Sports
European Rivals Fume Over Alessandro Bastoni Transfer
Liverpool may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, as Sport reports of uncertainty surrounding a possible switch to Barcelona.
The Reds were recently linked with Bastoni as a replacement for club captain Virgil van Dijk, who is approaching the final year of his contract at Anfield.
However, with Barcelona seemingly favourites for a switch, a move may have seemed unlikely, with the defensive ranks seemingly set for next season.
A possible U-turn could be on the cards for the Spanish giants, which could change everything for Arne Slot and Liverpool in the market.
Barcelona frustrated at Liverpool target Alessandro Bastoni
Previous reports claimed that Bastoni was the number one target for Barcelona this summer, but that deal may now be in jeopardy.
That’s because Spanish outlet Sport reports that Barca are “disappointed” with the defender and his representatives for not pushing hard enough to lower the asking price being set by Inter Milan.
The Italy international was claimed to be waiting for the outcome of the Serie A title race, which was secured over the weekend as his Inter side lifted the Scudetto.
At least €60 million (£51.8 million) has been set out as the asking price by Inter Milan for Bastoni, which has made the situation “complicated” for Barcelona, who are unwilling to pay a huge transfer fee.
That may hand an advantage to Liverpool in the transfer race for the centre-back, given that the transfer fee is more than affordable to a Premier League club with their revenues.
It remains to be seen whether either club will push on with a move, with Barcelona being linked to Cristian Romero as a backup option, while Slot may have his centre-back ranks sorted for the coming season.
Do Liverpool need another centre-back?
Liverpool’s back line hasn’t been at its strongest this season, but the addition of Bastoni this year may only add further problems to Slot’s plate when it comes to balancing the squad.
Virgil van Dijk has one year remaining on his contract, while reports state that Ibrahima Konate is set to sign an extension to his deal that will secure his future at Anfield.
Add to those two the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet, the return of Giovanni Leoni from injury, and a year remaining on the deal of Joe Gomez, and there is clear depth available.
Throwing Bastoni into the mix means six players would be fighting for two positions, making for a slightly awkward scenario.
Perhaps in a year, if Van Dijk decides to make a move along with Gomez, then finding an immediate replacement for the club captain will be necessary.
But for now, the balance may be right for the coming season.
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Sports
Man Utd Working on Emotional Deal to Bring 6 ft 4 Star Back to Old Trafford
Manchester United have a new goalkeeper target, and it is a familiar face. The Red Devils have a few key needs this summer as they look to build on the momentum built up with their third-place finish last season. Michael Carrick is being given money to spend, and he has made a start with the capture of Ederson, but the search for a Casemiro replacement is proving a frustrating one so far.
United came up short in the race to sign West Ham star Mateus Fernandes, who is to join Tottenham, and that particular search will now go on. But outside of that, Carrick is searching for a versatile attacker and a new back-up goalkeeper.
Onana to leave Man Utd this summer
United are set to offload Andre Onana on a loan deal, with BBC Sport reporting that the stopper is close to joining Turkish club Trabzonspor on a season-long loan deal. They claim the deal is 90% done at this stage, with the former Old Trafford number one going elsewhere for regular football. Onana was signed by United as a number one, costing £47.2million, but while he was capable of top-end saves, he made mistakes too often and showed struggles in reading the game.
Senne Lammens has won the number one spot having proven himself a safe pair of hands, but United will reshuffle the goalkeeping department with a new number two. According to TalkSport, United would prefer a homegrown option, given it satisfies matchday squad rules.
Man Utd work on Johnstone return
With that in mind, TalkSport report that United are working on bringing Sam Johnstone back to the club after eight years. The 33-year-old came through at United before leaving in 2018 having never made a Premier League appearance, spending the best part of seven years out on loan.
The 6ft4″ keeper has since spent four years at West Brom’s number one, then making 29 league appearances over two years for Crystal Palace and most recently making 19 league appearances for Wolves since 2024.
The report claims Johnstone is keen to leave Wolves after their relegation from the Premier League, but he is under contract until 2028.
Ability-wise, Johnstone is realistically a bottom-half Premier League goalkeeper, but many clubs are now opting for a big drop-off between their number one and number two to have a clear number one and save money on their alternative. Arsenal, for instance, have carried Kepa as their number two, well aware that the drop from David Raya is a significant one.
Johnstone could go elsewhere and be a starter in all likelihood, especially in the Championship, but he may settle for a back-up spot on the Man Utd bench to return to his home club and enjoy a taste of top-end football. He may also want to give himself a chance of finally landing an Old Trafford Premier League start, which is not out of the question in a long season when injuries and suspensions inevitably happen, even for goalkeepers.
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Man Utd are already busy ahead of the summer window.
Sports
Harry Kane Points Out ‘Huge Advantage’ Mexico Have vs England
Harry Kane has fired a warning shot ahead of England’s last-16 date with Mexico, admitting there is nothing the Three Lions can do to counter one huge disadvantage awaiting them in Mexico City.
England’s captain was speaking after another dramatic night in the World Cup, rescuing Thomas Tuchel’s side from a shock defeat to DR Congo with a five-minute double that also saw him move above Pele on the all-time World Cup scoring charts.
England trailed DR Congo for over an hour, thanks to Brian Cipenga’s early strike, until Kane’s intervention turned the game on its head, but the celebrations were short-lived once talk turned to what comes next.
Mexico await in the last 16, and this one comes with a built-in obstacle no amount of quality can fix.
Kane Fears England Can’t Overcome Azteca Altitude
That obstacle is the Estadio Azteca, sitting roughly 2,240 metres above sea level and previously the stage for the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals.
Mexico have lost just twice in 89 competitive matches there, and Kane fears his side simply won’t have time to adjust to conditions before kickoff. Kane said after his latest goalscoring heroics:
“My understanding is we cannot adapt to the altitude.
It’s a huge advantage Mexico have. There’s not enough time.”
Sports scientists generally suggest a week or two of acclimatisation is needed for the body to adjust to an altitude of that magnitude, something England have no chance of replicating given they only have four days between fixtures.
Thomas Tuchel Accepts England Won’t Be Ready in Time
Tuchel was just as candid, admitting there’s no getting around the physical reality his players face. Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “We will not be ready; we will arrive one day early, but we will not be ready because you cannot be ready in terms of adaptation. The body cannot adapt in three days’ time; it’s just impossible.
“We need 12 days’ time, 14 days’ time. We don’t have it, so it is a big disadvantage, of course.”
England, who are based in Kansas City, won’t touch down in Mexico until the weekend, while El Tri arrive unbeaten in 26 games at the Azteca after seeing off Ecuador.
Thunderstorms are forecast for kickoff, and Mexican supporters have already shown their willingness to disrupt opposition preparations, with fireworks set off outside Ecuador’s team hotel before their own visit to the stadium.
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Tuchel, though, insists his players won’t use any of it as an excuse. “Bring it on,” he said. “It’s a very beautiful and exciting fixture. There will be lots of obstacles, but this team will be ready, whatever it takes.”
Sports
Henry Winter: Kane Saved England, But Problems Remain

Henry Winter joins Market Madness to react to England’s nervy 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo, Harry Kane’s rescue act and Thomas Tuchel’s biggest issues before Mexico.
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