Kylian Mbappe releases statement after PSG contract letter
Kylian Mbappe has spoken out after confirming his desire to leave PSG.
2023-06-13 19:56
22 US service members injured after 'helicopter mishap' in northeastern Syria
Twenty-two US service members have been injured to "various degrees" after a "helicopter mishap" in northeastern Syria, according to a statement released by US Central Command on Monday.
2023-06-13 19:19
Gabri Veiga: The Celta Vigo starlet with transfer links to Liverpool and Chelsea
Gabri Veiga, tipped to be the next young star of Spanish football, has a long list of skills and abilities, but if one thing sticks out about this supremely confident 21-year-old then it’s his ability to strike a ball. The secret to his ball-striking abilities, however, may surprise you. “I began playing football because of pumpkins,” he has explained. Playing at his uncle’s house when he was a toddler, he discovered a pumpkin on the kitchen floor and started to kick it “out of curiosity”. From then on, all he wanted to do was kick balls and he joined his first football club aged four. Later, as a 12-year-old, he was enrolled in the famed A Madroa academy of local Galician club RC Celta and now, in 2022/23, the attacking midfielder has emerged as one of the team’s key players, working up a profitable partnership with Iago Aspas, the team’s most senior and exceptional player and another who also came through the club’s academy many years ago. Fast forward to this term and Veiga scored the two crucial goals on the final day of the season to see Celta Vigo beat champions Barcelona and secure their top-flight status. That could yet turn out to be his last action at Balaidos, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United all being heavily linked with a move and the talented attacker sitting high on their list of priorities for this summer’s transfers. Veiga’s release clause is set at €40million (£34.4m) - though it’s perhaps worth noting that Celta have only sold one player for more than €15m since Nolito left for Man City in 2016. Eleven goals - top ten among Europe’s U21 players Between them, Aspas and Viega were responsible for scoring 23 of RC Celta’s 43 LaLiga Santander goals in 2022/23 and the veteran striker has done his part in making the youngster feel comfortable, personally setting up two of the midfielder’s 11 goals. Veiga’s goal count this campaign, his first full season in the first team, is nothing short of stunning. Nobody scored more goals from midfield in LaLiga this season. In his age category, Veiga is truly standing out. Of all the Under-21 players in Europe’s top five leagues, Veiga finished with the seventh-highest goal tally, only trailing the likes of Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. Also, he is the Under-21 player with the second-most goals produced in LaLiga 22/23 (11 goals and four assists), only one behind Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson (12 and four). Veiga is about much more than his goals, however. He has proved his versatility throughout his youth career, playing in every position aside from goalkeeper, centre-back and left-back. It is perhaps that rich variety of experience which has seen him to develop into the player he is today: a midfielder with remarkable vision and ability to make the final pass, with the courage and pace to take players on and the timing to run in behind defences and latch on to through balls. “In my career I’ve only seen one or two players who have the characteristics of Veiga,” said RC Celta coach Carlos Carvalhal, who has been in management for 25 years. “He is a very complete player. He has a different profile to all the other midfielders in Spain, who are usually about touch and possession. Gabri breaks games open.” A player who can score different types of goals As Carvalhal alluded to, Veiga’s qualities make him the ideal link between midfield and attack and his 11 goals this season showcased his various attributes. The two most eye-catching goals were his long-range rockets against Real Betis and UD Almería, with the former being his first goal in front of the home fans at Balaídos, when he rounded three defenders before pinging the ball into the far bottom corner, while the latter goal was a thumping drive from outside the area with hardly any back-lift, which cannoned in off the crossbar. His first goal had come against Atlético de Madrid, a first-time finish which crept in at the near post, while he produced an ice-cool shot to score against Sevilla FC after racing on to a through ball from Aspas. His best individual display yet, however, came in the thrilling 4-3 win at Real Betis earlier this month. He scored RC Celta’s second goal with a cheeky lob right in front of goalkeeper Rui Silva after creating the danger himself with two clever headers. He then gave his side the lead by appearing at just the right time to knock in Jorgen Strand Larsen’s cross from the byline. What next for Veiga? He was believed to be under consideration by Luis Enrique as a potentially surprise call-up for the World Cup and, even if he didn’t go to Qatar, his debut for Spain’s senior team cannot be far away. He is in the U21 squad for this month’s fixture against Mexico. An international debut is bound to further raise Veiga’s profile and confirm what everyone at RC Celta already knows: that he has what it takes to make it to the very top. Read More Jude Bellingham uses pain of England’s near misses in bid for Euro 2024 glory Sheikh Jassim waiting to hear if final offer to buy Man Utd has been successful Joelinton: I received racist insults after Arsenal game Jude Bellingham uses pain of England’s near misses in bid for Euro 2024 glory Sheikh Jassim waiting to hear if final offer to buy Man Utd has been successful Joelinton: I received racist insults after Arsenal game
2023-06-13 18:28
WATCH: Jack Grealish begs Bernardo Silva to snub Barcelona & PSG interest
Jack Grealish has urged Bernardo Silva to snub interest from Barcelona & PSG to remain with Man City.
