if Penn State forward transfer Freddie Dilione would get another season after two seasons at Penn State and two at Tennessee. He enrolled in January 2023 but did not play that season.
The new eligibility rules will eliminate redshirts, medical hardships and the ever-present waivers and replace rules related to seasons an athlete competed.
Cain is the first Georgia player to return for a fourth season since Jordan Harris and Tryree Crump in 2020.
“Really and hoping and expecting him to have a really strong fourth year,” White said. “Now with five, who knows? I was going to say last year, but we’ll say fourth year now.”
Pickleball has become a popular sport in recent years, with millions of players taking to the court. But are you looking to up your game? While you might be quick to assume that its skills are tied closely to other court sports, there are key fundamentals to ensure that your next serve on the court comes with a punch. Here’s what experts want you to know about how to serve in pickleball.
Know the rules of serving
Pickleball has set rules for how a serve must be made. Rules require that serves are:
Underhand and below the waist.
Made with one hand.
Served crosscourt.
Cleared over the net.
Additionally, the server's stance is a key part of the serve, requiring both feet to be behind the baseline and between the centerline and the sideline.
Pick your style
When it comes to serving, there are two styles in pickleball, including:
Volley or classic serve, where the ball is hit directly out of the air in an upward motion.
Drop or bounce serve, where the ball is bounced before hitting it.
“The serve stroke itself is not tricky,” says Lance Cowart, vice president of competition at USA Pickleball in Dallas, Texas. “It can be just like any other stroke on the court, but players do tend to make it difficult. They will focus on all the rules of the serve rather than just making solid contact and placing to a target.”
Practice makes perfect
As with any sport, practicing your skills will set you up for success in competition. “Many players I see practicing their serve just have a basket of balls serving one after another with no thought or purpose,” says Cowart. Instead, he recommends a different method: “Players need to put targets down in each half of each service box and do not move on to the next target until consistency of placement and depth has been met. Whether a player is using the volley serve or the drop serve, follow the same routine every time you put the ball in play.”
A powerful serve can surprise opponents, but experts say accuracy and placement are more valuable than power. “The depth of the serve is the key,” says Cowart. “Forcing your opponent to return from behind the baseline keeps them from getting forward to the kitchen line.”
This limits their hitting angles and gives your team a tactical advantage.
The serve is important but not the only part of the game.
While you might envision the winning point coming from an impressive serve, Cowart says it's important for players to remember that the founders of pickleball didn’t set up the serve as the dominant part of the game.
“The rules of the pickleball serve purposely diminish a person’s physical stature as a dominant factor,” he says. “Since the serve is the only time in traditional side out scoring a player can score, it is a vital part of the game. Just creating one or two free points off a good, deep serve can be the difference in the result.”
NVIDIA hosts a giveaway for Gears of War fans, offering custom wrap on the GeForce RTX 5080 Founders Edition. NVIDIA to Giveaway an RTX 5080 Founders Edition Inspired by Gears of War: E-Day Instalment Another Gears of War game is about to be released in a few months, which will be based on the origin story of the franchise. While the Gears of War: E-Day is scheduled to launch on October 6, 2026, we have NVIDIA is already preparing for its launch by offering a free GPU to the lucky winner in the latest giveaway. The giveaway is a part […]
On the heels of the early success of Black Flag Resynced, which sold 2 million units on launch day and pushed the total franchise sales to over 250 million, Ubisoft is now focused on delivering the next big entry in the IP: the mysterious Assassin's Creed Hexe. First teased nearly four years ago, Hexe will be a classic Assassin's Creed-style installment that follows the RPG-style game Shadows, according to Ubisoft's formula, which alternates between the two experiences to satisfy two fairly diverse audiences. Now, Ubisoft leaker Rogue has shared a lot of details about Hexe in a lengthy X thread. […]
Ark Invest has expanded its exposure to Circle and Block while cutting its Robinhood position, adding nearly $15.4 million worth of shares across the three companies. According to Ark Invest’s latest daily trading disclosure, the investment firm purchased 220,012 shares…
Maldini and Malagò want Buffon in Club Italia. Pirlo is increasingly favourite to become the new coach
Goodbye France
Spain into the final after 16 years
Blues irrecognizable: Mbappé’s flop. Oyarzabal’s penalty and Porro’s goal decide the game. England-Argentina tonight.
Modric, here we are: one-year renewal ready
Inter all over Spence: Tottenham ask for 35m
Conte: ‘Kane-Lautaro, I’ll explain to you, my hitmen.’
Corriere dello Sport
Nothing goes anymore: France darkness, Deschamps era over, Spain into the Final
Mbappé and Dembélé out: Messi, the obstacle is Kane
Allegri: ‘I’ll compensate you.’
From the Scudetto taken from Sarri in 2018 to the new objectives: ‘I’m here to give something back. The club thinks about the transfers. A company man? That’s a compliment. I won’t reply to Cardinale. I’m sorry for how it went.’
Inter between Doué and Spence
Milan call Mazraoui
Muha makes Juve rich
Rocchi’s case is to be dismissed
Tuttosport
Spanish coup: Surprise at the World Cup, no Final for the France of phenomenons
Spalletti dreams of Balogun
Muharemovic unlocks the Juventus market: not just Kolo and Pellegrino for the attack.
The Bosnian’s sale to Leeds is about to boost the Bianconeri’s finances with €20m following the agreement with Sassuolo. Monaco ask for at least €50m for the American; the coach hopes for a coup. Emery blocks Dibu to Villa: turn to Vicario. Kessié flirts.
Absurd: Toro fans banned from friendlies
Giuntoli against Marotta: ‘Palestra, we behaved well.’
Liverpool’s search for a new elite winger appears to be gathering momentum as the club continues planning for the next phase of its attack.
Finding someone capable of eventually replacing Mohamed Salah’s goals and influence is an enormous challenge, so the Reds have been assessing several young forwards with pace, creativity and room to develop.
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Their latest move suggests one of Europe’s most exciting wide players has become a serious option rather than simply another name on the shortlist.
However, Paris Saint-Germain remain in a powerful negotiating position and would demand a huge package before allowing an important member of their squad to leave.
Liverpool reopen talks with French champions
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made fresh contact with PSG regarding a potential summer transfer for Bradley Barcola.
The 23-year-old’s representatives are reportedly exploring possible moves, and the France international would be interested in discussing the opportunity to join Liverpool.
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The interest has grown since Liverpool encountered difficulties in their pursuit of RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande.
Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh, Köln’s Said El Mala and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo are being considered as alternatives.
Barcola would offer speed, direct running and flexibility across the front line. He is most comfortable attacking from the left, but his movement and technical quality could allow him to operate in several roles under Liverpool’s new system.
PSG have little reason to accept a modest offer. Their official player profile confirms that Barcola remains under contract until June 2028 after joining from Lyon in 2023.
With Arsenal also linked, Liverpool may need to pay well above £100m to take control of the race.
Barcola would be an exciting long-term addition, but Liverpool should not allow their need for a Salah successor to push them into an excessive deal.
He has enormous potential, yet he is not currently producing the extraordinary numbers that would automatically justify a British-record fee.
The Reds should continue discussions and establish PSG’s genuine selling price. If that figure remains unreasonable, moving quickly towards a more affordable alternative would be the smarter decision.
Arsenal’s pursuit of another elite attacker has produced an unexpected development, with the club exploring whether one of their current strikers could be used to unlock a blockbuster agreement.
Mikel Arteta remains determined to improve his forward line despite winning the Premier League last season, suggesting the Gunners are unwilling to stand still while their rivals strengthen.
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The proposed structure would reduce the cash required for an extremely expensive target, but it would also mean moving on from a major signing after only one campaign.
Arsenal must therefore decide whether this is a genuine opportunity to upgrade or an unnecessarily ruthless reaction to an inconsistent debut season.
Arsenal consider player exchange offer to sign Álvarez
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have explored offering Viktor Gyökeres as part of negotiations for Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez.
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Álvarez is considered one of Arteta’s leading attacking targets because of his Premier League experience, pressing intensity and ability to operate as a central striker or supporting forward.
However, Atlético’s valuation remains a major obstacle.
FourFourTwo reports that Atlético would want more than £100m, while Arsenal have been reluctant to exceed £90m. Including Gyökeres could narrow that financial gap, although Atlético would still need to value the Sweden international highly enough for the structure to work.
Decision could define the attacking future of Arteta’s team
Álvarez has already indicated that he is open to leaving Madrid.
Reuters reported that the Argentina international had spoken with Atlético and expressed a desire to pursue a new challenge, although he has not publicly identified Arsenal as his preferred destination.
Arsenal should seriously pursue Álvarez, but sacrificing Gyökeres after one season would be a major call.
The Argentine is more versatile and better suited to Arteta’s fluid attacking system, yet Gyökeres could still improve considerably after fully adapting to English football.
A cash-plus-player deal makes sense only if Arsenal are convinced Álvarez is the final piece of their attack.
Otherwise, trading away a proven goalscorer while also paying a substantial fee could create more risk than value.
Manchester United’s failed pursuit of a new midfielder has created an unexpected opportunity for Atalanta.
A transfer that once appeared close to completion has now broken down, leaving the Serie A club working quickly to secure the long-term future of one of their most important players.
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For United, the situation highlights the risks involved when medical concerns appear during advanced negotiations.
For Atalanta, it provides an opportunity to turn a disappointing transfer setback into a positive outcome by rewarding the Brazilian and removing uncertainty around a contract approaching its final year.
Atalanta respond after Man United deal breaks down
According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Atalanta have proposed a new four-year contract to Ederson, with the option of an additional season.
The offer arrives after his expected move to Man United fell through and could keep the midfielder in Bergamo for the prime years of his career.
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Sky Sports reported that United had agreed a package worth approximately £37.8m but decided not to proceed at that price after concerns emerged during the medical process.
The transfer was not necessarily ruled out under completely different terms, but United had already started redirecting their midfield plans towards other targets.
The setback is significant because Ederson had been identified as a potential replacement for Casemiro. His physical strength, ball-winning ability and willingness to carry possession through midfield appeared well suited to Michael Carrick’s rebuilding project.
Football Italia reported that Ederson’s current Atalanta agreement expires in 2027 and that the club now want to improve both its length and financial terms.
A successful renewal would strengthen Atalanta’s negotiating position and make any future transfer considerably more expensive.
Man United were right not to ignore concerns raised during the medical. Even a talented player can become an expensive mistake if the club commits a major fee and long contract without complete confidence in his fitness.
However, United should also avoid treating Ederson as damaged goods when Atalanta clearly believe he is healthy enough to receive a substantial new deal.
The collapse may simply reflect two clubs making different assessments of risk.
Tottenham Hotspur have joined the growing battle for one of the Premier League’s most dependable and versatile defenders.
Spurs are looking to strengthen their options across the back line, and targeting a player capable of operating on either flank would give them valuable protection during a demanding domestic and European campaign.
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The move would also represent a relatively low-risk piece of recruitment.
Rather than signing someone who needs time to adjust to English football, Tottenham would be bringing in an established international who has already demonstrated his durability, energy and tactical flexibility at Premier League level.
Tottenham enter crowded race for Forest defender
According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have entered the race to sign Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams.
Williams enjoyed an excellent 2025/26 campaign and was voted Forest’s Player of the Season by the club’s supporters.
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Nottingham Forest’s official website praised his consistency after he established himself as one of their most reliable performers.
His ability to play at right-back, left-back or wing-back is a major part of the attraction. Tottenham would be gaining someone who can provide competition on both sides while also allowing the manager to switch formations without making major personnel changes.
Long contract gives Forest control of negotiations
Completing the transfer will not be straightforward because Forest are under no immediate pressure to sell.
The club confirmed in July 2025 that Williams had signed a new contract lasting until the summer of 2029.
That agreement, combined with interest from three major Premier League clubs, means Forest can demand a strong fee or simply refuse to negotiate.
Williams would be a sensible addition for Tottenham. He may not be a glamorous signing, but his availability, intensity and positional flexibility could make him extremely useful over a long season.
However, Spurs should avoid getting dragged into an expensive bidding war. Williams would improve the squad, but he may not arrive as a guaranteed starter.
Tottenham should test Forest’s position with a realistic proposal and move quickly if the price is reasonable.
Arsenal’s plans to refresh their forward line are gathering momentum, with the club now considering a significant move for one of the standout young attackers from the 2026 World Cup.
Mikel Arteta wants greater pace and unpredictability from the left flank as the Gunners prepare to defend their Premier League title and compete for the Champions League.
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Leandro Trossard’s departure has created an immediate opening, while uncertainty surrounding Gabriel Martinelli’s future means Arsenal may need more than one wide attacking option.
The latest target would offer explosive dribbling, positional flexibility and considerable resale potential, although RB Leipzig’s valuation could create a difficult negotiation.
Arsenal ready to test Leipzig with an opening offer
Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffsidethat Arsenal are preparing an offer worth around €40m for Antonio Nusa this month.
The Norway international’s performances at the World Cup strengthened the club’s interest, with the 21-year-old viewed as a possible long-term solution on the left.
That opening figure is unlikely to satisfy Leipzig. Get German Football News reports that the Bundesliga side want at least €60m, with Newcastle, Juventus and several other European clubs also monitoring his situation.
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Leipzig would prefer to retain Nusa, but their stance could change if a major offer arrives.
Nusa helped Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals and produced one of the tournament’s memorable individual moments with a brilliant goal against Ivory Coast.
His ability to beat defenders and carry the ball through pressure would give Arsenal a different threat from their more possession-focused attackers.
Trossard exit adds urgency to Mikel Arteta’s plans
Arsenal have already confirmed an agreement for Trossard to join Besiktas in a deal worth approximately £17m.
Sky Sports reported that the Belgian was permitted to travel to Istanbul for his medical after contributing 36 goals across 174 Arsenal appearances.
Nusa would be an exciting replacement because he offers youth, directness and genuine one-against-one quality. His relationship with Norway captain Martin Ødegaard could also help him settle quickly in north London.
However, Arsenal should not jump from €40m to €60m without careful negotiation.
Nusa remains a developing player rather than a guaranteed starter, and intense competition could inflate the fee beyond his current level.
Arsenal should test Leipzig’s resolve, but remain disciplined. At the right price, this could be an excellent long-term signing, at €60m or more, it becomes a much riskier gamble.
Manchester United’s defensive planning has come under fresh scrutiny after reports in Spain linked one of Michael Carrick’s most trusted centre-backs with Atlético Madrid.
The Argentine remains highly regarded at Old Trafford, but his injury record and contract situation mean the club may eventually face a difficult decision.
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A departure would still be surprising. His aggression, leadership and ability to play progressive passes from defence give United qualities that are not easily replaced.
However, with only one guaranteed year remaining on his deal, the club cannot completely ignore outside interest or allow uncertainty to continue deep into the new season.
Atletico link raises questions over Man United future
According to El Chiringuito TV, Lisandro Martínez has been offered to Atlético Madrid while representing Argentina at the World Cup.
The report does not clarify whether United initiated the approach, whether intermediaries are testing the market or whether Atlético intend to submit a formal proposal.
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Martínez’s original transfer announcement on Man United’s official website confirmed that he signed until June 2027, with the club holding an option to extend his contract for another season.
That clause means United are not under immediate pressure to sell, although discussions about his longer-term future should become a priority.
The biggest concern remains his availability. Martínez has endured several significant injury setbacks since arriving from Ajax, preventing him from building consistent momentum despite his importance when fit.
Carrick has continued to support him publicly. Sky Sports showed the United manager strongly defending Martínez following a controversial red card in April, underlining the trust that appears to exist between the pair.
United should reject any approach unless Atlético submit a major offer and Martínez makes it clear that he wants to leave.
When fully fit, he remains one of the club’s best defenders and provides personality that would be difficult to replace.
The smartest move would be to retain control through the extension clause and begin renewal talks. Selling an influential defender without a clear replacement would create another problem in a squad Carrick is still rebuilding.
Arsenal are moving closer to strengthening the left side of their attack, with club-to-club discussions expected to gather pace over a deal worth up to £35 million.
The Gunners want greater depth and directness in wide areas as Mikel Arteta prepares his squad for another demanding Premier League and Champions League campaign.
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The proposed transfer appears to be progressing independently of Arsenal’s pursuit of a more established attacking star.
That suggests the club view the winger as a squad-strengthening addition rather than the single headline signing expected to transform Arteta’s forward line.
Arsenal receive major boost to sign the winger
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Christos Tzolis has informed Arsenal that he wants to join the club.
Negotiations with Club Brugge are now expected to accelerate, with the final transfer fee likely to fall between £30m and £35m depending on the payment structure.
Club Brugge are reportedly prepared to sell despite the Greece international being tied to a long-term contract.
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The Belgian club confirmed last year that Tzolis had extended his agreement until 2029 after registering 21 goals and 16 assists across his first 56 appearances.
That contract gives Brugge a strong negotiating position, but the player’s desire to move should help Arsenal’s efforts.
The 24-year-old has rebuilt his reputation impressively after struggling during his previous spell in English football with Norwich City. His improved end product, confidence and European experience now make him a far more complete player.
Tzolis’ potential arrival will not affect Arsenal’s interest in Morgan Rogers.
talkSPORT has also reported that the two deals are considered separate, with the Club Brugge winger viewed as an affordable wide option while Rogers remains among Arsenal’s more ambitious attacking targets.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cody Bellinger had a night for the ages.
His young daughters sat next to him and his father watched from the back of the room as he spoke about winning the All-Star Game's Most Valuable Player award.
“Just being able to hang out and watching him win an award, it’s pretty cool," former Yankee Clay Bellinger said after his son's two-run single in the first inning off Cristopher Sánchez started the American League to a 4-0 win on Tuesday night.
Cody re-signed with the Yankees last winter for a $162.5 million, five-year deal and he has been a key part of the offense. He was hitting .280 through mid-June before a slump dropped his average to .254 heading into the All-Star break. Bellinger hasn't homered in a month.
“Baseball is the craziest game in the world. It really is. Sometimes it’s unexplainable," he said. “Going into the break, I actually was feeling pretty good. I felt like I was on the right track.”
Clay Bellinger was an outfielder and infielder for the Yankees from 1999 to 2001, winning a pair of World Series titles, then finished his big league career with the Anaheim Angels in 2002.
Cody was 5 when his dad won his second World Series title. Clay never imagined the player Cody would turn into.
“I knew he was good, but not this good,” Clay said.
Cody became the fourth Yankees player to win the All-Star Game MVP after Derek Jeter (2000), Mariano Rivera (2013) and Giancarlo Stanton (2022).
“Wearing this jersey — I feel proud wearing it," he said. “It comes with a lot.”
Bellinger, who turned 31 on Monday, was a fourth-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013 and made the All-Star team in 2017, when he was voted NL Rookie of the Year. He hit 47 homers in 2019 and was voted the NL MVP after making his second All-Star team.
“I was, like, `Oh, I’ll be here every year,'" he said. “It took a long time to get back. It’s such a competitive league.”
Bellinger hit a career-high .307 with 29 homers and 97 RBIs, became a free agent again and signed an $80 million, three-year contract with the Cubs. After a subpar, injury-slowed season, he was dealt to the Yankees.
He tested the free-agent market, then decided to stay in pinstripes.
“He loves it there,” Clay said. “He loves the teammates, loves the city, loves playing in Yankee Stadium. So, it was kind of a no-brainer.”
Daughters Caiden and Cy accompanied Cody onto the field along with his wife, Chase, for photos after he received his award from Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt.
“You always hope for your kids to do well, whether or not it’s playing baseball or doing whatever they like to do,” Clay said. “He’s been pretty good at it for quite a long time.”
In a move that is likely aimed at curbing the rampant abuse of what was until now a fairly generous policy, Apple will no longer sell you unlocked iPhones that have been financed either by T-Mobile or Verizon. Apple has just updated its FAQ related to carrier-financed iPhone 17 Pro purchase, disclosing that your "iPhone will be locked to the carrier until paid in full" As first spotted by a Reddit user and delineated in a dedicated post, Apple has just updated its FAQ for buying a carrier-financed iPhone 17 Pro, disclosing the following policy change: "If you choose to […]
Aug 22, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Quentin Skinner (39) warms up before the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles game at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Buffalo Bills claimed a player previously on a division rival, and though a roster longshot, he has some traits worth betting on.
Buffalo Bills rookies report to training camp July 21, with veterans following one week later. So it isn’t a surprise the front office is making moves in the final stretch of the offseason’s dead period.
On Tuesday, the Bills claimed a player from the division rival New York Jets to add depth on offense.
Bills claim former Jets player
Per Tuesday’s NFL wire, the Bills claimed wide receiver Quentin Skinner, who was recently waived by the Jets. The Bills terminated Deven Thompkins to make room for Skinner.
Skinner is an intriguing addition to a Bills wide receiver group dealing with its usual uncertainty. Though Skinner is unlikely to play a big role on offense, a strong training camp could make Buffalo consider using a 53-man roster spot on him. It will be an uphill battle, but he has some noteworthy traits. That starts with his size.
Skinner, 24 years old, is 6-foot-5. He could provide the Bills with some size in the red zone. However, his experience is very limited. As an undrafted rookie, he recorded one catch while playing for the Jets. Ironically, that ten-yard catch happened against the Bills in Week 18 (perhaps it’s an explanation of the Bills’ interest).
Before that, he led the Jets with 114 receiving yards in three preseason games.
At Kansas, Skinner recorded 80 catches for 1,584 yards and 11 touchdowns throughout three seasons. In 2024, his senior year, he even led the Big 12 in yards per reception at 22.3. That and his size will earn him a chance to prove himself with the Bills.
Bills WR room as of today
Following Tuesday’s moves, here’s an updated look at the Bills’ WR room:
The saga of the recruitment of 5-star running back David Gabriel Georges appears to be captivating fans of Ohio State and Tennessee (if that's what you want to call it). First, there was an article by On3, having interviewed Gabriel Georges' uncle, that seemed to indicate that the Canadian product (now playing in Tennessee) had made his mind up and was just waiting for the commitment date of July 22. That piece seemed to be very friendly to the Vols over the Buckeyes for his commitment.
But then Gabriel Georges posted on social media that he didn't say anything, putting those comments from his uncle in doubt. And now, not to be outdone, the country's No. 2-ranked running back in the class of 2027, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, has gone on the record to state that he hasn't made his mind up yet, just eight days away from telling the college football universe where he will be attending school.
In a brief discussion with On3's Chris Low, Gabriel Georges says that he's still weighing everything.
"It’s hard. You feel this way, like you know, and then it’s sort of 50-50," Gabriel Georges told Low. "People will say the 22nd of July is far off, but honestly, for me, it’s pretty close."
NEW: 5-star RB David Gabriel Georges tells @Clowfb he's undecided as his Tennessee, Ole Miss and Ohio State decision nears⏳
"It’s hard. You feel this way, like you know, and then it’s sort of 50-50. People will say the 22nd of July is far off, but honestly for me, it’s pretty… pic.twitter.com/f1NzTDNeBd
The bottom line here is to just wait this thing out. It appears as though Ohio State is in a good spot, but it also appears it could go the other way, and Gabriel Georges decides to commit to Tennessee. Heck, maybe he surprises us all and chooses Ole Miss -- though doubtful. Either way it goes, we wish the young man well and hope he gets everything he's looking for.
We'll have more news as it becomes available, but we're not sure how much any of it will mean until July 22, when the talented back announces his decision.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
Violent
celebrations overshadowed France's quarter-final victory over Morocco at the FIFA World Cup on July 9, but social media posts claiming to show footage of related fire and rioting in Paris are false. The videos were filmed weeks earlier during unrest following Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) UEFA Champions League win on May 31.
"Fire reported near Eiffel tower amid Paris celebrations," claims an Instagram post
shared on July 10, 2026.
The attached footage shows a plume of smoke near the Eiffel Tower.
Screenshot of the false post captured on July 10, 2026, with a red X added by AFP
Another Instagram post
from July 10 shares a video compilation of rioting on the streets.
"Paris is burning as the Moroccan migrants have started riots after Morocco lost to France by 2-0 in the World Cup knockouts," reads text superimposed on the video.
Screenshot of the false post captured on July 10, 2026, with a red X added by AFP
The visuals
circulated online after France advanced to the World Cup semi-finals after beating
Morocco 2-0 in a quarter-final played in the US state of Massachusetts ( archived link
).
The
resulting celebrations turned deadly in France and descended into chaos on the streets of London.
A 17-year-old girl died
in northern France after falling from a truck during post-match celebrations. The
tragedy came as hundreds of people danced in the streets of Paris following the victory, watched by thousands of police on security duties ( archived link
).
France
had urged its football fans
to be responsible after previous high-profile matches led to unrest. Morocco won independence from France in 1956 and has a mostly settled relationship with the former colonial power, which is home to hundreds of thousands of Moroccans or French citizens of Moroccan descent ( archived link
).
In
central London, British police battled football fans early on July 10. One police officer was injured and four people were arrested following what police described as “violent disorder".
Xenophobic comments in Arabic and Hindi
from users on Facebook
, X
and Instagram
sharing the supposed visuals of the unrest in Paris suggest they believed they were related to the World Cup.
But they are not -- the clips predate France's quarter-final victory by several weeks.
Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared video (L) and the Instagram post, taken on July 10, 2026
A
reverse image search for keyframes
from the second video surfaced an Instagram post published by The Wall Street Journal
on June 1 ( archived link
).
Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared video (L) and the Instagram post, taken on July 10, 2026
Both captions indicate
they depict unrest that marred Paris Saint-Germain's victory over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League in late May.
Police detained
890 people involved in violent clashes
in Paris and other French cities that erupted on the night of May 30 following the local team's victory. Authorities said a man in his twenties died in a motorbike crash in the capital ( archived link
).
Both
clips are credited to freelance journalist Luc Auffret, who confirmed to AFP that he filmed them on May 31 amid clashes following PSG's victory.
"It shows the Eiffel Tower momentarily shrouded in smoke for several minutes following a fire nearby, on the banks of the Seine, whilst there were numerous incidents of tension that evening," Auffret told AFP on July 10.
He also said he filmed other rioting videos that were later distributed by The Wall Street Journal via social media intelligence company Storyful.
“Sometimes you just go on a bike and then you just need a big parking lot, an ice cream in your hand for 15 minutes on a bike and then you feel like you're 15 years old,” Tuchel said Tuesday. “You enjoy your evening on a warm, summer evening for 15 minutes with the ice cream and you reconnect to the beauty of that feeling that we all have inside of us and that’s sometimes all it needs.”
German coach Tuchel was hired in 2024 and charged with the responsibility of leading England to its first trophy since winning the World Cup in 1966.
He is one win away to leading the team to only its second World Cup final.
England plays defending champion Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday and it would be understandable if Tuchel was feeling the pressure — especially coming up against Messi and resuming one of the fiercest rivals in soccer between the Three Lions and Argentina.
While he said the tournament had been draining due to traveling to Mexico and playing at altitude and also a “roller coaster” due to comeback wins against Congo and Norway, Tuchel also said the experience had been energizing.
“I can tell you that it fuels me and it makes me feel alive,” he said. “I love it so much that it gives me energy every day.”
Tuchel, a serial trophy winner with Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, said he was grateful for the opportunity to coach at a World Cup.
As for ending England’s 60-year trophy drought?
“I don’t feel the burden,” he said. “You feel the tension and I will be nervous and of course that is normal. But I feel no burden.”
With just around a week left till Samsung formally unveils its latest lineup of foldables, the South Korean tech giant has now removed the wraps from one of the biggest mysteries of the upcoming launch galore: how the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra will keep the dreaded display crease at bay. Samsung's Titanium Flex involves an extremely thin titanium-alloy film that sits just beneath the OLED panel, and bolstered by an underlying titanium plate Samsung's Titanium Flex is an inventive solution to the display crease problem that has plagued nearly every foldable till now, and involves 2 […]
Don't look now but the Bourne Braves are getting hot.
With Tuesday's 4-3, eight-inning win over the Cotuit Kettleers, the Bourne Braves are 12-10-3 and in first place of the West Division. Cotuit fell to 9-14-2 with the defeat.
The Braves have now won five of their last seven games.
Josiah Overbeek was the only Braves player with two hits.
The Braves scored the first run of the game when Austin Hawke (Wake Forest) scored on a sacrifice fly in the top of the third inning for an early 1-0 lead.
Luke Costello (Wake Forest) scored on a wild pitch to tie the score at two in the top of the fourth inning.
The Braves took the lead in the top of the eighth inning. Rustan RIgdon (Vanderbilt) walked, stole second, stole third and then scored on a wild pitch. Costello then scored on a bases-loaded hit by pitch to give the Braves a 4-2 lead.
Cotuit struck in the bottom of the third inning as Dawson Park (Texas State) hit an RBI double to center field. Later in the inning, Noah Coy (Notre Dame) scored on a fielder's choice to give the Kettleers a 2-1 edge.
Cotuit scored again on a Coy RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning.
In other Cape Cod Baseball League action:
Hyannis Harbor Hawks 3, Falmouth Commodores 0
The Harbor Hawks (11-14) only scored in one inning, but it was enough in a win over the Commodores (10-12-2).
The Hyannis pitching was strong to earn a shutout win. Brady St. Pierre (Southeastern Louisiana), Bruce Littleton (Southern Mississippi), Cohen Gomez (Stanford), Kevin Landry Farr (Southern Mississippi) and Truitt Webb (Southeastern Louisiana) combined to keep the Commodores off the scoreboard.
The pitchers only allowed five hits and one walk. They struck out nine batters. Littleton and Gomez had three strikeouts apiece.
Hyannis scored all three of their runs in the top of the second inning. Henry Zenor (South Carolina-Upstate) reached on an infield hit and had two runs scored off an error. Zenor later scored on a fielder's choice to make it 3-0 Harbor Hawks.
For Falmouth, Casen Murphy (Louisville) did not allow a hit in four innings with one walk and two strikeouts.
Adam Kurkjian covers softball, baseball, girls tennis and outdoor track & field for the Cape Cod Times. You can contact him at akurkjian@gannett.com and follow him on X at @AdamKurkjian.
Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.
University of Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel, left, and basketball coach Rick Barnes, right, speak during the Big Orange Caravan event at Marathon Music Works in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
Tennessee’s highest earners do not appear to be coming from the football program.
The NIL landscape has completely reshaped college athletics over the last six years, but it’s done so in a bit of a wild west, behind the scenes way. Thousands of players each year flock to the transfer portal and come out on the other side in new uniforms, and with new NIL deals.
What are the dollars signs associated with these new NIL deals? That’s remained a mystery for a long time because they’ve not been made public nor have they been required to be.
🚨 MASSIVE CHANGE 🚨 Launched NIL Valuation in 2021 when the market was figuring itself out. Today, we are proud to announce that we have moved to a "market and deal-based model."
All NIL Valuations with a green check are confirmed deals, and no check means market value and… https://t.co/d5XMv0cAnM
And so, who are Tennessee’s top NIL earning athletes, per On3? As it turns out, the biggest money for individual athletes is not on the football side, but on the basketball team.
On3 Sports lists 3 of top 4 Tennessee NIL earnings among Vols basketball program, not football
On3 lists men’s basketball transfer addition Juke Harris as the university’s top earner with a listed NIL valuation of $4 million. Two more new basketball transfer portal additions are tied for second: former Notre Dame F Jalen Haralson and former Cal G Dai Dai Ames. Both men have a listed valuation of $3 million each.
Tennessee football’s top two players are Chaz Coleman and David Sanders, Jr.. But with Tennessee already having parted ways with Coleman, that puts Sanders as the top NIL earner on the football team, according to On3. George MacIntyre’s name is next on the list at $1.6 million, but it should be noted that On3 hasn’t confirmed that total.
That certainly puts into perspective to a degree the claims by those who argue Tennessee is money whipping players above and beyond others to get players to come to Knoxville, as has been the case in the competing fans’ social media squabbles surrounding the recruitment of David Gabriel Georges. Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss both have valuations of $5 million each.
It’s the age we live in nowadays, and the skyrocketing money doesn’t show any sign of changing direction any time soon.
North Carolina's schedule is anything but easy in Year Two of the Bill Belichick era, featuring matchups against traditional powers in Clemson (September 19), Notre Dame (October 3) and Miami (FL) (October 31). The Tar Heels landed a few big-name transfers, like Billy Edwards Jr. and Derek McDonald, while returning breakout stars like Melkart Abou-Jaoude.
In USA TODAY Sports' preseason ACC Football predictions, UNC finishes 14th amongst 17 teams, only ahead of Syracuse (15th), Stanford (16th) and Boston College, plus one spot behind Wake Forest and former starting quarterback Gio Lopez.
North Carolina also lands just one player on USAT Sports' Preseason All-ACC Team, Abou-Jaoude, who is honorable mention.
The Tar Heels finished 4-8 in 2025, making preseason optimism much lower this year. UNC only beat two Power Four programs, a struggling Group of five squad and one FCS school, while largely looking overmatched against tougher competition.
Belichick coached just his first year at the collegiate level, with hope amongst Tar Heel Nation his NFL success translated over. Belichick fared well on the recruiting trail, landing guys like MAJ, but those offseason victories didn't pay off in the winning column.
Now, Belichick has a full offseason under his belt and his own recruits coming in. Higher-profile players are joining North Carolina.
Can UNC return to a bowl game this season, pull off a few upsets and shock the college football world? We'll know that answer early in the Tar Heels' 2026 campaign.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
USC Athletics and Nike agreed on a 10-year extension of their all-sport partnership through 2036. USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen announced the extension on Tuesday.
“USC and Nike have grown together for more than 30 years, and we are thrilled to continue one of the great partnerships in college athletics,” said Cohen, per USC Athletics. “From the outset, these two iconic brands have made history, outfitted legends, and powered victories for generations of Trojan student-athletes, and for all we have accomplished together already, we are all the more excited for what’s to come. The impact of this extended partnership on our student-athletes, loyal fans, campus community, and the entire Trojan Family will be transformational, and we look forward to many more victories together in the years ahead.”
Jan 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans athletic director Jen Cohen (Jennifer Cohen), left, celebrates with head coach Eric Musselman after the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
USC was one of the first collegiate programs to represent Nike back in the 1990s. As NIL continues to change the college sports, this extension offers a new NIL component for select student-athletes.
Women’s basketball superstar JuJu Watkins signed a lucrative multiyear contract extension with Nike in October 2024. The contract also gave Watkins one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball history.
A month later, teammate Jazzy Davidson also signed a multiyear NIL shoe deal with Nike before even starting her career at USC.
What Does the Partnership Include?
As part of the partnership, USC student-athletes will be included on Nike’s NIL roster. USC’s Blue Ribbon Elite class is an exclusive roster of Trojans and will be announced in the coming weeks.
Additionally, USC will be the first program in the nation given Nike Strength equipment for the Bloom Football Performance Center. The men’s and women’s basketball teams will also receive custom uniforms from Nike.
Feb 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Southern California Trojans Nike jersey of guard JuJu Watkins at the USC Bookstore. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The final pieces of the partnership involve Nike refreshing the USC Bookstore and USC x Nike retail pop-ups.
No. 3 overall recruit DeMarcus Henry is in no hurry to pick a college, but North Carolina is firmly in the mix as the five-star small forward maps out his recruiting timeline.
Henry, a 6-foot-7, 190-pound talent from AZ Compass Prep in Chandler, Arizona, recently narrowed his offer list from 24 to eight schools. He now concentrates on Ohio State,BYU, Louisville, Kentucky, North Carolina, Arkansas, UConn, and Kansas, as he shared on the “Henry Legacy” podcast with his siblings last week.
“The whole coaching staff is reaching out and it means a lot,” Henry said of UNC. “I grew up in North Carolina so those North Carolina blue bloods are dream schools of mine. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have that and I like what they’re doing with their program, building it up. They’re going to be a great team this year.”
Henry mentioned that the Tar Heels are actively recruiting him and providing thorough feedback on his gameplay.
“I like how they’re recruiting me and they’re recruiting me hard, giving me feedback on what I need to do,” he said. “It means a lot.”
Ranked No. 3 nationally in the 2027 class and recognized as the top small forward by 247Sports, Henry currently doesn't have an official visit scheduled to North Carolina, but that is likely to change as fall nears.
He also mentioned plans to extend his recruitment into his senior year to thoroughly assess his options.
“I’m probably going to stretch it out through my senior year, so I can just take my time,” Henry said. “Take all my visits and see every school and see the best opportunity for me.”
Henry called the process a blessing after years of work.
“It’s been a grateful opportunity,” he said. “We work for all that’s coming and everything that’s coming my way. I’m just very grateful and very blessed that God has given me the opportunity to receive all these blessings. I work for it, so it’s a big relief and a big blessing.”
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CompassPoint Consulting has formalised a strategic partnership with CGI, the Dubai-based compliance and governance consultancy, to support growing businesses across the UAE and GCC with integrated financial, compliance and governance advisory.
The partnership brings together two complementary areas of expertise that are increasingly critical for companies operating in fast-moving regional markets.
CGI provides senior-led compliance, governance, AML, KYC and regulatory advisory services, helping businesses strengthen their frameworks, manage complexity and make clearer decisions in regulated and non-regulated environments.
Together, the two firms will support clients across both their financial and regulatory needs, helping founders, leadership teams, family offices and growth-stage companies access senior expertise without the cost or complexity of building every capability in-house.
For many businesses across the UAE and GCC, financial discipline and regulatory readiness are often treated as separate workstreams. Forecasting, cash flow visibility, profitability, governance, AML, KYC and regulatory preparedness may be handled by different advisers, at different times, with limited coordination between them. The new CompassPoint and CGI partnership has been designed to close that gap.
Through the partnership, clients will be able to access CompassPoint’s CFO-level finance insight alongside CGI’s execution-focused compliance and governance support, creating a more joined-up approach to business decision-making, risk management and sustainable growth.
Zaid Aboobaker, Founder and CEO of CompassPoint Consulting, said: “Growing businesses in the UAE and GCC are operating in markets with enormous opportunity, but opportunity also brings complexity. Founders and leadership teams need clarity on their numbers, their cash position, their forecasts and their growth plans. At the same time, they need to understand their governance responsibilities, regulatory obligations and compliance risks.
“Our partnership with CGI reflects the way we believe advisory support should work. Businesses do not need disconnected advice. They need senior people who understand their objectives, can work together, and can help them make practical decisions with confidence. By combining CompassPoint’s fractional CFO and strategic finance capability with CGI’s compliance, AML, KYC and governance expertise, we can support clients across a much broader part of their journey.”
CGI is a boutique consultancy built around client-led decision-making, discretion and senior accountability. With a focus on the UAE market and international capabilities, CGI supports businesses, individuals and family offices in complex situations where structure, pace and execution are essential.
Jamie Killilea, Partner and Head of Global Compliance at CGI, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with CompassPoint Consulting. Our two firms bring highly complementary skillsets, but we also share a similar view of what clients need from advisers: clarity, accountability, practical judgement and work that can be executed.”
Mike Foster-Dalporto, Partner and COO at CGI, added: “Compliance, governance, AML and KYC are no longer issues that businesses can treat as administrative or reactive. They are central to how companies protect value, maintain trust and create the conditions for sustainable growth. By working with CompassPoint, we can help clients connect the financial and regulatory sides of their business more effectively.”
The partnership forms part of CompassPoint Consulting’s wider strategy to partner with companies whose services complement its own. The firm is actively building a network of specialist advisory partners to give clients access to a broader range of high-quality support across finance, operations, governance and business growth.
Zaid added: “Our clients are building, scaling and navigating complexity in one of the world’s most dynamic business regions. They need trusted relationships around them, but they also need those relationships to be coordinated. This partnership is about giving clients access to the right expertise, at the right time, through a practical and joined-up advisory model.”
UAE-based startup Taggy, a fashion resale platform, today announced it is entering its next phase of growth with a clear goal: to make buying and selling pre-loved fashion more effortless, intelligent, and accessible in the Middle East.
As the UAE continues to embrace more conscious ways of shopping, Taggy is positioned at the intersection of fashion, technology and sustainability. The platform encourages users to extend the life cycle of clothing, unlock the value of pieces they no longer wear and access quality fashion at more affordable price points.
While interest in resale continues to grow globally, selling fashion online can be time-consuming. Sellers often need to photograph items, write descriptions, set prices, respond to enquiries, manage packaging, and coordinate delivery. Buyers, meanwhile, can face inconsistent listings, limited search tools, slow delivery and uncertainty around product quality.
The need for more circular fashion solutions is increasingly urgent. The fashion industry is a major contributor to global emissions: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change estimates that fashion contributes around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions due to long supply chains and energy-intensive production. In the UAE, the shift towards more responsible consumption aligns with the country’s wider sustainability agenda, including its Net Zero 2050 Strategy and Circular Economy Policy 2021–2031, which promote resource efficiency, waste reduction and more sustainable consumption models. By helping users extend the life of clothing already in circulation, Taggy supports a more conscious way of shopping that reduces waste, encourages reuse and makes sustainable fashion choices more accessible.
Through AI-assisted listing tools, personalised shopping recommendations, secure payments, buyer protection and fulfilment-led services, the platform makes resale as easy and reliable as shopping new. For sellers, Taggy simplifies the process of turning unworn pieces into earnings. The platform’s listing technology can help generate product titles, descriptions, categories, style tags and pricing recommendations, reducing the effort required to list items. Sellers can choose to self-list through the app, while Taggy’s longer-term service model includes additional support such as virtual listing, in-person listing, and professional photography.
For buyers, Taggy offers a curated shopping journey. The platform learns from each user’s favourite brands, sizes, style preferences, wishlists and shopping behaviour to create a personalised discovery experience.
“Taggy was created to make resale feel effortless,” says Mark Leeming, Co-Founder of Taggy. “Our goal is to build the region’s most intelligent fashion marketplace, one that uses technology to remove the friction from selling, buying and discovering pre-loved fashion. By making resale easier, more trusted and more accessible, we can help build a future where sustainable shopping becomes the first choice, not the alternative.”
Taggy is now inviting UAE residents to explore the platform, list their pre-loved pieces and discover a smarter way to shop second-hand.
Fransa millisinin baş məşqçisi Didye Deşam DÇ-2026-nın yarımfinalında İspaniyaya 0:2 hesabı ilə uduzduqları oyundan sonra fikirlərini bölüşüb.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, təcrübəli mütəxəssis komandasının texniki baxımdan rəqibdən geri qaldığını etiraf edib.
Deşam eyni zamanda oyunun hakimliyi ilə bağlı da sual ünvanlayıb:
“Futbolçularımız məyusdurlar. Ancaq obyektiv yanaşsaq, texniki cəhətdən lazımi səviyyədə deyildik. Bu, bizim öz günahımızdır.
İndi nəsə desəm, məğlubiyyətdən sonra məni ağlayan tərəf kimi qələmə verəcəklər. Amma bir sual vermək istəyirəm: bu hakim yarımfinalı idarə etmək üçün lazımi səviyyədədirmi? Buna özüm cavab verməyəcəyəm. Oyunda kifayət qədər mübahisəli epizodlar oldu.
Əsas səbəb isə odur ki, biz öz səviyyəmizdən aşağı çıxış etdik. Təhlükəli vəziyyətlər yarada biləcək çoxlu texniki səhvlərə, uğursuz ötürmələrə yol verdik.
Bu, ən yüksək səviyyədir və bunu qəbul etmək ağrılı olsa da, reallıqdır. İndi üçüncü yer uğrunda oyuna çıxacağıq. İndiyədək gördüyümüz işi kiçiltmək istəmirəm. Sadəcə, bu matçda İspaniya bizdən daha üstün olduğunu göstərdi.
Özüm haqqında düşünmürəm. Futbolçularla birlikdə finala qədər irəliləmək üçün hazırlaşmışdıq. Buna nail ola bilmədik və bu, böyük məyusluqdur. Bununla belə, komandamızın gördüyü yaxşı işi kölgə altına salmaq istəmirəm. Hesab edirəm ki, toparlanmağı bacarmışdıq. Eyni zamanda, İspaniyanın da haqqını vermək lazımdır. Onlar oyuna tam nəzarət edirdilər.
Bizə dəqiqlik və enerji çatmadı. İspanlar rəqibin hücumlarını oxumaqda, ötürmələri ələ keçirməkdə çox ustadırlar. Onların müdafiəsini daha çox çətin vəziyyətə salmaq istəyirdik”.
“Bu yanaşma bizi bu nöqtəyə gətirdi”
İspaniya millisinin baş məşqçisi Luis de la Fuente isə Fransa üzərindəki qələbəni komanda birliyi ilə əlaqələndirib:
“Demək olar ki, dörd il əvvəl müəyyən bir ideya ilə yola çıxmışdıq və bu ideyaya sadiq qaldıq. Məhz bu yanaşma bizi bu nöqtəyə gətirdi.
Bu gün dünyanın ən güclü milli komandalarından biri ilə qarşılaşdıq. Ancaq onların qarşısında dünyanın ən yaxşı komandası dayanmışdı.
Biz vahid komandayıq. Bu uğuru fədakarlığımız və istedadımız sayəsində tam haqq etmişik. Futbolçularımız hər gün öz sədaqətlərini, birliklərini, səxavətlərini və bacarıqlarını nümayiş etdirirlər. Onlar çətin görünən işləri asanlaşdırırlar”.
Liverpool-linked winger Michael Olise has received criticism for a particularly poor game for France against Spain in Tuesday night’s World Cup semi-final.
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The Bayern Munich star was not his usual self at all, and it proved hugely detrimental to France as they lost 2-0 to Spain and exited the competition.
Given the presence of world class attacking players like Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, and Rayan Cherki, this France side were seen as one of the big favourites for this year’s World Cup.
However, Olise really let them down tonight, with Get French Football News giving him just a 2/10 rating and slamming him for making some sloppy mistakes in possession.
Of course, France still have the third place play-off this weekend to think about, but their tournament is still essentially over, which might mean players switch their focus to potential transfers.
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Olise could be one to watch as TEAMtalk have linked him with Liverpool, while our colleague Christian Falk has written in his CF Bayern Insider column about the 24-year-old being unlikely to sign a new Bayern contract.
This could perhaps open the door for Liverpool, but it’s unlikely to be a deal that would come cheap.
Bayern are a huge club, so won’t want to sell a world class talent like Olise, even if he just had a pretty poor game for France.
An in-form Olise is one of the deadliest attacking players on the planet, and his playing style also makes him an ideal long-term Mohamed Salah replacement at Anfield.
