Sports
Liverpool Making Phone Calls to Sign ‘World-Class’ Bradley Barcola
Liverpool are making phone calls to sign a player FSG believe is ‘world-class’ as they look to land their second new summer signing after Victor Munoz, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Liverpool swooped in out of nowhere to hijack Newcastle United’s move to sign Spain international Munoz from Osasuna last month, but it is the only new business they have done with Jeremy Jacquet’s summer arrival confirmed after a deal was agreed for the French centre-back in the January transfer window.
The Reds had their eyes on exciting RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande heading into the summer, and at one point there was confidence that the player wanted to move to Anfield and wear the famous red shirt.
However, the 19-year-old has instead decided he would prefer to join Paris Saint-Germain instead, with the Champions League holders currently working on deals to sign the Ivory Coast international and Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.
Liverpool have been forced to turn to alternative options as a result, and PSG’s pursuit of Diomande and Akliouche might actually turn out to be a positive for Andoni Iraola and the recruitment team.
Should both deals get done, it is more likely that Bradley Barcola will be allowed to leave the Parc des Princes, with Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele already two of their most regular starters on the flanks.
Romano: Liverpool Making Phone Calls to Sign Barcola
According to Romano, Liverpool have now put Barcola at the very top of their winger wishlist as they look to replace Salah.
The Reds tried to sign the France international from PSG last summer with FSG believing he is ‘world-class’, but no move materialised and the 23-year-old ended up remaining with the Ligue 1 champions.
However, Liverpool and Premier League winners Arsenal are making phone calls about signing the forward, who is currently preparing for a World Cup quarter-final against Morocco on Thursday evening.
Issuing a new update on Barcola’s situation and Liverpool’s interest, Romano said on his YouTube channel:
“I maintain my information since April, and I stand by my information. I keep telling you, don’t forget Liverpool, because both Liverpool and Arsenal are calling for Barcola.
“Liverpool have the player at the very top of their shortlist since the summer transfer window 2025 and Liverpool remain interested in Barcola, so Barcola is 100% on the list of Liverpool. I maintain my information.”
While there may be a fear that no deal can be done until after France either win the World Cup or are knocked out of it, Liverpool did complete a deal for Munoz, who is still in the competition with Spain.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Liverpool Eyeing Move for Real Madrid Star
There could also be changes in Liverpool’s midfield this summer, with Curtis Jones continuing to be linked with a move away and doubts over the long-term future of Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield.
Liverpool could bring in a new midfielder, and they are being linked with a move to sign another France international in Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.
The 23-year-old could be sold by Real this summer and he could also provide competition for Milos Kerkez too, given he has featured regularly at left-back for the La Liga giants in recent seasons.
Sports
Tottenham Ready to Go All Out to Sign Eli Junior Kroupi
Tottenham Hotspur are having a dream summer transfer window so far, and they’re ready to go all in to get another deal over the line, according to reports in Spain.
The north London side have completed six deals already for manager Roberto De Zerbi as they plan a major overhaul following two consecutive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali all arriving.
But the club are not done there and are now looking to add a new forward to their squad, with one name in particular seen as the dream target.
Tottenham Ready to Go All Out for Kroupi
It’s been reported that Spurs are looking to complete a deal to bolster their forward line with Bournemouth sensation Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, with a £75m bid being prepared to try and tempt the Cherries.
Bournemouth are adamant they will not sell the Frenchman, who has been described as ‘world-class’, but that has not deterred De Zerbi’s side, as they look to make a real splash in the market to get back towards the top end of the table.
Tottenham are not the only team showing an interest in the record-breaking 20-year-old, who managed 13 Premier League goals last season, with Barcelona and champions Arsenal also keen.
However, it’s reported that Tottenham are ready to go ‘all out’ to get a deal over the line, with De Zerbi understood to be thrilled at the prospect of having him as part of his squad for the upcoming campaign. The Italian is urging club bosses to accelerate their interest, as he looks to add a top striker to the project.
Bournemouth, however, have not budged on their stance, and with no release clause in his contract, it will take an astronomical offer to convince them to change their position.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Kroupi Would Be Huge Statement for Spurs
Kroupi’s performances in the Premier League last season have made him one of the most sought-after attacking talents in the market this summer, and it’s no surprise Bournemouth don’t want to lose him.
Double European champions PSG are also said to be in the running to get him in, with an £87m offer reportedly in the works. But Spurs would be willing to watch that, and if they can beat the French side to a signing for a top young forward, that would be a huge statement.
De Zerbi has made his demands clear, and the club have shown they are not afraid to splash the cash this summer, so this is one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
Sports
English Referees Are Banned From Officiating Two World Cup Nations
As with every World Cup, there has been plenty of controversy about the referees. Even before the tournament began, headlines were made as Somali official Omar Artan was controversially denied entry to the US, while more drama has since happened on the pitch.