2023-06-13 17:50
Why Real Madrid need Kylian Mbappe's help to facilitate summer transfer
Real Madrid are interested in signing Kylian Mbappe from PSG this summer, but they will need a helping hand from the forward if they are to complete a transfer.
2023-06-13 16:53
James Ward-Prowse, James Maddison and 12 Premier League transfer targets after relegation
The final day of the Premier League season saw only the relegation battle still outstanding to be sorted, ultimately with Leeds United and Leicester City joining Southampton in dropping down to the Championship - while Everton, again, survived. Naturally there will be plenty of off-field developments at each of the relegated sides, with Leeds a good example after the agreement of a club sale to the owners of the San Francisco 49ers. Alongside that, the natural implication of failing to survive in the top flight is that bigger clubs will come calling for those players deemed too good to go down. Rumours have already circulated around a number of those names and Youri Tielemans has already agreed to join Aston Villa after deparing Leicester; here are 12 more who could easily attract a move to a top-flight club this summer if their present sides feel the need to sell to balance the books after departing the richest league on the planet. James Ward-Prowse Starting with the side who are already gone, central midfielder and dead-ball expert Ward-Prowse will certainly be in demand. An England international, the 28-year-old hasn’t been at his best this term but failings around him haven’t helped. Still has eight goals and four assists in a dismal team, and it’s hard to see him spending even a season in the Championship. Armel Bella-Kotchap While Saints’ defensive unit as a whole has been far too porous, individually there are a couple of players who have impressed. Centre-back Bella-Kotchap is one, with some tenacious displays earning him strong reviews earlier in the campaign. Put him alongside a more experienced player in a more cohesive unit and it’s safe to say his career is on an upward trajectory. Romeo Lavia Another recent recruit, teenage midfielder Lavia is already interesting plenty of top-half clubs who have been impressed with his tactical intelligence as much as his ferocious defensive work, overstretched as he has been in the middle of the park and even with one or two errors on show, as is usual for young players. Considering this was a rookie season for him in the top flight he has acquitted himself very well and the Belgian is already capped at senior international level. Kyle Walker-Peters Not so much a star for the future this time, but Walker-Peters has long since proven his capabilities in the Premier League. Add in his versatility and the fact he has only two years left on his contract and this summer seems the right one for any clubs keen on him to make their move. Kamaldeen Sulemana Of all the January arrivals who failed to impact at Saints, former Rennes man Sulemana might be the biggest disappointment - and therefore potentially the bargain with the biggest upside. At age 21 there’s a long runway for improvement for the Ghanaian, who can play wide or central in attack and showed what he’s capable of on the final day with a brace against Liverpool - but then again perhaps a season as a guaranteed starter would actually prove more beneficial for him in the long run. If Saints keep hold of him he should be a standout star in the Championship. James Maddison Moving onto the teams still fighting for survival, James Maddison looks to be one who might move on regardless of the final day. The creative attacker is certainly playing at a higher level than most of his Leicester teammates and has already been linked with the likes of Newcastle. Perhaps the only real factor at play here is the transfer fee; the Foxes might be able to ask for significantly more if they do beat the drop. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall Might be one Leicester hope to hang onto even if they are in the second tier, given he has a very long-term contract, but Dewsbury-Hall is almost certain to have top-flight admirers. Energetic, diligent in both halves of the pitch and with a sprinkling of magic about his play, the 24-year-old is too good for the Championship but might be too pricey to prise away. Harvey Barnes Finishing up at the Foxes, Harvey Barnes is already a known target - the Independentreported Aston Villa’s keen interest in the left-sided attacking outlet this week. Despite Leicester’s struggles he has 12 goals to his name this season and with two years remaining on his deal it’s probably time to make a step up, since even if they survive this weekend, his club don’t look like mounting a real revival any time soon. Timothy Castagne Far more wing-back than full-back, Timothy Castagne is a versatile defender who has had an up-and-down time at Leicester