Last season, James Franklin was actually quite candid about his firing despite rumors of a growing rift between him and the program. Now, just this past week, everything about Franklin's departure has come to a head. For a man who had remained loyal to the Nittany Lions for a decade, this stunning confession comes at a time when tensions were already at a boiling point.
All throughout the spring and into this summer, Franklin has started to give details about how his firing occurred. With Adam Breneman, he discussed how unfair everything had felt, despite his legacy with the team. Now, in a recent interview with The Athletic, Franklin discussed how there may have been different ideas of how the team and the organization could have moved forward.
"Well, it's unheard of because people have had challenges and had a chance to fix it," Franklin told The Athletic. "What makes it what you described is we didn't get a chance to fix it." Of course, while Franklin was on a three-game losing streak, it had more to do with how the program had felt about the progress he was making. To many, including athletic director Pat Kraft, Franklin's progress was not good enough.
"This is not just a three game thing," Kraft said in October. "This is really diving into where we were as a program. What is the trajectory of this program? And you all know, and I'm not shy to admit it, I'm here to win national championships".
At the end of the day, both parties found the right formula with Franklin finding a new home in Blacksburg with Virginia Tech and the Nittany Lions organization landing on Matt Campbell as the head coach to start anew. Still, Franklin's words will resonate around the college football world should Penn State falter this season.
After spending the spring semester at Iowa Western Community College, former Aliquippa and Penn State running back Tikey Hayes is set to commit to Nebraska for the 2026 college football season, as first reported by Sean Callahan of On3 Sports.
BREAKING: Nebraska is set to add former Penn State RB Tikey Hayes as a late addition to its 2026 roster.
The former four-star recruit spent the spring at Iowa Western CC after leaving PSU in January. He has four years of eligibility remaining.
Following the firing of head coach James Franklin during his freshman season, Hayes took his talents to Iowa Western Community College, a JUCO Powerhouse that has produced numerous Division I prospects, and the Aliquippa native will now be a part of that growing list.
Hayes was one of the top running backs in the country while at Aliquippa, rated as a four-star prospect by Rivals and a three-star by 247 Sports, On3 and ESPN. He was also the No. 20 ranked running back and No. 7 prospect in Pennsylvania.
During his freshman season at Penn State, Hayes got limited action, appearing in one game in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl, where he rushed three times for 18 yards.
Nebraska is no stranger to Beaver County players, with Blackhawk alum Marques Watson-Trent spending his redshirt-senior season with the Cornhuskers, where he helped the team to a 7-6 record and a 4-5 mark in Big 10 play.
Hayes will begin the 2026 campaign with Nebraska on Saturday, September 5 against Ohio University, matching up against one of his former teammates, DJ Walker, a 2023 Aliquippa graduate who currently is a redshirt junior.
Ethan Morrison is the sports reporter for the Beaver County Times. Contact him at emorrison@usatodayco.com and follow him at EthanMorrison26 on X.
One of Ohio State's primary targets in the 2028 class has made a decision, and will be playing for a rival.
Anthony Blalock Jr. is a 4-star offensive lineman from Youngstown. Ohio. He was ranked as the No. 204 in the 2028 class and the No. 6 player in the state of Ohio according to the 24/7 Sports Composite rankings.. Blalock announced his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday. It was an unfortunate result for Ohio State, who have continued to try to make an effort to keep in-state talent home.
Blalock had emerged as one of the top prospects in the state, standing at 6-foot-5, 305 pounds. He had the type of size that drew the attention of several Power Four programs, including Indiana, Florida State, Texas Tech, and Georgia Tech. Ohio State stayed in the recruiting process until the very end; however, Alabama ultimately won out.
BREAKING: Four-Star OT Anthony Blalock Jr. (2028) has Committed to Alabama, he tells me for @Rivals
The 6’6 315 OT chose the Crimson Tide over Ohio State & Texas Tech
For the Buckeyes, the loss stings because Blalock Jr. could have been a great story about a local kid staying home and turning into a foundational piece for a future Ohio State line. Perception will matter, and Alabama coming into the state and stealing one of the best it has to offer is a humbling experience.
For Ohio State, the focus will shift to the next tier of offensive linemen targets in the 2028 class. This recruitment also served as a reminder that despite the reputation and momentum that Ohio State has had recently on the recruiting side, there is no room to relax.
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Wilson's play is also drawing the attention of prominent sports journalists. In a Tuesday morning episode of ESPN's Get Up, analyst Seth Greenberg and ESPN NBA Senior Writer Vince Goodwill delivered massive praise for the former Tar Heel.
“If you look at upside, someone’s potential, not right now but two three years from now, he has the greatest upside of all these rookies," Greenberg said.
Wilson, the fourth overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, already faced off against third overall pick Cameron Boozer back on July 10, out-dueling him in the Chicago Bulls' 97-96 loss to the Memphis Grizzles. Wilson played against the Utah Jazz Monday night, but second overall pick Darryn Peterson didn't play.
“He looks ready," Goodwill said. "When you look at number four picks throughout recent history: Kon Kneuppel, Scottie Barnes, guys like that, you can find some pretty good value there. And I remember going into the Draft, talking to people, they were saying this could be the most talented guy that can develop. He’s giving me Kevin Garnett vibes and when you’re watching him play, at least for me watching him finish in traffic, he doesn’t panic. The defensive aptitude, like wanting to go block the shots. And the fact that he hates to lose a Summer League game. The Bulls have had a lot of bad luck the past few years, not just in the Draft, but organizationally as well. Those guys are really, really excited about Caleb Wilson’s future and I have to agree with them.”
"He has the greatest upside of all these rookies."
Wilson developed into a college superstar last season at North Carolina, averaging 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks per game, while consistently recording double-doubles and easily becoming the game's most impactful player. UNC looked every bit of a National Championship contender with Wilson in the lineup, but wrist and thumb injuries cut his promising season short.
Now entering his first professional campaign, Wilson will try and lead Chicago to its first playoff appearance in four season, plus its first series win since 2015. He only has two NBA games under his belt, but they're sure a promising start to a great career.
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BIRMINGHAM — It's been a year and half in the making, and on Aug. 29 at Legion Field, Alabama State football will go to battle with Southern on the gridiron in the inaugural Birmingham Classic.
SWAC football has a 10-year schedule, and every two years a team will roll off the schedule. The Hornets and Jaguars knew that roll off was coming and utilized the relationship both have built with Birmingham to push for a Classic at Legion Field that wasn't the Magic City Classic.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, and the Birmingham City Council heard Alabama State and Southern, approving the Week 0 game.
Alabama State athletic director Jason Cable talked about the importance for the two SWAC teams to play a non conference game against a conference opponent, and generate revenue for both universities.
"Often times that doesn't happen in a non conference game," Cable said. "You go out and play a guaranteed game, and generate revenue that way. So, I hope this is a model that can be used for the future."
SWAC commissioner Charles McClelland confirmed to the Montgomery Advertiser that the conference entered into an initial two-year contract with the city of Birmingham with the goal of making it a staple in HBCU college football. As of now, Alabama State and Southern are not guaranteed to play in the Classic next season.
"We want to get through this year first, but we do know it will be back next year," McClelland said. "Who's going to participate next year, we don't know."
McClelland said the ultimate way success will be measured will be fan attendance. The game is already set to be broadcast on the national stage with ESPNU having rights to the game in the 2026 season. If successful after the contract is expired, McClelland said the game will see a rotation of SWAC football teams coming to Birmingham.
That doesn't mean that Alabama State won't always be in the back of the mind when it comes to future Birmingham Classics.
"Alabama State is only an hour and a half away from Birmingham, and it has great fan attraction here," McClelland said. "So they will always be up for consideration."
McClelland acknowledged the game is speaking for itself in terms of headlines, and he believes that it will generate the excitement both the SWAC and city of Birmingham is looking for.
Woodfin remembered a few years ago watching Alabama State and Southern play in Montgomery, and he knows that if it's anything close to what he saw at ASU Stadium, the game will deliver.
"That was a game to remember, and I want to say on the city's behalf, we are proud to host a Classic of this caliber. It's going to be a lot of fun," Woodfin said.
Jaeden Day covers high school sports, Alabama State football and Auburn recruiting for the Montgomery Advertiser/USA Today. You can find him on X at dayjaeden12, or reach him at JDay@montgome.gannett.com.
Caitlin Clark's return to play in the Indiana Fever's July 8 contest at the Los Angeles Sparks from inside crypto.com Arena set another TV ratings record.
Per USA Sports, the Fever-Sparks contest averaged 1.04 million viewers, becoming USA Sports' most-watched WNBA game on record. According to Sports Media Watch, it is the league’s largest late night regular-season audience on record (start time of 9 p.m. CT or later).
Four of the six most-watched games on cable or streaming this season have aired on USA Sports, all involving Clark and the Fever. Each of the five most-watched games this season have featured the Fever. Two came during Clark's two-week absence on June 27 against the Sparks on CBS (1.57 million) and on July 5 against the Las Vegas Aces on ESPN (1.55 million).
Last Wednesday's Fever-Sparks matchup on July 8th averaged 1.04 million viewers, becoming USA Sports' most-watched @WNBA game on record and UP 149% vs. 2025's WNBA regular-season average cable viewership📈 pic.twitter.com/kM8gdAQ8uU
Clark and the Fever (14-9) return to action on Wednesday, July 15, by hosting the Golden State Valkyries (17-7) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tipoff for that matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on USA Network.
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Most PS3 games are now playable on PC through RPCS3 The RPCS3 team has confirmed that over 7% of all PlayStation 3 (PS3) games are now playable using their emulator. This update confirms massive progress on the PS3 emulator, which had only reached 70% playability this January. Playable games in RPCS3 can be “completed with […]
The device is weirdly described as involving "mechanical elements that can move on their own" and the Bloomberg report includes the detail that the device is designed to "feel like a companion and become a physical manifestation of OpenAI’s ChatGPT."
Apple's damning lawsuit against OpenAI appears to have had a profound impact on the latter's product launch cadence, with the latest report indicating that the maker of ChatGPT is now prioritizing a screen-free, mobile smart speaker, which is something that Apple currently does not have. OpenAI's planned smart speaker will have "mechanical elements" to help it move, and it will be able to connect with users on a human-like level As we detailed recently, Apple filed a damning lawsuit against OpenAI last week, accusing it of stealing its proprietary technology, circuit designs, and component architecture for a slew of upcoming consumer-geared AI […]
JPMorgan has lowered its earnings forecasts for Circle and Coinbase after a new USDC revenue-sharing agreement with Hyperliquid changed how income from the stablecoin’s reserves will be divided. According to a JPMorgan research note, the revised agreement could reduce the…
Avalanche has reached $2.1 billion in distributed tokenized real-world asset value after a 60.47% monthly increase, supported by a newly announced $11 billion institutional tokenization deal with Bridgetower. According to data from RWA.xyz, Avalanche’s distributed tokenized asset value climbed to…
Chainlink price has jumped more than 5% after Mantle completed the migration of its $2.5 billion Super Portal to Chainlink’s cross-chain infrastructure, extending a crypto market rally driven by softer U.S. inflation data. According to data from crypto.news, Chainlink (LINK)…
Spain have knocked favourites France out of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory, as Milan’s Mike Maignan, Adrien Rabiot and Roma midfielder Manu Koné miss out on the Final.
The Spaniards go on to face either England or Argentina in the Final on July 19 in New Jersey, while France will fight for the bronze medal on July 18.
Les Bleus had won every game so far in the tournament, but made two changes from the side that beat Morocco in the quarter-final, as Bradley Barcola was preferred to Désiré Doué, but above all Roma’s Manu Koné dropped to the bench as Aurelien Tchaoumeni recovered from a muscular injury.
Spain conceded only one goal in six World Cup games, during the 2-1 victory over Belgium, and again picked ex-Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz rather than Pedri.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was captured using a remote camera from behind the goal.) Mikel Oyarzabal #21 of Spain converts a penalty to score his team’s first goal past Mike Maignan #16 of France during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Spain were awarded a penalty when Lucas Digne brought down Lamine Yamal, the defender who just agreed a move to PSG making a hash of a clearance. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up to convert past Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The situation went from bad to worse for France, as moments later William Saliba went off with a back injury, then Fabian Ruiz prodded wide after a well-worked move set up by Yamal.
Unai Simon’s first real test was sprinting off his line to clear from Kylian Mbappé at the 42nd minute, then Mbappé just failed to get on the end of a fizzing Jules Koundé cross.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: Adrien Rabiot #14 of France argues with referee Ivan Barton during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot was already on a yellow card and risked a second, so was replaced by Roma’s Koné for the restart.
INCREDIBLE
Spain one-two their way through the France defense and Pedro Porro doubles his country’s lead… pic.twitter.com/DFGCLMzFUC
However, Spain passed their way through the French side to score the second with Pedro Porro blasting in at the near post after a give and go with Dani Olmo.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 14: Manu Kone #6 of France competes for the ball against Mikel Merino #6 of Spain during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Lamine Yamal had the ball in the net again moments later, but was flagged offside, while Mbappé saw his strike deflected inches wide by Marc Cucurella.
The best chance France had was when Unai Simon came rushing out to clear, but got back in time to stop Désiré Doué firing into the empty net.
The former Red Devils forward shone during his time in Ligue 1 and this has seen Fenerbahce pay €39m for him in total.
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Due to a sell-on clause in his contract, this gives Man Utd a pretty decent fee, though some of that also goes to another of his former clubs Getafe, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
See below for the full details and breakdown of the money involved here…
Fenerbahce confirm Mason Greenwood has joined from Marseille on a four-year contract.
Fee is €39m paid in three equal installments over three years.
Manchester United receive €15.6m due to a sell-on clause on the full fee. Yet €3.12m goes on to Getafe. It leaves #MUFC with… pic.twitter.com/ZePxaoN0D4
Jacobs posted: “Fenerbahce confirm Mason Greenwood has joined from Marseille on a four-year contract. Fee is €39m paid in three equal installments (sic) over three years. Manchester United receive €15.6m due to a sell-on clause on the full fee. Yet €3.12m goes on to Getafe. It leaves #MUFC with €12.48m.”
Manchester United continue to benefit from Mason Greenwood sale
Greenwood looked like an outstanding young talent when he first came up from United’s academy into their first-team, but in the end the club didn’t really have any choice but to let him go.
The 24-year-old was notably arrested after very serious allegations were made against him, though these charges were later dropped. Still, this led to him being suspended by United and he never played for them again.
Tottenham full-back Pedro Porro has scored for Spain to put them 2-0 up against France in tonight’s World Cup 2026 semi-final clash.
It was a lovely move and a superb finish by Porro, who fired past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan with all the quality and confidence of a centre-forward.
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However, watch the video clip below and you’ll see that Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne completely fell asleep to allow acres of space for Porro on that side…
INCREDIBLE ?
Spain one-two their way through the France defense and Pedro Porro doubles his country's lead… pic.twitter.com/DFGCLMzFUC
Spain last won this trophy back in 2010, which is also the only time they’ve ever won it in their history, but they’ll perhaps be the clear frontrunners now if they see this game through.
Knocking out this France team is some statement, with the Spain defence doing well to keep elite attacking talents like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise quiet.
In fairness, one big issue for France was the William Saliba injury in the first half, with the Arsenal defender one of the very best in the world in his position, and one of his country’s most important players.
Manchester United have reportedly had recent contact with the agents of Roma midfielder Manu Kone as they look for a third signing in that position this summer.
The Red Devils have already officially confirmed the arrivals of both Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in midfield, but it seems they’re surprisingly still looking for more in that area of their squad.
A replacement for the departing Casemiro was undoubtedly needed, while Manuel Ugarte is also injured after generally struggling for form, so two new signings looked sensible.
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A third perhaps looks like a bit too much, however, when other positions also surely need strengthening.
Fabrizio Romano on Manchester United’s Manu Kone pursuit
Speaking in his latest post on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Manchester United are still looking at midfielders. (There are) many names among the defensive midfielders.
“Many of you asking me, can you give us some names? It’s still early to indicate who is going to be the wanted player for Manchester United. I will tell you in the next days was going to develop there.
It was supposed to be an all-in showdown on the Ninth Island.
No, not the McGregor-Holloway fight, although that one at least had a moment of action before being decided to the satisfaction of no one.
But the battle of public relations between the Mountain West and the Pac-12 never materialized.
No mas? No show. The Pac-12 did not even put in an ante.
Here’s the back story:
Two years ago, 10 of the 12 Pac-12 schools departed for other conferences. Oregon State and Washington State were left behind with each other, whatever TV revenues were abandoned, and the conference’s name. OSU and WSU had two options: 1) beg to follow Oregon and Washington into the Big Ten, or 2) merge with the Mountain West. They chose “none of the above.”
Instead, OSU and WSU negotiated to play football games against Mountain West teams during the 2024 season. Then in September of that year, whether it was through poaching or persuasive marketing, five Mountain West schools — Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State — agreed to join the Pac-12 beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. It took cross-my-heart loyalty pledges and retention payouts to keep UNLV and Air Force from joining the secession. Along the way, basketball powerhouse Gonzaga joined the Pac-12. The Mountain West countered with additions such as UTEP and Grand Canyon, and Hawaii becoming an all-sports member.
Both conferences went to court to argue over poaching penalties and exit fees worth millions of dollars.
This summer, both were supposed to boast about their members, television partners, sponsors and overall well-being.
This week, the Mountain West is hosting media days in Las Vegas. Each of the 10 football programs was asked to bring four players, the head coach, a top administrator, a media relations director, two digital creators and a mascot. (UH does not have an official mascot.) Television and broadcast partners will attend. Commissioner Gloria Nevarez will promote the league’s strengths and five-time-zone footprint in her annual state-of-the-MW address. The two-day event will be held at the Palms, once a celebrity hot spot in the early 2000s. In recent years, the Mountain West’s media days were held at the 21-and-older Circa Resort &Casino in downtown Las Vegas.
The Pac-12 also was expected to launch its football season with media days in Las Vegas. After all, the Pac-12 has embraced Las Vegas as a favorite venue. For the next two years, the Pac-12’s basketball tournaments will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
But Pac-12 officials have been secretive in recent weeks. They have declined to reveal financial details of their new television contracts. And deputy commissioner Rick Hart recently told reporters the Pac-12 decided against holding a media day. The Pac-12 is the only FBS conference without a traditional media day or official preseason kickoff event this summer.
“We could have,” Hart told Front Office Sports. “We talked about it. Those are expensive. … Traditionally, you spend a lot of money, you bring everybody together for two or three days, you disrupt camp or whatever’s going on. Maybe you get the media there, maybe you don’t. Maybe you get 72 hours of publicity alongside all the other leagues that are doing media days. It’s pretty noisy. There’s a lot of static. And then everybody moves on.”
But media event would not conflict with training camp, which can’t open more than a month from the opener. UH, for example, plays Stanford on Aug. 29, college football’s Week Zero. The Warriors’ first practice of training camp is July 29.
The preseason hype probably offsets the cost of a media event. The Mountain West pays for meals and lodging for each team’s representatives. The schools pays for their travel expenses.
To the cynics, there are these conspiracy theories of the Pac-12’s non-plans.
1. If the Pac-12 announces lucrative sponsorships, TV deals and payouts to members, it could enhance the Mountain West’s claim the poaching/secession caused damage.
2. The Mountain West would receive better coverage if the Pac-12 held a media event at the same time in Las Vegas. UNLV and Nevada are Mountain West members; the Pac-12 does not have a member in the Silver State.
Maybe the Pac-12 has an entertaining and superior product. But the proof won’t be in the promotions.
Last weekend, former Duke alum Gary Trent Jr. signed a new four-year $64 million contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks, a surprising figure given his production last year.
In 65 games for the Bucks last season, Trent Jr. scored the fewest amount of points (8.1) since his rookie year, to go along with one rebound, 1.2 assists and 0.5 steals. Following the move, NBA insider Tim MacMahon ripped Milwaukee for handing out such an expensive deal, saying, "If you look at the analytics of it, he had negative win shares, a negative box plus-minus, a negative VORP, and he got a mid-level exception basically, a full mid-level. This contract stinks. It smells awful."
For comparison, Quentin Grimes signed a four-year $60 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers despite averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 0.9 steals. However, since the subtraction of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have some money to spend and could potentially package Trent Jr. in a trade this summer or at the February deadline.
People’s minds instantly jump to football when they think about Penn State athletics, but don’t sleep on the other programs at the school. The baseball team was in a dark spot heading into this decade, but they’ve netted a .500 record or better in each of the last three seasons.
This newfound hope for the team has borne some promising players, like the three who were selected in the draft this past weekend. The 2026 MLB Draft took place in Philadelphia, where Michael Anderson, Alex Weingartner, and Dalton Harper all heard their names called. The latter two players never officially suited up for the Nittany Lions, although they were slated to join the team this fall.
Two incoming @PennStateBASE recruits heard their names called in the 2026 MLB Draft.
If either recruit puts pen to paper with their new team, Penn State officially loses them for good.https://t.co/EpsWWSRqem
Anderson was a valuable weapon for Penn State last season, finishing with an impressive .358 batting average, 20 home runs and 53 RBI in 50 games. The earliest draft pick of the bunch, the two-way star was selected in the fifth round by the Texas Rangers, where he has a chance to become a top prospect in the organization.
Weingartner and Harper were more like projection picks, with neither having played NCAA baseball to this point. The Nittany Lions may not be competing for the College World Series, but that isn’t preventing them from developing MLB-level talent.
Michael Malone and the North Carolina Tar Heels are working hard on the recruiting trail this Summer. With Malone's first true recruiting class being for 2027, the hope is that the Tar Heels can secure some big commitments.
UNC has yet to earn a commitment from a 2027 prospect, but they do have a good amount of offers out. That includes to the top overall player in the class, guard Beckham Black.
The Tar Heels have been in pursuit of Black for a while now and on Tuesday, they received some good news in terms of that recruitment.
Per Sam Lance, Black has set official visits to both North Carolina and Texas in his recruitment. He will work to set up more visits once the Peach Jam is completed.
Class of 2027 five-star point guard Beckham Black has set visits to North Carolina and Texas and is working to set up others after Peach Jam, source told @TheFieldOf68.
Black had 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals today in AB Elite’s opener in Augusta. pic.twitter.com/E4kfL8K6kU
As noted above, Black finished Tuesday's opener in Augusta with 22 points, five rebounds and five assists, continuing his hot play from the Spring and Summer.
The 6-foot-3, 180-pound point guard has 24 offers in his recruitment and is ranked No. 1 overall by 247Sports.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
The conference features some of the most compelling matchups in all of college football, from opening weekend through rivalry week. The selections emphasize games anticipated to have the biggest impact on the SEC championship race and College Football Playoff picture.
Florida's annual clash with Georgia was tabbed as one of the SEC's premier fixtures. The game has grown in national significance since it began in 1904, continuing as a battle of blue-blood programs that routinely produces iconic results. The game temporarily moves to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta during the Jacksonville stadium renovations.
The Jon Sumrall era carries with it an increasing sense of belief — many experts see the Gators as a dark-horse CFB playoff contender. Regardless of its final win-loss record, UF will play a part in shaping the season's narrative as they face several post-season favorites in Texas, Georgia and Oklahoma.
Noted in the article is the SEC's depth and newly implemented nine-game conference schedule. Georgia, Texas, Alabama and LSU appear multiple times on this list, with Georgia facing Alabama in Week 6 and Ole Miss in Week 10 while LSU hosts Clemson in Week 1 and will see Texas in Week 11 take on Alabama.
Many contenders from the SEC face multiple nationally relevant foes over the course of the season.
Athlon Sports' Best game for every week of the 2026 season
Week 1: Clemson at LSU (Sept. 5)
Week 2: Ohio State at Texas (Sept. 12)
Week 3: LSU at Ole Miss (Sept. 19)
Week 4: Oklahoma at Georgia (Sept. 26)
Week 5: Auburn at Tennessee (Oct. 3)
Week 6: Georgia at Alabama (Oct. 10)
Week 7: Alabama at Tennessee (Oct. 17)
Week 8: Ole Miss at Texas (Oct. 24)
Week 9: Florida vs. Georgia (Atlanta) (Oct. 31)
Week 10: Georgia at Ole Miss (Nov. 7)
Week 11: Texas at LSU (Nov. 14)
Week 12: Texas A&M at Oklahoma (Nov. 21)
Week 13: Texas at Texas A&M (Friday) (Nov. 27)
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
In a first-of-its-kind move, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state-level moratorium on data center construction. Hochul's decision follows growing concerns about the resource-intensive computing centers that are necessary to power what is being dubbed the next industrial revolution. Most AI data centers are powered by NVIDIA Corporation's GPUs, with the average data center requiring millions of gallons of water daily to perform efficiently. New York State Data Center Construction To Be Paused In Moratorium Being Signed Tomorrow In her statement, Governor Hochul outlined that the resource-intensive nature of data centers was at the center of her […]
OpenAI rolled out an update for its ChatGPT app for Apple’s macOS, and while one user claims that the previous chat layout and project history were “completely messed up,” the update introduced what appears to be a terrifying shift in the AI agent’s behavior that could discourage other users who value their privacy. Apparently, when asked where the missing projects were, ChatGPT showed an exact local directory path, which, according to the user, shouldn’t be possible without proper authorization. Based on this incident, it appears that the app is accessing and indexing local files on its own, which is a […]
Dogecoin price has climbed more than 2% after softer US inflation boosted risk appetite, even as Binance traders have offloaded $1.2 billion in memecoins since October. According to CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost, traders have reduced memecoin exposure because they consider these…
Coinbase Global stock has climbed more than 2% after the crypto exchange reportedly simplified its account registration process for users in mainland China. According to a report shared by Wu Blockchain, Coinbase now allows users in mainland China to complete…
“Qəbələ”nin baş məşqçisi Kaxaber Sxadadze yeni mövsümə hazırlıq çərçivəsində bu gün “Kəpəz”ə qarşı keçirdikləri yoxlama oyununu şərh edib.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, Qəbələ şəhər stadionunda baş tutmuş bu oyunda meydan sahibləri 2:1 hesablı qələbəyə seviniblər.
Sxadadze matçdan sonra klubun mətbuat xidmətinə açıqlamasında bunları söyləyib:
“Hazırlıq prosesinin ən çətin dövrüdür. “Yükləmələr” çox olur. Əlbəttə, futbolçularda yorğunluq var. Hər hissə 45 dəqiqə oynayırıq ki, bütün futbolçular fiziki yükləmələri alsınlar.
Qalib gəldik, amma bu, yoxlama oyunudur. Məqsəd güclü və zəif tərəflərimizi müəyyənləşdirmək idi. Bu gün bizim üçün ən vacib olan taktiki, mövqe oyunu idi.
Yeni transferlərimiz də ilk oyunlarını keçirdilər. Hələ ki, onlar tam hazır deyillər. Təəssüf ki, bir çox legionerlər gələndə Azərbaycan çempionatının səviyyəsindən xəbərsiz olurlar. Onların məlumatı yoxdur ki, Azərbaycan Premyer Liqasının səviyyəsi çox yüksəlib. Artıq bunu başa düşdülər və öz üzərilərində işləyirlər. Hazırlıq dövründə vaxtımız çoxdur, yaxşı işləməliyik. Yeni transferlərlə güclənməyə ehtiyacımız var və bunun üzərində iş gedir. Bu mövsüm uğurlu nəticələrlə azarkeşlərimizi sevindirmək istəyirik. Yoxlama oyunu olmasına baxmayaraq, stadiona gəlib sonadək komandamızı dəstəkləyən azarkeşlərə təşəkkür edirəm”.
Tottenham Hotspur are demanding €50m to sell defender Cristian Romero, claim Sportitalia, so Inter are very unlikely to beat Barcelona to his signature.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JULY 10: Cristian Romero #13 of Argentina attends a training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match at Sporting Kansas City Training Centre on July 10, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
Notably, this was an idea put forward by Tottenham directors and not a request for information by Inter.
Cuti Romero asking price set for Inter
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur applauds the fans following the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
That is just under what the Premier League side paid to buy him from Atalanta in 2022, the fee then €53.8m after an initial loan spell in 2021-22.
Although he only recently signed a new contract in August 2025, the rapport between the defender and Tottenham has plummeted in recent months.
Both club and player believe their time together is over, but with a contract until 2029, they need to reach an agreement.
Inter had already baulked at paying €50m for Marco Palestra, a young player with future sale value, so are unlikely to shell out a similar sum for a centre-back, not to mention his wage demands.
The 28-year-old already knows Serie A well, having played for Genoa, Juventus and Atalanta.
It seems everyone involved in the Christos Tzolis to Arsenal transfer deal expects this to happen soon, according to the reliable Hand of Arsenal account.
Tzolis, currently of Club Brugge, has shone during his time in Belgium, as well as with his performances for the Greek national team, and it could be that he’s about to earn himself a big move this summer.
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The 24-year-old scored 22 goals in total in the season just gone, so looks very much like the kind of prolific goal-scoring winger Arsenal will need to replace the departing Leandro Trossard.
See below for HoA’s latest update on all the major Arsenal transfer news, which features a line on Tzolis looking like happening soon…
Julian Alvarez
– From my last update, every single point still remains true – Arteta sees Julian as a major marquee transformational signing – There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the…
“People around the Tzolis deal on both sides expect it to progress soon,” HoA said.
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Christos Tzolis looks like a smart signing for Arsenal
While there may be bigger names being linked with Arsenal at the moment, such as Julian Alvarez, Morgan Rogers, and Bruno Guimaraes, all mentioned in the post above, it looks like Tzolis could be a smart purchase.
The Greece international probably won’t be very expensive, and he arrives in fine form after performing so well with Brugge.
Given that he’d probably mostly be coming in to be a squad player, Tzolis looks pretty much the ideal profile, and there’s always the chance that he’ll improve further as he gains more experience.
In many ways, Tzolis looks like someone who could develop into the kind of player Trossard was for Arsenal, and that can only be a good thing.
Gooners will be keen to see more established world class stars arriving, but they’ll also know the value or having reliable squad players who know where the back of the net is.
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has gone off injured in the first half of tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash between France and Spain.
The Frenchman was unable to continue as he seemed to have a sudden problem with his back, and he’s been replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
It is not yet clear how serious this injury for Saliba will prove to be, but it’s perhaps not a great sign that he was taken off immediately despite suffering this problem when there wasn’t anyone around him.
Watch below for the moment Saliba simply had to stop playing as he fell to the ground…
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Saliba was a star performer for Arsenal as they won the Premier League title in 2025/26, and he’s been key for France at this World Cup as well.
It remains to be seen if this will now be his final moment at this tournament, with France 1-0 down to Spain at the time of writing, while one imagines there could be doubts over his fitness for the start of the new club season as well.
William Saliba’s injury concerns going into this World Cup
This is not the first time we’ve heard about Saliba having a back problem, as it was reported as being an issue for him ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
The 25-year-old was reported as looking likely to miss the World Cup, as per ESPN, though in the end he was able to take part, at least until this evening’s flare-up.
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Meanwhile, L’Equipe also reported that Saliba may require surgery after the tournament, which could mean a delay to the start of the 2026/27 campaign with Arsenal.
After playing so much football for Arsenal as they won the title and reached two cup finals in the season just gone, it’s not too surprising that it’s all caught up with Saliba a little bit.
AFC supporters will just be hoping this doesn’t mean he’ll be out for a really lengthy period, or they’re surely going to find it very hard to replace him.
Arsenal have reportedly had fresh contacts over a potential transfer deal for Julian Alvarez, though there remains an issue with Atletico Madrid’s valuation.
The Gunners have been linked several times with the Argentina international, and it seems this story is not going away.
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There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the valuation of the Argentine. W/@HandofArsenal#AFC
“There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the valuation of the Argentine,” Bendoni posted on X.
This information was shared with the reliable Hand of Arsenal account, and there’s further information on Alvarez and other Arsenal targets there.
More on Julian Alvarez and other Arsenal transfer targets
– From my last update, every single point still remains true – Arteta sees Julian as a major marquee transformational signing – There are direct fresh contacts between the ownership at Arsenal and Atleti regarding a possible transfer. There is still a gap in the…
It seems Atletico are also really not keen to sell Alvarez to rivals Barca, so that could end up benefiting Arsenal, as long as they’re prepared to pay up.
Alvarez scored 20 goals in 49 games in all competitions last season, which was actually less than Viktor Gyokeres scored for Arsenal.
Still, most fans would surely agree that Alvarez’s all-round qualities would likely make him a significant upgrade on Gyokeres and also on the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
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Alvarez is also Premier League-proven from his time at Manchester City, so this wouldn’t be too big a culture shock for him.
Whether or not that makes him worth paying such huge money for remains to be seen, especially when Arsenal also seem to have other big targets.
As HoA notes, the Premier League champions also want Morgan Rogers and Bruno Guimaraes, so unless they make several big sales this is all going to be very tricky to do in line with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
“EXCLUSIVE: Cuti Romero to leave Tottenham this summer, Inter held talks with Spurs over recent days. Romero has been offered as option during talks for Djed Spence. Inter keen but costs very high. Barça also like Cuti Romero,” Romano posted.
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What next for Cristian Romero?
Romero could be a decent signing for someone like Barcelona, while Inter also makes sense for him, even if that currently looks complicated due to how expensive the deal would be.
For now, it seems there isn’t much possibility of Romero staying in the Premier League, and that makes sense given that he hasn’t always appeared that settled here.
Despite some moments of quality, Romero hasn’t always looked that well suited to the physical demands of English football.
Still, it’s easy to imagine the 28-year-old still having the quality to perform at a high level in a different league, and perhaps in a more settled environment than he’s had at Tottenham.
Spurs have been poor in the last two seasons, finishing 17th in 2024/25 and 2025/26, so even if Romero could have done better at various points, he’s far from the only one under-performing, and the frequent managerial changes and poor decisions in the transfer market won’t have helped.
The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2026, honoring three legendary players and three iconic coaches whose collegiate careers represent the highest levels of achievement in the history of the game.
The inductees include coaches Jay Wright, Orlando “Tubby” Smith and Ted Owens, alongside players Danny Ainge, Glen Rice and the late Walt Hazzard.
“The Class of 2026 represents the very best of college basketball—individuals whose performance, leadership and impact helped shape the game at the highest level,” NACB Hall of Fame CEO Kevin Henderson said. “Their legacies will forever be preserved as part of the sport’s rich history.”
Over his more than 30-year career, Smith led seven Division I programs, including Tulsa, the University of Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Texas Tech, Memphis and High Point. Smith’s career included leading Kentucky to the 1998 national championship during his first season with the Wildcats.
Across decades of coaching, Smith also guided five different programs to the NCAA Tournament, including the Georgia Bulldogs, earning himself national and conference coaching honors and nearly 650 victories.
Smith finished his 31-year career as a collegiate head coach with a final win-loss record of 642-370.
While coaching at UGA, the bulldogs climbed as high as No. 14 in the AP poll after racing to a 10-1 start, only losing at North Carolina.
Georgia earned the No. 8 seed in the West Regional of the 1996 NCAA Tournament, with Smith at the helm.
During his tenure, the Bulldogs defeated Clemson 81-74 and upset top-seeded Purdue 76-69 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Georgia then dropped an 83-81 overtime decision to Syracuse, the eventual NCAA runner-up, in the “Sweet 16” in Denver.
In an announcement praising Smith’s career and the honor he is set to receive, UGA said Smith is one of just four coaches who have led five teams to the NCAA.
The Class of 2026 will be formally enshrined on Oct. 22 during the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Celebration at the College Basketball Experience in Kansas City, Mo.
Tennessee women's golf coach Diana Cantú signed a one-year contract extension through 2031 after a historic season for the program.
Cantú led Tennessee to its first SEC title in program history in April, upsetting Auburn in the SEC final at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.
The Lady Vols tied for 18th at the NCAA championships, while Kyra Van Kan tied for fifth place in the individual competition, which was the second-best individual finish by a Lady Vols golfer at the NCAA championships.
Tennessee has now posted top-20 finishes at the NCAA championships in consecutive seasons after finishing 13th in 2025.
"I am incredibly grateful to the University of Tennessee for its continued trust and support of our women's golf program," Cantú said in a school release. "Tennessee is a special place, and it is an honor to work with such outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and staff. Not to mention the best fans in the country! I am excited to continue building on the foundation we've established, competing at the highest level, and helping our student-athletes succeed both on the course and in the classroom."
Cantú earned the first contract extension of her tenure last summer, which raised her base salary to $250,000. Her original five-year contract, which paid $200,000 annually, ran through the 2026 season. Tennessee did not release details of the new extension.
Cantú signed a four-year extension through 2030 after the 2025 season, which ended with Tennessee making its first appearances in the NCAA championships since 2019. Cantú was hired to lead her alma mater in 2021, replacing Judi Pavon, whose contract was not extended after leading the program for 21 years.
"The transformation of our women's golf program under Diana's leadership has been extraordinary, highlighted by our first SEC championship last spring," said athletic director Danny White. "She has elevated our program to national prominence and we are excited to continue pursuing championships on Rocky Top."
Tennessee also set a new program record for most wins in a season with four tournament victories in 2026. Madison Messimer become Tennessee's first SEC Freshman of the Year since 2003 and its first All-SEC first team selection since 2016.
Van Kan was named to the All-SEC second team, making it the first season since 2015 that Tennessee had multiple all-conference selections. She was also named a third-team All-American by Golfweek. Van Kan and Messimer are the first Lady Vols to earn All-American honors since 2016.
Cantú played golf at Tennessee from 2006-10, and she was part of three teams that advanced to NCAA championships. She began her coaching career as an assistant at Baylor in 2011 before spending seven seasons as the head coach at Maryland from 2014-21.
Tennessee women's golf coach Diana Cantú signed a one-year contract extension through 2031 after a historic season for the program.
Cantú led Tennessee to its first SEC title in program history in April, upsetting Auburn in the SEC final at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida.
The Lady Vols tied for 18th at the NCAA championships, while Kyra Van Kan tied for fifth place in the individual competition, which was the second-best individual finish by a Lady Vols golfer at the NCAA championships.
Tennessee has now posted top-20 finishes at the NCAA championships in consecutive seasons after finishing 13th in 2025.
"I am incredibly grateful to the University of Tennessee for its continued trust and support of our women's golf program," Cantú said in a school release. "Tennessee is a special place, and it is an honor to work with such outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and staff. Not to mention the best fans in the country! I am excited to continue building on the foundation we've established, competing at the highest level, and helping our student-athletes succeed both on the course and in the classroom."
Cantú earned the first contract extension of her tenure last summer, which raised her base salary to $250,000. Her original five-year contract, which paid $200,000 annually, ran through the 2026 season. Tennessee did not release details of the new extension.
Cantú signed a four-year extension through 2030 after the 2025 season, which ended with Tennessee making its first appearances in the NCAA championships since 2019. Cantú was hired to lead her alma mater in 2021, replacing Judi Pavon, whose contract was not extended after leading the program for 21 years.
"The transformation of our women's golf program under Diana's leadership has been extraordinary, highlighted by our first SEC championship last spring," said athletic director Danny White. "She has elevated our program to national prominence and we are excited to continue pursuing championships on Rocky Top."
Tennessee also set a new program record for most wins in a season with four tournament victories in 2026. Madison Messimer become Tennessee's first SEC Freshman of the Year since 2003 and its first All-SEC first team selection since 2016.
Van Kan was named to the All-SEC second team, making it the first season since 2015 that Tennessee had multiple all-conference selections. She was also named a third-team All-American by Golfweek. Van Kan and Messimer are the first Lady Vols to earn All-American honors since 2016.
Cantú played golf at Tennessee from 2006-10, and she was part of three teams that advanced to NCAA championships. She began her coaching career as an assistant at Baylor in 2011 before spending seven seasons as the head coach at Maryland from 2014-21.
Alabama will be sending three returning starters to SEC media days, two of which are defensive backs in senior Bray Hubbard and junior Zabien Brown. Junior wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams will also join the duo alongside head coach Kalen DeBoer next week.
All three of Hubbard, Brown, and Coleman-Williams will be entering their third season as a starter this upcoming fall.
Each will speak to the media during the Crimson Tide's availability at the multi-day event, which is set to take place Wednesday, July 22. Alabama will be joined that day by Florida, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.
The entirety of SEC football media days will be broadcast live on SEC Network, with the event set to begin Monday, July 20, at 9 a.m. ET.
SEC media days begin next Monday. That means fall camp is right around the corner and the 2026 college football season is nearly here. In preparation for the season, we're taking a look at the schools off the field. Last week, we looked at how the SEC teams ranked in US News & World Report's academic rankings for the 2026-2027 school year. Today, we're taking a look at how the teams rank in enrollment.
In the SEC, there's a chasm between the schools that lead the way in enrollment and Vanderbilt University, which as a private school, has the lowest enrollment in the conference. The average SEC enrollment is 29,980 students. Take out Vanderbilt, which has less than 8,000 students on campus, and the average rises to 31,498.
Eight of the 16 SEC schools have enrollments of more than 30,000, and 14 have enrollments of more than 20,000. Enrollments can impact student sections and ticket sales. A larger enrollment will mean a larger alumni base.
So, who leads the way in enrollment heading into the 2026 season
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The 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive lineman plays football for Ramsay High School in Birmingham, Alabama. May is the No. 120 recruit in the country and the No. 11 defensive lineman. May is the fifth-best recruit in Alabama.
The Ramsay star took official visits to each of his top schools in May and June. Ohio State is considered the favorites to land a commitment from May. The Buckeyes have the No. 7 recruiting class in the country with 18 commitments. Ohio State has already beat out Georgia for several notable recruits in the class of 2027 including five-star edge rusher DJ Jacobs, the nation's best recruit, and four-star defensive lineman Marcus Fakatou.
May is a big-bodied defensive lineman with good mobility. He shows upside as a pass-rusher and projects to be a strong run stopper at the next level. He'd be a nice addition for any of his top schools.
Kylian Mbappe and France are facing off against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on Tuesday afternoon in Dallas, and the world is watching to see who will punch their ticket to Sunday’s final.
One person who has more rooting interest than most is Ester Exposito, who is the girlfriend of Mbappe. Exposito, a Spanish actress, also has some conflicting interests for the semifinal match.
Last month, Exposito was interviewed at the Monte-Carlo TV Festival and was asked whether Spain or France would win the World Cup. Choosing to be a politician in the moment, Exposito gave a joking answer. Now, one month later, the two are facing off in the Knockout Rounds.
Considering the magnitude of the World Cup, you would have to imagine Exposito is rooting for her home country to win it all. But publicly, she’s doing her best to make sure that nothing spoils life at home.
Mbappe and Exposito were first linked in early 2026 when he was playing for Real Madrid. The couple was spotted together in Paris and Madrid, before being spotted on ritzy vacations.
The couple has not publicly commented on their relationship and play their cards close to their chests, but the European tabloids are quick to report on the A-list couple whenever they are out and about.
We’ll have to see if Exposito breaks her social media silence on their relationship if Mbappe and France can win it all.
Three college baseball pitchers from Spartanburg were picked in the 2026 MLB Draft.
Wofford’s Alex Bouchard went in the 14th round (pick No. 407) to the Minnesota Twins on July 12, while South Carolina’s Amp Phillips (by way of Spartanburg Methodist and USC Upstate) followed in the 15th round to the Tampa Bay Rays, and USC Upstate’s Chris Torres was selected in the 16th round by the Seattle Mariners.
Wofford has had a player drafted in four straight years. Carter Rasmussen was a 14th rounder by the Boston Red Sox in 2025, Marshall Toole went in the 15th to the New York Yankees in 2024, and Ryan Gelanie was a 13th round selection by the Chicago White Sox in 2023.
Phillips and Torres became the first former USC Upstate players to be drafted since 2021, when pitcher Jordan Marks went to the Detroit Tigers in the eighth round and Alex Garbrick to Philadelphia Phillies in the 17th.
Bouchard, from Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, was 2026 Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year as a junior. He was 9-3 with 2.83 ERA, striking out 104 batters in 86 innings.
Phillips, from Andrew Jackson High, was the 2025 Big South Newcomer of the Year for USC Upstate with a 7-2 record and a 3.64 ERA. He played one year at South Carolina with 14 starts and a 4.39 ERA.
Torres, from West Springfield, Massachusetts, was 5-4 with a 5.28 ERA. In 35 career appearances and 158 innings, he struck out 149.
Wofford has had 16 players drafted since third baseman Brandon Waring went in the seventh round to the Cincinnati Reds in 2007. The late Tim Wallace, former SMC coach, was Wofford's highest draft pick, going in the second round as a catcher to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982.
USC Upstate has had 27 players drafted, the highest being pitcher Chad Sobotka in the fourth round to the Atlanta Braves in 2015.
Phillips was the first player with SMC ties to be drafted since 2022, when lefty Will Whelan (after transferring to Minnesota) went in the 13th round to the Texas Rangers. Former J.L. Mann outfielder Wes Rogers went in the fifth round to the Colorado Rockies in 2014.
Todd Shanesy covers high school athletics for the Greenville News, Spartanburg Herald-Journal and Anderson Independent Mail in the USA TODAY Network. Contact him by email at todd.shanesy@shj.com. Follow him on X, formerly called Twitter, at @ToddShanesySHJ.
The Sino-American chip wars have resulted in many back-and-forth salvos and negotiations as the countries try and strike a balance between technology access and trade. Currently, both sides have set respective import and export controls, letting specific companies on a case-by-case basis. Today, Reuters reports that Chinese telecoms giant ZTE and server firm Maginfra have received U.S. approval to buy Nvidia's last-gen H200 "Hopper" chips.
ZTE joins a club that counts Alibaba, Tencent, ByteDance, and JD.com among the roughly 10-strong group of Chinese companies with U.S. clearance for those purchases. Additionally, an apparent subsidiary of Kingsoft Cloud got approval to buy AMD accelerators equivalent to Nvidia's H200, presumably Instinct MI300X-class chips.
Over on the Chinese side of the table, Reuters remarks that there's no word on whether the respective authorities will give ZTE the go-ahead for import, as the country has taken on a protectionist stance as it tries to grow its own chip industry. The country has discouraged firms from purchasing foreign tech and has instead pushed companies to acquire homegrown accelerators. Huawei in particular has made great strides both technologically and financially.
But even with those domestic production initiatives, the Chinese hunger for AI silicon is so deep that six months ago, Reuters said the nation's tech firms had more than two million H200 chips on order, far more than what Nvidia had on hand at the time. We'd venture that hunger has barely subsided.
