FOOTBALL

Everton Move for Jarrod Bowen

Everton, West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen and manager David Moyes.
After West Ham’s relegation to the Championship.

Everton have made preliminary contact over signing Jarrod Bowen, with the West Ham captain expected to consider a Premier League return. The 29-year-old is attracting interest after the Hammers’ relegation from the top flight this summer.

Moyes wants more reliable attacking output after Everton struggled for goals last season. Bowen is expected to assess all offers before deciding, while West Ham may face pressure to sell senior players despite not being desperate financially.

Brazil Top Group After Scotland Rout

Brazil, Scotland, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha and Neymar.
Brazil’s final Group C World Cup match in Miami Gardens.

Brazil sealed top spot in Group C with a 3-0 win over Scotland, powered by two Vinicius Junior goals and a Matheus Cunha finish. Neymar also made his first Brazil appearance since 2023 as a late substitute.

Scotland errors gave Brazil early control, with Vinicius punishing defensive lapses before Cunha added the third after the break. The defeat leaves Scotland waiting on other results, while Brazil enter the knockouts with back-to-back clean sheets.

South Africa Send South Korea Into Wait

South Africa, South Korea, coach Hong Myung-bo and Son Heung-min.
South Korea’s final Group A World Cup match against South Africa.

South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 to climb from the bottom of Group A into second place and reach the knockout round for the first time. South Korea fell into third and must wait on other group results.

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo admitted his decision to leave Son Heung-min out of the starting line-up backfired. The gamble was intended to use Son against tired legs, but South Africa punished Korea and changed the group picture.

Bellamy Stays With Wales After Burnley Collapse

Craig Bellamy, Wales and Burnley.
After Burnley held talks to replace Scott Parker.

Craig Bellamy’s proposed move from Wales to Burnley has fallen through, leaving him set to continue as national-team manager. Burnley had approached the Football Association of Wales and held talks with the 46-year-old earlier this month.

The collapse is not understood to be about FAW compensation, with backroom staff negotiations thought to be one issue. Bellamy remains under contract with Wales until 2028, covering the next European Championship cycle across Britain and Ireland.

Hull Bid Falls Short for Raskin

Hull City, Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin and Bologna.
As Rangers reported for pre-season training.

Hull City have serious interest in Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, but an offer around £12m to £14m is expected to fall short. Rangers are believed to value the Belgium international at more than £20m this summer.

Raskin remains with Belgium at the World Cup, while Bologna are also admirers. Rangers hold a strong negotiating position after his 145 appearances since 2023, leaving Hull needing a much larger bid to test their resolve.

Gakpo Future Unclear After Liverpool Moves

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, Arne Slot and new attacking targets.
After Gakpo scored twice for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool future is uncertain after the club signed left-sided winger Victor Munoz and expressed interest in Yan Diomande. Gakpo has impressed for the Netherlands, but Liverpool’s attacking rebuild raises questions over his role.

Gakpo signed a long-term deal last summer but his club output dipped last season. With fresh competition arriving in his favoured position, Liverpool may have to decide whether he remains central or becomes a valuable sale option.

Ochoa Makes Sixth World Cup Appearance

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and head coach Javier Aguirre.
Mexico’s 3-0 World Cup win over Czechia at the Estadio Azteca.

Guillermo Ochoa came on in the 78th minute as Mexico beat Czechia 3-0, giving the 40-year-old minutes at his sixth World Cup. Mexico completed a perfect group stage and topped Group A with three wins.

Aguirre used the cameo as a tribute to Ochoa, who received a huge ovation and helped start the move for Mexico’s third goal. The veteran became Mexico’s oldest World Cup player and plans to retire internationally after the tournament.

McCrorie Returns to Rangers

Ross McCrorie, Rangers, Bristol City and manager Derek McInnes.
During Rangers’ summer rebuild under Derek McInnes.

Ross McCrorie has returned to Rangers after Bristol City accepted an undisclosed offer from the Ibrox club. The 28-year-old defender, who came through the academy, has agreed a three-year deal with an option for another season.

McCrorie reunites with McInnes after their time together at Aberdeen and brings versatility across defence and midfield. He says he is returning as a different player and wants to win trophies with the club he supports.

Spurs Rival United for Mateus Fernandes

Tottenham, Manchester United, West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes and Roberto De Zerbi.
During the summer transfer window after West Ham’s relegation.

Tottenham are considering rivalling Manchester United for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with sources saying Spurs have stepped up their interest. West Ham value the 21-year-old at around £80m despite dropping into the Championship this summer.

United are already in talks, but Tottenham are willing to offer a higher fee as De Zerbi rebuilds after a narrow escape from relegation. West Ham are not under immediate financial pressure, which could push the price higher.

FIFA Eyes 48-Team Club World Cup

FIFA, the European Football Clubs group and leading Premier League clubs.
Ahead of planning for the 2029 Club World Cup.

FIFA has agreed a joint venture with the European Football Clubs group that could lead to a 48-team Club World Cup in 2029. The plan may open more places for Premier League clubs and other major European sides.

European clubs want country caps eased after several champions missed the 32-team edition, while FIFA seeks stronger commercial value. The move follows prize-money success for Chelsea, although unresolved solidarity payments from the previous tournament remain a sticking point.