to be kind - but Arsenal have already reportedly eyed him up as a squad booster this summer, maybe on the cheap. The 27-year-old was a big-money recruit three years ago, and still has two years left on his deal. But relegation, along with the financial struggles the club have had over the past year or so, will lower the amount the Foxes can ask for. Tyler Adams Onto Leeds and the first probable departure is American midfield dynamo Tyler Adams. An excellent ball-winner, ball-carrier and team leader in the centre of the park, it’s unthinkable he’d drop down into the second division. An injury absence at the end of this season hasn’t helped Leeds at all but he has long since shown himself a top performer. Luis Sinisterra Given the ability of some of their players, it’s a bit of a wonder Leeds are down there at all - until you watch some of the defensive work, at least. At the other end of the pitch it can be a very different matter though and Sinisterra is another who, having fought around the top of the Eredivisie for Feyenoord before a £25m last summer, surely won’t be a Championship player. Injuries have hampered him this term but he’s electric when fit. Wilfried Gnonto One of the bargains of the season, Leeds signed the Italian for about £4m in September and he is a real gem in the making. Given the length of his deal and the fact he’s only 19, perhaps he’s one of those they’ll hope to keep and shoot straight back up with - but other, bigger clubs have been impressed this season by Gnonto, make no mistake. He’s already a senior goalscorer for Italy; he probably isn’t going to be keen on facing Rotherham and Hull next term. Read More Premier League 2022/23 season awards: Best player, manager, transfer flop and breakthrough act Aston Villa sign Youri Tielemans from Leicester Man City secure landmark Champions League victory that stretches beyond historic treble Kylian Mbappe alerts Premier League clubs with surprise announcement about his future Jack Grealish revels as Manchester City parade treble Manchester City’s trophy parade in pictures
2023-06-13 16:24
Bellingham gone but who’s next? Midfield merry-go-round will define summer
It was not the first time Youri Tielemans had made headlines on the day of a major final. A couple of years after he decided the FA Cup with a superlative strike against Chelsea came something that was rather less of a bolt from the blue. It may be presented as a bolt to the claret and blue, given his move to Aston Villa had seemed increasingly likely, but it became fact a few hours before the Champions League final kicked off. A few days earlier came confirmation of a rather costlier move: Jude Bellingham’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid. Before the transfer window had officially opened, it was announced that Alexis Mac Allister was bound for Liverpool. European finals occurred amid thoughts of goodbyes and to a backdrop of uncertainty. No sooner had West Ham won the Conference League than chairman David Sullivan admitted what was long known: that Declan Rice will leave, providing an appropriate offer comes in. There is the possibility that either the out-of-contract Ilkay Gundogan or Bernardo Silva will bow out of Manchester City having won the Champions League in his valedictory appearance. They could form part of what looks like being a massive midfield merry-go-round. If transfers are a staple of every summer, and discussions about them seemingly a global fixation, 2023 should appear particularly busy in the centre of the pitch. Others seen in the Premier League this season who are either definitely or at least quite likely to be swapping clubs include Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Granit Xhaka, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, James Ward-Prowse, James Maddison, James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tyler Adams, Scott McTominay, Fred, Jefferson Lerma, Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves. That is before factoring in others whose departures might not be a genuine shock, a group that could include Conor Gallagher, Amadou Onana, Kalvin Phillips, Wilfred Ndidi and Brenden Aaronson, while Tottenham have their annual problem of what to do with Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso. And, given the Premier League’s status as huge net importers, there is every chance of arrivals from abroad. Borussia Dortmund’s Mo Dahoud seems likely to replace Mac Allister at Brighton. Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone and Nice’s Khephren Thuram are potential targets for others. A host of reasons are colliding, and not merely because high-level players are less likely to look for upheaval in tournament summers, making this probably busier than 2024. If there is the usual wish to upgrade, it is particularly pronounced at several clubs. Liverpool delayed their midfield rebuild, paid a price and only exacerbated their need for reinforcements. Erik ten Hag began overhauling Manchester United’s midfield last year but it was always envisaged he would want at least one signing there this summer. Arsenal’s swift improvement in the rest of the team highlighted the midfield as an area where, despite Xhaka’s best season in London, they could be better and Rice would appear better. Newcastle’s transformation into a Champions League club can bring a necessity to find alternatives, and potential superiors, to Eddie Howe’s worthy workhorses, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock. Maybe Ange Postecoglou will want to give Tottenham an injection of creativity. Then there is also a phenomenon that has been apparent for a while: it may be a sign of the Premier League’s strength in depth or a failing on the part of some of the superpowers that some of the outstanding midfielders have not been at the supposed big six. Rice may be the most expensive example but the Brighton double act of Mac Allister and Caicedo, who attracted January bids from Arsenal and Chelsea, are other cases in point. Neves has been a player with enviable class who has shown admirable loyalty to Wolves but has been open in his desire for Champions League football. Indeed, one of the division’s dynamics this season, which in turn should speed up the revolving door of midfielders, is the relegation of sides with quality performers. The precocious Lavia never seemed likely to stay at Southampton for long but Ward-Prowse, whose consistency and set-piece delivery had drawn bids before, could have been a Saints lifer had they stayed up forever. Likewise, it is hard to envisage Adams in the Championship with Leeds. Their contractual situations may have meant Leicester would have always lost Maddison and Tielemans but demotion reduces their bargaining power for the Englishman. The Belgian belongs in two categories. Some of the midfield business comes because an unusually high number of talents are available on free transfers. Gundogan could be the most prominent of them, unless City persuade their captain to re-sign. Liverpool’s frustration with the injuries of Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain meant neither was offered deals. Then there is Kante, who is also part of another cause: Chelsea’s great disruptors, committed to inexplicable revolution. Todd Boehly and co may be taking a wrecking ball to a Champions League-winning team without intending to. Kante highlights the sudden emergence of supersized offers from Saudi Arabia as a new element in the market. But if Kovacic goes, it will be in part because Chelsea have contrived to alienate their existing players with their incessant focus on the new. If Mount and Gallagher are sold, they are enforced moves to try and balance the books – especially for Financial Fair Play regulations – after ludicrous spending. Meanwhile, of course, Chelsea will carry on bidding: indeed if most of Kante, Kovacic, Loftus-Cheek, Gallagher and Mount depart, they could somehow end up short of midfielders and needing to spend again, a few months after paying £107m for Enzo Fernandez. Others have more legitimate reasons to buy: just to replace. City will, if Gundogan goes. West Ham must look for a future beyond Rice and, as the reality is they will not recruit someone of his calibre, that may entail bringing in two midfielders. In turn, that can keep money swirling around, powering the merry-go-round. Some of the available players may find themselves in limbo for a while due to the excellence of others: those stuck on shortlists below Rice or Gundogan or Maddison or Lavia or Mount may have to wait to see where they go and when and what that means. The sheer number of compelling options available could make it a buyer’s market, even if some sizeable fees are inevitable. Some of the more astute recruiters seem to have done fine business early, in Tielemans, Mac Allister and Bellingham. Some European clubs may delay to pick up bargains at the end of the summer. The guarantee is there will be plenty more moves. Because by the time the window closes, virtually every midfield is likely to look different, some completely. After a Champions League final decided by a midfielder, this could be the summer of many midfielders. Read More How Jude Bellingham can become the anti-Haaland for Real Madrid Replacement for Granit Xhaka and a No9 for Mauricio Pochettino: Transfer targets for every Premier League club Liverpool begin midfield overhaul by completing Alexis Mac Allister signing Germany celebrate 1000th international match with dramatic Ukraine draw Kylian Mbappe alerts Premier League clubs with surprise announcement about his future Football rumours: Arsenal closing in on Declan Rice for club-record fee
2023-06-13 15:24
When are the Premier League fixtures released?