ZTE might not be a familiar name Stateside, but the corporation is one of China's largest telecommunication conglomerates, and among many other ventures, it sells all sorts of carrier network gear that's installed worldwide, along with corresponding client-facing equipment, including phones and IoT equipment. Like most any sizable technological venture, ZTE has joined in on the cloud computing and AI push, so it needs accelerators to make those ambitions reality.
The current status of the AI chip trade situation is roughly that the U.S. allows Chinese firms to buy AI chips up to and including the Hopper family (meaning no Blackwell chips), with a 25% export tariff, though final decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Over on Chinese shores, Beijing's authorities play their cards close to their chest and dole out approvals as they see fit, with no clear rules seemingly set. But China is, of course, a global power with trade connections to most everyone, so interested firms were able to get their hands on Blackwell chips through various creative (and potentially illicit) means.
Whether this change will actually clear the way for any great volumes of H200 accelerators to make their way into ZTE's data centers remains to be seen. CNBC cites a U.S. trade official who today stated that "very few shipments against licenses for H200s and equivalents have taken place. It’s a very small quantity of chips" during a congressional hearing. If H200 shipments become material to Nvidia's bottom line, we'll almost certainly hear about it in future comments or earnings reports.
If you’ve been waiting to try Apple’s revamped Siri without installing a developer beta, you now can. The company on Tuesday released the iOS 27 public beta, giving iPhone owners early access to its AI-powered assistant and other new features before the software’s official launch this fall.
In what is likely to be the first of many such lawsuits that target Silicon Valley bigwigs, a number of Meta employees who were recently laid off are now accusing an AI-powered algorithm of disproportionately targeting workers with pre-existing medical conditions. Around 26 Meta employees are now alleging that the tech giant relied on factors such as productivity and AI use in deciding which workers get axed, disadvantaging those who missed work due to medical complications As many as 26 Meta employees have now anonymously filed a lawsuit in a federal court in Oakland, California, accusing the company of disproportionately […]
Intel has reportedly secured some big wins with its 18A, 14A, and EMIB process / advanced packaging technologies, signaling massive interest in its Foundry business. Tech Heavyweights Are Lining Up To See What Intel Foundry Has To Offer As 18A, 14A & EMIB Technologies See Heightened Interest TSMC has so far been the only semiconductor manufacturer to offer bleeding-edge processes and packaging technology, but Intel has quickly emerged as a fierce competitor. Intel has only launched its 18A node, which is already achieving volume ramp, and is working towards its more advanced 18A-P (In Risk Production) and 14A nodes (Risk […]
Bitcoin has climbed back toward the $65,000 level after softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data sharply reduced market expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike at the July policy meeting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index…
Multiple sources in Italy confirm Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic is ready to join Leeds United after the clubs agreed a €40m fee, with half going to Juventus.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo celebrates after scoring the 1-1 goal during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The centre-back had participated in the 2026 World Cup with Bosnia and Herzegovina this summer, and was widely expected to move on after two years at Sassuolo.
He made his way up from the Juventus youth academy and was sold to Sassuolo for just €2m in 2025 following the initial loan spell, but with the Bianconeri promised 50 per cent of the future sale fee.
It had been reported Juve considered bringing him back to base, as it would only cost them €18m instead of the €40m fee, but they preferred to just cash in on the sale.
The central defender is expected in England over the next 48 hours to undergo a medical and sign the contract, once the final details have been ironed out.
Nicolò Zaniolo is refusing to train with Udinese after failing to agree a new contract, so there are reports he was offered to Milan over the last 24 hours.
The Italy international is in a rather odd situation, as he joined Udinese last summer on loan for €2.5m with option to buy for a further €5m, plus Galatasaray getting a 50 per cent cut of the future sale fee.
UDINE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Atalanta BC at Stadio Friuli on November 01, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
However, as it was a rushed job, it was done with the promise to re-evaluate his salary once the campaign was over.
UDINE, ITALY – MARCH 14: Nicolò Zaniolo of Udinese makes a run past Lloyd Kelly of Juventus during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Friuli on March 14, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
It remains to be seen if they are interested in a player who did have a good season, but also has a terrible injury record and hasn’t been able to find any consistency in recent years.
Since forcing the exit from Roma in February 2023, he has played for Galatasaray, Aston Villa, Atalanta, Fiorentina and Udinese.
The contract with Udinese technically runs to June 2029, so this could get ugly if a solution is not found soon for the 27-year-old.
He has also been linked with a return to the Stadio Olimpico, this time for Lazio.
Check out today’s Serie A transfer updates with Roma directors reportedly meeting the agents of Crysencio Summerville and Aston Villa’s warning to Juventus that Emiliano Martinez won’t leave.
It’s been another rather busy day for Serie A clubs, which are working to strengthen their teams for the 2026-27 campaign.
Juventus were previously linked with Roma’s Mile Svilar, although the Bianconeri’s main target in goal has always been Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez reacts during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The Premier League club, however, have clearly stated today by their director, Damian Vidagany, that the Argentine is not for sale.
According to Gazzetta, the Bianconeri are preparing an offer to sign Franck Kessié as a free agent and have identified Folarin Balogun as a potential reinforcement in attack as they are struggling to reach an agreement with PSG for Randal Kolo Muani.
Multiple sources claim that Noussair Mazraoui is Milan’s main target to replace Pervis Estupinan, who has received an offer from Aston Villa. According to SportMediaset, Milan have demanded €18m for the Ecuador international.
According to Gazzetta, Milan remain interested in Antonio Silva, who has rejected a contract extension offer from Benfica. The Portuguese centre-back has attracted interest from Bournemouth as well.
Inter are still chasing a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, with Djed Spence and Nahuel Molina among their targets. Guela Doué is another right-back on their shortlist, but his club, Strasbourg, has requested over €35m.
Ederson, Napoli chasing Fiorentina defender and more news
Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli spoke for the first time about the collapsed Manchester United transfer for Ederson: “We were stunned,” he admitted. “He is happy to remain, and we are working on a new contract.”
According to Gazzetta, Sassuolo are interested in Daniel Maldini, who has returned to Atalanta after a six-month loan spell at Lazio.
Hamed Traoré has undergone his medical tests with Genoa today.
Ex-Inter goalkeeper Yann Sommer has joined Club Brugge on a free transfer, signing a three-year deal.
Fiorentina have a verbal agreement to sign Real Madrid defender Víctor Valdepeñas, according to multiple sources, including Sky.
Napoli are interested in Fiorentina full-back Niccolò Fortini, according to Gazzetta.
Domenico Tedesco, Bologna’s coach, has said the club is “confident” that Riccardo Orsolini will sign a contract extension.
New Como signing Luis Milla: “Fabregas was very important in the choice to go to Como. I was glad he called me because of what he conveyed and his ambition to grow. I have high expectations. I could have arrived in January, but Getafe were not doing well, and it wasn’t the right time.”
Frosinone are close to signing Sebastiano Desplanches on loan from Palermo.
Serie A – Official done deals on July 14, 2026
Danilho Doekhi joins Lazio as a free agent
Danilho Doekhi joins Lazio as a free agent
Felipe Jack from Como to Cremonese (Serie B) on loan
Lorenzo Gori from Frosinone to Grosseto (Serie C) on loan.
Matteo Agrimi from Lecce to Flaminia (Serie D) on a free transfer
Giuseppe Battimelli from Bologna to Lecco (Serie C) as a free agent
Maat Daniel Caprini from Fiorentina to Cesena (Serie B) on loan)
Luka Modric is increasingly likely to commit to a new one-year contract with Milan, claim reports, and could join their pre-season tour of Australia.
The midfielder turns 41 in September, and his contract with the Rossoneri expired on June 30.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: Luka Modric of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Parma Calcio 1913 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He was focused on Croatia’s performance at the 2026 World Cup and is only now getting over the disappointment of their early exit.
Milan have won Modric over
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Luka Modric of AC Milan celebrates the victory at the end of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
If confirmed, Modric will join up with the squad during their pre-season tour of Australia, which begins on July 26.
Despite his age, the Ballon d’Or winner played 37 games for Milan last season, scoring two goals and providing three assists in 2,864 minutes of football.
It would’ve been more, but he was ruled out for two matches by a fractured cheekbone in April.
Manchester United have officially announced the arrival of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, with club chief Jason Wilcox explaining why they signed him.
The Belgium international shone for Aston Villa, and was previously also a star performer at Leicester City, with Man Utd director Wilcox praising him.
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Wilcox is clearly delighted to bring Tielemans in, explaining three qualities he feels the 29-year-old will add to this United squad – composure, creativity, and leadership.
Jason Wilcox on Youri Tielemans transfer
“Youri has consistently been one of the most outstanding midfielders in the Premier League throughout the past seven years. He has all of the technical qualities, as well as the ambition and mentality, to thrive at Manchester United,” Wilcox said in a club statement.
“Youri’s consistency is exceptional, and he will add further composure, creativity and leadership to our squad. We are delighted to welcome a player of his influence and experience, both on the pitch and within the dressing room, as we continue to build a team ready to challenge for the biggest honours.
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Man United have added a top passer to their squad
Tielemans is not the youngest, and perhaps not always the most consistent performer, but there’s no doubt about the quality he brings when he’s really on form.
This is highlighted in United’s statement, which explains that the former Monaco youngster really excelled when it comes to line-breaking passes last season.
United stated: “Amongst attackers and midfielders, Tielemans broke the most defensive lines per 100 passes in the Premier League as well as making the second most line-breaking passes under pressure.”
While that might not sound like the most eye-catching kind of detail, it’s a stat that managers love, and it will surely help the rest of this United team to shine even brighter next season.
This is the kind of quality on the ball that MUFC arguably didn’t have last season, and it should help Michael Carrick improve this team after he already did such a good job as interim manager.
Declan Rice is looking better after a recent battle with a sickness bug that left him bed-ridden for three days, according to Sky Sports.
Watch below for a video update from England’s training base earlier today as Rice could be seen taking part in a session ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup semi-final clash against Argentina.
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France take on Spain in today’s first semi-final, and by tomorrow night we’ll know whether or not it’s England joining one of those two in this year’s World Cup final.
Luckily for England manager Thomas Tuchel, it now looks like he should have Arsenal midfielder Rice fit and available and in good condition to take on Argentina…
England are training for the final time before their World Cup semi-final with Argentina ???????
Declan Rice is with the squad, who looks to have fully recovered from illness ? pic.twitter.com/MeaoKiOnnz
The report explains that everyone is in England training now, apart from Jordan Henderson, who injured his arm in that freak incident celebrating the Three Lions’ victory over Mexico.
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Can England beat World Cup holders Argentina?
England face old rivals Argentina tomorrow and it’s sure to be their toughest test of the World Cup so far.
Tuchel’s side have shown remarkable character and resilience at times in this year’s competition, but they’ll really need to up their game once again if they are to get past Lionel Messi and co.
Argentina are the reigning world champions and will no doubt be desperate to win the trophy again for what seems highly likely to be Messi’s last ever World Cup.
If England can get past Lionel Scaloni’s side, it’s a huge statement that they can go all the way and win this competition for the first time since 1966.
Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli has admitted to being left “stunned” by Manchester United’s decision to pull the plug on the Ederson transfer.
The Red Devils had everything more or less done to sign Ederson from the Serie A club, before pulling out of the deal late on.
BBC Sport were among the outlets to report that this was due to an injury concern that came up during Ederson’s medical, though Atalanta have denied that there’s any problem with the player’s fitness.
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The Brazilian midfielder has been a star player for Atalanta, so they’ll surely be glad to keep him, with Giuntoli adding that they’re now working on tying him down to a new contract.
Romano posted: “Atalanta director Cristiano Giuntoli: “We were stunned [by Man United calling Ederson deall off]”. “Now we are working on a new contract for him”.”
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Will Manchester United live to regret Ederson transfer decision?
United clearly decided that signing Ederson wasn’t quite worth the gamble for one reason or another, and of course it would have been a big waste of money if they’d brought him in only to find that he wasn’t up to scratch fitness-wise, or ended up missing a lot of games through injury.
Still, Ederson looks like a top player and this surely won’t be the end of this summer’s saga, with other top clubs surely likely to also take a look at the 27-year-old.
MUFC, meanwhile, have turned to other options, so they’ll hope that new signing Andrey Santos can prove a success, while Youri Tielemans looks like being next, according to the Athletic and others.
Santos and Tielemans are both Premier League-proven, which is a nice bonus to have when signing a player, but Ederson would have arrived more at ‘peak age’ than either of those two, and might arguably have acted as more of a level-raiser for this team.
STARKVILLE — UCLA pitcher Landon Stump committed to Mississippi State baseball in the transfer portal, he confirmed to the Clarion Ledger on July 14, adding another intriguing arm to what projects as a loaded 2027 pitcher staff.
Stump, a right-hander, has 42 starts in his three-year career for 179 total innings. He had a 4.12 ERA in 18 games and 13 starts in 2026 with 43 strikeouts and 22 walks.
The Morgan Hill, California native started against the Bulldogs on March 1, pitching 3⅓ innings with two runs allowed. The Bruins, who were ranked No. 1 for most of the season but lost in their own regional, won 8-7 in 10 innings.
This story will be updated.
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
TAMPA, Fla. — SEC Media Days has always been part football convention, part political campaign. Coaches sell progress. Quarterbacks sell possibility. Veteran players insist the locker room is closer, offseason workouts are harder, and the coming season will be different from the one everyone remembers.
The Kentucky Wildcats will arrive in Tampa carrying something more revealing than the usual July promises. The Wildcats are bringing a blueprint.
When first-year head coach Will Stein takes the stage Monday, July 20, he will be joined by safety Ty Bryant, quarterback Kenny Minchey, and tight end Willie Rodriguez. The three players represent the foundation Stein must preserve, the gamble that could define his first season and the offensive weapon capable of connecting it all.
Bryant is the proof. Minchey is the projection. Rodriguez is the possibility.
The SEC’s annual preseason spectacle will run July 20-23 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and JW Marriott. It marks the first time Tampa and the state of Florida have hosted the event after stops in Dallas, Nashville, and Atlanta during the previous three years. SEC Network will provide more than 50 hours of on-site coverage, beginning at 9 a.m. ET Monday.
Kentucky could not have selected three better players to explain where the program stands.
Bryant enters the ballroom as the representative who requires no projection. The Lexington native started all 12 games last season and led Kentucky with 76 tackles. He also intercepted four passes, the highest total in the SEC, and earned second-team All-SEC honors from the league’s coaches. His two-interception performance against Ole Miss helped Kentucky turn turnovers into points, while his 12 tackles against Louisville matched his career high.
The numbers matter, but Bryant’s presence carries a deeper message. In an era when rosters can be rebuilt through the transfer portal, he represents continuity. He grew up in Lexington, starred at Frederick Douglass High School, and followed his father, former Kentucky receiver Cisco Bryant, into the program.
Bryant is not renting Kentucky’s jersey for a season. He is wearing part of his family history.
That makes him an important figure for Stein, whose challenge extends beyond installing formations or modernizing an offense. The new coach must prove Kentucky can evolve without becoming unrecognizable. Bryant is the bridge. He understands what the program has been, knows what SEC Saturdays demand, and has enough production behind his name to speak without exaggeration.
Minchey arrives in Tampa with a different assignment. He will be asked to speak for a future that has not yet arrived.
The Notre Dame transfer has appeared in 10 college games, completing 23 of 29 passes for 212 yards. He has also rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns. During the 2025 season, Minchey appeared in six games for the Fighting Irish, throwing for 196 yards while adding 84 rushing yards and a score.
Those are efficient numbers. They are not extensive numbers.
That distinction will follow him through every interview and hotel hallway in Tampa. Can he handle an SEC offense? Can he deliver when the pocket collapses and opposing defensive coordinators have a full week to study him? Can he become more than a talented quarterback with limited tape?
Kentucky’s season may turn on those answers.
Stein has praised Minchey’s accuracy, athleticism, intelligence, and upside. He has also emphasized that his offensive philosophy is not about forcing every quarterback into the same system but building the offense around what that player does best.
That relationship is one of the most important partnerships in the SEC entering 2026. Stein earned this opportunity because of his reputation for building quarterback-friendly offenses. Minchey came to Lexington for the chance to become the centerpiece of one. Each man now needs the other.
For Stein, Minchey is the first major test of whether his offensive success can follow him into the head coach’s office. For Minchey, Stein may be the coach who transforms years of potential and backup snaps into a breakthrough season.
SEC Media Days will not provide the verdict. It will provide the opening argument.
Rodriguez may be the player who makes that argument believable.
The 6-foot-4, 249-pound tight end started seven games in 2025 and caught 23 passes for 310 yards and one touchdown. He produced a career-high 78 receiving yards on six catches at Vanderbilt, the most receptions by a Kentucky tight end in a game since C.J. Conrad caught six passes against Mississippi State in 2015.
Rodriguez is another Kentucky-raised player. He starred at Covington Catholic, catching 29 passes for 488 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior while helping his team reach the state championship game.
His importance, however, goes beyond hometown symbolism. He could become the piece that reveals what Stein’s offense is supposed to look like.
Stein has said Rodriguez can line up as a traditional tight end, in the slot, or in the backfield. That versatility allows Kentucky to change formations and create mismatches without changing personnel. For a quarterback still establishing himself, a tight end with Rodriguez’s size, experience, and flexibility can become invaluable—a reliable target over the middle, an answer against pressure, and a safety valve on third down.
Bryant, Minchey, and Rodriguez were not selected simply because every SEC team needs three players for the trip. Their selection tells Kentucky’s story.
Bryant represents the standard the Wildcats cannot afford to lose. Minchey represents the leap they must be willing to take. Rodriguez represents the creativity Stein was hired to bring.
There will be larger names in Tampa. There will be quarterbacks with longer résumés, defenders carrying NFL Draft projections, and coaches commanding more national attention. Kentucky does not need to win the week.
It needs to introduce itself.
The Wildcats will arrive in Tampa as a program between eras, carrying the scars of what did not work and the optimism that always follows a coaching change. The microphones will be waiting. The questions will be predictable. The promises will come easily.
What happens after Tampa will be harder. Bryant will have to make the tackle. Rodriguez will have to create separation. Minchey will have to deliver the football, and Stein’s blueprint will have to become something more than a July presentation.It will have to become a football team.
Auburn will send seniors Champ Anthony, Byrum Brown, and Alex McPherson to join head coach Alex Golesh at the 2026 SEC Media Days in Tampa, Florida.
SEC Media Days is approaching, and with that, the release of player appearances for the upcoming event. The Tigers send three seniors from each phase of the game to this year's media days. Safety Champ Anthony, quarterback Byrum Brown, and kicker Alex McPherson are the three players set to represent the Tigers.
Anthony is returning from a season-ending leg injury he suffered in the game against Kentucky, which was similar to his leg injury the year before. The senior served as captain and played in seven games and made four starts for the Tigers. He totaled 13 total tackles, nine solo tackles, one PBU, and one pass defense in 2025.
The big name transfer, Brown, has all the eyes on him after an impressive junior season at South Florida. Brown passed for 3,158 yards, 66.3 completion percentage, and 28 touchdowns while totaling 1,008 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Rivals rated Brown (94.29) as the highest transfer for the Tigers this offseason.
Similar to Anthony, McPherson's availability on the field had been limited, and he looks to make a comeback. The Fort Payne, Alabama, native initially was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and would have his entire colon removed in December 2024. He would later be diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. McPherson now plays with an ostomy bag. His inspiring story landed him the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award.
Auburn's day will be on Tuesday, July 21, from 9 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. EST. The event begins Monday, July 20, at 9 a.m. EST with league commissioner Greg Sankey and concludes on Thursday, July 23.
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A facelift pushes the Tata Punch to its first win in 2 years.
New vehicle wholesales in India soar 25.8% year-on-year in June to 391,968 units, a new record for the month eclipsing the 339,418 units of June 2024. Maruti Suzuki (+23.8%) trails its home market slightly but still holds a commendable 37.6% share. Tata (+67.4%) surges ahead to 15.8% share vs. 14.6% so far this year while Mahindra advances +27.7% at #3. Hyundai (-10%) is completely overwhelmed in 4th place. Nissan (+128.9%) posts the biggest YoY gain in market but only holds 0.8% share. Renault (+54.8%), Citroen (+43.8%) and MG (+29.8%) also shine.
Model-wise, Tata manages a historic 1-2 for the first time. It places the Punch (+101.1%) at #1 for its first win since June 2024 and a new record volume above 21,000 units, and the Nexon (+58%) at #2. Leader last month, the Maruti Suzuki DZire (+15.6%) falls to #3, followed by the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R (+31.1%) and Ertiga (+13.9%). Other Top 10 members beating the market are the Hyundai Venue (+57.1%), Maruti Suzuki Baleno (+39.3%) and Fronx (+33.8%). Below, the Maruti Suzuki Alto (+105.9%) impresses. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris (#15) is the best-selling recent launch above the Mahindra XUV 7X0 (#18) and Tata Sierra (#27). We welcome the Toyota Ebella EV (aka Urban Cruiser) at #69 with 459 sales.
NVIDIA's H200 AI GPUs are finally shipping to China, as reported by U.S. officials, marking the return of the banned chip. China Softens Its Position on NVIDIA GPUs As First H200 Shipments Now Headed To Chinese AI Firms The NVIDIA Hopper story in China has been a roller coaster ride so far. When Hopper was launched, US export restrictions for the Chinese market were in full swing. These pushed NVIDIA to release an export-compliant variant called the H20 for China, which ended up being severely cut down, but still a viable option against what China's domestic chipmakers had to offer. […]
Google Image Search has turned 25 years old and with that, Google has decided to completely revamp the Google Image Search home page at images.google.com from a clean search box, to a gallery of image collections.
“Today, we’re introducing a brand new browseable home for Google Images, featuring a dynamic, immersive gallery of images from across the web — updated in real time and intelligently tailored to your unique interests,” Brad Kellet, Senior Engineering Director, Search announced.
What it looks like. Here is a screenshot of the new Google Image Search homepage:
This is what the old Google Image Search home page looked like:
Features as well. Google is not only showing a gallery of images on its new image search home page but there are search features as well. The search box is at the top, where you can search by text, voice, by image and so forth.
You can also browse and save ideas to your collections on Google Image Search. Those images will appear as tabs above the main gallery, making it easy to jump back in and continue exploring based on what inspires you, Google explained.
Here are screenshots of how that works:
Availability. Google said this new Google Images home page will roll out over the coming weeks on desktop in the U.S. in English. You will need to sign in to your Google Account to try it out.
Google will let you create images directly within AI Overviews in Google Search. “To help bring those unique ideas to life, we’re bringing image generation directly into AI Overviews in Search,” Google announced.
This uses Google’s latest Nano Banana AI model within AI Overviews to create these images.
Google said, “This update transforms a simple text prompt into a high-quality, custom visual made completely from scratch, seamlessly bridging the gap between imagination and reality.”
What it looks like. Here is a video of this in action:
Availability. Google will roll out this image generation feature within AI Overviews over the coming weeks in English, for all regions that currently support image creation in AI Mode.
Why we care. This may have an impact on traffic to publishers, as it will add more AI-generated content (the images) to the AI Overview, potentially discouraging clicks from Google Search. Plus, if people get the image they want in the AI Overview, it might even discourage some use of Google Image Search – maybe?
In any event, it is wild to know that Google Image Search is now 25 years old.
There are some free agents eager to remain in Serie A for new clubs, as Lecce have made an offer to ex-Lazio defender Elseid Hysaj, while Juan Jesus could join Venezia from Napoli.
Lazio Spanish midfielder #10 Luis Alberto (L) and Albanian dfender #23 Elseid Hysaj fights for the ball against Atalanta Belgian midfielder #17 Charles De Ketelaere (R) during the Italian Serie A football match between Lazio and Atalanta at the Olympic stadium in Rome on October 8, 2023. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)
Hysaj is an Albania international, but spent practically his entire career in Italy for Empoli, Napoli and since 2021 at Lazio.
Sky Sport Italia report that the 32-year-old has received a formal proposal to join Lecce, but has not yet made a decision, which should be expected over the next 24 hours.
As for Juan Jesus, his contract was not renewed at Napoli, but he has been linked with newly promoted Venezia for a new Serie A adventure.
Como have been very active, but also need to whittle down their squad, as Felipe Jack joins Cremonese, Southampton want Ivan Azon, while Club Brugge and Freiburg target Yannik Engelhardt.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907, looks on prior to the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The focus therefore now has to be on whittling down those who won’t get playing time.
Como seek Jack, Engelhardt and Azon buyers
CREMONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Lucas Da Cunha of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring the 1-3 penalty during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Como 1907 at Stadio Giovanni Zini on May 24, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
A transfer was already made official today, as defender Felipe Jack joined Serie B side Cremonese on loan for the rest of the season.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Southampton have started formal talks with Como for Azon, the 23-year-old Spanish striker who spent last season on loan at Ipswich Town.
The aim is to get a permanent sale for €9-10m, which is a big profit considering Como paid €2m to get him from Real Zaragoza in February 2025 and he never made a single appearance for the club.
The same pundit also states that both Club Brugge and SC Freiburg have made offers for German midfielder Engelhardt.
The Belgians have the upper hand with circa €10m on the table compared to the €8m for Freiburg, but the decision will be made soon.
Engelhardt also spent last season on loan, at Borussia Monchengladbach, and was bought from Fortuna Dusseldorf for €8m in 2024.
Atalanta were ‘stunned’ that Manchester United abandoned their Ederson transfer, and confirm ‘he is happy to remain, so we’re working on a new contract.’
The deal had been done last month for €45m including add-ons, but could not be completed until after he had finished his participation in the 2026 World Cup with Brazil.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 02: Ederson of Atalanta BC in action challenges for the ball with Vitinha of Genoa FC during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Genoa CFC at Gewiss Stadium on May 02, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
When he returned from that tournament, Manchester United made him undergo intensive medical tests, then pulled out of the deal, claiming that his knee had shown significant problems.
Atalanta have faith in Ederson
BERGAMO, ITALY – APRIL 22: Ederson of Atalanta BC celebrates with his team-mates his goal that was later disallowed by VAR during the Coppa Italia match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at New Balance Arena on April 22, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
He first came to Atalanta in 2022 for €22.9m from Salernitana, where he had joined from Corinthians just six months earlier.
Ederson holds up the trophy as Atalanta’s players celebrate after the UEFA Europa League final football match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at the Dublin Arena stadium, in Dublin, on May 22, 2024. Atalanta won the game 3-0. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Ederson helped them win the Europa League trophy and reach two Coppa Italia Finals with 16 goals and six assists in 180 competitive games.
Arsenal are hoping to sign Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge during the summer transfer window.
According to a report from HLN, they have already made the ‘first contact’ with the Belgian club regarding a move for the 24-year-old, but they are yet to submit an offer.
The opportunity to play for Arsenal will be tempting for him. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they can offer him the platform to fight for the league title and the UEFA Champions League. The attacker will certainly hope that the two clubs can finalise a deal in the coming weeks.
Arsenal have the financial muscle to get the deal across the line, and it remains to be seen whether they follow up on their enquiry with an official proposal. They have a quality team at their disposal, but they need to improve their attacking unit if they want to consistently compete with elite clubs. Apart from a top-quality creator, they also need to invest in a reliable finisher.
Manchester United are looking to sign the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes during the summer transfer window.
According to Football Insider, the 25-year-old will be made available for £30 million. The Brazilian wants to leave Wolves after their relegation, and the opportunity to play for Manchester United will be hard to turn down for him.
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Man United could use Joao Gomes
Manchester United need more quality and control in the middle of the park, and Gomes could be an excellent option for them for a reasonable fee. He impressed with Wolves despite their relation, and he has the quality to play for a bigger club. He will add control, composure, and physicality in the middle of the park for Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also interested in signing the Brazilian midfielder. It will be interesting to see if the two clubs are willing to pay the £30 million asking price for him. They have the resources to get the deal done, and the demands are quite reasonable for a player of his experience and quality. He is well settled in the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact.
The midfielder will be desperate to sort out his future quickly and join a big club before the new season begins. Manchester United and Liverpool will be able to offer him Champions League football in the upcoming campaign. He will certainly hope that either of the two clubs will come forward with an acceptable offer for him in the coming weeks.
Chelsea are hoping to agree on a new contract with Sol Gordon.
The 18-year-old winger is highly rated within the club and has made his mark in the youth teams. According to Football Insider, Arsenal, Leeds United and Everton are keeping tabs on Gordon, and they could look to make a move in the coming months.
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Chelsea eyes a new deal for Sol Gordon
Chelsea are determined to keep him at the club and are prepared to offer him a contract extension. He has a contract with Chelsea until 2027. The Blues will not want to lose a talented young player like him, and it remains to be seen whether they can convince him to commit his long-term future to the club.
Chelsea are looking to build a team for the future and need to keep the club’s best young players. Gordon has the potential to develop into an important first-team player for them with the right guidance. They will probably have to offer him assurance about gametime to convince him to sign a new deal. He is at a stage in his career where he needs first-team exposure to improve further.
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Chelsea have done well to groom young players in the past, and they could play a role in his development as well. It remains to be seen whether Xabi Alonso is prepared to give him the exposure he needs right now.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, Leeds and Everton are keeping tabs on his situation, and it would not be a surprise if they decided to in the coming weeks. If Chelsea failed to secure an agreement with the player, the 18-year-old could prove to be a solid future investment for all three clubs.
The Tigers announced Tuesday that they are taking junior linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez, senior left tackle Cayden Green and redshirt junior running back Jamal Roberts to the preseason, talkin’ season event, which will be held Monday July 20 through Thursday, July 23 in Tampa, Florida.
Drinkwitz is set to address the media beginning at 10:25 a.m. CT. The event will air on SEC Network.
All three players are making their first appearance on the SEC Media Days stage.
Roberts is at the center of one of the major questions facing Mizzou ahead of the 2026 campaign: the availability of star running back Ahmad Hardy.
Hardy was shot in the upper leg while attending a concert in May in Mississippi and his status, after rushing for a program-record 1,649 yards last season, remains in doubt. There is currently no timetable for a possible return, but Drinkwitz has indicated at offseason caravan stops that he may be able to provide a more concrete update on the SEC Media Days stage.
If Hardy can’t play, then Roberts will be the Tigers’ No. 1 option in the backfield. He was stellar as MU’s No. 2 last year, rushing for 753 yards and six touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry behind Hardy.
Green is Mizzou’s starting left tackle and is projected by many outlets as a potential Day 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5, 324-pound Kansas City native was picked as a second-team preseason All-American by Phil Steele and will likely be on the media’s preseason All-SEC team.
Rodriguez was a prominent part of MU’s linebacker rotation last season and is now expected to be one of the leaders on the Tigers’ defense. He recorded 62 tackles, including 1.5 sacks and four tackles for loss, and seven pass breakups last season.
That means all three players the Tigers are taking to Tampa are returners who are entering at least their third season on campus. Both Roberts and Rodriguez started their college careers in Columbia, and Green transferred to Mizzou in 2024 after spending his true freshman season at Oklahoma.
Florida State football is adding another member to its coaching staff. According to Pete Nakos of On3 and Matt LaSerre of Warchant, the Seminoles are hiring Tom Herman.
He is most famous for his time as the head coach for the Houston Cougars and Texas Longhorns. Herman coached at Houston for two seasons (2015 and 2016) and went 22-4 over that span, which included a 38-24 win over Florida State in the 2015 Peach Bowl. He spent four years with Texas and compiled a 32-17 record (went 10-3 in 2018). Herman would spend the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Florida Atlantic Owls and posted a record of 6-16.
There's no word on what his role will be at FSU. However, Herman does have a ton of experience that could be beneficial to head coach Mike Norvell as he looks to get himself off the hot seat and back in the good graces of the Seminoles' fan base.
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John Calipari is arguably the best recruiter of elite talent in college basketball history and continues to bring in potential blue-chip players at Arkansas.
Regardless of when Ourigou arrives at Arkansas, his biggest contribution is expected to be made on the defensive end as a rim-protector.
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Former Texas A&M All-American infielder Braden Shewmake is on the move again after spending the last month with the Houston Astros following his mid‑April call‑up. Shewmake made the most of his return to the majors, providing steady production and dependable defense while filling multiple infield roles.
During his time with Houston, he posted a .250/.265/.678 slash line with 20 hits, three home runs, and nine RBI. His defensive versatility proved valuable as the Astros dealt with injuries, and his fielding percentage remained close to league average, with third base standing out as his strongest position.
While being traded out of his home state is a little bittersweet, staying in the majors is the priority, and Shewmake is doing exactly that. On Sunday, it was announced that he had been traded to the Milwaukee Brewers, one of the hottest teams in baseball. Milwaukee enters the week with a 59–37 record, second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers at 61–36. If the Brewers maintain their pace, Shewmake could find himself in the postseason picture in about a month.
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On Tuesday, it was announced that Texas A&M redshirt junior quarterback Marcel Reed, senior safety Marcus Ratcliffe, and senior linebacker Daymion Sanford will serve as the Aggies' player representatives at next week's SEC Media Days in Tampa, Florida. Third-year coach Mike Elko and all three 2026 team captains will address the media next Wednesday.
Earlier this month, Aggies Wire predicted that Marcel Reed would be at least one of the three players chosen to represent Texas A&M, and he is the first Aggie signal-caller at the event since former starting QB Kellen Mond in the lead-up to the 2019 season. Last season, Marcel Reed completed 62% of his passes, throwing for a career-high 3,169 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, and added nearly 500 rushing yards and 6 scores.
Marcus Ratcliffe, alongside senior safety Dalton, is widely considered one of the top defenders in the SEC and is coming off a career year, starting in 12 of 13 games and finishing with a personal-best 66 tackles, three passes defensed, and three tackles for loss. Ratcliffe finished as Pro Football Focus's top-rated safety in coverage.
Daymion Sanford suffered a lower-body injury during A&M's Maroon & White Game, which required surgery this offseason. While he is expected to miss the first half of the regular season, Sanford earned his starting job after replacing Scooby Williams, appearing in 13 games with 10 starts and racking up 57 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 9.5 tackles for loss.
This will be the first time we hear from Daymion Sanford since his injury, and it could include an update on his return timetable. Texas A&M will kick off the 2026 season against Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Texas A&M is bringing its captains to SEC Media Days next week: LB Daymion Sanford S Marcus Ratcliffe QB Marcel Reed
The Aggies will have a quarterback represented for the first time since Kellen Mond in 2019
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Alex Rodriguez had a rough go of it interviewing Justin Verlander ahead of the Home Run Derby.
Rodriguez appeared to be setting up some kind of underdog redemption angle for Verlander, asking him, “How do you explain being a late draft pick, being designated for assignment a couple of times with two different teams?”
Awkward moment for A-Rod, interviewing Justin Verlander saying we was designated for assignment by two different teams.
Neither half of that sentence is true. Verlander went second overall in the 2004 draft, one pick after Matt Bush, and was in the majors within a year. He’s also never been designated for assignment, not once, across 20 seasons and stops with the Tigers, Astros, Mets, and Giants. Being DFA’d is a process reserved for players a team is trying to get off its 40-man roster. It has never once applied to a 10-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner.
Verlander, understandably, did not know what to do with this.
“Me? No, you’ve got the wrong notes,” he said.
Rodriguez laughed it off and pivoted to asking how Verlander has pitched at a high level for so long, which, fine, is actually a reasonable question. It’s just not the one he’d spent the last thirty seconds building up to.
The Rivelia Start is De'Longhi's smallest automatic coffee maker
It has a menu of 10 coffee drinks, including cold brew
It's on sale now in the UK for £599.99 (about $800 / AU$1,160)
De'Longhi makes some of the best espresso machines I've tested here at TechRadar, and as the owner of a small kitchen, its latest model has particularly piqued my interest. The De'Longhi Rivelia Start is the company's smallest fully automatic coffee maker.
The Rivelia Start is a successor to the 2024 De'Longhi Rivelia, which our tester Josephine Watson gave a full five stars thanks to its consistently well-extracted espresso, clever Bean Adapt technology that optimizes brew settings to suit your preferred beans, and LatteCrema Hot system, which creates thick and creamy foam for milky drinks.
The Rivelia Start offers all that in an even smaller package, and adds the ability to prepare authentic-tasting cold brew. De'Longhi promises that your cold brew will be "ready in under five minutes", which tells me that it's not just pouring a shot of hot coffee over ice, like some other machines I've tested recently. Instead, the coffee is extracted using ambient temperature water, which results in fewer bitter compounds being dissolved for a more mellow flavor.
The Rivelia Start can prepare hot milk foam, and you can upgrade it with a LatteCrema Cool kit if you want to make cold lattes and cappuccinos (Image credit: De'Longhi)
The Rivelia Start's standard menu contains 10 drinks, but if you like the idea of an iced latte or cappuccino to help you stay cool in the summer months, you can upgrade your Rivelia Start with the optional LatteCrema Cool set, which lets you create chilled milk foam for six further drinks.
Personally, the feature I'm most excited about is the pair of swappable bean hoppers. My job sometimes involves drinking a lot of lattes, and I always prefer to switch to decaf in the afternoon so I can still sleep after a day testing drip and espresso machines. With the Rivelia Start, there's no need to purge one type of coffee from the hopper before refilling with another; just unscrew the whole thing and swap it for one filled with a different type of bean.
The De'Longhi Rivelia Start has a clear and simple interface with illustrated touch buttons (Image credit: De'Longhi)
It's simple to operate too, with an interface of clearly-labelled buttons rather than a touchscreen, making it extra accessible for new users.
Its small size isn't the only thing that sets it apart from other coffee makers, either — it also comes in a palette of earthy colors that fit with the current trend for natural shades and textures, which makes a refreshing change from the stark black, white, and chrome that once dominated kitchen appliances.
It's available to buy now direct from De'Longhi in the UK for £599.99 (about $800 / AU$1,160) in two colors: maple brown and jade green. More hues will be available from third-party stores from September, and we're currently waiting for details of its international launch.
This RAMpocalypse is getting worse by the day, making vital components for PCs like SSD units for storage and RAM chips for boosting performance cost hundreds of dollars by themselves.
During such a crisis, it's easier to find essential parts built into pre-made desktops. One such example is the Geekom A7 Max AI Mini-PC, a compact form-factor desktop built for crushing heavy workloads while being capable of light to mid-level gaming thanks to its 1TB SSD and 16GB of RAM.
Fortunately for workers and gamers alike, the Geekom A7 Max AI Mini-PC is now on a limited-time 29% discount for$594.00 at Best Buy (which is nearly half the price of a Steam Machine) just for today.
"The quality of Geekom’s build quality is exceptional, and right from the box the largely metal construction of the A7 Max is a delight." ~ Mark Pickavance, Writer at TechRadar
Why buy the the Geekom A7 MAX AI Mini-PC over the Steam Machine?
The Geekom A7 Max AI mini-PC on display. (Image credit: Tech Radar (Mark Pickavance) | Geekom)
The Geekom A7 MAX AI Mini-PC is a handy desktop for work and 1080p gaming on the side. It's equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU, an AMD Radeon 780M GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD (the latter two of which can be upgraded to 64GB RAM and a 2TB SSD, respectively).
With these specs, the Geekom A7 MAX Mini-PC will suffer little to no lag performing productivity duties like typing or opening internet browser tabs while being capable of running light indie games at 60fps and even some AAA games at 1080p resolutions/30fps (with FSR enabled) at medium settings.
Another notable feature of this mini-PC is its large number of USB and HDMI ports, which allow it to connect to four monitors simultaneously, making it incredibly useful for those who want to open multiple programs at once without having to juggle their positioning on a single screen.
So, if you want a compact-sized, desk-space-saving mini-PC to play light games like Minecraft or indie games like Mina the Hollower on the side while tackling never-ending paperwork at the office, the Geekom A7 MAX that's now$594.00 at Best Buy could be your next best workplace buddy.
Just be aware that this deal is only available until July 15, 2026, so think fast if you want to get it.
FAQ
Can it be upgraded?
Yes. The Geekom A7 MAX AI Mini-PC's RAM can be upgraded up to 64GB via two SODIMM slots supporting dual DDR5 RAM and its storage space can be upgraded to 2TB max via inserting SSDs into its M.2 2280 PCIe Gen 4 SSD slot.
Is it good for productivity?
Indeed it is, the Geekom A7 MAX AI Mini-PC was primarily designed as productivity desktop that chew through heavy office workloads like typing reports, creating spreadsheets, editing videos, researching information on the internet.
How many ports does it have?
The Geekom A7 Max AI Mini-PC features 15 ports which includes two USB4 and two HDMI ports so it can support multiple monitors at once, two ethernet ports, six USB-A ports for accessories, an SD carder and a 3.5mm headset audio jack.
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Samsung is back with another solid-state drive, and this time it's something a little bit different. The 990 is a QLC-based 990 EVO Plus, positioned as a budget drive that can still push a lot of bandwidth. It’s a little late to the game and not quite what was rumored for the 990 QVO, but it does bring some new technology to the table. We’re always interested in seeing what Samsung puts out, and this time is no different. It should not be confused as being part of Samsung’s Pro line or, for that matter, the EVO line, so keep that in mind.
The drive has its ups and downs, but in this challenging market, and for a budget drive, that’s to be expected. Samsung is still well-regarded for its name and reliable hardware, even as there has been a massive push towards enterprise, away from the consumer side. Samsung has, in fact, given some ground in the SSD space for many years, even as it produces some of the most common OEM drives. So while this is not a Crucial situation, it’s best to jump into this review with the right expectations about what this drive is and isn’t. It’s a budget drive with full Gen 4 throughput that hits the most common capacities with sufficient performance and power efficiency. It’s not meant to be a throne-taker.
It’s also thankfully not another 990 EVO situation – that drive felt somewhat underwhelming by the time it arrived, even when pitted against budget drives – but the 990 is also not a QLC rallying call. It’s a competent drive that mostly hits the right notes, as intended. Given how scarce Samsung QLC drives have been, and how much demand its QLC flash surely has elsewhere, it can feel like Samsung is throwing consumers a bone, though it would be crass to put it that way. We instead think this is smart positioning by the company as it knows the future is with QLC and the technologies used in this flash (even if first shown two years ago at ISSCC) point firmly at an ambitious future. The 990 just lets you own a piece of that.
Samsung 990 Specifications
Product
1TB
2TB
Pricing
$269.99
$529.99
Form Factor
M.2 2280 (Single-sided)
M.2 2280 (Single-sided)
Interface / Protocol
PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 2.0
PCIe 4.0 x4 / NVMe 2.0
Controller
Samsung PiccoloQ
Samsung PiccoloQ
DRAM
N/A (HMB)
N/A (HMB)
Flash Memory
Samsung V9 QLC
Samsung V9 QLC
Sequential Read
7,150 MB/s
7,250 MB/s
Sequential Write
6,450 MB/s
6,450 MB/s
Random Read
700K IOPS
850K IOPS
Random Write
1,100K IOPS
1,200K IOPS
Power (R/W)
4.0W / 3.7W
4.3W / 3.8W
Endurance
400 TBW
800 TBW
Security
TCG Opal V2.0
TCG Opal V2.0
Part Number
MZ-V9V1T0
MZ-V9V2T0
Warranty
3-Year
3-Year
The Samsung 990 is only available at 1TB and 2TB capacities, with MSRPs of $269.99 and $529.99, respectively. These prices are very high, as you can get competing drives like the Crucial P310 for substantially less, and in fact even the TLC-based WD Black SN7100 costs less. But Samsung has historically launched with MSRPs well above actual market price. You should be able to get the drive at significantly lower prices after launch, but the “Samsung tax” may still apply. We’ll get into what that means throughout the review.
This limited capacity range is unfortunate, but enables Samsung to pack the flash into just one package, which reduces PCB space so that any OEM variant can be used in multiple M.2 form factors and will always be single-sided. Less than 1TB is also not enough for these denser dies if you want good performance. That leaves 1TB and 2TB as the target capacities, which also makes sense in a market where 4TB+ is getting exceptionally expensive. We’ll eventually see 2Tb dies to make single-package 4TB a reality, but that’s further along in Samsung’s roadmap.
The drive can reach 7,250 / 6,450 MB/s for sequential reads and writes and up to 850K / 1,200K random read and write IOPS. Peak performance is attained at 2TB, where you have the optimal amount of interleaving or parallelization: Sixteen 1Tb dies means four dies for each of four flash channels, the typical ceiling. However, as these are four-plane dies, you still get 32-way interleaving at 1TB with eight dies, which is enough to get good performance with just two dies per channel. Less than that is much less ideal, and more than that introduces additional overhead, especially for budget controllers. The math changes with six-plane and 2TB dies, but for this flash, 1TB is the reasonable minimum, with 2TB offering the best performance.
The drive is rated for approximately 4W of power draw across the two capacities, when looking at both reads and writes. Check our power results below to see how accurate that is. The drive is rated for 400TB of writes per TB capacity, which is high for QLC flash – we would typically see maybe 300TB, which is one-half of the TLC standard – but also indicates a very high drive writes per day (DWPD) rating. This is due to the warranty only covering three years rather than the normal five, so the amount of writes per year is significantly higher. This is atypical, so requires further explanation.
For those who live for TBW and write endurance, this illustrates why TBW often looks better on paper. Spreading 400TB over three years works out to roughly double the daily write allowance of a typical 300TBW / five-year QLC drive. Most people will never approach either number, and they will live with the shorter coverage window. However, if you intend to hammer the drive with writes to the point of exceeding TBW within the three-year warranty period, then this could be good. Although you really shouldn't use a budget DRAM-less QLC-based drive for that type of workload. However, that option exists and is rarely the case with a QLC-based drive. As a final note, the drive does support TCG Opal 2.0 for encryption.
Samsung 990 Software and Accessories
Samsung’s Magician software is the gold standard for consumer SSDs. This is an SSD toolbox with all the features you need. It displays system and drive health information, including SMART, and checks whether your drive is legitimate. You can also benchmark your drive and use any optional features, such as encryption. The software is also essential for keeping the drive’s firmware up to date, although you can also download that from the first link.
Samsung 990: A Closer Look
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The 990 has an SSD controller, a single NAND flash package, and power management circuitry. There is no DRAM package present. This is a single-sided drive, which is ideal for compatibility and cooling. There is a lot of free space on the PCB, and by putting distance between the controller and flash, there is separation to mitigate component heat generation. This would also help if a heatspreader or heatsink were to be added. Without this space, the drive could be sold in a shorter form factor, which is particularly useful for OEM drives.