Among the most notable events, Portugal just about beat Croatia when VAR intervened to rule out Josko Gvardiol’s late goal by the finest of margins, and Egypt were left furious after some key decisions went against them as they lost 3-2 to Argentina.
English referees Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor will be glad to have largely stayed out of headlines so far this summer. They have perhaps been helped by the fact that they are banned from officiating games for one World Cup national team.
Why Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor Can’t Referee Two World Cup Teams
There are just two referees from England officiating games at the summer, Premier League duo Oliver and Taylor. The former actually had to pull out of his first appointment between Ivory Coast and Ecuador due to injury, but has since recovered and is set to take charge of Spain’s quarter-final against Belgium this week.
That game will see him take charge of his seventh World Cup match, more than any other Englishman but his options to oversee more games after that become quite limited. This is because all English referees, including Taylor, are not allowed to oversee games involving their own country, England (for obvious reasons), as well as Argentina matches.
As explained by The Athletic, Taylor was actually under consideration for the World Cup final at Qatar 2022 after an impressive tournament, but was unable to do so when Argentina advanced to meet France. This is due to political reasons, largely relating to the 1982 Falklands War between the United Kingdom and Argentina.
The conflict – which lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine surrender as the islands were returned to British control – saw 649 members of the Argentine military, 255 members of the British military, and three Falkland Islanders all killed. Despite decades passing since the war, the subject is still contentious in Argentina, with current president Javier Milei strongly reaffirming his belief in Argentine sovereignty over the territories.
Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor Unlikely to Referee 2026 World Cup Final
Due to the FIFA rules for referee selection, both Englishmen Oliver and Taylor are unlikely to be selected to cover the 2026 World Cup final. They will only be considered if Norway (who play England in Saturday’s last-eight tie) or Switzerland (who play Argentina) advance to the tournament decider.
As well as not being able to take charge of games involving Argentina or England, the duo – as is the case with all referees at the World Cup – are not to officiate matches in their own nation’s pathway. As such, it seems unlikely that Oliver and Taylor will be selected to oversee either semi-final if Argentina or England get that far.
This is because they can’t take charge of the semi-final involving either one or both Argentina and England, while the other semi-final would have a team on the path to potentially meet the Three Lions in the final, which would compromise their status as a neutral party.
As the rules mean they can’t work on games which have direct implications for their own nationalities, Oliver and Taylor were not considered to officiate other matches in England’s Group L earlier in the tournament, including games between Croatia, Ghana and Panama, their group opponents.
Sports
Journalist Delivers Fresh Aurelien Tchouameni To Man Utd Transfer Update
Reputable Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon has provided a significant update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Red Devils are in the market for a midfielder this summer after losing Casemiro, who is set to join Inter Miami on a free transfer. A deal for Atalanta’s Ederson is now said to be in doubt, but even if United do land the Brazilian, they still want further reinforcements in the middle of the park to bolster Michael Carrick’s squad.
Tchouameni has been heavily linked with a switch to the north-west club, with Real Madrid undergoing a significant shake-up following the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager.
That said, United may be forced to look elsewhere after Alvarez de Mon’s latest update on the saga.
Aurelien Tchouameni Set to Stay at Real Madrid Despite Man Utd Interest
In the midst of a chaotic situation at the Bernabeu, Tchouameni enjoyed another impressive season for Los Blancos in 2025/26, contributing to four goals in his 55 appearances across all competitions.
That said, a well-documented falling out with Federico Valverde and several other factors have fuelled speculation that the Frenchman could be on his way out of the Spanish capital this summer.
Reports emerged on Wednesday morning indicating that Real Madrid could sanction Tchouameni’s departure, and that United are currently best-placed to pounce on this market opportunity. However, Alvarez de Mon has swiftly dismissed these reports.
The journalist suggests that while United’s interest in the player is genuine, his sources have informed him that the 26-year-old will remain with the La Liga giants next season.
This is a significant blow for the Red Devils, who had reportedly viewed Tchouameni as a primary target for this summer. While they could still look to test Real Madrid’s resolve with a substantial offer, they may ultimately be forced to consider alternatives.
Alex Scott Could be Man Utd’s Most Viable Tchouameni Alternative
United have already missed out on the likes of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, both of whom have joined Tottenham Hotspur in mega-money moves.
Meanwhile, if Bruno Guimaraes is to leave Newcastle United this summer, Arsenal appear to be the most likely destination for the Brazilian.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
That leaves the Manchester club with few top-class midfield options who are understood to be potentially available on the market this summer. However, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is of interest to United and is currently said to be valued by the Cherries at around £80million.
While Scott is a different profile to Tchouameni, his skillset would complement Kobbie Mainoo’s nicely, and the pair of youngsters could develop a fruitful partnership at the base of United’s midfield for several years to come.
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