FOOTBALL

Keating Rejects New Man City Contract

Khiara Keating, Manchester City
Monday

England goalkeeper Khiara Keating has turned down a new Manchester City contract and could leave this summer. Her current deal expires next year, and other Women’s Super League clubs, including Liverpool, are monitoring her situation.

Keating wants regular game time after starting only four WSL matches last season behind Ayaka Yamashita. The 21-year-old previously won the WSL Golden Glove but has lost ground in England’s squad before the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Man United Secure Land for New Stadium

Manchester United
Monday

Manchester United have acquired most of the land needed for a proposed 100,000-capacity stadium near Old Trafford. The club says the deal gives them a 25-acre site and moves the redevelopment project into its next phase.

The land sits near roads behind the Stretford End and allows United to build close to their current home. Funding details remain unclear, but the wider Old Trafford regeneration masterplan is due to be unveiled on 9 July.

McInnes Faces SFA Charge Over Celtic Penalty Remarks

Derek McInnes, Motherwell, Elliott Watt
Monday

The Scottish FA has charged Derek McInnes, Motherwell and Elliott Watt over comments about Celtic’s late penalty against Motherwell last season. The disciplinary hearings are scheduled for 16 July after criticism of the VAR-backed handball decision.

McInnes called the penalty decision disgusting while still Hearts manager, and Motherwell also posted criticism online. The SFA complaint says officials and clubs cannot publicly attack match officials in a way that implies bias, incompetence or character flaws.

Romero Injury Worry Hits Argentina Defence

Cristian Romero, Argentina
Monday

Argentina are waiting on medical tests for Cristian Romero after the centre-back left the 2-0 win over Austria with a knee problem. Lionel Scaloni said the extent of the issue will only be known after scans.

Romero was replaced by Nicolas Otamendi in the 57th minute and may sit out the final group match against Jordan. The Tottenham defender had previously dealt with knee ligament trouble near the end of the club season.

Greenwood Roma Move Stalls Over Funding Chain

Mason Greenwood, Marseille, Roma
Monday

Mason Greenwood’s proposed move from Marseille to Roma has stalled because Roma must raise funds before committing. Marseille reportedly value the forward around €50 million to €55 million and want cash before a financial watchdog hearing.

Roma are said to need about €50 million in capital gains and may sell Manu Kone to unlock the deal. Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG interest in Kone is now indirectly affecting Greenwood’s route to Serie A.

Martial Terminates Monterrey Deal and Eyes Ligue 1

Anthony Martial, Monterrey
Monday

Anthony Martial has agreed to terminate his Monterrey contract and is looking for a return to Ligue 1. The former Manchester United forward struggled in Mexico, managing only one goal and three assists in 20 appearances.

Martial’s representatives are offering him to French clubs, but salary demands and recent form are major obstacles. Nice are reportedly among the few sides not to have ruled out a move, pending wage and squad trimming.

Barcelona Sound Out Kane Over Shock Move

Barcelona, Harry Kane, Bayern Munich
Monday

Barcelona have reportedly sounded out Harry Kane’s camp as they assess striker options after Robert Lewandowski’s departure. The Bayern Munich forward is admired by the club, but early feedback suggests the move is currently cold.

Kane is happy in Munich, although talks over a contract extension have not produced agreement on length. Barcelona still view Julian Alvarez as the preferred profile because of his pressing, mobility and interest in joining.

Doku Becomes Father and Heads Back to Belgium Camp

Jeremy Doku, Belgium
Monday

Jeremy Doku has become a father after leaving Belgium’s World Cup camp to attend the birth of his son in London. The Manchester City winger is expected to rejoin Belgium before their decisive group match against New Zealand.

Belgium approved the trip after medical staff cleared Doku to fly despite a recent respiratory issue. His absence sparked wider debate after a French television presenter criticised fathers attending childbirth, prompting apologies and support from players and unions.

Real Madrid Explore Hincapie Defensive Move

Real Madrid, Piero Hincapie, Arsenal
Monday

Real Madrid have enquired about Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie this summer as Jose Mourinho looks for another left-footed centre-back. The Spanish club have already signed Ibrahima Konate but may add another defender if players leave.

A deal would be complicated because Arsenal only signed Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen last summer on a loan with obligation to buy. Madrid are also monitoring other defenders, but Nico Schlotterbeck’s injury has reduced that option.

France-Iraq Weather Delay Tests World Cup Rules

France, Iraq, FIFA
Monday

France’s World Cup match against Iraq became the tournament’s first weather-affected game after thunderstorms delayed the second half in Philadelphia. Stadium gates had also opened late, with supporters earlier told not to travel because of severe weather.

Under local thunderstorm protocol, play must stop when lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium. A 30-minute countdown is required before resumption, and the clock resets if another strike is detected inside the safety radius.