The label has information about the drive, such as the date of manufacture (DOM), model, serial, the PSID, and the power rating. We always caution that you not take certain drive information as being conclusive about the hardware. For example, you should not assume TLC or QLC flash from a drive’s TBW. Likewise, you shouldn’t rely on the labeled power rating – and this is done more often on M.2 2230 drives for portable devices – as any indication of drive power efficiency. Here we have 3.3V / 1.85A, which indicates potential power draw over 6W. Now, the power ratings given on spec sheets will often be average and not peak, and will be separated as read or write rather than mixed. In fact, this drive’s load power states can reach a peak of 5.90W via SMART, which is much above the rated average ~4W. We track both peak and average in our testing.
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We always enjoy reviewing Samsung drives with a focus on the technicals, as the manufacturer remains a leader in many ways. The 990, in particular, requires some extra description to be fully appreciated. Simply looking at the benchmark results might make the technology seem underwhelming – to be honest, this is very much a budget drive, even taken in the best light – but that doesn’t mean Samsung phoned this one in. In fact, there are signs of deliberate design here, and some of the decisions could help sell this drive. Samsung still has to get the pricing right, of course, but what else is new?
Let’s start with the controller. The 990 is using the PiccoloQ, which is the QLC flash version of the Piccolo. The Piccolo is utilized on the 990 EVO and 990 EVO Plus, two TLC-based drives. In all cases, it’s a four-channel, DRAM-less design, which limits performance and capacity. In both cases, the controller takes up to 2,400 MT/s flash – this is more than enough to saturate PCIe 4.0 – and the interior design is the same. This means it’s a Samsung 5nm part with multiple ARM Cortex-R8 cores and a single R5 core. If the Piccolo stands out in any way, it’s that it offers a PCIe 5.0 x2 option in addition to the standard 4.0 x4 interface. This option or mode has limited usefulness, though, and nothing in the 990 would change that if enabled for the PiccoloQ.
So, not much new on the controller front, but the use of this controller at the 990’s rated speeds does give us some more information. Namely, we know the 990 EVO runs more slowly because it’s using flash slower than 2,400 MT/s, 1,600 MT/s Samsung V6P TLC, to be precise. If we look at Samsung’s V7 QLC flash, it can run at that same speed. This is why the originally speculated 990 QVO with that flash was targeted at the same speeds as the 990 EVO. Things have changed since then. This drive could have been the 990 QVO, but with the EVO and EVO Plus lines going DRAM-less this generation, we suspect the QVO tier was “promoted” to the plain 990 name, and the 990 now targets the 990 EVO Plus's specs
The evidence to back this up, which also supports the loose 990 QVO rumor, is that Samsung does have a V7 QLC OEM drive: the BM9C1. This is the cousin to the PM9C1 line with OEM 990 EVO and 990 EVO Plus (PM9C1b) variants. The BM9C1 is available down to M.2 2230 and uses the same PiccoloQ as the 990 (the QLC version of the 990 EVO/EVO Plus’s Piccolo). It’s just limited to the same speeds as the 990 EVO, as it’s running at 1,600 MT/s. We have to be careful here, though, as Samsung’s V9 QLC press release indicates a 60% I/O improvement, which, with the V9 being 3,200 MT/s, suggests a 2,000 MT/s ceiling for the V7 QLC. Since there is an OEM TLC-based drive in between the 990 EVO and 990 EVO Plus (the PM9C1a) at 2,000 MT/s, the possibility for a ~6 GB/s 990 or 990 QVO with V7 QLC existed.
Before we dive more deeply into the flash, since we haven’t seen the new Samsung QLC in a while and there is some neat tech here, let’s decode the module. “K9” tells us it’s Samsung NAND flash memory. “YYG” indicates it’s a QLC flash package with sixteen dies (HDP) in a 2TB configuration, which confirms 1Tb dies. “Y8” means it’s 8-bit, J tells us the voltage, “5” tells us the number of chips enabled and ready/busy signals, and “D” tells us the generation. With V7 being “C” and V8 skipped, this suggests V9. The second part of the code tells us how the flash is packaged and that it’s commercial / consumer-grade. While you aren’t expected to know how to read codes on your SSD, knowing how it works can be useful, especially with Samsung drives, even if it’s just a matter of trying to figure out if you have a counterfeit product.
So let’s talk about the flash. This is a 286-Layer part, technically, but is sold as 280-Layer once accounting for source/ground and dummy lines. Dummy lines are usually at stack edges, as the physics of flash can make these lines otherwise unusable. A higher layer count – Samsung’s V7 is only 176-Layer, although technically 191 layers – generally means higher bit density. Bit density is key to scaling NAND flash, which is acting as capacious, non-volatile storage media. This can be disappointing to some because it means you don’t always see any real performance scaling as the layer count progresses.
Fitting more flash into the same space can mean less room for charge in each cell, which makes it harder to optimize for performance if you’re trying to maintain the same endurance level. That is certainly the case with this flash, as the performance only manages to match that of last-generation 176-Layer QLC flash from competitors, which is why we want to go out of our way to point out Samsung’s design decisions and why it leans innovative in ways you won’t see in, say, your game load times.
For one, when we talk about the layer count difference – reported versus actual – you also get an efficiency number that is the ratio between usable and total word lines. Samsung is a leader here, with high layer efficiency. Samsung also has held off using three decks or stacks of flash and is still at two, due to having superior channel etching – it’s able to drill down more layers with a higher aspect ratio. It’s also possible to run lines through the flash itself rather than rely largely on masked steps, which sets the stage for Samsung scaling to extremely high layer counts. One issue with high layer counts is that you start losing uniformity from layer to layer, and Samsung accounts for this with optimized word line spacing, too. So, as we’ve said in the past, it often feels like Samsung is falling behind on layer count, but in reality it has a very focused strategy and the best technology in the business, and we can see this with the 990’s flash.
For the consumer, though, the 990 is a little bit weird. This is presumably 3,200 MT/s flash that is being “wasted” with a 2,400 MT/s controller. This flash has amazing bit density, but having a single sixteen-die package at 2TB is nothing new. What about performance? Samsung has made optimizations to improve performance on this flash, but nothing amazing. This QLC is only comparable to the competition in performance terms, particularly at 2,400 MT/s. Samsung is playing catch-up, but we also think this is a case of designing for enterprise rather than consumer.
QLC flash is now highly sought after in enterprise for its density, and Samsung’s optimizations all benefit that kind of environment. In fact, from a consumer’s perspective you could look at this V9 QLC as being focused on higher bit density – but no 2Tb dies – and you would largely be correct. Samsung’s V9 QLC is 86% more dense generationally and about 94% more dense than the competition’s 176-Layer QLC flash.
We’ll take a look at one new technology in the V9 QLC flash to illustrate. One important consideration is flash power interruption leading to data loss, which, without power loss protection (PLP) means you are looking at protecting data at rest. This is on the non-volatile media or flash, not the volatile memory like DRAM. When folding from the pSLC cache to the native flash, data loss is not an issue because you don’t invalidate the original pSLC copy until the write has been verified. However, when writing to native QLC, you are writing multiple pages where the upper pages will require higher levels of sensitivity for proper reading. There are different methods of writing to QLC flash, but generally multi-bit flash has multiple write passes that go from fuzzy (coarse) to precise (fine), and lower pages write faster and may be complete first. Therefore, it’s important not to ruin existing lower-page data if you lose power while still adjusting voltage for the upper pages.
Micron has a unique way of dealing with this using a differential engine that can predict values from partial shifts, but a more common method is simply to back up or buffer the values in nonvolatile flash. QLC stores four bits per cell, so a full backup means writing four bits of pSLC per cell. pSLC is used because its writes are fast, whereas QLC's upper-page writes, in particular, are an order of magnitude slower. Samsung reduces the buffer to a single parity bit by using an odd/even algorithm, creating a sensing window that’s more like TLC (8-state) than QLC (16-state). This improves performance, endurance, and bit density. Some of that performance is still lost for higher bit density. For consumers, the direct benefit is higher TBW, but we speculate the higher density is aimed more at enterprise and future flash generation products. This is in part a response to Solidigm’s floating-gate design, a different technology than charge trap, with tighter charge placement.
The Samsung 990 enters a crowded market with a lot of good options, at least in theory. If we’re looking at QLC-based drives, this means the Crucial P310 and Sandisk WD Blue SN5100 at the very top. Both of these drives perform incredibly well. Below that, we have the older wave of drives represented by the TeamGroup MP44Q. That drive in particular remains a budget favorite with a fast controller and good QLC flash.
We would put the rest below that, even though the hardware is not always worse. This would include the Biwin M350, the Kingston NV3, and the Seagate FireCuda X1070. These drives are using alternative controllers – SMI, SMI, and TenaFe, respectively – that are roughly comparable, and the flash is not particularly old, either. However, these drives tend to be more budget-focused with reduced performance and (ideally) reduced cost.
We’ve also thrown in Samsung’s 990 EVO and 990 EVO Plus for comparison. The 990 should be closer to the latter, but with QLC flash, it would be okay landing somewhere in between. On the whole, we would expect the drive also to be between the two main categories of drives – that is, above the budget ones, below the two fastest, and closer to the middle MP44Q and its MAP1602-equipped alternatives, but with Samsung’s name recognition. The technology is here to make this a reliable drive, which is also a factor to consider, but being this late to the game puts the 990 at a general disadvantage.
Trace Testing — 3DMark Storage Benchmark
Built for gamers, 3DMark’s Storage Benchmark focuses on real-world gaming performance. Each round in this benchmark stresses storage based on gaming activities including loading games, saving progress, installing game files, and recording gameplay video streams. Future gaming benchmarks will be DirectStorage-inclusive and an evaluation for future-proofing is included where applicable.
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We start by looking at 3DMark because, frankly, QLC-based drives make a lot of sense for gaming. Aside from large installs and updates, you’re mostly doing reads, which do not favor TLC drives as much. While it’s true that QLC flash is still slower, often-accessed data might be left in the pSLC cache – if you leave enough space free – and QLC is also optimized for random reads. Games do involve a lot of sequential reads and often at larger block sizes than you’d expect, but as long as the drive has sufficient interleaving (it’s sufficiently large) you are going to get pretty good performance.
For 3DMark, which is a synthetic test, we might expect the drives to perform as they do under ideal, cached circumstances. This means the 990 should perform closely to the 990 EVO Plus and better than the 990 EVO, even though both of those latter two are TLC-based. It does. The 990 gets pretty close to the P310, which is one of the best QLC drives out there, aside from the Blue SN5100. We tend to look at ~45µs as a good cutoff point for all-around performance – gaming doesn’t need to be super responsive – which is roughly around the popular budget NV3. The 990 is significantly faster than that, which is all you could ask for here.
Trace Testing — PCMark 10 Storage Benchmark
PCMark 10 is an industry standard trace-based benchmark that uses a wide-ranging set of real-world traces from popular applications and everyday tasks to measure the performance of storage devices. The results are particularly useful when analyzing drives for their use as primary/boot storage devices and in work environments.
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PCMark 10 performance usually, but not always, follows 3DMark. There is speculation that some drives or firmware may be optimized for benchmarks like PCMark 10, but taken within a greater suite of tests it’s still useful to get a feel for application performance. For us, that means for a primary drive – your boot or OS drive where your apps live – or for your everything drive, if you work and game on a single drive in your system. This isn’t too unusual with laptops where M.2 slots are limited.
The 990 again ends up roughly where we’d expect – above the 990 EVO, and close to the 990 EVO Plus. It’s not on the level of the P310 or Blue SN5100, but it’s clearly above the budget drives. This is a strong result with good latency. For instance, we would take the 990 over the NV3 any day, every day. On the other hand, the P310 and Blue SN5100 are frankly better drives. These two drives are better optimized and performance-oriented. The 990 is more of a gap filler that’s late to the scene.
We have to say, though, that we’re glad Samsung didn’t push out a 990 QVO that was more like the 990 EVO, even if it would have arrived earlier. Such a drive would have used older QLC flash and performed more slowly simply due to the lower interface speed.And frankly we’d rather have density-optimized flash that can run at the 990 EVO Plus level. That’s what the 990 delivers, even if it feels a little underwhelming. However, it makes perfect sense given the current market, enterprise demand, OEM demand, etc. The drive is still very fast and of a superior quality to a great many budget drives out there, and that makes it worthwhile.
Console Testing — PlayStation 5 Transfers
The PlayStation 5 is capable of taking one additional PCIe 4.0 or faster SSD for extra game storage. While any 4.0 drive will technically work, Sony recommends drives that can deliver at least 5,500 MB/s of sequential read bandwidth for optimal performance. Based on our extensive testing, PCIe 5.0 SSDs don’t bring much to the table and generally shouldn’t be used in the PS5, especially as they may require additional cooling. Check our Best PS5 SSDs article for more information.
Our testing utilizes the PS5’s internal storage test and manual read/write tests with over 192GB of data, both from and to the internal storage. Throttling is prevented where possible to see how each drive operates under ideal conditions. While game load times should not deviate much from drive to drive, our results can indicate which drives may be more responsive in long-term use.
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You know our PlayStation 5 line by now: just about any drive will do. The 990 can push more bandwidth than the 990 EVO, which arguably makes it a better pick. It’s on par with, or better than, most budget drives out there. At least, for the things you will usually be doing on the PS5. It’s clear from our one bandwidth test that the drive ran out of cache, and it has the typical slow QLC flash write state. This is not indicative of real-world performance if you do normal installs/updates with mostly reads. If you are freshly installing the drive and moving a ton of games onto it, then yes, this could be an issue, but the QLC write speeds are still significantly faster than 1GbE if you’re intending only to download a ton of games at once. Otherwise, you can check the cache size in the relevant testing section.
Transfer Rates — DiskBench
We use the DiskBench storage benchmarking tool to test file transfer performance with a custom 50GB dataset. We write 31,227 files of various types, such as pictures, PDFs, and videos to the test drive, then make a copy of that data to a new folder, and follow up with a reading test of a newly-written 6.5GB zip file. This is a real-world type workload that fits into the cache of most drives.
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We also see some write performance issues in DiskBench. This is dependent on cache size and speed, but for the most part should be limited by the interface speed. However, there are cases where copy speed will simply be slower, whether due to the controller or other optimization trade-offs. We can see that the 990 EVO, with TLC flash, is not exactly doing great here, and the 990 EVO Plus does much better. However, the 990 lags behind, and is very far behind the P310 and Blue SN5100.
So, we can put some of this slow speed on the Piccolo/PiccoloQ controller. To avoid getting too technical on this, we suspect it is partially architectural. This is reflected in power efficiency, as both the P310 and Blue SN5100 – with the Phison E27T and a proprietary Sandisk controller, respectively – are significantly more power-efficient than the 990 EVO, 990 EVO Plus, and as we’ll discover, the 990 as well. We also know that Samsung’s V9 QLC flash is not particularly inefficient.
As for the controller, there are reasons to design it differently. Reliability is one reason, especially if you sell a lot of OEM and enterprise drives that share the technology. Scaling is another, as you may use similar technology across your stack. You might want to optimize for a different sort of performance baseline; you may have unique endurance requirements, and you also might have to keep capacity in mind – enterprise drives, in particular, could make better use of this flash’s interface speed when scaling for capacity. Therefore, DiskBench results for our specific testing may not really be what Samsung is optimizing for, in which case the 990’s performance more or less hits expectations based on the 990 EVO and 990 EVO Plus. It just disappoints against drives like the NV3, which are otherwise inferior.
And to put a cap on it, yes, this is a consumer drive, but if you go back and read our 990 EVO review – and other recent Samsung SSD reviews, for that matter – you will see we underlined the idea that Samsung has been late to the party with less-than-leading performance recently. The fact is, Samsung has and has had bigger fish to fry, and its technology is sound but no longer looks amazing on the standard consumer benchmarks. That makes its products less relevant if you just want the fastest drive, although we’d argue there are secondary effects like drive reliability that still keep Samsung in the fight, certainly as an OEM option. It’s also true that consumer use has a lower bar – any halfway-decent NVMe drive is fast enough for daily driving – which means, sometimes you’re just buying the Samsung name.
Synthetic Testing — ATTO / CrystalDiskMark
ATTO and CrystalDiskMark (CDM) are free and easy-to-use storage benchmarking tools that SSD vendors commonly use to assign performance specifications to their products. Both of these tools give us insight into how each device handles different file sizes and at different queue depths for both sequential and random workloads.
ATTO gives us a clear image of how a drive performs over a range of block sizes. This can relate to different file sizes, for example, you probably have many files at or below 4KiB in size for various things but larger files, archives, and media files will usually be in units of MiB. Depending on what you’re using the drive for you may want to pay attention to how a drive performs within a certain range. For the quickest comparison, we show the results on a logarithmic scale and, there, the 990 shows significant dips for reads between 64KiB and 1MiB.
What you need to know is that flash is interleaved to improve performance, which means that larger I/O sizes will show higher throughput. A single, four-plane die, with modern 16KiB pages, can interleave up to 64KiB internally. If you have one die per each of four channels, that’s 256KiB. If you parallelize that over four dies per channel – which is the ideal amount and what we have with the 2TB 990 – then you reach 1MiB. While alignment here can impact performance, for example we sometimes look at six-plane flash these days, in general you will see a gradual throughput increase as you go. You’ll see this beyond 1MiB as data can and will be cached in volatile memory, either system-side or in a small cache on the drive. If you’re looking at higher queue depths, which we do with CrystalDiskMark, performance saturates even further as the controller is able to optimize data placement and retrieval with knowledge of what’s coming.
What this usually means is that QD8 is enough to get drives close together, while there will be more disparity at QD1. QD1 is much closer to real-world, as most operations will be at low queue depth, the vast majority at our below QD4 and the majority at QD1 or QD2.
We see that the 990 matches the P310 with QD1 reads, while some drives, like the X1070, do surprisingly well. We can assume that the controller plays at least a partial role here. The X1070 is a good example because, let’s be real, it’s not a drive a lot of reviewers liked. Yet, it has pretty good performance in this instance, indicating it could be a solid secondary storage drive. Fair enough. The 990 just doesn’t really have the response we like to see for that, but it’s fast enough to remain relevant. We got the impression in our X1070 review that its controller was chosen for cost savings and that was plenty for daily use, but we don’t think Samsung cheaped out on the PiccoloQ. Rather, Samsung is looking at the bigger picture, as it also sells drives with the Piccolo controller, including its OEM offerings.
Random latency seems much more important to a lot of people. We generally find that sub-50µs is one bar and another is sub-45µs. The 990 manages the former, which puts it above last-gen drives and some earlier Gen 4 drives, and budget drives like the X1070. It’s in the same ballpark as the NV3, too. It’s sufficiently far behind more popular budget drives, though, to draw our interest. In most cases you won’t notice it, but if you’re using this as your only drive and are sensitive to that, it’s not your best option. On the other hand, we think you have to balance that against pricing and some management of expectations. Any modern SSD is going to be very fast, and with current pricing it might be worth putting more weight on reliability, for example.
Sustained Write Performance and Cache Recovery
Official write specifications are only part of the performance picture. Most SSDs implement a write cache, which is a fast area of pseudo-SLC (single-bit) programmed flash that absorbs incoming data. Sustained write speeds can suffer tremendously once the workload spills outside of the cache and into the "native" TLC (three-bit) or QLC (four-bit) flash. Performance can suffer even more if the drive is forced to fold, the process of migrating data out of the cache in order to free up space for further incoming data.
We use Iometer to hammer the SSD with sequential writes for 15 minutes to measure both the size of the write cache and performance after the cache is saturated. We also monitor cache recovery via multiple idle rounds. This process shows the performance of the drive in various states including the steady state write performance.
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Samsung’s TurboWrite 2.0 caching technology utilizes a fixed, static portion of pSLC combined with a much larger dynamic portion. These two zones have unique characteristics which, when taken together, ideally keep the drive feeling fast across a variety of workloads. The static portion ensures the drive always has some cache for random writes, while the dynamic portion varies with drive usage so that you always have ample cache. While the 990 EVO had 108GB total regardless of capacity, it’s more typical for Samsung to increase both caches in absolute terms as capacity goes up. This is the case with the 990 EVO Plus, which has a 216GB cache at 2TB. But we know from our 9100 Pro review that Samsung is quite capable of going with a larger cache. The general trend for consumer SSDs has been to go that way, especially for QLC-based and DRAM-less SSDs, as it better hides weak performance states.
Therefore, it’s not too surprising that the 990’s cache is pretty large. In its fastest state, it writes at almost 6.1 GB/s for over 57 seconds, for a cache in excess of 350GB. This is larger than the 2TB 990 EVO Plus’s but smaller than the 2TB 9100 Pro’s. Our suspicion is that the 990 follows the newer, larger scheme, but we’re dealing with QLC rather than TLC flash. QLC flash to pSLC is 4 bits to 1, while TLC is 3 bits to 1, so in relative terms the 990 lines up with the 9100 Pro. That’s all fine and good. As for how fast it writes, Samsung markets the 990 as having over 50% faster write performance than the 990 EVO, which is accurate simply because we’re moving from 1,600 to 2,400 MT/s, with newer flash and firmware.
Once the cache is exhausted, the drive has to write to the native QLC flash directly or fold data over from pSLC to QLC. The latter is slower but can reduce wear in some cases – folding uses predictable, sequential writes – and reduces the likelihood of errors in transmission. Considering the technology we mentioned above and how Samsung avoids problems with power loss, it makes sense that going slower is by design. In fact, given we know the expected speed of the flash – rated at 41 MB/s per die – we can reasonably assume the firmware wants this outcome. It’s not that the flash can’t handle higher speeds, even at the risk of endurance. It’s simply that for a consumer drive of this type, the response is reasonable and measured. Going faster would require reducing the cache size potentially, which tends not to be a good trade-off for this type of drive.
One interesting thing about the V9 flash is that it can operate in a pTLC caching mode. We don’t see that here. Honestly, that’s not too surprising: Solidigm’s 5-bit PLC flash effectively was designed to run as QLC/pQLC for enterprise, so it’s possible this pTLC mode was for cases where you might need that higher level of performance or endurance. After all, this is extremely dense flash even in such a mode, which points more at enterprise use.
We’ve seen QLC flash from Kioxia also optionally have this mode – and for that matter, Solidigm’s PLC can do pTLC, too – in the past, but that mode doesn’t appear to be designed for consumer use. There may be other reasons for not using it in a consumer product, such as power optimization, as consumer workloads probably benefit more from a straight pSLC and native/QLC hybrid.
Power Consumption and Temperature
We use the Quarch HD Programmable Power Module to gain a deeper understanding of power characteristics. Idle power consumption is an important aspect to consider, especially if you're looking for a laptop upgrade as even the best ultrabooks can have mediocre stock storage in terms of capacity and performance. Desktops are often more performance-oriented with less support for power-saving features so we show the worst-case for idle.
Some SSDs can consume watts of power at idle while better-suited ones sip just milliwatts. Average workload power consumption and max consumption are two other aspects of power consumption but performance-per-watt, or efficiency, is more important. A drive might consume more power during any given workload but accomplishing a task faster allows the drive to drop into an idle state more quickly, ultimately saving energy.
For temperature recording we currently poll the drive’s primary composite sensor during testing with a ~22°C ambient. Our testing is rigorous enough to heat the drive to a realistic ceiling temperature but real-world temperatures will vary due to the environment and workload factors.
Is the 990 power-efficient? Samsung markets the drive as being 38% more efficient than the 990 EVO – or that it cuts power consumption by 38% – which, technically, works with our numbers. It’s not a huge bar to hit as the 990 EVO was not very power-efficient. Even the X1070 is significantly more efficient! The 990, unfortunately, really doesn’t do well against other drives in its class, regardless of flash. We can’t chalk this up as being fully due to the controller because the 990 EVO Plus does well enough for itself.
This is actually expected since, for example, the Blue SN5100, which is using BiCS8 QLC, is less efficient than its BiCS8 TLC sibling, the Black SN7100. QLC and TLC flash of the same generation often have significant differences. TLC flash saw six planes first while QLC tends to be optimized for density. While it’s true that pSLC performance between the two is often comparable, behind the scenes the drive still has to deal with wear-leveling, garbage collection, and other maintenance with block granularity. QLC is slower, with larger blocks and pSLC taking more bits. So all else being equal, TLC often outshines it in power efficiency.
Our impression here, as is the case elsewhere in the review, is that this flash is basically V7 QLC with twice the density. Samsung uses impressive tricks to get it there; the flash is technically a bit faster and more efficient, and it has some neat changes that mostly apply to enterprise. This means you can have the 990 doing worse than the 990 EVO Plus with its V8 TLC. This is not perplexing. QLC flash is made for bit density, and Samsung intends to scale flash for a very long time. It also skipped V8 QLC for a reason. This doesn’t endear it to people wanting to buy this drive for laptops, although we assure you that this does use some cutting-edge technology, and we do think it should be very reliable. It’s just not going to be as efficient as you might expect.
Samsung is cognizant that its drives will end up with OEM variants in laptops and in many cases, shorter form factors. The 990 EVO wasn’t a great laptop drive due to its heat generation, but it works. The 990 is significantly better, so it, too, will work as a laptop drive. We think this drive deserves a heatsink in a desktop or PS5, and probably should have heatspreading of some sort anywhere else, if at all possible.
The question is, will it overheat? In our testing, we found that it got closer than we prefer to that point. Our maximum reported controller temperature was high relative to the initial throttling temperature, but a true composite value would be lower. Even so, the controller did get warm. On the other hand, our Iometer testing is far from real-world. We push our drives hard. This is not the sort of drive for a desktop replacement or high-end laptop in our opinion, although we think with typical workloads it’s perfectly fine. After all, the results here are better than the SK hynix Gold P31, which is a laptop staple. By all means, in a Gen 3 slot this thing will fly. If you’re hammering it at Gen 4 speeds, though, yeah, it’s not the coolest drive in town.
We use an Alder Lake platform with most background applications, such as indexing, Windows updates, and anti-virus, disabled in the OS to reduce run-to-run variability. Each SSD is prefilled to 50% capacity and tested as a secondary device. Unless noted, we use active cooling for all SSDs.
Samsung 990 Bottom Line
The Samsung 990 is bound to be underwhelming for some, but none of our results should surprise. We know what this technology is and we’ve seen Samsung’s entries in recent years with the 990 EVO, the 990 EVO Plus, and the 9100 Pro. You could even put the 980 and 990 Pros into that mix. The move away from DRAM on the EVO Plus series, in particular, was a sign of the times. It’s not surprising to see the raw 990 – the 980 was TLC-based – go to QLC without the “QVO” addendum. The original speculation of the 990 QVO being a QLC 990 EVO, with the EVO itself being a surprisingly “slow” drive, was probably correct given the OEM evidence, and the 990 being a step up lets it command the 990 name by itself. To reiterate, this is exactly what we expected.
Skipping over the 990 QVO and V7 QLC flash is only sidestepping, and that’s likely because the market has changed so much over the last year or two. Bringing out a QLC-based 990 EVO equivalent just wouldn’t sell and might even make the brand look bad. It could certainly be done, and even still done, as an affordable SKU with better yields. But any 990 was going to be exactly what we got, instead. You need the faster flash to saturate PCIe 4.0 with a DRAM-less drive, and this was always going to be DRAM-less. Using a new or licensed controller with TLC flash would be weird, as it’d be going up against the existing 990 EVO Plus. Frankly, the 990 is a good 990 EVO replacement from retail and OEM perspectives, with one caveat: endurance. Samsung saves itself some headaches by reducing the warranty to three years, and as this flash is robust, it can just nudge up the TBW as a distraction.
(Image credit: Samsung)
We think that’s an important part of the message here. This flash seems designed for enterprise and has technological changes to back that up, with the main consumer benefits being the potential for increased reliability. But memory is still in high demand, and this has to be a budget part, so here comes the three-year warranty. Performance is not bad – it certainly beats earlier Gen 4 QLC-based drives and would beat the rumored 990 QVO as well. It’s just not really performance-focused. It’s also a much more efficient design, but that’s in comparison to Samsung’s own hardware. It’s merely mediocre there in the current landscape. Samsung seems to be building for the future with higher layer counts and bit density, so this lays the groundwork. A client drive seems almost like an afterthought. Users shouldn’t take that personally, but also shouldn’t underestimate this drive as it’s more than effective enough for its purpose.
In fact, in the era of Gen 3 drives returning and so many “box of chocolates” SSDs with random names and hardware, a reliable Samsung SSD is a nice option. Even with QLC flash. If you only need a budget drive to throw into a build or to upgrade an old PC, you get Gen 4 performance and a TLC-like experience for most things. We also feel this drive should be reliable and, although it runs hotter than we’d like, it’s not going to be molten like some other drives. It’s just a polished design by Samsung that fills a micro niche, and clearly it thought a response was needed. It’s not a lot different than our reaction has been to Samsung’s last few new drives, which have all been competent but largely never the strtong leader. That’s okay with us, as we can tell the manufacturer has a longer-term perspective; it just means a little less awe when you finish a build using a Samsung drive.
If you really want the best experience with a QLC-based drive, we still recommend the Crucial P310 – which is going away – or the Sandisk WD Blue SN5100. These offer incredible performance for QLC flash. Otherwise, there are some MP44Q-like drives out there that continue to be budget leaders. The 990 fits somewhere along there as a known-brand alternative. If you’re looking for Gen 5, DRAM, or TLC, then you’re also looking at a higher price tag. Frankly, QLC costs more than it should, in part due to enterprise demand. On the other hand, a modern QLC drive will provide an equivalent experience 99% of the time. The priorities are up to you. For us, the 990 is a fine primary drive for normal builds and OK for laptops, although we’d go cheaper for the PS5 and higher-end for an enthusiast machine.
New York has become the first state to temporarily halt approval of large data centers, as Gov. Kathy Hochul argues the AI-driven building boom shouldn’t come at the expense of higher electricity costs, water supplies, or local control.
The Iranian government exploited well-known flaws in cellphone networks to locate and then strike U.S. military personnel in the build-up and beginning of the war.
The Leapmotor A10 is up to #3 overall for its 4th month in market.
According to data by CAAM, wholesales of Chinese-made vehicles are down -3.2% year-on-year in June to 2,810,000 units, after rising 14% to 2,904,000 in June 2025. However this includes exports. Domestic wholesales in contrast dive -23% to just 1,773,000 after gaining 10% to 2,312,000 last year. Exports surge 75% to surpass the monthly million unit mark for the first time at 1,037,000, up from 592,000 a year ago. Total sales of light passenger vehicles are down -5,.3% to 2,402,000 while commercial vehicles are up 11% to 408,000. Production is off -1.2% to 2,760,000. Sales have been affected by the withdrawal of some government subsidies and tax exemptions for new energy vehicles (NEVs) at the end of last year.
In the brands ranking, BYD (-44.3%) lodges another disastrous month, its steepest fall since last February, but stays on top for the 4th month in a row, reclaiming the YTD top spot in the process. The Sealion 05 (+10.7%), Yuan UP (+16.9%) and Song Pro (-12.3%) are the brand’s best-seller, with such blockbusters as the Dolphin (-28.2%), Qin L (-68%), Qin PLUS (-64.5%), Seagull (-68%) and Song L (-77.1%) all hitting a wall. The new Sealion 06 (16,843), Song Ultra (11,423) and Great Tang (2,451) prevent the marque’s overall fall to be even steeper. Geely (-15.5%) also suffers but outpaces the market’s decline. Its best-seller the Xingyuan (-18.4%) falls but stays atop the models charts, while the Galaxy sub-brand, now composed of no less than 10 models, adds up to 35,528 sales, up 56.5% year-on-year.
Toyota (-25.6%) is up to #3 for the 5th time in the past seven months, distancing a freefalling Volkswagen (-41%). Repeating at a record 5th place, Leapmotor (+61.1%) blissfully ignores the market decline and advances to an all-time high 72,376 sales. Tesla (-13.9%) follows ahead of Chery (-23.3%) and Wuling (-23%). Xiaomi (+36.4%) comes back into the Top 10 for the second time in the past three months at #9 with BMW (-32.7%), in perdition, rounding out the Top 10. Xpeng (+5.7%) is up 10 spots on last month to reach a best-ever #12, also hit in February 2025. Arcfox (+215.5%), MG (+188%), Nevo (+68.4%), NIO (+49.9%), Fang Cheng Bao (+47.6%), Denza (+31.1%) and Deepal (+18.6%) stand out below. Newcomer Shangjie breaks its volume record at 11,974. Among foreign carmakers, only Mazda (+52.9%) and Land Rover (+228.3%) are up.
Model-wise, the Tesla Model Y (-13.8%) delivers its 4th win in the past 13 months despite a sizeable YoY drop. The Geely Xingyuan (-18.4%) is down to #2 but easily remains #1 year-to-date. The new Leapmotor A10 spectacularly sells almost 25,000 units for its 4th month in market and lands on the third step of the podium. Also new, the Li i6 is up one rank on May to #4 while the Xiaomi SU7 (-12.1%) rounds out the Top 5. Another recent launch, the Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7 climbs up 4 spots to #6. BYD places the Sealion 05 (+10.7%) at #7, the Yuan Up (+16.9%) at #9 and the Song Pro (-12.3%) at #10. The Qiyuan/Nevo Q05 (+795.3%) lodges a second Top 10 finish in the past three months.
With the AI race in full swing, Samsung Foundry has reportedly secured a contract to manufacture Anthropic's AI chips. Anthropic has slowly shaped up to be one of the most important players in the AI industry courtesy of its advanced AI models. As the AI semiconductor sector remains highly concentrated, with the bulk of chips designed and sold by NVIDIA, major players such as Google, OpenAI and Amazon are designing custom chips. Samsung's deal with Anthropic is expected to allow the foundry business to return to growth, say the sources, and allow it to reverse a deficit. Anthropic to Purportedly […]
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Apple's sales cadence benefited enormously from its relatively attractive pricing regime that it chose to maintain until the tail-end of Q2, when the Cupertino-based tech giant finally gave in to the oncoming margin-related pressures by hiking prices of its Mac and iPad offerings. Now, however, with the hype around the iPhone 17 series fizzling out, and the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series expected to debut with material price hikes, a new research report has just found worrying evidence of Apple's slowing sales momentum. A KeyBanc analyst now believes the consensus estimate for Apple's iPhone growth of 8 percent in 2027 […]
If you were waiting to buy AMD Ryzen's 10th Anniversary edition Ryzen 7 5800X3D, now is the best time. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D is Now Available for $349 on Newegg, Coupled With a Free MSI 240mm AIO Valued at $70 Right after the launch of AMD's Ryzen 10th Anniversary Ryzen 7 5800X3D edition, they started appearing on eBay for over $500. Even though the processor was officially launched for $349, scalpers tried to take advantage of this situation and started earning hundreds of dollars on the launch by relisting the CPU on eBay. Since the launch, the availability of the […]
Finally, a good change. This should now make the search content more relevant and less like a promotional window. Microsoft is Finally Cleaning up Windows Search, Removing Promotional Content Nobody loves the annoying promotional content in the Windows Search tab, which exists to solve users' queries. Thankfully, Microsoft is now removing it, addressing one of the biggest complaints about Windows Search. This will make users find the apps, files, and settings easier as this redesigns the experience to focus on what users actually want. The updated Search experience will now prioritize local results, allowing users to easily find the apps, […]
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Inter are still looking for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, and according to Italian sources, Djed Spence of Tottenham and Atletico Madrid’s Nahuel Molina are among the Nerazzurri’s targets, while Strasbourg demand more than €35m for Guela Doué.
Inter haven’t yet signed a replacement for Dumfries, who has joined Real Madrid in a €20m deal this summer.
Inter: What’s next after Palestra and Khalaili deals fell through?
The Nerazzurri had reached an agreement with Atalanta and Marco Palestra before the Italian defender picked Chelsea instead.
The deal for Anan Khalaili was also practically done, but the Israel international failed medical tests, as Inter President Beppe Marotta confirmed on Monday.
This means the Nerazzurri effectively need to start their search for a new right-back from scratch.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JUNE 30: Djed Spence #25 of England participates in a drill during the England training session one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Swope Soccer Village on June 30, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 08: Nahuel Molina of Atletico de Madrid is put under pressure by Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 08, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Doué was seen as one of Inter’s main targets after the Palestra and Khalaili deals fell through, but according to Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport, Strasbourg’s asking price exceeds €35m.
Nahuel Molina remains a long-time Nerazzurri target, while Spence is also being considered.
Another English defender, Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, is also said to be on Inter’s radar, according to Sportmediaset and Corriere dello Sport.
According to Tuttosport, the list of potential Dumfries replacements also includes Verona’s Rafik Belghali, who is valued at €15m; Monaco’s Vanderson; Givairo Read of Feyenoord; and Dan Ndoye, a former Bologna winger who is valued at €40m by his club, Nottingham Forest.
Multiple sources in Italy claim that Milan demand €18m from Aston Villa for Pervis Estupinan, with Noussair Mazraoui emerging as Ruben Amorim’s favourite option to replace the Ecuador international.
Sportmediaset provides the latest updates on Aston Villa’s negotiations for Milan defender Estupinan.
Amorim targets Mazraoui to replace Estupinan at Milan
The Italian broadcasters claim that the Premier League club is ready to invest a fee between €10m and €12m for the ex-Brighton left-back who failed to impress in his first season at Milan in 2025-26.
The Rossoneri are ready to let Estupinan go, but have set their asking price at €18m, the report claims.
Ruben Amorim, however, has already identified the ideal replacement for Estupinan as both SportMediaset and Daniele Longo of Calciomercato.com claim that the Portuguese wants to reunite with Manchester United full-back Mazraoui at San Siro.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 09: Noussair Mazraoui #3 of Morocco controls the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium on July 09, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The versatile 28-year-old is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028 and played 49 games under Amorim with the Red Devils.
According to Sportmediaset, Milan have already opened talks with the player’s agent Rafaela Pimenta, but haven’t yet made a formal offer to Manchester United.
Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on the Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence.
The 25-year-old could be on his way out of the London club this summer, and the likes of Inter Milan and Newcastle United are also interested in him, as per TEAMtalk.
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Djed Spence could be a handy option
Liverpool could use more quality in the full-back department, and Spence would be the ideal acquisition. He has shown his quality with Tottenham, and he is impressing in the World Cup with the England national team as well.
He is versatile enough to operate on either flank, and he could be the ideal utility man for Liverpool. Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley struggled with injuries last season, and Liverpool needs more depth in the full-back areas.
Andrew Robertson has also left the club, and Spence will be able to provide cover and quality in both positions. It will be interesting to see if he’s willing to join Liverpool. He might not be a guaranteed starter for them. It would be a similar situation for him, where he would be a squad player.
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He needs to play regularly at this stage of his career, and the 25-year-old is certainly good enough to start for Premier League teams. Perhaps moving to Newcastle or Inter Milan would be ideal for him if they are prepared to provide him with guaranteed first team action. Spence has also been linked with Everton.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool follows up on their interest with an official offer to get the deal done. They will have to promise him gametime in order to convince the player to join.
Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes really wants the transfer to Arsenal, but the Gunners are currently unsure about paying his asking price.
The Brazil international has shone during his time at St James’ Park and looks like he’s ready to go to the next level, with Newcastle currently unable to offer him Champions League football.
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Fletcher says the Guimaraes story is still rolling on, with the player really keen on the move, but Arsenal unsure about paying so much for him.
This follows the Telegraph reporting that Newcastle could demand close to £100m for the former Lyon man, which might have been feasible a few years ago, but surely not when he’s at this stage of his career.
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Will Arsenal give in to the demands of this inflated market?
Unfortunately for Arsenal, who have never really been the biggest spenders, the market changes all the time and prices tend to just keep going up and up.
It’s easy to forget now, but eyebrows were raised when Liverpool paid £75m for Virgil van Dijk, which now arguably looks like a bargain.
Fees keep being inflated, and that means some slightly eye-watering fees for players like Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali.
It also surely means Guimaraes is going to cost slightly more than some fans expect, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t still be a worthwhile investment for Arsenal.
The Premier League champions could do with something different in the middle of the park, as well as more rotation options after Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi played so much football without rest last season.
Chelsea are hoping to sign the Portuguese international goalkeeper Diogo Costa during the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old has done quite well for Porto and impressed with the Portuguese national team at the World Cup. PSG and Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on his development.
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Can Chelsea afford Diogo Costa?
He has a £51 million release clause in his contract, and Chelsea will have to pay to get the deal done. According to reports from Correio da Manha, Chelsea are willing to pay £34 million to sign the goalkeeper. They believe he would be an upgrade on Robert Sanchez. Sanchez has been quite underwhelming since joining Chelsea, and they desperately need an upgrade.
However, they will need to pay the asking price in order to get the deal done. With other top clubs interested in signing the 26-year-old, the Premier League outfit might need to accelerate their pursuit in order to win the race for his signature.
Costa will be hoping to sort out his future quickly so that he can focus on his football again. He is at the peak of his career, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. Chelsea are among the biggest clubs in the world, and they could provide him with the platform to fight for major trophies. The move could be ideal for all parties.
Christian Norgaard has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer.
Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in signing the 32-year-old midfielder. He struggled to get regular opportunities at Arsenal last season, and he needs to move to play more often. At this stage of his career, he will not want to sit on the bench regularly.
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He has a contract with Arsenal until 2027, and it would be ideal for the Premier League champions to cash in on him. They will not want to lose him for free next year. Also, he is not a guaranteed starter for them, and it makes no sense for Arsenal to keep him. They should look to recoup as much as possible from his departure and bring an upgrade.
Arsenal have been linked with players like Bruno Guimaraes in recent weeks.
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Norgaard will be hoping to sort out his future quickly and focus on his football. Crystal Palace could be an attractive opportunity for him. They will be able to provide him with European football, and they have a competitive team as well.
The player is likely to be available on a nominal fee due to his contract situation, and he could prove to be a bargain for the Eagles. They need more quality and experience in the team, especially when it comes to juggling European football and the Premier League. Signing a Premier League-winning midfielder would be ideal for them.
The 32-year-old could prove to be a solid acquisition for them in the short term.
Arsenal have reportedly missed out on the transfer of Real Madrid defender Victor Valdepenas, who is set to join Fiorentina instead.
The talented young Spaniard is closing in on an €8m move from Real Madrid to Fiorentina, according to Fabrizio Romano in a post on his official X page today.
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See below as Romano claims Valdepenas will have a 50% sell-on clause and some form of first refusal option with his new club, putting Real Madrid in control over his long-term future…
?? Fiorentina reach verbal agreement to sign Víctor Valdepeñas from Real Madrid, here we go! ??
€8m transfer fee, contract until June 2031, Real Madrid mantain 50% sell-on clause and future control in case of any bids.
“Fiorentina reach verbal agreement to sign Víctor Valdepeñas from Real Madrid, here we go!” Romano posted. “€8m transfer fee, contract until June 2031, Real Madrid mantain (sic) 50% sell-on clause and future control in case of any bids. Clubs started exchanging documents today.”
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How Arsenal missed out on Victor Valdepenas transfer
However, when you look at the terms of this deal with Fiorentina, they’re very favourable towards Los Blancos, and it’s hard to imagine Arsenal would’ve agreed to anything like that.
In truth, this looks like a sale that is very much set up for Valdepenas to come back to Madrid at some point in the future.
Otherwise, even if he leaves Fiorentina for big money, that should be profitable for Real, whereas a club like Arsenal would not generally be in the business of selling star names in that way.
What it could mean, however, is that the Gunners can come back in for Valdepenas in the future if he impresses at Fiorentina, and whatever fee they pay would be split evenly between La Viola and Los Merengues.
Either that, or it could force Real into re-signing Valdepenas themselves.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is reportedly high on Liverpool’s list of transfer targets for this summer, according to David Ornstein.
The France international, currently at the World Cup 2026 with his national side, is an exciting talent, and looks like someone who could improve this Liverpool side after they were dealt the blow of losing Mohamed Salah this summer.
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Ornstein, speaking in the video below, says that PSG ideally don’t want to sell Barcola, but are “realistic” about his situation as he hasn’t been a regular starter at the Parc des Princes.
This could surely help Liverpool if they do decide to pursue a deal, with the 23-year-old also likely to be attracted to becoming a key player for such a big name in English and European football.
David Ornstein on Bradley Barcola to Liverpool
“Liverpool really like Bradley Barcola. PSG would like to keep him, but they are realistic. He has only two years left on his contract. He’s not a regular starter, and he wants to be, so I suspect he would be open to a move if the right opportunity arose,” Ornstein said.
“Liverpool have him high in their thinking, and I imagine Barcola himself would be attracted to clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal, and so on.
“The price would be very high. Of course, we’ve got to keep a close eye on Barcola and Liverpool, but at this moment I’m not sure it’s at an advanced stage. France are still in the tournament. PSG, I’m told, don’t want to trouble him or take his focus away from the World Cup.
“So, like with many situations, I would imagine this one starts to develop, in whatever shape or form, if that means staying, going, Liverpool or elsewhere, post-tournament.”
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With the Gunners having just won the Premier League title, perhaps that could be seen as the more tempting destination for Barcola, but LFC will likely be in next season’s title race, even if they dipped significantly in 2025/26.
Manu Kone continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.
The 25-year-old had an impressive season with AS Roma last year, and he has done well in the World Cup with France. Gian Piero Gasperini heaped praise on him recently, claiming he is “having a great World Cup”.
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Man United and Villa eye Manu Kone
Manchester United are interested in securing his signature, and a report from AS Roma Live claims that Aston Villa have now joined the race for him. There have been reports that Roma could sell Kone to balance the books.
The West Midlands club are losing Youri Tielemans to Manchester United and is looking to bring in a replacement. On the other hand, Manchester United need a quality replacement for Casemiro. They need more physicality and defensive steel in the middle of the park.
The French International could be an outstanding acquisition for both clubs. He has the physicality and technical attributes to make an impact in English football, and he could make a big difference for both teams.
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Manchester United and Aston Villa will be able to offer him Champions League football next season, and he is likely to be tempted to join either club. It remains to be seen which of the two outfits can get the deal done.
Kone is at the peak of his career and could be a key player for both teams for the foreseeable future. However, the asking price is quite high, and the two English clubs will probably hope to sign him for a more reasonable fee.
The midfielder has shown his quality in Germany and Italy, and he could be an asset in the Premier League as well.
Georgia football will be represented by three senior players who will join coach Kirby Smart in Tampa, Fla., next week at SEC Media Days.