The dust has barely settled on the last Premier League campaign but already attention turns to next season with the 2023/24 fixtures set to be released. For a long time it appeared like 2022/23 might just be Arsenal’s season, but Mikel Arteta’s young side were unable to hold off the fast finishing Manchester City, who secured a third successive crown as part of their treble of major trophies. The pair again shape as two of the leading contenders for the crown, though Liverpool and Chelsea will both be looking to bounce back from disappointing campaigns, while Manchester United and Newcastle will hope to further develop into true challengers. The fixture release will also be an exciting time for Burnley, Sheffield United and, particularly, Luton as the three clubs promoted from the Championship find out their top flight fate. Here’s everything you need to know. When are the Premier League fixtures released? The fixtures for the 2023/24 Premier League season will be released at 9am BST on Thursday 15 June. All 380 fixtures will be confirmed at once. What is the schedule for the 2023/24 season? The last three Premier League seasons have been disrupted, first by the Covid-19 pandemic and then by last year’s World Cup in Qatar. The 2023/24 campaign sees a return to a conventional schedule, though does include a midseason break between 13 and 20 January. The season will begin on Saturday 12 August 2023 and is due to finish on Sunday 19 May 2024. The 2023/24 season will consist of: 34 weekends three midweek rounds one Bank Holiday match round Which teams will play in the Premier League next season? Championship winners Burnley lead the three clubs elevated from the second tier into the top flight, with Vincent Kompany’s side joined in making an automatic return to the Premier League by Sheffield United. Making their Premier League debut will be Luton, who came through a tense play-off final against Coventry City, and return to the top flight for the first time since 1992. The 20 competing teams in the 2023/24 Premier League will be: Manchester City Arsenal Newcastle Manchester United Liverpool Brighton Aston Villa Tottenham Brentford Fulham Crystal Palace Chelsea Wolves West Ham Bournemouth Nottingham Forest Everton Burnley Sheffield United Luton Read More Is this the Manchester City era? Why European dominance is far from certain James Ward-Prowse, James Maddison and 12 Premier League transfer targets after relegation Pep’s future and Premier League charges – Where next for Man City after treble? Kylian Mbappe alerts Premier League clubs with surprise announcement about his future Jack Grealish revels as Manchester City parade treble Manchester City’s trophy parade in pictures
2023-06-13 14:54
Officials work to identify remains recovered from the wreckage of the I-95 collapse in Philadelphia as demolition work begins
Authorities are working to identify a body recovered from the wreckage of the Interstate 95 collapse in Philadelphia, where crews have started around-the-clock efforts to demolish the crumbled East Coast artery that could take months to rebuild.
2023-06-13 13:27
Play Ball: How to Follow Your Favorite Baseball Team on the MLB App
It can be hard to watch all 162 games of your favorite baseball team's season,
2023-06-13 05:18
The owner of a partially collapsed Iowa building pleaded guilty to a civil infraction, documents show
The owner of a building that partially collapsed in Davenport, Iowa, last month has pleaded guilty to a civil infraction for not maintaining safe conditions, court documents filed Monday show.
2023-06-13 02:54
11 Gender-Neutral Sex Toys That Anyone Can Play With
According to GLAAD's website, there's been an extreme uptick in people who refer to themselves as non-binary, an umbrella term to describe someone whose gender identity doesn't match their assigned-at-birth sex, including those who are trans and genderfluid. This has led many companies to rethink how they label and market certain products that were traditionally designed with only heterosexual, cis men and women in mind. While the sex toy industry still has a long way to go, the brands that don't limit themselves to the gender binary have created some of the most exciting options on the market that push what a sex toy can look like and do.
2023-06-13 02:24