Liverpool have made contact with super-agent Jorge Mendes over an alternative signing to Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, according to Fabrizio Romano.

After a slow window to date, where Victor Munoz has been the only player signed in this window, Liverpool chiefs appear to be ramping up their plans to bring in new players for manager Andoni Iraola.

The Spaniard will want to hit the ground running in the new season, as he looks to improve on what was an underwhelming 2025-26 campaign for the Reds, as they failed to come close to retaining their Premier League title, while they were comfortably knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain at the quarter-final stage.

There are a few positions across the pitch that appear to need strengthening, like right-back, but the attack will be a key focus for club officials in the near future.

While Munoz has arrived, the Merseyside outfit are still yet to sign a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who has now joined Trabzonspor, with the Egyptian such a key player in terms of goal contributions for a number of years at Anfield.

Liverpool are keen to land PSG star Bradley Barcola and are working on a deal, but they have also made contact over a deal to sign another attacker.

Romano: Mbaye ‘Giving Priority’ to Liverpool Transfer

via Reuters

According to Romano, posting on X, Liverpool chiefs have made contact with super-agent Jorge Mendes for one of his new clients, PSG forward Ibrahim Mbaye.

While the Reds’ clear number one attacking target right now is Barcola, who is said to be keen on a switch to Anfield after deciding not to extend his contract at the Parc des Princes, they are looking at the France international’s teammate too.

Romano claims that while Mbaye has interest from Bundesliga clubs, including RB Leipzig where a deal was close but fell through, the Senegal international is giving ‘priority’ to a move to Liverpool.

Talks will now follow to see if progress can be made over a double deal.

Reports also claim that Liverpool are in contact over a deal to sign Real Madrid centre-back Raul Asencio.

The defender is known for his speed and has been given the green light to leave the Bernabeu by new manager Jose Mourinho.

Not only are the Reds considered to be long-term admirers of the Spaniard, but his national compatriot Iraola is also a big fan of the 23-year-old.

Despite the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet at Anfield this summer, Liverpool could still consider signing another centre-back given Virgil van Dijk is getting no younger, Ibrahima Konate has departed, and Joe Gomez’s injury record continues to be a long-term concern.

Ugandan international footballer David Owori has died at the age of just 27 after being attacked by a group of robbers near his home in the capital, Kampala.

Owori, who was captain of Ugandan side SC Villa, was hospitalised and in a critical condition following an attack on Tuesday evening. Unfortunately, he could not recover from his injuries and passed away on Wednesday.

It has since emerged that Owori was fatally assaulted by a gang of thugs after resisting an attempt to steal his mobile phone and other belongings.

The versatile midfielder, popularly known as Colgate, started his career in 2016 at Vipers SC, before joining SC Villa in 2018. He moved to Spain in 2021 as he joined Vélez CF, before moving to Sweden to play for Utsiktens BK a year later.

He rejoined SC Villa in 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the best players in the Uganda Premier League. He captained his side to a third place finish in the 2025/26 campaign.

SC Villa Call For Justice in Strongly-Worded Statement

SC Villa have paid tribute to their captain and urged law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.

Their statement said: “Sports Club Villa has called upon the relevant security and law enforcement agencies to urgently investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the tragic death of club captain David Owori, who succumbed to injuries sustained following a brutal assault by unknown assailants.

“David Owori will be remembered as a dedicated servant of SC Villa, a respected leader on and off the pitch, and a player whose commitment, professionalism, and passion for the badge inspired team-mates and supporters alike.”

They continued: “As the football community continues to mourn one of its finest leaders, SC Villa once again calls upon the authorities to deliver justice and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Sports Club Villa remain with David Owori’s family, friends, team-mates, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Police Release Statement Following Owori’s Death

Local police spokesperson Rachael Kawala said detectives were pursuing leads to identify those responsible.

“The scene of the incident has been documented and processed to ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved,” Kawala said, per the BBC.

Uganda’s National Football Team also released a heartfelt statement, saying: “David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation. As Captain of SC Villa, he led with courage, humility and passion. In the Uganda Cranes jersey, he carried the hopes of a nation.

“We have lost a son, a leader and a star. His light on and off the pitch will never be forgotten. We pray that the Almighty grants Owori David eternal rest and gives his family and SC Villa the strength to bear this great loss during these trying times. Rest in peace, Captain.”

Owori’s death comes just a few weeks after Ugandan international rugby player Sydney Gongodyo (27) was killed by a criminal gang in Kampala.

MMA fans were left rather bemused a couple of years ago when two female fighters exchanged a rather steamy kiss during their weigh-in face-off.

Usually, a face-off is a final opportunity before fight night to intimidate your opponent with a few words, with fighters often pushing and shoving the other. This was not the case, however, at the Clash of the Stars event back in 2023.

Karina Pedro and Denisa Ryndova were up against each other alongside teammates Inked Dory and Kristal Shine, but it was the former two that stole the limelight and the headlines during the face-off.

Ahead of their bout in Prague, the two put their heads together, with Denisa seemingly leaning in for a kiss. The feeling seemed to be mutual, with Karina smiling before grabbing her opponent’s face and returning the favour.

Although friendly at the weigh-in, the mood was very different in the cage, as you would obviously expect, with Karina and Inked Dory coming away as winners.

Sharing a clip on Instagram, she wrote: “Somehow I didn’t realise that the whole gala @clashofthestars is already over.

“I’ll at least throw here my favourite moment of this whole crazy journey.”

Karina, who is an OnlyFans star, similarly posted the footage on social media, adding: “This is pure fire… Staredown with @_dryndova_.

“I had to throw it here too. Harmonious energy flowed between us, and still we struggled in the cage like dragons.”

Speaking about her win, she also said: “I have very strong emotions. Winning is a great satisfaction for me. We gave everything into the preparations and the match itself. A person who has never faced their opponent in the ring can hardly imagine how difficult it is.”

Kisses in Other Face-Offs

This may be a rare sight in fighting, however, this is not the first time two warriors have exchanged a kiss.

During the UFC 228 weigh-in, Craig White pecked Diego Sanchez on the nose, but in this case, the love was not shared – Sanchez immediately reacted, backing away from White, shouting at him in the process.

We have also seen similar antics from heavyweight boxer Derek Chisora when he fought Carl Baker in 2010, again not welcomely received.