Quarterback Gunner Stockton, center Drew Bobo and inside linebacker Raylen Wilson are the Bulldog players who will be on scene on Tuesday July 21.
The four-day event held at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and JW Marriott runs from Monday July 20 through Thursday July 23.
All 16 head coaches and 48 players will be on hand in the annual event that is a sign that the football season is approaching.
Stockton, a redshirt senior, is making his second straight appearance at SEC Media Days. He’s in his second season as Georgia’s starting quarterback and led the Bulldogs to a second straight SEC championship while throwing for 2,894 yards with 24 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. with 462 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
Bobo is a second-team preseason All-American by Athlon who is in second season as starter. The son of offensive coordinator Mike Bobo missed the SEC championship and Sugar Bowl loss due to a foot injury.
Wilson has 136 career tackles. He’s in his second season as a starter at a position that lost second round draft pick CJ Allen.
Other head coaches taking the podium on Tuesday will be Auburn coach Alex Golesh, South Carolina’s Shane Beamer and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea.
Rather, linebackers Arion Carter and Jeremiah Telander and running back DeSean Bishop will be representing the Vols in Tampa, Florida, along with coach Josh Heupel.
The SEC announced each team's player representative for the four-day event, which spans July 20-23 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and JW Marriott. Heupel and the three players will meet the media on July 20.
Here's why Tennessee chose these players to attend:
George MacIntyre, Faizon Bradley won't be at SEC media days
Tennessee didn't send a quarterback to conference media days last year, either, with Joey Aguilar not yet officially named the starter after transferring from UCLA.
The Vols emerged from spring practice with no named starter. The frontrunners are redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon.
MacIntyre played briefly in two games last year, preserving his redshirt as he completed 7 of 9 passes for 69 yards between appearances against East Tennessee State and New Mexico State. He is a former four-star recruit out of Brentwood Academy in Nashville.
Brandon, meanwhile, was Tennessee's top recruit in the class of 2026 as a five-star ranked by the 247Sports Composite as the nation's No. 10 overall prospect and No. 3 quarterback. He also went through spring practice as an early enrollee.
Heupel will surely be asked about Tennessee's quarterback situation, but he has previously said the competition will extend into preseason practice, which begins Aug. 5. Last year, it wasn't until two weeks before the season opener that Aguilar was named the starter.
Tennessee's first game of the 2026 season is on Sept. 5 at home against Furman.
Carter and Telander represent strong linebacker corps
Carter and Telander will represent Tennessee's linebackers, one of the team's strongest position groups heading into the season and one under new leadership with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles coming from Penn State to replace Tim Banks who was fired.
Carter had a whirlwind end to last season that saw him opt out of the Music City Bowl, declare for the NFL draft, withdraw from the draft, enter the transfer portal and ultimately decide to come back to Tennessee for his senior season.
The Vols will be happy to have him back after he led the team in tackles during the regular season and had six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks to earn a spot on the coaches' All-SEC second team.
Telander, a senior, finished second in tackles last year.
DeSean Bishop entering second year as starting running back
Bishop is a former walk-on who was a two-time Mr. Football winner at Karns. He shined in his first season as the Vols' starting running back in 2025, rushing for 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns, tied for the fourth most in UT history, to earn second-team All-SEC honors.
Bishop, who was on scholarship for the first time last season, was a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the most outstanding player in college football who started his career as a walk-on.
Rather, linebackers Arion Carter and Jeremiah Telander and running back DeSean Bishop will be representing the Vols in Tampa, Florida, along with coach Josh Heupel.
The SEC announced each team's player representative for the four-day event, which spans July 20-23 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street and JW Marriott. Heupel and the three players will meet the media on July 20.
Here's why Tennessee chose these players to attend:
George MacIntyre, Faizon Bradley won't be at SEC media days
Tennessee didn't send a quarterback to conference media days last year, either, with Joey Aguilar not yet officially named the starter after transferring from UCLA.
The Vols emerged from spring practice with no named starter. The frontrunners are redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and true freshman Faizon Brandon.
MacIntyre played briefly in two games last year, preserving his redshirt as he completed 7 of 9 passes for 69 yards between appearances against East Tennessee State and New Mexico State. He is a former four-star recruit out of Brentwood Academy in Nashville.
Brandon, meanwhile, was Tennessee's top recruit in the class of 2026 as a five-star ranked by the 247Sports Composite as the nation's No. 10 overall prospect and No. 3 quarterback. He also went through spring practice as an early enrollee.
Heupel will surely be asked about Tennessee's quarterback situation, but he has previously said the competition will extend into preseason practice, which begins Aug. 5. Last year, it wasn't until two weeks before the season opener that Aguilar was named the starter.
Tennessee's first game of the 2026 season is on Sept. 5 at home against Furman.
Carter and Telander represent strong linebacker corps
Carter and Telander will represent Tennessee's linebackers, one of the team's strongest position groups heading into the season and one under new leadership with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles coming from Penn State to replace Tim Banks who was fired.
Carter had a whirlwind end to last season that saw him opt out of the Music City Bowl, declare for the NFL draft, withdraw from the draft, enter the transfer portal and ultimately decide to come back to Tennessee for his senior season.
The Vols will be happy to have him back after he led the team in tackles during the regular season and had six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks to earn a spot on the coaches' All-SEC second team.
Telander, a senior, finished second in tackles last year.
DeSean Bishop entering second year as starting running back
Bishop is a former walk-on who was a two-time Mr. Football winner at Karns. He shined in his first season as the Vols' starting running back in 2025, rushing for 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns, tied for the fourth most in UT history, to earn second-team All-SEC honors.
Bishop, who was on scholarship for the first time last season, was a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the most outstanding player in college football who started his career as a walk-on.
Khaman Maluach continued his NBA Summer League dominance Monday on the second night of a back-to-back, having tallied 15 points and 15 rebounds Sunday.
Maluach led the Suns in scoring against the Bucks with 21 points, posting another double-double with 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal and four blocks. Maluach also made all six of his free throw attempts, an improvement from his rookie season with Phoenix, where he converted on 71% of free throws.
Now in three summer league games, Maluach is averaging 18.3 points, 12 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and two made 3-pointers per game (42.8%). Despite placing third on the Suns' depth chart last season behind Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro, Maluach seems destined for more playing time this fall. A year ago, the South Sudanese center averaged 8.9 minutes per game in 46 appearances.
Former Tennessee football assistant coach Joe Osovet begins his fifth year as head coach at Heritage High School in Maryville, Tennessee.
The Mountaineers finished 4-5 (3-4 Region 2-4A) in 2025 and did make the playoffs after being reclassified from Class 5A.
In four seasons at Heritage, Osovet has compiled a 16-23 overall record and has not qualified for the postseason. He inherited a program who finished 0-10 in 2021 and lost 15 consecutive games.
In 2024, Osovet and the Mountaineers went 5-5. Heritage failed to qualify for the TSSAA Class 5-A playoffs, going 0-4 in Region 2-5A play. The Mountaineers were 3-7 in 2023 after going 4-6 during Osovet's first season in 2022.
Entering 2026, Osovet and the Mountaineers are looking to end a postseason drought. Heritage last competed in the playoffs during the 2016 season.
Osovet discussed the 2026 season with Vols Wire.
"This year, our goal is what it is," Osovet said. "We want to make the playoffs and we want to beat William Blount."
The former Tennessee assistant coach is optimistic about the upcoming season.
"We have to replace some pieces," he said. "We'll have a new quarterback and we have some key guys back up front.
"We have both of our linebackers back and we have some strengths at the skill positions on the perimeter. We have the best wide receivers that we've had since I've been here."
Heritage will kick off its 2026 season with a home game against Clinton High School (Clinton, Tennessee) on Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. EDT.
Clinton is coached by JakeDawson, who worked with Osovet at Tennessee and was also an assistant coach at Heritage.
Osovet served as tight ends coach for the Vols in 2020. He also served as Tennessee’s director of player development (2018) and director of football programming (2019) under head coach Jeremy Pruitt.
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The news Tuesday that David Steele is retiring after 37 seasons as the voice of the Orlando Magic landed like the end of a long, engaging conversation.
But like an old friend sitting on the couch talking to you.
For nearly 40 years — first on the radio and then on television — Steele was there through every chapter of Orlando Magic basketball. He described the miracle moments and the miserable ones. He called playoff triumphs, lottery seasons, buzzer-beaters and blown leads with the same steady voice that fans welcomed into their living rooms night after night, year after year, decade after decade.
National broadcasters become famous.
Local broadcasters become family.
Mike Breen has “Bang!” Kevin Harlan has his unmistakable excitement. Mike Tirico can make any event sound important. They are among the finest play-by-play broadcasters in the business for good reason.
But they parachute into your city a handful of times every few seasons.
The local play-by-play announcer is there for every chapter. He’s there on the random Tuesday night in Charlotte when the team loses by 18. He’s there during tanking seasons when victories are scarce. He’s there when lottery picks become All-Stars, when coaches come and go, when championships remain elusive but hope somehow returns every October.
He doesn’t just witness a franchise’s history.
He becomes part of it.
No one embodied that better than David Steele.
“When I interviewed with Pat Williams back in 1988, I never dreamed it would play out this way,” Steele said upon announcing his retirement. “Now it is time for me to put the microphone down and spend time with my family. It’s been an honor to represent the Orlando Magic, and I am forever grateful.”
It’s fitting that the Magic inducted Steele into their Hall of Fame seven years ago. He wasn’t simply honored because he called more than 2,200 games.
He earned that distinction because his voice became part of the franchise’s identity.
You simply can’t separate Orlando Magic history from David Steele.
He was there from the franchise’s birth in 1989.
He narrated the arrival of Shaquille O’Neal.
He narrated the departure of Shaquille O’Neal.
He chronicled Penny Hardaway’s brilliance.
He described Tracy McGrady’s scoring explosions, Dwight Howard’s dominance and today’s young, ascending Magic team.
He was there for the rebuilds and the rebuilds of the rebuilds.
He was there through the exhilarating march to the 1995 and 2009 NBA Finals, the devastating playoff exits and the countless seasons when hope was all Magic fans really had.
The remarkable thing wasn’t simply that he stayed. It was how he did his job.
Steele understood something many broadcasters never learn. He understood the game isn’t about the broadcaster.
“I really think television is more of a color announcer’s medium than it is the play-by-play announcer’s,” Steele once explained. “The fans really don’t rely on the announcer to tell them what’s going on because they can see what’s happening… I set the tempo and I try to bring out the best in the color announcer.”
That philosophy defined every broadcast.
He never forced excitement. He never shouted simply because shouting had become fashionable.
He respected the audience enough to know they could tell the difference between routine and remarkable.
Which is precisely why his biggest calls still resonate decades later. Nothing illustrates that better than Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference semifinals.
Michael Jordan had returned from his NBA hiatus.
The Bulls appeared ready to steal the opener.
Then came six unforgettable seconds.
“Anderson tries to steal it from Jordan and Jordan dribbles around him,” Steele told his radio listeners. “The clock is down to 12 and Anderson stole the ball. Hardaway picks it up, two-on-one, Penny bounce pass to Grant and he dunks it! Six-point-two seconds to go! Nick Anderson stole the ball! Nick Anderson stole the ball from Michael Jordan!”
Steele wasn’t performing.
He was reacting.
The excitement was authentic because the moment demanded it.
If David Steele raised his voice, you instinctively knew history was unfolding.
Fellow Magic broadcaster Dante Marchitelli, who now succeeds Steele on television, perhaps explained his mentor’s greatness better than anyone.
“Nobody, and I mean this, nobody in the league prepares as much and as well as David Steele,” Marchitelli once said. “It’s not about him. David Steele is about the game and the players, and if it’s a big moment he lets it breathe. He has a knack and great timing and his preparation and the way it all comes together is what makes it, really, a perfect telecast.
“He doesn’t make it about himself, and I think people truly enjoy that.”
That may be Steele’s greatest legacy.
In an era when too many broadcasters chase viral moments, catchphrases and social-media clips, Steele quietly pursued something far more difficult.
Credibility.
Respect.
Class.
He was prepared.
He was accurate.
He was humble.
And because he never tried to manufacture emotion, fans trusted him when genuine emotion arrived.
Of course, Steele wasn’t above having fun.
One of the most beloved features of Magic broadcasts became his wonderfully quirky “Is This Anything?” segment, where he’d present some wonderfully obscure statistical oddity before asking broadcast partner Jeff Turner whether it actually mattered. A cheerful “ding” meant yes. A buzzer meant no.
It became one of those inside jokes shared between two friends; between broadcaster and audience; the kind of thing that only develops after decades together.
Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos couldn’t resist using it one last time.
“You can’t have a memory of Orlando Magic basketball without David Steele’s voice being a part of it,” DeVos said. “David handled everything with professionalism and class, and he will forever be entrenched in this franchise’s history. ‘Is This Anything?’ We’d say David was EVERYTHING to the Orlando Magic.”
It was the perfect tribute because it spoke Steele’s language.
As a kid in East Tennessee, Steele would hide a transistor radio beneath his pillow at night, listening to baseball broadcasts after he was supposed to be asleep. Those unseen announcers sparked a lifelong dream and unknowingly shaped the broadcaster he would become.
For nearly four decades, somewhere in Central Florida, children were either falling asleep or on the couch with Dad as another familiar voice drifted through the house.
David Steele’s voice.
One day they’ll realize those weren’t merely basketball games they were hearing and watching.
They were memories being made.
And long after someone else occupies the television chair, generations of Magic fans will still hear Steele’s voice whenever they replay the most compelling moments in franchise history.
Because some broadcasters simply call the games.
The truly special ones like David Steele become part of the family.
Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on social media @BianchiWrites and listen to my radio show “Game On” every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m. on FM 96.9, AM 740 and 969TheGame.com/listen.
Following 37 seasons as the play-by-play voice of the Magic, both on television and radio, David Steele announced his retirement Tuesday morning.
“I can’t thank the DeVos family and the Orlando Magic organization enough for what they have provided to me and my family,” Steele said in a statement. “When I interviewed with Pat Williams back in 1988, I never dreamed it would play out this way. Now it is time for me to put the microphone down and spend time with my family.
“It’s been an honor to represent the Orlando Magic, and I am forever grateful,” he added.
After handling radio play-by-play duties for the team’s first nine seasons (1989-98), Steele was then named the television play-by-play voice for the Magic in March 1998 and spent the next 28 seasons in that role.
“You can’t have a memory of Orlando Magic basketball without David Steele’s voice being a part of it,” Magic chairman Dan DeVos said in a statement. “David handled everything with professionalism and class, and he will forever be entrenched in this franchise’s history. … We wish him and his family nothing but the best.”
Replacing Steele, 72, as Orlando’s new play-by-play television announcer will be Dante Marchitelli, the team said.
Marchitelli, 50, enters his 28th season with the organization and has served as studio host/sideline reporter since 2008. He’s also performed play-by-play duties for select games for the last three seasons (2023-26).
Marchitelli began his career with the Magic in 1998 as a radio intern. He was hired full time in January 2000 as radio producer, working behind the scenes on every broadcast for the Magic Radio Network. Marchitelli was promoted in 2005 to radio manager and also served as radio sideline reporter. He was named assistant director of broadcasting in July 2017, then promoted to director of broadcasting and alumni relations in July 2023.
“I am beyond grateful to the DeVos family and the Orlando Magic organization for this wonderful opportunity,” Marchitelli said in a statement. “Working with David Steele for the past 20 years has been the highlight of my career. He is an absolute legend, and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has taught me along the way.
“This is a dream come true and I’m looking forward to continuing my connection with Orlando Magic fans everywhere,” he added.
The former voice of the University of Florida, Steele arrived in Orlando in 1989 after serving as network coordinator and football/basketball play-by-play announcer for the Gators for seven seasons.
He was named Florida Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association twice, winning the honor in both 2009 and 2021. In 1980, Steele earned the Ray Reeve Award as TV Sportscaster of the Year in North Carolina. He also won the Best Play-By-Play in Florida award from the Florida Sportscasters Association in 1984. In February 2019, Steele became the eighth person inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame.
A native of Jacksonville, Steele’s professional broadcasting career began in 1975, as sports director at WJHG-TV in Panama City. He also served as sports director at WLOS-TV in Asheville, NC, and was the football/basketball play-by-play announcer at Western Carolina University.
He and his wife, Sally, live in Orlando. They have three children, Luke, Emily and Betsy, and eight grandchildren.
Marchitelli earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations/advertising from Liberty University in 1998. A native of Woburn, Mass., he and his wife, Lana, live in Windermere and have two daughters, Olivia and Allison.
When looking far down the road at any NFL draft, the main focus becomes the quarterback position, as many fans and analysts try to determine who the next stars of the game are going to be. As we prepare for the 2027 class to make their final case to NFL teams, there's one position group outside of the pocket that is creating a lot of buzz, though.
The guys that those QBs throw to are expected to turn heads.
Headlined by Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and Texas' Cam Coleman, some NFL analysts are predicting early on that this class of WRs in 2027 could be among the best that we've seen in quite a while, with The Athletic's Dane Brugler already stating that he believes Smith could be the best WR prospect he's ever scouted.
Among the best players in that top class, though, is Oregon Ducks' star WR Evan Stewart, who is entering his senior season in Eugene and looking for a chance to boost his profile even higher.
Brugler has Stewart listed as the No. 1-ranked senior WR in the class, just ahead of guys like Miami's Cooper Bartake, Arizona State's Omarion Miller, and Florida's Eric Singleton Jr. In his three-year career, Stewart has hauled in 139 passes for 1,776 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had a career year with the Ducks in 2024, with 613 yards and five touchdowns, but missed the entire 2025 season with a knee injury.
Now back for one last ride, Stewart knows that it is a "do or die" season, as he describes it, and that in order to make a name for himself as a member of this draft class, he's going to need to put on a show.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
The Dreame Z30 Pro Aqua is one of those products that leaves you feeling both impressed and slightly perplexed. No question, this is an impressive cordless stick vac with suction powerful enough to deal with everything from fine dust to larger debris, especially when used on carpet. However, while the provided multi-floor head is well engineered, I do wish Dreame had included its clever GapFree hard floor head as featured with the Dreame V20 Pro, which I consider a much better bet for hard floor sweeping.
Battery life is a respectable 35 minutes or so in Auto mode, and the whole machine feels fairly light in the hand, well balanced and easy enough to maneuver. Whether you're tackling carpets or rugs, it performs with the confidence you'd expect from what is essentially a flagship model. However, it’s not the best hard-floor model I’ve seen, at least when it comes to picking up larger debris.
While its detachable mopping unit is a class leader at collecting accidental spills and lifting everyday grime, its twin water tanks are simply too small to support cleaning across an entire home without frequent refills. As a result, it feels more like a maintenance tool than a genuine wet-cleaning solution, making it best suited to localized cleaning and single-room mopping rather than cleaning the floors of an entire house.
I'm not convinced by Dreame's docking solution, either. Instead of the elegant wall-mounted charging docks offered by some rivals, the Z30 Pro Aqua comes with an ungainly stand featuring a collection of bolt-on accessory holders. It's undeniably practical, but it looks more like an afterthought than something designed to complement a modern home. Put another way, you may want to tuck this stand well out of sight.
Nevertheless, strip away the awkward storage system and you’re still left with a very decent cordless vacuum cleaner and exemplary spot mopper for occasional household mishaps.
Dreame Z30 Pro Aqua review: price & availability
List price: £549 (about $730 / AU$1,060)
Launched: May 2026
Availability: UK and Europe
The Dreame Z30 Pro Aqua sits firmly in the premium end of the cordless vacuum market. In the UK, its official retail price is a lofty £549 (about $730 / AU$1,060) but Dreame is currently selling it for a more reasonable £479 (about $640 / AU$920). Across Europe, pricing varies by country but generally lands at around €479.
While you can purchase the vac-only Z30 variant in the USA, the Z30 Pro Aqua we’re reviewing here hasn't been officially released over there yet, though Dreame is expected to bring the Pro Aqua (or a similar wet-dry variation) Stateside sometime later in 2026.
The Z30 Pro Aqua is competing against some seriously capable cordless cleaners and, while its vacuuming credentials are generally excellent, you are paying a premium for a mopping system that doesn't quite live up to the rest of the package. Unless your hard-floor cleaning needs are limited to quick maintenance mops, you may find better value elsewhere.
One alternative is to buy a stick vacuum and a dedicated wet-dry floor cleaner separately. Pairing something like the Dreame R20 (around £179 in the UK) or Shark PowerDetect (around £330) with a specialist floor washer such as the Dreame H15 Pro, Tineco Floor One S7 Pro or Roborock F25 Ultra will deliver much better range for whole-home mopping without constant refills and emptying. Yes, you'll need storage space for two appliances, but you'll also end up with a far more capable cleaning setup that excels at every task instead of compromising on either.
There are two main floor-cleaning disciplines — vacuuming and mopping — and both require a completely different approach. For vacuuming of hard floors and carpet you obviously need a vacuum cleaner — preferably of the cordless stick variety — but when it comes to mopping hard floors you have several choices.
There’s obviously the classic mop and bucket (which reigns supreme despite the paraphernalia and elbow grease required), a large handful of paper towels for liquid spills, or the good old damp tea towel for either messy spills or general hard floor cleaning. However, I know of a more practical solution and it’s called a cordless hard floor cleaner or, for want of a better description, a wet-dry vacuum cleaner.
These machines use a self-dampened spinning roller to quite literally suck up liquid spills of almost every variety — even vomit and puppy wee if you can handle the thought — depositing the disgusting mess into a large dirty water tank which is then emptied into the toilet bowl while holding one’s nose.
The big bonus with wet-dry vacs is that they cleverly eliminate the need for a bucket of water or any other accoutrements, so when you’re faced with a liquid spill, you simply grab the machine, run it over the mess a few times and return it to its charging plinth where it undergoes a robust self-cleaning regime in readiness for the next calamity.
Of course, these handy home helpers are also sterling floor moppers in general, removing most stains and grime off kitchen and bathroom floors in record time. However, the upshot is that you end up with two machines cluttering the home, which is where this all-in-one vaccy-moppy model from Dreame comes into the equation.
Before I discuss the Dreame Z30 Pro Aqua’s versatile list of credentials, I must chip in with a quick caveat regarding its looks. Attired in Dreame’s usual posh rose gold bling, the Z30 Pro Aqua’s main vacuum unit is actually very stylish and elegant but I can’t say the same for the storage system-cum-charging-and-mop-cleaning plinth, which is so ugly that even Dreame is shying away from making a song and dance about it on its web page.
I’m struggling to think of what this tangled melange of bendy pipes and bolted-on plastic accessory holders looks like but it’s quite an eyesore that you will definitely want to hide deep in the recesses of the utility room – or at the very least well away from any living areas.
(Image credit: Future)
The Z30 Pro Aqua’s charging system entails pushing the suction tube into a pair of arm clamps until they click shut, and it’s a bit of wobbly affair it must be said. But here’s the thing — the suction tube needs to be attached to the mopping head because the charging contacts don’t line up if docked with the vacuum head. Given that most of the time you’ll be using the vacuuming function, I think this is a major oversight because it requires having to change the vacuum head to the mopping head every time you dock the unit. Anyway, to remove the unit, you simply push back against the clamps to release it.
I’ve never been a fan of multiple accessories, but this one comes with a mini banquet, namely the obligatory dusting brush, flat head and crevice nozzle, which all clip into the charging base assembly. However, it’s not very often that I’m able to attach any of the detail tools to the storage post without fiddling about with the connectors. There’s only one way to insert them and even this requires wiggling the accessory until you finally locate the correct entry angle. This is not such a good thing when you’re in the middle of a clean and you’re swapping tools like a plumber fixing a leaky pipe.
(Image credit: Future)
Disappointingly, you get just one universal brush head with this machine, and not the clever edge-cleaning hard floor-specific head that shipped with the excellent Dreame V20 Pro stick vac. Yes, I know that would perhaps be one accessory too many but I’d be happy to find someone to store it, mostly because it’s so good at cleaning right to the very edge of skirting boards.
The 8.6-inch (22cm) brush head itself is essentially a solid, molded cylinder with protruding paddles, each with a soft nylon bristle attached. Despite its simplicity, it makes an extremely good fist of beating dust out of carpets but it feels and sounds too rigid for hard floors. On the plus side, the brush head is easy to maneuver around furniture legs and I like the suction reduction vent on the front of the head which is handy on deeper pile carpet. A full blue beam of blue light, meanwhile, illuminates detritus when sweeping in darker areas, though it’s not a patch on Dyson’s Lazer Dust Detection system.
(Image credit: Future)
This leads me to the last part of this unusual entry into the world of floor cleaning – the detachable mop head. Unlike purpose-built wet-dry hard floor cleaners like the class-leading Roborock 25 Ultra – which comes with a large 33.8 fl oz (1L) clean water tank and 24.3 fl oz (720ml) dirty water reservoir – the Z30 Pro Aqua’s detachable mop head is equipped with a titchy 13.5 fl oz (400ml) fresh water tank, an even smaller 10.8 fl oz (320ml) one for the filthy stuff and, uniquely, a separate collection box for solid debris.
(Image credit: Future)
Unlike dedicated electro moppers that port all muck — liquid and solid — into one large container for pouring into the toilet, this one separates the waste into liquid and solids. I can see the reasoning behind it if one were to use the sink for disposing the contents because it keeps the solid stuff aside for emptying into the kitchen bin by simply lifting out the solids container.
Granted, the mop system is self cleaning, but this process uses most of the water in the tank so you’ll likely need a refill for the self-cleaning process followed by yet another refill and emptying session before you can take it out on its next run. On the plus side, the front-mounted wooly spinning mop head – thicker and more absorbent than others I’ve seen – is thoroughly cleaned and then dried on its bucket-shaped base for 30 minutes using hot air at a very effective 158F (70C).
(Image credit: Future)
Let’s take a closer look at the engine room of this new vac-and-mop system. The handheld unit alone weighs 5lb (2.3kg) and 7.7lb (3.5kg) with the suction tube and floor head attached. This is the exact same combined weight as the Dyson Gen5Detect, and par for the course given its larger-than-average 20.3 fl oz (0.6L) dust bin capacity. To empty the bin, you simply tap a side button and it lifts off the unit to be taken to the bin and emptied by pressing another button to eject all detritus. In terms of suction power, the Z30 Pro Aqua produces a whopping 28,000 Pascals – more than enough oomph for deep-pile carpet cleaning duties.
The Z30 Pro Aqua’s hand unit doesn’t come with a trigger. Instead you press the On button and choose from Auto (which increases suction automatically when heavy deposits of dust are detected), Eco or Turbo. You can see which mode you’re in by looking at the circular display which, incidentally, also illustrates the levels of debris being collected in Auto mode, a bit like a Dyson only nowhere near as bright or as readable.
Dreame’s 90-minute running time is based on it being in Eco mode on hard floor and that may be true or taken with a pinch of salt. However I have always used Auto mode, for which I got about 35 minutes of suction and/or mopping when running the unit on a hard wooden floor. That’s not too bad for a stick vac in auto mode — I’ve seen worse.
(Image credit: Future)
I’ll end this chapter with a shout out to the rose gold suction tube that bends 90 degrees for reaching under sofas and beds. If I’m not mistaken, Shark was the first to produce an articulating suction tube. It’s a great feature to have, mostly because it saves having to get on one’s knees when cleaning under low-slung furnishings.
My final thoughts on the design of the Z30 Pro Aqua? Firstly, build quality is excellent throughout. The main unit feels reassuringly solid without becoming too cumbersome, while the large transparent dust bin, easy-release battery and intuitive controls all contribute to a very premium vacuuming experience.
In essence, it looks to me like this product was created mostly for vacuuming, but with the ability to clean up small spills and odd stains as and when they occur. I don’t think it’s a valid alternative to a dedicated wet-dry vacuum cleaner which is suitable for cleaning a whole home. But, hey, if the concept of a multipurpose two-in-one floor cleaner floats your boat then by all means go ahead. Just be aware that you may not be able to mop more than half a large kitchen before having to perform an empty-and-refill session.
Design score: 4 out of 5
Dreame Z30 Pro Aqua review: performance
Exceptional carpet performance
Not as efficient on hard floors
Perfect for spot mopping
Aside from some daily vacuuming and low-level mopping, I also set up three performance tests for the Dreame Z30 Pro Aqua: carpet and hard floor vacuuming using a variety of dry ingredients, including rice, partly broken cornflakes, oats and flour; and hard floor mopping using a splash of milk and a few cornflakes. For both tests I set the suction mode to Auto, which adjusts the power according to the amount of dust and dirt the built-in sensor detects.
(Image credit: Future)
The result for the hard floor test in my kitchen was about average. It certainly wasn’t a match for my Dyson Gen5Detect with its hard floor-specific attachment fitted. Although it collected the cornflakes, oats and flour well enough, the Z30 scattered more rice than it should have. I put this unexceptional performance down to the design of the universal brush head which doesn’t seem particularly well suited to hard floors. It also sounded a wee bit clattery as if it was crying out for a smooth velveteen brush roller. A very good reason, me thinks, for Dreame to include its excellent GapFree hard floor-specific head with this product.
(Image credit: Future)
The carpet test, on the other hand, was a much rosier picture. In fac, I’d say that the Z30 may well be one of the better carpet sweepers on the market since it had no issues collecting everything in a single stroke bar a few obstreperous grains of rice. It also left no trace of flour, even when examined close up. The Z30 has also proved very adept at collecting huge amounts of Labrador hair during its general cleaning routines.
(Image credit: Future)
For my final test I grabbed the mopping unit, filled it with fresh water and introduced it to some spilled milk and soggy cornflakes. Blow me down with a feather! This thing performed exceedingly well in this test, collecting every last flake of corn and all the milk in a single pass. I put this down to the material used for the roller which is thick, dense, and has a slightly grippy feel. In fact, I also noticed the effectiveness of this roller during standard mopping duties because it dealt with general stains and floor marks with consummate aplomb. I have also been impressed by how well the mop has steered around furniture and how it can be angled to over 90˚ for tight areas.
Performance score: 4 out of 5
Should you buy the Dreame Z30 Pro Aqua?
Attribute
Notes
Rating
Value
The Z30 Pro Aqua is expensive, but its powerful vacuuming and integrated mopping may justify the outlay for some households, though not everyone.
3.5 / 5
Design
An intriguing combo for those after a two-in-one floor-cleaning solution but the jury’s out on the ungainly look of the mop-cleaning dock.
4 / 5
Performance
This isn’t the best option for hard floors but it’s excellent on carpet. And while its mop is intended for short bursts, it’s surprisingly excellent at cleaning up stains and spills.
4 / 5
Buy it if...
You want decent vacuuming performance
Powerful suction and an effective floor head make light work of carpets, rugs and, to a lesser degree, hard floors.
You need to perform occasional spot mopping
This model is just the ticket for quick mopping duties.
You love premium build quality
The Z30 Pro Aqua feels every bit like a flagship appliance, with solid construction and refined ergonomics.
Don't buy it if...
You need to perform whole-home mopping
The mop unit’s small clean and dirty water tanks limit how much floor you can tackle before stopping for a refill.
You have an eye for aesthetics
The stand works okay, but its bulky, ugly design and silly charging system are a let down.
After I’d had my eyes abused by the sight of this model’s convoluted dock design, I managed to find somewhere out of sight to store it before embarking on a series of tests. Aside from a two week period of using it for general cleaning purposes – at which it mostly excelled – I set up a couple of challenging vacuum tests, plus a mopping test using a liquid spill.
I also evaluated its weight in the hand and overall maneuverability on both carpet and hard floors – the mopping attachment is especially impressive in this department. However, on even closer inspection of the dock, I still maintain that there’s work to do in improving its looks and functionality, especially the disappointing charging system that only works if the mopping head is attached. But, hey, each to their own.
Ninja makes some of the best air fryers on the market, but considering how easy these appliances are to use, it sure is difficult to figure out which one to buy. This brand's air fryer range has grown to incorporate dozens of models with different capacities and capabilities.
We've tested ... okay not all, but a decent number of them, so we're in an ideal position to help. The good news is they almost always score highly in our tests, which means you're unlikely to come away disappointed, whichever one you go for.
However, some models will be better suited to your needs than others. Below, I've rounded up all the Ninja air fryers that we've tested and recommend, and which are still available — and if you hit the 'View details' button you can see exactly what we thought of each one. Skip to the bottom of the page for some top tips on how to choose the right one for your kitchen.
If you're feeding larger numbers or want to create multi-component meals (and have enough counter space), look at the Foodi Dual Zone options — these feature-packed air fryers have two drawers that can be set to different temperatures, and the machine will sync up cooking for you so the food in both sections is ready at the same time. Or, for the same functionality but a smaller footprint, you can't beat the Double Stack, which puts one drawer on top of the other (there are a few capacities available).
Those with small kitchens should consider a Crispi model. These have an innovative design that's essentially a glass container onto which an air fryer hat attaches. The containers can be used as serving or storage dishes, for maximum versatility.
If you don't just want an air fryer, plenty of Ninja's appliances double up as different kinds of cooker. One of the most versatile additions to the range is the French Door Air Fryer, which offers 10 cooking modes and can fit a whole roast or pizza inside. Alternatively, you have things like the 5-in-1 Grill & Air Fryer, which come with a range of accessories including a griddle plate for an authentic chargrilled finish.
If you're still feeling overwhelmed, I don't blame you. There's a lot of overlap between what these air fryers can do, so I'd start by looking at how much space you have on your counter, and how much capacity you need in your air fryer, and use those requirements to narrow your options down.
Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue says enterprises increasingly want open models, due to cost, accessibility, and ownership. Do frontier models still matter if most production AI ends up running on open models?
On July 13, one of Japan’s largest financial conglomerates rewired its blockchain strategy in a single press release. SBI Holdings announced that the Solana Foundation will take an equity stake in SBI R3 Japan, the joint venture it shares with…
Nobody hacked anything. No smart contract failed, no private key leaked, no phishing link fired. On July 6, the treasury of BonkDAO, the community organization behind one of Solana’s flagship memecoins, transferred roughly $20 million worth of BONK to a…
Fransa millisinin futbolçusu Kilian Mbappe zədəsini tam sağaltmayıb.
Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə “RMC Sport” məlumat yayıb. Forvardın hələ də sağ ayaq topuğunda ağrılar var. Buna baxmayaraq, onun İspaniya ilə yarımfinal matçına start heyətdə başlamaq ehtimalı yüksəkdir. Onun ağrıkəsicilərlə meydana çıxacağı bildirilir.
Bu gün keçiriləcək Fransa – İspaniya oyununa saat 23:00-da start veriləcək.
In this episode of the Football Italia Summer Show, Lorenzo Bettoni sits down with Jonathan Grade, the producer behind Channel 4’s iconic Football Italia, to revisit one of the most influential football programmes ever broadcast in the UK.
Together, they explore how Football Italia captured the imagination of millions of supporters and introduced an entire generation of fans to the drama, passion, and quality of Serie A during its golden era.
From legendary players and historic clubs to unforgettable moments that shaped Italian football’s global appeal, the discussion looks back at a period when Italy was the centre of the football world.
The conversation also examines the challenges Italian football has faced over the past three decades and what has been missing in Serie A’s evolution.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: A general view of the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium San Siro ahead of the Serie A match between AC Milan and Inter at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: An Italy flag is waved by a fan prior to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Lorenzo and Jonathan discuss the decline of stadium experiences, the importance of modern marketing, the changing landscape of television coverage, and how these factors have impacted the league’s ability to compete with Europe’s biggest competitions.
Paolo Maldini, Leonardo and Giovanni Malagò will finalise a shortlist of candidates for the Italy head coach role, with a final decision expected by next week, according to Gazzetta.
Italy will appoint a new head coach in the coming days and, according to Gazzetta, FIGC President Malagò will hold talks with technical director Maldini and his advisor Leonardo today.
Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò hold Italy coach talks
It’s not guaranteed that the trio will meet in person, but they are expected to make contact today to discuss the candidates for the job for the first time.
Gennaro Gattuso, a former teammate of Leonardo and Maldini at Milan, resigned after failing to secure World Cup qualification in March and was temporarily replaced by U21 coach Silvio Baldini for friendly games against Luxembourg and Greece in June.
Conte and Mancini were mentioned as the main candidates for the Italy job until yesterday, but Gazzetta notes that Conte is no longer in the first row, while Mancini holds a solid bond with Malagò.
BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: AC Milan Sporting Strategy & Development Director Paolo Maldini and AC Milan Club Sporting Director Leonardo De Araujo before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AC Milan at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on February 16, 2019 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
The likes of Andrea Pirlo and Pep Guardiola have also been linked with the Italy job in recent hours, but Gazzetta highlights that securing a deal with the former Manchester City boss might prove tricky for the federation, primarily for financial reasons.
Maldini, Leonardo and Malagò are expected to agree on a shortlist today, while the final decision over the new Italy coach will reportedly be made by next week.
Arsenal are reportedly now expected to step up their transfer pursuit of Morgan Rogers and Christos Tzolis after the sale of Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners are reigning Premier League champions but will want to build on that success and try to improve even further after notably reaching the Champions League final but losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
It looks like the major changes could take place in attack, with Trossard confirming to Arsenal that he plans to accept an offer to join Besiktas, according to TEAMtalk.
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Arsenal to revamp their attack with new signings and sales
The report also adds that Gabriel Martinelli could leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, though Arsenal can also spend significant money on Rogers and Tzolis even if Trossard is the only one departing.
It’s important in modern football to be careful with squad planning due to Financial Fair Play laws, but it seems Arsenal are confident they could invest in signings even without selling Martinelli on top of Trossard.
The north London giants spent big last summer and it helped them take that crucial step forward to land their first title in 22 years, so if they show similar ambition this year they’ll surely feel they can keep improving and perhaps finally land that elusive Champions League title.
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How to improve this Arsenal team
Even if AFC were fully deserving champions in the end, and unlucky to lose on penalties after a 1-1 draw with PSG, there is clearly room for improvement in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Some fans will feel the title could have been wrapped up even earlier with a bit more spark and flair in the front three, and that’s where someone like Rogers could have a major influence.
And in that final against PSG, Arteta’s side struggled to keep the ball and create enough, even if they were defensively solid, so in future we could perhaps see a more even game with the presence of players like Rogers and Tzolis who can give them more initiative and forward momentum.
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Benfica attacker Andreas Schjelderup.
The 22-year-old has 15 goals and 15 assists to his name since joining Benfica, and he has impressed at the international level in Norway.
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Spurs want to sign Andreas Schjelderup
According to reports from Portugal via Sport Witness, the player will cost €50 million. Tottenham are keen on securing his signature, and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to pay the asking price.
They need more quality on the flanks, and the Norwegian International will add peace, flair, and unpredictability. He can create opportunities and score goals. He scored an outstanding solo goal against England in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
However, the asking price is quite high, and it could complicate any potential move. Tottenham need to improve multiple areas of the squad, and they have already invested significantly in the midfield. €50 million is considered too expensive for an unproven talent.
Other clubs are also interested in the 22-year-old, and it will be interesting to see how the situation develops. His performance in the World Cup has seen his value skyrocket, and Benfica are unwilling to yield.
Unless the player decides to force an exit, the Portuguese outfit will hold all the cards in the transfer battle.
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Tottenham must improve the attacking unit before the window closes. Adding a quality wide player and a striker should be top priorities. It remains to be seen whether they can bring in the necessary additions and turn things around after a disappointing season.
The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for the Norwegian, and regular game time in England could help him improve further. There is no doubt he will be excited to move to the Premier League if the opportunity presents itself.
Stefan Bajcetic has been linked with a permanent move away from Liverpool this summer.
The 21-year-old defensive midfielder was highly rated within the club, but he has suffered multiple serious injuries and has had barely any gametime in recent seasons. Naturally, there are rumours that he could be sold in the coming weeks.
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Iraola could hand Stefan Bajcetic another chance
However, a report from Radio Marca claims that the newly appointed Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola admires the talented young midfielder, and he could give the 21-year-old a lifeline at the Premier League club.
It will be interesting to see whether the Spanish midfielder can impress during the preseason and convince the manager to keep him at the club.
When he broke into the first team scene at Liverpool, he was regarded as one of the finest young talents at the club. He has the maturity, composure, technical ability, and intelligence to compete at a high-level.
There is no doubt that he had the potential to play regularly for the first team. However, injuries have halted his development. It remains to be seen whether he is at the level to play for a club like Liverpool.
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It seems that a massive pre-season is now ahead of the young midfielder, and he will need to seize the opportunity and prove to the manager that he is good enough to continue at a top club like Liverpool.
However, if he stays at the club, he needs to secure gametime assurance. At this stage of his career, sitting on the bench every week would be detrimental to his growth. He will need ample opportunities to express himself and to continue improving.
SOUTHPORT, England — The passage of time for golfers often is marked by the return to venues where they made memories. For Justin Rose, Royal Birkdale is just that, as this is his fourth visit to compete in an Open Championship, the first coming 28 years ago as a teenage amateur whose 72nd hole chip-in to finish in a tie for fourth.
Can it really be 28 years?
“Obviously, 1998 does feel like a long, long, long time ago,” Rose said on Tuesday when meeting with the media ahead of the 154th Open Championship. “I feel like there's different iterations or editions of me as a golfer since then, so different spells of my career that I kind of chunk into probably five-, 10-year chunks. There's been quite a few of those moments that have gone under the bridge since '98, good and bad.”
David Cannon
The fact the soon-to-be 46-year-old is still here—playing in his 24th Open, with four top-fives and two runners-up finishes to his credit—is a testament to his talent. But also to good fortune and perseverance. “Twenty-eight years later I'm playing in the Open Championship. I think, if I think about that, that is still that's an amazing achievement. Just to kind of have the will to keep wanting to be here, I think, more than anything.”
Yet as time marches on, opportunities to win the tournament he prizes the most are on the wane. And so this week at Birkdale is a big deal for Rose. Enough so that he acknowledged he’ll be rooting for a reasonable bedtime while rooting for England in the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday with a 9:36 a.m. tee time awaiting on Thursday with Russell Henley and Viktor Hovland.
“Obviously we're going to be watching. But at the same time, I'm going to watch it with an eye on what's important for me as well and not get too high and low and keep my own emotions in check. We've got big things as well to do this week, but at the same time, it's a match where if you think that you're not going to watch it, you're probably kidding yourself. … I'll be rooting the boys on, but at the same time, trying to make sure I'm able to sort of rest up pretty soon after the match.”
Rose says his extended career has been fueled by two ideas: curiosity and competition.
“I'm not really sure what I'm capable of achieving, but I'm competitive, so I'm going to give it a go,” Rose said. “I try to be very process driven as well. What are the areas of my game? What are the gaps that I can fill? And I still see plenty. So that's kind of motivating.”
Also motivating is the fact that he’s at a home venue in England at Birkdale. It’s something that he’s not taking for granted. It’s also something he believes could be an intangible come the weekend.
“I think sort of relying upon the home crowd, I think that sort of knowing that there is a bit of an X factor to that. I think that trusting … not using it as a pressure, but sort of playing with, I feel like, a sense of freedom with the crowd. I think the crowd really kick in when you're on the leaderboard. There's that real sort of energy that they provide. I think it's having a bit of an ace up your sleeve.
“You can't force it. Thursday, Friday, you've got to play very much with your own patience. … But I think there is something special about a home player on the leaderboard when the crowd get behind you. I think that can be worth a shot or two down the stretch that can keep you going. It can help you, if you make a mistake, help you get over it a bit quicker in a big moment. That's kind of what I've learned.”
Justin Rose signs autographs during a practice round ahead of the 2026 Open at Birkdale.
Richard Heathcote
To get there, Rose is tinkering with his golf bag, putting a 2-iron in play to replace a 7-wood given the baked-out links course that is Birkdale. He’s giving some thought to taking out one of his wedges to also include a 3-iron come Thursday.
Can Rose turn back the clock and become the darling of Birkdale once more this week? It would be a fitting finish to a career that already has a major, an Olympic gold medal, a World No. 1 ranking and a FedEx Cup title.
“The stage is set for a great week,” Rose said. “Yeah, very excited about this one for sure.”
Matt Leinart isn't the greatest quarterback USC football has ever produced. Sam Darnold won a Super Bowl. Carson Palmer was a top-tier NFL quarterback for more than a decade. Caleb Williams was a No. 1 NFL draft pick and is now living up to his enormous potential. Matt Leinart did not have a successful NFL career. Yet, none of those other USC quarterbacks can say they won 34 straight games and two national championships. Heck, none of them even won one. Matt Leinart is easily the USC quarterback who did more with his college career than all the others. Sports Illustrated named Leinart one of the top 35 college football players of all time.
"The Heisman Trophy in 2004. A Heisman Trophy ceremony invite as a finalist the year after. Back-to-back AP national championships and a 37–2 record in three years as a starter. Leinart’s legendary accomplishments and iconic plays, such as the ridiculous 61-yarder to Dwayne Jarrett on fourth-and-9 from the USC 26-yard line with under two minutes left vs. Notre Dame in 2005, are etched in stone in Los Angeles. USC football has a proud history, and it simply can’t be written without Leinart, who returned the program to the glory days during his years on campus while cementing himself as one of college football’s greatest QBs ever," SI wrote.
Matt Leinart was part of a juggernaut USC offense in 2004 and 2005, but what can get overlooked about him is that he was also a mature and responsible leader. He didn't make the big mistakes other college quarterbacks made. He didn't cost USC games. He made tons of big plays, but he also avoided bad ones. That's part of why he's a legitimate USC and college football legend.
Contact/Follow @TrojansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of USC Trojans news, notes and opinion.
Former Croatian international defender Dario Simic (STEPHANE DANNA)
Former Croatian international footballer Dario Simic was arrested Tuesday in an anti-corruption operation linked to a coastal campsite development, the state-run HINA news agency reported.
Simic was held in the capital, Zagreb for allegedly illegally obtaining a permit to create a campsite on the country's central coast, HINA said, citing unnamed sources.
Neither police nor the anti-graft prosecutors have confirmed the arrest, but local media published photographs of Simic in handcuffs exiting a police vehicle.
Two more people were taken into custody along with the 50-year-old Simic, according to HINA.
They include a former regional tourism official accused of helping Simic obtain the required campsite permits and a local businessman who allegedly acted as an intermediary.
In 2024, local authorities in Tisno, where the campsite is located, filed complaints against Simic over alleged illegal construction in a protected coastal zone.
The case concerns a small private campsite with 10 pitches for up to 30 people, according to media reports.
The former tourism official and four others were charged last year with allegedly issuing unlawful campsite permits.
Simic retired from international football in 2008 after becoming the first Croatian to earn 100 caps for his country.
A defender, Simic entered club football with his hometown club Dinamo Zagreb in 1992 and played his first international four years later, before going on to play a key role as Croatia took third place at the 1998 World Cup.
After six seasons at Dinamo he joined Inter Milan, later moving on to city rivals AC Milan, where he won one Serie A and two Champions league trophies before joining Monaco in 2008.
Simic returned to Dinamo two years later shortly before retiring.
He has since started a prominent bottled water company, which is stocked throughout the region.
Microsoft’s efforts to fix Windows are bearing fruit Microsoft’s “Windows K2” project is underway, a major revamp of Windows 11 that aims to regain user trust and deliver a faster, more responsive, and less frustrating OS. Today, Microsoft has detailed major changes that are coming to Windows 11 Search. These changes are available now to […]
Qualcomm continues to flirt with gaming on its Snapdragon X processors. The latest update to Snapdragon Control Panel redesigns game library navigation, improves the software update experience, and helps you get the latest Hexagon NPU drivers.
The overall gaming experience on Snapdragon X PCs will be better following the update, though you won't see a graphics boost.
Snapdragon Control Panel is a piece of software that helps you optimize your gaming experience on PCs powered by Snapdragon X chips.
Redesigned Game Library navigation to be more consistent and intuitive, including clearer favorites add/remove behavior.
Redesigned the Software Update page with a consistent experience for Snapdragon Control Panel, Adreno GPU drivers, and Hexagon NPU drivers.
Improved update status feedback so users can more easily understand available updates and current installation state.
Removed the top-level back button to simplify navigation.
Expanded the clickable areas for items in the Help dialog.
Added support for saving and restoring the navigation sidebar state.
🧠 Hexagon NPU driver updates
Get access to the latest Hexagon NPU driver releases directly from Snapdragon Control Panel.
🎮 One-Click Game Optimization robustness improvements
Improved the reliability of One-Click Game Optimization workflows, including optimization, revert, and refresh behavior.
Note: One-Click Game Optimization is currently supported only on first generation Snapdragon® X Series devices.
🛠️ General improvements and bug fixes
Includes additional reliability, usability, and maintenance fixes across Snapdragon Control Panel.
Gaming on Snapdragon X PCs is in an interesting spot in 2026. It's very clear that Qualcomm aims for its Snapdragon X chips to power gaming PCs eventually, but most mentions of gaming on the processors feel reserved.
"Best Commuter Laptop: extreme performance for multitasking, gaming, and creation," reads the ASUS listing for the Zenbook A16 (emphasis added).
Just two months after unveiling the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme and Snapdragon X2 Elite, Qualcomm announced Snapdragon Control Panel. That program lets users optimize game settings and update game drivers.
At some point, Qualcomm may fully embrace the gaming capabilities of Snapdragon X chips and make that a major part of its marketing. Until or unless that happens, the company will continue to work with partners to optimize gaming on Snapdragon X.
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
The company just dropped another connector-less motherboard, but with the micro-ATX form-factor for compact builds. GIGABYTE Releases B850M AORUS Stealth Motherboard, Featuring 12 Power Phase VRM, 4x DIMMs, Dual PCIe x16 Slots, While Keeping the Rest of the Connectors at the Back Popular hardware maker GIGABYTE is silently expanding its Stealth lineup with more motherboard models. GIGABYTE's Project Stealth was introduced back in 2022, and since then, it has added several motherboard models in the series, including 600 and 800 series motherboards with different chipsets. The company has now introduced a new Stealth motherboard called B850M AORUS Stealth, which introduces […]
Flex has raised $70 million in fresh funding at a valuation of about $1.2 billion, marking another big milestone for the AI fintech startup as it pushes to become the primary financial platform for mid-sized businesses. The funding arrives alongside […]
It’s Monday, July 13, 2026. The past 24 hours of venture news point to a clear focus on compute sovereignty, defense-edge technologies, and the continued ripple effects of the AI arms race. Investors are plowing capital into ventures that promise to advance […]
Artificial intelligence is creating a new challenge beyond chips and data centers. As AI systems generate larger volumes of data and satellite networks continue to grow, moving information through space is becoming a major infrastructure problem. Dayton, Ohio-based startup Ravee […]
Chicago Ventures leads the seed round as Guthrie AI expands its platform to recruit, train, and manage Virtual Bid Assistants, helping commercial glass contractors shorten bid cycles and take on more work without adding full-time estimating staff. Every missed bid […]
The stock has fallen from a post-IPO high of $225.64 to around its $135 offering price, wiping out roughly $1 trillion in market value as investors reassess the company’s heavy spending on Starship and Starlink. The market’s excitement over SpaceX’s […]
Citation Capital has closed its first private equity fund with $1.2 billion in investable capital, marking one of the largest first-time buyout funds raised in the past decade and setting a new record as the largest female-founded buyout fund ever […]
The German startup’s latest funding round underscores growing investor confidence in AI-powered defense companies as Europe ramps up spending on military technology and sovereign capabilities. European defense startup Helsing has raised $1.8 billion in fresh funding, pushing its valuation to […]
Aston Villa’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, insists Juventus target Emiliano Martinez is a ‘key element’ in the team, and the club has ‘no intention of letting him go.’
Aston Villa won’t let Emiliano Martinez leave this summer, the Premier League club’s director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, said on Tuesday.
Aston Villa tell Juventus they won’t sell Dibu Martinez
Speaking to 365Scores, the Aston Villa director said: “Emiliano is a very important player for us, and he is a key element in Aston Villa. All the talk about him leaving during the current summer transfer window is just rumours, and we rely on him heavily in the team’s project for next season.
“The goalkeeper’s future is settled; he is staying with us, and we have no intention of letting him go this summer,” Vidagany added.
“The team needs his efforts and extensive experience, and he is a very important element in our project for next season.”
LECCE, ITALY – MAY 09: Michele Di Gregorio of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Juventus had made Martinez their top summer transfer target for the goalkeeping role, as the Bianconeri are preparing to part ways with Michele Di Gregorio and potentially Mattia Perin as well.
With Aston Villa unwilling to sell Martinez this summer, the Bianconeri will likely look to Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario and Parma’s Zion Suzuki, who are two other goalkeepers linked with a move to Turin.
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 20: Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez reacts during the UEFA Europa League Final 2026 match between SC Freiburg and Aston Villa FC at Besiktas Park on May 20, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Several Italian sources have reported over the last few weeks that Martinez was open to joining Juventus, having already reached a principle of agreement with the Bianconeri.
Juventus, however, failed to strike a deal with the Premier League side as the Bianconeri were unwilling to pay more than €10m for the Argentine.
Crysencio Summerville’s agents met with Roma executives this morning, where they were informed that the Giallorossi will only pursue a deal for the West Ham winger if the total transfer fee does not exceed €40m and the player’s salary is capped at €4m per year, reports Alfredo Pedullà.
Roma met with Summerville’s agents in Rome this morning.
According to transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, the meeting lasted around one hour.
Roma meet Summerville’s agents
The report claims that Roma confirmed their strong interest in the West Ham winger, but set their condition for the transfer.
The Giallorossi are ready to move negotiations forward as long as the transfer fee does not exceed €40m and the salary does not exceed €4m per season.
According to Pedullà, Summerville has attracted interest from some Premier League clubs, but they are not currently in advanced talks.
GUADALUPE, MEXICO – JUNE 29: Crysencio Summerville of Netherlands looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Netherlands and Morocco at Monterrey Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Guadalupe, Mexico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Roma expect an answer from the player’s agent and West Ham in the coming hours, perhaps as early as tonight, Pedullà says.
It was previously reported that Summerville’s agents had been in Rome since Monday, when they landed in the capital with another of their clients, Danilo Doekhi, who is on the verge of joining Roma’s city rivals, Lazio.
Massimiliano Allegri insists he was never in talks for the Italy job before accepting the Napoli offer, refuses to reply to Milan owner Gerry Cardinale, but notes: ‘I’m happy to coach Rasmus Hojlund.” Last season, I dodged him…’
New Napoli coach Allegri was unveiled at a big event at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples on Tuesday.
The Tuscan tactician has signed a three-year contract at the Stadio Maradona.
Allegri was joined by President Aurelio De Laurentiis and directors Giovanni Manna and Andrea Chiavelli, answering questions from reporters.
Allegri’s first Napoli press conference
“For me, this unveiling is too much. It’s the first time it has happened to me, and I thank the president,” Allegri said, smiling (via TuttoNapoli).
“Antonio Conte has shown all his worth in his career. I’m lucky; this is already the second time I’ve inherited Antonio’s team. Let’s hope it bodes well. Luck is important in life.”
During his two-year spell at Napoli, Conte won both the Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana.
“It will be important to work seriously and professionally, especially to find the foundations to get to March, as I always say, seasons are decided there,” Allegri continued.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – MAY 03: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and AC Milan at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on May 03, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)
“Staying in contention for the Scudetto, Champions League, and Coppa Italia would be important.”
Napoli will start their pre-season tomorrow.
“We’ll begin a wonderful adventure for me; it’s a crazy city,” Allegri continued.
“I immediately felt the affection, a passionate city, and I’m very happy.”
Allegri was reported to be on the Italian FA’s radar to replace Gennaro Gattuso, but the newly appointed Napoli coach said he was never in talks with any representative of the FIGC.
It’s worth mentioning that Allegri reached an agreement with Napoli way before Giovanni Malagò was elected as the new FIGC President on June 22.
“I haven’t had any contact about the [Italian] federation,” insisted Allegri.
“I’ve spoken to the [Napoli] president, and I was already close a few years ago. I’m happy to work with him, with all of Napoli.
“I have players who can play with multiple systems; the important thing is to have enthusiasm and a desire to achieve goals through sacrifice and hard work, and, as I said, I believe I inherit a team that has these qualities,” Allegri added.
“Football is debatable; everyone talks about it. It’s the most beautiful sport in the world, and it’s unpredictable. The modules, the systems, we have an important team, it has had successes in recent years, and it is important to continue the work.”
Milan sacked Allegri at the end of the 2025-26 season after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
“It’s not a matter of revenge; some seasons end a certain way. I’m sorry about how last season ended,” he said.
“I’ll take a moment to thank those who collaborated with me in Milan; it’s been an intense season. Winning or achieving goals is not easy, so we start from the understanding that nothing is a given, despite recent successes. Tomorrow is another season.”
MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 03: Gerry Cardinale of AC Milan looks on before the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 03, 2022 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I absolutely do not comment on the ownership’s words. Again, I can only thank those who have supported me all season,” insisted Allegri.
“Then, unfortunately, we are sorry for the missed goal, but another year begins, beautiful to experience. We have three competitions, and we start with great enthusiasm.”
Talking about Napoli’s transfer strategy, Allegri noted: “The club takes care of the transfer market. We work closely together. Once I’ve seen the whole team, I’ll give some evaluations, and we’ll see what’s missing.
“With the director and the president, we will talk about how we can improve. An important collaboration, in today’s football, the challenge is to be competitive and sustainable. The team is already strong, then we’ll see what to do.”
Last summer, Allegri’s Milan failed to secure an agreement with Hojlund, who instead joined Napoli from Manchester United. When asked about the Denmark international, Allegri replied with a smile: “I’m happy to coach him. Last season, I dodged him; this year I took him.”
Lastly, the Italian tactician discussed the goalkeeper situation with Alex Meret and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic often rotating under Conte in 2025-26.
“Napoli have two excellent goalkeepers; they are important. Surely there will be hierarchies; there will be a first and a second choice. But I’ll see this during the pre-season.”
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the Napoli attacking midfielder Antonio Vergara.
The 23-year-old impressed with his cameos last season, and Spurs have expressed interest in signing him. According to a report from Area Napoli, multiple other Italian clubs are keeping tabs on his situation.
However, Napoli is unwilling to let him leave, and they are already holding talks with his representatives regarding a contract renewal. It will be interesting to see if Spurs follow up on their interest with an official offer to sign the player.
They could use more depth in the final third, and Vergara would be the ideal utility man for them. He can operate centrally as well as on the flanks. He could add technical ability, creativity, and flair to the team.
The 23-year-old was not a guaranteed starter for Napoli last season, and if Tottenham can provide him with the necessary assurances, he could be drawn to the idea of moving to England. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Tottenham have been very active in the market this summer, and they have already spent a substantial amount of money to improve the squad. However, they must add more quality in the final third before the window closes.
Apart from creativity, they also need a reliable goal scorer who can find the back of the net regularly.
They finished 17th in the league table last season, and it is clear that the club hierarchy does not want to be in that position once again. They are spending heavily so that they can bounce back strongly. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham and Roberto De Zerbi convince the 23-year-old Italian to join the club this summer.
Chelsea are looking to improve their attacking unit with the signing of Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup.
The talented young attacker has performed well in the Portuguese league and impressed at the World Cup with Norway. Naturally, top clubs are monitoring his situation, and Chelsea are one of the interested parties. However, the asking price could complicate any potential move. He has a €100 million release clause in his contract, and Benfica are unwilling to sell him for cheap.
The Portuguese outfit is not demanding his release clause to be paid in full, but they want around €40 million for his signature. That is still a high asking price for a young player who is still largely unproven at the highest level.
Chelsea Chronicle reports: “Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham are all closely monitoring his development and situation.
“Sources close to Chelsea indicate that the London club could look into the player’s situation, but they will not rush into a €40 million move. Benfica, on the other hand, are absolutely unwilling to sell Schjelderup for anything less than €40 million. Furthermore, the player’s contract includes a €100 million release clause, which significantly limits the bargaining power of interested clubs.”
It will be interesting to see if Benfica is willing to be more reasonable with their demands. Chelsea needs more quality on the flanks. Alejandro Garnacho has been linked with a move away after a disappointing campaign, and they need to replace him.
The Norwegian could be ideal for them. He is a left-sided winger, but he is versatile enough to operate on either flank. He will help create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well.
The build-up to England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina has taken a controversial turn following FIFA’s choice of referee.
With Thomas Tuchel’s side attempting to reach their first final since 1966 and the defending champions chasing consecutive titles, every decision in Atlanta will face enormous scrutiny.
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Argentina’s knockout run has already produced complaints about VAR and refereeing, so the appointment was always likely to attract attention.
However, previous connections between the selected official and matches involving Lionel Messi have intensified the debate before a ball has even been kicked.
FIFA appointment adds pre-match controversy
According to the Daily Mail, concerns about possible favouritism have grown after FIFA appointed Ismail Elfath to referee Wednesday’s semi-final.
The Moroccan-born American will be assisted by Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, while Italy’s Maurizio Mariani has been named fourth official.
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ESPN has also confirmed Elfath’s appointment for the match at Atlanta Stadium. He has already handled three games at this World Cup, although this will be his first involving either England or Argentina.
Elfath served as fourth official when Argentina defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final.
He has also refereed several Inter Miami matches since Messi moved to MLS, including the 2023 Leagues Cup final against Nashville.
Calling him Messi’s “favourite referee”, however, remains a media description rather than evidence of an improper relationship or biased decision-making.
Officials face scrutiny ahead of Argentina vs England
The wider concern comes from controversy surrounding Argentina’s victories over Egypt and Switzerland.
Reuters reported that opponents have repeatedly complained about decisions benefiting Argentina, although former FIFA referee Christina Unkel said the incidents she reviewed did not clearly demonstrate poor officiating.
FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has also rejected allegations of bias, insisting that World Cup officials work independently and that questioning their integrity without evidence is unacceptable.
Elfath should be judged on Wednesday’s performance rather than his previous contact with Messi.
Referees frequently oversee the same leading players, especially when they work in the league where those players compete.
Still, FIFA must understand why the appointment has created nervousness. After several disputed decisions involving Argentina, even a correct but marginal call could trigger another major backlash.
Manchester United’s midfield transformation has taken another significant step, with the club moving quickly to complete a deal for one of the Premier League’s most experienced central players.
Michael Carrick entered the summer wanting greater control, creativity and leadership in the middle of the pitch, and the latest arrival should provide all three.
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The move also signals a clear change in United’s recruitment strategy. After investing in the long-term potential of Andrey Santos, they are now adding a proven performer who should be capable of contributing immediately.
It leaves Carrick with more tactical flexibility, but it could also create uncertainty for existing midfielders such as Mason Mount.
Medical completed as five-year deal is finalised
According to Fabrizio Romano, Youri Tielemans has completed his Man United medical and is expected to sign his contract today.
The agreement will run for five years until June 2031, with the transfer described as done and sealed.
Sky Sports reported that United triggered a release clause worth around £35m in the Belgium captain’s Aston Villa contract.
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Negotiations advanced rapidly following Belgium’s World Cup elimination, allowing the club to complete the deal before pre-season preparations intensify.
Tielemans arrives with extensive Premier League experience from spells at Leicester City and Villa.
His passing range, ability to control the tempo and threat from outside the penalty area should give United a different dimension.
Youri Tielemans has completed his medical and signs today at Man United.
Understand the agreement will be valid until June 2031, five years.
Carrick will have a new look midfield at Man United
The Belgian will join Santos, whose arrival from Chelsea was confirmed earlier this week. Reuters reported that United paid an initial £48m for the Brazilian, who also signed until 2031.
Tielemans represents sensible business at £35m. He is entering his prime, knows the league and should not require a long settling-in period.
His composure could be particularly valuable in matches where United previously struggled to retain possession.
However, Carrick must now manage a crowded midfield carefully. Tielemans and Santos will expect regular opportunities, while Bruno Fernandes remains central to the team.
That could be bad news for Mount, whose playing time may become increasingly limited.
Microsoft is improving Windows 11 search in multiple ways
That includes a calmer search panel, the ability to turn off web results, a better way of prioritizing returned results, and a more stable search overall
This is in testing for now, and the main worry is how long it might take for Microsoft to usher all this through to release
If you're fed up with the way Windows 11's search functionality works – and you wouldn't be alone – some incoming changes are set to greatly improve this experience.
Microsoft revealed the tweaks to the search box in a blog post, explaining that they're being delivered via a gradual rollout to testers in the Experimental channel for Windows 11 preview builds.
The first major change is simply to make search a calmer place, so when the panel appears, it only contains a list of your recent searches (allowing you to easily fire up one of those again if you wish). The current clutter to the right of that list, including recommendations – some of which are outright adverts – along with trending searches has all been banished.
And the second important piece of work here is that Microsoft is finally giving Windows 11 users the ability to get rid of web results in search. Currently, when searching for a file in the operating system you get not just local results (for files on your drives), but also some web results which can get in the way.
In this new scheme of things, you'll be able to switch off all web results in Settings, and also ditch Microsoft Store suggestions too.
If you keep these results on, Microsoft notes that they won't be prioritized, although this is something the company had already started to address (it used to be the case that web content could appear at the top of the returned results in a truly baffling fashion). Web results have also been stripped of any 'promotional content' so you'll only get the most relevant answers if these results are enabled.
Microsoft has also bolstered the handling of results for Windows 11 settings so that more relevant options are flagged up higher in the pecking order, and Microsoft says further fine-tuning is planned on this front.
The search box will also be able to handle typos, with an improved ability to guess what you really meant ('Chrome' rather than 'Chome' for example), and it'll start to surface possible results after typing just two characters (another enhancement we've already heard about).
While this is mostly all about streamlining, Microsoft is going the other way in one notable respect — adding a bit more detail in for the files returned in the results. Search will now provide more info about files (such as when they were last opened) and a more in-depth preview in the right-hand panel, so you can more readily tell what you'll be opening if you click on that result.
Finally, Microsoft is making search more reliable, which involves "reducing [the] likelihood of crashing and loading issues" which is obviously a welcome move.
Analysis: the rollout fly in the soothing search ointment
(Image credit: Microsoft)
Windows 11 search has always been a somewhat painful affair for me, thanks mainly to the clutter of the thinly veiled (or not even veiled at all) ads, and the irrelevant results which were surfaced with a baffling level of priority, as noted. Windows 10 isn't a lot better, frankly, but at any rate, I'm very happy to see the fresh direction Microsoft has taken here.
The calmer search results are a major boon, with Microsoft following in the same vein as the streamlining it recently announced for the widgets panel, which was made a quieter place. (All this follows a broader early promise to rein in the upselling with Windows 11 and generally make the interface a more chilled place).
I was hoping that the option to turn off web results would be brought in, and this is the most important addition for me personally. I'm not alone, and the reaction to these various changes has been very positive, with the only real sticking point being impatience around when these new features will be rolled out. That's both in terms of testers wanting to try the revamped search box now, and the general computing public wondering when they will eventually get their hands on all this.
As this tester posts on Reddit: "We love this... except gradual rollouts. We don't like when things are inconsistent from PC to PC despite running identical [test] builds [of Windows 11]. It's really obnoxious and breaks muscle memory. But the changes seem great and I look forward to trying them."
As Microsoft points out in its blog post, it's worth remembering that there are now feature flags that can be enabled if you're really keen to try out something in a preview build, and it's not on your PC yet.
However, as for those asking: 'For those of us on release, when might this arrive?'
Well, that's a very different kettle of fish, as it could take quite some time for this work to progress through testing. Mainly because there are a lot of changes involved, and it's not something Microsoft will want to rush (especially given the drive to make search more reliable and stable).
And when these search improvements are eventually released outside of testing, it'll be on a controlled rollout that you won't be able to jump the queue with. However, there's a reason for that – Microsoft will need to observe the changes going live in a gradual manner to ensure no unexpected gremlins are crawling around in the works.
So, you will have to be patient, and there's some frustration around the length of time it can take for controlled rollouts to proceed these days (the Start menu overhaul from last year being a key example here – some folks still don't have it even now). But the good news is that these changes are coming, and they promise to revamp search in Windows 11 to a considerable extent. I can't wait (but I'll have to).
I'm always keeping my eye out this time of year for the ultimate 'back to school' laptop deals for our readers. Today, I think I've spotted a listing that could actually lay claim to that title.
It's the brand new Dell XPS 13, which is currently on sale for just $599 if you're a student. This new model has just been released at $699, but it looks like Dell is doing a particularly aggressive intro deal for prospective students right now.
To be honest, even at $699, I'd say this Dell XPS 13 is a strong contender. We haven't reviewed it yet here at TechRadar, but this iteration looks like a very compelling alternative to the likes of the new MacBook Neo, which is also $699.
It's surely no coincidence that the new XPS 13 is priced to compete with the MacBook Neo, as both offer a premium, lightweight laptop at a rock bottom price. The XPS 13 is obviously a Windows 11 machine, however, so it's the one to go for if you prefer Windows over MacOS.
In a time where laptop prices are spiralling out of control, Dell's latest XPS 13 looks like a rare deal on a premium model. OK, so this is the baseline model with only 8GB of RAM, but the XPS 13 is a great laptop with a fantastic 120Hz display and excellent build quality. Considering that Dell are also offering students an impressive $100 discount at launch, this XPS 13 looks like a very competitive alternative to the likes of the MacBook Neo.View Deal
While we haven't reviewed this model yet, our sister-site Windows Central managed to check it out in-person earlier this year. Initial reports are exceedingly positive, with the price, display, and overall build quality being particular highlights.
Interestingly, Dell had MacBook Neos on display next to the New XPS 13, so journalists could directly compare the to models. According to Windows Central, the XPS 13 had better build quality, a better display, and it was lighter. Of course, they do love Windows laptops over on that site, so your preference may vary.
We still rate the MacBook Neo here at TechRadar with its eye-catching colors and incredible battery life.
With that said, if I were choosing between the two, I'd definitely be tempted by the XPS 13. Generally, I prefer Windows laptops, and the XPS 13's Thunderbolt 4 ports are more useful to me than the Neo's standard USB-C ports. I'm also partial to the XPS 13's display, which I think it is a little more modern-looking than the Neo's, with its thick-bezels.
Kirk Ferentz has been guiding Iowa football for nearly three decades.
Including his time as Iowa's offensive line coach, Ferentz is approaching four decades as a member of the Hawkeyes' coaching staff.
With his 209 overall wins, Ferentz is now the Big Ten's winningest coach. Ferentz's 133 Big Ten victories trail only Michigan’s Bo Schembechler (143) and Ohio State’s Woody Hayes (153).
The 70-year-old has led Iowa to Big Ten championships in 2002 and 2004. The Hawkeyes also captured Big Ten West Division titles in 2015, 2021 and 2023 under Ferentz's watch.
Ferentz is admired as one of the models of consistency in college football. USA TODAY Sports shared its respect for coach Ferentz, ranking Ferentz as the nation's No. 16 head coach in its top 25 college football coaches heading into the 2026 season.
The dean of Big Ten coaches, Ferentz has won 209 games, two Big Ten championships and reached another three conference title games. His success might be boring, but it's built on the fundamentals of defense and special teams play. The offense fairly drew concerns, but has improved in recent seasons. The Hawkeyes haven’t posted a losing season since 2012 and have been ranked in the final US LBM Coaches Poll in five of the past seven seasons. - USA TODAY Sports
Ferentz signed his current contract extension in January of 2022. It pays Ferentz $7 million annually and runs through the 2029 college football season.
Ferentz said last summer that he expects to sign another contract extension. With Ferentz showing no signs of slowing down, the Hawkeyes' legendary coach can be expected to keep stacking wins and chasing some of college football's historic milestones.
Ferentz has coached 14 individual national award winners on 17 occasions and 101 NFL Draft selections during his tenure.
Indiana's Curt Cignetti was ranked as college football's best coach, followed by Georgia's Kirby Smart.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.Follow Josh on X: @JoshOnHawks
A handful of LSU baseball players entered the transfer portal after the 2026 season came to an end. Jay Johnson and the LSU coaching staff did a good job retaining key players -- only a few of the departing transfers were expected to be significant contributors next year.
A good indicator of quality is the caliber of the school where the transfer lands. It's not a good sign if an ex-LSU player lands at a school in LSU's tier. If a player transfers down to a lesser program, it usually means the market doesn't value the player enough to be a starter on a College World Series-contending team.
Eight LSU players entered the portal. Of the eight, only four have found new homes so far. Here's where former LSU baseball players landed in the transfer portal.
LSU baseball transfers -- where former Tigers have landed
Player
Position
Former School
New School
Mavrick Rizy
P
LSU
Ole Miss
Trent Caraway
3B
LSU
Miami (FL)
Jaden Noot
P
LSU
San Diego St.
DJ Primeaux
P
LSU
Nicholls
Marcos Paz
P
LSU
Uncommitted
Daniel Harden
LF
LSU
Uncommitted
Ethan Clauss
2B
LSU
Uncommitted
John Shahrdar
P
LSU
Uncommitted
Mavrick Rizy is the only LSU baseball transfer to sign with one of LSU's SEC rivals so far. The right-handed pitcher will join Ole Miss. Rizy is a talented arm, and there's a chance LSU ends up wishing Rizy had stuck around.
Trent Caraway began his career at Oregon State before transferring to LSU last Summer. Caraway only spent one year with the Tigers, but now found a home at another power conference school, transferring to Miami.
Jaden Noot and DJ Primeaux are both transferring down a level, with Noot heading to San Diego and Primeaux staying in Louisiana and joining Nicholls.
LSU's biggest transfer portal loss, freshman pitcher Marcos Paz, remains uncommitted. Rumors have swirled tying Paz to Texas A&M.
Notre Dame has done a great job recruiting Illinois, as it just landed Mount Carmel powerhouse linebacker Roman Igwebuike.
The Irish have missed on other targets, some of them his teammates, and are after another Chicagoland star in Brayden Parks. The 6-foot, 3-inch and 305-pound defensive tackle is ranked as the No. 199 overall prospect in the 247Sports Composite and for many has seemed like a Notre Dame lean.
That might not be the case anymore, as On3’s Steve Wiltfong reports (subscription required) that Parks might be higher on Oregon than the Irish. “I believe that if it were completely up to four-star defensive tackle Brayden Parks, the Chicagoland standout would also elect to play for Oregon. He’s also high on Notre Dame but he seems to be even more excited about the Ducks.” Not the best news, but there are other factors in his recruitment, most notably his family.
Wiltfong also says that his family loves what the Irish have to offer, and the proximity to home so they’d be able to see him play more often. As this recruitment continues, farther away from official visits, it looks like Notre Dame has lost some steam. Hopefully they can regain it back before Parks makes his final decision.
Whiparound: Oregon and Tennessee in position to finish 2027 cycle strong, Miami has elite 2028s thinking strongly about Coral Gables, Texas A&M trending for a key target and more here: https://t.co/4SkbXL6nMYpic.twitter.com/fyMrdjeiEb
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Nebraska football extended an offer to three-star offensive tackle Aiden Owolabi. The tackle is the 35th overall player at his position and the 27th overall player in the 2028 class from the state of California, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.
His recruitment is rising steadily, as he has several offers from big-time programs. California, Stanford, UCLA, Minnesota, and BYU are all schools that have extended offers his way. Owolabi measures at six-foot-six, 280 pounds.
His recruitment is still very much growing, especially as programs continue to finish and fill out their 2027 classes. Currently, the Huskers have no commitments in their 2028 class. However, they have been extending offers and doing their due diligence on several top-level prospects.
The program has done a solid job of recruiting the offensive line, particularly in the 2026 class. They were able to snag six commitments. Now, they're continuing to build out the group, and Owolabi will be a player to watch, especially since offensive line coach Geep Wade has had a high success rate on the recruiting trail.
Colorado soccer player and former Rocky Mountain standout Jace Holley took top honors after a sensational collegiate season on the pitch.
Holley was a first team All-Big 12 selection as a versatile forward for a strong CU squad.
The sophomore scored 12 goals, tied for third in the Big 12 during the fall 2025 campaign. She also added six assists for 30 total points on the season, tied for fifth in CU women's soccer history in a single season.
Holley also had a pair of game-winning goals among that scoring tally, which helped Colorado go 17-4-3 (8-1-2 in conference).
The 17 wins was a CU program record and it was just the Buffs' third Sweet run and first since 2013.
It's no surprise to see Holley starring at the next level after an outstanding club career and high school excellence at Rocky Mountain.
The 2024 Rocky graduate was a three-time first team all-conference performer and a two-time CHSAA Class 5A first team all-state selection as a dominant attacking midfielder.
During her high school career, Holley compiled 54 goals and 21 assists while leading the Lobos to a pair of 5A quarterfinal appearances.
Lobos fans showed out at the polls, lifting Holley to the top with 37.9% of the fan vote.
That bested nine other nominees and women's college sports standouts from the Fort Collins area:
Jocelyn Kramar, Pittsburg State soccer (Fort Collins) (Runner-up at 30%)
The latest special edition ROG Swift OLED gaming monitor is now available in both standard and stand versions in China. Popular Chinese Platform JD Lists ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-GR Edition 20 Gaming Monitor for Sale, Starting at $1327 Some of the ASUS ROG Special Edition 20 products are now getting listed for sale. We recently saw ASUS listing its ROG Astral RTX 5090 Edition 20 graphics card for a whopping $5,499 on the official store, making it one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive, RTX 5090 from the company. While all the hardware in the lineup is […]
MSI has become one of the first motherboard makers to offer optimized CXMT DDR5 memory support on its Intel Desktop platforms. After AMD AM5, MSI Brings CXMT DDR5 Memory Support To Intel LGA 1851 Platforms, With Speeds Topping Past 8000 MT/s China is rapidly adopting its domestically produced memory to reduce reliance on offshore brands that are charging heavy prices for their DRAM solutions. As such, CXMT (ChangXin Memory Technologies) has become the go-to choice as it is the country's premier DRAM manufacturer. While there have been reports that CXMT has started supplying DRAM to global markets, those aren't true […]
Despite being an iconic game which gave rise to the Soulslike phenomenon, the original Demon's Souls was never released from its PlayStation 3 prison, much like the remake developed by Bluepoint Games likely won't from its PlayStation 5 prison. However, thanks to the RPCS3 emulator, the game is fully playable on PC, and soon enough, fans will be able to enjoy the now-classic action RPG developed by FromSoftware with significant visual improvements from the PC Remaster mod. Developed by fromsoftserve, the developer behind the stunning Bloodborne Remaster Project, this visual overhaul "modifies the game's models to now react to light sources […]
NVIDIA Corporation is taking strict action to ensure that its AI GPUs only land in the hands of the right customers, reports the Financial Times. The action is to ensure that its chips do not reach China, and it follows increasing scrutiny by Taiwanese authorities on firms allegedly involved in shipping the chips to the Asian country. Previous reports have suggested that the Chinese government is interested in granting exemptions to some local firms to buy NVIDIA chips, even as firms such as Huawei claim to be able to achieve parity with Western technology in the future. NVIDIA Is Working […]
A former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after admitting he lied to federal investigators about threats made by a cryptocurrency businessman during a 2021 extortion incident. The U.S. Attorney’s Office…
Honor grabbed attention at MWC 2026 after showcasing its futuristic Robot Phone and confirming that it would go on sale in the second half of the year. More recently, reliable tipster Digital Chat Station claimed that the device is scheduled to launch in August. The tipster has now shared the phone’s technical specifications, giving us the clearest look yet at what Honor could be preparing.
Honor Robot Phone key specifications tipped
According to DCS, the Honor Robot Phone could feature a 6.3-inch to 6.4-inch flat display with a 1.5K resolution and ultra-slim bezels on all four sides. The handset is also tipped to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, indicating that Honor is targeting the premium flagship segment with its new device. He speculates that the device could pack a battery of around 6,000mAh capacity.
The leak further suggests that the Robot Phone will feature a 200-megapixel primary camera with an f/1.6 aperture, a 23mm focal length and 4D gimbal stabilization. It is also expected to include a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera. The imaging system is said to feature Honor’s ARRI imaging technology, which could deliver significant photography improvements.
Interestingly, the tipster claims that the Robot Phone’s camera experience can be seen as an early preview of what Honor is preparing for the Magic 9 series. If accurate, the upcoming device could introduce some of the company’s most advanced camera technologies before they make their way to the flagship Magic lineup.
While the specifications point towards a premium smartphone, pricing is also expected to reflect that positioning. Digital Chat Station believes the Robot Phone will not be inexpensive, although no official pricing details have surfaced yet. Since Honor has not confirmed these specifications, they should be treated as leaks until the company makes an official announcement.
For more daily updates, please visit our News Section.
Google Pixel 11 series is a little over a month away from its reveal, but a premature Amazon listing has revealed the three phones — Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold — in most of their color options.
First spotted by 9to5Google, the listing shows the base Pixel 11 in three different shades. The listing titles used playful names like “Hibiscus” and “Pistachio,” though the actual product descriptions referred to them as “Fuchsia” and “Moss.” A third color, listed simply as “Midnight,” rounds out the trio.
As for the Pixel 11 Pro, it is listed in Dune and Sterling finishes. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, meanwhile, comes in Pine and Midnight options.
The listings are tied to the “Google Store” seller account on Amazon, which adds some weight to their credibility, though it’s worth noting Amazon’s marketplace is also full of third-party sellers, so a degree of caution is warranted.
Google Pixel 11 Series Specifications
A few small specs slipped through in the descriptions too: the base Pixel 11 is listed with a 6.3-inch display at 1080 x 2424 resolution, 12GB of RAM, a 4,985 mAh battery, and a starting price of $899 for the 256GB model.
Not everything in the listings checks out, though. The pages reference Android 16 as the software on board, despite the fact that these phones are expected to ship with Android 17. There are also mentions of a Google Pixel Tag as a compatible accessory for Pixel 11 phones, but no such thing exists as of now.
Given the inconsistencies, it’s best to treat these color reveals as likely, but not fully confirmed. Google has already scheduled its Pixel 11 launch event for August, so official confirmation isn’t far off.
Vivo’s X-series has built a solid reputation for packing premium design and great imaging performance into a more compact package. Now, fresh leaks about the upcoming X300e suggest they’re tweaking the formula with some nice configuration options and interesting colors.
Popular Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station has dropped more details on the Vivo X300e. According to the latest leak, it’ll come in two main versions: a base model with 12GB RAM + 256GB storage, and a step-up variant with 12GB RAM + 512GB storage. Pretty straightforward and should cover what most people need. The phone is expected to launch in China sometime between late July and August 2026, with global markets likely following shortly after.
On the design side, there are three color choices: Moonlight White, Midnight Black, and Sunlight Orange. They sound clean and modern.
From earlier leaks, the hardware looks promising. It’s rumored to have a 6.59-inch display (nice and compact by today’s standards), powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. The camera setup includes a triple rear system with a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera, plus a 50MP selfie camera up front. Other highlights include an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, a premium metal frame, and a massive 7,015mAh battery packed into a slim 7.9mm body. It’s also said to support 90W fast charging.
The X300e seems positioned as a more accessible or compact option in the X300 lineup, focusing on great battery life, everyday usability, and strong photography (probably tuned with Vivo’s Zeiss partnership). That combo of a huge battery, efficient chip, and fast charging could make it a winner for people who hate hunting for outlets.
What we’re hearing so far makes the Vivo X300e sound like a well-rounded phone that balances performance, endurance, and style in the competitive flagship space.
As the launch gets closer, we should see official pricing and final details drop. If you’re into Vivo’s phones, this one might be worth keeping an eye on.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus are interested in USMNT striker Folarin Balogun and are preparing the first offer to sign Franck Kessié as a free agent.
Juventus have made just one summer signing so far, welcoming Italian winger Jeff Ekhator from Genoa, but new directors Giovanni Carnevali and Frederic Massara are working to give coach Luciano Spalletti more reinforcements.
Kessié agent’s demands for Juventus revealed
According to Gazzetta, the Serie A giants are ready to send an offer to sign ex-Milan and Atalanta star Franck Kessié as a free agent.
The 29-year-old refused to sign a contract extension with Al-Ahli and is open to returning to Serie A, but his agent has demanded over €5m in signing bonus, Gazzetta claims.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 20: Franck Kessie #8 of Cote d’Ivoire celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Cote D’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
According to Gazzetta, Monaco striker Folarin Balogun has emerged as an option for the Bianconeri, who are also keeping a close eye on Parma’s Mateo Pellegrino.
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 24: Mateo Pellegrino of Parma Calcio 1913 celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 24, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Athletic reported in June that Balogun is considering leaving Monaco this summer, with the French club’s asking price being €50m, making the USMNT star no cheaper than Kolo Muani.
Manchester United’s defensive rebuild could soon move towards the left-back position, with Michael Carrick keen to add a younger long-term option before the new season.
Luke Shaw remains an experienced and dependable player when fit, but United need greater competition and a clear succession plan as they prepare to return to the Champions League.
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The player being targeted would offer Premier League experience, strong technical ability and the energy to contribute in both halves of the pitch.
However, Newcastle’s turbulent summer means persuading them to lose another important first-team player could prove extremely difficult.
Man United believes left-back wants to join them
According to TEAMtalk, Lewis Hall remains Man United’s first-choice option at left-back, with the club convinced that he would welcome a move to Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old is reportedly attracted by the opportunity to work under Carrick and establish himself as Shaw’s eventual successor.
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Hall would initially be expected to compete for minutes rather than arrive with a guaranteed starting position.
That pathway could still appeal because United want a specialist left-back, while Patrick Dorgu is increasingly viewed as a more advanced attacking option.
Shaw is approaching 31, while young defenders Harry Amass and Diego Leon are not yet considered ready to become regular first-team starters.
Newcastle have already lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona and Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, while Bruno Guimaraes has expressed a desire to join Arsenal.
Sky Sports reports that the Magpies are undergoing a major squad transition and remain determined to prevent further damaging exits.
Hall would be an excellent long-term signing for Manchester United. He is young, comfortable in possession and already understands the demands of the Premier League.
However, United should avoid paying an excessive fee simply because he is Carrick’s preferred option. Newcastle have strong reasons to resist, and negotiations could easily move beyond the reported £60m valuation.
Manchester United face an important decision over one of their senior midfielders as Michael Carrick begins reshaping his squad for the new season.
Aston Villa and Newcastle United are showing interest, but the Old Trafford hierarchy currently appear more focused on retaining useful depth than accepting an early offer.
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Carrick values experienced players who can perform in several roles and contribute positively around the dressing room.
But United’s latest recruitment could significantly reduce the opportunities available in midfield. With one major arrival already confirmed and another moving closer, competition for starting places is about to become much more intense.
Carrick keen to keep Mount at Man United
According to TEAMtalk, Man United have received several enquiries for Mason Mount, with Aston Villa and Newcastle among the interested clubs.
Carrick is reportedly determined to keep the 27-year-old because of his versatility, pressing ability and influence within the squad.
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Mount can operate as a No.8, an attacking midfielder or from a wider position, which gives Carrick useful tactical flexibility.
Nevertheless, his future may depend on whether he believes he can secure enough meaningful playing time rather than becoming a rotation option.
The signing of Andrey Santos creates an immediate challenge.
Santos is younger, technically secure and capable of playing in central and deeper midfield positions, so the club will naturally want to give its new £48m investment regular opportunities.
The expected arrival of Youri Tielemans could make Mount’s position even more difficult.
The Guardian reports that United are in advanced negotiations for the Belgium international, who has a £35m release clause and offers considerable Premier League experience.
Carrick is right to value Mount, but United’s transfer activity suggests he may no longer be close to the first-choice midfield. Santos represents the future, while Tielemans would likely arrive expecting an important role immediately.
Mount should stay only if Carrick can offer him a clear pathway to regular minutes. Otherwise, interest from Villa or Newcastle could become increasingly attractive.
The sophomore commanded the team at setter for the tournament. In the championship match against Canada, Flynn helped the offense hit .326 as a team and contributed five digs. In her freshman year at Nebraska, she played in 28 sets and totaled 126 assists, 31 digs, nine kills, two aces and two blocks.
Ogbechie also took part in the championship match, finishing with five kills, three blocks and an ace. In her freshman season at Nebraska, she played in 27 sets and averaged 2.30 kills per set on .529 hitting with 30 blocks.
Williams did not record any stats in the championship match but did earn two kills and a block in the team's semi-final clash with Mexico. The freshman arrived at Nebraska this past spring after concluding a phenomenal high school career. Williams earned Texas all-state honors after averaging 3.5 kills and 1.3 blocks per set on a .554 hitting percentage.
Going for GOLD reppin' the red, white and blue 🇺🇸🥇
Three Huskers were crowned U21 Pan Am Cup champions on @usavolleyball's U21 squad in Columbus over the weekend!
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Phoenix won 95-88 in a game that switched leads throughout.
Ament, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, was quiet. He took just three shots, all from beyond the arc, making two of them, including one in the third quarter off a Brayden Burries assist.
He also blocked Rasheer Flemings in the fourth quarter as Milwaukee rallied from a nine-point deficit. A Pete Nance floater gave the Bucks an 87-84 lead with two minutes left. Phoenix had the answer. Back-to-back threes from Koby Brea put the Suns back ahead for good. Milwaukee's two lottery picks looked like rookies down the stretch. An out-of-bounds turnover by Ament and missed free throws by Burries, the No. 10 overall pick, ended any hopes of a comeback, with Khaman Maluach icing the game from the line.
Ament finished with eight points and three rebounds in 22 minutes.
Burries led all scorers with 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting, including 3-for-8 from three. Maluach led Phoenix with 21 points while also recording 10 rebounds and four blocks.
Phoenix won 95-88 in a game that switched leads throughout.
Ament, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, was quiet. He took just three shots, all from beyond the arc, making two of them, including one in the third quarter off a Brayden Burries assist.
He also blocked Rasheer Flemings in the fourth quarter as Milwaukee rallied from a nine-point deficit. A Pete Nance floater gave the Bucks an 87-84 lead with two minutes left. Phoenix had the answer. Back-to-back threes from Koby Brea put the Suns back ahead for good. Milwaukee's two lottery picks looked like rookies down the stretch. An out-of-bounds turnover by Ament and missed free throws by Burries, the No. 10 overall pick, ended any hopes of a comeback, with Khaman Maluach icing the game from the line.
Ament finished with eight points and three rebounds in 22 minutes.
Burries led all scorers with 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting, including 3-for-8 from three. Maluach led Phoenix with 21 points while also recording 10 rebounds and four blocks.
Kid-friendly tech company Pinwheel announced the launch of a new landline phone designed to let children stay connected without the distractions of a smartphone.
The highly anticipated upgrades to the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop just launched. Both PCs pack the latest Snapdragon X2 processors from Qualcomm, promising better performance while still delivering great battery life.
The biggest upgrade in the lineup is performance. Microsoft promises up to 53% faster graphics performance on the Surface Pro than the previous generation. The Surface Laptop sees an even larger bump of up to 58% when compared to the last generation.
Those improvements are thanks to the Snapdragon X2 processors inside the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro.
Now, Best Buy has a wide range of configurations available for the Surface Laptop and Surface Pro. I've included a mix of various colors, storage options, and processors. But there are plenty of other configurations up for grabs if you want to mix and match.
The new chips from Qualcomm perform well and let your PC last all day. Exact performance will vary based on the full specs of a PC, but the Snapdragon X2 Elite competes with Apple's M4 Pro. The Snapdragon X2 Plus stands toe-to-toe with Apple's M3 Pro.
Benchmarks and spec sheets aside, any Surface with a Snapdragon X2 chip will handle a wide range of workloads and tackle productivity tasks easily.
While the Snapdragon X2 chips are the stars of the show, they're not the only upgrades worth checking out in the new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro.
This Dune-colored Surface Laptop stands out in a sea of black and silver laptops. It does not come with Dave Bautista, but it does feature a Snapdragon X2 Plus.
This Surface Laptop has a 15-inch, 3K display with the 3:2 aspect ratio Surface is known for. It provides an excellent space to work without taking up too much space in your bag.
This is the best choice for those who love the Surface Pro form factor but don't need the most expensive processor or a massive amount of storage. It's the most affordable way to get the latest Surface Pro.
The first Surface Pro Flex Keyboard launched alongside the Surface Pro 11. The accessory is still the best way to use your Surface Pro like a laptop, and it can also be used when detached for even more flexibility.
The Surface Slim Pen 2 is excellent for natural note-taking and drawing, and it now supports Windows 11's updated haptic feedback experience to give you tactile cues while you navigate.
What's new with the latest Surface Pro and Surface Laptop?
(Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
There are more display options than ever across the Surface lineup. The new Surface Pro is available with either an OLED display or an LCD screen. The new Surface Laptop 15-inch has a screen with 262 PPI, which is much higher than the last generation offered.
But the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop are more than a spec bump. While they share much of their designs with the last generation, both offer a new way to use haptics.
The Surface Laptop now features a haptic trackpad that allows you to feel Windows 11 and supported apps. The Surface Pro delivers a similar experience when paired with the latest Surface Slim Pen.
The new experience comes courtesy of Windows 11's new haptic feedback system. That system sends subtle vibrations when you perform certain tasks, such as dragging files in File Explorer or snapping windows.
The new Surface Laptop and Surface Pro build on over a decade of refinement by Microsoft. The overall form factor has matured, but Microsoft has figured out how to squeeze innovation from designs that were already almost perfect.
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When it comes to productivity in the classroom, in the office, or even at home, HP's Omnibook laptops are among the best value-for-your-money Windows laptops.
The Omnibook 5 features an OLED 2K display, solid performance, a long-lasting battery, a sturdy build, and other useful features that help justify its cost, even amid a memory crisis.
And now, the 16-inch OmniBook 5 AI PC is on sale with a 26% discount for only $809.99 at Amazon.
With the power of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB of storage, and Copilot+ PC certification, this 16-inch 2K laptop makes for an effective and reliable tool for handling daily workload tasks such as typing documents, hosting meetings, researching, and more.View Deal
Why buy the HP Omni 6 16" Next Gen AI PC?
The specs of the HP OmniBook 5 16" Next Gen AI PC. (Image credit: HP)
The 16" version that's on sale today features similar levels of computing horsepower but with a larger 2K OLED display capable of rendering images and videos with strong contrast.
This configuration of the HP OmniBook 5 is equipped with a Snapdragon X processor, 16GB RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an NPU with 40-60 TOPS to support its built-in Copilot+ AI feature.
With these specs, this laptop will reliably and effectively run productivity tasks like reports or spreadsheets in Office, perform AI-related tasks like researching and compiling information online, open multiple browser tabs without lag, host video meetings, and more.
Other notable features of this laptop include a gargantuan estimated battery life of 34+ hours, a lightweight yet sturdy thin build that makes it easy to carry or store for long-distance travel, a built-in FHD IR camera, and pre-installed Otter.AI to automatically take notes during meetings (which I personally love as I'm regularly forgetting to take notes during fast-paced or long-winded conversations).
So, if you're looking for a dependable workhorse laptop, you can't go wrong with the HP OmniBook 5, especially now that it's on offer for $809.99 at Amazon instead of its usual listing price of $1,099.99.
FAQ
Is its RAM and SSD upgradeable?
The RAM is not replaceable and upgradeable due to being soldered into the laptop's motherboard. It's factory-installed SSD however, can be replaced with a larger one (up to 2TB) should you need more space for files.
Is it good for gaming?
No, not really, as the HP OmniBook 5 was built for productivity workflows, meaning it will struggle to run most PC games.
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A stylish new product encourages the repurposing of old IDE optical drives as standalone audio players. Boutique South Korean electronic device maker das_POD has launched the CD-ROM PLAYER 01 (ships worldwide), and it has some distinct Teenage Engineering-a-like design flair. Any similarity to genuine TE products is purely accidental, we’re sure. The new self-assembly and bring-your-own optical drive enclosure costs from $190.
These guys are making a universal laser cut enclosure with a custom pcb for repurposed old cd-drives.The project is called CD-ROM PLAYER-01, by das_POD. pic.twitter.com/3w8kkyNbKlJuly 10, 2026
This das_POD product is “designed to be assembled, repaired, and owned,” says the maker. In contrast to a conventional hi-fi CD music player, the CD-ROM PLAYER 01 is supplied as a project that lets owners repurpose their old, unused, or discarded optical drives. The artsy assertion of das_POD is that “the project explores ownership, reparability, and the physical experience of music.”
As we stressed in the intro, the kit is supplied without any IDE optical drive, something required to complete the project. “Compatible IDE drives can often be found in old computers, second-hand markets, recycling centers, or forgotten boxes in storage,” points out das_POD, just in case you have never heard of eBay. “Every drive carries its own history. Every player becomes unique,” it adds, attempting to add mystique to a simple recycling/upcycling project.
We looked through the das_POD store and noticed that it sells some very reasonably priced IDE drives that can be used to facilitate a complete CD-ROM PLAYER 01 delivered in one package. Several refurb opticals are priced at just $5, for example. But you can also pick through multiple drives at $10, $15, $20… all the way up to $40. Something about the $35 DRIVE_24 from Samsung with its blue logo bar and tarnished beige faceplate (Grade: Output: A+, Sound Quality: A, Condition: C) grabbed my attention.
das_PODdas_PODdas_PODdas_PODdas_POD
There are two CD-ROM PLAYER 01 colorways to choose from right now. das_POD sells a model in an anodized semi-gloss white for $220. A model in TE-a-like powder-coated orange is priced at $190.
The maker boasts that the kit supplied needs no soldering. But we also learn on the respective product pages that an AUX cable and 12V power adapter are (also) not included. Circling back to the firm’s online store, it looks like purchasing these items will add $25 to $30 to your checkout total.
A cheaper Aliexpress + DIY alternative for makers?
As some social media commenters say, besides the case, another key component of this product appears to be a CD/DVD-ROM optical drive controller, much like one available from Aliexpress for $30. That leaves the das_POD power board PCB as the sole missing essential, preventing makers with 3D printers, laser cutters, and/or CNCs from crafting their own CD-ROM PLAYER 01-type kits.
Bu yay İtaliyanın “İnter” klubundan azad agent kimi ayrılmış isveçrəli qapıçı Yan Zommer bundan sonra “Brügge”nin uğurları üçün çalışacaq.
Arena.az xəbər verir ki, bu barədə Belçika klubunun mətbuat xidməti məlumat yayıb.
37 yaşlı qolkiper yeni komandasına azad agent statusu ilə keçib. Onun müqaviləsinin müddəti 2029-cu ilin 30 iyununa qədər nəzərdə tutulub.
Xatırladaq ki, Zommer “İnter”ə 2023-cü ilin avqustunda 6,75 milyon avro məbləğ müqabilində “Bayern”dən keçmişdi. İsveçrəli 37 yaşlı qapıçının “İnter” karyerası ümumilikdə 139 oyun, 120 buraxılmış qol və 66 “quru” oyundan ibarətdir.
Zommer “İnter”lə 2 dəfə İtaliya çempionu olub, İtaliya Kubokunu və İtaliya Super Kubokunu qazanıb.
Yan Zommer heyətində çıxışını artıq başa vurduğu İsveçrə yığmasında 2012-ci ilin may ayında debüt edib. Yan İsveçrə yığmasında 94 oyun keçirib və 92 qol buraxıb, 35 oyundan isə “quru” qurtulub.
Zommer “İnter”dən öncə “Bayern”, “Borussiya” (Mönhenqladbax), “Qrasshopper”, “Vaduts” və “Bazel”də çıxış edib.
“Transfermarkt” internet-portalı 37 yaşlı isveçrəli qapıçının transfer dəyərini 2 milyon avro məbləğində qiymətləndirir.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Crysencio Summerville’s agents are already in Rome and are likely to meet Roma directors in the coming days, while the Giallorossi have sent offers for both Diego Moreira and Alejandro Garnacho, which are being evaluated by Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali.
Sky Sport transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio notes that Summerville’s agents are already in Rome, as they are the same representatives as Danilo Doekhi, who is undergoing medical tests with Lazio before completing a free transfer.
According to the report, it’s likely that they’ll meet Roma directors in the coming days.
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – MAY 24: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea looks on prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at Stadium of Light on May 24, 2026 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Roma have already sounded out West Ham about the availability of the Netherlands international this summer.
According to the same source, the Giallorossi have also made offers for Garnacho and Moreira.
Chelsea and Strasbourg are owned by the same group, so, according to Di Marzio, Roma’s proposals are being evaluated by Behdad Eghbali, the co-owner of both clubs.
According to Di Marzio, Garnacho and Moreira’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is now in talks with Eghbali to convince him to accept the Giallorossi’s proposals.
Italy legend Roberto Baggio feels Lionel Messi is better than Pelé and Diego Armando Maradona ‘for what he’s been doing for 20 years’, while Marco Materazzi picks ‘the real’ Ronaldo.
Baggio and Materazzi joined other football legends for a debate on football, including the best player of all time.
Baggio picks Messi over Maradona and Pelé
The former Azzurri stars were joined by other legends, including Gabriel Omar Batistuta, Ronaldo, and Romario.
When the debate focused on the best player of all time, with Messi, Pelé and Maradona in contention, Baggio said: “It’s very hard; it’s even ugly to rank, as we are talking about the absolute essence of football. These three have been above the others.
“As of today, I’d say Messi for what he’s been doing for 20 years, in terms of quality and quantity. If I have to pick one, I’ll say his name, but we are talking about three incredible players.”
Materazzi, on the other hand, picked another player sitting at the same table: “I always say this, for me, it’s him [Ronaldo]. Because what he did without two knees, going 150 km/h, nobody has done it. I’m a boomer, but when I watch YouTube, and I see what he used to do, at a time when defenders hit hard, you feel he was Martian, and he really was a Martian.
Roberto Baggio smiles during a press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on June 03, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)Materazzi waves at Inter fans at San Siro (GETTY)
“Sorry, Diego, Pelé and Messi. To me, it was him, the Phenomenon. The Real Ronaldo, but respect to Cristiano.”
Materazzi won the 2006 World Cup with the Italy national team, scoring two goals during that tournament, including the equaliser in the Final against France. That was the only World Cup Materazzi played.
Baggio, on the other hand, took part in three editions of the World Cup in 1990, 1994 and 1998 and famously missed a penalty in the 1994 Final against Brazil.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Fiorentina have reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid to sign 19-year-old defender Víctor Valdepeñas.
Fiorentina are close to completing their fifth summer signing as, according to Sky Sport Italia transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the Viola have reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid for versatile defender Valdepeñas.
Fiorentina close to signing Valdepeñas from Real Madrid
The 19-year-old can play either as a centre-back or a left-back.
According to the report, Fiorentina have effectively reached an agreement on a permanent transfer that includes a 50% sell-on clause for the Merengues.
VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN – DECEMBER 14: Victor Valdepenas of Real Madrid duels for the ball with Lucas Boye of Deportivo Alaves during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de Mendizorroza on December 14, 2025 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The two clubs are now sorting out the final details and, more importantly, the timing of the defender’s transfer.
Real Madrid, in fact, are still unsure whether to send the 19-year-old to Florence right away or wait a few more weeks to let their new coach, José Mourinho, assess the player during the pre-season.
Fiorentina have been among the busiest Serie A clubs so far this summer, having already signed defenders Viery, Radu Dragusin and Alex Jimenez as well as midfielder Arthur Atta.
Pirlo gamble: Maldini and Leonardo consider a surprise coach
Ex-coach of Juve and Samp, now he works in Dubai. Malagò: ‘Guardiola? You need to be compatible.’
Inter: Khalaili deal falls through, now they chase Spence
Milan, there’s Ramos with the No.9, Amorim at full speed
Juve, offer made for Kessié, Roma want Garnacho and Moreira
Final assault
France favourite, but Spain await Yamal
Corriere dello Sport
Inter, now Doué
Khalaili deal falls through.
CONI denies the eligibility of the Israeli wing-back. Dumfries’ heir still missing, relaunch for the Ivorian
Pressing on Strasbourg. Chivu: ‘We have no limits.’
Tug of war for the full-back, brother of PSG winger. Spence, Belghali, Ndoye and Molina sounded out too. Cristian: ‘After Scudetto and Coppa, we want to improve.’
Juve, Pellegrino advances
Cardinale, like Berlusconi, arrives at Milanello by helicopter.
Allegri hugs Napoli
Roma: Garnacho and Moreira
Dinner with Mbappé and Yamal
World Cup: The first semi-final France-Spain at 21:00
Tuttosport
Juve against everything
Not just refusals on the market: Yildiz and Thuram’s knees concern Spalletti and the fans
Patellofemoral syndrome for the Frenchman, as well as tendinopathy for the Turkishman, the season resumes with Douglas Luiz, the ‘star’ of the first day of pre-season. Carnevali’s ultimatum to PSG for Kolo Muani, then he gathers the players and staff members, highlighting the responsibility of being Bianconeri. David offered to Paris FC.
National team: Pirlo is on the rise
The new Italy technical director and his right-hand man want to rely on one of the Berlin heroes. Malagò is favourable to the idea of building a coach in-house.
Liverpool’s search for greater quality and long-term security in wide attacking areas has led them towards another of Europe’s rising talents.
With the Reds continuing to plan beyond Mohamed Salah, their recruitment team appear to be assessing younger wingers who can develop into major contributors rather than expecting one player to replace the Egyptian’s extraordinary output immediately.
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A move for a player already producing at Champions League and international level would fit that approach.
However, Liverpool are not alone in the race, and his impressive World Cup campaign has only increased Benfica’s negotiating power.
Liverpool join crowded Premier League race
According to A Bola, Liverpool are interested in Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup, with Chelsea and Tottenham also closely monitoring his situation.
The 22-year-old is considering taking on a new challenge despite having two years remaining on his contract, but Benfica are expected to demand at least €40m before considering a sale.
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Liverpool’s admiration was reported before the World Cup reached its closing stages.
Liverpool’s transfer media watch previously identified Schjelderup as an attacking option for the Reds, while also noting Tottenham’s interest in the Norwegian international.
Schjelderup appeared six times as Norway reached the World Cup quarter-finals, using the tournament to demonstrate his confidence, direct running and ability to create danger from the left.
His finest World Cup moment came against England, when he opened the scoring with a superb effort before Norway eventually suffered a 2-1 extra-time defeat.
The Guardian described how his strike put England under major pressure in Miami.
Schjelderup would offer Liverpool a technically gifted winger who can drift inside, carry the ball and contribute goals. At €40m, he would also be considerably cheaper than several of the club’s other reported attacking targets.
Liverpool should explore this deal seriously. Schjelderup is still developing, but his age, European experience and strong international performances make him an attractive long-term investment.
However, the Reds should avoid being dragged into a bidding war with Chelsea and Tottenham. He would arrive as a promising option rather than a guaranteed Salah replacement, so Liverpool must ensure the final fee reflects that reality.
Bayern Munich are working to remove any uncertainty surrounding their leading striker before his contract situation becomes a serious distraction.
With only one year remaining on his current agreement, speculation has naturally increased, particularly as several of Europe’s biggest clubs are searching for an experienced centre-forward.
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Tottenham continue to dream of an emotional reunion, while Barcelona and Real Madrid are closely monitoring developments.
However, Bayern remain relaxed and believe the England captain is happy in Munich, leaving interested clubs waiting for a contract breakdown that may never arrive.
Contract talks leave interested clubs waiting
According to TEAMtalk, Bayern are confident Harry Kane will sign a new long-term contract, with negotiations between the club and his representatives progressing positively.
The German champions reportedly view an extension as a matter of “when, not if,” despite interest from Tottenham, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
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Kane’s existing deal expires in June 2027, as confirmed by Bayern Munich’s official player profile.
That places Bayern under some pressure to secure an agreement, as allowing talks to drift into 2027 could weaken their control over his future.
Barcelona have already explored the possibility of signing him. talkSPORT reported that representatives of the Spanish champions had made contact while Bayern planned to resume negotiations after the World Cup.
Real Madrid have also requested updates, while Tottenham remain hopeful that Kane will eventually return to north London.
Staying in Bayern Munich may be the sensible choice
Kane’s situation is very different from when he left Tottenham in 2023.
He is settled in Germany, remains Bayern’s attacking leader and continues to compete for the biggest trophies.
A Saudi Pro League move is reportedly not under consideration, while any switch to MLS would be viewed as a longer-term possibility.
Staying at Bayern is currently the most logical decision. He remains the central figure in their attack and would be difficult to replace, which should give him considerable influence during contract negotiations.
A Tottenham return would carry emotional appeal, while Barcelona or Real Madrid would offer a fresh challenge.
However, leaving a stable and successful environment at this stage of his career would involve significant risk.
Chelsea’s preparations for the new Premier League season are beginning to gather momentum under Xabi Alonso, and one of the manager’s first major decisions has been to add more flexibility to his defence.
Following an inconsistent campaign, the Blues need players who can operate in different systems without weakening the balance of the team.
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That makes their latest defensive addition particularly interesting. Chelsea have not simply signed a conventional right-back, they have recruited a physically strong, tactically adaptable player who could be used on either flank or as part of several different defensive structures.
Alonso’s early comments suggest that versatility was one of the main reasons behind the move.
Alonso highlights versatility and strong mentality
According to Xabi Alonso, he is “very happy” with Marco Palestra and believes the Italian offers valuable positional flexibility.
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The Chelsea manager highlighted his ability to play in a back four or a back five, while also noting that he has previously operated on the left side.
Palestra looks like a signing made with the manager’s system firmly in mind. His ability to play as a full-back or wing-back should allow Alonso to switch formations without needing to make substitutions.
However, Chelsea supporters should still give him time to adapt.
Serie A and the Premier League place very different demands on defenders, particularly in terms of pace and physical pressure.
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Manchester City’s search for a specialist right-back has become one of the key stories of Enzo Maresca’s first transfer window at the Etihad.
The new manager wants a defender who can contribute in possession, move into advanced areas and adapt between different structures without disrupting the team’s rhythm.
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A reunion with a player Maresca previously coached at Chelsea would reduce the usual adaptation period.
However, the significant difference between the clubs’ valuations means City must decide whether to increase their offer or move quickly towards a more affordable alternative.
Chelsea full-back open to a move to Man City
Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffsidethat Man City have identified Malo Gusto as one of their leading defensive targets and believe the France international would be open to joining them.
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The price gap remains the biggest obstacle. City Xtra reports that City will not meet Chelsea’s current valuation, although further discussions are expected after the World Cup.
Chelsea are not completely against a sale, but they will only negotiate seriously if their financial expectations are respected.
Gusto’s familiarity with Maresca’s methods is a major attraction. He made 72 appearances under the Italian at Stamford Bridge, producing two goals and six assists, so City would be signing someone who already understands the manager’s tactical demands.
High valuation could force City towards other targets
Chelsea hold a strong negotiating position because Gusto remains under a long-term contract and they have little reason to strengthen a domestic rival cheaply.
His versatility and Premier League experience also make him more valuable than an unproven overseas option.
But City consider Chelsea’s demand ‘excessive‘ and they may now turn their attention towards other targets.
Gusto would be an excellent tactical signing for Maresca, but £75m is too much. City need a natural right-back, yet paying a premium simply because the manager knows the player would be poor financial planning.
Chelsea are entitled to protect their asset, especially when selling to a rival.
England’s preparations for their World Cup semi-final against Argentina have been complicated by a late fitness concern in midfield.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are one victory away from reaching their first World Cup final since 1966, making the availability of every senior player especially important.
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The Three Lions showed resilience to defeat Norway 2-1 after extra time in the quarter-final, but the demanding conditions and quick turnaround have taken a physical toll.
With Argentina likely to crowd central areas and look to control possession through Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul, England will want their strongest possible midfield available in Atlanta.
England remain optimisitc despite illness concern
According to the BBC, England will make a late decision on Declan Rice’s availability for Wednesday’s semi-final.
The Arsenal midfielder is still experiencing the effects of a sickness bug, although his condition is improving and the England camp remain optimistic that he will be able to start.
Rice missed training sessions before the Norway game and was substituted at half-time after struggling physically.
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However, The Guardian reports that he is winning his fitness battle, with Tuchel hoping to pair him with Elliot Anderson against the defending champions.
The midfielder’s importance goes beyond his defensive work. Rice gives England experience, protects the centre-backs and provides the physical power needed to compete with Argentina’s aggressive midfield.
If he cannot start, Kobbie Mainoo or Eberechi Eze could be considered, although either selection would change the balance of the team.
England’s official match information confirms that the semi-final will be played at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday evening, with the winner advancing to Sunday’s final.
It will be the countries’ first meeting for 21 years and their first World Cup encounter since 2002. England Football has also highlighted the long and often controversial history surrounding the rivalry.
Rice should start only if England’s medical staff are convinced he can maintain his intensity. A semi final against Argentina is not the match to carry a midfielder who is still feeling weak.
However, his influence makes waiting until the last possible moment understandable.
A fully functioning Rice could be crucial to stopping Argentina from controlling the game, but an unwell version may leave England exposed when the tempo rises.
Arsenal’s pursuit of another elite midfielder has reached an unexpected crossroads, with the club now deciding whether the deal still represents good value.
The Gunners originally believed a rare market opportunity had emerged, but Newcastle United’s actual asking price is considerably higher than the figure discussed during early conversations.
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That difference matters because Arsenal are also trying to strengthen their attack and other areas of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Sporting director Andrea Berta must now determine whether spending close to £90m on one midfielder is sensible or whether those funds would be better divided across several positions.
Arsenal discover £50m agreement does not exist
According to The Telegraph, Berta held discussions with intermediaries after receiving encouragement that Bruno Guimaraes could leave Newcastle for approximately £50m.
It was suggested that the Magpies had privately promised their captain a reduced-price departure if they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
However, after checks involving former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley, Arsenal reportedly discovered that no such agreement had ever been made.
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Newcastle instead want at least £80m, with some indications that the final cost could reach £90m.
The midfielder would also reportedly expect wages of around £300,000 per week.
The player’s desire may still give Arsenal encouragement. Sky Sports reported that Guimaraes has told Newcastle he wants to join the Premier League champions, although Arsenal had not formally contacted the club at the time.
Gunners could reassess their options in the market
The Guardian also reported that Arsenal were preparing an offer of around £60m after holding talks with the Brazilian’s representatives.
Guimaraes has two years remaining on his contract, plus an option for another season, leaving Newcastle in a strong position.
Arsenal should remain interested but refuse to meet an inflated price. Guimaraes is Premier League-proven, technically excellent and capable of improving the midfield immediately.
However, a package approaching £90m alongside £300,000-a-week wages would be a major commitment for a 28-year-old. Arsenal should make one serious offer and walk away if Newcastle refuse to compromise.
The original £50m opportunity looked exceptional. At nearly double that amount, the transfer becomes a much more difficult gamble.
SIOUX CITY, IA (KCAU) – Here is a look at the best plays of the week from Siouxland sports!
5. Number five, Sioux City North softball’s Aliyah Moon comes swooping in from third base to catch the bunt off the Des Moines Lincoln batter!
4. Number four, we head to Orange City, as Sioux Central visits Unity Christian for a postseason matchup. The hit goes deep, but the Rebels’ fielder Jack Christian comes from out of frame and lays out for the catch. But that wasn’t enough. Like SpongeBob, he says, ” You wanna see me do it again?” Well, the next at-bat almost goes to the same spot, and who else is there but Christian, making another diving snag for the out!
3. That takes us to number three from Sioux City West softball, Kiarah Hummel slaps one out to left. Ball gets booted by the outfielder, that’ll bring in Evangela Heyward, and just a few seconds like a jetliner, Hummel slides in for an inside-the-park homer!
2. Number two, the Explorers hosted the Saltdogs Friday night, and after finding themselves down 6-1 in the bottom of the 7th, they clawed their way back and tied it, taking the visitors to the 11th inning when Braulio Vasquez would hit a 2 RBI single into the outfield and help Sioux City win it 9-8!
1. But our top play of the week comes from Moc-Floyd Valley pitcher Brooks McCarty. After the pitch, he makes an acrobatic move to snag the ball behind his back while doing the splits, then throws out the runner heading home!
Stay tuned for next week’s top moments!
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Chelsea’s preparations for the new season have begun with one major question hanging over their midfield.
After a disappointing campaign and another change in the dugout, Xabi Alonso must decide which senior players will form the foundation of his Stamford Bridge rebuild.
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Enzo Fernández’s future has been the subject of growing speculation, with the Argentina international linked with a possible move away from west London.
However, Alonso’s first public comments on the situation suggest he sees the midfielder as an important part of his plans rather than someone Chelsea should actively look to sell.
Alonso makes his position clear on Fernández
According to Fabrizio Romano, Alonso confirmed that he has already spoken directly with Fernández.
The Chelsea manager refused to reveal the contents of their conversation, explaining that it would remain private, but gave a clear response when asked whether he wanted to keep the player:
“Yes, yes.”
That stance was also reported by Reuters, which noted that Alonso wants Fernández to remain as he attempts to establish a stronger identity and restore stability following Chelsea’s tenth-place finish last season.
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The midfielder is currently away with Argentina at the World Cup, meaning more detailed discussions over his future may have to wait until his international commitments are completed.
Transfer rumours have continued despite Alonso’s position.
talkSPORT reports that Fernández has attracted interest from Real Madrid, although Chelsea would be in a powerful negotiating position because of his long-term contract and major valuation.
Alonso is right to push for Fernández to stay. Chelsea already face another summer of squad changes, and losing one of their most experienced midfielders would create an unnecessary problem.
Fernández’s passing range, movement and ability to influence games from deeper areas could suit Alonso’s possession-focused approach. A more structured system may also help Chelsea get greater consistency from him.
Alonso needs leaders and technically gifted players around whom he can build, and the Argentine remains one of the strongest candidates to become central to Chelsea’s new project.
Manchester United’s midfield rebuild may not stop with the expected arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
The Red Devils are attempting to add greater energy, physical strength and Premier League experience in central areas after identifying the position as one of their biggest summer priorities.
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Signing another midfielder would leave United with a significantly different engine room heading into the new season.
However, the club must decide whether three major additions are necessary or whether some of their remaining transfer budget should be reserved for other positions.
Man United turn attention to Premier League proven option
According to Football Insider, Man United are preparing a fresh move for Wolves midfielder João Gomes.
The Brazilian is a long-term target at Old Trafford and could be allowed to leave Molineux following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
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The report claims United are extremely keen on the 25-year-old and hope to add him alongside Tielemans, with a verbal agreement reportedly in place for the Aston Villa midfielder.
The Guardian has also reported that United are in advanced negotiations for Tielemans after deciding to activate his £35m release clause.
Gomes would offer a different profile. His aggression, ball-winning ability and familiarity with English football could give United more protection in demanding matches, while his experience means he should require less time to adapt than an overseas prospect.
Michael Carrick is set to have a new look midfield
Man United have already completed the signing of Santos from Chelsea.
Gomes would be a strong addition if United can secure him at a reasonable price. He would bring intensity and defensive bite, while Santos and Tielemans offer more progression and creativity.
This looks like a sensible opportunity following Wolves’ relegation. Gomes is entering his prime, already understands the Premier League and could give United the balance their midfield has often lacked.
When it comes to the penalty issued by NASCAR against Bubba Wallace on Sunday night at Atlanta Motor Speedway, team owner but rival competitor Denny Hamlin is staying out of the process but understands why everything happened.
Hamlin has two hats that he wears at this stage of his career -- driver of the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 and team co-owner of 23XI Racing and they sometimes come in conflict. As a result, Hamlin says dealing with the immediate aftermath of the ‘out of bounds’ penalty was the responsibility of 23XI Performance Director Dave Rogers.
With that said, Hamlin said on Monday night’s Actions Detrimental podcast that he understood why Wallace was immediately issued the penalty that dropped him from second to 29th.
“I mean, when I watched it, I was thinking that that's definitely going to be a penalty because I've been penalized for it before, so I know and understand the rule and that it's not that you gain a position but you can't put yourself into position to gain a position,” Hamlin said. “Does that make any sense?”
NASCAR Rule Book Section 8.3.2 states:
“If NASCAR determines that a vehicle goes beneath the double painted lines to improve its position it will be black-flagged. If NASCAR determines that a vehicle forces another vehicle beneath the double painted lines in an effort to advance its own position, the vehicle may be black-flagged.”
Hamlin is explaining that the word to is doing a lot of heavy lifting in the rule. It’s not about the result but the intent.
“It's not literal in the sense of advancing your position,” Hamlin said. “It's making a move to advance. There's a word in there that is very, very specific on the result doesn't matter. It's the intention. … You have to pretend that there's a wall there.
“That yellow line, that is a wall essentially, that is not concrete. … And the minute that you step your foot out of bounds, it doesn’t matter whether you gained an advantage or not; that’s what they call. So yeah, while the finishing position showed (at first) that he didn’t advance, if you look out of the middle of Turns 3 and 4, Bubba was the furthest out in front.”
In other words, Wallace intended to advance his position and did ever so briefly. Ultimately, it cost him 27 points towards his seeding in the Chase for the Championship.
“So he technically did gain, he gained the lead at some point of the move,” Hamlin said. “And that sucks because he lost a lot. He should have finished in the top three at least with the speed and everything. They came from the back again from the Ty Gibbs thing. They were fast, man. And listen, they were aggressive.”
Hamlin doesn’t even have a problem with his driver going for it in that fashion on the last lap.
“Man, going for a win, I think you have to go for it,” Wallace said. “But I mean, I need to remind you that inside the car, we can’t see the lines. When I’m going down the backstretch at Atlanta, the difference between the apron and the actual race track, there isn’t a lot of difference in the banking. …
“Bubba in his in-car, and he probably made it up in his mind, was that he was going three-wide somewhere. ‘Wherever the biggest hole is, that is where I am going.’ When you turn there, that’s the moment you first see the line, but he can’t see it when he’s behind (Carson Hocevar and Ryan Blaney).
“So you don't know where you're at on the track till you get there (and) it's almost too little too late.”
On Monday, Wilson hit the court for the second time in his Summer League and while he didn't score 35 points, he was solid once again. Wilson did finish with 19 points and certainly could have had more but went 0-of-6 from the free-throw line in the loss to Utah. He also added five blocks.
However, he had the dunk of the Summer League so far. In the fourth quarter, Wilson drove and took flight, going up against Jonas Aidoo:
The dunk drew a big reaction from the crowd on hand and was a highlight reel play from Wilson. Overall, it's been a good Summer League through two games for Wilson.
With the Bulls returning to the court on Tuesday, it will be interesting to see if they sit Wilson and keep him out for the rest of Summer League.
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The summer of fun in South Philadelphia continues this week with events surrounding the MLB All-Star Game.
Phillies fans were out in full force as Citizens Bank Park played host to the 2026 Home Run Derby on Monday night.
The last time Philadelphia hosted the All-Star Game was in 1996 at Veterans Stadium. Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber were just three years old. On Monday, both All-Stars had the opportunity to participate in the Home Run Derby.
Samantha Donnelly, of Churchville, was one of the many Phillies fans who got to the ballpark early.
"This is my first Home Run Derby game, so I'm excited to see Kyle, Bryce Harper, hopefully hit some home runs. I wanna see Philadelphia get the W."
Hours before the Derby started, the Bank was packed with people heading to the pro shop and hanging out in Ashburn Alley.
Action News spoke with Juan Namnun as he made his way through the crowd.
"I mean this is like Route 76 at 5:30 on a Wednesday night," Namnun said.
But Namnun said he was thrilled to be in the bumper-to-bumper traffic.
"This is heaven. This is baseball heaven tonight."
Just above him, Sue Tamny and her family sat in the bleachers gearing up for the night ahead of them. Tamny called this a bucket list experience.
"I don't know why, but I've always loved the All-Star Game," she explained. "So when it was coming to Philadelphia, I said I wanna go! I don't know how, but I gotta go."
It looked like they weren’t going to get what they came to see.
The family of Monroe High graduate Noah Miller rented a local restaurant Sunday in hopes of allowing friends and family join in the celebration of his being selected in the Major League Baseball draft.
Scouts had told him that he would be picked between the sixth and eighth rounds.
But as the rounds ticked off and Miller’s name was not called, hopes began to dwindle.
“Already some family members were leaving,” he said. “They could not stay any longer. They said, ‘Sorry’ and ‘Keep your head up.’”
Even Miller thought he would have to put his professional dreams on hold and return for another season at the University of Michigan.
“It got to be like the 16th round and my agent called to keep me updated,” Miller said. “He said, ‘It’s not looking great. To be honest, I don’t think it’s going to happen.
“Around the 17th round, I called one of my coaches at Michigan and was venting, letting it all out. I said, ‘I’ve hit almost .300 two years in row and have arguably some of the best defensive numbers in the country and I’m not getting drafted.’”
Miller went out to his car and composed an e-mail to the 80 to 100 youth baseball players he instructs on the art of catching.
“I was about to put out my lesson schedule in a mass text,” he said. “It said, ‘I didn’t get drafted, so I’ll be doing lessons.’ Just before I hit send, my agent called he said, ‘Hey, Noah, the Astros are going to draft you.’”
Instead of sending out the lesson schedule, he went back to the party.
Miller originally was told he would be picked in the 20th round, but Houston actually pulled the trigger one round earlier.
He was the 571st player selected.
“It kind of happened all at once,” he said.
It was a rapid conclusion to a long, frustrating day.
Miller arrived at the restaurant at 10 a.m., about 90 minutes before the draft resumed for rounds 5-20.
He finally was picked at around 6:30 p.m.
“It was awesome,” he said. “I got 30 texts in about 10 seconds. I shut my phone off. I wanted to be in the moment.”
Miller didn’t keep his phone turned off.
“I probably had close to 1,000 texts,” he said. “I replied to every single one. I was up until about 2 a.m. Those are the people who helped me get to where I am. I wanted to thank all of them.”
It was a moment he has been waiting for his entire life.
“It was a long day – excitement, nervousness, anger and resentment all in one day,” he said. “I didn’t see happening this way, but the way it happened was perfect. The Astros are the perfect organization for me to be in. They are fired up to have me and I am fired up to be with them.”
Miller wasn’t drafted as early as he had hoped, but didn’t back down on his demands.
“I had two years of eligibility (at Michigan) left,” he said. “I wasn’t going to go unless I got my named called and I got at least $150,000. I had the same agent as Bryce Windham (a St. Mary Catholic Central graduate who reached Triple A with the Chicago Cubs). We kept it in Monroe.”
Miller will report to Houston’s minor-league complex in West Palm Beach, Fla., later this week.
There he will find out his first minor-league assignment.
A strong possibility is the Astros’ low-A team in Fayetteville, N.C. If that happens, he would team up with Bedford graduate Brandon Nigh.
“I’ve been talking to him,” Nigh said. “He’s kind of teaching me the ropes. It would be pretty cool to be teammates with him.”
Miller was an All-Stater in 2023 after an outstanding senior season at Monroe when he hit .367 with a .541 slugging percentage, drove in 26 runs and scored 23 times.
He accepted a scholarship to The University of Michigan.
After a redshirt season in 2024, he hit .293 and drove in 18 runs in 37 games in 2025, then hit .292 and drove in 26 runs in 48 games this spring.
He made the All-Big Ten Tournament team in each season.
“Don’t know what happened,” he said. “I just seemed to turn it on in The Big 10 Tournament.”
Kaczmar's career curve took an unusual turn. He originally committed to Ohio State and played two seasons in Columbus before transferring to South Carolina for the 2025 season and then coming back to OSU for his senior season last year.
A captain of the 2026 Ohio State squad, Kaczmar was recognized on the All-Big Ten Second Team and as an ABCA/Rawlings All-East Region Second Team honoree. During his senior campaign, Kaczmar set the single-season program doubles record with 26. He also batted .316 with 50 runs scored, 71 hits, 12 home runs, and 47 RBIs. He stole 7-for-8 bases.
Kaczmar and Eckelman played together in high school at Walsh Jesuit before playing at Ohio State together for the first two seasons of their college careers. They now will have a unique and rare opportunity to play together in the Big Leagues if all the stars align.
— Ohio State Baseball (@OhioStateBASE) July 13, 2026
The duo were the only two OSU baseball players that were a part of the MLB draft process in 2026, and we'll follow along with where things go as they try to navigate the Mariners' minor leagues and hopefully on up to the Big Show.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes, and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
In the span of a minute, Conrad Sanders experienced the full range of emotions an Ironman race can provide.
Crossing the finish line? The 32-year-old clutched and pumped the banner he broke through, the face of pure determination and ultimate accomplishment.
A few seconds later? Sanders was sprawled on the pavement, holding a pained, exhausted grimace as he furiously tried to catch his breath.
“Make sure he gets up and walks,” a nearby medical officer said.
But once he was back on his feet, barely a half-minute later?
Sanders said he wouldn’t mind coming back for more next year.
“Definitely,” he said, with a grin on his face.
Sanders was one of 746 participants to cross the finish line Sunday in the Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso, the first half-triathlon to be hosted in New Mexico by The Ironman Group, a popular international endurance sports company.
Finishing in 4 hours, 4 minutes and 52 seconds, Sanders was the fastest to complete a 1.2-mile swim around Grindstone Lake, a 56-mile out-and-back bike ride through Ruidoso and finally, a 13.1-mile run around the athlete village at White Mountain Sports Complex. The event site boasted the highest average elevation (6,920 feet) of any Ironman race in the United States, one that only 53 percent of the 1,390 who entered finished.
However daunting the grueling mountain course seemed, there was something — the proximity of the race, the challenge it provided or all of the above — that got the competitors to the starting line early Sunday morning.
Take Sanders. It wasn’t a surprise he made it out for Sunday’s race — after all, the Arizona native is a regular on the Ironman circuit, competing in 20-plus half-triathlons since he took up the sport in 2013.
Sanders also plans to run his eighth “full” triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run) this fall.
“Ironman has a lot of money from me,” he chuckled. “They’re making a killing off me, that’s for sure.”
But it was a feel for New Mexico that made Ruidoso a no-brainer for Sanders. Working as a dietician in Zuni, he said he “100%” knew he was going to enter the event when it was announced.
“New Mexico, I thought it was a flyover state,” Sanders said. “ … But working up in Zuni, (he’s had) a real change in the perception of what New Mexico is. It’s a really, really beautiful state … You don’t have a lot of races at this elevation.”
Alina Hanschke, the top women’s finisher at 4:30.06, was drawn to the Ruidoso event more for convenience than anything else. Balancing raising two young children as an active triathlete, the Puebla, Mexico native believed Ruidoso would be a perfect place to take a week-long family vacation while getting the opportunity to race.
Looking at her children from just behind the finish line, the 42-year-old wondered aloud if they knew every family doesn’t do this on vacation.
“I don’t know,” Hanschke chuckled. “But it’s nice. They like hiking, they like riding bikes … and they love it. But it’s hard (balancing the two).”
For others across the field, Ruidoso served as a way to prove they could complete a triathlon — whether they knew it before entering or not.
Case in point: Nicholas Letbetter, 18, competed as a high school graduation gift after hearing his friend brag about their dad completing the Ironman.
“I was like, ‘you know what?’” the Houston native remembered. “‘Lemme try this.’”
After finishing 22nd in his age division (6:16.46) at his first Ironman, Letbetter now aims to be more competitive in the coming years. “That’s hopefully what my senior graduation gift from college will be,” he chuckled.
For some, simply finding a new avenue to compete provided enough of an appeal. Jonathan Gardea, 29, of El Paso switched from competitive powerlifting, while Elisa Woody, 31, embraced triathlons after back injuries ended her collegiate running career for New Mexico in the mid-2010s.
The Albuquerque native and Volcano Vista High School graduate said the tight-knit community around triathlons has kept her in it.
“Everybody kind of comes together at the end — like it doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, they will cheer for you,” Woody said.
As more and more racers crossed the finish line Sunday, race director Shane Asbury said he saw exactly that. With one year of a three-year contract down and what he called an “infectious” energy from racers and spectators alike, he believes the Ironman has come to stay in Ruidoso.
“It’s going to put this town on the map,” Asbury said. “I really think so. Living in Arizona, I always thought Ruidoso could mimic like, a Flagstaff … and really be one of these towns where people come for the outdoors.
“ … I just want to put it on the map. That’s my goal and it’s always been my goal.”
Sean Reider covers college football and other sports for the Journal. You can reach him at sreider@abqjournal.com or via X at @lenaweereider.
Unfortunately for Lobo fans, it's too late for that, but UNM did announce on Monday it has signed a home-and-home contract with Wichita State for men's basketball — one game this season on Nov. 21 in Kansas and the second on a yet-to-be-determined date in the 2027-28 season in the Pit.
Last week, despite plenty of public sentiment for the six-decade-old Pit to win a bid to host preliminary round games of the newly expanded NCAA Tournament for the next two years, the NCAA chose Wichita State's bid as the winner, citing its geographical advantage being closer to far more schools and fan bases than is Albuquerque.
As for the coming home-and-home basketball series between two of the more traditional top non-power conference programs, Lobos second-year coach Eric Olen has said he’s hopeful it can be a Quad 1 game on the road — a much-coveted distinction as the Lobos move into the newly configured Mountain West comes with the expectation of league play not helping the postseason resume as in years past.
"I think we've been able to put together a good schedule," Olen told reporters last week, prior to the Wichita State game being announced. "St. Mary's and Utah State are kind of marquee home games. And obviously we have New Mexico State at home, so we feel good about the home environments. And then we have a return to Santa Clara. We like that — theoretically a Quad 1 (game). Boise, Oregon State on neutral (courts). ...
"We still have a few games left to get, so we'll see how things play out."
For the Lobos — as the road team this season — Wichita State would have to end the season with a NET ranking in the top 75. The Shockers finished tied for second in the American this past season and with a final NET ranking of 70.
The Lobos finished this past season with a NET of 46.
The schedule so far
Based on records requests and announcements from the schools, the 13-game UNM men's basketball nonconference schedule for this season has nine games locked up, so far, plus two exhibition games:
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Exhibition: at Oklahoma State, Oct. 11
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Exhibition: vs. Washington State, Oct. 18 (The Pit)
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vs. Utah Tech, Nov. 2 (The Pit)
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vs. Northern Arizona, Nov. 10 (The Pit)
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at Santa Clara, Nov. 14
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at Wichita State, Nov. 21
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vs. Utah State, Nov. 29 (The Pit)
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vs. New Mexico State, Dec. 5 (The Pit)
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vs. Saint Mary's, Dec. 12 (The Pit)
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vs. Boise State, Dec. 21 or 23 (TBD event in California)
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vs. Oregon State, Dec. 21 or 23 (TBD event in California)
Wanna see?
The Lobo men's basketball team will hold a second open-to-the-public summer practice on July 21 in the Pit.
There will be an Albuquerque Isotopes game going on that same night with charged parking. Parking at the Pit, for the practice, is free if drivers inform the lot attendant they are there for basketball.
Odds & ends...
• Former Lobo forward Josiah Allick got his first NBA Summer League action Sunday with the Charlotte Hornets. He grabbed one rebound in just 57 seconds on the court and did not take a shot. ...
• Former Lobo Timeo Pons, who transferred this offseason to Abilene Christian, scored a game-high 23 points with 10 rebounds and three steals on Sunday for France's U20 National team in a dominant 95-66 win over Germany in a group stage game in Slovenia. He hit 6-of-9 3-pointers. ...
• The second Eric Olen kids camp of the summer for boys and girls in first through eight grades will be July 27-30 in the Pit.
For more information on attending the camp, contact assistant coach Michael Wilder at mwilder2@unm.edu.
PHILADELPHIA — The young upstart beat the veteran hometown hero in MLB’s Home Run Derby.
Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker upset Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber in the league’s home run contest before a raucous crowd at Citizens Bank Park, prevailing by a 12-11 score in the final. Walker completed a closing rally with six straight home runs on his final six swings to overtake Schwarber.
The 24-year-old Walker, a fourth-year player in the midst of a breakout season for the resurgent Cardinals, will gain a $1 million prize for winning the Home Run Derby—the largest part of the league’s $2.5 million prize pool for the event. Those winnings for Walker more than eclipse his entire 2026 salary of $799,400.
He is also the first Cardinal to win the Home Run Derby, despite a storied franchise history that includes former stars such as Mark McGwire and Albert Pujols.
Schwarber will get the $500,000 runner-up prize.
Bryce Harper, the other Home Run Derby competitor from the All-Star Game host club Phillies, did not advance beyond the first round.
Harper and five other Home Run Derby competitors—the Rays’ Junior Caminero, the Red Sox’ Willson Contreras, Royals’ Jac Caglianone, White Sox’ Munetaka Murakami, and Yankees’ Ben Rice—earned $150,000 each. Caminero also had the longest home run of the night, at 491 feet, to garner an additional $100,000.
Despite a move to an untimed competition format for the first time since 2014, this year’s Home Run Derby still moved with crispness and was complete before 10:40 p.m. ET. Instead of going by batter outs, as had been the case before the use of a timer, this year’s structure went by the number of swings.
Cheering on Schwarber’s run to the finals, the Philadelphia fans, meanwhile, are giving an even more definitively local feel to an All-Star Game missing MLB’s two biggest stars and many top pitchers.
Similar to the migration of sports content to streaming that has sparked governmental outcry elsewhere, Netflix carrying the derby prompted a predictable run of complaints from fans.
“I miss when the hardest part of watching sports was finding the remote,” read one typical fan complaint on social media. “Now I need a flowchart, six streaming services, QR codes, two-factor authentication, and blood samples just to watch guys hit the long balls us chicks dig so much.”
MLB’s strategy with placing the Home Run Derby on Netflix, though, was getting in front of a younger group of fans, and a larger collection of people as well. Netflix has a domestic reach of about 90 million homes, and has more than 325 million subscribers globally, and both measures are still growing. ESPN’s linear channel, by comparison, is in roughly 60 million U.S. households—down by 40% from a peak seen 15 years ago.
The Home Run Derby production itself alternated between two different crews of talent. That collection of personalities was highlighted in part by MLB legends Barry Bonds and Pujols, MLB’s Nos. 1 and 4 all-time home run hitters.
Netflix’s second crack at live baseball came with a built-in advantage: the Home Run Derby doesn’t need much help to be entertaining. Strip away the ceremony, and it’s just batting practice with stakes, and this year, MLB handed the streamer a genuine upgrade by scrapping the countdown clock in favor of a format that lets hitters keep swinging as long as they’re producing. It’s the best change the event has seen in years, and it deserved a broadcast that didn’t get in its own way.
For long stretches, Netflix delivered that. For other stretches, it seemed determined not to.
Start with the good, because there’s a lot of it. Untethering the Derby from a timer was an easy, obvious improvement, and it’s the rare format tweak that generated no real pushback. Well, besides maybe Jeff Passan. The new setup rewards hot streaks instead of racing a clock, and it made for a night with a noticeably different rhythm than derbies past. Whatever else went wrong Monday night, the league deserves full credit for finally fixing this.
The picture itself, in the moments the broadcast let you see it clearly, backed that up. The image was sharp, the graphics package was clean and legible — almost to a fault — and this was a clear step forward from Netflix’s Opening Night broadcast back in March, if only because the network mostly resisted the urge to remind viewers every few minutes that they were watching Netflix.
Mostly.
But before the swinging started, Netflix leaned on Will Ferrell, Jimmy Tatro, and Luke Wilson to open the broadcast, and the segment landed with a thud. The audio made it hard to hear what anyone was saying, the comedy felt manufactured rather than spontaneous, and the whole bit doubled as an ad for a Netflix original. It’s the same instinct that dragged down the network’s Opening Night pregame in March — a reflexive need to cross-promote the platform’s other content — just in a smaller dose this time.
Oh my God, the three guys doing supposed comedic commentary on the Home Run Derby player intros are the least funny people to be given such a national stage, without question. They. Are. Brutal. Who wrote these godawful lines for them? Embarrassing, Netflix. Utterly embarrassing.
Elle Duncan’s aside about the 1996 Derby being a topic of enduring conversation in Philadelphia, which Philadelphia sports fans were quick to note isn’t actually true, was a minor unforced error in the same vein.
Elle Duncan on Netflix’s Derby broadcast: The 1996 Home Run Derby is something “Philadelphians talk about to this day.”
But the pregame, promos, and all were never going to be the story of the night. Once the players stepped in and the swings started counting, the broadcast had to stand on its own, and that’s where the real test began.
The lounge pairing of Duncan, Barry Bonds, and Albert Pujols had the makings of the better booth, and the set itself worked. But calling live swings wasn’t where Bonds and Pujols were comfortable, and the commentary came out vanilla and subdued — pleasant, but not adding much to what was already on screen. Duncan held her own despite not being the one expected to call the action, and the read on her was fair: this wasn’t a knock on her so much as a format that didn’t play to the group’s strengths.
There’s an easy fix sitting right there, too, as The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand noted. Instead of parking the lounge as a standalone set, Netflix could use it as a between-batters destination, where they bring a hitter over for a quick conversation with Bonds and Pujols once his round wraps, rather than sending Lauren Shehadi or CC Sabathia to chase an interview down mid-swing. It would give the lounge a job beyond commentary and solve the in-game interview problem in the same move.
The preference, when the ball was actually in the air, ran toward the crew of Matt Vasgersian, Anthony Rizzo, and Hunter Pence. Rizzo was the standout of the group, sharp and insightful whenever the conversation turned to mechanics, which is exactly the kind of expertise a Derby booth should lean on. Hunter Pence brought real energy too — he was clearly locked in and into the moment, and that enthusiasm read as one of the booth’s better qualities. Where the group as a whole stumbled was in occasionally tipping past that energy into over-the-top territory during routine swings, something that applied to Rizzo, Pence, and Vasgersian alike at various points.
Chris Berman spent decades hollering his way through this exact event and never once sounded like he was performing enthusiasm rather than feeling it; the swings earned the volume. Monday’s booth hadn’t figured out that distinction yet, and by the third round of manufactured hysteria, the excitement had started to cancel itself out.
Neither booth had a poor showing. One added insight and energy but occasionally ran hot; the other was pleasant and composed but rarely had much to say. A happy medium between the two was exactly what was missing.
If there’s one throughline in how this broadcast will be remembered, it’s the camera work, and not in a good way.
I like this new format for watching on TV, I just need them to stop switching the camera angles so many times.
The Home Run Derby has one job: show the ball leaving the bat and show where it lands. Netflix, with its cinematic ambitions, treated that job as optional. Tight close-ups on hitters’ faces during their swings repeatedly cost viewers the actual moment of contact, and the broadcast leaned on those close-ups instead of following the ball in flight. On at least one stretch, the camera stayed locked on the pitcher through consecutive swings from Jordan Walker, which is about as far as you can get from what anyone tuned in to see.
they literally had the camera on the PITCHER for two straight swings by Walker
It wasn’t a matter of a broadcast finding its footing over the course of the night, either, as the same complaint kept surfacing swing after swing. The frustration turned into something close to a consensus among viewers: a Home Run Derby doesn’t need much more than a shot behind the pitcher and a shot on the ball’s landing spot, and Netflix kept finding ways to use neither. There was no shortage of suggestions for a fix, either, with multiple viewers noting that simply holding the camera on the hitter through contact and then following the ball would solve the entire problem. It’s a two-camera fix for a production with far more cameras than that at its disposal.
Dear @netflix production team and director: for the love of God, leave the camera on the batter until he hits the ball then just follow the ball. You only need two cameras for this. #homerunderby#mlb
The absence of exit velocity data compounded the issue. Between the missing numbers and the wrong camera angles, a broadcast built around a single visceral moment — bat meets ball — kept finding ways to obscure that exact moment.
Alright I’ve been silent about the @netflix Home Run Derby experience, but not having exit velocity and launch angle in a literal home run derby is akin to an attack on my life.
Then there was the non-call. Junior Caminero’s final swing of the round sent a ball down the left field line, and by the look on his face, he thought it was fair — which would have kept his turn going. Netflix never showed a replay, so nobody watching ever got to find out if he was right. A broadcast that spent the night favoring close-ups over the ball’s flight ran into the one moment where that habit actually cost something.
So Netflix, you have a just down the line fair or foul ball that Caminero clearly thinks was fair on his last swing (where if he gets a HR he keeps swinging).
This was a broadcast pulling in two directions. The format Netflix inherited from MLB was close to perfect, the picture was frequently excellent, and the network mostly avoided the self-promotional bloat that weighed down its Opening Night debut. But the actual job of a Home Run Derby broadcast — showing the swing, showing the flight, showing where the ball lands — kept getting lost to close-ups, ill-timed interviews, and a director seemingly more interested in mood than information. Netflix has the format and the infrastructure. What it still needs is the discipline to point the camera at the baseball.
Watch above for an in-depth preview with the Crestview Rebels 2026 team!
“It’s just grit and be more powerful than the guy lined up against you,” said senior lineman Shane Bacon. “It’s just manpower, I don’t know, it just gets me going.”
Bacon will anchor the defense with 3 total lineman returning. Overall the Rebels bring back 10 seniors for this fall.
“That should help us out immensely this year, we’re going to lean on those guys on both sides of the ball and hopefully the younger guys that are stepping in get the chance to mature,” said head coach Dom Perry.
Coach Perry is in his fourth season as head coach and will have a new quarterback this season in junior Braydon Meier.
“They’re all ready to get out there and play on Friday nights,” said senior linebacker Josh Smith. “I think we have a really big D-line. Our D-ends are real nice, its going to be exciting to watch them all play.”
Coach Perry said his players at skill positions are younger as 9 total kids graduated last school year.
Last season the Rebels had a unbeaten regular season with a double-digit win total. 2025 was the first time Crestview has double-digit wins in 10 years.
“Last year we won the league, but that was more of our senior class leading us, so I think this grade that we have now hasn’t really earned anything,” said Smith. “We want to go out and get something for ourselves.”
The Rebels have not won a playoff game since 2020 and are 0-3 in the postseason in Coach Perry’s tenure.
“That would mean everything, Coach Perry turned this program around, he’s just done everything in his power, brought in a great coaching staff,” said Bacon. “If we can get a win for him, that would mean the world.”
Rebels were 10-1 in 2025 and a perfect 7-0 in the MVAC Grey Tier.
Crestview starts 2026 against Beaver Local on Aug. 21.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New light vehicle sales in the U.S. are up 7.9% year-on-year in June to 1.4 million units according to GlobalData. The Seasonally adjusted annualised rate of sales (SAAR) is up from 15.95 million a year ago in June 2025 to 16.6 million, also ahead of May’s 16.21 million. Q2 volumes edge up 0.6% to 4,238,996. According to JD Power and GlobalData average incentives are up 13% year-on-year in June to $3,217. Incentives on non-electric vehicles are up 19% to $2,970 while incentives on EVs are up just 3.1% to $9,824. Hybrids account for 16% of the US market in June, up from 13.7% in June 2025 with EV’s share at 7.4%.
Over the second quarter of the year, General Motors (-4.2%) remains the most successful OEM in the country ahead of Toyota Motor (+1.1%). However this is GM’s third consecutive quarterly decline. Ford Motor (-10.4%) takes a big hit, but the next six manufacturers all beat the market. Notably, Nissan Group (+9.2%) and Stellantis (+5.7%) recover, with the VW Group also up significantly at +9.8%. American Honda (+8.4%) impresses while Hyundai-Kia (+3.5%) is also up.
Toyota (+2.6%) is once again the most popular marque and extends its gap over #2 Ford (-10.1%) to above 65,000 units over Q2. Chevrolet (-3.8%) is also in difficulty in third place. Nissan shoots up 10.2% in Q1 and announced it has posted 16 consecutive months of year-over year retail U.S. sales increases. Honda (+9.4%) also delivers a very solid gain, with Subaru (+6.8%), Hyundai (+4%) and Kia (+2.8%) in shape. Further down, Chrysler (+80%), Volkswagen (+24.9%) and BMW (+13%) stand out.
Model-wise, the Ford F-Series (-11%) hits a wall, as a fire at a key supplier handicapped production. The Chevrolet Silverado (-7.3%) also struggles at #2 but the Honda CR-V (+16%) confirms it is the new SUV champion in the US. Indeed the Toyota RAV4 (-24.2%) continues on its difficult generation changeover and is down to #7 for the quarter. The Ram Pickup (+14.3%) is in great shape as is the Toyota Camry (+18.5%) while the GMC Sierra (+5%) is softer. The Tesla Model Y (+2.7%) falls to #8 ahead of the Honda Civic (+8.1%) and Toyota Tacoma (+5%). Excellent performances below by the Nissan Rogue (+38.6%), Ford Explorer (+13.8%) and Honda Accord (+41.2%).
A bombshell report from the Bank of America has just demolished the fallacy that new memory supply is just around the proverbial corner, with SK hynix now likely to bring online just around one-sixth of its initially envisaged production capacity additions by 2028. According to a Taiwanese memory chip industry insider, Samsung and SK hynix will only be able to bring their massive new fabs at Gwangju and Jeolla fully online after a decade We already know that South Korea's President, Lee Jae-myung, wants the country's memory capacity doubled by 2030, and has touted massive new fabs that Samsung and […]
Michigan guard LJ Cason plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, he told On3.
The 6-foot-2 sophomore will now look for a new college home after Dusty May accepted the Dallas Mavericks job. Late last week, Michigan promoted Mike Boynton from interim to full-time head coach, agreeing to a two-year deal to become the next head coach of the Wolverines.
Cason averaged 8.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 18.6 minutes per game this season while shooting 50.3% from the field and 40.2% from three-point range. Unfortunately, his season was cut short after he suffered a torn ACL in late February against Illinois.
Cason, a former three-star recruit, was initially committed to Florida Atlantic under May before following him to Ann Arbor.
Michigan went 37-3 this past season, winning its first national championship since 1989. The Wolverines also had three players selected in the NBA lottery, with Morez Johnson Jr. going ninth overall to the Dallas Mavericks, Yaxel Lendeborg being selected 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors, and Aday Mara going 12th overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Due to Michigan’s recent coaching change, the transfer portal will open for a 15-day window for all Wolverines basketball players beginning July 15, five days after Boynton was officially named head coach. However, every other Michigan player has already announced his intention to remain in Ann Arbor and play for Boynton, including key returners from the national championship team in Elliot Cadeau and Trey McKenney.
A Michigan State hockey commit has made a massive decision for his future of prep hockey, prior to joining the Spartans in East Lansing.
According to a report, Gavin Burcar has declined an invite to join the United States National Development Program, and instead, stay in the WHL and play another season with the Spokane Chiefs. He spent 63 games with the Chiefs in 2025-26.
A 6-foot-2 right shot forward from Villa Park, California, Burcar is a 2009-born player and is expected to join Michigan State in 2027-28. He will be NHL Entry Draft eligible in 2027.
17s Natty Camp💧 Cooler Talk:
Sounds like F Gerry DiCunzulo, who did not attend natty camp after being selected by NY, will be leaving the OHL for NTDP.
Penn State commit had 9 pts in 39 GP for Peterborough last year.
Also: Shorter, Conboy, Burcar all declined NTDP invites.
Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Rex_Linzy
You might be hard-pressed to find a time when the Oregon Ducks didn't have a star running back or two to lead the offense. While the Ducks have some notoriety as a high-flying offense scoring through the air with talented quarterbacks, Dan Lanning's staff has always made the ground game a point of emphasis.
The Ducks saw some big changes to the running back room in the offseason, but the two most important members of the group returned. Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. both had breakout seasons in their first year in Eugene, and now the expectation is that they will take another step in 2026.
CBS Sports' Blake Brockermeyer ranked the top 10 running back rooms around the country, and the Ducks placed third on the list, which is impressive given the room is led by a pair of sophomores. Davison and Hill have very different styles as runners, but their ability to rotate will be huge for Oregon next season to mix up the pace. They amassed over 1,500 scrimmage yards and 21 total touchdowns in 2025.
Jordon Davison takes his 2nd TD of the night 39 yards! @oregonfootball
Davison rushed for 667 yards and a team-high 15 touchdowns, the second-most for an Oregon freshman tailback ever, trailing only Royce Freeman, who scored 18 times in 2014. Running backs coach Ra'Shaad Samples recognized his talent as a bruising back immediately and didn't waste any time getting him the ball in short-yardage spots.
"The Ducks return two impressive sophomores in Jordan Davison and future superstar Dierre Hill, who should form an electric duo in the Big Ten," Brockermeyer wrote. "Davison averaged 5.9 yards per touch with 15 rushing touchdowns and offers a nice blend of power, speed, vision and cutback ability."
Hill was the second option, with Noah Whittington providing a similar skill set with more experience. In his freshman season, Hill ran for 656 yards and five touchdowns, handling 38 fewer carries than Davison. Hill turns heads with his lightning speed and agility in the open field. He got some opportunities as a returner in the spring game as well, although the results were a mixed bag.
"Hill has barely scratched the surface of his potential and averaged 8.75 yards per carry," Brockermeyer wrote. "He has home-run speed and excels in Oregon's outside-zone scheme and on jet sweeps for huge gains. Hill also has good power and a nice stiff-arm and projects as a future NFL star."
The Ducks have the best running back room in the Big Ten, according to CBS Sports' rankings. Only Miami and Texas Tech ranked higher than Oregon. USC made the list at No. 5, led by King Miller and Waymond Jordan, while Ohio State placed ninth, with Bo Jackson and Ja'Kobi Jackson leading the charge. Oregon will be tested by both on the road this season.
Beyond Davison and Hill, the Ducks have more talent joining the room this year. Da'Jaun Riggs is back, but the list of newcomers is impressive. Colorado transfer Simeon Price could be leading the race for the third spot on the depth chart, while freshmen Brandon Smith and Tradarian Ball have also made a case for playing time during the spring.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
It was thick and gleaming. In the right light, it sparkled, yellow gold wrapped around a crimson stone centerpiece. Everyone associated with Indiana’s 2007 Insight Bowl team received one, Smith among that number as a member of IU’s radio broadcast crew.
Joe’s Hep Ring was easy to spot, often outlined against the McDonald’s coffee cup that sometimes seemed attached to his hand like a limb unto itself. He wore it proudly, and practically all the time, happy to tell stories about the man — Terry Hoeppner — it commemorated and kept close.
Because at his core, Joe was that: a storyteller. On any range of subjects, he could fill pages with memories, singling out small details that enriched big stories.
About some of the best teams Indiana University ever saw, in any number of sports. About growing up at the ballfields and in the batting cages around Indianapolis, remembering local legends like Clyde Peach and Larry Highbaugh. About his decades spent chronicling the life and times of Bloomington’s high school athletes.
Parents and children shared Joe Smith stories. Athletes across generations. He kept his own history of this place, and he did so proudly.
We lost Joe on Monday, and now it feels like there’s a hole here that can’t be filled. There aren’t words adequate to do justice to someone so gifted with them himself.
For so many fans, Joe was synonymous with IU sports. He worked alongside Don Fischer, both of them hall-of-famers, for four decades, Joe handling pregame, halftime and postgame duties for both football and men’s basketball. His voice told the stories of so many remarkable moments, moments crystallized intro memories.
Mine aren’t altogether different. Across nearly 20 years on this beat, Joe helped fill in so many gaps with his sharp memory and penchant for recall. Sometimes, that was in an official capacity, reflecting for some project or historical record. Sometimes it was over a beer at old Yogi’s, the one that stood for years at the corner of 10th Street and Indiana Avenue, like a staging post between Indiana’s campus and its stadiums and arenas seven blocks further north.
Joe was for all of us as much a part of the IU experience as any of the times and places he helped describe to listeners across 50-plus years in broadcasting.
He was just as tightly tethered to local high school sports. Working as sports director at WGCL-AM 1370, now 98.7 The Zone, he called games all over Monroe County. Seemingly anyone who played high school sports in Bloomington had at least one Joe Smith story. Most had more. He was proud of that, too.
Joe retired from IU’s radio broadcast in 2022 but never left the microphone. He remained part of his longtime station’s conversation around IU sports through these two historic seasons under Curt Cignetti, with a small squad of us taking care to mule back game programs to share with him from the Hoosiers’ stops along the way.
In a tribute posted to Twitter on Monday night, former IU men’s basketball coach Tom Crean said in part, “Joe Smith epitomized kindness and just pure, genuine love” for IU sports, IU basketball and the Bloomington area. That all that is true is why there’s a hole in those communities tonight, one that can’t be filled even by the outpouring of love, in return, for Joe’s family.
That might have been his greatest source of pride. He kept his children and grandchildren close. He loved to trade stories about his for stories about yours. No one could disarm you into becoming a friend faster than Joe Smith.
And none of us can quite imagine, now, a world without him. This place, and its people, will miss him terribly.
It was thick and gleaming. In the right light, it sparkled, yellow gold wrapped around a crimson stone centerpiece. Everyone associated with Indiana’s 2007 Insight Bowl team received one, Smith among that number as a member of IU’s radio broadcast crew.
Joe’s Hep Ring was easy to spot, often outlined against the McDonald’s coffee cup that sometimes seemed attached to his hand like a limb unto itself. He wore it proudly, and practically all the time, happy to tell stories about the man — Terry Hoeppner — it commemorated and kept close.
Because at his core, Joe was that: a storyteller. On any range of subjects, he could fill pages with memories, singling out small details that enriched big stories.
About some of the best teams Indiana University ever saw, in any number of sports. About growing up at the ballfields and in the batting cages around Indianapolis, remembering local legends like Clyde Peach and Larry Highbaugh. About his decades spent chronicling the life and times of Bloomington’s high school athletes.
Parents and children shared Joe Smith stories. Athletes across generations. He kept his own history of this place, and he did so proudly.
We lost Joe on Monday, and now it feels like there’s a hole here that can’t be filled. There aren’t words adequate to do justice to someone so gifted with them himself.
For so many fans, Joe was synonymous with IU sports. He worked alongside Don Fischer, both of them hall-of-famers, for four decades, Joe handling pregame, halftime and postgame duties for both football and men’s basketball. His voice told the stories of so many remarkable moments, moments crystallized intro memories.
Mine aren’t altogether different. Across nearly 20 years on this beat, Joe helped fill in so many gaps with his sharp memory and penchant for recall. Sometimes, that was in an official capacity, reflecting for some project or historical record. Sometimes it was over a beer at old Yogi’s, the one that stood for years at the corner of 10th Street and Indiana Avenue, like a staging post between Indiana’s campus and its stadiums and arenas seven blocks further north.
Joe was for all of us as much a part of the IU experience as any of the times and places he helped describe to listeners across 50-plus years in broadcasting.
He was just as tightly tethered to local high school sports. Working as sports director at WGCL-AM 1370, now 98.7 The Zone, he called games all over Monroe County. Seemingly anyone who played high school sports in Bloomington had at least one Joe Smith story. Most had more. He was proud of that, too.
Joe retired from IU’s radio broadcast in 2022 but never left the microphone. He remained part of his longtime station’s conversation around IU sports through these two historic seasons under Curt Cignetti, with a small squad of us taking care to mule back game programs to share with him from the Hoosiers’ stops along the way.
In a tribute posted to Twitter on Monday night, former IU men’s basketball coach Tom Crean said in part, “Joe Smith epitomized kindness and just pure, genuine love” for IU sports, IU basketball and the Bloomington area. That all that is true is why there’s a hole in those communities tonight, one that can’t be filled even by the outpouring of love, in return, for Joe’s family.
That might have been his greatest source of pride. He kept his children and grandchildren close. He loved to trade stories about his for stories about yours. No one could disarm you into becoming a friend faster than Joe Smith.
And none of us can quite imagine, now, a world without him. This place, and its people, will miss him terribly.
Cunningham has also shown a willingness to talk about controversial issues in the WNBA, even when comments get her into trouble. Atlthough Cunningahm has bristled from at fans linknig her to the MAGA movement or Donald Trump directly (some fans call her “MAGA Barbie”), her recent dodging of a question about the current administration using her viral finger-pointing meme has reignited talks about her political affiliations.
In fact, ESPN Page 2 writer Chuck Klosterman has predicted that Cunningham will be on a presidential ticket within the next 25 years.
“Sophie Cunningham … I’m going to say 2050, is going to be Vice President of the United States,” Klosterman said in an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast. “I don’t know what party she’ll be in, I don’t know anything about her political views. But she will be the vice presidential candidate, at least the candidate.”
“I don’t know what it is. It’s something about the fact that she wears those sleeves on the court, something about the way she triggers in-bound plays at the end of games, makes me think she will be someone’s ideal vice president. You know, she has a damn likable personality.”
In fairness, Klosterman’s prediction should be taken with a grain of salt consdiering how he quickly acknowledged that he knows little about her political leanings or ambitions.
Still, in a cultural where celebrities have become prime Presidential candidates, and with the White House have already been home to one female vice president, Cunningham could end up being a pretty savvy prediction, especially considering her willingness to get her hands dirty both on the court and when it comes to dealing with the media.
A fall on a cruise ship deck is not handled the way a fall in a grocery store parking lot is handled.
Celebrity Edge arrives in Port Everglades (Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises)
Different court, different deadline, different rulebook. Most passengers never learn this until they are already hurt and the clock is running against them.
The numbers are not small. The U.S. Coast Guard counted 2,170 injuries across 3,887 boating accidents in 2024 alone.
Cruise ships add their own tally: 2024 brought 19 reported man-overboard cases across the major lines, on top of the routine slips, trips, and shore-excursion mishaps that rarely make the news.
If you spend time on the water, it helps to know how the law treats an injury out there, because it treats it very differently from an injury on land.
The water runs on its own body of law
Injuries that happen on navigable water fall under maritime law (also called admiralty law), a separate legal system that predates most state injury statutes. It carries its own rules about who is responsible, where you can sue, and how long you have to do it.
A local attorney who is excellent with car accidents can still miss the maritime deadlines, because those deadlines live in federal law and in the contract you agreed to when you booked.
Passengers and crew are not covered by the same rules
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
Two very different sets of rules apply, depending on who got hurt.
If you are a passenger, the cruise line owes you reasonable care under the circumstances. When a wet deck, a broken railing, or a poorly run tender boat causes an injury, that can be negligence. But your ticket contract shapes almost everything about how you pursue it (more on that below).
If you are crew, a deckhand, a commercial fisherman, a dock worker, or a diver, you are likely covered by the Jones Act, a 1920 federal law that lets injured maritime workers sue their employer for negligence. The bar to show the employer played a part is famously low, which is one reason maritime workers should never sign anything from an insurer before talking to a lawyer.
The fine print on your ticket can decide your case
Here is the part that surprises people most. The contract printed on the back of a cruise ticket, or buried in the online booking terms, usually does two things that can sink a claim:
It tells you where you are allowed to sue, often a single court in one state, no matter where you live or where you got hurt.
It shortens the deadline. Federal law lets cruise lines require written notice within six months and a filed lawsuit within one year, far less time than most state injury deadlines allow.
This is not theoretical. In the case of Carnival Cruise Lines v. Shute, a passenger slipped on a deck mat and the Supreme Court held her to the forum clause on her ticket, forcing the case to Florida even though she had bought her ticket in Washington. Miss the window or file in the wrong court, and a strong case can be over before it starts.
What actually hurts people on the water
Most injuries are not dramatic overboard events. They are:
Slip-and-fall on wet decks, pool areas, and stairs
Tender boats, gangways, and dock transfers
Shore excursions and watersports run by third-party operators
Foodborne illness and norovirus outbreaks
Boating collisions, where the Coast Guard names operator inattention and inexperience as the top causes
One figure is worth keeping in mind: in 2024, 87 percent of the people who drowned in boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket. A life jacket is the cheapest legal protection you will ever buy.
If you are injured, do these five things
Report it to the ship’s medical center or the vessel operator, and ask for a written incident report.
Get treated onboard and keep every record, receipt, and discharge note.
Document the scene: photograph the hazard and your injury, and collect the names of witnesses and crew.
Keep your ticket and booking terms. Your real deadline is hiding in that document.
Talk to a maritime attorney early, before you give a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement.
When it is worth calling a maritime lawyer
(Photo courtesy of Canaveral Port Authority)
For a minor scrape, it usually is not. For anything involving a hospital, a lasting injury, or a death in the family, it is.
A boat accident attorney who works in maritime law can read your ticket contract, pin down the true deadline, name the right defendant, and file in the court the contract requires.
Those are the exact steps a general-practice lawyer is most likely to miss. Because the notice period can run as short as six months, waiting to see how an injury heals is often the most expensive choice an injured passenger makes.
BoatLaw, LLP has represented cruise passengers, commercial fishermen, and other maritime workers since 1977, across Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska. The point here is not fear of the water. It is simpler: the water keeps its own rules and its own clock, and the people who protect their claim are the ones who learn both before they ever need them.
This past weekend marked the 2026 MLB Draft. The USC baseball program saw four players selected, highlighted by All-American pitcher Mason Edwards, who went in the second round to the Athletics.
With the selections, the Trojans continued a remarkable streak. USC has had at least one player selected in every MLB Draft, dating back to the inaugural draft in 1965.
USC’s first ever MLB Draft pick was catcher Don Johnson, who was taken by the Milwaukee Braves in the second round of the 1965 draft. Interestingly, Johnson himself never actually made it to the major leagues. However, he was one of seven Trojans selected that year, including legendary pitcher Tom Seaver and Heisman Trophy running back Mike Garrett, who ultimately chose football over baseball.
Under current head coach Andy Stankiewicz, USC has now had a player taken in the first three rounds in each of the past three years. Edwards joins outfielder Austin Overn, who the Baltimore Orioles took in the third round in 2024, and infielder/pitcher Ethan Hedges, who went in the third round to the Colorado Rockies last year.
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Derek Jeter may never let Colin Cowherd off the hook.
After Jeter’s first appearance on The Herd around the All-Star Game in 2024, the veteran radio host went viral after misremembering the timeline of Jeter’s legendary career. During the interview, Cowherd asked Jeter what it was like to face Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan on the mound, only for Jeter to hilariously correct him in real time that their careers did not overlap.
“I never faced Nolan, slow down,” Jeter laughed. “No, I was way after Nolan.”
In fairness to Cowherd, Jeter’s rookie season came just two years after Ryan’s retirement.
But Jeter got another opportunity to rib Cowherd about the mistake on Monday, as the former New York Yankees star once again joined The Herd to promote Fox’s coverage of the All-Star game. And he did not pass it up.
“Before we get started, I just want to remind you … you just said, ‘Smart people make mistakes,'” Jeter said. “Last time I was on your show, you asked me about facing Nolan Ryan, so let’s just hope you got your facts straight this time.”
“Last time I was on your show, you asked me about facing Nolan Ryan. Let’s just hope you got your facts straight this time.” – Derek Jeter sets some ground rules before his appearance with Colin Cowherd https://t.co/CqKJgftqZepic.twitter.com/ERwA1TdqHH
The Washington Huskies are looking to improve on their 9-4 2025 campaign in Jedd Fisch's third season, and with plenty of young talent across the roster, they have a great chance to take a step forward in the Big Ten.
However, according to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI), the Huskies may regress slightly during the 2026 season, as the metric projects Fisch's team will go just 7-5 this fall. In its first ranking, Fisch's team slotted in at No. 26, but the projection most likely largely takes into account that Washington will play five teams in the FPI top 25.
Along with having to travel to No. 4 Oregon and No. 13 USC, the Huskies will also host No. 6 Oregon, No. 17 Penn State, and No. 25 Iowa in Seattle, which would explain the initial prediction.
Led by returning stars like quarterback Demond Williams Jr., linebackers Jacob Manu and Xe'ree Alexander, and a trio of Freshman All-Americans in offensive lineman John Mills, wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck, and safety Rylon Dillard-Allen, the Huskies have the talent to outplay the projection.
The biggest question will be if the Huskies can replace the offensive production of running back Jonah Coleman and wide receiver Denzel Boston, who both heard their names called in the 2026 NFL draft. If Fisch and Williams can find some contributions from players like wide receivers Rashid Williams, Jordan Clay, and Trez Davis, and running backs Jayden Limar, Trey Cooley, and Quaid Carr, combined with what is expected to be one of the nation's best defenses, Washington has all the pieces needed to take a step forward.
The FPI also gave Washington a 9.4 percent chance to make the College Football Playoff, which would require getting to at least 10-2.
The Phoenix Suns (1-1) and Milwaukee Bucks (0-2) come off Sunday losses as they meet on Monday night at the Pavilion in an NBA Las Vegas Summer League matchup.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; The tenth pick in the 2026 NBA draft, Arizona guard Brayden Burries after he was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
How to Watch Phoenix Suns vs Milwaukee Bucks
When: Monday, July 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 PM ET
TV Channel: KPHE (Arizona Family of Sports Network)
Milwaukee scored just 25 first-half points, trailing by as much as 23 before settling for a 90-80 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night. No. 10 overall pick Brayden Burries led the Bucks with 26 points while Cormac Ryan, on a two-way contract with the club, came off the bench for 15. Nate Ament, the 13th overall pick acquired from the Miami Heat in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, finished with seven points.
The Suns never led on Sunday in an 81-75 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Free agent Darius Brown scored 18 points in the loss, while 2025 lottery pick Khaman Maluach went for 15 points and 15 rebounds. Koa Peat, the 30th pick in last month’s draft, added 12 points for Phoenix.
The Bucks have a third 2026 draft choice in Las Vegas in forward Malique Lewis, the 60th and final pick, who played the last two seasons with South East Melbourne in Australia’s National Basketball League after a season in the G League with the Mexico City Capitanes.
This is a great NBA matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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June 27, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; Argentina's Lionel Messi shakes hands with referee Istvan Kovacs after the match. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi has turned back the clock and is arguably turning in the most impressive World Cup performance in his career during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Entering Argentina’s semifinal matchup against England, Messi has scored eight goals and provided two assists. However, as great as Messi has been, a lot of the conversation around Argentina has surrounded what many have found to be preferential treatment during its games.
After losing 3-2 to Argentina 3-2 in the round of 16, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan did not hold back when discussing what he felt was a match where his country had to overcome not only the great Messi, but the FIFA referees as well.
“We haven’t seen respect or fair play,” he told media members. “A penalty was ruled out and a second (incident) that should have been checked for a penalty for us was not even checked by the VAR. A second goal was remarkably, for whatever reason, disallowed.
“There seems to have been pressure on the Argentinian side on the referee that has brought about this outcome. Life is unfair. The world is unfair. OK, but why isn’t there any fairness in sports? I’m not convinced by this outcome and by the way things unfolded in this match.”
One controversial moment in the match occurred when Egypt had what would’ve been its second goal of the match overturned by a VAR review that left even Fox’s announcers stunned.
Many fans have felt that Argentina has received favorable rulings throughout the entirety of its World Cup run, leading them to dub the squad as “VARgentina.” Now, a delve into the numbers has revealed the truth behind Argentina’s relationship with VAR reviews.
Per the graph, which was provided on July 11th before Argentina’s quarterfinals win over Switzerland, which saw a Swiss player sent off after a VAR review, of all the teams that reached the quarterfinals, only Argentina didn’t have a single foul committed be reviewed by VAR, while also having the most fouls in its favor reviewed by a wide margin.
Still, Brennan Klein, director of the Northeastern NetSI Sport research group, is not going as far as to say that Argentina has received preferential treatment.
“Why are Argentina and Mexico topping this list?” he said. “They are topping this list because the referees missed fouls that the VAR thought should have been fouls. There’s a hop, step and a jump away from: ‘They’re biased against my team or for this team.’”
Still, these findings certainly won’t help quell any fan narratives that FIFA is favoring Argentina.
The Knicks knew this offseason wasn’t going to be easy.
After winning the 2026 NBA championship, keeping their roster together was always going to be a challenge. Now, it’s official. Mitchell Robinson is headed to the Boston Celtics on a three-year, $47.4 million contract, ending a seven-year run in New York that saw him grow from a raw second-round pick into one of the NBA’s premier defensive centers.
Replacing Robinson was never going to be easy.
He wasn’t a player who demanded the spotlight or scored 20 points a night, but his value showed up in countless other ways. Whether it was protecting the rim, grabbing momentum-changing offensive rebounds or doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up in the box score, Robinson became a fan favorite and a key piece of New York’s championship run.
His departure left one obvious question heading into free agency: Who would replace him?
The Knicks answered that question quickly.
Free agent center Mitchell Robinson has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal to sign with the Boston Celtics, with a player option in third season, sources tell ESPN. Robinson departs the Knicks after serving a key role on the historic championship team. pic.twitter.com/tl3R6nlU1m
Andre Drummond Gives Knicks Exactly What They Lost
New York has signed veteran center Andre Drummond, giving head coach Mike Brown an experienced backup big who can immediately help fill the void left by Robinson.
While Drummond and Robinson aren’t identical players, their strengths overlap in all the right areas. Drummond remains one of the league’s best rebounders and has built a career around physical defense, interior toughness and controlling the glass.
He’s not expected to replace Robinson pound-for-pounnd, but he doesn’t have to.
With Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby carrying much of the offensive load, the Knicks simply needed someone willing to defend, rebound and embrace a role. Drummond checks every one of those boxes.
It’s also a move that makes sense financially.
New York continues to operate below the NBA’s second tax apron, preserving flexibility while still addressing one of its biggest offseason needs. Rather than making a splash for the sake of making one, Leon Rose once again opted for a veteran who fits the team’s identity without compromising its long-term roster construction.
Free agent center Andre Drummond has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million to sign with the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/VybK9XswUY
One Roster Spot Remained — Welcome Back Jordan Clarkson
Even after signing Drummond, the Knicks still had room to make one final move.
Instead of searching outside the organization, they opted for continuity.
New York agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with Jordan Clarkson, bringing back one of the biggest contributors off of last season’s bench.
Clarkson gave the Knicks exactly what every championship team needs: instant offense. Whether he was leading the second unit, knocking down timely three-pointers or creating his own shot late in the shot clock, the veteran guard provided another scoring threat behind Brunson.
Bringing him back also means Mike Brown won’t have to work another new piece into the rotation. Clarkson already knows the system, understands his role and has proven he can deliver in meaningful moments.
For a team trying to defend a championship, familiarity can be just as valuable as making another splash signing.
Free agent Jordan Clarkson has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal to return to the New York Knicks, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul and agent Brandon Cavanaugh tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/VG6OQcpJVx
When Mitchell Robinson left for Boston, it looked like the Knicks had a major hole to fill. A few days later, they did exactly what they needed to do.
Leon Rose addressed the team’s biggest need, kept the roster financially flexible by staying below the NBA’s second tax apron and retained one of the bench’s most important contributors.
This isn’t the exact same team that raised the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Robinson’s departure changes the look of the roster, and replacing everything he brought to the floor won’t be easy.
But the Knicks never needed to reinvent themselves this offseason. They just needed to make the right moves around a championship core. They did that by bringing in Andre Drummond and returning Jordan Clarkson.
Roma have reportedly made the first offer to Chelsea for Alejandro Garnacho, on loan with option to buy for total €40m, but also approached West Ham for Crysencio Summerville.
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, reacts during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Atalanta BC at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
The Giallorossi are ready to begin building their team for the Champions League after ending a seven-year absence from the competition.
The priority is to give coach Gian Piero Gasperini some attacking wingers to suit his style of football.
Garnacho next on Roma list after Greenwood
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Wembley Stadium on April 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
With Mason Greenwood finally agreeing every detail of his transfer to Fenerbahce this evening, for €40m plus €2m add-ons and a salary at €10m per season, the next target is Garnacho.
The option could become an obligation if certain conditions were met.
That is not all, because the same source also notes that Roma have approached West Ham United for Summerville, fresh from participation in the 2026 World Cup with the Netherlands where he scored two goals and provided two assists.
The 24-year-old is not going to remain after the Hammers were relegated from the Premier League, but there is a lot of competition for his signature, including Galatasaray, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Another candidate for Roma is Diego Moreira, with a proposal to Strasbourg worth €30m plus a 10 per cent of the future sale fee.
Leandro Trossard is expected to join Turkish club Besiktas from Arsenal this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have already authorised the move and are now waiting for the Belgian to greenlight the transfer.
Romano wrote on X: “Besiktas remain locked in talks with Leandro Trossard’s camp to sort details and try to get the player’s final green light to the move. Arsenal have already authorized travel and medical. Up to Leandro.”
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Leandro Trossard needs a move
The 31-year-old has been an important player for Arsenal since joining the club from Brighton, and he played a key role in their Premier League title win last season. However, he is in the twilight stages of his career, and this is the right time for Arsenal to move him on.
He will not want to sit on the bench at a big club at this stage of his career. He will be able to play every week in Turkey and showcase his qualities. He has already proven himself in England, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge.
It will be interesting to see whether Arsenal can properly replace him. They need a dynamic attacker who can score goals and create opportunities. The Belgian was versatile enough to slot into multiple attacking roles as well.
Chelsea have agreed on a deal to sign the highly talented midfielder Harrison Bettoni on a free transfer.
The 18-year-old has joined the club as a free agent from Wigan Athletic. Chelsea will pay compensation for him. He is highly rated across England, and he has a bright future ahead of himself. He could prove to be a solid long-term acquisition for the club.
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Harrison Bettoni joins Chelsea
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the player has signed a long-term contract with Chelsea until 2030.
Chelsea have shown a willingness to invest in talented players in recent years, and it is no surprise that they have snapped up the 18-year-old on a bargain. They will look to help him improve further and establish himself as a first-team player in future.
Meanwhile, the opportunity to join Chelsea will be exciting for the player. He is expected to join the youth team for now, but he will look to force his way into the first-team scene in the future.
Meanwhile, Wigan will be disappointed to lose a prized young prospect like him. However, his contract situation left them powerless to stop him from leaving.
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Chelsea have helped multiple young players develop and fulfil their potential in recent years. The 18-year-old midfielder will certainly hope to follow in their footsteps and reach his potential in the near future.
If he manages to improve and establish himself as a first player for Chelsea in future, the deal could prove to be a shrewd long-term investment. The 18-year-old midfielder could end up saving millions in the market for Chelsea.
Bettoni will be delighted to have sorted out his long-term future, and he will now focus on his football.
New York defeated Detroit, 86-75, Monday in the NBA Summer League at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Former Tennessee basketball player Chaz Lanier started and played 33 minutes for the Pistons. He scored a game-high 24 points. Lanier also totaled two assists and one steal. He converted 8-of-13 field goal attempts and 8-of-12 three-point attempts.
Ebuka Okorie scored 14 points for the Pistons, while Isaac Jones had 12 points. Jack Kayil led the Knicks with 19 points, while Dillon Jones totaled 18 points and Liam Robbins finished with 15 points.
Lanier was selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA draft by Detroit (No. 37 overall). He played at Tennessee during the 2024-25 season after transferring from North Florida.
During the 2024-25 basketball season, the guard appeared in 38 games, including 38 starts, for the Vols. Lanier averaged 18.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.
He converted 243-of-564 field goal attempts, 123-of-311 three-point attempts and 75-of-99 free throw attempts at Tennessee.
The Pistons will next play Wednesday versus Phoenix. Tipoff between Detroit and the Suns is slated for 6 p.m. EDT at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Paul Skenes, Juan Soto and Bryce Harper are among baseball’s All-Stars who say players will never agree to a salary cap but maintain there’s plenty of time to avoid a conflict that could shorten the 2027 season.
“Both sides kind of have their line that they’re not going to cross," Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace who is also a member of the union's eight-man negotiating committee, said Monday. “Whether that results in missing games or missing a season, we’ll see.”
Baseball's five-year labor contract expires Dec. 1 and MLB is expected to immediately lock out players. The more consequential deadline is in late February or early March, when Major League Baseball would announce whether it was postponing opening day.
Owners proposed a salary cap for the first time since the union fought off MLB's cap plan with a 7 1/2-month strike in 1994-95 that caused the first cancellation of the World Series since 1904. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says a cap is needed to lessen payroll disparity.
Soto, who signed a record $765 million, 15-year-old contract with the New York Mets as a free agent after the 2024 season, would be limited to a $265 million, six-year deal under MLB's proposal.
“Yeah, that sucks,” Soto said. “It shouldn’t be there.”
MLB’s proposal would cap spending in 2027 at $245.3 million, using figures for luxury tax payrolls that include $20.1 million for benefits and the pre-arbitration bonus pool. It also would establish a payroll floor of $171.2 million, forcing some teams to spend more.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball’s biggest spenders, had a $415.2 million payroll on opening day this year. MLB has not made a proposal on how to phase in a cap, a process that would be key for high-spending clubs such as the Dodgers.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, at 34 in the eighth season of a $426.5 million, 12-year contract, said players are aware of the proposal's intent.
“It’s trying to minimize the years and obviously the totals. For sure, we see that,” he said. “I think baseball's in a good spot right now and we can’t mess this up."
Harper, in the eighth season of a $330 million, 13-year contract with Philadelphia, said he couldn't conceive of any scenario in which the players' association would agree to a cap.
“The opportunity for players to get paid is what this is all about,” Harper said, citing the union's legacy of fighting MLB since Curt Flood helped unite players in the 1970s. “We owe it to the guys that have come before us to do the same thing.”
Harper, who signed his first major league contract at age 17, also vowed to fight MLB's proposal to ban a player from signing until he was at least 20 years old by the Sept. 1 of his signing year and two years removed from the graduating year of his high school class. MLB says college baseball provides a better development path.
“If you’re in the top three rounds as a high school kid, I think you should be able to do whatever you want,” Harper said. “It would really be tough for a guy like Jackson Holliday to not be the number one pick and not get the chance to go to the big leagues at 19 or 18 if he’s able to.”
Bargaining began in May and is expected to resume after the All-Star break. The union has asked for expanded free agency and salary arbitration rights along with almost doubling the major league minimum.
Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft viewed the early negotiations as “back-and-forth proposals that may or may not be unrealistic.”
Skenes, a 24-year-old right-hander in his second full big league season, could see a sharp decrease in potential contract offers under MLB's system. He currently is on track to become a free agent after the 2029 season and has a $1,085,000 salary in his last season before arbitration eligibility. He also has earned nearly $5.6 million from the pre-arbitration bonus pool that started in 2022.
“MLB is kind of presenting their perfect-world offers and we’re kind of presenting our perfect-world offers," Skenes said. “So there’s a lot of time before there’s any real movement, I think.”
San Diego's Mason Miller, baseball's top closer, also could become a free agent following the 2029 season. A 27-year-old right-hander, he is earning $4 million this season.
“I still have some optimism,” he said. “The place that the game's at right now, I think killing that momentum is kind of fruitless for everybody.”
___
AP Assistant Sports Editor Jake Seiner contributed to this report.
Former Kentucky Wildcats guard Tyler Herro has been in the news a few times in the past few weeks. He was recently traded from the Miami Heat to the Milwaukee Bucks, then found time to get into a physical altercation with former teammate, and another former Wildcat, in Bam Adebayo in which Herro was struck.
Now, Herro is getting attention from fans of his new team for the wrong reason. Recently, he was asked a question about his college commitment, and might have inadvertently thrown some shade at the Wisconsin Badgers.
Herro initially committed to Wisconsin out of high school, but wound up decommitting and heading to Lexington. Here's what he said about it.
I mean, I can keep it simple as - if I didn't decommit, I'd probably would be on the Bucks right now, so I had to make a business at the time and go to Kentucky.... I'm excited to be home. Leave that in the past. I'm representing the city and state like no other, so let's do it.
The implication that Wisconsin wouldn't have been able to get Herro to the NBA could rub some the wrong way, though Kentucky fans are likely to agree with him. If he plays as well as he has in the past, though, fans in his new home state will forgive him
The Kentucky Wildcats have been on a recruiting roll since adding Will Stein to the staff. The Cats parted ways with long-time leader Mark Stoops and added Stein following a disappointing campaign last season, and the new first-time head coach instantly started to find his groove on the recruiting trail.
One of those players that seems to be exciting fans in the future is Cincinnati-native Matt Ponatoski, but the two-sport athlete now has a decision to make. While it looks like Kentucky is in the drivers seat still, Ponatoski has been drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 18th round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Of note, he had offers from Alabama, Oregon and Cincinnati, so there were a plethora of teams eyeing the prospect.
The 6-foot-1 athlete is a three-star recruit for the Cats and is ranked as the 22nd-best quarterback in the Class of 2026. He has improved to the 13th-best quarterback in the class per the 247Sports Composite scoring system.
Kentucky football/baseball signee Matt Ponatoski, a product of Cincinnati's Moeller HS, is selected No. 542 overall by the hometown Cincinnati Reds in the 18th Round of the MLB Draft. He will have until July 27 to decide whether to sign or play for the Wildcats.
As noted, the Cats commit still has a few weeks to decide what his future holds.
That said, here's what 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins wrote on Ponatoski and his future.
"Stocky pocket passer with eye-popping production that brings accuracy and intelligence to the position. Can throw with both pace and touch. More importantly, can get the ball out fast and push the tempo. Moves like a middle infielder and will deliver some off-balance dimes, which makes sense seeing as how he’s a nationally-ranked shortstop that has drawn interest from MLB scouts," Ivins wrote.
He put a good chunk more than the above, but there's clearly potential for Ponatoski in football. NIL likely will play a factor in his decision, which might be a positive for the Cats as well.
Jito has proposed a governance overhaul that would direct 100% of the DAO’s JTX revenue share toward open-market JTO buybacks and permanent token burns through at least Q4 2027. According to a governance proposal published by Jito on July 13,…
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